How Should You Store a Grill and Outdoor Cooking Equipment?
Sep 2, 2026 / Public Storage
Before storing a grill, make sure it is completely cool, clean, dry and free of food, grease, ash and fuel. Disconnect and remove propane tanks, empty charcoal or pellets and pack clean cooking accessories separately. Review the manufacturer’s instructions before disassembling or moving the grill.
A storage unit may provide temporary space for eligible outdoor cooking equipment between grilling seasons. However, propane tanks, charcoal, lighter fluid, wood pellets, fuel canisters and other fuels cannot be stored in a Public Storage unit.
Grill Storage Checklist
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Review instructions | Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning, disassembly and storage directions |
| Remove fuel | Take out propane tanks, charcoal, pellets, lighter fluid and other fuels |
| Clean the grill | Remove food, ash, grease and residue |
| Dry everything | Allow the grill and accessories to dry completely |
| Pack removable parts | Clean and label grates, trays and other approved accessories |
| Measure the grill | Compare its dimensions with the available unit |
| Arrange the unit | Keep the grill upright and avoid placing heavy boxes on it |
What Must Be Removed From a Grill Before Storage?
Remove every fuel source and prohibited item before taking a grill to the storage facility. Depending on the type of grill or smoker, this may include:
- Propane tanks
- Butane or other fuel canisters
- Charcoal
- Wood pellets
- Firewood or wood chips
- Lighter fluid
- Matches and fire starters
- Cooking oils
- Sauces, marinades and other food
- Cleaning liquids or hazardous chemicals
- Used ash and grease
Do not bring these items to the storage property. Dispose of ash, charcoal and grease according to local requirements, and keep propane tanks or other fuel containers in a location where they are permitted.
If you are unsure whether an item is eligible, review the Public Storage storage policies and contact the property team before move-in.
How Do You Prepare a Gas Grill for Storage?
Start by shutting off the gas supply and following the grill manufacturer’s instructions for disconnecting the propane tank or natural-gas connection.
A propane tank cannot remain connected to the grill or be stored separately inside the unit. Remove it before transporting the grill to Public Storage.
Once the fuel source has been removed:
- Make sure the grill is completely cool.
- Remove food and grease from the grates.
- Clean the burners, drip tray and interior surfaces as directed by the manufacturer.
- Wipe down the exterior.
- Allow every component to dry.
- Check that no food, liquid or cleaning product remains inside.
- Secure removable parts for transportation.
If the grill was connected to a permanent natural-gas line, consider hiring a qualified professional to disconnect it before moving it.
How Do You Prepare a Charcoal Grill or Smoker?
Wait until the grill, smoker, charcoal and ash are completely cool. Remove all charcoal, wood, pellets, ash and other combustible material before storage.
Clean the cooking grates and interior according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Empty the ash catcher and grease tray, then wipe and dry each surface.
Never place warm ash in a trash container or transport it to the storage facility. Follow local disposal guidance instead.
How Do You Prepare an Electric Grill?
Unplug the grill and let it cool completely. Clean the cooking surface, drip tray and removable components according to the owner’s manual.
Coil the power cord loosely and fasten it with a reusable cord tie. Do not wrap it tightly around the grill if that could place stress on the cord or connection.
Remove detachable batteries from thermometers, timers or other accessories when the manufacturer recommends doing so. Do not store damaged or leaking batteries.
Why Should You Clean a Grill Before Storage?
Grills commonly collect food residue, grease, ash and outdoor debris. Removing that material before storage helps keep the grill tidy and reduces odors.
Pay particular attention to:
- Cooking grates
- Grease trays and catch pans
- Burner covers
- Side shelves
- Tool hooks
- Wheels and legs
- Smoker boxes
- Thermometers and probes
- Areas beneath the lid
Use only the cleaning method recommended for the grill’s materials and finish. Once cleaning is complete, allow the grill to air-dry before packing or covering it.
Should You Disassemble the Grill?
Removing selected components can make the grill easier to move and help reduce shifting during transportation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions rather than taking apart structural or gas-system components on your own.
Removable pieces may include:
- Cooking grates
- Warming racks
- Drip pans
- Side shelves
- Rotisserie attachments
- Smoker boxes
- Tool hooks
- Thermometers
Pack clean, dry pieces in a labeled box or bin. Keep hardware with the appropriate part so the grill is easier to reassemble later.
Do not store food, fuel, liquids or propane tanks with the accessories.
How Should You Pack Grill Accessories?
Clean and dry eligible accessories before placing them in labeled containers.
