Keeping a BBQ grill uncovered is generally not advised. While some grills are weather-resistant, none are truly invulnerable to damage from moisture or harsh sun light. Grills with sensitive electrical components are especially prone to damaged by rain. Leaving barbecue grills uncovered for a long time can lead to extensive corrosion or sun related weathering.

A properly covered BBQ can last a lifetime. Pre-winter storage maintenance is also a must to keep your grill in top condition. The rest of this article will explain in detail how to do just that.

Is it okay to leave a grill in the rain

Some traditional charcoal or gas grills will be able to survive being left in the rain once or twice. But even these are best kept out in the weather. Grill grates, fasteners and other metal parts will rust over time.

Even if the cover of the grill remains in tip-top condition, the legs of the grill may corrode and lead to a shaky grilling experience. Handles and grill grates are also very sensitive to rust. Corrosion left unchecked spreads like rot in wood, causing some serious damage. Gas grills are more susceptible to damage from rain than charcoal grills since they have more parts that lack rust resistant coatings.

Grills with built in electronics fare even worse in the rain. If just one of their sensitive components gets wet in the rain or if excessive moisture stays trapped under the cover, it may prevent it from working right. These components are often difficult and costly to replace and it is far better to prevent the damage in the first place. Electric grills should never be left outside without a cover.

In addition to rust, mildew and mold can grow on your grill if it stays wet for a long time. This will give your grill a nasty odor that must be cleaned off thoroughly (it is a pain to clean) before you can cook food on your grill again.

How to protect your grill from weather

There are numerous ways to help protect your grill from the weather. Using grill covers is the most obvious and cost effective of these options. A good grill cover will protect your grill from the vast majority of weather related damage. Although, extreme humidity underneath can sometimes still be an issue. Make sure to keep your grill cover in good condition and patch any holes to ensure it continues to protect your grill from rain and snow.

A tarp that is tied down around the legs of your grill can also provide similar level of protection as a grill cover. Plus, a good tarp is going to be cheaper if you need a quick solution to protect your investment.

Other ways to cover your grill can also be effective, especially in conjunction with a grill cover or tarp. Things like a patio cover, awning, or even a barbecue canopy (otherwise known as a grill gazebo) can provide even more protection from rain, sun, or snow. Using just a patio roof as your grill’s only protection is not the best because rain and snow blown by the wind can still cause issues.

Water is no the only cause of damage to your grill. Excessive sunlight beating down on your grill can wreak havoc as well. Too much sunshine fades the protective coating on most non-stainless grills, which leaves them even more susceptible to corrosion. Sunlight also quickly ruins grill covers, rendering them useless after a year or two. Therefore, try to keep your grill shaded from direct sun.

Winterize your grill

It is also a good idea to winterize your grill in preparation for the colder months of the year. This generally involves scraping away burnt residue off the grill grates and using a degreaser to clean all the surfaces. Next, vacuum out excess charcoal bits or food from the bottom of your grill. Then clean out the grease pan, checking the igniters of the grill and finally, give the outside of your grill a good wipe down.

Once your grill is clean, there are a few extra steps to make sure your grill can last the winter. The steps are as follows:

• Shut off the gas and disconnect the propane tank from the grill.

• Coat the burners and grill grates with cooking oil so they don’t corrode during the winter.

• Wrap the burners (as well as the fuel lines and propane tank nozzle if you are keeping the grill inside) with foil to seal them off from insects that might try to nest in them and any dust that may clog the small fuel ports.

• You can store the grill with the propane tank connected if you are keeping it outside. Make sure to cover it with a grill cover or a big tarp. Don’t ever store propane tanks inside any structure of any kind, as this is a safety hazard.

What do you do if your grill gets wet

If the outside of your grill gets wet once in awhile, it is not a big deal. Make sure to check that no water seeped inside, then wipe down the outside and let it air out so it doesn’t rust.

It is a little trickier if the inside of your grill gets wet. If you have an electric pellet grill, you’ll want to disconnect it from the power source.

At this point, the next step is to take apart the grill by removing the grill covers and any other easily removed parts. Next, lay out the parts someplace to thoroughly dry. The final step is to make sure the heating elements are dry, at which point you can put the grill back together. To ensure that every bit of moisture is eliminated, fire-up the grill for about 5 minutes on high with the cover closed.

Finally, turn off the gas, let your grill cool, then apply a coating of cooking oil to rust prone components. After you are done, put on a grill cover and store it out of the weather if possible.

Should you store your grill indoors in the winter

Moving your grill inside during winter is the best way to keep snow off it. Storing it in a garage or shed also prevent animals from making your grill their new winter escape. If mice or rats have already made your grill into their private buffet and nesting site, then you’ll definitely need to check out my guide to keeping pests out of your grill.

However, make sure to never store your propane tanks inside. Gas leaks or ruptures could become disastrous. Disconnect the propane tank from any grill that is stored indoors. Instead, store your propane tank outside in a place protected from moisture. They should also be kept on a flat, sturdy surface.

