If you live in an apartment and would like to enjoy grilled meat, can you use a gas or charcoal grill to cook on your balcony? If you love grilling but you live in an apartment, there are many things that you need to consider so that you will know what type of grill you are allowed to use. Let us take a look at these things below.
Can I use a gas or charcoal grill on my balcony? The type of grill that you are allowed to use on your balcony will have to depend on many factors like where you live and your building regulations. See to it that you choose a grill that is compliant with the law. Some states only allowed the use of a gas grill or electric grill. Electric grills that are built for apartments can smoke food like charcoal grills, but the difference is that everything is under control.
If you are thinking about purchasing a grill for your apartment, make sure that you are aware not only of the state law but also of your building law. Take note that apartment BBQ laws differ depending on the landlord. See to it that you ask your building management about their policies and how they are enforced before you purchase a grill.
Are You Allowed to Grill on Your Balcony?
In general, the rules vary from place to place. Make sure that you consider both the city and state regulations when you start researching the guidelines for your apartment complex. You can search online for such guidelines. Find out if you can only use a certain type or size of grill for your balcony.
Can I Use Charcoal Grill on My Balcony?
This will have to depend on your state and building regulations. Most of the time, you will not be able to use a charcoal grill because of the live coals and lengthy heating process. Take note that charcoal grills often get banned frequently as compared to gas grills even though statistics show that they are safer to use. You can also check out this article that discusses how close a grill be to a fence. We have shared tips and information regarding outdoor grilling that you can refer to.
Can You Have a Gas Grill on an Apartment Balcony?
You may be able to use a gas grill on your balcony depending on local regulations. Most of the time, the rules are lax when it comes to gas grills. As compared to charcoal, propane heats up faster and is highly contained. On the other hand, gas grills are not perfect and accidents can still happen. Hence, make sure that you are extra careful when operating gas grills.
What is the Best Grill that Can Be Used for Balconies?
Electric grills are considered to be the best type of grill that can be used for balconies. They are small, lightweight, and safe to use. Furthermore, electric grills are more likely to be allowed on balconies and they can easily fit in whatever space that you are working with.
Is it Safe to Grill on a Balcony?
It is safe to grill on a balcony. On the other hand, you need to be aware of BBQ laws and regulations. Also, make sure to follow the safety tips so that you can prevent accidents from happening. You can also check out this article titled, is it OK for a grill to get rained on? We have shared helpful tips that you can follow when grilling in the rain. Moreover, we have shared hacks on how to maintain and repair grills that are rained on.
What is the Best Size of Grill for Balconies?
The best size of the grill for balconies will have to depend on the size of your balcony. Consider the size of your balcony when you are shopping for a grill. Would you want to have a standing or a low grill? Is a portable grill more convenient to use? If you have a small balcony, you can opt for a hanging grill that can be mounted on the banister.
Things to Consider When Apartment Grilling
Grilling is always fun and enjoyable. However, when you are grilling on your balcony, there are things that you need to consider to make sure that you are following rules and regulations. Keeping in mind these things will help you organize your BBQ party safely and practically.
What Will You Cook?
Consider the type of grill that you have and if it can accommodate the amount of food that you would like to cook. You also need to determine the cooking time so you will have everything done and your guests will do not have to wait a long time to eat. You can also check out this article titled, does gas grill taste like charcoal? We have shared the different factors that can affect the taste of your BBQ.
How Many Guests?
The number of guests that you will have will affect the amount of food that you will make and the space that you have. Take note that the more people you have, the more things you need to consider and prepare.
What Kind of Lighting Do You Have?
Lighting is an important factor especially if you are grilling late at night. Make sure that you have enough lighting when you grill so that you can see what you are doing and avoid accidentally burning yourself while maneuvering on the grill. You can choose from a wide array of lighting that is available on the market.
How Much Storage Do You Have?
Having outdoor balcony storage makes grilling easier. Consider having vertical storage so that you can save space if you have a small balcony. You can use that area to store your grilling tools, a fire extinguisher, and other necessities.
What Type of Grill Do You Have?
Make sure to follow both the state and building regulations when you are choosing a grill for your balcony. While gas grills have caused more house fires as compared to charcoal grills, some landlords only allow the use of a gas grill. On the other hand, you can also use an electric grill which is safe and convenient to use. You can also check out this article titled, is it illegal to have BBQ smoke leave your property? We have shared information about the possible issues that can occur when BBQ smoke leaves your property.
Do You Have Enough Time?
Take note that grilling can take a lot of time. You need to set up your grill, heat the charcoal, and grill the food. Aside from that, you also have to clean the grill afterward. See to it that you have enough time so that you can enjoy grilling and not be in a hurry to finish cooking the food.
✅ Video – Before You Grill… Know the Rules
City of Carmel, Indiana shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses the grilling rules and regulations in the state of Indiana. Bruce Knott from the Carmel Fire Department explains some guidelines that should be followed when grilling on or below a balcony. Watch the video below for more information. Make sure to check your state and building before grilling on your balcony.
Gas Vs Charcoal Grilling
Charcoal and gas grills are perfect for outdoor grilling. However, there are differences that you need to consider so that you can make the right choice between the two. Let us take a look at the pros and cons of gas and charcoal grills below.
Gas Grills
Gas grills are the most popular type of grill. Most prefer to use a gas grill because it heats up quickly and also provides a good flavor for the meat. On the other hand, they tend to be more expensive. Moreover, if you are after the smoky and rich charcoal taste on your BBQ, a gas grill is not the best choice.
Charcoal Grills
This type of grill cooks hotter as compared to gas and also delivers the best smoky flavor and sear. On the other hand, heating a charcoal grill can take time and effort. You can also need to safely extinguish them. Furthermore, most apartments do not allow the use of charcoal grills.
We have also shared this article that discusses if it is cheaper to grill with propane or charcoal. You can check out the article for more tips and information about the topic.
Is a Charcoal Grill an Open Flame?
In general, a charcoal grill is not considered an open-flame grill. This is because food is cooked over heated coals and not a fire. While it is true that fire can be used to start a charcoal grill, the flame diminishes once the coals are heated. If you are using a charcoal grill on your balcony, make sure that you are extra careful. Charcoal emits sparks and reacts to the wind which can accidentally cause a fire.
What is Considered an Open Flame Grill?
An open flame grill is the one that you light with the use of a lighter or match. Make sure that you follow the law and find out exactly what is considered to be an open flame. Most apartment complexes considered an open flame to be a flame that bounces around or even under a lid. Most of the time, you are not allowed to have a charcoal grill on an apartment balcony, so it is best to think of other alternatives like a gas or electric grill.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this article that discusses if you can use a gas or charcoal grill on your balcony. We have found out that this will have to depend on the state that you live in as well as your building laws and regulations. Living in an apartment with smaller spaces will require you to follow rules and regulations. Make sure that you check with your local fire department and your landlord on what type of grill you are allowed to use. Thank you for reading!