Summer cookouts have been a tradition since the dawn of time, but not everyone has a large backyard or patio to use as a grill.
Grilling on an apartment balcony could be the next best thing for city residents and those without backyards. But where you reside, from the state to the city to your building, has a lot to do with whether or not you may barbecue on your balcony with an apartment grill.
To assist you in deciding whether or not it’s safe to hop on the apartment grilling train next summer, we will go through some of the practicalities. Read on for our full breakdown of the critical aspects you need to know about grilling on the balcony.
Using an Apartment Grill 101: What Size Grill Do You Need?
Be sure the barbecue does not take up more area on your patio or balcony than you have allotted for it. You’ll find that apartment grills come in a range of sizes and forms, which is a good thing.
Keep in mind that you’ll need space to walk, clean your grill, and even entertain guests. In short, you’ll want to think about getting the best small gas grill on the market just for your peace of mind.
Grill Placement for Ease of Access to Ingredients
A barbecue might be challenging to operate when outdoor furniture is ideally (and infuriatingly) in the way. Decide where you’ll put your grill so that it’s easily accessible when you’ve got a plate full of food. Create a mock-up of your patio, porch, or balcony before deciding on a barbecue.
The fewer regularly you can prepare delectable meals on your grill, the more difficult it will be. It’s essential to be able to move about your home comfortably.
Is There a Grill Cover You’d Like to Purchase?
When the seasons change, you may not be able to keep your barbecue indoors. And even if you could, you couldn’t keep it shielded from the elements at all times. You’ll need a grill cover of some type.
Grill covers are available in a wide range of materials and sizes. Make sure it’s large enough to cover your needs. In addition, look for a cover that’s long-lasting and easy to maintain.
What Are the Best Methods for Grilling Safely?
It would be remiss of us to write about grilling in an apartment without mentioning the need for safety. Keeping your grill clean is the first step to avoiding flare-ups. Having a fire extinguisher on hand is a reasonable precaution. Finally, keep children and pets away from the barbecue.
Ensure there’s adequate area for your grill while you’re using it.
Never barbecue near anything that might catch fire, such as a wooden wall, and always have safety gear on hand, such as grilling gloves and stainless steel equipment.
Identify Your Space Constraints
To make grilling a little simpler, consider adding outside storage or an area outside your balcony door. Consider vertical storage if you don’t have a lot of room on your balcony.
These options let you store grilling gear, a fire extinguisher, and other requirements within easy reach.
Is There Enough Light on Your Balcony?
Lighting is enormous assistance when you’re out late at night. Make sure you have appropriate illumination outdoors so that you can see what you’re doing.
Make use of string lights for decoration and a brighter patio light to assist you in finding your way around the yard at night. When you’re not cooking in the dark, you’ll be able to determine when your steak has the ideal sear.
Write Down the Sort of Grill You Want
You’re looking for a safe tool that can assist you in preparing delicious dishes. Make sure you get the right grill for your needs, no matter where you want to use it. Be aware that gas and propane grills are more likely to cause home fires than charcoal grills when making your purchase.
Compared to gas grills, charcoal and wood pellet grills produce a thicker crust, so that is a choice to consider.
Are You Short on Time?
It may be challenging to set up, heat, cook, and clean your grill throughout the week as a busy person. Outdoor cooking may be best reserved for weekends or evenings when you have more time to devote to preparation and cleaning.
But, we can assure you that the time you spend grilling will be well-spent.
All of the advice in this article applies to grilling in a condo or apartment, but you should also be aware of any restrictions that may apply to grilling in a rental property. Where you reside may have an impact:
- What type of grill you can get
- What to do with fuel and starters for your grill
- Where to put it
It’s critical to know the regulations, even if they change from place to place.
Even if you live in an apartment, you don’t have to give up your passion for grilling. Many people who live in apartments have turned into pitmasters for life. A little forethought goes a long way.
Grilling All Year: The Apartment Edition
Being constrained by space means you’ll have to exercise some discipline if you want to keep your apartment. You should consult your local fire department and landlord before you use a pick your preferred grill.
We hope that our guide has shed some light on the nuances of apartment grilling, as well as picking the right apartment grill for your needs and space. But, you’ll find that developing the perfect grilling techniques doesn’t happen overnight.
You’ll want to head straight to our home and lifestyle sections for all the essential tips and tricks you need to elevate your cooking into an art form truly.