Moving a Heavy Grill: Tips and Techniques for Safe Transportation

The GrillingDad Answer: Before you move any grill, be sure to detach the fuel source, then remove any other detachable parts. Use a dolly and straps or the help of multiple people to shift the grill to its new location or into a moving truck.

Everyone knows that some of the best grills on this earth are also the heaviest. So, when you need to move your favorite, albeit large and heavy grill, how do you do it?

We’ve broken this all down into a step-by-step process. Keep reading to learn more!

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Preparing to Move the Grill

Moving a heavy grill can be a daunting task, but with proper preparation, it can be done smoothly and without any damage to the grill or anyone involved.

Disconnecting the Fuel Source

Before moving the grill, it is crucial to disconnect the propane tank, cord, or any other fuel source your grill may use. To disconnect the propane tank, follow these steps:

Turn off the propane tank valve.
Turn off all the burners on the grill and wait for them to cool down completely.
Remove the propane tank from the grill and store it separately.

For more information, check out our guide How to Remove a Propane Tank from a Grill.

Emptying the Grill

Emptying the grill is another essential step to prepare it for transportation. Here’s how to empty the grill:

Remove any pellets that may be in the pellet hopper, or charcoal that may be in the bottom of your grill.
Use a scraper or a brush to remove any leftover food or debris from the grill (you’re moving it anyway so it’s as good of a time as any!)
Empty the grease tray and dispose of the grease properly.

Removing Detachable Parts

Removing detachable parts from the grill is crucial to prevent damage during transportation. Here are the steps to remove detachable parts:

Remove any detachable parts such as side shelves, warming racks, and rotisserie attachments.
Wrap the detachable parts in bubble wrap or moving blankets to prevent any damage during transportation.

Lifting a Heavy Grill

Moving a heavy grill can be a challenging task. We recommend never moving a heavy grill alone and following these precautions:

Using a Dolly

A dolly is a helpful tool for moving heavy objects, including grills. Here are the steps to follow when using a dolly to move a grill:

First, ensure that the grill is clean and free of debris.
Next, tilt the grill back and slide the dolly underneath it.
Secure the grill to the dolly with straps or bungee cords to prevent it from shifting during transport.
Use the handles on the dolly to lift the grill and wheel it to the desired location.

Using Straps

Straps are another useful tool for moving a heavy grill. Here are the steps to follow when using straps to move a grill:

First, wrap the straps around the grill and secure them tightly.
Use the straps to lift the grill, keeping it level to prevent it from tipping over.
Carry the grill to the desired location, taking care to avoid obstacles and uneven surfaces.

Using Blankets

Blankets can also be used to move a heavy grill. Here are the steps to follow when using blankets to move a grill:

First, wrap the grill in moving blankets, securing them tightly with packing tape.
Place the grill on its side on a firm moving blanket.
Use the blanket to lift the grill, keeping it level to prevent it from tipping over.
Carry the grill to the desired location, taking care to avoid obstacles and uneven surfaces.

Regardless of the method used, it is important to exercise caution when lifting and transporting a heavy grill. Improper lifting techniques can result in injury, so be sure to lift with your legs, not your back. Additionally, always use caution when moving a grill on uneven surfaces or up and down stairs.

Transporting a Grill

If you are moving your grill to a new location that isn’t in your current yard, you’ll need to consider the following:

Using a Moving Truck

Using a moving truck is the best transport a heavy grill. Here are some steps to follow:

Choose the right size truck: Ensure that the moving truck you choose is large enough to accommodate the grill. You don’t want to damage the grill or the truck in the process of transportation.
Secure the grill: Place the grill in the truck and secure it with straps or bungee cords. This will prevent the grill from moving around during transportation.
Caution: Drive carefully and avoid sudden movements or turns. This will prevent the grill from falling or tipping over.

Using a Pickup Truck

Using a pickup truck is another way to transport a heavy grill. Here are some steps to follow:

Choose the right size truck: Ensure that the pickup truck you choose is large enough to accommodate the grill. You don’t want to damage the grill or the truck in the process of transportation.
Secure the grill: Place the grill in the truck bed and secure it with straps or bungee cords. This will prevent the grill from moving around during transportation. If your grill has a bottom shelf, cement blocks can help keep the grill upright in the bed of a truck. It is also recommended to lay a grill flat on blankets, in a truck bed.
Caution: Drive carefully and avoid sudden movements or turns. This will prevent the grill from falling or tipping over.
Don’t Block Your View: Make sure you can still see outside the rear window of your truck.

Towing Your Grill

For especially large pellet grills, it is possible to tow your grill to its new location. If your grill is outfitted with a trailer hook up, as long as your truck has one too, you are good to go. Just make sure you have experience driving with a trailer before attempting to move your prized grill!

Cleaning and Reassembling the Grill

Once your grill is in its new home, there are a few things you should do before you use it again.

Reassembling the Grill

Once the grill has arrived, it’s time to reassemble it. Here are the steps to follow:

Lay down a moving blanket or drop cloth to protect the grill from scratches or damage during reassembly.
Reattach any legs or other attachments that were removed during disassembly. Be sure to keep track of all screws and small parts.
Place the grates back into the grill and secure them in place.
Reattach the propane tank if your grill uses one.
Turn on the gas and light the grill to make sure it’s working properly.

Cleaning the Grill

Moving your grill is the perfect time to do a deep clean. It is especially important if your grill was in a truck bed or pulled on a trailer, to ensure your food isn’t compromised.

Remove all ash, coal, food grease, and wood pellets from the grill.
Turn the heat on high and let it run for about 15 minutes, then turn the heat off.
While the grill is still warm, take a wire grill brush and dip it in water, then start to scrub the grates. Be sure to wear protective gloves and avoid leaning over the surface as you’re cleaning.
Empty the bucket of dirty water, then refill it with clean water and a few squirts of dish soap.
Scrub down the entire outside of the grill using a large kitchen sponge. Be aware that steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers can scratch the finish of your grill.
Rinse off the grill with a hose or bucket of clean water.

Need help cleaning out your grill? Visit these guides below for more grill cleaning tips and tricks!