There’s nothing like a storm to dampen your outdoor cooking and entertaining plans. But a downpour can not only stop you from using your BBQ, but it can also shorten its lifespan over time. Moisture can cause your BBQ’s metal to rust and its grill to become a breeding ground for bacteria. BBQ protection is a must-have during storms if you want to keep enjoying your grill for many years to come.
Storms are the most common weather hazard in Australia, and intense thunderstorms are common. While the NSW storm season typically lasts between September and April, severe storms can strike any time of the year, bringing dangerous winds, hail, heavy rain and flash flooding. Investing in outdoor grill protection is essential for getting the most out of your BBQ for the long term.
Here’s the Home Fires guide to BBQ protection and the art of keeping your BBQ (and the rest of your outdoor area) safe from rain, strong winds, hail damage and other storm-related hazards. Follow our tips, and you’ll be ready to weather storm season.
BBQ Protection for Australian Storm Season
How much exposure to the elements can your BBQ withstand? Is cooking in the rain a possibility? Your grill’s vulnerability to water damage varies depending on factors like the quality of the grill and the type of fuel, whether that’s charcoal, gas or electric.
You should never bring your BBQ indoors, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Using an electric BBQ outside in the rain can also be fatally dangerous. However, gas, pellet, and charcoal grills with lids are safe to use in rainy weather. If you only have a few raindrops to deal with, a patio umbrella should be enough to keep you dry. If your area is prone to heavy downpours, a more permanent structure like a pagoda or gazebo is better for BBQ protection.
Here’s how to protect your outdoor grill from three of the most common culprits of storm season damage: moisture, hail and strong winds.
BBQ protection from moisture
Moisture can rust your grill, cause the paint to peel from your BBQ and, in severe cases, cause structural damage. Some tips for dealing with moisture include:
Buy a quality BBQ cover
A simple yet effective approach is to have a cover that fits snugly around the whole grill to protect your BBQ from the harmful effects of rain as well as other irritants such as insects, pollen, and dust.
Choose the right location
It may sound obvious, but the best area for your BBQ is one that provides natural shelter and coverage and where water doesn’t tend to accumulate. Outdoor areas like patio awnings and gazebos are ideal, while areas that provide natural shade are a good second option.
Choose weather-resistant BBQ materials
Materials like cast iron and stainless steel can withstand rain moisture without succumbing to rust or losing their structural integrity. They also retain and distribute heat more evenly.
BBQ protection from hail damage
Hail can cause unsightly dents and scratches on the surface of your BBQ, and serious damage can affect its performance or even make it unsafe to use. The same tips you would use for moisture, such as using a grill cover and choosing an undercover location, still apply. A hail guard or stone shield can also be useful for absorbing the impact of large hailstones.
BBQ protection from strong winds
Strong winds are not only annoying and distracting when you’re trying to BBQ, but they also pose a fire hazard. If your grill is on the lighter side, a particularly fierce gust can knock it clean over. Some tips for outdoor grill protection in the wind include:
Grill anchoring
You can hold your grill in place by connecting it to a heavier object, placing concrete slabs or other heavy objects around the wheels or installing a windbreak.
Use a windproof BBQ cover
Wind can blow dirt, dust and other debris into your grill. To properly protect your BBQ from wind, you want a cover made from a heavy-duty material like vinyl or polyester that won’t blow away in a heavy gust. Many come equipped with straps and drawstrings to make for a more secure fit.
Other Tips for Protecting Your Outdoor Area During Storms
When you’re focusing on BBQ protection, don’t forget about the rest of your outdoor entertaining area. No matter what kind of set-up you have—patio, gazebo, outdoor kitchen or just a simple verandah—here are some tips for weather-proofing your outdoor space.
Invest in an outdoor alfresco area
An outdoor alfresco structure is an extension attached to the outside of your home that protects your outdoor kitchen, entertaining area, or BBQ area. If you can’t afford anything too elaborate, a classic pergola set-up—lattice supported by beams—is an elegant but more affordable option.
Retractable roof awnings
With just the push of a button, retractable roof awnings can extend or retract to protect your family and your dining area from all the elements.
Protect your outdoor furniture
If there’s a storm brewing, bring in lightweight pieces of outdoor furniture like cushions and chairs and tie up the heavier items. If tying or removing furniture isn’t an option, use weather-resistant covers.
Check gutters and drainage
Make sure gutters and drainage areas are clear from debris so the water can flow freely, with less danger of flooding your outdoor area.
Protect your electronics
Make sure any string lights or decorative lights are anchored and turned off before the storm, and remove sound systems and other electronics from the area.
Buy Top-Quality BBQs and Accessories from Home Fires
BBQ protection starts with buying the safest, longest-lasting and most reliable BBQs, and you can find them here at Home Fires.
Home Fires has BBQs and smokers built to last from leading brands like Weber, Beef Eater, Everdure, Gasmate and GMG Grills. We also have BBQ accessories, from cleaners to cooking tools, to make your outdoor cooking experience an easier, more pleasant one.
A trusted name for over 40 years, we offer supply, installation and service of your home heating solutions plus an industry-leading service and warranty. For more information, get in touch with the team at Home Fires.
