Key Takeaways

• Grills need to be cleaned and disconnected from fuel sources, and loose parts must be removed before moving a grill.
• You should wait at least 24 hours after using your grill before moving it.
• You can protect your grill with moving blankets and by securing it in place with ratchet straps.
• Different types of grills, such as ceramic and pellet grills, face different challenges during transport.
• Storage Hub makes it easy to find a convenient storage location near you for offseason grill storage.

Moving a grill from point A to B isn’t as easy as you might think. Even if you have a basic charcoal grill, following the proper steps to transport it makes a big difference. If you want to learn how to move a grill safely, securely, and efficiently, this detailed guide has you covered.

• Step 1: Make Sure the Grill Is Cool Before Transport
• Step 2: Deep Clean the Grill
• Step 3: Disconnect and Remove Fuel Sources
• Step 4: Disassemble Loose Parts
• Step 5: Secure the Grill Lid
• Step 6: Protect the Grill
• Step 7: Load Using the Proper Equipment
• Step 8: Transport Your Grill
• Moving Considerations for Specific Grill Types
• Tips for Transporting a Grill
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Move Your Grill Safely and Efficiently

Step 1: Make Sure the Grill Is Cool Before Transport

If you’ve recently used your grill, let it cool off before transporting it. Grills are designed to retain heat, so they can stay warm longer than you might think. Wait at least 24 hours from the last time you used your grill before loading it up and transporting it.

You can make sure your grill is ready to transport by checking if it’s cool to the touch. If you don’t feel any heat, you’re good to go.

Step 2: Deep Clean the Grill

Start by emptying the drip pan if your grill has one; this is where the grease collects when it drips from the grill. Use warm water and soap to remove any built-up residue from the bottom of the drip pan, then let it dry. Next, remove and empty the ash collector and wipe it clean with a damp rag. It’s also important to clean the grates of your grill to remove food residue to avoid attracting unwanted pests.

Whether you’re moving a grill from one home to another or storing your stuff during deployment, proper cleaning helps prevent deterioration and messes during transport.

Step 3: Disconnect and Remove Fuel Sources 

If you have a gas grill, disconnect and remove the propane tank or gas line. Close the valve tightly to make sure no gas is leaking out, and transport the tank and grill separately.

For charcoal grills, remove any leftover briquettes and ash inside the grill. You can also wipe down the inside of the grill with a damp rag to remove any leftover ash and minimize the amount of cleaning you have to do later.

Step 4: Disassemble Loose Parts

Next, disassemble any loose parts that might move around during transport. This includes the grates, side shelves, and lid, depending on the grill model. 

Side shelves don’t need to be removed if they’re attached by screws, but you can still remove them if you want to minimize the size and weight of your grill. Make sure you keep screws and other hardware in a bag for later reassembly.

Step 5: Secure the Grill Lid 

If you’re leaving the lid of your grill on, secure the lid to prevent it from opening or moving around during transport. You can secure the grill lid by placing a cover over the top of the grill and cinching it tightly to keep everything in place. If you don’t have a grill cover, you can use rope or ratchet straps to keep the lid tightly closed.

Step 6: Protect the Grill

Drape moving blankets over the top of your grill before you load it into your moving truck so it doesn’t get scratched or damage other belongings in the truck. It’s also important to load your grill away from potentially fragile items. Even with moving blankets covering your grill, it’s still heavy enough to damage fragile items, such as mirrors and glass furniture.

Step 7: Load Using the Proper Equipment 

Proper loading is a crucial step when it comes to moving a grill. If you’re loading your grill onto a moving truck or pickup truck with a ramp, wheel the grill up the ramp to prevent damage and make loading easier.

If you have to lift your grill to load it into the truck, lift from the base instead of the sides. The base provides more support, so you can safely lift your grill without damaging it.

Once your grill is in position, lock the wheels. If your grill doesn’t have locking wheels, you can use ratchet straps to keep it in place during transport. Alternatively, nestle the wheels into folded cardboard or towels to keep it from moving.

Never lay a grill on its side. This could result in significant damage to the exterior of the grill.

Step 8: Transport Your Grill

Now that you’ve secured the grill in the vehicle and positioned it upright, it’s time to transport it. The best way to transport a grill is to choose a simple, slow route. The goal is to keep the grill from tipping over, which is easier to achieve at slower speeds. As long as you’ve got your grill properly secured in your truck, moving it safely shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Moving Considerations for Specific Grill Types

There are different factors to consider when moving a charcoal grill vs. a gas grill. Make sure you take these moving considerations into account for specific grill types.

Charcoal grills

Charcoal grills use charcoal briquettes as fuel, and those briquettes produce a lot of ashes. Before you move your charcoal grill, remove the ash catcher and empty any ash and leftover briquettes to prevent messes.

Gas grills

It’s important to disconnect your gas grill from the fuel source before transporting it and shut off the valve. You may also want to tape a piece of cardboard over the control panel to keep the plastic knobs from snapping off when moving a gas grill.

Pellet grills

Pellets can expand and jam your grill’s motor if they get damp during a move. If you have a pellet grill like a Traeger, vacuum out the hopper and the auger to make sure there are no leftover pellets that might expand during the move.

Ceramic (Kamado) grills

Ceramic grills are very heavy and especially fragile. Make sure you have at least two people when loading a ceramic grill, or use a specialized lifting device. Use extra padding on the interior and exterior to keep the ceramic from cracking.

Smokers 

Smokers should be moved using a sturdy dolly or hand truck because they’re bulkier and heavier than traditional grills. For steep inclines, consider using a come-along to pull the unit up safely.

Tips for Transporting a Grill

Here are a few tips for moving your grill:

• Remove loose parts. Loose parts can be a hazard when you’re moving a grill, so remove any loose parts and transport them separately to keep them from falling off during transport.
• Keep it clean. Cleaning your grill before you move it is the best way to minimize messes in the truck and simplify setup. Clean ash trays, drip pans, and other problem areas before moving a grill.
• Use accessories. From dollies to moving blankets and ratchet straps, don’t be afraid to use a few accessories to make moving your grill a little easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size vehicle do I need for moving a grill?

The vehicle size requirements for moving a grill will vary based on the size of the grill, but it’s best to use a pickup truck or flatbed to move grills.

What is the best way to move a grill across a long distance?

Disassembling loose parts and properly securing the grill inside the truck bed is the best way to move a grill across a long distance with minimal damage.

What tools and supplies are required to move a grill?

You may need various supplies and tools when moving a grill, including damp towels for cleaning, moving blankets, ratchet straps, and a hand truck or dolly.

Is it safe to transport a grill while it’s still hot? 

No, you should never transport a grill while it’s still hot. Wait at least 24 hours after using your grill before transporting it.

Can I safely transport a grill inside a standard car?

While some standard cars are large enough to safely transport smaller grills, a flatbed or pickup truck is recommended for safety.

Move Your Grill Safely and Efficiently

From shed organization to grilling, summer is the season for outdoor activities. Make sure you’re prepared for your next cookout with these simple grill relocation tips.

If you need a place to safely store your grill during the offseason or between moves, Storage Hub can help. Search for a location near you online or contact us to find a Storage Hub location in your area.