When summer approaches, people start to think about grilling and outdoor cooking. So what better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with a delicious meal cooked on your pellet grill?
A common question I hear with pellet grills is if they can be left outside.
After all, some pellet grills can weigh in at 50+ pounds which can make moving them back inside a chore.
So can pellet grills be stored or left outside?
Pellet grills can be stored or left outside with a few preventative steps. However, pellet grills stored indoors or under a covered area will have a longer lifespan than a grill stored outside.
So before storing your pellet grill outdoors, make sure to check the preventative steps below in order to prevent your pellet grill from rusting and running into other issues.
How To Know If Your Pellet Grill Is Safe To Leave Outside
The best way to determine whether or not your smoker can be kept outside is by checking the user manual. All of this information should have been included in the product’s instructions when you first purchased it.
However, if you misplaced or never received the product manual with your purchase, then here is general advice that will apply to most pellet grills.
Generally, manufacturers won’t want their pellet grill getting wet for several reasons. First off, unless its stainless steel, ultimately corrosion (rust) is going to be attacking the grill, and moisture is a key contributor to how quickly the grill will corrode.
So pellet grills should not be kept outside if there is rain or snow since the moisture will lead to issues with the electrical components in pellet grills. Not to mention wood pellets cannot get wet otherwise the wood pellets become unusable.
Ultimately, a pellet grill should be kept dry due to the wood pellets and electrical components.
Now let’s cover the preventative tips for storing a pellet grill outdoors.
How To Properly Store Your Pellet Grill Outside
When storing a pellet grill outside or inside, the goal is to keep the pellet grill dry.
So sheltering the pellet grill from moisture and direct sunlight will help extend the lifespan of the pellet grill.
Here are preventative tips and steps in order to extend the lifespan of the pellet grill by keeping it dry.
Use A Pellet Grill Cover
The most important step to take when storing a pellet grill outside is to use a pellet grill cover when not in use. The pellet grill will completely cover the entire grill and keep the grill protected from rain or sunshine.
Importantly, pellet grill covers will protect not only the cooking area but also the hopper and electrical controls.
The Traeger pellet grill cover above and others can be purchased on Amazon so search for the make and model pellet grill you have to find the cover that fits.
Empty Wood Pellets from Hopper
Emptying the wood pellets from the hopper is a good idea when storing a pellet grill outside for more than a few days. Especially if there’s rain or high moisture outside since wood pellets cannot get wet.
Below is an image of dry wood pellets on the left compared to wood pellets soaked in water on the right.
The wood pellets on the right have expanded and are unusable in a pellet grill.
Once wood pellets get wet, they become mushy which will lead to issues such as jamming the auger or having the fire expand into the hopper.
So make sure to check on the wood pellets before turning on a pellet grill that has been stored outside.
Place Grill Under Covered Area If Possible
Ideally, storing a pellet grill under an awning, balcony, or even a canopy will help protect the grill from rain and direct sunshine.
Although storing a pellet grill in an enclosed environment is best such as a garage or shed, keeping a pellet grill underneath a covered area is the next best option.
Make sure not to use a pellet grill in an enclosed space so do not use a pellet grill in a garage or shed. However, pellet grills can be used under covered porches, patios, and decks as long as there is sufficient airflow.
Cleaning Pellet Grill Before Storing Long Term
Regardless if the pellet grill is being stored inside or outside, all pellet grills should be cleaned before being stored for a long period of time.
Generally, pellet grills will have a buildup of ash and grease that should be cleaned out after every 2 to 3 cooking sessions. However, it’s always a good step to clean out the pellet grill before storing it for weeks or months at a time.
Steps For Cleaning The Pellet Grill
The two most important areas to clean on a pellet grill before storing it at the firepot and drip tray.
The tools needed to clean a pellet grill are:
- Grill Brush
- Shop Vacuum
I have created a step-by-step photo guide for cleaning out a pellet grill. Simply follow these steps before storing your pellet grill for a long period of time.
1) Remove The Grill Grate
Use the grill brush to clean the grill grate.
2) Remove The Drip Tray
Use the grill brush to scrape off any grease on the drip tray.
3) Slide The Heat Baffle Over To Uncover Firepot
4) Vacuum The Firepot And Inside Of Grill
6) Put The Pellet Grill Back Together
Slide the heat baffle back over the firepot, place the drip tray over the heat baffle, and insert the grill grate back into the grill.
7) Empty The Hopper of Pellets
Empty the wood pellets from the hopper if storing the pellet grill outside. Pellet grills stored indoors in a dry area can have the pellets left in the hopper.
8) Place The Pellet Grill Into Storage
Now the pellet grill is clean and ready to be stored long-term.
Final Thoughts
Pellet grills are versatile cooking machines that require a little bit of extra maintenance and preventative care to extend the lifespan of the grill.
Most pellet grills are more expensive than traditional gas and charcoal grills so a little extra care will ensure that your investment will last longer.
Most pellet grills can be safely stored outside without any issues. However, placing a cover over the pellet grill or storing the grill under a covered area will help protect the grill even more.
After all, pellet grills make smoking meat incredibly easy by just setting the cooking temperature and returning to perfectly smoked food. So providing a little extra care for the pellet grill when not in use is the least that we can do to ensure it keeps running in tip-top shape!
