6 Best Grill for Apartment Balcony to Fit In Tight Places

With the winters coming by, it would be challenging to enjoy juicy and grilled food just as you do in the other seasons. Since you cannot grill in the snow and don’t want to smoke your house either, consider the best grill for apartment balcony—a subtle idea for grilling. Their compact size makes them fit on every balcony without any hassle.

You will get a detailed review of the products, including.

But prior we dive in, you should be aware of the fact that

Can I use a grill on apartment balcony?

Yes, you can use a grill on the apartment balcony. However, before you get a grill for apartment balcony, it is better to consider the following factors.

1. If you don’t own it, check your lease agreement: Before setting up a grill on your balcony, it is better to go through your lease agreement to avoid trouble.
2. Fire regulations in your locality: It is recommended to comply with the local fire regulations and building codes in a few areas. This is because there might be a possibility of restrictions related to open flames while cooking on balconies.
3. The type of grill you use: The best grill for apartment balcony should be electric or propane fuel powered. They produce very minimal smoke and are also considered to be safer than other grills.
4. Your grill placement: Safety comes first; hence, ensure that you have placed the grill in the proper place on a stable and non-flammable surface. Usually, the wooden surface has more precautions than others.

If you acknowledge that, you are ready to have your grills for small apartment. However, when buying a balcony grill, ensure it must possess the following features.

Getting a grill for apartment balcony, how do you know if it is the best? Buying guide

If you have a green signal to get a grill for apartment balcony, then it is better to invest once and get the best. Here are a few parameters to evaluate your grill. Ensure that the grill you are getting is

1.     The solid construction for longevity

Grill is something that you don’t buy frequently. Hence, you need something that ensures durability immensely; it must last at least a year or two, so you need to check its materials.

Check if the grill parts are made of cast iron or stainless steel and if they are liable to rust and weather-coated so that they can last for a while.

2.     The fuel type for the apartment grill

If you are getting a grill for your apartment for the first time, you must know that not all the fuel types are suitable for a balcony due to security measures. Grills with open flames are dangerous, especially for the wooden surface. However, the best options for apartment balcony grills are electric and propane.

This helps to narrow down the grills to specific fuel power, but for propane grills, you need to ensure that it is allowed in your apartment and you are not violating any rules.

3.     The grill size

It could be crucial if you are unaware of the fact that what size suits you. For that, you need to measure the size of your balcony first and then get the grill. It is suggested to get a compact and portable grill, such as tabletop grills. They will not occupy much space and can fit on your balcony easily. However, ensure to maintain a proper distance from the walls.

4.     The cooking capacity and grilling surface

Since we are looking for compact grill models, ensure that this requirement does not compromise the cooking capacity and grilling surface. If you are a small family of two, a cooking surface of 150 sq. ft. to 200 sq. ft. would be appropriate. Similarly, consider 400 sq. ft to 500 sq. ft for a family of four to six.

5.     Working area of the grill

Since a grill for balcony has limited space, you need to get an extra table, stand, or a compact grill with a stand so you can place the cooking essentials nearby without blocking much area.

6.     Versatility

Some grills are versatile as they offer more features than just grilling. A few grills come with a built-in thermometer, rotisserie kit, warming rack, etc.; however, if you are looking to have them all, it is better to check the grill size and your balcony area to avoid inconvenience.

Best Grill for Apartment Balcony, Our Top Recommendations

1.     Weber Q2400 Electric Grill

Product Specifications

• Dimension: 25.1 x 31.5 x 26 inches
• Weight: 44 lbs.
• Power source: corded electric
• Inner material: cast ion
• Cooking surface: 280 sq. ft.
• Heating weight: 1.5 kW

The first product, the best grill for apartment balcony is the Weber Q2400, which is portable. This tabletop electric grill is compact and has a porcelain enameled cast iron that gives exact grate marks.

You can cook the meat with ease as it can reach a temperature of 550 F maximum, but you have to preheat it for 20 minutes as it does not reach the required temperature fast.

With a cooking area of 280 sq. ft., it is perfect for small families or for a couple. Although its installing is easy but you need a stand or a table separately to place it outdoors.

Pros

• Cast iron grills will get you perfect grill marks on the meat
• Porcelain-enameled grill grates
• Easy to clean
• Portable and easy to handle

Cons

• A little tricky with temperature adjustment
• The grill might not reach high temperature quickly

2. Trager Grills Tailgate 20 Wood Pellet Grill

 

Product Specifications

• Dimension: 37 x 18 x 36 inches
• Weight: 60 lbs.
• Power Source: Electric and Wood pellets
• Inner material: stainless steel
• Cooking surface: 300 sq. ft.
• Hopper capacity: 8 lbs.
• Temperature: 450 degrees F

You might be wondering why we have listed a wood-fuel grill. By keeping all the security measures in mind, this model by Trager is powered by electric and wood pellets.

This grill is portable due to its compact design but can easily cook for a small tailgate. With its 300 sq. ft., it offers a capacity of 12 burgers, 3 ribs racks, and 2 chickens with ease. You can hit the right spot ranging from 180 to 450 degrees F temperature that you can retain for a long time.

Trager Grill 20 is a multi-functioning grill that allows 6-in-1 cooking types, you can grill, smoke, roast, bake, braise, and BBQ.

