If you love grilling, but live in a small apartment, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy grilling. Fortunately for you, there are several best grills for apartment balconies you can buy for use. These compact and small grills ensure you enjoy authentic grilling even if you live in a strict fire control area. Below we discussed a buyer’s guide where we talked about what you need to look for in a small grill for an apartment balcony. We even took out time to narrow down your search to the top best grills for apartment balconies. The end goal is to get you started with the best grill ASAP in your small space.
Review Summary
Editor Choice: George Foreman GGR50B Electric Grill
George Foreman designed this grill with a domed lid with a handle, bowl cook box, and an easy to remove pedestal. The easy to remove pedestal stand makes this grill portable and compact. The GGR50B comes with 240 square inches circular grilling surface that can cook up to 15 servings with no stress.
Best Value: Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller E1515 is an excellent charcoal grill designed with heavy-duty steel. Furthermore, the steel body of this grill is powder-coated making it resistant to harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, the grate is made of cast iron which creates the perfect sear marks. While cleaning up a charcoal grill is quite a hassle, the Char-Griller E1515 grill is exceptional.
Portable Removable Stand Grill: Techwood TWRG-001R Electric Grill
The Techwood TWRG-001R is another great electric grill you can consider buying. Ideal for apartments with strict fire restrictions as it works with no charcoal or propane. The porcelain coating on this grill is nonstick which makes it easy to clean. However, cleaning up can be a bit tricky because it is an electric grill. Unlike most electric grills that make use of nichrome electric elements, this Techwood grill makes use of an electrical resistor element.
Top Rated Electric Grill: Weber Q1400 Electric Grill
The sleek style of this grill with great performance and standout aesthetics makes using this grill fun and functional. Additionally, this grill comes fully assembled out of the box. In other words, you can start grilling right away when you get this grill. Furthermore, the cast aluminum body is coated with porcelain enamel coating. Weber also forged the cooking grates of this grill with cast iron. Cast iron is known to be an excellent retainer of heat.
Propane Gas Grill: Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill
The Fuego F21C-H is a propane gas grill that lets you cook your food over indirect and direct flame. Durability-wise, this gas grill is forged with high-quality steel. The steel is then further coated with enamel which eliminates the problem of paint bubbling or peeling off with time. In total, the F2C-H will bless you with a spacious 346 square inches cooking area. As such, you have enough room to prepare 12 quarter-pound burgers.
Best for 2 Burner: Char-Broil 463673519 Gas Grill
Most parts of the Performance 300 Series are coated, as such cleaning wouldn’t be so hard. And the slide-out porcelain-coated grease pan makes cleaning easy. Overall, this grill weighs 82.5 pounds and measures 24.5 inches in depth, 42.9 inches in width, and 44 inches in height. Slide this Char-Broil grill in and out of the backyard with so much ease, as this grill sits on 4 casters. Two of the casters lock in place which increases stability.
Portable Gas Grill: Cuisinart CGG-059 Gas Grill
The Cuisinart CGG-059 is like a large grill with a small size. Cuisinart features 146 square inches cooking grate. When adding food to the cook box, Cuisinart designed the lid such that it opens up and out of the way. Additionally, this grill comes with an 8000 BTU stainless steel burner. Also, this Cuisinart grill comes with an easy-to-start twist ignition knob.
Best for Propane Grill: Char-Broil Classic 280 2 Burner Gas Grill
To ensure this Char-Broil grill stands the test of time, it is forged with durable steel and coated with porcelain to make it rust-resistant. The only part of this grill that is not forged with porcelain-coated steel is the burners. The two stainless steel burners of this grill can produce up to 20000 BTUs of heat. The burner produces heat over the 280 square inches porcelain-coated grates.
Electric Indoor Grill: Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
This Hamilton Beach grill is endowed with 118 square inches of cooking surface which can prepare up to 6 servings. Interestingly, you can remove the nonstick grate and replace it with a griddle. Because of its compact design, it can be used on tabletops, and store easily in the kitchen cabinet.
