Napoleon · Winterization
How to Winterize a Napoleon Gas Grill
Winterizing a gas grill comes down to four jobs: clean it, shut off and disconnect the fuel, protect the burners from pests and moisture, and cover it once it is cold. Plan on about 45 minutes.
By Rob · Updated November 8, 2026
What you need
- Stiff nylon or brass grill brush
- Plastic putty knife or scraper
- Dish soap, warm water, and a soft sponge
- Microfiber cloths
- Stainless steel cleaner (non-chlorine)
- Cooking oil and paper towels (for cast iron grates)
- Pipe cleaner or venturi brush
- Breathable, fitted grill cover
- Work gloves
Step by step
Pick a dry day and run a burn-off
With the lid open and the grill still connected to fuel, run the burners on high for 10 to 15 minutes to carbonize leftover food. Turn the grill off and let it cool until you can comfortably touch the grates.
Clean the grates and cooking surfaces
Brush the grates, then remove them and wash with warm soapy water. Rinse, dry completely, and wipe cast iron grates with a thin coat of cooking oil. Scrape any buildup off flame tamers, sear plates, and the inside of the lid.
Empty and clean the grease management system
Remove the drip tray and grease cup, scrape out the residue, and wash both. Old grease is a fire risk and attracts rodents, so do not skip this step even if the tray looks fairly clean.
Clean the burners and check the ports
Once the grill is cold, brush the burner tubes lengthwise and clear any clogged ports with a pipe cleaner. Look inside each burner and venturi tube for spider webs and nests, which block gas flow and are a common cause of uneven flames in spring.
Shut off the fuel and burn off the line
Close the propane cylinder valve (or the natural gas shutoff valve at your supply line). With the valve closed, light the grill and let the burners run until the flames go out on their own, which uses up the gas left in the hose and regulator. Then turn every control knob to OFF.
Disconnect the cylinder or protect the supply line
For propane, unscrew the hose connection from the cylinder following your owner's manual, fit the cylinder's dust cap or plug, and set it aside. For natural gas, leave the supply line capped or shut off at the valve and do not tamper with the permanent connection.
Wipe down the exterior and inspect the hose
Clean the exterior with soap and water, then finish stainless surfaces with a non-chlorine stainless cleaner, wiping with the grain. Flex the gas hose and look for cracks, brittleness, or rubbed spots, and replace anything questionable before the next season.
Cover it when it is fully cool, and store it
Put a breathable, fitted cover on only after everything is cold and dry. Remove the igniter battery if your model uses one. If you have a garage or covered storage and the cylinder is disconnected, moving the grill itself there is better than leaving it out.
Hands-on tips
- If you only deep clean once a year, do it right before storage. A clean grill stored dry ages far better than a dirty one.
- In spring, do a soapy-water leak test on every hose and fitting before you light it. Bubbles mean a leak.
- Write the date on a piece of tape on the cover so you remember when the last deep clean happened.
Questions people ask
Do I need to winterize a gas grill if I use it all winter?
No. If you grill year-round you only need regular cleaning, but if it will sit unused for a month or more in freezing, wet weather, a shutdown and cover is worth the 45 minutes.
Can I leave the propane tank connected over winter?
Disconnecting is the safer default. A connected cylinder keeps the regulator and hose pressurized for months, so most manufacturers recommend closing the valve, disconnecting, and storing the cylinder upright outdoors.
Is it safe to store my grill in the garage?
The grill can be stored in a garage once it is cold and the propane cylinder is disconnected and left outside. Never keep the cylinder in the garage, and keep the grill away from vehicles and heat sources.
How do I winterize a natural gas grill?
Clean it, close the natural gas shutoff valve, burn off the gas left in the line, and cover it. Leave the permanent gas connection alone; if you want it disconnected, have a licensed professional do it.
What type of cover should I use?
Use a fitted, breathable cover made for your grill size. Waterproof plastic tarps trap condensation and cause rust, while a vented, fitted cover keeps rain and debris out without trapping moisture.
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