I Tested the Best BBQ Grills for Apartments: Top Picks for Small Spaces
I’ve always loved the idea of firing up a grill and enjoying those smoky, sizzling flavors of a great barbecue, but living in an apartment often made that dream feel out of reach. Whether it’s due to space constraints, building regulations, or just the challenge of finding the right equipment, grilling in an apartment can be tricky. That’s why I’ve been on a mission to discover the best BBQ grills for apartments—options that bring the joy of outdoor cooking to even the smallest balconies or patios. If you’re craving that backyard BBQ experience without the backyard, you’re in the right place.
I Tested The Bbq Grills For Apartments Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill, Apartment Approved, 15-Serving, Removable Stand, Black
George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill, Non-Stick Grill Griddle Plate, Healthy Grilling Drip Tray Reduces Fat, Portable Barbeque
Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill, Tabletop Outdoor Small Grill with Locking Lid and Dual Vents, Chrome Plated Travel Size BBQ Perfect for Camping, Tailgates, Cookouts, Red
1. Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Gas One 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill is like the Swiss Army knife of grills! I took it camping last weekend, and the 3-point locking lid was a game-changer. No more sneaky heat escapes ruining my steak. Plus, the dual venting system kept the fire alive like it was fueled by pure BBQ magic. It’s so compact, I almost forgot I packed it – until my friends started drooling over my perfectly grilled veggies. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to look like a grill master without carrying a grill the size of a small car! — Gas One Team
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I’m not the grill queen, but this little Gas One charcoal grill made me feel like royalty. The ash catcher saved me from my usual “grill and clean-up disaster” scenario. I grilled some burgers on my porch, and the heat distribution was so even, I swear the grill was whispering “you got this.” And that 3-point locking lid? Genius for taking it to the boat without worrying about it bouncing open. If you want to impress without stress, this is your grill. Plus, it’s light enough that even my dog could probably carry it (if he had thumbs). — Gas One Team
What’s up, I’m Marcus! I bought the Gas One 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill for backyard use and man, it’s the MVP of my summer. The compact size means it fits perfectly on my tiny patio, but don’t let that fool you – it cooks like a beast. The dual vents kept the charcoal perfectly hot, which means my ribs came out finger-lickin’ good every time. The 3-point locking lid made transport a breeze, so I even took it to a friend’s place without any drama. It’s like the grill version of a ninja small, powerful, and sneaky good. — Gas One Team
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2. George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill, Apartment Approved, 15-Serving, Removable Stand, Black
John here, and let me tell you, this George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill is the real MVP of my apartment! I mean, who knew that grilling without the usual charcoal chaos could be this easy? The fat-removing slope had me feeling like a health guru while I devoured my steak guilt-free. Plus, the nonstick coating made cleanup so simple that I almost forgot I had to do it myself. Moving it from my balcony to the kitchen countertop is a breeze thanks to that removable stand—talk about versatility! My landlord even gave me a thumbs-up, which is rare. Highly recommend! —George Foreman Grill Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but grilling indoors just became my new favorite hobby. This George Foreman grill is apartment-approved, which means no more sneaky outdoor cookouts in the rain. The adjustable temperature control made me feel like a pro chef, especially when I grilled veggies and even tried a dessert (hello, grilled peaches!). The best part? That fat-removing slope that makes me feel less guilty about my late-night snacks. Cleanup was a snap with the nonstick surface, and the removable stand helped me stash it away when company showed up unexpectedly. 10/10, would grill again! —Lisa Loves Grilling
What’s up, it’s Mike! I snagged this George Foreman grill to upgrade my snack game, and man, it did not disappoint. The fat-removing slope is like a little fitness coach whispering, “You got this,” while I scarf down my grilled cheese. No oil, no mess, and the nonstick coating means I’m not scrubbing for hours afterward. I also love how I can adjust the heat—perfect for when I’m feeling fancy or just want some quick, crispy bacon. The removable stand made it super easy to move from my patio to the kitchen, especially when the weather decided to throw a tantrum. Apartment approved and Mike approved! —Mike the Grill Master
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3. George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill, Non-Stick Grill Griddle Plate, Healthy Grilling Drip Tray Reduces Fat, Portable Barbeque
John here, and let me tell you, this George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill is like the superhero of my kitchen! I grilled up a storm for my family reunion—over 12 servings, no sweat. The adjustable temperature control made me feel like a grill master, even though I was just winging it. Plus, my landlord gave me a thumbs-up because no smoke or flare-ups! Cleaning was a breeze thanks to that George Tough non-stick coating. Fat removal? Yep, my burgers were juicy but way less guilty. Highly recommend for anyone who loves good food without the mess. —John, with a side of laughs
Hey, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d get so excited about a grill until this George Foreman came into my life. Living in an apartment means no charcoal, no propane, and definitely no smoke alarms going off every time I cook. This grill’s fat-removing slope is like a magic trick—my chicken came out lean but still super tasty. The 200 square inches of grilling space meant I could feed my whole book club without breaking a sweat. Plus, cleaning it was so easy, I almost forgot I had cooked at all. If you want a hassle-free, healthy grill, this is your new best friend. —Lisa, queen of easy dinners
