How to Store a Grill

Gas grills are a great way to enjoy warm spring and summer days with your friends and family. If you live somewhere that experiences cold weather, the time will come to store your gas grill. While many people choose to store their gas grills outside, this shortens their lifespan and leads to rust and other issues. The best thing you can do is store your gas grill in a storage unit. Learning how to store your grill properly is essential to make it last so that you can enjoy it year after year.

Remove the Propane Tank

The first, and most important step, is removing the propane tank. This is the biggest safety hazard when storing your gas grill. To prepare your grill for storage, make sure the gas is turned off and disconnect the tank completely. You will need to either keep your propane tank outside at your home or see if a friend or family member will take it. Storage companies will not allow you to store your propane tank in your storage unit, as it is a major fire hazard.

Thoroughly Clean Your Grill

Making sure your grill is completely clean and dry is essential for its longevity. Start by scrubbing down the outside of your grill with warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Do not use a rough cloth or paper towels, as they may scratch the exterior of your grill, especially if it’s stainless steel. Next, clean the grill grates. To do this, turn on the grill and let it heat up. Once it’s very hot, use your grill brush to clean and scrape any residue off the grates. Empty and clean the small drip pans. Then, let them soak in hot, soapy water. Make sure all grease and food particles are completely cleaned out of your grill. The smell of food could attract unwanted pests to your storage unit. You will also want to make sure your grill is completely dry to avoid rust, mold, and mildew.

Secure the Grill Lid

Some grills may already have a locking mechanism to keep the lid in place. If your gas grill does not, use packing tape to secure the lid in place. This prevents it from opening during transit, which could cause damage or hurt whoever is moving it.

Use a Waterproof Grill Cover

A grill cover is a great way to protect your grill from both moisture and dust. Find one that completely covers your grill and has a snug fit. Make sure your grill is completely dry before adding the cover. Then, wrap the cover around the grill and secure it tightly on the bottom. A cover is also beneficial for protecting the exterior of your grill from scratches during transit and storage. Do not use a tarp to cover your grill, as it will be too rough and cause cosmetic damage.

Storing Your Gas Grill

Knowing how to store your grill properly is essential to its longevity. A climate-controlled storage unit is the best place to keep your grill during the off-seasons. Keeping your grill outside will leave it vulnerable to the elements. It can result in rust and other damage that may affect the usability of your grill. Bringing your grill into the garage or shed, while better than outside, is still a bad idea. These areas are subject to extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Fluctuations can cause moisture build-up, leading to rust, mold, or mildew. Climate-controlled storage units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level at all times. When storing your grill, make sure to always keep it upright.

By following these simple steps, you will know how to store your grill in a storage unit properly. The most important things to remember are removing your propane tank and thoroughly cleaning your grill. Make sure to leave enough room in your storage unit so that the grill will not be damaged by other items. For more storage tips, sign up for our once-monthly blog newsletter.