Weber Charcoal Grill: Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch
The grill sits on a tripod stand with two durable wheels. The durable wheels make it easy to move this grill around the yard with ease. Equipped on the lid of this grill is an angled hook that allows you to conveniently hang the lid at the side of your grill to avoid placing it on the ground.
Top 10 Best Grill for Apartment Balcony Reviews
#1. George Foreman GGR50B Electric Grill – Editor Choice
The George Foreman GGR50B grill is an electric grill suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. As a fully electric system, this George Foreman grill gives you high-quality grilling with no propane, charcoal, or flare-ups. And with a well-designed 1600 watts max power consumption, you would never struggle with low heat.
More so, George Foreman designed this grill with a domed lid with a handle, bowl cook box, and an easy to remove pedestal. The easy to remove pedestal stand makes this grill portable and compact. This pedestal design makes this grill unique as it allows you to use this grill on your patio or countertop.
The bowl is forged with high-quality steel that keeps heat in, preventing heat loss while grilling. To ensure the steel is durable to withstand harsh environmental conditions, George Foreman added a durable nonstick coating. The grate area is nonstick as well, making grilling a whole lot easier.
Not only does the nonstick coating protect the grill from harsh environments, but it also makes cleanup less of a hassle. Also, the coated fat-removing slope and fat drain in the middle of the plate allow you to grill large tasty dishes with less grease and fewer worries about cleanup. Take note, the grate is removable and dishwasher safe, which makes clean-up fast.
The GGR50B comes with 240 square inches circular grilling surface that can cook up to 15 servings with no stress. Simply place the food on the plate, cover it, and grill to pure bliss. And because this Foreman grill comes with adjustable five heat settings you can get the best result on any food.
- Apartment approved because it uses no charcoal or gas
- Heats up quickly in less than 5 minutes
- Cooks food thoroughly, as well as keeps it juicy and moist
- Portable and compact design
- The electric cord is too short
#2. Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill – Best Value
The Char-Griller E1515 is an excellent charcoal grill ideal for patios and decks. This grill packs a powerful punch on every food creating excellent tastes. Moreover, like a charcoal grill, you can expect a real smoky flavor in your food. Measuring 31 inches wide by 21 inches deep and stands 44 inches tall. And weighing only 50 pounds, with two durable wheels makes mobility quite easy.
The design of this Char-Griller grill makes it ideal for use as a side firebox, or a portable patio grill. The firebox can be removed from the stand and used on the countertop or as a firebox. To save space, Char-Griller designed this grill with a bottom shelf to store your charcoal. Also, if you have more food than can size the grill, you can simply put them on a tray on the wooden side shelf till there is more room.
In terms of durability, Char-Griller E1515 stands out as it is made from heavy-duty steel. Furthermore, the steel body of this grill is powder-coated making it resistant to harsh environmental conditions. Also, the bottom of the firebox is made of double steel, which is durable and prevents heat loss. Additionally, the grate is made of cast iron which creates the perfect sear marks.
While cleaning up a charcoal grill is quite a hassle, the Char-Griller E1515 grill is exceptional. Featuring on this grill is an easy dump ash pan that makes ash disposal efficient and quick. So, you wouldn’t have to battle with lifting out and tipping over the greasy grill to dispose of ash. Simply pull out the pan and dispose of the ash.
Char-Griller E1515 provides a convenient grilling space of 250 square inches. In the cooking space, you can easily fit a whole chicken, or six 17-inch kebabs and still have room for some veggies. Another interesting feature is the adjustable side dampers which help in regulating the heat of the grill.
- Cast iron grates are durable and make the perfect sear mark
- Stay cool wood handle
- Wheels make mobility easy
- Easy slide-out ashtray makes clean up easier
- No temperature gauge
#3. Techwood TWRG-001R Electric Grill – Portable Removable Stand Grill
The Techwood TWRG-001R is another great electric grill you can consider buying. Ideal for apartments with strict fire restrictions as it works with no charcoal or propane. A perfect portable electric grill with a convenient design of the interlocking bowl and hood for rapid cycle heating.
