Best Grills for Apartment Reviews 2021

Many people live in apartments or condominiums and this lifestyle can make life simpler and more economical compared to a home ownership. But the avid grilling enthusiast will be disappointed to discover grilling may not be allowed on patios and balconies.

The first thing to do is to learn what restrictions and allowances your complex outlines in their rental contract. Not all complexes allow grills on their property and especially any type grill that creates a flame.

The fire hazard is too risky. This isn’t always the manager’s fault as the local city ordinance may have strict regulations of their own.

The International Fire Code is the world standard for all fire codes. Chapter 3; 308.1.4 states that “Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.” Charcoal grills are typically banned at all complexes while some may allow gas grills. The one grill type that is safe is an electric barbecue grill.

If you are able to have a grill on your patio or balcony, the size will be limited to how much room you have. Be prepared to rearrange your patio and plan for where you want to place your grill.

A table-top grill may be a perfect size, but if it has foldable side trays you need to measure for the space with the trays open. A grill that is too tall may cause too much smoke for the neighbor above you. Adding a table or shelf will make grilling easier, so be sure to leave enough room for one.

Below Are Our Top Recommendations for Grills for Apartment Dwellers.

George Foreman 15-Serving

The George Foreman indoor/outdoor grill is ‘apartment approved’ with a completely electric system that can be used indoors or out. There’s no need for charcoal, gas or propane that may not be allowed in your apartment complex.

This perfectly-sized grill will provide tasty and amazing grilled foods with no flare ups and no fire hazards. The grilling surface is large enough for grilling up to 15 servings

Meats, vegetables, kabobs, and even desserts! The sturdy stand this grill sits on can be detached, allowing you to bring it inside for counter top grilling.

A removable grill plate and the sloped fat drain make this grill easy to clean. With a quick heat up time of 4 to 5 minutes you won’t have to wait long until you’re ready to cook! The George Foreman this versatile grill for your outdoor patio or balcony space!

The dimensions for this grill are 22.2 inches high x 20.5 diameter x 13 inches high and it weighs 4.1 pounds without the base. You can us these measurements to help you decide on which to purchase.

George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate

As always, George Foreman grills are popular for many types of grillers. This indoor or outside grill fits 4 servings of food making it perfect for burgers, chicken or fish fillets!

A tough non-stick coating developed for George Foreman products is twice as durable as most non-stick grills and allows you to grill healthier with less of a need for oils or butter.

The removable grill plates can be put in the dishwasher for an easy clean-up and the sloped grilling surface acts as a fat removing feature draining up to 42% of fats from your meats or poultry.

This George Foreman 4 serving grill and Panini press heats up to temperature 35% faster than many other models so you’re ready to cook a delicious meal in minutes. Use this grill on an outdoor table on your patio or balcony or on your kitchen counter.

Fit this small electric grill in small areas or on your countertop with the dimensions being 6.5 inches high x 12.25 inches wide and x 13.19 inches long. It weighs 6.55 pounds.

George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate

If you only need to grill for two, George Foreman makes this 36 square inch electric grill and Panini Press for inside or outdoor use.

The grill plate fits 2 generously sized servings of meat or vegetables and boasts the signature George Foreman heating elements so the entire plate heats up evenly.

With the sturdy and sloped non-stick grill plate, cleanup is a breeze! Fat and grease will flow down the drain for easy removal and the plate can be put in the dishwasher.

This grill allows you to cook healthier while being easy to use. Your apartment manager will want to join your for a barbecue on your patio when they see the safe and efficient use of this grill that still provides delicious barbecued meals.

This classic grill is perfect for a small patio bistro table or for use on your kitchen counter-top.

9.38 inches wide x 5.12 inches tall x 10.25 inches long and weighs a scant 2.8 pounds.

Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro

If you miss the moist, juicy, and flavorful taste of foods grilled on an outside charcoal or gas grill, but live in an apartment, this Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Electric Grill meet your cravings!