How long does it take for a gas grill to rust without a cover

How long it takes for a gas grill to rust without a cover depends on a few different factors. If you live in an extremely dry area like the desert and it goes for months without rain, your grill may never rust. Even without a cover (although, sunlight will do some damage).

If you live somewhere humid where it rains a lot, your grill could begin to rust in as little as two to four days. Especially, if it doesn’t have a good coating or if it has non-stainless fasteners or parts. The metal on a grill can rust out completely in as little as 6-9 months if the rust is left untreated. I have seen many grills destroyed by rust. Yet, it is so easy to avoid if you do a little maintenance.

In addition, some grills are made of different materials with a differing percentage of carbon or other alloys. Plain iron will rust faster, while some other metals will last much longer before rusting out.

Finally, the kind of coating that your grill has on it can also help prevent rust. Powder coatings and paint can help to prevent the outside of your grill from rusting. If moisture gets on the inside of a grill, it’s a different story. The constant heating and cooling cycle from normal use accelerates corrosion. Not only will it ruin a grill, it’s not safe to eat food cooked on rusty metal. It is much more difficult to remove rust on the interior of your grill so stay diligent with prevention.

Final thoughts

Grilling is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round in some cases (winter grilling is pretty fun). Maintaining your grill properly can keep it in good condition for decades. You don’t have to let a little rain damper your fun if you wipe down the grill afterward or keep it covered. With just a simple cover, your grill could last many seasons. After all, what would summer be without a barbecue?

The post Can I Keep A BBQ Uncovered: Store Your Grill The Right Way appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

The best way to keep rodents out of your grill is by keeping the grill clean, using a quality barbecue cover and storing it indoors. Traps can also be effective, but using poison is unsafe. Before using a rodent infested grill, it is vital to remove any rodent droppings and thoroughly clean the grill.

Obviously, identifying a rodent infestation in your grill is only the first step. You still need to figure out how to eliminate the pest problem and then get your grill back into business. Plus, you need to know what other pests you may need to keep an eye out for. So, keep reading and I’ll give you the information you need.

Why do barbecues attract rats and mice

If it seems like rats and mice love crawling into your barbecue and hanging out, you aren’t alone. But why is it that they suddenly seem to flock to your barbecue even if you’ve never had a rodent problem before? Well, there are a couple simple reasons why a barbecue is a popular place for rats and mice to get into.

The first is that rats and mice smell the food remnants in your grill. Rodents have keen noses and spend most of their time sniffing around for food. Eventually, they follow the scent and track down those bits of food, grease and charred meat that often remain in your grill after cooking a meal. That’s a dream come true for mice and rats.

Rats and mice also use barbecues as shelters during cold months of the year. Your grill is their salvation, offering protection from snow, rain and cold. Plus, they get a buffet to help feed them while they hunker down. Sure, grills are great places for mice to nest, but it isn’t so great for you.

3 Foolproof ways to keep rodents out of your grill

There are some steps that you can take to make sure that your grill stays clean and free of rodents. Rather than waiting for rats to show up, it’s important that you take steps to prevent rodents from getting into your barbecue in the first place. Once rodents know your grill is a fine home, they will likely return even if your grill is clean.

Use a quality BBQ grill cover

A good barbecue cover can protect your grill from rodents. Blocking the easy paths into your grill is a good way to keep them away. However, it is important that the barbecue cover you use is of good quality. Not all grill covers are equally effective at keeping rodents out. Some materials will be easy for rodents to chew through and a floppy cover won’t even discourage rodents from entering. Keep in mind, that even the best grill cover won’t be 100 percent impenetrable.

Make sure that the barbecue cover that you purchase is of high quality. Spending more money may not directly correlate with quality, but cheaper grill covers are often made with cheaper materials. Do your research about different materials and features to figure out which is the best option. If you purchase one online, check the comments to see if anyone has had problems with rodents or tearing.

Keep the grill clean

Another way to keep rodents out of your grill is to clean it regularly. Since mice and rats are attracted to the smell of food, be sure to clean food scraps from the grill after each use. Food scraps left behind for a length of time inevitably draw in rats and mice that sniff it out. Especially, if you allow food debris to build up. Cleaning up these food scraps and burning off any left over drippings leaves little incentive for rodents to hang out.

Store it indoors

The final foolproof way to keep rodents out of your grill is to store it indoors. Rats and mice roam around outside freely, but they have a harder time getting into buildings. If you put your grill inside a shed or garage between uses, you’ll eliminate the vast majority of rodents looking for an easy feast.

Keeping your grill inside is the best option and my preferred foolproof way to keep rats and mice from getting into it. I understand that storing a grill inside after each use is totally inconvenient. Especially, since grills are generally bulky and hard to move around. If you use your grill often, this could be a deal breaker. If you don’t use your grill often, it could still end up in your way when garage space is limited.

However, if using a quality barbecue cover and cleaning your grill regularly doesn’t prevent mice and rats from getting into it, keeping your grill indoors may be your only option.

Can you use traps or poison

One of the most common ways to deal with rats and mice is to use traps or poison, so you may find yourself wanting to use these common techniques to deal with the rodents getting into your grill. But are traps or poison really the best way to deal with rodents that are congregating in your grill?

