Northwoods Grills — Alfresco FAQs

Your guide to cooking, dining, and entertaining outdoors with Northwoods Grills. From setting up an alfresco kitchen to year-round outdoor cooking, here are the answers our customers ask most. Still curious? Reach out and our team will be glad to help.

Getting Started Outdoors

What is alfresco cooking?
Alfresco simply means cooking and dining in the open air. Our grills and smokers are built to be the centerpiece of an outdoor kitchen or patio, so you can prepare full meals outside rather than just the occasional burger.

Which grill is right for my outdoor space?
For compact patios and balconies, our smaller cart and tabletop models work well. For larger yards and built-in alfresco kitchens, our freestanding grills and offset smokers give you more cooking area and storage. Each product page lists footprint and cooking dimensions.

Can your grills be built into an outdoor kitchen?
Yes. Several models are available as built-in units designed to drop into a masonry or framed surround. Look for the built-in option on the product page, and contact us for cutout dimensions before you build.

Outdoor Cooking and Fuel

What fuel types do you offer?
Depending on the model, we build charcoal, hardwood, propane, and natural gas grills and smokers. Each is engineered for steady heat and even cooking in open-air conditions.

Can I convert a propane grill to natural gas?
Many of our gas models can be converted with an official conversion kit. We recommend having the conversion done by a qualified technician. Contact us to confirm compatibility for your specific model.

How do your grills perform in wind and cold weather?
Our heavy-gauge steel construction and insulated lids hold heat well, so you can cook comfortably year-round. In very cold or windy conditions, allow extra preheating time and position the grill so the lid opens away from the prevailing wind.

Weatherproofing and Placement

Are Northwoods grills weatherproof?
Our grills are built for outdoor life with corrosion-resistant stainless and powder-coated finishes. For the longest life, we recommend a fitted cover and storing the grill under shelter when possible.

How far should a grill be from my house or structures?
Always follow your local fire codes, but as a general guideline keep the grill several feet away from walls, railings, eaves, and any combustible structures, and never operate it indoors or in an enclosed space.

Care, Warranty and Support

How do I maintain my grill for outdoor use?
Keep grates seasoned, empty ash and grease regularly, wipe down exterior surfaces, and use a fitted cover between cooks. A full care guide ships with every grill.

What warranty covers outdoor wear?
All Northwoods grills carry a limited lifetime warranty on welds and the cooking chamber and a 5-year warranty on hardware and components against defects in materials and workmanship. Normal weathering and surface patina are part of outdoor cooking and are not considered defects.

Where can I get replacement parts?
Grates, burners, covers, and other components are available through our parts catalog or by contacting our support team with your model name.