What’s the ideal spot for a grill session? If you have an outdoor kitchen or an indoor-outdoor space, that can work. A backyard is best because it has lots of room both for cooking and sitting. But if you live in an area with minimal square footage, a balcony will have to do. The scent of your delicious barbeque may torture your neighbours, so ask them over.
The downside of balcony barbequing is you don’t have much room. Your guests will have to sit indoors unless you’re on the ground floor. As for the grill itself, you need one that occupies minimal space. There are two ways to approach this. You can get a countertop version that can sit on a small table or a standalone with its own counter.
With so many available options, it can be hard to decide on what to buy. Think about what you’re comfortable spending, and whether you need any special features. Some grillers insist on internal thermometers while others want a removable lid, foldable legs, or an automatic ignition switch. Here are a few suggestions you can look into.
Weber Q 3200 Gas Grill
You don’t hear a lot about electric barbeque grills. People are wary because they consume a lot of power. However, electric kitchen appliances are ideal for apartment living. You can use them indoors, and they don’t require heavy duty cleaning or maintenance. They’re easy to use, and they can cook much faster than gas or charcoal grills.
The Weber Q 3200 is part of the Family Q series, and you can buy one in red or black. It isn’t entirely electric. While it has electronic ignition, it also has two gas burners and a lid for hooded cooking. It includes a trolley for ease of movement and has collapsible side tables for additional working space. These are helpful if your balcony has no room for counters.
This gas grill is a multi-metal unit. Its body and lid are cast aluminium, its burners are stainless steel, and its grills are porcelain enamel. It costs around $800 and comes with a 5-year warranty plus a cookbook for recipe ideas. There are natural gas and liquid petroleum gas options, so be sure you get the right model.
Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Electric Grill
Many grills are advertised as being electric when all they have is an electronic ignition button. But if you want a fully electric grill, consider this stylish unit. It has lightweight construction, so you’ll need to be a little careful with it. The side tables and light material can make it easier to tip off the balcony, so position it optimally to prevent it from slipping.
The Char-broil patio grill has a deep red finish so that it can be useful for your décor, especially with complimentary patio furniture. This grill gives off 1,750 watts of heat, which adds up to a nicely cooked cut of meat and a rather high power bill. If you’re willing to pay for the convenience, it’s a good option for you.
Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared
If you’re looking for a modern grill to match your modern apartment, consider this unit. It retails at $300 to $400 and is made of shiny stainless steel. The boat version of this grill is available in marine steel with specialised boat mounting. Its most significant benefit is its size since it weighs a little under 10kg. It can use disposable propane tanks or natural gas bottles.
The grilling area for this unit is 155 square inches, and it will need to be placed on a solid surface, preferably a raised one. If you have a strong table, you can bring it onto the balcony while you cook. You could also buy a specially made stand for your grill. The grill emits 14,000 BTUs of heat, and the lid can be open or shut depending on the crispness of your cut.
Weber Smokey Joe
There’s a reason why the word ‘Weber’ is synonymous with ‘barbeque grill’ in many parts of the world. Weber popularised grills, and its flagship brand was the Weber Kettle Grill. If you have limited balcony space, consider the hybrid Weber Smokey Joe. This multipurpose grill is powered by charcoal briquettes and can be used for both smoking and regular grilling.
It’s a small unit that can only feed two or three people, so it’s better for an intimate steak dinner than a block party. You can bring it to a potluck though, and use it to make bitings. It’s easy to carry around because its nylon handles are reinforced with glass. Its lid and bowl are enamel while its cooktop is chrome. At about $100, it’s a good starter unit.
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