If you have an apartment, you probably don't have much of a backyard. But your lack of yard space doesn't mean you need to get rid of your barbecue tongs. As long as you have a balcony, you can still do some grilling. When you buy a BBQ for balcony use, you can try out all of your favorite BBQ dishes. Learn everything you need to know about balcony barbecuing and find out which grill is best for you.

Backyard Boss Top 5 BBY Grills for Your Balcony in 2021

PRODUCT

FEATURES

Cuisinart CGG-306 - $$title$$

Cuisinart CGG-306

  • Type: Propane Grill
  • BTU: 10,000
  • Size: 275 sq. in.

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George Foreman GGR50B - $$title$$

George Foreman GGR50B

  • Type: Electric Grill
  • BTU: n/a
  • Size: 240 sq. in.

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Cuisinart CGG180 - $$title$$

Cuisinart CGG180

  • Type: Electric Grill
  • BTU: 5,500
  • Size: 160 sq. in.

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Raptor Grilling - Optimized Portable Charcoal Grill Smoker - $$title$$

Raptor Grilling - Optimized Portable Charcoal Grill Smoker

  • Type: Charcoal Grill
  • BTU: n/a
  • Size: 230 sq. in.

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Coleman RoadTrip 285 - $$title$$

Coleman RoadTrip 285

  • Type: Propane Grill
  • BTU: 20,000
  • Size: 285 sq. in.

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Best Propane Grill for Small Spaces

Cuisinart CGG-306

    If you're interested in a high quality grill that takes up minimal space, the Cuisinart CGG-306 is a good choice.

      Pros:

    • Carrying handle and 22 pounds light
    • Quick setup
    • Two burners
      Cons:

    • Runs very hot

If you're interested in a high quality grill that takes up minimal space, the Cuisinart CGG-306 is a good choice. Because it's a propane grill, this product is allowed in most apartments. It's safe to use outside and is highly portable. Weighing in at 22 pounds, the grill is light enough for you to transport with ease. On the side, there's a carrying handle.

Setting up this product takes less than ten minutes. Furthermore, you don't need any tools to set it up and you don't need any matches. It lights at the push of a button  With two 10,000 BTU burners, this Cuisinart grill is powerful enough to cook up anything. The burners allow for the even cooking of your food. If you need to change the heat, you can use the adjustable knobs.

Theresa four foot hose that allows you to connect this grill to a propane tank. If the grill fails you, the three year limited warranty protects you.

Best High-Capacity Grill for Balconies

George Foreman GGR50B

    For those who want an electric grill that can feed a house full of people, the George Foreman GGR50B is a prime choice

      Pros:

    • Feeds over 15 people
    • Removable stand
    • Nonstick surface
      Cons:

    • Hard to clean

For those who want an electric grill that can feed a house full of people, the George Foreman GGR50B is a prime choice. With 240 square inches of grilling surface, this product can feed more than 15 people. It's nothing like the original, small Foreman grill.

Although this grill has a long stand that brings the grill up to your level, that stand is removable. You can bring it inside after you barbecue, or leave the stand on and store the grill on your balcony. Because it's electric, this product is safe for apartment use.

Unlike some other grills, this one is easy to maintain. The cooking surface has a non-stick coating that prevents grime from building up. It also eliminates the need for cooking spray or oil. While you're cooking, you can use the adjustable controls to pick the heat setting you need. It heats up quickly, so you don't need to wait long to get started.

Best Portable Lightweight Grill

Cuisinart CGG180

    If you want a propane balcony grill that is easy to break down and set up, the CGG180 is an excellent choice.

      Pros:

    • Twist knob ignition
    • Porcelain enamel grates
    • Three year warranty
      Cons:

    • Takes a while to get hot

This balcony grill features 160 square inches of cooking space. Covered in a porcelain enamel, the grates are durable and easy to clean.

Although this propane grill only has one burner, it puts out 5,500 BTUs. To start up the grill, all you need to do is twist a knob. Adjusting the temperature is simple, thanks to the accurate temperature gauge and dial.

What makes this product great for balcony grilling is the size. It's compact enough to store on your balcony or inside your apartment. However, it has a stand that lifts the grill up to a convenient height. The telescoping stand is easy to collapse or extend. If you plan on moving the grill away from your balcony, you can hold it with the carrying handle. Because the grill only weighs 17 pounds, it's light enough to take anywhere.  A three year warranty protects your purchase. If you want a propane balcony grill that is easy to break down and set up, the CGG180 is an excellent choice.

Best Small Charcoal Grill for Balcony or Deck

Raptor Grilling - Optimized Portable Charcoal Grill Smoker

    If you're permitted to have a charcoal grill, this Raptor model is the perfect fit.

      Pros:

    • Easy to store
    • Won't rust or peel
    • Clean hands technology
      Cons:

    • Handles may break easily

Although many apartment regulations prohibit charcoal grills, some allow them. If you're permitted to have a charcoal grill, this Weber model is the perfect fit. It's very portable and is easy to store. However, it has a large enough cooking surface to cook up to six burgers at a time. It has approximately 230 inches of cooking space.

