Spice Up Your Small Backyard with These Clever Grilling Area Ideas

Outdoor grilling allows us to enjoy delicious BBQs and gather with friends in the comfort of our own backyards. However, designing a functional and spacious grilling area can be challenging when working with a compact outdoor space.

Not to worry - with some creative small-space solutions, you can construct a grilling oasis that makes the most of every square inch.

Embrace Vertical Design

When lacking horizontal room, embrace verticality. Mounted grills, storage shelves, and tall carts free up valuable floor area while allowing you to grill and prep in close proximity.

Mounted Grills and Carts

Wall-mounted grills or vertical carts are ideal space savers suited to small patios and decks. Grills can be mounted with built-in ventilation to prevent heat damage. Or, opt for a commercial-grade vertical cart with a locking cabinet and foldable shelves for portable storage.

Going vertical leaves space below to arrange seating and clears the ground plane for cornhole, bocce ball or other backyard pastimes. No-fuss electric and gas models are available, allowing convenient and quick grilling.

Storage Shelving

Shelving ranks as another stellar vertical addition for stashing supplies directly by the grill. Mount open shelving on a nearby wall or fence to hold essentials like spices, sauces, platters, and tools. Enclose the lower shelves for hidden storage or leave them open for quick access.

For a sleek, built-in look, use weatherproof cabinetry materials like bamboo, metal, or stack stone. Or get crafty with reclaimed wood planks. Not only does vertical storage save precious real estate, but keeping necessities nearby makes grilling a breeze.

Seek Multipurpose Elements

When dealing with confined square footage, each item must pull double duty. Seek grills and carts with features that enable you to not only BBQ steaks, but also sear, steam, or smoke a variety of dishes.

Hybrid Grills

Hybrid charcoal-gas grills combine the smoky flavor of charcoal with the temperature precision of gas. Models with griddles or side burners expand your culinary options. Cook up smash burgers, sear fish, or stir fry veggies without needing additional appliances.

All-in-one variety enables preparing an entire meal on one piece of equipment. So rather than crowding your petite patio, a single unit can stand solo as a compact grilling station.

Convertible Carts

Carts also present clever ways to multitask, with models that convert from food prep to serving stand. Look for adjustable carts with retractable shelves, fold-down sides, and drawer storage to keep all essentials contained but conveniently accessible.

During grilling, utilize every inch of the cart's surface area for ingreduent bowls, platters and cutting boards. Then fold it down to hold served dishes and become a handy buffet station.

Employ Portable Grill Solutions

Portable grills provide problem-solving alternatives when permanent installations aren't feasible. Their nimble sizes and transportability allow you to create a temporary grilling zone wherever and whenever the mood strikes.

Smaller Sized Models

Tabletop charcoal and gas grills, like the classic Weber Smokey Joe, take up minimal footprint. Their scaled-down dimensions make them perfect for apartment balconies or cooking solo. For safety, only operate portable grills outdoors in a well-ventilated area clear of overhangs.

During patio parties, break out your compact grill for overflow or custom orders. Square models fit nicely on counter corners to serve as satellite stations to your primary grill.

Rolling Carts

Portable grills gain added functionality paired with a rolling cart. Look for carts with handy features like folding shelves, locking casters, and weatherproof cabinet storage. Then seamlessly transport both grill and supplies to wherever the patio party moves.

DIY rolling carts are also easy to construct from scrap wood, small wagon beds or repurposed file cabinets. Install heavy-duty casters for smooth mobility across brick, grass or pavement.

Incorporate Strategic Storage

Embrace organizational elements like cabinets, shelving, and carts to keep grilling gear tidy but close at hand. Built-in or freestanding storage eliminates clutter while designating everything a "place".

Built-In Cabinets

For a seamless look, build cabinetry directly into your outdoor kitchen setup. Framed with weather-resistant materials like cedar or marine rot-resistant lumber, cabinets camouflage into your architectural scheme while doing important behind-the-scenes work.

Stash stackable plates, grill brushes and tongs inside cabinets outfitted with pulls or handles for easy access. Install near enough to grab spices and oil without taking steps away from the grill.

Rolling Carts and Tables

Freestanding storage like rolling carts provide a flexible alternative when building-in isn't possible. Stainless steel models withstand seasonal weather and provide waterproof storage for small bags of charcoal, utensils, or matches.

Look for convenient features like tiered shelving, paper towel rods, and condiment trays to equip your mobile station. Then effortlessly reposition the unit based on the number of people or flow of food.

Play with Lighting and Decor

Make your petite grilling garden an enticing place to gather after dark by incorporating mood-setting luminaires and whimsical ornamentation.

String mini lights or paper lanterns overhead to cast a magical glow. Position stand-alone light columns to illuminate seating areas and pathways. Place grouped candles on tables and built-in ledges, taking care to position away from traffic areas.

Sculptural accents like ceramic birdhouses, concrete planters and glass orb catches add handcrafted personality. While a vibrant outdoor rug underneath the grill zone defines the functional area and brings a pop of color.

• Use LED string light to minimize fire risk.
• Place citronella candles on tables to repel mosquitos.
• Light pathways to highlight safe travel routes.

By following these ingenious tips for erecting space-saving grills, incorporating storage, and embellishing with decor, even the most modest outdoor area can be transformed into a petite grilling oasis tailor-made for cooking and relaxing.