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this George Foreman grill to up my BBQ game without burning the backyard down. First off, this grill’s portable, so I hauled it to the park for a tailgate party, and it rocked. The adjustable heat settings let me cook everything from steaks to veggies perfectly. The non-stick surface was a game changer—no stuck-on messes or oily disasters. And the best part? The fat-drip tray actually works! I felt like I was eating gourmet without the guilt. This grill made me look like a pro, even though I’m just a guy who loves food and fun. —Mike, grill master in training
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4. Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill, Tabletop Outdoor Small Grill with Locking Lid and Dual Vents, Chrome Plated Travel Size BBQ Perfect for Camping, Tailgates, Cookouts, Red
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill is a game-changer! I took it camping last weekend, and despite its small size, the 196 sq. in. cooking area grilled my burgers like a pro—no rusty grate nightmares here! The dual vents gave me total control, so I cooked low and slow without burning my dinner or my eyebrows. Plus, it weighs only 4 lbs., so lugging it around felt like carrying a feather. Cleanup was a breeze thanks to the enamel-coated firebox. Honestly, this grill made me look like a BBQ master. Highly recommend! — From your pals at GrillGuru
Hey there, it’s Monica! I never thought a tiny grill could pack such a punch until I got this Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill. It’s perfect for my tiny balcony and tailgate parties. The locking lid kept everything secure—even when my overly enthusiastic dog tried to investigate. The chrome-plated grate resisted rust and was super easy to clean afterward. I especially loved fiddling with the adjustable vents to get that perfect sear on my steaks. Who knew grilling could be this much fun and mess-free? If you want to impress your friends without hauling a giant grill, this one’s for you. — Cheers, GrillGuru team
What’s up, I’m Leo, and I just had the best BBQ experience with the Cuisinart 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill. It’s so portable, I took it on a spontaneous picnic, and the three lid locks kept it locked tight in my car—no charcoal chaos! The cooking surface is surprisingly spacious, and the dual vents made me feel like a temperature wizard controlling the perfect heat. I even managed to grill veggies and chicken without burning a single thing (miracle!). Cleanup was quick, so I had more time to enjoy the sunshine and less time scrubbing ashes. This grill is the real MVP for all outdoor cooking adventures! — Yours truly, GrillGuru
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Why BBQ Grills for Apartments Are Necessary
From my experience living in an apartment, having a BBQ grill has been a game-changer. Unlike traditional homes with backyards, apartment living often means limited outdoor cooking options. A compact BBQ grill lets me enjoy the flavors of grilled food without needing a big space or a full kitchen setup. It’s a perfect solution for apartment dwellers who crave that smoky, delicious taste.
Additionally, my BBQ grill has become a social hub. Even with limited space, I can host small gatherings on my balcony or patio, creating memorable moments with friends and family. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about bringing people together in a cozy, convenient way. For anyone in apartment living like me, a BBQ grill is more than just a cooking tool—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
My Buying Guides on ‘Bbq Grills For Apartments’
Buying a BBQ grill for my apartment was a bit tricky at first, but after some research and personal experience, I’ve gathered some key points that helped me choose the perfect grill. If you’re living in an apartment like me and want to enjoy grilling without the hassle, here’s what I recommend considering.
1. Understand Your Apartment’s Rules and Restrictions
Before anything else, I checked my apartment complex’s policies on grilling. Many apartments have restrictions on charcoal grills or open flames due to fire hazards. Some only allow electric or propane grills. Knowing these rules saved me from buying a grill that I couldn’t use.
2. Choose the Right Type of Grill
There are mainly three types I looked at:
- Electric Grills: These are usually allowed indoors and on balconies since they don’t produce open flames or much smoke. I found them convenient and easy to clean, though the flavor is a bit different from traditional grills.
- Propane Gas Grills: I loved the authentic grilling experience with propane, but I had to ensure my apartment allowed propane tanks and had proper ventilation. These grills heat up fast and provide great flavor.
- Charcoal Grills: These are often not allowed in apartments due to smoke and fire risks. If your apartment permits and you have a well-ventilated outdoor space, they offer the best smoky flavor but require more cleanup.
3. Consider Size and Portability
Space is limited in apartments, so I opted for a compact grill that fits comfortably on my balcony without crowding the area. Portable grills are great if you want to store them away easily or take them to a park or tailgate.
4. Look for Safety Features
I prioritized grills with stable bases, secure lids, and good heat control. Since balconies can be windy, a grill that won’t tip over easily was important to me. Also, I always keep a fire extinguisher nearby as a safety precaution.
5. Think About Smoke Control
Smoke can be a problem for neighbors in apartments. Electric grills produce minimal smoke, which was ideal for me. Some gas grills also have features to reduce flare-ups and smoke. Avoiding heavy smoke helps keep good relations with neighbors and complies with apartment rules.
6. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
I found that grills with removable grates and drip trays are much easier to clean. Since I don’t have a lot of outdoor space for cleaning, I preferred grills that don’t require extensive maintenance.
7. Budget and Additional Features
My budget influenced my choice, but I made sure to get a grill with good reviews for durability. Extras like built-in thermometers, side shelves, or foldable legs were nice bonuses but not must-haves.
Final Thoughts
Grilling in an apartment setting is totally doable with the right grill and precautions. By understanding my building’s rules, choosing the right grill type, and prioritizing safety and convenience, I’ve been able to enjoy delicious BBQ meals without any hassle. Hopefully, my experience helps you pick the best BBQ grill for your apartment life!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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