Best Grill For Apartment Balcony – 2021 Top Picks

| Last Updated: October 23, 2022

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Craving for barbecue and seared meat with smoky aromas? Bursting with the goodness of a juicy tenderness and perfected cooking, nothing beats food off the grill. Having its own exquisite taste that can’t be achieved in any other way, one can enjoy quality food with laughter in a fun-filled evening by the grill. 

A frequent complaint by city dwellers is the lack of space in terms of having a personal backyard. However, residents in apartments and condos are in luck! You can safely use a compact grill designed for cooking in a small space to enjoy outdoor sights and pleasant weather with scrumptious food. Offering a realistic approach to grilling outdoors, one can definitely make the best by setting up a grill in their balcony.

Based on their features and highlights, we have gathered a review of the best grills for your apartment balcony. They are bound to overcome any challenge, specifically concerning the shortage of space. Feel free to cook your favorite foods and call it a night with friends and family!

Comparison of the Best Apartment Balcony Grills

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Comes with quite a large cooking space
  • Comes with a quick heating element included
  • It is easy to use and operate for different cooking options
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  • Easy and quick to setup for use
  • Offers a large cooking surface
  • Has quite a high heat cooking output
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  • Best for the Money
  • Comes with a lot of working space included
  • Made from high-quality stainless steel
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  • Best Gas Grill For Apartment Balcony
  • It is equipped with the easy ignition feature
  • Quick heating up capability
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  • Best Charcoal Grill For Apartment Balcony
  • Stay cool handle ensures no accidental burns
  • Easy to move with transport wheels
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  • Best Electric Grill For Apartment Balcony
  • It comes with a large cooking area
  • Easy accessible temperature controls
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What Makes a Grill Great for an Apartment Balcony?

Owning a grill with fiery heat and ample cooking space will take your grilling experience to a whole new level. You can enrich your food with a smoky heat to enhance the juiciness and tenderness of the meat. Grilling burgers, steaks, kebabs - all kinds of meat can be conquered with a top-quality product that fits in your balcony. A brief overview of some notable features that make a grill stand out are:

Cooking Area

A greater space exposed to heat gives you an upper hand in cooking food in a larger quantity. For small-sized grills, you can use multiple grates to increase the surface area. Grates are usually made of porcelain to prevent food from sticking onto them. Moreover, side shelves are attached to some grills in an attempt to increase the workspace. 

Ease of Use

It is crucial that the product you’re buying suits your requirements. User-friendliness is an attractive feature that magnifies the sale of a grill. Built-in thermostat and easy managing of the heat control to ensure a safer and controlled temperature. Grills can be a nuisance when it comes to cleaning them, so simpler and smaller models that are easy to clean are a particular favorite of the audience. 

Compact Size

Apartments are usually short on space, so your grill should be compact and lightweight at the same time. It will allow you to easily move the grill around in a suitable central position. Furthermore, a small-sized grill is much easier to store since it takes up less space. Foldable legs and wheels greatly favor the appliance in terms of portability.

Willy's Top Picks - Best Apartment Balcony Grills

Here are the best apartment balcony grills:

  1. Weber Q1400
  2. Cuisinart CGG-180T
  3. Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210

Review of the Best Apartment Balcony Grills

You won’t have to leave your apartment to enjoy grilled food anymore! Here is an extensive review of the best grills adapted to balcony use so that you can cherish outdoor sights with quality barbecue even if you’re short on space. A general round-up of the top grills for apartment balconies that qualified to our list are:

Best Overall:
Weber Q1400

Weber Q1400 Electric Grill, Gray

Pros

  • Compact, takes up less space and can be moved around easily
  • SIx-feet power cord eliminates the need for an extension board
  • 189 square inch cooking area perfect for small families of 2-4 people
  • Helps achieve a steady, high temperature up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Cast aluminum construction works as a lightweight and conductive medium

Cons

  • Cooking space is limited for large families and events

What Recent Buyers Report

Satisfaction is a small word for this grill that has exceeded expectations of the buyers in every regard. With solid construction, it’s bound to last several years withstanding rain, snow, and harsh sun rays. It also excels in terms of cooking food and delivering perfect sears with no compromise on the flavors. Buyers appreciated how it’s easy to assemble and clean it quickly with minimal effort.

Why it Stands Out to Us

While being expensive might be a complaint, this grill is exceptional and delivers according to its price. It is the perfect companion to enjoy a summer night out in the balcony with your partner and chilling in the fresh air.