The Techwood TWRG-001R is a tabletop electric grill with four stable legs for secure placement. On both sides of this portable grill are two side handles that make it easy to carry on both sides. Moreover, this grill is lightweight, weighing fairly around 12.3 pounds, which means it wouldn’t be such a hassle to transport.
Techwood designed this high-quality portable BBQ electric grill with a steel bowl and lid. To further increase the durability of the grill, Techwood coated the steel with porcelain which makes it rust-resistant. The grates as well are made out of cast iron, which does excellently well in retaining heat to create the perfect sear marks.
The porcelain coating on this grill is nonstick which makes it easy to clean. However, cleaning up can be a bit tricky because it is an electric grill. Don’t use a grill brush with metal bristles or steel wool to clean the grate as it can damage the bare electrical resistor.
In the cooking area, the 18-inch grate is quite spacious and enough to cook for a large crowd. The 18-inch grate measures 240 square inches of circular grilling surface and can make over 15 servings for large groups. This grill also comes with a warming rack which helps keep your food warm even after it has been cooked.
Unlike most electric grills that make use of nichrome electric elements, this Techwood grill makes use of an electrical resistor element. The 1600 watt nichrome electric element gives you a better aroma and air movement. Combining this with the power plug-sensitive temperature control allows you to grill any recipe. Additionally, the rotating venting system of this grill is quite effective as it dissipates heat and keeps steak juicy and tender.
- Compact and lightweight
- Wide adjustable temperature control
- Approved for most condos and apartment
- Durable cast-iron grates create the perfect sear marks
- Prone to cold and hot spots
- No thermometer gauge
#4. Weber Q1400 Electric Grill – Top Rated Electric Grill
The Weber Q1400 is an electric grill suitable for indoor use in small apartments. The sleek style of this grill with great performance and standout aesthetics makes using this grill fun and functional. Other features of this grill like its compact design with two carrying handles at each side, make transportation of this grill quite easy.
Weighing fairly 29.50 pounds, moving this grill around wouldn’t be such a hassle. With the lid closed, this grill measures 27 inches wide and 16.5 inches deep. And with a height of 14.5 inches, this grill can be easily stored on a small shelf. Additionally, this grill comes fully assembled out of the box. In other words, you can start grilling right away when you get this grill.
As though this isn’t enough, Weber designed this grill with a high-quality cast aluminum cook box. Furthermore, the cast aluminum body is coated with porcelain enamel coating. Weber also forged the cooking grates of this grill with cast iron. Cast iron is known to be an excellent retainer of heat.
While the cast iron grate is not nonstick, this grill features a removable catch pan. This makes it easy to manage grease on this grill. Moreover, the porcelain enamel coating on this grill also makes cleaning up easier.
Prepare enough food with the Q1400 electric grill to feed a large crowd thanks to the spacious cooking space measuring 189 square inches. In the cooking area, Weber used a 1560 watt electric heating element to ensure there are no hot or cold zones. There are also infinite control burner valve settings that allow you to grill any type of food. And with a 6-foot grounded cord, you can use this grill without worrying about where to plug it.
- Fully assembled in the box
- Perfect for small condos and apartments
- Heats up quickly
- Durable construction
- No thermometer gauge
#5. Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill
First things first, the Fuego F21C-H is a propane gas grill that lets you cook your food over indirect and direct flame. Its tower design enhances cooking performance. Because heat rises, hence the design of this grill lets you cook tender and juicy meat, seafood, and veggies. Featuring on the lid are hooks that hold it in place on the cook box rather than setting it on the ground while grilling.
Apart from its unique design, the Fuego F21C-H is easy to assemble. All you need is a Phillips head screwdriver and within less than 30 minutes, this grill will be all set to cook delicious dishes. At both sides of this grill are two carrying handles that aid with transporting the grill. The grill is quite compact measuring 21 by 21 inches when the lid is closed. Moreover, this grill sits on four casters, which makes moving this approximately 72 pounds grill with ease.
Durability-wise, this gas grill is forged with high-quality steel. The steel is then further coated with enamel which eliminates the problem of paint bubbling or peeling off with time. Interestingly, the cast iron grates or optional griddle and pizza stone retain heat well.