You may be able to pack items such as:
- Grill brushes
- Tongs and spatulas
- Skewers
- Grill baskets
- Clean thermometers
- Clean oven mitts
- Aprons
- Rotisserie attachments
- Empty serving trays
- Manufacturer manuals
Wash and dry fabric accessories before storing them. Wrap sharp utensils or skewers so they do not puncture the container or injure someone handling the box.
Do not pack sauces, seasonings, cooking oil, food, cleaning liquids, fuel or used grease with your cooking equipment.
Should You Cover a Grill in Storage?
A clean grill cover or breathable furniture cover can help limit dust exposure. Make sure both the grill and cover are dry before use.
Avoid tightly wrapping a grill in plastic if moisture could become trapped beneath it. Do not use a cover to conceal grease, food residue or fuel that should have been removed before move-in.
Keep the grill upright and avoid placing heavy containers on the lid, shelves or other components.
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for a Grill?
The right unit size depends on the grill’s dimensions, whether its shelves fold or detach and what else you plan to store.
Before choosing a unit:
- Measure the grill’s height, width and depth.
- Measure it again with any approved shelves folded or removed.
- List the accessories and other outdoor items you plan to include.
- Decide whether you need space to walk around the grill.
- Compare those measurements with available units.
A compact grill may fit in a small unit, while a larger smoker, outdoor cooking cart or collection of patio items may require more room. Use the Public Storage Size Guide to compare common options.
Actual unit sizes, layouts and door dimensions may vary. Inspect the available unit before renting when possible.
Would Drive-Up Access Make Moving a Grill Easier?
Drive-Up Access allows you to pull a vehicle directly up to a ground-level storage unit, which may make loading and unloading a bulky grill more manageable.
More than 2,200 Public Storage facilities offer Drive-Up Access. Availability varies by property and unit, so confirm the feature when comparing locations.
Use appropriate equipment and enough help to move the grill. Lock lids, doors and wheels when possible, and follow the manufacturer’s lifting instructions.
Should You Consider Climate-Controlled Storage?
A standard unit may be suitable for many properly prepared grills. Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering if you are also storing eligible electronic cooking accessories, clean textiles or other items that can react to temperature or humidity changes.
Climate-controlled units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage. Conditions may still vary, and climate control does not guarantee that stored items will remain unchanged.
Public Storage offers climate-controlled storage at more than 4,300 facilities. Availability varies by location.
What Should You Check Before Leaving the Unit?
Before locking the unit, confirm that:
- The grill is cool, clean, dry and empty.
- The propane tank or other fuel source has been removed.
- No charcoal, pellets, wood, ash or fuel remains.
- Grease and food residue have been cleaned out.
- No food, liquids or hazardous cleaning products are stored.
- Removable parts are labeled.
- The grill is upright and stable.
- Nothing heavy has been placed on top of it.
- The unit door closes without touching the grill.
- The combined value of the stored property remains within the limit in your rental agreement.
Public Storage rental agreements prohibit storing property with a total value of more than $5,000 per unit. Review your agreement and facility policies before move-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you store a propane grill in a storage unit?
The grill itself may be eligible once it is completely cool, clean, dry and disconnected from its fuel source. The propane tank cannot remain attached or be stored elsewhere inside the unit.
Can you store a propane tank in a Public Storage unit?
No. Propane tanks and other fuels are not permitted in Public Storage units.
Can charcoal or wood pellets be stored with a grill?
No. Remove charcoal, wood pellets, firewood, wood chips and other fuels before bringing the grill to the facility.
Can you store lighter fluid with grilling equipment?
No. Lighter fluid and other fuels are prohibited.
Can you store cooking oil, sauces or food with grill accessories?
No. Food, liquids and other perishables cannot be stored in a Public Storage unit.
Do you need to clean a grill before storage?
Yes. The grill should be free of food, grease, ash, fuel and other residue. Make sure every component is dry before moving it into storage.
Can grill tools and oven mitts go into storage?
Clean, dry and eligible tools, aprons and oven mitts may be packed in labeled containers. Do not include food, fuel, grease or cleaning liquids.
Can you place boxes on top of a stored grill?
Avoid placing boxes or other heavy items on the grill. The lid, shelves and other parts may not be designed to support additional weight.
Store Your Outdoor Cooking Equipment Between Seasons
Preparing a grill for storage starts with one essential rule: remove every fuel source. Then clean and dry the grill, pack eligible accessories separately and choose a unit that accommodates its measurements.
Public Storage offers month-to-month rentals at more than 4,600 facilities nationwide. Find Public Storage near you and review available unit sizes, features and property policies before renting.
