Choosing the perfect grill for your balcony depends on fuel type, burner material, smoking needs, and available space.
If you live in an apartment, you may not have enough space for a traditional-sized BBQ grill. Therefore, you may have to use your balcony.
Fortunately, there are plenty of barbeque grills on the market that are sized to fit right on your balcony space.
In this article, we will review four BBQ grills and highlight the pros and cons of each.
Towards the end of the article, you will also find a buyer’s guide for finding the perfect grill for your balcony.
Table of Contents
Finding the Perfect Grill for Your Balcony
If you are an apartment dweller, you can also enjoy living the outdoor life.
When I was in between moving into another home, I spent a year in an apartment with an outdoor balcony.
I had the George Forman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill, as reviewed below.
There were some limitations, of course, with this being electric, but it fit perfectly on the balcony and was within the apartment complex’s regulations.
I could enjoy grilling outside on the balcony, getting some fresh air and sunshine while living in an apartment.
Living in a house currently, I have a much larger propane grill, but I still fondly remember being on that balcony cooking a nice steak or burger.
There weren’t as many choices back then, but now we have an excellent selection to choose from for your apartment lifestyle.
Let’s jump into finding you the perfect grill for your balcony.
George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
Our top choice for a balcony BBQ grill is the George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill due to its adaptable shape and size.
With 240 square inches of grilling surface, this grill can efficiently serve up to 15 people at once.
The George Foreman 15-Serving Electric Grill comes with five different heat settings.
This allows you to choose between different heat levels necessary for different food types.
It has an indicator light and probe thermometer, helping you cook food perfectly.
Pros:
- Its compact size means you can fit it almost anywhere.
- It has an elaborate monitoring system to control the temperature.
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- Some customers have reported difficulty in moving the stand.
- The power plug can lose tightness over time, causing unexpected shut-off.
Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill
If you’re looking for a compact gas BBQ grill that fits in tight spaces, the Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill is a perfect grill for your balcony.
It also comes with wheels, which means it’s easy to maneuver.
The Fuego F21C-H Element Hinged Propane Gas Grill is made of durable cast iron and uses an easily connected propane tank for efficient grilling.
Cleaning this BBQ grill is incredibly easy after use.
The Fuego F21C-H Propane Gas Grill is also great at maintaining the inner temperature, which means you can expect evenly cooked food with no cold spots.
Pros:
- The compact design makes it perfect for the narrowest balconies.
- It is good at maintaining internal temperature.
- It is easy to clean up.
- It comes with wheels, so it is easier to move around.
Cons:
- Its wheels are not very durable.
- Assembly can be complex and time-consuming.
- Reported issues with customer service.
Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill
If you’re looking for a compact gas grill, the Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill is a great option.
It’s one of the most user-friendly grills on the market; just connect the propane tank.
Once the propane tank is connected, all you’ll have to do is push the ignition button to get the grill going.
The Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill has a durable cast aluminum exterior, making it stylish and lightweight compared to other grills on the market.
Since it is made of aluminum, you don’t have to worry about rust.
A great feature of this BBQ grill is that, despite its compact size, it provides enough cooking space for at least two people.
Pros:
- It has enough space for a complete meal despite its compact size.
- It has a cast aluminum build.
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- It does not support larger propane tanks.
- Some reported issues with heat being too low.
Weber 52020001 Q1400 Electric Grill
The Weber Q1400 Electric Grill is a great option for those with limited outdoor space, such as balconies.
Despite its compact size, it can quickly cook a full meal for at least two people.
This particular BBQ grill is quite similar to the Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill that was reviewed earlier.
However, it runs on electricity, which means you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel.
Additionally, it is significantly easier to clean and maintain than other types of grills making this a perfect grill for your balcony.
The Weber Q1400 Electric Grill has a burner valve, which allows precise temperature control to ensure perfect cooking.
Assembling this BBQ grill is effortless and requires minimal effort.
Simply connect it to an outlet, and you can begin using it immediately.
However, the cord may seem a bit short in certain situations, but you can always use a heavy-duty certified appliance extension cord to fix that.
Pros:
- It is very easy to set up.
- It gives you a lot of control over the temperature.
- It is quick to heat up.
Cons:
- The cord is a bit short.
- Reported issues with malfunctioning electric parts at times.
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Perfect Grill for Your Balcony
We have reviewed the best BBQ grills for balconies.
Now, let’s consider factors in choosing a compact balcony BBQ.
Fuel Type
The most important factor to consider when choosing a grill is the type of fuel used.
For apartment balconies, charcoal grills are usually unsuitable due to the potential smoke problems.
If you purchase a gas grill, you will need to regularly replace the propane tanks.
Although this task can seem tedious, it also means that you can bring your grill with you when you travel.
This will make an excellent means of grilling meats and heating other foods for your next car camping trip.
An electric grill is easier to set up – simply connect the cord.
However, they lack portability.
Material of the Burner
When selecting a grill, it is important to consider the material of the burner as well.
Cast iron is sturdy, but it can rust over time.
Similarly, certain aluminum burners may burn out after prolonged use.
It is advisable to look for a grill with brass and stainless steel burners for the best performance and longevity.
How You Cook Your Food
This is a personal preference, but some people enjoy smoked food.
For those individuals, a grill with a tight lid and good airflow control is essential.
For those who prefer the taste of the outdoors, the gas grills provide that experience.
If you are searing meat, some of the electric grills can do the trick while limiting the amount of smoke exhaust.
Potatoes, corn, and other veggies can be done on either a gas or electric grill.
Either one can be the perfect grill for your balcony.
Continue Reading:
- Best Pizza Stone for BBQ | Top Stones Reviewed
- Expert Reviews of the Best Gas Fire Pit Tables: Elevate Your Patio
Final Thoughts
We have reviewed four balcony-friendly grills currently available on the market.
Each one can be the perfect grill for your balcony.
The George Foreman 15-Serving Electric Grill is the largest and best option among them.
The Fuego F21C-H Gas Grill was rated the best BBQ grill for balconies.
We reviewed two smaller Weber grills: the Weber 50060001 Liquid Propane Grill and the Weber 52020001 Electric Grill.
With these options, there is no reason to be without the perfect grill for your balcony.
I enjoyed my time in the apartment much better after installing a grill on the balcony.
This allowed me to host friends and family and prepare delicious meals for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!