If you are looking for the best grills for apartments, small living, or other tiny dwellings, we have you covered!
Having lived in small spaces since we downsized a few years ago, we didn’t want to give up our grilling. I mean, have you seen the post on Gerry’s Grilled Eggplant? Who wants to give up that yumminess?!
We also started a small raised bed garden, so naturally, we wanted to grill some of those veggies!
Whether you have chosen the tiny lifestyle, or whether it is by circumstance, the silver lining is that being outdoors is really great for your mental and physical health. Part of enjoying the outdoors is grilling. What if you don’t have a lot of room, or there is nowhere to grill? We’ve got you covered there, too! Let’s get started!
What are the different types of grills available for apartments?
There are three main types of grills that are popular for apartments: gas grills, charcoal grills, and electric grills. Electric grills are usually the best option for people who live in apartments where gas grills are not allowed. Gas grills are the most popular type of grill because they are easy to use and clean.
Classic charcoal grills are a good option for people who want the smoky flavor of charcoal grilling, but they can be more difficult to use and clean than gas grills.
If you ask our friend Hank Hill, he will always go the propane route. 😉
What are the factors to consider when looking at grills for apartments or small spaces?
When choosing a grill for your small space, there are a few factors to consider, such as the size of the cooking space we are working with. You also want to look at your budget. If you live in a small apartment, you will need to choose a grill that is compact, has easy clean elements, and has simple storage.
If you want to use gas or charcoal, you will need to make sure that your apartment or small home has an outdoor area that is safe for you to grill.
Outdoor grilling not allowed?
Ok, so let’s say you are not allowed to have a charcoal or gas grill where you live. You are not out of luck, in fact, our top pick for grills for our small space (and we are allowed to have any kind we want) is the George Foreman Grill. This amazing invention is a 1600-watt electric grill that will be your new best friend!
The Best Grills for Apartments, Tiny Homes, or Small Spaces
If it wasn’t already obvious, we’ll put it out there that the George Foreman grill is our overall top pick for grilling in small spaces!
Let us tell you why we recommend the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor grill as the best for any square-foot home. You can use this baby inside or outside. You can use it in a small space because it is portable. It has a non-stick coating, great for no mess. The cooking surface is the PERFECT size!
Oh, and it can be used on the counter, or it has a detachable stand to make it your outdoor electric grill. It also has temperature control, and just as the old George Foreman small countertop grills did, it helps to reduce the fat while you are cooking. Win, win, win!
If you rent, tell your landlord to chill. He/she is going to love this grill as much as you do!
Still loyal to charcoal grills for your apartment?
If you want to use charcoal, you will need to make sure that your area has a place to store the charcoal. Of course, with an electric grill, you will just need to make sure that the area has an outlet near where you want to grill. If you are in an apartment, be sure to find out about the rules when it comes to apartment balcony grilling.
The best charcoal grill for a small space is the Weber 14″ Smokey Joe Grill. The price cannot be beaten as it hovers between around $40-$50. The cooking area is 147 square inches has a charcoal ash catcher and can be cleaned and stored appropriately. Again, if you live in an apartment, check to make sure these are allowed.
Really want a small gas grill for your small space?
Ok, okay. If we still cannot convince you that the Indoor/Outdoor George Foreman grill is the best of the best grills for apartments and tiny living, we will showcase the best gas grill.
You can always go for the tried and true camping grill that uses a small propane tank. Our Coleman Camping Stove has been around since 2005. It is the best! If you want to take it up a notch, away from the small camping version, you can go with the Expert Grill 17.5″ Portable Propane Gas grill.
The reviews on all of the grills we recommend are excellent, but you can check them for yourself. Also, you can read our review of our top pick, Mr. George Foreman here, of course.
Safety tips for grilling in an apartment or small dwelling
We would be remiss if we did not discuss the safety portion of this post. When grilling anytime and any place, no matter the size of the space, it is important to follow safety tips to prevent fires and other accidents. Here are a few safety tips:
- Always grill on a level surface.
- Keep the grill away from flammable objects.
- Never leave a grill unattended.
- Clean the grill thoroughly after each use.
Wanna get fancy?
Some grills have features that you cannot deny. Ok, you can, but who wants to? Even grills for apartments or tiny homes have some fancy features that can be super helpful. These features include side burners, warming racks, and attachments to place your tongs or spatula.
If these things matter to you, just know that it’s not as if you cannot have them when looking at grilling small. They come on small grills also.
No matter what type of grill you choose, be safe, enjoy yourself, and give yourself a pat on the back for cooking your own food. It is a healthier route, no matter what you are grilling! Don’t forget to give that grilled eggplant a try though. You will thank us later!
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
The George Foreman grill can be used on the countertop or on its stand inside. You just need electricity.
Growing up, we had a tiny space and my (Shannon) mom used to put liquid smoke on things that one would traditionally grill. You can buy it at any grocery store. You can also use a culinary torch to blacken the outside of many things you wish you could grill but cook without a grill instead.
Yes! You just have to make sure you have enough room on the grill, and if it is fish, know that grilling indoors will be very smelly.