You can certainly use to traps to kill or capture rats and mice in your grill. Yet, you may not want to use traps that are too extreme because they could cause a little blood to get in your grill. This can quickly ruin your appetite if you have to clean it up right before using the grill. Preventing the rats and mice from getting into the grill or being attracted to it is definitely more convenient than trapping them once they’re there. However, it is still a good option when things get bad.

Never use poison in or around your grill to kill rats and mice. It goes without saying that using poison on or near a grill is very unsafe and you risk contaminating your food.

Always use non-chemical pest control options so you don’t get you or your family sick. When covering, cleaning, or moving the grill won’t work and the infestation is small, skip the poison and opt for traps instead.

If the rat or mouse infestation is large, you may need to call professional pest control. Covering, cleaning, or moving the grill won’t help much, nor will traps. Additionally, a severe infestation can be dangerous. If there are large numbers of mice and rats then your grill is not the root cause of your problem. Work with a professional to eliminate the true cause then think about what to do with your grill.

How do you know if rats or mice have been in a BBQ

Rats and mice don’t stick around all the time, and just because your barbecue doesn’t have any rodents in it now doesn’t mean they weren’t there earlier. You need to be able to tell when rodents have been hanging out in your barbecue so that you can cook on a clean surface and keep your food sanitary. So, how do you tell when rats or mice have been in your grill?

Often times, there will be visible signs that rats or mice have been in your grill. You may see droppings at the bottom of your grill or on the grill grates themselves. Droppings on the ground around your grill also indicates that mice probably scampered in the grill as well. There could also be a strong smell of rat or mouse urine. In addition, look for nests in your grill if it has not been used in a long time. This is especially common during the winter when rats and mice are looking for a safe place to wait out the cold.

It is important to pay attention to the physical signs that rats or mice have been in your grill, but it may not always be that obvious. Keep an eye out to see if any rodents go near your grill between uses. If your area has a rodent problem, it may be necessary to thoroughly clean the grill between each use. Even if there aren’t any physical signs that a rodent has been there, you should definitely give your grill a thorough cleaning if it has been a long time since you’ve used it.

Is it safe to use a grill that has had rodents in it

You can absolutely use a grill that has had rodents in it, but only if you clean it thoroughly first. Rodents carry harmful bacteria and parasites that can be left behind along with droppings and urine. Since you are using a grill to cook food, don’t mess around and do a deep, sterilizing clean. After cleaning, turn on the grill to blast the grates with intense heat, which will kill off all bacteria.

How to disinfect a BBQ grill the right way

It is important to know how to clean your grill properly, since cleaning your grill is a good way to avoid attracting rodents. Be sure to follow all the steps to clean your grill properly. Each type of grill is different, but here are a few basic steps anyone can follow:

1. Clear out droppings, nests, or any other loose debris from inside the grill. This may require you to hose down the inside or use a scraper.
2. Heat up the grill until any debris left on the grates or inside the grill is burned.
3. Let the grill cool down until it is safe to touch.
4. Soak the grill grates in vinegar and baking soda to break down stuck-on debris.
5. Scrub the grill grates with a stiff wire brush. Tough spots may require soap and water or grill cleaner.
6. Wipe down the grates to clear away any bristles that may have come off.
7. Rub the grate with vegetable oil to prevent food buildup and rust.
8. For charcoal grills, clean the inside with mild dish soap and a steel brush. Make sure to clean out any ash that has built up in vents.
9. For gas grills, remove the heat deflectors over the burners and wash with dish soap and water.
10. Dry the inside/deflectors with a towel to prevent rust.
11. Turn on your grill for a few minutes, allowing the heat to do a final sterilization.

Other pests to watch out for

Rats and mice are not the only pests that can ruin your barbecue party by hanging out in your grill. Ants, cockroaches, and raccoons are all attracted to the smell of food that a barbecue releases. Luckily, the methods to keep these other critters away are similar to the strategies you use on rats and mice. Cleaning the grill regularly should be your number one priority.

Ants

Ants are especially attracted to a grimy grill that hasn’t been cleaned in awhile. Plus, ants leave pheromone trails that lead other ants right back to your grill. If you have an ant infestation, you may need to use pesticides to get rid of them. Word to the wise, a leaking grease trap on your grill is like a beacon to nearby ant colonies. Dump your grease catch often.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches will not only be attracted to the food, but they may also find a large, covered barbecue to be a perfect hiding place. A covered BBQ provides just enough moisture and insulation to keep things humid and roaches love that. If you have more of a cockroach problem than a mouse or rat problem, you may need to leave the cover off of the barbecue. However, you still need to keep your grill clean. And since roaches can get in places where mice can’t, it might be better to keep your grill outside so you don’t lure them into your garage or shed.

Raccoons

Raccoons are also attracted to the smell of food, but keeping them out of your grill is similar to keeping rats and mice out. Keep it covered, keep it clean, and move it inside if they pose a real problem. You may also need to move the grill away from trees, decks, or other structures here raccoons often like to take up residence.

