One of the first things you think of when grilling outdoors is how far should a grill be from the fence. Do not grill too close to the fence or any structure to avoid accidental fires from happening. In this article, we will discuss how far should a grill be away from the fence. We will also share safety tips to help set up your outdoor grilling area.
How close can a grill be to a fence? According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the grill should be at least 10 feet away from any house walls, siding, or structure. On the other hand, most grill manufacturers recommend that the grill be at least 3 feet away from any structure.
How much clearance does a grill need? How far away should the grill be from your house? Where should you place your grill outdoor? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Read below for more safety tips and information for outdoor grilling.
Importance of Grilling at a Safe Distance
One of the reasons why you need to keep a safe distance from your house when grilling is that the grill should have the right amount of air space for it to properly ventilate. Bear in mind that without proper ventilation, gas, carbon monoxide, and smoke can build up to dangerous levels and can result in flare-ups. There is also the risk of grill fires. Moreover, the natural amount of heat that comes from the grill can also cause damage to the siding of your house.
How Much Clearance Does a Grill Need?
It is recommended that the grill should at least be 3 feet away from the house, fence, or any structures. Regardless of what type of grill you have, see to it that you follow the 3-foot rule when you set up the grill outdoors.
How Far Should a Grill be from Your House?
When setting up your grill outdoors, choose an area that is far from your house, fence, or any other structure to avoid any problem. In general, grill manufacturers will advise that you keep a minimum of at least three feet from the gas grill. We have also shared this article titled, can I use a gas or charcoal grill on my balcony? Check out the article for tips and information about the things that you need to consider when grilling on your balcony.
Where to Place Grill Outside?
The grill’s location and the safety precautions that you need to take are some of the factors that you need to consider when setting up a BBQ party. If you are not careful, the combination of fire and fuel from the grill, hot food, and a large number of people can cause accidents. Below are some of the things that you need to consider when setting up an outdoor grill.
Line of Vision
Among the things that you need to consider when setting up an outdoor BBQ party is the line of vision. Those who are inside the house should see the BBQ through the open windows and doors. The same also goes for those who are outside the house. If you are cooking the BBQ, you need to have a clear vision of what is happening around you. There should be no walls or trees around the grilling station that can obstruct your view.
Check Your Surroundings
Always check the surrounding before setting up the grill. There should be enough distance between the grill and any structure for safety. Do not place the grill directly outside the back door. This can cause accidents especially if kids are running around. See to it that you set up the grill on a flat and clean surface. Moreover, it should be placed away from any flammable things like hedges and low-lying trees.
Consider the Wind
You also need to consider which way the wind blows. While smoke is part of the grilling experience, it can also be a problem when it gets in your clothes and hair. Even worse is when it gets in your lungs and eyes. Make sure that the wind does not carry the smoke to where your guests are. Take note that fumes contain carbon monoxide as well as other dangerous substances. These substances form when grease burns. Hence, you need to consider the proximity of your grill to the doors, windows, doors, balconies, and even your neighbors. The last thing that you want to happen is for your neighbors to complain about smoke getting into their property. 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.
Consider the Heat and Shade
Most people have a BBQ party during the summer season where the weather is warm and the sun is shining. On the other hand, you need to consider the heat from the sun and the heat that comes from your grill. It is uncomfortable to stand beside a hot grill when the weather is also smoldering. Hence, see to it that you place your grill in the shade. It is best to place the grill under the trees because they offer natural shade and also ventilation. However, you need to check for low-hanging branches because placing the grill under the tree because can be a fire hazard. It is best to place your grill in an area where shade covers it for most of the day.
Keep the Right Distance
When grilling outdoors, you also need to consider the distance of the grill. It is important to maintain a safe distance between the grill and your house. However, you do not want the grill to be very far away that it becomes a burden to walk and carry all of the food just to get from one to the other. Food preparation is usually done indoors and you need to bring the food outside for grilling. Take note that if the grill is too far away, it can be tiring to walk back and forth while trying to keep an eye on the grill.
✅ Video – Tips to have a Safe Outdoor Grilling
CityofCarlsbadCA shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses the tips on how to safely grill outdoors. In the video, fire prevention specialist Jarrod Robinson shared tips on how to keep safe when grilling outdoors. Check the video below for more information.
How Far Should a Charcoal Grill be from the House?
Regardless you have a charcoal or a gas grill, it should be placed at least 10 feet away from any structures. Also, do not place it under low-hanging branches that can easily catch fire. The surrounding should be clear from any debris that can cause a fire.
How Far Away Should a Grill be from Vinyl Siding?
Keep a distance of at least ten feet away from the house to the vinyl siding. Bear in mind that if your grill is too close to a vinyl siding, the siding will melt and can cause a fire.
Can You Put a Grill on Grass?
Do not place the grill on top of an area where there is grass. The grass is a fire hazard. Take note that dry grass can catch fire easily. Any leaks of fat from the meat that drips into the grass can cause a fire. Moreover, the hot temperature that is also generated by the grill can also destroy the grass. While most artificial grasses do not burn, it is still best that you avoid exposing them to open flames. Furthermore, talk to your manufacturer regarding the fire ratings of the grass. Bear in mind that artificial grass can melt when exposed to high temperatures.
Where Should I Place My Grill?
Place your grill on a grilling platform that is flat and clear of any grass and debris. Make sure that it is away from any structure that can cause a fire. Outdoor grilling is a fun and enjoyable way to catch up with friends and family on a warm day. On the other hand, you also need to consider safety issues like the risk of fire. Make sure that you place your grill on a level and safe distance from plants and structures.
Away from Nearby Structures
It is recommended that you set up your grill at least ten feet away from any structures and dry vegetation that can catch fire. Moreover, do not expose the grill during rain because flare-ups could happen which can lead to a house fire. Aside from that, you also risk damaging the components of the grill. We have also shared this article that discusses if you can leave your gas or charcoal grill outside. Check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Sturdy Grilling Platform
Place your grill on a flat, stable, and non-flammable platform. Choose an area outdoor that has a slab of cement that is wide enough to accommodate the grill. By doing this, you can make sure that in case any coals or flaming bits of food drop onto the ground; there is no chance for a fire to occur.
Conclusion
How far a grill should be away from your fence is one of the things that you need to ask when grilling outdoors. In this article, we have discussed the importance of maintaining a safe distance between the grill and any structure that can cause a fire. We have also shared tips on where to safely place the grill outdoors. You can take note of these tips when you are setting up your outdoor grilling station. Thank you for reading!