Don’t let the diminutive size of this grill fool you as this grill can prepare food for a party. In total, the F2C-H will bless you with a spacious 346 square inches cooking area. As such, you have enough room to prepare 12 quarter-pound burgers. Another thing to note about this grill is that it heats up quickly thanks to the 22,000 BTUs dual-zone system. Meaning in less than 5 minutes, this grill can go as high as 650 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat’s up excellently fast
- Easy to assemble
- Large enough cooking surface
- Easy to transport
- The cooking grate is not nonstick
#6. Char-Broil 463673519 Gas Grill – Best for 2 Burner
Char-Broil grills are no joke. And when you think Char-Broil Performance 300 Series grill think of a portable, durable grill you can use on your patio. You can’t go wrong with this Char-Broil grill as it is a cabinet-style grill with two side shelves and a bottom cabinet. Most parts of the Performance 300 Series are coated, as such cleaning wouldn’t be so hard. And the slide-out porcelain-coated grease pan makes cleaning easy.
In the bottom cabinet, you can keep the propane tank out of sight or store tools. Interestingly, the side shelves are made of metal and can fold down. So the side shelves are not only durable and offer increased preparation space, but they also save space.
Overall, this grill weighs 82.5 pounds and measures 24.5 inches in depth, 42.9 inches in width, and 44 inches in height. Slide this Char-Broil grill in and out of the backyard with so much ease, as this grill sits on 4 casters. Two of the casters lock in place which increases stability.
Durability wasn’t also compromised in this grill as it features a stainless steel lid and control panel. While the rest of the grill is made out of coated high-quality steel. The grates of this grill as well are made of cast iron, which is perfect for creating the perfect sear mark. The grates are further coated with porcelain to make it nonstick. Plus the swing-away rack is made with a porcelain-coated grate.
The porcelain-coated cast iron grate measures 300 square inches of cooking space, and the 100 square inches swing-away warming rack. Equipped with two stainless steel top ported burners producing up to 24,000 BTUs of heat. And an electronic ignition system that offers a reliable and fast way to start up the grill with the push of a button. Included is a lid-mounted temperature gauge that provides you with increased heat control.
- Durable construction
- Electronic ignition
- Lid mounted temperature gauge
- Casters for easy mobility
- A bit too heavy
#7. Cuisinart CGG-059 Gas Grill – Best for Portable Gas Grill
Cuisinart is another excellent manufacturer of grills behind this compact CGG-059 gas grill. The Cuisinart CGG-059 is like a large grill with a small size. It is a great size for burgers, vegetables, seafood, steak chicken, and many more. Interestingly, this grill requires no assembly and can be set up and ready for grilling in less than 5 minutes.
Cuisinart designed this grill to be compact, measuring 19 x 11.5 x 10 inches and weighs only 10 pounds. This makes it ideal for decks, camping, balconies, and easy to transport. You can lock the hinged lids in place when transporting. And you need only 1 pound propane canister to power this gas grill.
Cuisinart constructed this gas grill with high-quality steel which contributes to why this grill performs well with retaining heat. The steel is then coated with enamel which makes it rust-resistant. Cuisinart also made use of enameled steel for the grate.
Included in this grill is a drip tray that collects grease and drippings. This makes cleaning up easy. Moreover, because most of this grill is enameled coated, they are nonstick. So generally, cleaning up this grill will be a breeze. This grill is also dishwasher safe which makes cleaning up easy.
Cuisinart features 146 square inches cooking grate. When adding food to the cook box, Cuisinart designed the lid such that it opens up and out of the way. Additionally, this grill comes with an 8000 BTU stainless steel burner. Also, this Cuisinart grill comes with an easy-to-start twist ignition knob.
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry with foldable legs and locking lid
- Dishwasher safe enameled grate
- Easy to set up with no assembly required
- No temperature gauge
#8. Char-Broil Classic 280 2 Burner Gas Grill – Best for Propane Grill
Another great grill to consider buying if you have a small apartment is the Char-Broil Classic 280. The Char-Broil Classic 280 is a portable gas grill. Featuring on this grill are two foldable side tables. And it sits on a table with two durable wheels for easy mobility.