The lid and base are made of porcelain enamel. As such, it retains heat and won't peel or rust over time. The lid has dampers that allow you to manipulate the temperature in the grill. After you're done cooking, the grill is easy to clean. It features plated steel grates that are easy to clean.

When the time comes to move the grill, it locks into place. Due to its rectangular shape, this barbecue fits in most small storage spaces. When you're done using it, put it back inside and you won't lose any balcony space.

Best Multi-Surface Grill

Coleman RoadTrip 285

    The Coleman Roadtrip 285 is a powerful, yet compact grill.

      Pros:

    • Compact size
    • Integrated temperature control and monitor
    • Swappable cook top
      Cons:

    • Low quality handle

The Coleman Roadtrip 285 is a powerful, yet compact grill. It features unique burner technology that puts out 20,000 BTUs and gives you advanced control. You can choose up to three unique temperature zones, allowing you to cook at different temperatures during one grilling session.

This product starts up with the push of a button. It has an integrated temperature monitor that makes it simple to keep track of the heat.

To give you more options while cooking, this grill has swappable cook tops. You can buy a griddle or stove grate and switch it with the grill grate. There are two sliding side tables built-in to this product, which allows you to keep your accessories or sauces nearby.

If you don't want to store this grill on your balcony, you can quickly fold up the legs. Or, roll it on the two wheels and move it to a different location.

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Balcony Use

Are you thinking about getting a BBQ for your balcony? If so, you may have some questions. There are a few things you should know before you choose your next grill.

Is It Safe to BBQ on a Balcony?

Although this seems like a simple question, it doesn't have an easy answer. It can be safe to grill on a balcony, but it's not always legal. Furthermore, the safety depends on the type of grill.

Whether or not it's legal for you to use a grill on your balcony depends on where you live. For instance, Florida law does not allow for the storage or use of a grill on a balcony. Meanwhile, New York allows the use of gas grills, as long as they are a certain distance from a structure.

State laws aren't the only factor you need to consider. Cities and condos have their own laws regarding grills. Before you buy a grill, you should look into your local laws.

Home grills have caused an average of more than 8,000 fires each year. 29% of those fires were from grilling on balconies or patios. If you're not careful about choosing the right grill, you could cause a fire or be fined for non-compliance of local laws.

Can You Have a Grill on an Apartment Balcony?

Most apartments and condominiums have their own rules regarding balcony use. While some communities won't even let you store toys on your balcony, others are much more lax.

Before you decide on a grill, find out about your apartment's rules and regulations. If they allow grills, be sure to find out what kind of barbecues are allowed. You might not be able to have charcoal, or you could be limited to a certain size.

Do Apartments Allow Electric Grills?

Out of all the grill types, electric grills are considered the safest for balcony use. In fact, almost all apartments allow electric grills on balconies.

Of course, you should still look into your local rules. If there are any restrictions, be sure that your grill meets those restrictions. Keep in mind that you might not be able to store your grill on your balcony. In this case, you should look for a grill that's portable and easy to store.

Grilling on a hybrid grill barbecue for electric or charcoal outdoors

How Do You Grill on a Balcony?

Although the quality of your bbq for balcony use matters, the way you use it also matters. If you don't know what you're doing, you won't get good results. You also put yourself and your home in danger.

First, you should make sure you have enough ventilation. An electric grill is safe for indoor use, so ventilation for this type of grill doesn't matter. But a propane grill or charcoal grill requires ventilation. If your balcony has no air flow, grilling can be dangerous.

You should also know how to use your grill. Before you get started, read the instruction manual. Pay attention to the safety warnings and use the grill as directed. If you fail to do so, you could be in danger.

Once you understand how to use your grill, you can get started. Make sure you have the right kind of fuel for the grill and get all the tools you need for barbecuing. Then, you're ready to get cooking.

What Should You Look for in a Grill?

Now that you understand a little about grilling on a balcony, you can start looking for the right grill. But what grill is right for you? There are a few details you should look for in your grill.

First, you should consider the type of grill you need. Should you get an electric, gas, or propane grill? If you have strict regulations, your only choice may be an electric grill. For people who have more lax rules, propane is the better choice. It delivers a more smoky flavor.

Secondly, you need to think about the size of your balcony. If you have a small balcony, you won't be able to fit a large grill. Even if it fits, the grill will take up all of your space. You should look for a barbecue that will fit and will leave you with enough room to enjoy your balcony.

Finally, you should consider the features of the grill. Does it come with a built-in tray? Are there hooks for your accessories? If you plan on moving your grill around, you might want a grill with wheels. Think about what special features your ideal grill will have. Then, look for a product that has everything you need.

Which Is the Best BBQ for Your Balcony?

If you're ready to get grilling, it's time to buy your grill. The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is the perfect choice, regardless of your needs. As long as your apartment rules don't prevent you from using propane, this grill is right for you. It's small enough to store anywhere in your apartment. Furthermore, it's light enough to make moving it around easier. The grill itself works extremely well and maintains a constant temperature. Thanks to telescoping legs, this grill does not require you to grill on a table or at an awkward height. When you're grilling on your balcony, you can be comfortable and have successful dishes.