With approximately 190 square inches of cooking area fitted with porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, be prepared to experience smoky flavors and perfect grills every time. The heat distribution is uniform and can be tossed up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit to cook all kinds of meat.

Another great feature is a small size, which makes it a great buy for apartments and condos. You can easily move it around since it’s pretty lightweight too.

Bottom Line

Above all, being an electric grill is the main perk since many dwellers aren’t allowed gas or charcoal grills. It not only imparts a superior taste to the meat but also saves you from harmful gases and fire hazards. Trust our judgment and buy this product because it delivers similar taste and enhanced flavors like any other grill you could own!

Runner-up:
Cuisinart CGG-180T

Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill, Red 17.6 x 18.6 x 11.8-Inch

Pros

  • Uniform and extreme heating capability up to 5500 BTU
  • Porcelain grates feature 145 square feet of cooking space
  • Exceptionally portable with a handle to lift it off effortlessly
  • Heat monitor keeps the temperature within controlled ranges
  • Lightweight, aluminum, foldable legs enhance stability and storage options

Cons

  • Some parts require maintenance because it may melt off with time
  • Spark ignitor doesn’t work properly so it might be a hassle to get it started

What Recent Buyers Report

Owing to a compact size that takes up minimal space, this little grill is a wonderful solution for limited deck space. Portability is the main selling feature since it can be lifted easily in a briefcase-style so one can move it around. The legs are sturdy in construction, providing a stable base, and at the same time, they can be folded neatly in case you want to store it away.

Why it Stands Out to Us

A product that considers the customer’s demands and works its way to produce a functional unit is often met with tremendous success. Cuisinart CGG-180T has great usefulness and cooking capacity. It can grill eight burgers, steaks, and chicken breasts and four pounds of fish on the porcelain-enameled grates. These grates ensure maximal heat transference and also prevent the food from sticking on to the grill.

Powering 5500 BTU in a stainless-steel burner with a built-in heat monitor gives you the perfect grills and sears while keeping intact the juiciness of your meal.

Moving on to the actual stand-out feature of this little unit - portability and storage. One can highly benefit from the foldable legs to pack this grill in a tight space. You can even take it along with you on adventures, camping, etc. to spice up your food game!

Bottom Line

Putting the user in control by providing enough cooking space for small families, you can feast on your favorite grilled foods without sacrificing deck space with this unit. It, therefore, makes for a great investment.

Best for the Money:
Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210

Weber Spirit E-210 Gas Grill | Liquid Propane, 2-Burner | Black

Pros

  • Durable caster wheels improve portability on any surface
  • Porcelain lid can be secured with hinges for more smokiness
  • Better functionality with tool hooks to hang grilling equipment
  • Stainless steel parts and cast aluminum body contribute to longevity
  • Enormous cooking area of 450 square feet for large portions of meat

Cons

  • Size is a bit large and weighs quite a bit
  • Heat regulation might be a bit of trouble with constant high temperatures

What Recent Buyers Report

The unit has been praised due to its excellent build and quality construction to make sure it lasts a long time. It saves space due to foldable shelves and offers accessories such as grilling hooks to facilitate one during cooking. This grill sits on caster wheels, which makes it much more feasible to move around because the heavy framework is hard to lift off.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you’re on a budgeting restriction, this is the grill that would make your investment count. It comes with a foldable work table that immensely increases space for preparation and can be folded down to cut down space utilization. It seems pretty tall, but it will fit in your apartment since the portable wheels are a resourceful addition.

Temperatures can be increased up to 500 to 600 degrees, and with the lid propped down, you can achieve a rich, zesty flavor in the meat.

Don’t worry about food portions because this device can easily provide ample cooking space. It has 360 square feet of primary grilling area and 90 square feet of warming rack to preserve the aromas and warmth. The overall quality is quite appreciable, and rust-free to bear the harsh outdoor environment.

Bottom Line

To make the most of your money, Weber offers a contemporary-styled grill machine that will solve all your space problems. You can bring it out on the balcony, get those steaks grilling with fresh vegetables, and enjoy a memorable evening! This unit is particularly easy to clean in terms of grease and drippings, which is just another reason why you should choose it.