The post Foolproof Guide To Keep Rats And Mice Out Of Your BBQ Grill appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

Turning your gas grill into a temporary smoker isn’t complicated.  It only takes a few wood chips soaked in water.  Place the wood chips in an aluminum tray or foil and put them just within reach of direct flames.  By adjusting your heat level and grate position, you can get enough smoke to boost the flavor of any grilled meat.

As you can see, it isn’t as hard as you might think. Let’s dive deeper and explore some other methods you should try based on your gas grill model and personal preferences.

Can all gas grills be used as a smoker

Generally, most gas grills are capable of being used as a smoker. However, some may work better than others. Also, you should consider what the primary purpose of your new grill will be. If you mostly intend to barbecue and only want to add a hint of smokiness on occasion, you’ll appreciate the flexibility. On the other hand, anyone needing a smoker on a regular basis will be better off using an actual smoker rather than a converted one.

The steps required to turn your gas grill into a smoker will vary depending on the number of burners that your grill has. For example, if you have a gas grill that uses 3 burners, it is best to have one of the far-sided burners set to medium, the other side off (as this will be the indirect heat source), and the middle burner set on low.

Another setup with grills that contains an even number of burners such as 2 or 4 is to turn off half of the burners on one side while leaving the other half on high or medium.

How to set up your gas grill for smoking

To setup your gas grill for smoking, you need wood chips. Smaller wood chips are excellent for producing smoke quicker when the smoking sessions are shorter (about 30-40 minutes). However, when you’re smoking something like a brisket, you need longer smoking times so larger wood chunks are a better option. Wood chunks provide hours of smoke when placed just right and they can even help stabilize temperatures and maintain a bit of moisture.

Gas grill smoking steps

Before smoking any meat in a gas grill, it is suggested to soak your wood chips in water for 30 minutes to an hour. Soaking allows for a slow smolder that releases smoke over a longer period of time. There is some debate though on whether you need to soak wood chips at all. I say experiment with both soaked and dry chips to find out for yourself.

Next, use an aluminum tray to hold the soaked wood chips. A tray gives the wood chips a place to sit on while adding a barrier between the wood and direct flame. Since we want the chips or chunks to smolder and smoke, you need to put the tray near a low flame. This is where a multi-burner grill is essential.

At a minimum, you’ll want a 2 burner gas grill to make the smoking process more effective. A 3 burner grill is even better. Try putting one burner at the lowest possible setting and placing the wood tray over it. Place your meat on the unlit portion of the grill.

The goal is to produce enough heat to cook the meat low and slow. This may mean adjusting the burner settings, grate positions, and experimenting with meat and wood chip placement.

Regardless of how you ultimately setup the grill, make sure your grill can maintain a low temperature of 195–225 degrees Fahrenheit so it cooks the meat properly.

How do you monitor the temperature in a gas grill accurately

Once you have started smoking your meat, you need to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust it when necessary. If you have a gas grill that has a built-in thermometer, use it. However, if you do not have a gas grill with this feature, there are a couple methods to ensure cooking temperatures are where they need to be.

Hand test

The first method is using the “hand” technique but it is not very accurate, as you can’t determine the exact temperature of the gill with your hand. But you can get close enough. Place your hand about 3 inches from the grill. If you can keep it there between 7-9 seconds, you may need to increase the temperature. If you can only keep it near the grill for 2-4 seconds, you will likely need to lower the temperature.

Instant-read meat probe

You can also use a probe thermometer to check the temperature of your grill but this has issues too. A probe thermometer connected via wire to a digital display can be used to measure the internal temperature of meat being smoked or the heat of the grill itself. Ultimately, you should monitor both but start with dialing in the low temperature setting on your grill first.

Instead of measuring the grill’s surface temperature, you need to measure the heat inside the closed grill. This means you don’t want the temperature probe making contact with the metal grill. You also don’t want to get the probe cable caught in a flame. I use a balled up piece of foil as a stand for the probe and place it on the indirect heat side of the grill. This gives a fairly accurate reading of the internal temperature.

Keep in mind, that once you figure out the right settings for a slow smoke on your grill, you don’t need to monitor the grill’s temperature as closely. At that point, it is more important to use the temperature probe to watch the internal temperature of the meat being cooked.

How to use wood chips on a grill

When it comes to using wood chips, timing is important. Primarily, understand that the wood chips/chunks should be put on the grill before the meat. You need the wood to heat up and start producing smoke. Make sure to lower the heat immediately when you see signs of smoke to avoid flare up. Now add your meat to the grill and dial in the cooking temperature. Adding your meat before the chips makes it challenging to control the cook time and temperature inside the grill.

Place the wood chips/chunks in an aluminum tray or a smoker box. If you do not have a tray for the wood chips, layer aluminum sheets on the bottom of the grill. A smoker box greatly enhances the smoking process since that is what it’s designed to do.

Other than that, any method of placing your wood chips/chunks will get the job done. Also, for larger meat products, wood chunks are favored over chips to extend smoking time. You can also punch a few holes in the aluminum encasing the wood chips to help exhaust smoke gradually.

Finally, a pellet smoker tube is a fantastic option for simplifying the gas grill smoking process. It’s similar to the smoker box, but instead of chips, you can use pellets. You don’t soak the pellets and they produce a more even smoke.