Pros

• Broad cooking surface
• Ideal option for medium to large family
• Retains heat for a long time

Cons

• A little heavy

3.  Ninja OG701 Woodfire

 

Product Specifications

• Dimension: 23.62 x 18.58 x 13.31 inches
• Weight: 30.6 lbs.
• Cooking surface: 141 q. ft.
• Inner material: stainless steel
• Power Source: Electric

This company is known for the construction of many kitchen appliances; now, they have recently launched small grills for apartment balcony. This outdoor grill is compact and portable, you need to place a heightened table or get a stand to install it on your balcony.

You can easily cook, roast, dehydrate, air fry, bake, etc., whatever you want. This electric grill can give you the smoke flavor you want with wood pellets.

Furthermore, this outdoor grill will remain safe with its weather-resistant feature, so you don’t have to worry about rust. You will get a quick guide and 15 recipes along with it.

Pros

• Gives amazing flavor as an electric grill
• It is versatile, with a variety of cooking options
• Compact and portable tabletop grill
• Offers easy cleaning

Cons

• The cooking rack could have been broader

4.     Char- Broil 22652143 Edge

Product Specifications

• Dimension: 48 x 22.5 x 45 inches
• Weight: 118 lbs.
• Inner material: stainless steel and aluminum
• Cooking surface: 330 sq. ft.
• Heating temperature: 200 F to 700 F

This electric push start electric grill from the background is another great option that you can have for your balcony. It is efficient and heats up quickly, within 15 minutes, to be precise, without igniting the burner.

It possesses an intuitive digital interface that monitors and adjusts the temperature automatically and consistently. All you have to do is set the required temperature and let it do the rest.

Char-boil’s this model has a broader cooking surface so that you can cook for 4 to 5 people at the same time. The build is solid, so you don’t have to worry about it getting rested.

This grill has an auto-clean mode that mentions easy cleaning, but many customers reported this feature as non-helping.

Pros

• Offers consistent heat
• Allows easy operation with digital control
• Sturdy build
• Rust resistant, makes it durable and sturdy

Cons

• Difficult to clean
• Heavy

5.     Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop

Product Specifications

• Dimension: 12 x 18 x 13 inches
• Weight: 13.5 lbs.
• Inner material: stainless steel and aluminum
• Cooking surface: 145 sq. ft.
• Power Source: propane gas

If you are looking for a portable propane gas grill that you can consider for your balcony. This is a compact gas grill that easily fits in tight places, which is why it is listed as the best grill for apartment balcony.

The burner is made of stainless steel; burner is close to the great and makes food cook quickly without burning it. This one is fuel-efficient and can reach a temperature of up to 400 degrees F.

You can save it anywhere with ease with its foldable legs. This one is a lightweight and easy to clean (dishwasher safe) option, suitable for a small family or a couple.

Pros

• Easily cooks burgers up to 8 at the same time
• Integrated lid lock makes transportation easy
• Foldable legs give a stylish look

Cons

• The burner cannot be replaced

6.     Char-Broil 17602047 Infrared Electric Patio

Product Specifications

• Dimension: 12 x 18 x 13 inches
• Weight: 2.5 lbs.
• Inner material: stainless steel, aluminum, porcelain
• Cooking surface: 145 sq. ft.

The next best grill for apartment balcony is the Char-Broil Infrared Electric Patio grill, which offers direct and indirect grilling.

This electric grill has an infrared cooking element that offers a uniform heating distribution to prevent flare-ups. You can control and set the required temperature with the help of a simple knob.

It offers a cooking area of 320 sq. ft., where you can easily cook 8 to 12 hamburgers. With the porcelain coating, it offers easy cleaning, so you do not have to spend much time on it.

Pros

• Solid build with compact size
• Heats up quickly
• Supports any 120 Volts outlet
• Porcelain-coated grills

Cons

• Lacks heat-retaining feature

Frequently Asked Questions | Best Grill for Apartment Balcony

1.    Is charcoal grill safe on balcony?

No, it is not and not recommended to have a charcoal grill on the balcony. Many people are unaware of the fact that it is illegal in many states due to safety measures, as it puts the risk of burning down homes. Hence, charcoal and gas grills are not recommended for balcony grilling.

2.    Can you grill on a second floor balcony?

As per the grilling safety rules by the Mass gov., a grill can only be used on first-floor porches, decks, or patios. Always remember not to overhang or place it near a wall to prevent any disaster.

3.    Is it OK to grill on apartment balcony?

You can only use electric grills on your apartment’s balcony as they will not cause any harm to your home. However, you have to take care of a few things, such as maintaining the proper distance with the wooden construction especially. For charcoal and gas grills, install them at least 15 feet away from your home/building.

4.    Which material is best for grilling?

The most widely used grill material is cast iron, which is solid. However, stainless steel with porcelain coated is durable as well. The best recommendation is to get a grill with a stainless steel build and cast iron porcelain coated because cast iron holds heat retaining ability that can cook food quickly.

Conclusion | Best Grill for Apartment Balcony

It is undoubtedly challenging to find the best grill for apartment balcony as it holds certain security limitations for safety and placement. However, if you have got it all sorted, here I have compiled a list of grills for small apartment balconies so that you can get the one that suits your requirements.

If you are a grilling enthusiast, continue to explore more at 4seasonsgrills.com.