Yes, you can use your outdoor kitchen during a Michigan winter. However, there are some precautions you’ll need to take to prevent burst pipes and other expensive issues. As an outdoor kitchen contractor in Otsego, MI, we have plenty of experience with helping homeowners create spaces they can enjoy year round.
Here’s what you need to know if you plan on using your outdoor kitchen and grill this winter. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’d be more than happy to help!
Winterize Your Kitchen
Before we talk about anything else, it’s of vital importance that you before temperatures fall below freezing. This includes shutting off the water supply to your outdoor kitchen.
If you don’t winterize your kitchen in time, the water in the outdoor pipes will expand as it freezes. Not only will this create a disastrous mess, but it’ll also be expensive to repair.
Once you shut off the outdoor water connection, you’ll need to drain the water supply lines by turning on all sink faucets. Also, remember to drain any water lines that go to the outdoor fridge and ice maker. Cover all sinks with high-quality covers that fit snugly and won’t deteriorate over time.
In addition to outdoor plumbing, you should also plan to , kitchen cabinets, countertops, appliances, and range hood.
Keep Your Outdoor Kitchen Clear
Remember to clear the snow from your grill and shovel a path to your outdoor kitchen. The more accessible your outdoor kitchen, the more inclined you’ll be to use it during the winter. You’ll also want to maintain a clear path for when you’re moving food from your home to your outdoor kitchen area. Be sure to salt the path so you don’t slip and fall.
Dress for the Weather
Shorts and flip flops aren’t going to cut it in freezing temperatures. While this goes without saying, always dress for the weather when you’re cooking outside. In the winter, this means bundling up. The heat from the grill will warm you up a little, but it’s not enough if you’re planning on standing outside for any length of time.
Consider Slow-Cooking Foods
Grilling in July is a much different experience from grilling in January. For this reason, we recommend switching up your routine with slow-cooking foods that don’t require constant attention. Great foods to enjoy during a cold winter’s day include soups, chilis, and stews. Rotisserie chicken can also make a great mid-winter’s meal.
Request an Outdoor Kitchen Consultation
R&A Landscaping is proud to serve as an outdoor kitchen contractor in Otsego, MI. We serve homeowners throughout West Michigan and Northern Indiana, and would be more than happy to help you design and build your new outdoor living space. To get started, please feel free to give us a call. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon to discuss the details of your upcoming project.