Do I need to soak wood chips for a gas grill

You absolutely can soak the wood chips you will be using in a gas grill, but it is not required. According to a friend who helped me gain more insight about using wood chips in gas grills, soaking the wood chips will make the wood chips last longer but it can also add unwanted moisture to the grill. It is technically better to skip the soaking process if you just want a quick blast of smoke for a touch of smokey flavor as opposed to doing low-and-slow cooking.

Also, water soaked chips prolong the heating process. I also think that the quality of the finished smoked meat is less than ideal. In the end, using unsoaked wood is better for the meat’s quality in taste and appearance. If you care about the wood’s longevity, you may consider soaking it and then proceed with the same process.

Do smoker boxes work on a grill

Smoker boxes are excellent at producing even smoke from wood chips or chunks, and they can be used on almost any gas grill. Though not required, they are a great option if you have or want to use one. As with a regular aluminum foil, treat the smoker box with care and make sure any flare-ups are avoided when you see the first sign of smoke. Smoker boxes are simple, easy to use and convenient.

There are two types of smoker boxes: stick-burner and embedded. The stick-burner smoker box is the traditional smoker box that is separate from the gas grill. It therefore allows you to choose where to place it in the grill and what wood to place in it.

Embedded smoker boxes are built into your grill, so you don’t have a choice as to where it goes. Since it is built-in, minimal cleaning is required and you won’t have to purchase one separately. But I would prefer having the ability to dial in my smoking setup with a moveable smoker box.

Will a gas grill smoke all types of meats

You can smoke any type of meat in your gas grill smoker as long as it can fit into the grill and still be a reasonable distance from the heat and allows for the proper use of wood chips. The type of meat you smoke will depend on your personal preferences and what you think will taste good when smoked. Meat types such as beef, wild game, pork, and poultry are commonly smoked.

Always make sure that smoked meat is fully cooked before eating. Undercooked pork or poultry can make you extremely sick. When checking the temperature of the grill, also check the temperature of the meat. Larger chunks of meat will take longer than smaller chunks, so keep that in mind.

Best wood chips to use on a gas grill

It goes without saying that the type of wood chips you use when smoking meat has a huge influence on the flavor of the meat.

Perhaps one of the most popular types of wood to use for smoking meat is oak. Most will agree that oak is a perfect type of wood for a base flavor that doesn’t over power the natural flavors of meat and seasonings. Because of oak’s mild smoke and subtle flavor profile, it pairs well with virtually every king of meat.

Mesquite wood is another popular smoke flavor but it has a sharper and more powerful taste. It also burns and smokes quickly, making it convenient for short cook times.

Hickory is a staple wood for every backyard pit master. It is the classic smoke flavor for ribs, brisket and poultry. However, be careful with hickory. It is a powerful smoke and quickly leads to a bitter taste if the smoke is overdone. Especially, on poultry.

These wood types are the most common, however, other wood chips such as apple or maple are worthy contenders as well. If you want, you can even mix two types of wood chips together when smoking meat on your gas grill.

Just be sure use the right wood chips for your meat. Not sure? Then definitely checkout this guide explaining the best type of wood chips for any kind of meat.

Parting words

Hopefully, I have shown you that there is an affordable and easy method of converting your gas grill into a perfectly capable smoker. Just be sure to follow all of the proper steps and be patient when you are first trying it out. It may take a couple tries to dial in the smoke to meet your needs.

The post How To Turn Your Gas Grill Into A Smoker Like A Pro appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

One of the biggest hurdles when installing a new fireplace of any kind is determining how to vent the combustion exhaust. With a tradition wood stove or fire place, you need some sort of chimney that releases wood smoke well above your roof line. But do you need a chimney for a pellet stove?

Luckily, pellet stoves do not need a chimney to safely operate in most homes. As long as your pellet stove is installed next to an exterior wall, all you need is a small vent routed through the wall to the outdoors which means even homes without an existing chimney can still enjoy the function of a pellet stove. You can, however, install a pellet stove in such a way as to utilize an existing chimney if desired.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg though when it comes to pellet stove installation. If you are still trying to figure out if you’ll be able to install a pellet stove in your home, keep reading for everything you need to know.

What is a pellet stove

A pellet stove burns compressed wood pellets as a way to heat your home without the hassle of a wood burning fire. It is a much safer and more environmentally friendly way of heating your home according to the United States Department of Energy.

Traditional wood-burning appliances emit large quantities of air pollution such as carbon monoxide, organic gases and particulate matter. A pellet stove greatly minimizes these dangerous pollutants while being affordable at the same time.

Does a pellet stove need air intake

Not all pellet stoves need a fresh air intake but there is always an external vent to discard exhaust fumes. However, an external fresh air intake is sometimes required depending on your location. Be sure to check with local housing laws to determine the rules where you live.

As a rule of thumb, fresh air intake is only required if the pellet stove is in a mobile home but it may also be needed if you have a very air-tight home or if the stove is located in a basement.

