A New York winter is hard on an outdoor kitchen in quiet ways. Water left in an ice machine freezes and splits fittings. Salt settles on stainless and pits it. A cover over a damp grill holds moisture against the steel until April.
A careful afternoon in November prevents nearly all of it. Here is each component in the order we do it, with every instruction taken from the manufacturer's own manual.
The short answer
Clean and dry the grill, shut off the gas and cover it only when dry. Shut off and drain every water line, then follow your refrigerator and ice maker manual exactly, because brands disagree: True and XO use RV antifreeze in some ice machines while Lynx says not to, and XO and True cover a winterized refrigerator while Lynx advises against it. Wash salt off the stainless, cover the pizza oven and finish by mid November.
Key takeaways
- Water is the real threat. True and Lynx both exclude freeze damage from warranty coverage.
- Winterizing triggers run from 50°F to 32°F depending on the brand. Read your own manual.
- Never cover anything damp.
- Salt is the second threat. Wash stainless with a chloride-free cleaner first.
- In spring, leak test the gas and re-cure the pizza oven.
In this guide
When should you winterize in New York?
The New York Botanical Garden, using 1991 to 2020 data, puts the average first frost in Central Park at November 20 (observed from October 15 to December 22) and at Kennedy Airport on November 17. Inland stations come sooner: Newark around November 8, Bridgeport around November 4.
Schedule the work for early November. The XO ice maker manual says to begin as the coldest part of the day approaches 40°F, and Lynx's refrigerator guide triggers at a daily low of 38°F. Both arrive before the first hard freeze.
Refrigeration rules by brand, at a glance
Each line comes from that model family's manual.
| Unit | Winterize when | Antifreeze? | Cover after? |
|---|---|---|---|
| True 15 inch clear ice machine | Before any exposure below 32°F (rated 40°F to 100°F) | Yes, about a gallon of RV antifreeze | Not specified |
| True undercounter refrigerators | Temperatures consistently at or below 32°F | Not applicable | Yes, place a cover over it |
| Lynx LN15ICE ice machine | Before freezing; not designed to run below 55°F | No | Prop the door open |
| Lynx LN24REFC refrigerator | Daily low at or below 38°F | Not applicable | No, it traps condensation |
| XO XOUIM1565 ice maker | Below 50°F; begin as daily lows approach 40°F | Pump models: half a gallon of RV antifreeze | Not specified |
| XO XOU24ORS refrigerator | Below 41°F | Not applicable | Yes, "cover and wait for Spring" |
| Summerset IM-15 ice maker | Rated above 45°F | Not mentioned | Leave the door open |
| Summerset RFR-24DR2-A drawers | Not for locations below 50°F | Not applicable | Leave a drawer slightly open |
The two disagreements, antifreeze and covers, are not mistakes. Each design drains and handles condensation differently, which is why a generic checklist can do harm.
How do you winterize a gas grill?
A premium built-in grill needs little, but the order matters. These steps follow the guide for the Lynx L36TR and its siblings.
- Clean. Burn off residue, then brush the grates and empty the grease tray.
- Wash the exterior with a stainless cleaner, with the grain, never with metallic abrasives.
- Inspect hoses and fittings now, so parts arrive over winter rather than in May.
- Shut off the gas. Lynx says to close the propane cylinder whenever the grill is not in use and to store cylinders outdoors. On natural gas, close the grill's shutoff valve if one is fitted.
- Dry, then cover. "Do not cover a damp grill." Near the coast, Lynx adds a rust inhibitor before covering.
From our install team
One of the most common spring problems we see is a grill that was covered wet after a final October cookout. Let it dry on a sunny afternoon first.
How do you winterize an outdoor refrigerator and ice maker?
Outdoor refrigeration carries the highest risk, because ice machines hold water where you cannot see it. (For choosing units, see our refrigerator and ice maker guide.)
Should you unplug it or leave it running?
Unplug it. True, Lynx and XO all direct you to unplug or cut power when winterizing, and True and Lynx note that the control's off setting does not cut power to every component. Leaving a unit running only makes sense for a short absence in mild weather; XO and Summerset say to keep it operating for vacations under three weeks.
How do you drain the ice maker?
For the True 15 inch clear ice machine: descale and sanitize, shut off and disconnect the water, discard the filter, remove the pump clean-out cap to drain, pour about a gallon of propylene glycol into the bin drain, unplug once the pump stops, then dry the bin and replace the cap.
The Lynx LN15ICE drains instead. Disconnect the water, run CLEAN for about a minute, switch to OFF to empty the reservoir, unplug, drain the trap behind the rear cover and prop the door open. Pump models add a winterization plug and about 10 psi of air. No antifreeze.
The XO gourmet ice maker adds RV antifreeze on pump models, never automotive. The Summerset IM-15 drains the trough and stays disconnected until spring.
What about the refrigerator itself?
Empty it, unplug it, clean the interior and gasket, and leave the door open until dry. The Lynx guide for the LN24REFC adds cleaning behind the toe grille, sponging out the defrost pan and replacing corroded fasteners; XO's XOU24ORS list is similar. For a Lynx LN24REF, True TUR-24 or Summerset drawer unit, the manual wins.
Not sure which procedure applies? Send us the model numbers from the serial plates. Book a free design consultation and we will help you narrow it down.
Outdoor Refrigeration Ice Makers XO Summerset
How do you drain an outdoor sink and faucet?
NYC's Department of Environmental Protection gives the core rule: turn off the water to outside faucets, remove hoses and drain the pipes. For an outdoor sink, close the hot and cold supply valves, ideally inside the heated house, open the faucet to empty the lines, disconnect the supply lines and leave the faucet open. The drain trap holds water too. If you do not know where the indoor shutoffs are, have a licensed plumber walk the system with you once.