The Char-Broil Classic 280 gas grill features a 12 x 13 inches foldable side shelf you can use to store the ingredients and tools. Store your propane gas tank at the bottom of the table if you have a small apartment. Overall, this grill measures 45.6 x 24.1 x 41.9 inches and weighs 43 pounds.
To ensure this Char-Broil grill stands the test of time, it is forged with durable steel and coated with porcelain to make it rust-resistant. The only part of this grill that is not forged with porcelain-coated steel is the burners. Included in this grill are two inline burners made with stainless steel. And with individual control knobs for the burners, you can create multiple heating zones with this grill.
The two stainless steel burners of this grill can produce up to 20000 BTUs of heat. The burner produces heat over the 280 square inches porcelain-coated grates. The cooking grate can hold up to 12 burgers. While using the Char-Broil Classic, the flame tamers reduce the chances of a flare-up. And with the easy pull-out grease tray at the bottom, grease management and cleanup is quite straightforward.
- Built-in two 6-inch wheels make mobility easy
- Piezo ignition system produces reliable and fast burner startups
- Porcelain-coated grates are nonstick and easy to clean
- Difficult to assemble
- No temperature gauge
#9. Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
If you are looking for a portable, compact indoor grill that sears beautifully and stores easily, then consider Hamilton Beach. Hamilton Beach designed this electric grill such that it is flat measuring 12.4 x 16.73 x 6.81 inches, and weighs only 8.14 pounds. Because of its compact design, it can be used on tabletops, and store easily in the kitchen cabinet.
Hamilton Beach 25361 electric grill is an affordable option if you are on a budget. While you may think because it is affordable, the grill will be cheaply made, but it is not so. Hamilton Beach even included a glass viewing window on the lid that allows you to keep an eye on the grilling progress.
This Hamilton Beach grill is endowed with 118 square inches of cooking surface which can prepare up to 6 servings. Interestingly, you can remove the nonstick grate and replace it with a griddle. Eliminate guesswork while using this grill as it features power and preheats lights. And thanks to the powerful heating element you can sear at up to 450 degrees or use the temperature dial to adjust the temperature to lower heat for optimal grilling results.
Additionally, Hamilton Beach designed this grill such that it is easy to clean. It features a large drip tray that catches all the extra juice and prevents spills over your counter. The gill is also dishwasher safe making clean up easier.
- Viewing window on the lid to monitor grilling progress
- Large drip tray for easy grease management
- Removable dishwasher safe grate
- Temperature is adjustable
- The cord is very short
#10. Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
Lastly, in this review we recommend you check out the Weber 741001 charcoal grill. The Weber 741001 grill is an original kettle ideal for a small apartment and portable enough for camping, deck, and patio grilling. The grill sits on a tripod stand with two durable wheels. The durable wheels make it easy to move this grill around the yard with ease.
Weber made this grill ultra-durable with a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid which retains heat excellently. The porcelain finish prevents this grill from rusting, peeling, and cracking and can withstand high grilling temperature. While the body of this grill is durable, the heat shield prevents your lid handle from being too hot. Also, at both sides of the grill are two side heat shield handles that don’t get too hot while grilling. The side handle makes it easy to transport this grill.
Equipped on the lid of this grill is an angled hook that allows you to conveniently hang the lid at the side of your grill to avoid placing it on the ground. The total cooking area of this Weber grill measures 363 square inches. Meaning you can fit up to 13 burgers on this grill. When it comes to controlling the temperature of this grill, the precise heat dampers make things easy.
Unlike other charcoal grills, this grill features a wire gauze bottom shelf where you store the charcoal while grilling. And with the one-touch cleaning system that provides hassle-free debris and charcoal ash cleanup by sweeping it into the ash catcher.
- Easy to clean
- Rust resistant
- The lid hook prevents placing the lid on the ground
- Durable wheels make mobility easier
- No temperature gauge
Best Grill for Apartment Balcony Buyer’s Guide
Buying a grill for an apartment balcony can be a painstaking task or an easy task. In this section of this review, we highlight a few features you should consider when buying a portable grill.