Best Gas Grill for Apartment Balcony:
Fuego Element F21C

Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill, Dark Gray

Pros

  • Cleaning made easy by including a residual removal system
  • 346 square inches of cooking space is suitable for large families
  • Effective and modern designing adapted to perform with high efficiency
  • Porcelain lid and cast-iron grates allow a rugged and peel-free framework
  • Easy to achieve temperatures of 500F to a maximum of 650F for thicker meats

Cons

  • Quite heavy, weighing up to 70 pounds
  • No extra shelves and work surface area

What Recent Buyers Report

The Fuego Element F21C has been an absolute crowd-pleaser. The thoughtful designing paired, along with high achievable temperatures, has delighted users. The circular style has a small footprint of 21 square inches, and occupies hardly any space on the deck, making it a viable choice to be used on balconies or patios.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

Everything about this unit shouts innovation; whether it’s the sleek and unique build or the extraordinary heating performance, it’s a winner in both cases! Rest assured, the 346 square inches is a huge space, so you don’t need to worry about the amount of food cooking.

The entire cooking surface is well supplied by heat from the dual-zone burners to full capacity. Within just five minutes, the temperature goes up to 500F and can be further increased to 650F if you’re craving that perfect, caramelized sear on the outside.

The entire structure packs everything inside and sits on four wheels that offer free maneuverability. However, the removable residual tray is the real feature that throws light on the simpler cleaning system to avoid grease and drippings from sticking on the grill.

Bottom Line

Fuego has certainly nailed this product by going one step ahead to attach several features that make this unit worth its price. The propane tank storage, cast iron grates, one-push ignition, built-in thermometer, and a compact, portable framework are just other perks that you get to enjoy with this grill.

Best Charcoal Grill for Apartment Balcony:
 Char-Griller E1515

Char-Griller® Patio Pro Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Grates, Premium Wood Shelf and Damper Control, 250 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E1515

Pros

  • Can fit about anywhere owing to a petite and sleek design
  • 250 square inches is just right for cooking for 2 to 3 persons
  • Better maneuverability owing to the wheels and steel legs for stable support
  • Other parts don’t heat up because of the Stay Cool wooden handle and shelves
  • Increased top space with a side shelf and a grill on the bottom to place your tools

Cons

  • Cooking zone is not large for huge quantities of food in a single cook
  • Charcoal makes it messier to use and hard to clean the grease deposits

What Recent Buyers Report

This little unit is guaranteed to last a long time with good-quality grilling and barbecuing. The charcoal heats up evenly and strongly to deliver maximal temperatures on the cast iron cooking grates. It can tackle poultry, vegetables, and seafood in a hot and fast way. The wooden handle is a great help to save one from accidental burns.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

If you’re on the lookout for charcoal grills to suit your apartment balcony, then look no further! The Char-Griller E1515 is a valuable product living up to its features. The dual wheels make it easy to move around like a breeze, while the steel legs offer stout support while grilling.

To increase top space, a wooden shelf has been fitted alongside for preparation, and you can place your tools and equipment on the steel rack beneath. Small size and 50 lbs weight enhance portability and storage, particularly if you’re short on space.

To prevent temperatures from accelerating, the air vents are a feasible addition that makes sure hot air escapes for temperature maintenance. Customer safety is a priority, and the brand has put thought in constructing a wooden handle that avoids burns and wounds.

Bottom Line

The versatility and longevity of this grill are worth mentioning. It serves a dual purpose and can be used as a tabletop or a grill for delighting yourself with some meaty bliss. Add the right amount of seasoning with appropriate temperature control, and you’re in for a treat!

Best Electric Grill for Apartment Balcony:
George Foreman GGR50B

George Foreman, Silver, 12+ Servings Upto 15 Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill, GGR50B, REGULAR

Pros

  • Adjustable heat control of 5 different temperatures
  • Removable stand makes it easier to store and use on a tabletop
  • Perfect for balcony usage due to petite and lightweight properties
  • Non-sticking grate to prevent food from sticking and minimal butter requirement
  • Circular grilling area of 240 square inches is a valid option for serving large families

Cons

  • Takes some time to heat up the cooking grate
  • Circular design may not fit in your kitchen sink which makes it hard to clean

What Recent Buyers Report

Apartment residents can benefit greatly from electric grills such as the George Foreman GGR50B. It can be operated on a stand or even on a tabletop by removing the stand as per your preference, which makes it highly effective for outdoor use. The variable temperature settings ensure uniform heat distribution to keep the meat moist and juicy.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

If you’re prey to apartment guidelines, you’ll know that gas and charcoal ones aren’t allowed in many states. Here’s the best electric grill that delivers promising results with tenderness and smokiness, similar to gas grills.

Suited for outdoor and indoor grilling, it takes up little space, which makes it easy to work with. You can barbecue chicken or sear steaks in a 240 square-inch cooking area multiple times in a single setting. But the non-stick coating on the entire surface is the greatest hit of this product. It ensures easy cleaning and prevents food residues from sticking on the grates.

