Storing my propane grill while away for summer

[Laker14]

I'll be heading north soon. Last year I left the propane grill on the back concrete pad, covered, but someone suggested that if we have the strong winds that come when the remnants of a hurricane pass over TV, my grill could become an unguided missile.

I'll give it a very thorough cleaning, but it's still going to smell awfully delicious to vermin, so I'm wondering about storing it in my garage. Any suggestions on how to store it over the summer, and if storing in the garage, how to make it less savory for critters?

[tophcfa]

We have been storing our well cleaned grill in the birdcage for the last seven summers with no issue, including through hurricane Irma. It’s a very heavy Webber grill that would be very difficult to become a projectile. If that were to happen, we would be dealing with much worse problems.

[Bilyclub]

In the past we rolled the grill into the glassed in lanai.

[Two Bills]

Shove a couple of sandbags on top of it.
If it blows away with that weight on, your house will be gone as well.
If you took everything from garden/yard that could become a missile, you would have to take your shrubs and trees in as well!

[Michael G.]

If your grill is propane and you store it indoors, remove the tank first and store that outdoors.

We had rats around our house, set a trap and caught two rats.
Two weeks later I pulled my cover off my weber grill, and the whole back of the cover was eaten away.

[Caymus]

how to make it less savory for critters?

Up north, I have used moth balls to keep mice from nesting during the looooong cold winters.

[dewilson58]

return it and get your core charge back

[Laker14]

return it and get your core charge back

I have no idea what you are talking about here.

[dewilson58]

I have no idea what you are talking about here.

First time you purchased, they charged ~$50.
Refills are ~$20.
Get your tank cost back............deposit..........core..........etc .

[Rainger99]

I would use all of the propane (may have to invite the neighbors to a BBQ) and then store the empty grill and propane tank in the garage.

[thevillages2013]

Up north, I have used moth balls to keep mice from nesting during the looooong cold winters.

Thank God for moths , right!:bigbow:

[Decadeofdave]

Clean it real good with degreaser/dish soap, remove lp gas bottle, store gas in flower bed on shady side of the house, store grill in garage.

[Laker14]

First time you purchased, they charged ~$50.
Refills are ~$20.
Get your tank cost back............deposit..........core..........etc .

ah...I understand now.

Not gonna do it, but I understand.

[banjobob]

Propane tank rental

[GizmoWhiskers]

I'll be heading north soon. Last year I left the propane grill on the back concrete pad, covered, but someone suggested that if we have the strong winds that come when the remnants of a hurricane pass over TV, my grill could become an unguided missile.

I'll give it a very thorough cleaning, but it's still going to smell awfully delicious to vermin, so I'm wondering about storing it in my garage. Any suggestions on how to store it over the summer, and if storing in the garage, how to make it less savory for critters?

My friend lived in a Villa. A strong unexpected, non weather forecast gust of wind funneled through the narrow space between his house and neighbor. It picked up their proprane grill like it was as light as a feather. It hit my friend's house, denting the siding on his house. Strange things can happen. Storing in the garage is safe idea as far as it being left outside. Critter wise... good cleaning I would guess.

[MrFlorida]

Whatever you do, leave the propane tank outside.

[spieka1912]

The grill can go in garage. The propane tank should not be stored indoors. Find a shaded spot outside in a corner somewhere & strap it down. If the tank is indoors and fails for some reason your house will be leveled to a pile of tooth picks throughout the neighborhood. No joke, I saw the results years ago when in the fire service.

[ithos]

........

[Michael G.]

Whatever you do, leave the propane tank outside.

The propane tank should not be stored indoors.


I cover this already.

If your grill is propane and you store it indoors, remove the tank first and store that outdoors.

[nn0wheremann]

I'll be heading north soon. Last year I left the propane grill on the back concrete pad, covered, but someone suggested that if we have the strong winds that come when the remnants of a hurricane pass over TV, my grill could become an unguided missile.

I'll give it a very thorough cleaning, but it's still going to smell awfully delicious to vermin, so I'm wondering about storing it in my garage. Any suggestions on how to store it over the summer, and if storing in the garage, how to make it less savory for critters?
Buy a couple of tie-downs that you screw into the ground near the edge of our patio, and some strong rope, and secure the grill that way. Be sure to turn off the propane valve on the tank, and secure it to the grill, or tie it down as well

[gatorbill1]

First time you purchased, they charged ~$50.
Refills are ~$20.
Get your tank cost back............deposit..........core..........etc .

Tried to bring one back to Lowes and was told deposit is NOT refundable.

[JayK!]

Store in lanai. Remove propane tank and store outside. Make sure your grease trap is cleaned out.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Store in lanai. Remove propane tank and store outside. Make sure your grease trap is cleaned out.

