Caring for Your Maze Outdoor Kitchen
Maze outdoor kitchens are designed for outdoor living and manufactured using durable, weather-resistant materials. With regular cleaning and maintenance, your kitchen can continue to look its best and provide years of enjoyment.
As with all outdoor furniture and cooking equipment, regular cleaning is important to prevent dirt, grease and debris from building up.
General Cleaning
For everyday cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a mild soap solution.
We recommend regularly cleaning the following areas:
- Kitchen cabinets, doors and handles
- Worktops and food preparation surfaces
- Shelves, drawers and storage compartments
- BBQ surfaces and cooking components, where fitted
- Areas where food residue, grease or debris may collect
Once cleaned, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth where possible.
Important: Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, wire brushes or scouring pads on the kitchen surfaces, as these may damage the finish.
Do not use pressure washers directly on the kitchen units, BBQs or electrical components.
Aluminised Steel Cabinets & Doors
The Maze Ember kitchen cabinetry is designed to withstand normal outdoor conditions and requires minimal maintenance.
To keep your cabinets looking their best:
- Clean regularly using warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Remove food spills, grease and dirt promptly.
- Dry cabinet surfaces after cleaning wherever possible.
- Avoid dragging sharp objects across the powder-coated finish.
- Check cabinet handles, hinges and moving components periodically.
Exposure to sunlight and changing weather conditions may naturally cause some changes in appearance over time.
Although designed for outdoor use, the cabinets are not completely watertight. Avoid storing moisture-sensitive belongings inside.
Sintered Stone Worktops
Maze Ember kitchens feature premium sintered stone worktops, chosen for their durability, low maintenance and contemporary appearance.
To protect your worktops and maintain their finish:
- Clean regularly using warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth.
- Remove food, drink, oil and grease spills promptly.
- Always use chopping boards when preparing food.
- Use suitable trivets or heat-resistant mats beneath very hot cookware.
- Avoid impacts from heavy or sharp objects, particularly around worktop edges.
- Avoid abrasive cleaning products, scouring pads and harsh chemicals.
Although sintered stone is a hard-wearing material, appropriate care will help preserve its appearance and reduce the risk of accidental surface damage.
BBQ Cleaning & Maintenance
If your outdoor kitchen includes a gas or charcoal barbecue, regular cleaning is essential to maintain its appearance, cooking performance and safe operation.
After cooking:
- Allow the BBQ to cool completely before cleaning.
- Remove food residue and excess grease from the cooking surfaces using suitable cleaning tools.
- Empty and clean grease collection trays regularly, where fitted.
- Wipe external surfaces with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
- Allow cleaned components to dry thoroughly before storing or covering.
- For charcoal grills, remove ash only after it has cooled completely.
Important: Do not allow grease to accumulate within the BBQ, as this can increase the risk of flare-ups and affect cooking performance.
Always follow the specific cleaning instructions supplied with your barbecue, particularly for cooking grids, burners and other specialist components.
Gas BBQs & Gas Connections
If your Maze outdoor kitchen includes a gas BBQ, regular checks are important for safe operation.
- Check gas hoses and connections regularly for visible signs of damage or deterioration.
- Ensure connections are secure and follow the manufacturer's instructions for checking for leaks.
- Keep burners and gas components free from excessive grease and debris.
- Always turn off the gas supply when the BBQ is not in use.
- Never modify gas components or attempt unauthorised repairs.
- Store and use gas bottles only in accordance with the BBQ and gas bottle manufacturer's safety instructions.
Gas Safety: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the gas supply if safe to do so. Do not use naked flames or operate electrical switches nearby. Follow the manufacturer's emergency safety instructions.
Gas repairs or alterations should be carried out by a suitably qualified professional.
Outdoor Fridges & Electrical Appliances
If your outdoor kitchen includes a fridge, lighting or other electrical appliances, these should be maintained according to the individual appliance manufacturer's instructions.
For outdoor fridges:
- Keep ventilation openings clear and unobstructed.
- Clean internal surfaces regularly and remove food or drink spills promptly.
- Keep fridge door seals clean and free from debris.
- Check cables and electrical connections periodically for visible damage.
- Keep electrical fittings and connections clean and dry.
- Follow the appliance manufacturer's guidance regarding winter operation, shutdown and storage.
Do not attempt to modify or repair electrical components yourself. If an appliance appears damaged or develops a fault, stop using it and seek professional advice.
Weather Protection & Water Ingress
Maze outdoor kitchens are manufactured using durable materials designed to withstand normal outdoor conditions throughout the year.
However, outdoor kitchen cabinets should not be considered completely watertight.
During heavy or wind-driven rain, water may enter around cabinet doors, joints, drawer openings or appliances.
To help protect your kitchen:
- Keep cabinet doors and drawers securely closed when not in use.
- Do not store moisture-sensitive or valuable belongings inside outdoor kitchen cabinets.
- Check cabinets and appliances after periods of severe weather.
- Remove standing water and allow affected areas to dry.
- Where using a compatible protective cover, ensure the kitchen is cool and dry before covering and follow the cover manufacturer's instructions.
Although a sheltered position may provide additional protection from direct rain, any BBQ must still have suitable ventilation and clearance in accordance with its manufacturer's safety instructions.
Winter Care & Seasonal Maintenance
Your Maze outdoor kitchen is designed to remain outdoors throughout the year, but some simple preventative maintenance before winter will help keep it in good condition.
Before periods of prolonged cold or severe weather, we recommend:
- Thoroughly cleaning cabinets, worktops and exposed surfaces.
- Cleaning the BBQ and removing food residue and grease build-up.
- Emptying grease trays and removing cooled ash from charcoal equipment.
- Cleaning and checking the inside of cabinets and drawers.
- Checking hinges, handles, doors and worktops for signs of damage.
- Inspecting gas hoses and electrical cables for visible signs of wear.
- Ensuring drainage and ventilation areas remain clear.
- Following individual appliance instructions for winter storage or seasonal shutdown.
If your outdoor kitchen includes a sink, ensure that any water supply and plumbing are suitably protected against freezing in accordance with the plumbing manufacturer's instructions.
Always follow the relevant manufacturer's guidance before disconnecting, draining or storing appliances and equipment for winter.
Important Care Information
These are general care recommendations for Maze outdoor kitchen units. Some products may contain specialist materials, BBQ components, plumbing or electrical appliances that require additional care.
Always refer to the individual manufacturer's operating, maintenance and safety instructions supplied with your product. Where those instructions differ from this general guidance, the product-specific instructions should be followed.
