No Room? No Problem! Grills to Satisfy Without Sacrificing Square Footage

For those with a small balcony, finding the space for a grill may seem impossible. But with the right compact grill, you can enjoy delicious barbecued food without sacrificing your limited square footage.

We'll also share grilling tips to help you make mouthwatering meals.

What to Look for in a Compact Balcony Grill

When shopping for a grill to use in a petite outdoor area, keep these key factors in mind:

Size and Portability

First and foremost, consider the grill's dimensions. It needs to actually fit into your available room once unfolded or assembled. Prioritize compact grills with smaller footprints that don't eat up your whole balcony.

Portability is also paramount. Opt for a grill with wheels, foldable legs, or a lightweight build under 50 pounds. This allows you to easily roll or carry it out when grilling time comes then tuck it neatly away after eating.

Build Quality

Just because it's small doesn't mean you should sacrifice durability. Carefully inspect the construction, especially vital components like the legs, lid, and grill grates.

Legs should provide stability on balconies. Lids and grill grates should withstand high heat. Solid builds stand the test of time and weather compared to flimsier models.

Temperature Control

Look for a grill with adjustable burners or vents to adapt the heat level as needed. This level of control prevents food from charring instantly or taking forever to cook in a confined space.

Lid thermometers also come in handy for monitoring inside temperatures. Opening and closing the lid repeatedly lets heat escape.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount, especially on an elevated, potentially windy balcony. Prioritize grills designed to prevent fires or tipping over.

Auto shut-off valves cut gas flow if the flame goes out. Tip-over protection, like rear wheel locks or weighted bases, reduces the risk of crashing grills on small balconies.

Top Picks for Small Space Grilling

Thousands of grills exist, but only a select few check every box for use in petite outdoor spaces. Here are our top recommendations after extensive research:

Best Overall: Char-Broil Portable TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro

For a powerful but pint-sized grill, Char-Broil's Patio Bistro takes first place. It earns rave reviews for its TRU infrared cooking system that prevents flare-ups while locking in juices.

Weighing only 20 pounds, its briefcase-style design folds up neatly. The 155-square inch primary cooking surface suits cooking 8 burgers at once. This versatility packs a serious punch without consuming excess space.

Stainless steel construction promises lasting performance. Users do note the grill grates feel cheaper than expected, but they heat efficiently. For the quality and convenience, you can't beat this pick.

Runner Up: Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill

For a simpler small-space grill, Cuisinart's Petit Gourmet delivers ample 160-square inch grilling capacity. It secures snugly with locking lid and briefcase-handle for effortless transport.

Its dual stainless steel burners heat quickly and evenly across the porcelain-enameled grate. More budget-friendly than other picks, it excels at basic grilling tasks. Just don't expect many bells or whistles.

While legs feel somewhat flimsy over time, its lighter aluminum shell avoids rust. For a basic but reliable balcony grill, Petit Gourmet hits the sweet spot of affordability and quality.

Also Consider: Weber Q 1000 Liquid Propane Grill

Hardcore grillers who want precision heat controls should check out the Weber Q 1000. Its convenient push-button ignition quickly fires up the single burner.

Plus, an infinite control burner valve allows you to fine-tune temperatures as needed. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates retain heat effectively once hot.

Fair warning: Its 189-square inch cookbox capacity lags slightly behind other picks. But for seasoned grill masters, no other balcony grill offers this level of temperature precision.

Using Your Balcony Grill

Once you've selected the ideal petite grill for your balcony, it's time to fire it up. Follow these expert tips and techniques:

Grilling Tips and Techniques

Balcony grilling differs slightly from backyard barbecuing. The confined space concentrates heat rather than allowing it to dissipate.

Use direct high heat for searing foods that cook quickly, like steaks, chops, chicken, or kebabs. Avoid flare-ups by keeping the grill clean and lid open.

For larger, slower-cooking foods like roasts or whole chickens, indirect heat works better. Place a drip pan under the food rather than directly over the fire.

Invest in a meat thermometer and resist the urge to constantly flip foods. Opening the grill repeatedly drops the interior temp. Use tongs for flipping to prevent piercing meats.

Caring for Your Grill

Since storage space comes at a premium, properly maintaining your balcony grill prevents issues down the road:

• Frequently remove grease buildup from grates/drip pans to reduce fire risks
• Always completely cover the grill when not in use to conserve space and prevent weather damage
• In cold climates, store the grill safely indoors over winter to avoid functional issues from exposure

Grillingflavorful food no longer requires expansive square footage. Compact grills suit even the humblest balconies while serving up homemade flavors.

The Char-Broil Patio Bistro takes our top spot for its unmatched infrared heat controls in a portable package. Or choose the budget-friendly Petit Gourmet for basic grilling goodness.

Whichever grill you select, apply our small-space grilling guidance for mouthwatering results. With compact equipment designed for balcony use, you can enjoy sizzling barbecued delights at home regardless of limited room.