DCS outdoor appliance winter preparation steps taken before freezing temperatures arrive protect your investment in Series 9 and Series 7 grills, RF24 outdoor refrigerators, RF15 ice makers, and beverage chillers from cold-weather damage that is not covered under the standard appliance warranty.
DCS outdoor appliances are built for durability, but no appliance is immune to the damage caused by water freezing inside gas lines, drain tubes, or sealed refrigeration components. Ice maker water lines that freeze and burst, propane regulators damaged by repeated freeze-thaw cycling, and stainless panels stressed by ice accumulation are all preventable with an annual winterization routine completed before the first hard freeze.
Why This Matters
The cost of repairing a cracked water line in an ice maker, a seized grill valve corroded by winter moisture, or a refrigerator compressor damaged by a failed power cycle during a winter ice storm is typically several hundred to over a thousand dollars. A winterization procedure that takes two to three hours prevents all of these outcomes and extends the usable life of every outdoor appliance in your kitchen.
Appliance-Specific Checklist
- Grills (Series 9, Series 7): disconnect and store LP tanks, turn off natural gas shutoff valve, clean and dry the firebox, cover the grill with the DCS fitted cover
- Outdoor refrigerators (RF24RE4, RF24DE4): remove all food, clean interior, leave door slightly ajar to prevent mold, keep power on if temperatures may dip below freezing (compressor protects refrigerant)
- Ice makers (RF15IR1, RF15IL1): run the drain cycle, disconnect the water supply, blow out the water line with compressed air, leave the unit powered off for the season
- Beverage chillers and beer dispensers: remove all beverages (liquids left in lines can freeze and crack fittings), clean draft lines with beer line cleaner, power down
- Range hoods (EH30SS, ES-36, VS-36): verify the damper closes fully to prevent cold air and pests from entering — inspect the damper seal and replace if compressed
Recommended Action Steps
- Schedule winterization before the first forecast freeze date in your region — do not wait until temperatures have already dropped.
- Follow each appliance’s owner’s manual winterization procedure as the primary reference; this guide is supplementary.
- Photograph gas connections and electrical outlets before covering appliances so you can verify their condition when uncovering in spring.
- Store removable components (grates, drip trays, ice baskets) indoors during winter to prevent corrosion and mechanical damage.
- Apply a thin coat of stainless steel protectant to all exterior surfaces before covering for the season.
- Use only DCS-branded or manufacturer-approved appliance covers — generic covers that trap moisture against the surface can accelerate corrosion.
- Mark the calendar for a spring pre-season inspection three weeks before you plan to reopen the outdoor kitchen.
When to Call a Technician
If you discover freeze damage to water lines, gas components, or sealed refrigeration systems when preparing appliances for spring, contact DCS Customer Support before attempting to operate the appliance. Freeze damage to sealed systems and gas fittings requires professional assessment to ensure the appliance is safe to use.