The Top Grills for Apartment Patios: A Guide to Small-Space Cooking

Grilling isn’t just for big backyards and sprawling decks anymore. Thanks to innovations in compact and portable grill design, you can enjoy a sizzling BBQ even if you’re living in an apartment with a tiny patio. Whether you’re cooking up burgers, veggies, or those delicious skewers you’ve been dreaming about all week, having the best grill for apartment patio can elevate your outdoor cooking experience without taking up too much space.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the top grill options for apartment patios, highlighting the features that matter most when you’re cooking in a small space. We’ll even sprinkle in some tips, tricks, and a bit of humor—because grilling should be fun, right? So, fire up those taste buds, and let’s get grilling!

Why Is Choosing the Right Grill Important for Apartments?

When it comes to grilling in an apartment, there’s a little more to consider than just how delicious your food will taste. Here are some important factors:

Size Matters

Obviously, the size of your grill matters. You don’t want a grill so big that it takes up all your outdoor space. But you also want one that’s big enough to cook a decent meal without having to sacrifice flavor. You need that perfect balance. Think of it as the Goldilocks principle: not too big, not too small, just right!

Safety

Living in close quarters with neighbors means that grilling safely is a top priority. Having a grill that’s built for smaller spaces often comes with added safety features, like lower flare-up risks and better heat control. Trust us, your neighbors will appreciate it when the only thing they smell is delicious food—not smoke.

Portability

A grill that you can move around easily might be a big plus, especially when your apartment patio is more of a balcony than a backyard. Portable grills can be stored away or moved when you need extra space, making them an ideal choice for apartment dwellers.

Ease of Use

You don’t want to be spending hours learning how to operate your grill. The best grill for apartment patio should be easy to use, clean, and maintain. After all, you’ve got neighbors to talk to and a drink to sip while you grill—not time to get bogged down in technicalities.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best grills for apartment patios, combining performance and practicality for all your outdoor cooking adventures.

1. The Weber Q2200 Gas Grill: Compact, Efficient, and Powerful

Perfect for: Those who want a gas grill with a compact design without compromising on cooking power.

When you think of quality grilling, Weber is likely one of the first brands that come to mind—and for good reason! The Weber Q2200 is a perfect choice for apartment patios, offering excellent heat control and a surprisingly large cooking surface for a compact grill.

Key Features:

• Portable design: It’s small enough to fit on a balcony but large enough to cook for a small group of friends.

• 210 square inches of cooking space: Great for grilling up burgers, steaks, or a few racks of ribs.

• Even heat distribution: Weber’s porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are fantastic at retaining heat, ensuring your food is perfectly cooked.

• Side tables: Handy for holding tools or food while you cook.

If you’re after something that brings the perfect balance of size, safety, and power, the Weber Q2200 could be your grill soulmate.

2. Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 300 2-Burner Gas Grill: Infrared Cooking in a Small Package

Perfect for: Those who love technology and want a precise, even cook every time.

One of the most innovative features in the Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared grill is the infrared cooking technology. This method eliminates flare-ups and ensures your food cooks evenly, which is perfect when you’re working with a small grill. Plus, the compact 300 square inches of cooking space is just right for apartment patios!

Key Features:

• Infrared cooking technology: This reduces heat loss and provides consistent heat, so you won’t have to worry about hotspots.

• Two burners: Gives you flexibility for cooking multiple items at once, even if your grill space is small.

• Compact and sleek design: With its slim profile, it fits easily on smaller patios or balconies.

If you’re looking to impress your guests with juicy, perfectly cooked meat, this grill is a great option for small-space grilling.

3. Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill: The Ultimate Travel Companion

Perfect for: Grilling aficionados who want a portable option they can take anywhere.

Let’s face it: not every apartment patio is ideal for grilling. But with the Weber Q1200, you can take your grilling skills on the road. Whether you’re grilling on your patio, balcony, or at the park, this portable grill packs a punch without taking up too much space.

Key Features:

• Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates: Ensures even heat distribution and is easy to clean.

• Compact size: With 189 square inches of cooking space, it’s small enough to move around yet large enough to cook a few steaks or burgers.

• Easy to transport: Lightweight and with a built-in handle, it’s perfect for when you want to take your grilling on the go.

Perfect for apartment dwellers who don’t want to be limited to grilling just at home, this is a versatile option that lets you enjoy outdoor cooking no matter where you are.

4. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill: Compact But Mighty

Perfect for: Those who need a grill that can be stored away and doesn’t require a lot of space.

If you’re serious about grilling but don’t have room for a full-sized grill, the Cuisinart CGG-180T is the way to go. Despite its small size, it offers solid performance that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or small gatherings on the patio.

Key Features:

• Portable and lightweight: Weighing just 13.5 pounds, this grill is easy to move and store away.

• 145 square inches of cooking space: You can grill 8-10 burgers at once, making it ideal for a small crowd.

• Foldable legs: This grill folds up to make storage a breeze.

It’s a great choice for apartment dwellers who want something small and easy to store but still capable of making delicious grilled meals.

5. Z Grills ZPG-450A Pellet Grill: Smoky Flavor with Minimal Space

Perfect for: Those who want a pellet grill but don’t have the space for a large model.

Pellet grills are perfect for adding that smoky flavor to your meats, but their bulkiness is often a deterrent for apartment dwellers. The Z Grills ZPG-450A, however, offers the perfect balance of functionality and size, making it a solid option for those who want to try pellet grilling without sacrificing too much space.

Key Features:

• 450 square inches of cooking space: Ideal for grilling larger cuts of meat or cooking for a small crowd.

• Smoky flavor: Pellet grills infuse a rich, smoky taste into your food, perfect for slow-cooked ribs or brisket.

• Ease of use: Set the temperature, and the grill takes care of the rest.

If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor to your grilling routine and have the space for a slightly larger grill, the Z Grills ZPG-450A offers an amazing pellet grilling experience.

Conclusion: Grilling in Style, Even in Small Spaces

Choosing the best grill for apartment patio ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, cooking style, and how much space you have to work with. Whether you go for a compact gas grill like the Weber Q2200, an innovative infrared option like the Char-Broil Performance, or even a portable grill like the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet, there’s a grill out there for every apartment dweller.

So, fire up that grill, invite some friends over, and enjoy some delicious food with a side of laughter. Grilling doesn’t have to be a big production—it can be as simple as getting the right grill for your space and enjoying the moments that come with it.

Happy grilling!