Are there ventless pellet stoves

No, there are no true ventless pellet stoves. Some stoves may be marketed as “ventless” but they usually just have the vent placed at the rear of the stove and are meant to be routed out a much smaller external vent than normal. They also do not have the traditional large vents at the top or rear of the stove that help distribute heat. Because of this, “ventless” style pellet stoves are best for small spaces.

How do you vent a pellet stove without a chimney

All pellet stoves need a way to vent unclean or harmful air. This can be done through a chimney but it’s not required. So how does a pellet stove vent without a chimney? There are freestanding pellet stoves available but they still need a vent installed on an external wall.

When choosing the vent location, it must be done through your home’s exterior wall. A pellet stove should be installed with adequate space away from the wall. This gives your stove some breathing room and prevents accidents. All fire safety codes should be followed. If you are unsure, seek professional advice.

Can you install a pellet stove with a chimney

You can install a pellet stove either with a new or existing chimney. However, adding a wall vent is way cheaper than installing a new chimney. Installing a pellet stove with an existing chimney requires a chimney liner.

This is a metal pipe that is attached to the stove at one end and extends through the chimney with the other. It’s hard to tell if you install a chimney adapter wrong. To avoid accidental damage to your home, contact a professional for the chimney liner to be installed.

How does a pellet stove work

A pellet stove is more environmentally friendly than a traditional wood-burning stove and this is what makes them so popular. A pellet stove achieves this by being dependent on electricity and some well-thought-out mechanics. But before we review how this is done, let us go over some terminology.

To put these words into perspective, place the pellets into your stove’s hopper. The auger will feed the pellets into the burn pot which will start to burn through an electrical ignition. Once the pellets are burning, the convection blower sucks indoor air to the burn pot and creates heated air.

To create cleaner air, the hot air will move through the heat exchangers which will then transfer to your home. To get rid of the dirty or harmful exhaust, it needs to leave the stove completely. Most stoves have installed piping at the back of the stove or through a chimney to get rid of toxic air.

How do I choose a pellet stove

When choosing a pellet stove, you must observe where it will be placed and the space you want to heat. If your stove is too big, it can be a fire risk, overheat your home, or in some cases, increase air pollution from excess fuel waste.

For reference, a pellet stove that is rated at 60,000 Btu (British Thermal Units) heats a 2,000 square foot space. A stove rated at 42,000 Btu heats around 1,300 square feet.

Conclusion

Now that you understand how a pellet stove operates, hopefully it won’t seem so daunting to install one in your home. The fact that all you need is small vent on an exterior wall makes it possible for almost any homeowner to enjoy the feel of wood fired heat.

Whether you already have a chimney or don’t have a chimney at all, pellets stoves are a strong contender compared to traditional wood stoves or even a gas fireplace.

The post Do Pellet Stoves Need A Chimney: All You Need To Know appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

It seems like every other week there is some new sale going on.  No one likes wasting money and grills aren’t cheap.  So when is the best time of year to buy a new grill?

More often than not, the best time of year to buy a new grill is August through October.  Peak grilling season is over and retailers are looking to off-load excess inventory.  And usually at a steep discount.  Historically, almost all retailers have their biggest money saving deals during Labor Day weekend.  

Can’t wait until the end of summer to buy a grill?  Well, I don’t blame you.  Luckily, there are many sales found throughout the year on barbecues and some are better than others.  Either way, you don’t want to miss the best time to buy a grill so read on for more shopping secrets. 

Peak season deals are few and far between

Peak grilling season generally stretches April through July.  Most shoppers wanting to get their hands on a new grill this time of year won’t find many deals.  Demand is high and retailers know they have the upper hand.  

That’s not to say you won’t see any sales but they seldom offer big savings like other times during the year.  Plus, most of the peak season sales aren’t actually discounts on the grill.  Instead, they are just package deals with a few tantalizing grilling accessories thrown in to sweeten the pot and entice customers to hand over their cash.

Peak season holidays like Memorial Day, Father’s Day and occasionally Fourth of July weekend are your best bet for money saving deals on a grill.  It takes some shopping around and price matching to eke out the best deal but it can be done.     

Big savings for fall shoppers

Fall is every grilling aficionado’s favorite time of year.  Peak season demand plummets and retailers are scrambling to sell excess inventory.  Unsold barbecues get marked way down in price.  For those needing a new barbecue, this is your chance.

When is this magical time where grilling season ends and the grill sale season begins?  Well, that depends.  There is no official date indicating the end of grilling season but mid-August is when many attractive deals start showing up.  It varies by retailer, so keep an eye out for the best sales.

However, don’t be too hasty.  While it might be tempting to buy a grill during the first end-of-summer sale, you could save even more.  Labor Day sales are often retailers last chance to sell left over grills.  As a result, you’ll probably see the biggest sales of the year at this time.  15-30% off is not uncommon.  That means hundreds of dollars left in your pocket.

The savings are certainly big but grills bought at this time of year might not get much use until next season.  Find a safe place to store it and you’ll have something to look forward to.

Steep winter discounts 

Being cooped up during the long cold winter is enough to get anyone dreaming about fun in the sun.  Instead of dreaming about summer barbecues and warm weather, spend your winter shopping for a new grill.  Not only will it pass the time but there are savings to be found.