This Bistro-sized grill uses natural, radiant heat that cooks your food evenly and directly with no drying. Your meats, poultry, seafood, and vegetables will be juicy and flavorful with no flare-ups and no fire risk.

The porcelain-coated cooking surface is sized to fit up to 12 hamburgers with 240 square inches of surface and an additional 80 square inches on a raised cooking plate.

The top thermometer makes it easy to keep an eye on temperature and a storage grate gives you a place to keep tools and condiments. The grill comes atop a 38.2 inch high stand with sturdy wheels for easy moving and storage.

The cool-touch handle means no more burns and the 24.4 wide x 25.2 Depth make it a perfect choice for patio or balcony grilling. Weighs 41 pounds.

Weber Liquid Propane Grill

This conveniently sized cast aluminum grill uses propane gas with simple operation and amazing results!

Some apartment complexes will allow propane grills under a certain size and as long as safety precautions are taken.

A sturdy cover opens effortlessly on durable hinges and has a large grip handle for safety.

The electronic start allow fast ignition and has endless burner valve control settings.

The oval-shaped cook-box has non-stick cooking grates that provide an 89 square-inch cooking area to grill your food perfectly. The even heating design that Weber spent numerous hours to perfect prevents burnt edges and unevenly cooked food.

This grill can be used to grill with direct heat or indirect heat and safety features such as a large grip handle, ergonomic hand grips, and a grease management system add to the satisfying grilling experience.

Use the fold out right and left tables for utensils and condiments while making an intimate dinner for two or when entertaining guests and family. The tall lid allows you to slow cook roasts and whole chickens all while monitoring the heat from the convenient thermometer.

The width with the side tables is 40.9 inches and the length of the box is 24.6 inches and 20.5 inches wide. This grill weighs 29 pounds.

George Foreman 2-Serving

The classic George Foreman grills took the market by storm providing electric grilling for indoors and out.

The design of this electric grill and Panini Press allows for tasty and juicy grilling in your kitchen or on a small apartment patio or balcony. Enjoy Steaks, burgers, chicken, seafood, vegetables and more with 42% less fat and grease.

The George Foreman designed sloped plate surface forces fat and grease into the drip tray which wipes up easily and can be put in the dishwasher.

Dual heating speeds allow for grilling you food and getting on the table in record-setting time without loss of taste and quality.

Dimensions are 9 inches deep and 9.5 inches wide with a table height of only 4.74 inches. At 2.85 pounds you can place this grill anywhere on your apartment patio or balcony or for inclement weather; in your kitchen.

Weber Q2200 Gas Grill

Weber designed this compact propane gas grill for ease of use and tasteful grilled foods. The Q2200 is an easy solution for barbecued food such as burgers, poultry, fish, burgers, and vegetables.

There are some apartment complexes who will allow small propane gas grills as long as you let them know you have one and the regulations do not prevent it.

Sleek styling is functional and aesthetically appealing and the numerous options and features make it feel like your grilling on a larger grill. Convenience is important so Weber added ergonomic side handles, a rear cradle, and fold-out side tables with plenty of room for cooking utensils and condiments.

A tall lid makes it possible to cook a small roast or chicken. This grill provides a large built-in thermometer on the cast aluminum lid so you can monitor the inside temperature.

This lightweight and durable grill is 15.5 inches tall, 51.4 inches across with the tables open, and 19.5 inches deep. It weighs 42.5 pounds.

George Foreman 15-Serving

If you want to have a larger group of family or friends over for grilling, this George Foreman Electric Grill fits up to 15 servings of food on its 240 square inch grill plate. Whether you grill indoors or outside on your patio, this grill is approved for apartment barbecues. There’s no charcoal or gas to cause flare-ups but you’ll still enjoy serving your guests authentic, flavorful grilled foods. Cook burgers, steaks, chicken, fish, vegetables, and more with easy clean-up. The George Foreman signature sloped surface directs fats and grease into a drip tray. You’ll be eating healthy with 42% of the fat removed from meats such as ¼ pound hamburger. A plug in temperature control probe helps you keep an eye on the temperature so you can adjust the heat for proper cooking of a variety of foods. This electric grill can be used on your apartment patio or balcony with its durable stand or be used inside after removing the stand to make it a tabletop grill.

