Top-Rated Small Grills to Fire Up Your Apartment Patio

Grilling is one of life's great pleasures. The satisfying sizzle of meat on the grill, the mouthwatering aroma of smoke and seasoning, the delicious charred flavors--it's an experience every barbecue fan looks forward to. But what if you live in an apartment with limited outdoor space? Does this mean you have to give up grilling until you own a home with a big backyard? Not at all! With the right compact grill, you can enjoy authentic barbecue flavor from even the tiniest apartment patio or balcony.

Whether you prefer the convenience of gas, the authentic smoke of charcoal, or a safe electric model that meets apartment rules, we've got you covered. We'll also share tips to help you get the most flavor and fun out of your apartment grill. With a bit of cleverness, you can make every meal off your small patio grill taste like it came from the big leagues. Let's get fired up!

Grilling in Apartments and Condos

Grilling in an apartment or condo presents some unique challenges. Space is at a premium, so large grills are out of the question. Many complexes prohibit open flame grills on balconies due to potential fire hazards. Noise and smoke are also concerns for neighbors in close quarters. Fortunately, compact grilling technology has come a long way in providing safe, convenient options for apartment dwellers.

The benefits of having a small grill for apartment living are plentiful. You can enjoy fresh air while cooking dinner on your patio or balcony instead of using the cramped indoor kitchen. The great taste of grilled food is a welcome break from oven or stove-top cooking. Inviting friends and family over for a grill-out is much more fun than takeout. With the right grill, all this barbecue enjoyment is possible from an apartment.

When choosing a grill for an apartment, focus on compact sizing, portability, and models designed for balconies and patios. Propane, electric, and certain charcoal grills tend to meet apartment regulations. We'll highlight the best options in each category next.

Propane Grills

For apartment dwellers, propane grills offer the convenience of gas while remaining compact and safe on balconies. Propane heating is easy to control with adjustable burner knobs. The grills heat up fast, and the self-contained fuel canisters are apartment-friendly.

Our top recommended propane grills for small patios are:

• Weber Spirit II E-210 - An excellent combination of quality and value. Has two burners and429 sq. in. of cooking space.
• Char-Broil Classic 280 - Very budget-friendly but still offers 280 sq. in. of cooking area.
• Smoke Hollow VT280SS - An affordable grill with stainless steel construction.

When shopping for a compact propane grill, keep an eye on the overall dimensions, cooking area, number of burners, and fuel type. Smaller grills that use the standard 14.1 oz propane canisters are ideal for easy storage and portability in apartments. Quality construction and components will ensure it lasts many grilling seasons.

Charcoal Grills

While gas may be more convenient, the unique smoky flavor of cooking over charcoal remains a popular grilling method. Many smaller charcoal grills are suitable for apartment patios and balconies, as long as open flame grills are allowed.

The best rated, portable charcoal grills for apartments and condos are:

• Weber Jumbo Joe - A legendary grill with 18-inch cooking area.
• Weber Smokey Joe - The original portable grill, with 14.5-inch diameter.
• Lodge Cast Iron Grill - Heats efficiently and made to last.

To use a charcoal grill safely on an apartment patio:

• Select a model with a lid to control sparks.
• Choose lump charcoal for less smoke.
• Let coals burn down before cooking.
• Position it a safe distance from walls or balconies.
• Have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case.

Electric Grills

Electric grills provide a flame-free grilling alternative for apartment dwellers restricted by bans on open flames. They plug into a standard wall outlet and use electric heating elements to cook food with authentic barbecue searing.

Our picks for the best electric grills for apartment patios are:

• George Foreman GFO240S - A versatile budget option with 240 sq. in. of grilling space.
• Elite Gourmet EG6303 - Offers 180 sq. in. cooking area and adjustable temp control.
• Tenergy Redigrill - A high-end electric grill with infrared heating and 326 sq. in. of cooking real estate.

While electric grills avoid potential fire hazards, they do have some downsides to consider compared to propane and charcoal:

• Higher upfront costs.
• Less authentic smoky flavors.
• Slower preheat times.

However, the convenience and safety of electric make them an excellent choice given the constraints of apartments. Newer models with advanced heating technologies help close the taste gap with gas and charcoal.

Grilling Tips for Small Apartment Spaces

When grilling in a compact apartment setting, utilizing your limited space efficiently is key. Here are some tips to maximize your small patio or balcony for grillin' and chillin':

• Get a grill table or stand to elevate the grill and provide prep space underneath.
• Opt for a smaller table and chairs that can be folded up or stashed away when not in use.
• Look for grills with foldable or detachable side tables to save on space when storing.
• Use wall-mounted racks or hooks to hang utensils and free up table room.
• Install a wall- or ceiling-mounted storage shelf for your grill accessories and tools.

Creative storage solutions will allow you to keep your compact grill and accessories out of the way. Some ideas:

• Store small grills in a deck or patio storage box when not in use.
• Mount lightweight grills on a garage or balcony wall.
• Use a grill cover and keep the grill on the patio or balcony.

Safety first when grilling in close apartment quarters. Ensure proper ventilation by keeping the grill away from walls and corners. Check manufacturer guidelines on clearance. Have a fire extinguisher and metal lid nearby in case of flare-ups. Follow all apartment rules and regulations.

Small patios and balconies are no match for compact grilling technology. With the right grill, apartment dwellers can enjoy all the flavor and fun of barbecue without a large backyard. The satisfaction of a perfectly seared steak or juicy burger off your apartment grill is a welcome escape from your indoor kitchen.

The top-rated compact propane, charcoal, and electric grills we recommended remove the hassle from apartment grilling. Any one of them will have you cooking up delicious, mouthwatering meals in any small outdoor space. Forget takeout - with your new apartment grill, you can impress family, friends, and neighbors with your barbecue mastery. Get started grilling today!