Christmas, New Year’s and even Presidents’ Day sales are the perfect time to find cheap grills at many retailers.  Almost no one is buying barbecues December through February so many box stores and online retailers are itching to make a few sales.  

As March roles around, next year’s barbecue models are getting delivered to stores and last year’s models have got to go.  That makes March an ideal time to snatch up last year’s models at ridiculously cheap prices.  I have even heard of people making their own deals with store managers at big retailers.  

Watch for late winter deals and don’t be afraid to haggle.  At the end of the day, the grills need to sell before new models show up so you are in control.

Holiday sales

Tis the season for shopping sales.  Now days, most holidays simply give retailers an excuse to market just about everything.  While that might not be the best way to celebrate important dates, there is no denying you can save huge by shopping during these most festive times.

Not all holiday sales are created equal so here is a line-up of the special dates and holidays when grills usually go on sale:

• New Year’s
• Valentines Day (varies by retailer)
• St. Patrick’s Day
• Easter
• Mother’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Father’s Day
• First Day of Summer
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Black Friday
• Cyber Monday
• Christmas

Scratch and dent floor models

Many retailers still offer decent margins for shoppers willing to buy the floor model.  These are the grills that have been on display all season for customers to try out and touch.

Floor model grills often come with a few scratches and dings but savvy shoppers see those imperfections as money saving opportunities.  If you time it right and talk to a manager, you may be able to ask for a discount.  5-10% is common.  And that is usually on top of current sale prices.  

Floor model discounts seldom occur during peak season when shoppers out number the grills but fall and winter are the perfect time to key in on less than perfect grills still sitting in the store.  

Used grill bonanza

So many people overlook the used market for amazing deals on grills.  If you want o save 50% or more, then hunt down a used grill.  As grilling season gets under way, used grills start showing up on Craigslist, at garage sales and on other classifieds.

April through August are the best times to find quality used grills.  Most of these grills are sold by someone looking to upgrade and needing a few bucks to help foot the bill. Sure, there are plenty of junkers out there but with a little searching and some patience, you might find a gem.    

Barbecue deals online

With more shoppers turning to the internet for the bulk of their buying needs, it’s fair to say that a few good sales exist online.  

Amazon’s Prime Day sale (actually a 48 hour event) is among the biggest shopping events of the year.  Anyone looking to save money on their next barbecue grill shouldn’t miss it.  

Other giant retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, and Ace Hardware host similar sale events on Prime Day or during other times of the year.  Shoppers that check those websites often are well prepared to take advantage of some great deals.

And don’t forget about Cyber Monday sales too.  Deals on this day don’t benefit grill shoppers as often but it is still a good time to check.  Especially, if you aren’t afraid to buy a barbecue online.

How to recognize a good deal

It’s tough to spot a deal if you don’t even know what a barbecue usually costs in the first place.  The flashy sign on the grill you’re looking at might list a sale price that isn’t any different than the store just across town that’s not having a sale.  Don’t be fooled.  Do your research so that you can separate fake sales from the real ones.

Start by figuring out your budget and then look at grills within that price range.  Pick a few top contenders on your wish list.  Now all you have to do is keep an eye out for sales on the specific grills you want.  Compare the sale prices to the “msrp” to see how much you are saving.  

Anything less than 10% is not really a sale worth getting excited over.  In my book, a truly good deal on a grill is at least 15-20% off.  

Not sure what grills should cost or what is a reasonable price to pay?  Well, I’ve got you covered in my other recent article.  Take a look to find out what grills cost and how to find one that fits any budget. 

Your grill shopping cheat sheet

Need a simplified guide that helps you check for the best times to buy a new grill?  Well, here it is.  This calendar summarizes the key sales of the year and when you can expect to get the best grills at the lowest prices.  

The takeaway 

The goal of any company is to get you, the shopper, to buy their stuff.  Fortunately, this gives you the upper hand.  It’s your choice when you want to spend your money so wait for those awesome sales and not only will you save big bucks, you’ll also get the grill of your summer time dreams.

If there is only one critical point you get from this article, it should be this:  Resist the temptation to buy a new grill during peak grilling season (April through July). 

Instead, wait for sales during Labor Day weekend, fall close-out sales and winter holiday sales.  Your patience will be rewarded.

The post Don’t Miss The Best Times To Buy A Grill appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

For those of us who love wood heat, the hunt for cheap firewood is a never ending quest.  In fact, scavenging for a big haul of free wood is something of a hobby for many.  

If you’re fed up with paying a big stack of money for a not so big stack of firewood, then you just may want to join in the hunt.  Finding cheap or free firewood is not as hard as you may think.  With a little networking and some poking around, you’ll be surprised just how much cheap firewood is actually available.

So where can you reliably find cheap firewood?  Here are 7 of the best ways to get a hold of cheap or free firewood that won’t let you down.

1.  Check out construction sites

It seems like everywhere you look there is new construction.  Small towns are expanding and urban sprawl is still going strong.  While hundreds of new homes might not be what you hoped for in your neck of the woods, there is a silver lining.  Wood scraps!  And lots of it.

