Perlick · Winterization
How to Winterize Your Perlick Outdoor Refrigeration
Perlick's outdoor refrigeration carries a threshold temperature — when your daily low drops below it, winterize. Here's the procedure and the per-model threshold.
By Reed · Updated November 10, 2026
What you need
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Mild soap + water
- Non-abrasive cloth or plastic scouring pad
- Alkaline (non-chloride) cleaner
Winterization temperature thresholds (daily low reaches)
- Outdoor freezers
- 32°F (0°C)
- Outdoor refrigerators
- 38°F (3.3°C)
- Outdoor beverage centers
- 42°F (5.6°C)
- Wine reserve
- 45°F (7.2°C)
- Beer dispensers
- 38°F (3.3°C)
- Dual-zone units
- Use the WARMEST compartment's threshold
Step by step
Power off the unit
Turn the master switch off (Signature Series) or unplug the unit. Wait for the compressor to fully spin down.
Empty the cabinet
Remove all contents. Dispose of anything perishable. Dry shelves and surfaces.
Remove the grill (bottom louver)
The grill at the base of the cabinet comes off without tools. Pull it toward you.
Vacuum the condenser coils
With the grill removed, vacuum the condenser coils with a brush attachment. This is the biggest dust-trap in the unit — dust insulates the coils and shortens compressor life.
Reattach the grill
Snap the grill back on. The louvers should be oriented as the manual shows (airflow in the correct direction).
Clean inside and out
Wipe interior and exterior with mild soap and water, then an alkaline (non-chloride) cleaner on stainless surfaces. Dry thoroughly. See page 8 of your Use & Care guide for stainless-specific details.
Beer dispensers: clean the tower and lines
If you have a beer dispenser model, run tower + line cleaning per the manual before the dormancy period. Beer lines left uncleaned develop biofilm fast.
Common mistakes
- Leaving power on through a hard freeze. The compressor + condensate drain can freeze and crack. Power down once you hit threshold.
- Skipping the condenser-coil vacuum. Dust buildup is the #1 cause of compressor failure. Winterization is the ideal time to clean it.
Hands-on tips
- Set a calendar reminder for the winterization threshold temp in your zip code's climate — most owners miss it by 2-4 weeks.
- Photograph the condenser before vacuuming so you can see progress; dust clumps on the fins are more obvious in before/after.
Questions people ask
What if I live somewhere that only dips below the threshold for a few nights?
If it's intermittent, you can leave the unit powered. The threshold is for a sustained cold period (multiple consecutive nights). Call Perlick tech service (844-411-8050) for edge-case guidance.
Do I need to drain the water line on an outdoor ice maker?
Yes. Shut off the water supply, disconnect the line, and blow out residual water with low-pressure compressed air before the first hard freeze.
Was this guide helpful?
Shopping for Perlick?
See Perlick products