Can a pizza oven stay outside all winter?
Yes, with care. Alfa recommends a waterproof cover whenever its ovens are not in use, clearing snow and ice from the oven and chimney, and letting the oven dry fully before lighting to avoid thermal shock. Gozney says to keep the Dome covered, cover it only once completely cool, and close the gas at the cylinder. After a long dormant spell, Gozney says to fire the oven as if it were the first firing. For a built-in Lynx Napoli, use the fitted LPZA cover.
Pizza Ovens Pizza Oven Accessories
How do you protect stainless from salt air and road salt?
Salt is chloride, and chloride is what spots and pits stainless. Lynx warns that sea air can bring surface rust and asks coastal owners to clean crevices, welds and bolt heads where liquid collects. Summerset says never to use chloride on stainless and puts salt environments under warranty review.
Wash every surface with warm water and mild detergent, rinse, dry and polish with the grain. True specifies cleaners free of phosphates, chlorine, chloride and ammonia. Keep rock salt and chloride ice melt off the pavers beside the kitchen. Lynx even suggests car wax on refrigerator exteriors.
Building near the water? See 304 versus 316 stainless.
Should you cover everything?
Cover the grill, burners and pizza oven with fitted covers, only when dry and cool. A fitted Lynx CC36 cover holds in wind far better than a tarp.
For refrigerators, follow the brand: XO and True say cover, Lynx says do not.
Grill Covers Outdoor Kitchen Accessories
Do stone countertops need sealing before winter?
Often not. The Natural Stone Institute says most granite countertops do not need sealing, though a quality sealer further reduces moisture absorption. Porous stones such as marble and limestone are another matter. Leave a few drops of water on the surface for several minutes; if the stone darkens, ask your fabricator about a penetrating sealer and apply it on a dry day before frost.
From our install team
Planters and ice chests left on a counter all winter trap meltwater against the stone. Clear the counters completely.
Winterizing on NYC terraces, Long Island and in Westchester
Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Wind is the issue on terraces and rooftops, so secure every cover. NYC Buildings says it is illegal to store a standard propane grill on a balcony, roof deck, roof, rear yard or courtyard of a multiple dwelling, and propane tanks cannot be stored on roofs. One and two family homes may keep a propane grill with up to two 20 pound tanks. Co-op and condo rules can be stricter still.
Nassau and Suffolk. On the South Shore and the East End, including the Hamptons, salt air is a year round exposure. Wash stainless thoroughly before covering and consider Lynx's coastal rust inhibitor. North Shore homes on the Sound deserve the same care.
Westchester. Inland areas tend to freeze before the city, so finish the water lines early and watch for driveway road salt.
Our recommended products
The covers, refrigeration and maintenance items we reach for ourselves.
How do you start it up again in spring?
- Gas. Lynx asks you to check burners, venturis and orifices each season because spiders nest there. Leak test every connection outdoors with one part soap to three parts water; growing bubbles mean a leak.
- Ice machine. True: new filter, water on, plug in, then descale to flush the glycol. XO: sanitize and discard the first batch of ice.
- Refrigerator. Lynx: restore power and wait 24 hours before loading.
- Pizza oven. Dry it and fire it gently, like a first firing.
- Water. Reconnect, open the shutoffs slowly and check for drips.
Do it yourself or have us do it?
Do it yourself if:
- You have every appliance manual.
- You know where the indoor water shutoffs are.
Bring in a professional if:
- Your ice machine has a drain pump.
- The shutoffs are unmarked, or the site is waterfront or rooftop.
Most homeowners handle the grill, covers and cleaning comfortably. The ice machine and water lines are where a missed step becomes a spring repair, and where professional help earns its keep.
Frequently asked questions
When should I winterize my outdoor kitchen in New York?
Aim for early November. Central Park's average first frost is around November 20, but some manuals call for winterizing once daily lows approach 38°F to 40°F.
Should I unplug my outdoor refrigerator for the winter?
Yes. True, Lynx and XO all say to unplug or cut power when winterizing; the control's off setting does not cut power to every component.
Do I put RV antifreeze in my outdoor ice maker?
Only if your manual says so. True's clear ice machine and XO's pump models use propylene glycol RV antifreeze, never automotive. Lynx says to drain fully and use no antifreeze.
Should I cover my outdoor refrigerator in winter?
It depends on the brand. XO and True tell you to cover a winterized refrigerator. Lynx says not to, because a cover traps condensation.
Can I keep grilling through the winter?
Yes. Lynx notes that extreme cold can make its Trident burners light inside the burner, and Gozney notes propane loses pressure below freezing, so expect slower starts.
Talk to a specialist
Close the season properly, and open it without surprises
We have been designing, selling, installing and servicing fire features and outdoor kitchens for over 30 years across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey and South Florida. We are glad to look over your kitchen before the first freeze.
Book a free consultation Call 718-326-4328Showroom: 58-30 Maspeth Ave, Maspeth, Queens. Our Greenvale, Long Island showroom at 13 Glen Cove Road opens winter 2026. Plan your visit.
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Written by the NYC Fireplaces & Outdoor Kitchens team. Last reviewed October 2026. We sell, install and service the products discussed here.
Sources: True ice machine manual, True undercounter manual, Lynx LN24REFC owner's guide, Lynx Professional grill guide, Summerset IM-15 manual, Summerset RFR-24DR2-A manual, Lynx LN15ICE and XO owner's manuals, Alfa Forni, Gozney, NYC Buildings, NYC DEP, Natural Stone Institute, NYBG. Specifications change; always confirm with the manufacturer's current installation manual.