# Leaving a grill and tank outside in really cold weather: I'm guessing this is a bad idea? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 8, 2010, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416 "2010-12-08T15:20:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Scubaqueen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c0e974/32.png) [@Scubaqueen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scubaqueen)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/1 "2010-12-08T15:20:19Z")
I forgot that the grill that I unwillingly inherited from my ex is still outside – with gas tank attached. Indiana is having some seriously cold weather at the moment. Should I bring it in? Oh, and I have no idea how to unhook the tank if so. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/2 "2010-12-08T15:22:07Z")
As long as it’s covered, I’m not seeing a problem. A little cold isn’t going to bother it. ---
**Author:** ![Nunavut\_Boy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e95f7d/32.png) [@Nunavut\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunavut_Boy)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/3 "2010-12-08T15:23:52Z")
Meh. I live in the arctic and I use my grill year round. The ignitor doesn’t work too well past -20 but it always starts eventually. ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/4 "2010-12-08T15:24:23Z")
The only bad idea: Bringing the tank indoors. Likely illegal, too. I coat my grill with WD-40 or other protectant (I use a marine metal surface protectant / anti-corrosion). It is covered, too. Remove tank by unscrewing the fitting/hose where it meets the tank outlet. Make sure tank is closed (as it should be whenever not in use). . ---
**Author:** ![Scubaqueen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c0e974/32.png) [@Scubaqueen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scubaqueen)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/5 "2010-12-08T15:39:08Z")
thanks, all. no, i really don’t want that tank in my garage. ooh. there may already be one in the garage - altho it stays fairly cold in there. guess i should make that one disappear. ---
**Author:** ![Kevbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/6 "2010-12-08T16:17:49Z")
The only issue with storage would be rust due to snow/slush building up, but you have that with rain as well. As for operation, propane works well down to any temperature non-insane people would be grilling at. Butane OTOH, can stop vaporizing once you start needing the heavy coat. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/7 "2010-12-08T16:31:38Z")
Grill will be fine outdoors. Unless you’re getting a lot of salt spray from a nearby road, the grill and tank don’t experience winter snow any differently than summer rain. ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/8 "2010-12-08T16:38:09Z")
If it weren’t for grills on our back porches, we’d have no way of telling how much snow fell overnight. That’s pretty much what they’re designed for, right? I mean, look at how many amateur weather reporters send in pictures of the snow on their grill whenever there’s a big snowstorm. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/9 "2010-12-08T17:04:58Z")
The only thing I’d recommend (if you haven’t alredy done it) is close the valve on the tank itself. Some people just leave it open once it’s attached to the grill. It will prevent any slow leaks over the winter. ---
**Author:** ![Ionizer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/5daacb/32.png) [@Ionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ionizer)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/10 "2010-12-08T17:29:10Z")
> [@Lightnin](#): > > If it weren’t for grills on our back porches, we’d have no way of telling how much snow fell overnight. That’s pretty much what they’re designed for, right? I mean, look at how many amateur weather reporters send in pictures of the snow on their grill whenever there’s a big snowstorm. Very true, and funny, too. When I lived in Idaho, looking at my grill was my easiest way to tell how much new snow had fallen atop the packed stuff everywhere else. Easier than getting dressed and tromping outside to see firsthand, imho. I never had any issues with keeping the grill’s propane-filled tanks outside even when temps went waaaay sub-zero (F). I never tried _using_ 'em at those temps, so can’t say much beyond that about OP. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/11 "2010-12-08T17:50:48Z")
As the others have said … 1. Cold won’t hurt anything made completely of metal. 2. The tank stays outside, period. That way any slow leakage will blow \*away \*with the wind; not just concentrate in your garage or basement until it blows _up_. 3. The only reason to bring the grill inside is to keep it from sitting there covered in snow which will slowly cause rust because everything stays damp. Covering it with a waterproof plastic tarp would do as well. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/12 "2010-12-08T20:47:05Z")
Outdoors may increase the erosion rate to some degree, even if covered, because of more exposure to humid air. Changes in temperature may make bolts and screws loosen (so just tighten them). Those temperature humidity things can still occur in a shed or garage, depending on the structure. The big problem leaving your grill outdoors is the wildlife. Critters may detect a scent that gets them into the grill, and real little ones may see a place to live. But insects and spiders can be a big problem by nesting inside the venturi and flame manifold, which can cause a minor flashback when you try to light the grill. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/13 "2010-12-08T20:48:19Z")
> [@Philster](#): > > I coat my grill with WD-40 or other protectant (I use a marine metal surface protectant / anti-corrosion). It is covered, too. > . Is this safe for cooking? ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/14 "2010-12-08T20:54:55Z")
Mine is outside all the time. I’ve BBQ’d in -30 C temps probably a few dozen times. I think it was about -8 C last night when I made burgers. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/15 "2010-12-09T00:06:13Z")
Our winter preparation is putting a cover over the grill (I’m not a winter griller, although many people here do). ---
**Author:** ![WarmNPrickly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d78d45/32.png) [@WarmNPrickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WarmNPrickly)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/16 "2010-12-09T07:58:24Z")
There are plenty of people that use propane tanks for heating. The only issue with a propane tank outside, ironically enough, is that if is too cold the head pressure gets to low to light the furnace. I find that it’s very convenient to have my furnace go out when it’s really cold. ---
**Author:** ![GiantRat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@GiantRat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GiantRat)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/17 "2010-12-09T14:07:53Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > The big problem leaving your grill outdoors is the wildlife. Critters may detect a scent that gets them into the grill, and real little ones may see a place to live. But insects and spiders can be a big problem by nesting inside the venturi and flame manifold, which can cause a minor flashback when you try to light the grill. (snipped) Just a comical (to me, anyway) anecdote - whenever I go to my parents’ house, it’s my job to do grilling of the local delicacy (spiedies, if you’ve ever heard of them). The 100lb Labrador is my nemesis during the whole process, always trying to steal the grease bucket below the grill or trying to steal the utensils. Oddly enough the bears and other wildlife tend to leave the thing alone, whether in use or not. Perhaps they know something we don’t. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/18 "2010-12-09T14:14:39Z")
> [@WarmNPrickly](#): > > There are plenty of people that use propane tanks for heating. The only issue with a propane tank outside, ironically enough, is that if is too cold the head pressure gets to low to light the furnace. > > I find that it’s very convenient to have my furnace go out when it’s really cold. Thats why they put those outside propane tanks up off the ground. So you can build a fire under them and warm em up when needed. ps don’t do that. Very dangerous. Its a joke son. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/19 "2010-12-09T15:06:55Z")
> [@GiantRat](#): > > …whenever I go to my parents’ house, it’s my job to do grilling of the local delicacy (spiedies, if you’ve ever heard of them). Do they live in Binghamton, NY? ---
**Author:** ![panman\_1960](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/919ad9/32.png) [@panman\_1960](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panman_1960)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2010, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416/20 "2010-12-09T16:08:14Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > Is this safe for cooking? That’s why I put used vegetable oil on my grills and smokers. Think of it as seaoning a cast iron skillet. No toxicity, protects against rust and lubricates, and is easy to clean off with detergent when it gets grimey. Repeat when hot again. later, Tom. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-a-grill-and-tank-outside-in-really-cold-weather-im-guessing-this-is-a-bad-idea/563416.md?page=2)