^This. And depending on the configuration of the brand/model of your grill, either get a cheap foil roasting pan or a plastic bag. Whatever you can do to catch the crap in the bottom of the grill when you scrape it out. Remove the grill grates and the gas tube if it is in the way. I soak the grates in a cookie sheet or flat in a stationary tub with dawn/hot water. For bigger components, I've used mortar tubs before also. Use a plastic putty knife (98 cents at hardware store) and scrape the grease buildup in the bottom of the gill. Scrape it into the little hole or trap in the bottom of the grill. Under this is where you put the cheap foil pan or large bag so it can catch all the crap and makes for easier cleanup. Then dry the grates, reassemble everything and throw away the obvious trash.

If it is a Weber kettle style grill, take the legs and ash catcher off. The bottom of the kettle fits perfectly over a standard 32 gallon trashcan. Line said can with a trash bag. Set kettle bottom atop lined trashcan. Scrape all the grease and gunk out through the three little slots. Reassemble and throw away the obvious trash. Easy Peasey.

PS-- Simple Green or a spray degreaser works wonders! Spray and let soak before scraping. For REALLY badly burnt-on stuff, I seal the gunked portions in a large yard-type plastic trash bag. I stick my arm in there with a can of Heavy Duty Easy Off oven cleaner. Liberally coat all gunked surfaces. Wear latex or other type protective gloves. Hold your breath while doing this, lol. I seal the bag up totally (big trash bag, with a few twists and a piece of duct tape. Then let it marinate in there for 24 hours or more. Then (in a very well ventilated area), open it up and clean as described above.

I have completely reconditioned several very gunky Weber kettles and Weber Q propane grills to a very like-new condition using these methods.

Hope this helps for your longer term storage needs.

[photo1902]

During “hurricane” events, I’ve rolled my grill into the lanai. And on other occasions, I’ve put it in the garage.

Ive stored propane tanks in my garage for years, both here and where I moved from.

I’ve never had any issues

[Michael G.]

During “hurricane” events, I’ve rolled my grill into the lanai. And on other occasions, I’ve put it in the garage.

Ive stored propane tanks in my garage for years, both here and where I moved from.

I’ve never had any issues

:boom:

[photo1902]

:boom:

I guess that explains all of the garage propane tank explosions we hear about

[Caymus]

I guess that explains all of the garage propane tank explosions we hear about


Gasoline is also flammable, but nobody drains their gas tank before parking in the garage.:icon_wink:

[ElDiabloJoe]

Gasoline is also flammable, but nobody drains their gas tank before parking in the garage.:icon_wink:

Yes, but gas in gas tanks on a car are not stored under pressure.

[Stu from NYC]

Yes, but gas in gas tanks on a car are not stored under pressure.

Very true

[jarodrig]

Up north, I have used moth balls to keep mice from nesting during the looooong cold winters.

FYI , the use of moth balls outdoors in Florida is illegal….not sure about other states….


Is it illegal to put mothballs outside Florida? (https://askinglot.com/is-it-illegal-to-put-mothballs-outside-florida)

[Garywt]

Mine stays outside up against the house and has always been fine. Of course I can’t remember if I turned of the propane or not but it will be on the patio when we return.

[tophcfa]

FYI , the use of moth balls outdoors in Florida is illegal….not sure about other states….


Is it illegal to put mothballs outside Florida? (https://askinglot.com/is-it-illegal-to-put-mothballs-outside-florida)

Good, I feel bad for all those poor little moths flying around without their balls.

[davem4616]

since 1995 when we first purchased a second home in FL, I have always brought the grille into the garage when we closed up the house for the summer

clean the thing and you'll be fine

[Mrodmh]

Up north, I have used moth balls to keep mice from nesting during the looooong cold winters.

That is illegal here.

[Sandy and Ed]

Up north, I have used moth balls to keep mice from nesting during the looooong cold winters.
Yup. Mothballs work fine for all manner of pests

[Vernon Hud]

For the past 14 years, I have taken off the tank and stored in garage, and have put grill in glassed in Lani. If you have cover, store in garage. Obviously clean grill first.

[ton80]

The standard recommendation is that propane (LPG) tanks should always be stored outdoors, in well-ventilated areas. Storing propane tanks in garages or unventilated sheds is discouraged because if a valve isn’t fully closed, or if there is a leak vapors could escape and concentrate indoors. A garage has many sources for ignition such as light switches, garage door openers, refrigerators, etc. which could cause an explosion of accumulated propane vapors.
A flat, level outdoor area that is out of direct sunlight is the ideal location. Be mindful of other flammable materials on your property and take care to store propane at least 10 feet away from those items. A fire close to a propane tank could cause it release propane and intensify the fire
Just because you never had a problem with storing your propane tank in your garage does not mean it is recommended. Go to your fire department or lpg refiller such as Amerigas or Blue Rhino for their recommendation and you will find that their recommendation will be consistent with the above.
Why take a chance on an LPG leak destroying your home. As advised by many above, take your LPG tank out of the grill tie it down outdoors and be safe.

[gator17]

It is illegal in Florida to use mothballs to keep away wildlife.

[Villages Kahuna]

I used to store a full one in my garage with nary a concern.