Most home building projects generate a fair bit of wood scraps that need to be hauled away.  And that costs money.  So, the next time you pass by a new home development, stop and see if you could be of service.  Ask a foreman on the job if there is any wood you can take off their hands.  It’s free firewood for you and more money in the homebuilder’s pocket.  

Just remember to avoid treated lumber or wood products with adhesives like OSB or CDX plywood sheets.  These materials are not safe to burn.  Instead, search for clean, dry lumber like 2x4s or 2x6s scraps.  Don’t believe me? Check out my post about the hidden dangers of burning treated lumber.

Bonus tip:  Try not to bother a construction crew hard at work.  Time is money for these guys and interruptions are not always appreciated.  Try timing your search for free wood during their lunch breaks.  You’re more likely to catch them in a generous mood.

2.  Make friends with local landscapers

If there is one thing landscapers do a lot of, it’s trimming trees.  As is the case with construction debris, all those tree limbs and chunks of wood need to get hauled away and dumped.  Once again, this is where you come in.  Put in a little work and you may be able to make friends with your local landscape crew by helping them get rid of all that wonderful firewood.  

More than likely, it’s going to cost them some money to dump all those branches at a recycle center.  Not to mention, it takes time and effort to load piles of branches into a truck or trailer.  Offer to come out to the job site and load your truck up with the larger branches yourself.  Who will say no to free labor?  Then, head home and cut it to size at your leisure.

After building a relationship with a productive crew of landscapers, they may think to call you up every time they chunk up a tree.  It could potentially be an endless supply of free firewood.  

3.  Call up a sawmill or lumber yard

Not everyone has a sawmill or lumber yard close to home but for those that do, they are a potential gold mine of excellent firewood.  Sawmills process huge amounts of timber to make lumber.  However, not every part of a tree gets turned into a usable product and all the leftovers need to be discarded.  

Typically, mills pay to have all that wood taken away so they are often willing to let people like you and me take a load or two of their hands if we ask nice.  In most cases, mill operators let you take all you want but don’t be surprised if they ask for a few bucks in return.  Sawmills are businesses after all.  Even so, it’s still among the cheapest source of firewood you’ll find.

Sure, you may not have a sawmill handy in your neck of the woods but lumber yards are everywhere.  Unlike Home Depot or Lowes, local lumber yards handle vast amounts of wood.  Therefore, you can bet that they have wood scraps laying around.  My local lumber yard even has a big bin filled with free wood all the time.  All it takes is a quick phone call to your local lumber yard to find out if they have some too.

4.  Ask your neighbors

Chances are your neighbors could be a great source of firewood.  Not everyone burns firewood for heat but most people have trees in their yards or know someone who does.  Start networking with your neighbors to let them know you are on the hunt for firewood.  

Now, the next time a fallen tree needs to be removed, you’ll be the one they call.  It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for downed trees after a storm passes through your town.  Many people don’t like to hassle with cutting up fallen trees and will gladly take your offer to cut it up.  

5.  Find more wood online

When local sources run dry, it’s time to expand your search for firewood.  Among the most productive places to find loads of cheap or free firewood is on the internet.  Classifieds such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp have countless listings of people hoping to get rid of unsightly piles of wood, pallets or tree debris.  

Not all ads are created equal though.  Cheap firewood might be cheap for a reason.  Watch out for rotten or low quality wood.  For that reason, I prefer ads with pictures so I don’t waste a trip out to the location only to find that it’s not what I expected.   

6.  Obtain public land firewood permits

Public lands like National Forests, BLM land and State Forest land have an abundance of quality firewood.  You can obtain wood cutting permits from each government agency for as little as $20.  Most permits allow for up to 3 or 4 cords of wood to be cut with a nominal fee for additional cords.

Since we don’t all have access to plentiful sources of firewood, public land firewood permits are the ideal way to stockpile enough wood to last the entire year.  Bear in mind that obtaining a permit does not entitle you to cut anything you want. 

Each permit for the various lands has specific regulations and rules you must follow.  Typically, only deadfalls and downed timber is legal to cut with a valid firewood permit.  That means you’ll need to cover some distance on forest roads to get your share of wood.  

7.  Place a wanted ad for firewood

Sometimes it’s better to let the firewood find you instead of hunting it down yourself. Try placing a wanted ad online.  Craigslist is a good marketplace with a high volume of local traffic.  There is always someone looking to off-load some unneeded wood that will bolster up your firewood stash for the winter.  

Improve the odds that you’ll get quality wood by specifying exactly what type of wood you are looking for.  Otherwise, you may end up with a lot of calls begging you to haul away a rotten pile of fence boards or decaying tree limbs.  

Final Thoughts

There is nothing wrong with buying pre-split, seasoned wood from a reputable firewood dealer.  But you will pay top dollar for the convenience.  It’s well worth the time and effort to find cheaper sources of firewood and it’s usually easier than you think.  

As a final note of caution, make sure you always ask for permission from landowners before assuming that any wood laying around is free for the taking. 

The post 7 Fail-Proof Ways To Find Cheap or Free Firewood appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.