Appliance Dolly vs Utility Dolly – Which Moving Tool Do You Need?

When it comes to moving heavy or bulky items, having the right dolly can make all the difference. Two of the most commonly used tools are the appliance dolly and the utility dolly. While they may look similar at first glance, each one is designed for specific types of tasks—and choosing the wrong one can make your move harder than it needs to be.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, uses, pros and cons of each dolly so you can pick the right tool for your moving needs.

What Is an Appliance Dolly?

An appliance dolly (sometimes called a hand truck for appliances) is a heavy-duty dolly specifically designed to move large, heavy items such as:

• Refrigerators
• Washing machines
• Dryers
• Stoves
• Dishwashers

It typically features:

• Straps to secure the appliance
• Rubber wheels that reduce floor damage
• A taller frame for better leverage
• Protective padding to prevent scratches

💡 If you’re moving large household appliances, an appliance dolly is your safest option.

👉 Van Lines Move Tip: Even with the right dolly, appliances can be tough to move safely. Our professional movers are trained to handle heavy appliances without damaging your home or the items themselves.

What Is a Utility Dolly?

A utility dolly, also called a standard hand truck, is a versatile moving tool used for boxes, smaller furniture, and other stackable items.

Key features include:

• A simple L-shaped frame
• Two wheels (sometimes four for convertible models)
• A smaller platform to load boxes
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver

They’re great for:

• Moving multiple boxes at once
• Transporting smaller, lightweight furniture
• General moving tasks

💡 Think of the utility dolly as your go-to for most moving day needs—except for oversized or very heavy appliances.

👉 Van Lines Move Tip: If you’ve got a mix of boxes, furniture, and a few heavier items, our team brings the right equipment—including both utility and appliance dollies—so you don’t have to worry about renting.

Appliance Dolly vs Utility Dolly: Quick Differences

Bottom Line: Use an appliance dolly for heavy, tall, and fragile appliances. Use a utility dolly for boxes, bins, and smaller furniture pieces.

👉 Van Lines Move Tip: Not sure which you need? Our movers always evaluate your items in advance and bring the right dollies and tools for a smooth move.

Appliance Dolly vs Utility Dolly: In-depth Differences

Best For

An appliance dolly is built for the toughest moving tasks—transporting large, bulky, and heavy household appliances. Items like refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and ovens fit perfectly because the dolly is tall enough to support the full height of the load and comes with straps to hold it in place. By contrast, a utility dolly is more of an all-purpose tool. It works best for moving boxes, totes, smaller furniture, or stackable items. Its design makes it easy to load several boxes at once, saving trips back and forth, but it simply isn’t designed to handle extremely heavy appliances safely.

Weight Capacity

One of the biggest differences lies in how much weight each dolly can handle. An appliance dolly is engineered to carry very heavy loads, often supporting between 600 and 800 pounds with stability. This makes it ideal for appliances that can weigh several hundred pounds each. A utility dolly, on the other hand, usually supports a lighter range, typically between 300 and 600 pounds. While that’s still strong enough for stacked boxes or a dresser, overloading it with heavier appliances could cause damage to both the dolly and the items being moved.

Straps

Appliance dollies always come with built-in straps that act as a safety harness for your load. These straps prevent large appliances from tipping, sliding, or shifting while the dolly is tilted back and rolled. Without them, it would be nearly impossible to move a tall refrigerator without risking it falling over. Utility dollies do not have straps, since they’re intended for lighter, stable loads like boxes. That means if you try moving taller items, you’d need to add your own ropes or bungee cords to keep things steady—but it still won’t match the built-in security of an appliance dolly.

Frame Height

The frame height is another key difference. An appliance dolly has a much taller frame—often extending past the top of a refrigerator. This height provides leverage, letting movers tilt and control large objects with less effort. It also prevents the load from towering dangerously over the dolly. By comparison, a utility dolly has a shorter frame, just high enough to stack boxes or a few small pieces of furniture. Its compact size makes it easier to maneuver in tight hallways or up stairs, but it offers little support for tall or bulky items.

Protection Features

Because they’re designed for heavy and often expensive appliances, appliance dollies usually come with protection features like rubber or non-marking wheels, padded backs, and even stair climbers on some models. These protect both the appliance and your floors during transport. A utility dolly is much simpler: it usually has basic rubber or pneumatic wheels but no padding or added protection. That’s fine for cardboard boxes, but risky if you’re moving a stainless-steel fridge that could easily scratch.

Cost to Rent

Rental cost is another factor people consider. Appliance dollies typically cost slightly more to rent—usually around $10 to $15 per day—because they’re specialized equipment. In contrast, utility dollies are cheaper, ranging from $8 to $12 per day, and are more widely available since they’re considered a general-use moving tool. While the price difference is small, using the wrong dolly can lead to costly damage, so it’s better to pay a few extra dollars for the right tool if you’re moving heavy appliances.

Pros and Cons of Each Dolly

Appliance Dolly

Pros:

• Handles very heavy loads
• Straps secure items in place
• Safer for floors and appliances

Cons:

• Heavier and harder to maneuver
• Limited to appliances and large furniture

Utility Dolly

Pros:

• Lightweight and versatile
• Moves multiple boxes at once
• Easy to use in tight spaces

Cons:

• No straps for securing items
• Not safe for tall or very heavy appliances

Safety Tips When Using a Dolly

• Always secure appliances with straps on an appliance dolly.
• Keep the load balanced and centered on the platform.
• Use two people when navigating stairs or tight corners.
• Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes for protection.
• Never overload beyond the dolly’s weight capacity.

👉 Van Lines Move Reminder: Professional movers don’t just bring the right equipment—they bring the expertise to use it safely. If you’re worried about injury or damage, let us handle the heavy lifting.

Final Thoughts: Which Dolly Should You Use?

• Choose an appliance dolly if you’re moving heavy household appliances.
• Choose a utility dolly for boxes and smaller furniture.
• For most moves, you’ll likely need both to handle different tasks.

If you want to save time, effort, and potential damage, consider hiring a professional moving company like Van Lines Move. We provide the right equipment, skilled movers, and full-service options so your relocation is stress-free from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between an appliance dolly and a utility dolly?

An appliance dolly is built for tall, heavy items like refrigerators and comes with straps and stair glides. A utility dolly is a lighter, more versatile hand truck ideal for boxes and smaller furniture.

2. Can I use a utility dolly for a refrigerator?

No. Refrigerators should stay upright and require straps for stability—use an appliance dolly instead.

3. How much weight can a moving dolly hold?

Utility dollies usually hold 400–600 lbs, while appliance dollies can handle 600–800 lbs.

4. Is it better to rent or buy a dolly?

For a one-time move, renting is cost-effective. If you move often or run a business, buying may be a better long-term investment.

5. Do I really need both dollies for moving?

Not always, but many movers rent both. Use the appliance dolly for big appliances and the utility dolly for boxes and smaller furniture.