Best Ways to Store Your BBQ for the Off-Season!

The autumn leaves had just begun to drift lazily to the ground when Mike stood in his backyard, arms crossed, staring at his trusty old brick BBQ. For him, and many like him, summer was a season of sizzling steaks, smoky aromas, and lively gatherings around the grill. But as the days grew shorter and the evenings chillier, Mike knew it was time to start thinking about putting his outdoor setup into hibernation.

Like a lot of DIY enthusiasts, Mike had built his BBQ from scratch using a DIY BBQ kit he ordered online a few years back. He remembered those weekends spent stacking bricks, laying mortar, and proudly watching the structure take form. The satisfaction of building something with his own hands made the grilling experience even more rewarding. But now, as autumn rolled in, the same sense of responsibility told him he needed to take care of his handiwork.

Chapter 1: The Realization

Mike’s BBQ wasn’t just any grill—it was a brick BBQ built to last. Still, even durable outdoor structures aren’t immune to the wear and tear that seasonal changes can bring. Moisture from rain, frost, and even falling leaves could work their way into cracks, gradually causing damage. The last thing Mike wanted was to see the BBQ he had built from his brick BBQ kit falling apart due to neglect.

So he decided to do some research. What’s the best way to store or protect a BBQ during the off-season? Do brick BBQs need special care? And how about the grates, tools, and other accessories? The more Mike read, the clearer it became: whether you're working with a standalone grill or a full DIY BBQ setup, prepping your gear for the colder months is essential.

Chapter 2: Cleaning Up

Mike’s first order of business was to give the BBQ a thorough clean. He knew that leftover grease and food debris could attract pests or become rancid if left to sit through winter. Plus, starting with a clean BBQ in spring is a lot more enjoyable.

He removed the grill grates and scrubbed them down with warm soapy water and a wire brush. For the interior of the BBQ, he used a metal scraper to chip away any built-up carbon. The ash from the firebox was scooped out and discarded responsibly. He even gave the exterior bricks a rinse, careful not to use too much pressure that might compromise the mortar from his DIY BBQ kit construction.

Chapter 3: Protecting the Structure

Now that the BBQ was clean, Mike turned his attention to protecting the brickwork. One of the great things about building with a brick BBQ kit is its durability. Brick naturally handles heat well and holds up against the elements better than many other materials. But even brick benefits from a little extra care.

Mike noticed a few hairline cracks in the mortar and filled them in with fresh mortar mix to prevent moisture from getting in. He then applied a breathable masonry sealant—something he had learned about in one of the many DIY forums he frequented. The sealant would allow the brick to release moisture while protecting it from absorbing rain and snow.

Finally, he covered the entire BBQ with a weatherproof tarp. While brick doesn’t necessarily require a cover, Mike lived in an area known for heavy snowfall. Better safe than sorry.

Chapter 4: Storing the Extras

Mike had accumulated quite a collection of grilling accessories over the years: tongs, brushes, meat thermometers, and even a rotisserie attachment. These weren’t things he wanted to leave out all winter.

He packed up his tools into a storage bin, making sure everything was clean and dry to prevent rust. For the grates, he lightly oiled them after cleaning to keep them from corroding, then wrapped them in butcher paper and stored them in his garage.

If you’re someone who built a DIY BBQ with a built-in storage space or shelving—often an option with custom brick BBQ kits—this is a great place to stow away accessories. Just make sure it's dry and rodent-proof.

Chapter 5: Gas & Charcoal Considerations

Mike’s BBQ was charcoal-based, so he didn’t have to worry about propane tanks. But for those who do use gas BBQs, it’s important to disconnect the tank and store it outside in a well-ventilated area, never indoors.

He also made sure to properly seal up his bag of charcoal. Moisture can quickly ruin even the best lump charcoal, turning it into a soggy, unusable mess. He transferred what was left into an airtight metal container and stored it in his shed.

Chapter 6: Looking Ahead

As he zipped up the tarp and took one last look at his BBQ, Mike felt a quiet sense of accomplishment. He’d spent just an afternoon preparing for the off-season, but he knew the effort would pay off. Come spring, his brick BBQ would be ready to go—clean, intact, and waiting for the first cookout of the year.

For anyone else with a DIY BBQ kit in their backyard, Mike would have one piece of advice: treat it like any other investment. You built it yourself, and that means you're also responsible for its upkeep. A little maintenance now saves you from costly repairs (or replacements) later.

Chapter 7: Final Thoughts

Whether you’ve installed a modular brick BBQ kit or spent weekends perfecting a custom DIY BBQ, the structure is only as strong as the care you give it. Cleaning, sealing, covering, and organizing aren’t just chores—they’re acts of preservation.

Brick BBQs are built to endure, and that’s one of the reasons so many DIYers choose them in the first place. But durability doesn’t mean immunity to the elements. From freezing rain to hungry critters, winter throws a lot at anything left outside.

Mike’s story is like that of many backyard grillmasters. The flames of summer give way to the frost of fall, but with a little effort, your BBQ can weather it all and come back even stronger next season.

So, as you pack away your patio furniture and store your garden tools, don’t forget the grill. After all, it was the heart of so many memorable meals. Let it rest, protected and preserved, until the warm days call you back to fire it up again.