How to Store Your BBQ Over Winter
When winter rolls around and the nights get dark and cold, our desire to get outside and entertain diminishes quickly. Fair enough, however, you mustn't neglect your BBQ in the process. Heatlie Barbecues are built tough and made to last for lifetimes, but it's still important to maintain, care for and clean your Heatlie to ensure its longevity. We take pride in our barbecues' reliability and love to help you get the most out of your cooking companion. The following article is a collection of the best tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your barbecue by protecting it from the winter elements. Those of you in FNQ or the Top End can basically ignore this article!
Vinyl BBQ Cover
We always advise that the best place to store your barbecue, like any household appliance, is undercover and away from the elements. Keeping your barbecue under shelter is the easiest way to help give your barbecue the life it deserves and will allow it to always be ready to entertain guests. When storing your barbecue, we recommend using a cover. Heatlie's vinyl BBQ cover will provide a physical barrier from weather, dust and any unruly animals or pests looking for a place to sleep. When you are ready to start barbecuing again, the cover will reduce the amount of preparation needed. We offer vinyl barbecue covers for our BBQ range as well as the Snappy King. 
Cleaning Kit
Before storing your barbecue, it can be helpful to give your hotplate a thorough clean to keep it in good condition. We recommend using the Heatlie Cleaning Kit which includes Heat Activated Cleaner, cleaning pads and a pad holder. These kits reduce the effort needed to maintain the cleanliness of the hot plate and increase the enjoyment you get out of your barbecue. To find out more about cleaning your hot plate, visit our Cleaning Blog.
Seasoning
After cleaning, it is important to add a layer of protection to the hot plate through seasoning. Seasoning is a simple process that uses cooking oil to provide rust protection. To find out more information about seasoning your hot plate, visit the seasoning blog which demonstrates the best seasoning method.
Gas Safety
When your BBQ is not in use for long periods of time, you should always disconnect the gas bottle and ensure that the bottle is stored away safely. You can cover the nozzle on the hose with a plastic bag and a rubber band to avoid any pests getting inside and blocking things up. Always test for leaks with soapy water when coming back to use a gas bottle after a long storage time.
Keep Using It!
Don't let a bit of cold weather stop you from BBQing! Our BBQs always stay in best condition when they are used and cared for regularly. This keeps all parts working smoothly and ensures nothing gets neglected.
Maintaining Your BBQ Over Winter is Easy
Caring for your Heatlie Barbecue will ensure that it will continue to entertain your friends and family throughout your lifetime, and with our handy tips, you should have no problem ensuring the longevity of your Heatlie. To find out more about the products listed in the article, click on each link or explore our store using the Spare Parts & Accessories tab.