1. Size
The size should be the first thing you consider when you want to buy a grill. Because you are buying a grill for an apartment with limited space, the grill has to be small. Also, consider the amount of space you have to spare for a grill before getting one. Check for features that enable you to easily store this grill without it occupying so much space. For example, some grills with side tables are foldable, some grills with legs are foldable, amongst other features. Also, consider the number of people you will be feeding regularly before buying a grill.
2. Portability
Another factor to put into consideration is the portability of the grill. An apartment balcony grill needs to be portable. This is because the grill wouldn’t often be fixed in a place. You will have to move the grill in and out of your store to use. As such, if the grill is not lightweight, at least, let it have durable wheels that make mobility a breeze.
3. Built Quality
You definitely wouldn’t want to buy a grill that is a piece of junk. As such, buying a grill ideal for a small space doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be built with quality material. When inspecting the build quality of a grill, ask yourself how often you use the grill, the kind of weather condition you’d be using the grill, and where you will be storing it. This will determine the type of material that will best suit your needs. A full-body stainless steel grill with a cast iron grate can withstand heavy usage and outdoor use as they are rust-resistant. You can also go for high-quality coated steel grills as they are cheaper, but they are not as durable.
4. Fuel Type
Irrespective of the size of the grill you buy, it’s important to take note of the type of fuel it uses. This will help you get a grill based on your personal preference. It’s important to buy a grill that is allowed on your property. Most grills we recommend you buy or an apartment balcony is either a gas grill, electric grill, or charcoal grill. While the charcoal grill is often resisted in most properties, they make the best flavorful grills. Gas grills are allowed in a couple of apartments and they are the most convenient grill to use. And electric grills might be your last resort because they are allowed in every apartment with fire restrictions. Grilling over an electric grill may not be the same as cooking over a fire, but they make grill marks.
5. Budget
Your budget is another factor that might affect the type of grill you get. Ensure you carefully consider before choosing to spend on a grill. Consider what you are going to be cooking on it as well as how often you plan to use it. If you plan on cooking a few burgers a couple of times on the grill, then there is no need to break the bank to get a luxury grill. However, if you want to get grilling some gourmet stuff regularly, then you may need to stretch your purse a bit.
6. Easy Clean
Lastly, maintaining a grill is very important. As such, any grill you decide to buy, ensure it comes with excellent grease management. This means it should feature a large slide-out grease tray and a proper drain from the grate. Additionally, it also helps if the grill is coated with materials like porcelain enamel or is stainless steel as this will mean the grill will be nonstick. And nonstick means it will be easier to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the Safest Fuel I Can Use
While there are different types of fuels source to have on your grill, all of which have a characteristic difference in taste. However, the safest fuel to use remains electricity. It might not taste like the conventional option of cooking over a fire, but it is convenient and suitable in any location with an outlet. Unlike gas or charcoal grill, with an electric grill, you have zero worries about flare-ups. Moreover, an electric grill isn’t as prone to fire hazards like gas and charcoal grills.
2. How to Use it
Using a grill is straightforward after assembling it. First, turn the grill on to preheat the grill. To turn on gas grills use the electronic ignition, for electric grills simply plug into a power outlet and power on, for charcoal grills use lighter fluid. While it preheats, prepare your food. Once preheated, grease the cooking grate and add the food you want to grill. Adjust the temperature to an optimal level then grill till ready.
3. How do You Grill on a Balcony
Grilling on a balcony may seem a bit restrictive because of the lack of generous space. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t stop you from grilling on a balcony. However, with the right grill, cooking on a balcony would be a breeze. First, you need the right grill that will fit your balcony. Set it up by assembling it in the right location where it wouldn’t be affected by wind, and you are all ready to grill.
Conclusion
In summary, if you stay in a small apartment or an apartment with fire restrictions, then you should consider buying one of these best grills for an apartment balcony. These grills are affordable, compact, portable, and durable enough to stand the test of time. Why give up on your grilling desires simply because you stay in a small space. Surely there will be one apartment balcony grill that will best meet your needs. If you have any questions you’d like up to answer for you, feel free to leave them in the comment section below.