Not only this, but heat controls are easily accessed to mark varying temperatures for different meats and cooking styles. A light indicator and thermometer give a precise idea to set the optimum temperature. Air vents also help one control the smokiness and heat while grilling poultry, beef, or seafood.

Bottom Line

Versatility and practicality are key factors when it comes to this electric grill. It ensures a safer cookout on the balcony with no fire hazard at all. The removable stand has attracted the attention of many buyers since it yields greater opportunities for indoor and outdoor use. Although the circular design gives it a stylistic look, it might be a bit hard to clean up due to a greater surface area.

Best Small Grill for Apartment Balcony:
 Kamado Joe Jr. KJ13RH

Kamado Joe KJ13RH Joe Jr. 13.5 inch Portable Charcoal Grill with Cast Iron Cart and Heat Deflectors, Blaze Red

Pros

  • Ceramic grill with cast iron stand ensures longer usage for a lifetime
  • 148.5 square inches cooking space to accommodate food for 2-4 people
  • Prime feature is its compact and portable junior size if you’re short on space
  • Comes with a thermometer and stainless-steel grates for better heat conductance
  • Heat-resistant, hard-core shell preserves moisture and smoke at a uniform temperature

Cons

  • Does not have side shelves or accessories
  • Limited range of grilling surface and cooking process can get time taking

What Recent Buyers Report

The reviews say it all! Kamado never falters when it comes to high-quality construction, and this grill is bound to last a lifetime. The temperature control is accurate and consistent to replicate unbelievable flavors every time. You can cook on the upper and lower levels for variable heat exposure to master different kinds of food. The compact and miniature size makes it compatible with balcony use and hassle-free storage.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This grill is built to accommodate cooks who don’t have much balcony space but want to relish their taste buds in grilled goodness. Despite the short and small dimensions, it’s coated in a ceramic shell that keeps the smoke and juiciness intact, making it damage-resistant all the same.

The cast-iron air vent helps achieve a better mastering of the core temperature to prevent heat from drying out the meat. It might seem that the grilling space is restricted, but that’s all this junior model could pack in.

However, the thermometer is pretty accurate, and the ash collector tray has greatly enhanced cleaning and maintenance. Comprising pretty neat features like the divide and conquer stainless-steel grates, top vents for airflow, and a multi-panel firebox takes grilling to a level of enhanced feasibility.

Bottom Line

Instead of trying to shoehorn a bigger grill into your balcony, this unit will not only relieve you of space issues but also serve its purpose in barbecuing meat to perfection. With the right amount of sauces and seasoning, whether you choose to cook over direct heat or slow Kamado style cooking, rest assured, your food will turn out caramelized and delicious!

What Do I Need to Know Before Buying?

To make sure your investment counts, we advise you to give this section a read to better understand the product. Before you decide on a grill, you should be armed with the right dimensions of your balcony, and the apartment rules to know what kind of grills are allowed. A few important features that will ensure a worthy buy are listed below:

Your Apartment’s Policies

Considering the state you live in and knowing the apartment guidelines is quite important. It is legally allowed to use a grill in the balcony, but most apartments have restrictions on gas and charcoal ones. You should contact your apartment manager to get familiarized with the grill policy so that your purchase doesn’t go down the drain due to restrictions. 

Fuel Type

This is one of the biggest concerns you’ll have when deciding on a grill. Gas grills have better efficacy and temperature control when it comes to heating food, but it might get quite tiring to refill a propane tank and find space to store it. 

On the other hand, charcoal grills are for those who love a rustic, smokey taste in their food, which is otherwise unachievable. They require finesse and expertise to master heat control and can get messier, but it cooks food faster and better.

Electric grills are the most viable option out there for an apartment balcony. They are cost-friendly and easier to clean with plenty of cooking space. They stand out from the rest in terms of minimized damage and reduce the risk of fires by a great margin.

Size of the Grill

Once you’ve noted down your balcony measurements, you’ll have a rough estimate of the size in mind. While it is quite tempting to go for maximum grilling area, the size should be such that the unit easily fits in your apartment. Make sure that the grill is at a safe distance from the railings and the building. Foldable shelves are a great addition to enhance workspace. 

Construction

For a more productive and fruitful purchase, construction, and building materials used in your grill are prime factors. Stainless steel is a popular choice because of its high durability and non-rusting properties. There are few options to choose from, but it’s better to avoid purchasing cast iron or aluminum grills. Make sure to opt for a stable framework, preferably resistant to harsh weather, which suits a grill for outdoor use. 

