How do you move a range cooker?

Moving a range cooker requires careful planning, proper equipment, and adherence to safety protocols to ensure both the appliance and your home remain undamaged. The process involves several key stages, from initial preparation to safe re-installation.

How to Move a Range Cooker

Moving a range cooker, whether for a short distance within your home or a long-haul relocation, is a multi-step process that prioritizes safety and protection. Here’s a detailed guide to help you move your appliance efficiently.

1. Thorough Cleaning

Before moving your range cooker, it's essential to give it a comprehensive cleaning. This step, while seemingly minor, is crucial for several reasons:

• Reduces Weight: Removing accumulated food debris, grease, and internal components like oven racks and trays lightens the unit, making it easier and safer to move.
• Prevents Mess: Any residual grease or food particles can spill or smear during transit, creating a mess in your home or moving vehicle.
• Hygiene: A clean cooker is ready for immediate use in its new location, preventing the transfer of dirt or potential pests.

Practical Steps:

• Remove all internal racks, trays, and grates.
• Clean the oven interior, hob, and exterior thoroughly with appropriate cleaning agents.
• Ensure all surfaces are dry before proceeding.

2. Disconnect the Unit Safely

Disconnecting your range cooker is the most critical safety step. This procedure varies depending on whether your appliance is gas or electric. Always prioritize safety and consider hiring certified professionals for this step, especially for gas or hardwired electric units.

For Gas Range Cookers:

• Turn off Gas Supply: Locate the main gas shut-off valve for your home or the specific valve for the cooker and turn it off.
• Professional Disconnection: A Gas Safe registered engineer (in the UK) or a certified gas fitter (in other regions) must disconnect the flexible gas hose from the cooker and cap the gas line securely. This ensures no gas leaks occur.
• Secure Hose: Coil and secure any disconnected hoses to prevent tripping hazards or damage during the move.

For Electric Range Cookers:

• Turn Off Power: Go to your home's main electrical panel and switch off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the range cooker. Double-check that the power is off before touching any wiring.
• Unplug or Disconnect Wiring:
  • If your cooker uses a standard plug, simply unplug it from the wall outlet.
  • If it is hardwired (directly connected to your home's electrical system), a qualified electrician should safely disconnect the wiring and cap off the live wires in the wall box.
• Secure Cables: Coil and tape any power cords or wires securely to the back of the cooker to prevent them from dragging or getting caught.

3. Wrap and Protect It

Once disconnected, the cooker needs thorough protection to prevent scratches, dents, and damage during transit.

Essential Protection Materials:

• Moving Blankets: Heavy-duty moving blankets provide excellent cushioning against impacts.
• Shrink Wrap: Industrial-strength shrink wrap can secure moving blankets in place and provide an additional layer of protection against dust and moisture.
• Bubble Wrap: Useful for wrapping fragile knobs, handles, or glass surfaces.
• Heavy-Duty Tape: For securing doors, drawers, and protective wrapping.
• Cardboard: Can be used to reinforce corners or create custom padding.

Steps for Protection:

• Secure Doors and Drawers: Use strong tape (e.g., painter's tape or moving tape, avoiding duct tape on finished surfaces) to secure oven doors and warming drawers shut.
• Remove/Secure Knobs: If possible, remove control knobs and pack them separately. If not, secure them in place with tape or wrap them individually with bubble wrap.
• Wrap the Unit: Cover the entire range cooker with moving blankets. Secure these blankets tightly with shrink wrap, ensuring all surfaces, especially corners and edges, are well-padded.

4. Move It to the Truck

Moving a heavy appliance like a range cooker requires proper equipment and technique to prevent injury and damage.

Recommended Equipment:

• Appliance Dolly or Hand Truck: Essential for safely moving heavy appliances. Ensure it has straps to secure the cooker.
• Furniture Sliders: Useful for maneuvering the cooker across floors without scratching them, especially on hardwood or tile.
• Moving Straps/Forearm Forklift Straps: Can assist in lifting and carrying with proper technique, distributing weight more evenly.
• Extra Manpower: Range cookers are heavy; always enlist the help of at least one other person, preferably two.

Moving Techniques:

• Clear the Path: Ensure the route from the kitchen to the moving truck is clear of obstacles, rugs, and clutter. Plan your exit strategy.
• Secure to Dolly: Tilt the cooker slightly and slide the appliance dolly underneath. Secure the cooker tightly to the dolly using the built-in straps.
• Proper Lifting: When lifting or maneuvering, bend at your knees, not your back, to protect your spine.
• Loading onto Truck: Carefully roll the cooker up the moving truck ramp. Position it securely against a wall or other heavy items in the truck and use additional straps or tie-downs to prevent it from shifting during transit.

5. Set It Back Up

Once at the new location, the final steps involve safely positioning and reconnecting your range cooker.

• Positioning: Carefully move the cooker into its designated spot in the new kitchen.
• Leveling: Use a spirit level to ensure the cooker is perfectly level. Most range cookers have adjustable feet that can be twisted to raise or lower each corner. This is crucial for even cooking and stability.
• Reconnection (Professional Recommended):
  • Gas Cookers: A Gas Safe registered engineer or certified gas fitter must reconnect the gas line and perform a thorough leak test to ensure safety.
  • Electric Cookers: A qualified electrician should reconnect hardwired electric cookers. For plug-in models, simply plug it into the appropriate outlet.
• Testing: After reconnection, test all burners, the oven, and any other features to ensure they are working correctly before regular use.

By following these steps, you can successfully move your range cooker with minimal hassle and maximum safety.