This grill sits is 11 inches high without the stand, 20 inches across and 21 inches deep. It weighs only 17.25 pounds for easy carrying.

Char Broil TRU Infrared Patio Bistro

With an ample 240 square inch surface for grilling you can cook up to 12 hamburgers on this Char Broil Bistro Electric Grill. There is also an 80 square inch warming rack to keep food from getting cold.

This is a great option for apartment and condo living when you’re limited to a patio or balcony for grilling your favorite foods. Char Broils Tru-Infrared technology provides even cooking with no flare-ups or burning.

The cooking surface is placed over porcelain-coated grates that are easy to clean and the lid and firebox are also made with porcelain-coated steel for rust resistance.

The two side shelves provide extra workspace and like this high-quality grill, they are easy to keep clean. To help you keep an eye on the heat level, a lid-mounted thermometer allows for a quick check on the internal heat.

You can use the oven-type controls and lighted display to make adjustments. Is the envy of your apartment complex neighbors when you show off this hefty patio grill made to perform like a backyard charcoal or gas grill!

Once assembled, this electric grill will stand 39.8 inches tall, 25.6 inches in diameter and it weighs 54 pounds.

Weber Q 2400

Weber makes this patio-sized electric grill large enough to cook for 3 to 4 people but designed for small apartment patios or to use indoors on a kitchen counter.

The limitless burner valve settings give you the ability to adjust the temperature in small increments according to the food you’re cooking. A 280 square in cooking area is heated with a 1560 watt electric heating element to heat up quickly and cook evenly.

The grates are porcelain-enameled cast-iron and the lid and body are made from cast aluminum.

Measure your patio or balcony area to accommodate this 14.5 inch high, 31.5 inch wide, and 19.5 inch deep grill that weighs 42 pounds. When the lid is open, the height increases to 26 inches tall.

George Foreman 12-Serving

The George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill is rectangle shaped with an attractive red lid and a generous 200 square inch non-stick cooking plate.

George Foreman products brag a long-lasting surface coated with non-stick finish for easy wipe off cleaning. Along with the easy to clean finish, this electric grill includes the famous George Foreman designed sloped surface to direct fat and grease into the drip tray.

Enjoy guilt-fee eating when you cook a ¼ pound hamburger with 42% less fat! Variable temperature controls let you set the amount of heat and adjust it as your food cooks to avoid burning, but also allow for the proper doneness inside your food.

The sturdy removable stand creates two grills in one. Remove it for inside countertop cooking or leave it on for a backyard style barbecue on your apartment patio or balcony.

This electric grill stands 9.1 inches high without the movable stand, is 24 inches wide, and 12.1 inches deep. At a light weight of 15.1 pounds, it can be easily moved.

Conclusion

With the varied choices for apartment-safe grills, you can purchase the grill that fits your grilling needs, the space you have on your balcony or patio, and the safety regulations of your community. Remember to measure your outdoor area and provide enough room for a small bistro table and a chair or two. Safety is important so you can enjoy your grilling experience even living in an apartment or condo. Your balcony or patio needs to be open and have good ventilation. Privacy louvers, plastic or fabric curtains or shades, or wooden slatted privacy barriers are flammable and should be avoided. An enclosed balcony is typically not approved for any type of grilling because of air stagnation.

To be a good neighbor and considerate to the people who live around your apartment, it’s preferable to minimize the smoke for outside and inside. Inside use will need smoke ventilation such as on top of your stove. Outside techniques to reduce smoke include not cooking your food on the highest temperatures, being sure your grease tray is clean to start to avoid excess burning, and keeping an eye on the wind speed.

Being considerate of your neighbors, following the apartment complex rules and regulation, and purchasing the right sized grill for your patio will bring the enjoyment of backyard barbecuing to your apartment home.