What Size of Grill Should I Consider for My Apartment Balcony?

The size of the grill primarily depends on your balcony’s dimensions. Different apartments have varying sizes of balconies, and if you have a large-sized area, almost any kind of unit can fit in with enough space to stand and grill. 

The actual consideration is when purchasing a grill for a smaller balcony with limited space available. In such cases, it is advisable to opt for smaller and compact models with foldable shelves to occupy less space and keep a safe distance from nearby objects. Moreover, lightweight models are easier to move around; hence portability is a big selling point. 

You should have a ten-feet distance on all sides around your balcony after placing the grill. It is pointless trying to shove in an over-sized grill in a tiny space, which is why you’ll need to keep the dimensions in mind before buying a product. 

Conclusion

Who wouldn’t give for a juicy burger or a seared steak spiced up with a smoky aroma? Whether you live in an apartment or a condo, you can grill food on your balcony to layer up food with new dimensions. 

Considering our top choices, you can easily choose the one best suited to your balcony area, cooking capacity, and budget. Electric grills are a much safer option, but you need to keep in mind the size and space of the grill as well. It’s time to pick a grill and delight your taste buds with relishing flavors!

People Also Ask

Surfing the internet for all sorts of questions can be quite time-consuming, so we have prepared a short section to clear all your confusion in one place. Read along to get answers to your queries, and to better familiarize yourself with all the precautions and authorizations for using a grill in your apartment balcony.

Can You Grill on Your Apartment Balcony?

Most states allow the usage of grills in balconies, but you’ll need to contact your apartment management to check on the rules and be on the safe side. Most apartments do not have any restrictions on the use of grills, but you’ll need to make sure of the kind of grill allowed based on the policy. Staying ten feet away from any structure and using an electric grill will help you better enjoy grilled food in the open air. 

Is it Safe to Grill on Your Balcony?

If you stick to the precautions and apartment rules, there are hardly any chances of causing damage or catching fire. Electric grills are potentially the safest and viable option to relish grilled steaks with minimum trouble. 

However, in case your balcony is made of wood, then having a charcoal grill will only mean catastrophe, so that’s a big no-no. Wooden deck catches fire from sparks, so it’s better to use a fire safety mat to protect the area from fire. It is also crucial to maintain a safe distance from combustible materials and keep pets and children away. 

Are Gas Grills Allowed in Apartments?

Being a leading cause for fires, gas grills have become a restricted option to keep you and other tenants protected. However, it all depends on where you live. 

Some states still allow the use of gas grills, but the guidelines include a lengthy list of rules and restrictions. One must keep the gas grill at a safe distance of around 10-15 feet from wooden objects. You’ll also need to keep a fire extinguisher with you at all times in case of sudden hazards. This is why it’s advisable to check up with your apartment manager before you purchase a gas grill.

How Do I Protect My Deck Railings from The Grill?

Vinyl railings are inclined to meltdown from the heat emitted by the grill. Apartment and condos usually have enough space in their balconies to position the grill at a safe distance from the railings. Preferably, a minimum of ten feet distance should be maintained strictly to protect your deck railings. Moreover, a fire mat is a suitable option to protect your deck and the railings from sparks, heat, and fire. They cover up a pretty large area so they’ll keep your railings protected at all costs.

Where Should I Put My Grill?

Indoor grilling comes with several precautionary measures that are essential to keep you safe. Keep your grill centrally positioned in the balcony with a 10 to 15 feet distance from the railings and the apartment building as well. Make sure to keep things like wooden objects and hanging plants far away from the grill flames. It’s recommended to make enough room in your patio or balcony to centrally locate the grill at a protected distance from all sides. 

Is it Legal to Have a Grill on a Balcony?

Yes, looking on the bright side, you are legally allowed to place a grill on your apartment or condo’s balcony. However, you’ll need to contact your apartment management to understand their policies and guidelines, which will help you overcome any hazard or mishap. Charcoal and open-flame grills are mostly not allowed on wooden balconies, but electric grills can save the day by keeping you safe and serving you juicy, hot meat.

Hey there, I’m Will, and I’ve been smoking and grilling for as long as I can remember. I made this blog to help others who are looking for honest and reliable info from someone they can trust. In my own efforts to try to perfect my smoking and grilling skills, I’ve done a lot of research and would like to have it compiled as a resource for others to use. Happy smoking!