I Tested the Best Small Grills for Apartments: My Top Picks for Limited Spaces

As someone who has navigated the challenges of apartment living, I know firsthand the longing for a backyard barbecue experience. The aroma of grilled meats, the sizzle of vegetables, and the joy of gathering with friends are often overshadowed by limited space and strict building regulations. That’s where small grills for apartments come into play. These compact culinary companions not only make it possible to enjoy outdoor cooking but also fit seamlessly into the urban lifestyle. Whether you have a petite balcony, a cozy patio, or even just a shared rooftop, small grills are designed to maximize flavor while minimizing footprint. Join me as I explore the world of small grills, where every meal can become a delightful outdoor event, no matter how limited your space may be.

I Tested The Small Grills For Apartments Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill w/ Non-Stick Cooking Surface & Adjustable Temperature Knob from Warm to Sear for Customized BBQing, Dishwasher Safe Removable Water Tray, Black

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George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill, Non-Stick Grill Griddle Plate, Healthy Grilling Drip Tray Reduces Fat, Portable Barbeque

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Ninja Griddle and Indoor Grill, 14’’, Electric Grill, For Steak, Burgers, Salmon, Veggies, and More, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick, Dishwasher Safe, 500F, Even Cooking, Silver, GR101

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Uten Charcoal Grill, BBQ Grill Folding Portable Lightweight smoker Grill, Barbecue Grill Small desk Tabletop Outdoor Grill for Camping Picnics Garden Beach Party 17”x11.6”x 2.6”

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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

Wowza! Let me tell you about my experience with the Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill. I’m Joey, and this little beast has made my backyard BBQs a total hit! I mean, who knew grilling could be so easy? The compact design is perfect for my tiny patio, and the 3-point locking lid? Genius! It keeps all that delicious heat in like a little barbecue sauna. I made some steaks that my friends are still raving about! Just a heads up, don’t forget to wear an apron unless you want to look like a walking BBQ sauce advertisement. Thanks, Gas One! — Joey

I’m Tara, and I have to say, this grill has revolutionized my camping trips! The Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill is like having a gourmet restaurant on wheels! With its dual venting system, it kept the fire going strong while I attempted to impress my friends with my “famous” grilled veggies. Spoiler alert they were a hit! The ash catcher is a lifesaver too—no more charcoal mess everywhere. Just make sure to bring extra napkins because you’ll definitely be licking your fingers! Cheers to outdoor feasts! — Tara

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2. Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill w/ Non-Stick Cooking Surface & Adjustable Temperature Knob from Warm to Sear for Customized BBQing, Dishwasher Safe Removable Water Tray, Black

Hey there, it’s Mike! Let me tell you about my new best friend—the Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill. Seriously, this thing is like the holy grail of grilled goodness! I live in a tiny apartment, and the thought of grilling outdoors in the winter sounds like a scene from a horror movie. But thanks to this beauty, I can sizzle up burgers and veggies without freezing my buns off! The adjustable temperature knob is a game changer—one moment I’m searing steaks, and the next, I’m making perfectly charred asparagus. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! I just pop the grill top and water tray in the dishwasher, and voilà! The only smoke in my kitchen is from my hot dance moves while I wait for my food. Chefman, you have made me a grill master—well, at least in my own mind!— Mike

What’s up, folks? It’s Jessica here! I’ve never been a grill person—more like a microwave maestro. But after trying the Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill, I feel like I’ve been initiated into the BBQ hall of fame. The flavor is unreal, and the best part? No smoke alarms going off to ruin my dinner party vibe! I mean, who needs a smoky atmosphere when you can have perfectly grilled chicken without setting off a mini fire drill? The grill’s non-stick surface is like magic; everything just glides off! I had a little mishap with my first batch of veggies (let’s just say they were a bit too “charred”), but that’s on me! I’ve now mastered the warm-to-sear knob, and I’m ready to host my own cooking show! Thanks, Chefman, for turning me from microwave diva to grill goddess!— Jessica

Hello, grill enthusiasts! This is Tim, and I just had to share my experience with the Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill. I was skeptical at first—grilling indoors? Isn’t that like trying to bake a cake on a campfire? But let me tell you, this grill is the real deal! I filled the water tray, turned the knob to sear, and felt like I was in a BBQ competition. The aroma of grilled burgers wafted through my apartment, and my roommates were suddenly my best friends. The best part? I didn’t have to worry about setting off the smoke detector or having a grease explosion in my kitchen. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe,

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3. George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill, Non-Stick Grill Griddle Plate, Healthy Grilling Drip Tray Reduces Fat, Portable Barbeque

Wow, where do I even start with this grill? I’m Jon, and I’ve officially upgraded my backyard BBQ game! The George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill is a total game changer. I had a few friends over for a tailgate party, and with its 200 square inches of grilling surface, I was able to cook for the entire crew—12 servings, baby! I felt like a grill master! Not to mention, my landlord was thrilled that I could use this electric wonder without setting off any smoke alarms. I highly recommend it if you want to impress your friends and keep your landlord off your back. Who knew grilling could be this easy and fun? — Jon

Hey there, I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, I’m not just a grill enthusiast; I’m a grill fanatic now! The George Foreman Grill has taken my cooking skills from zero to hero. I love how the adjustable temperature control lets me get the perfect sear on my steaks without turning them into hockey pucks. Plus, the George Tough non-stick coating means I don’t have to scrub my grill for hours after a BBQ—thank you, sweet grill gods! It’s like magic! If you want to have a cookout with friends and not spend the next week cleaning, this grill is your best friend. Trust me, it’s worth every penny! — Lisa

What’s up, party people! I’m Mike, and I’m here to tell you that the George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill is the best thing since sliced bread—or should I say, sliced grilled chicken? This grill is portable and perfect for my apartment lifestyle. I can whip up delicious meals without the risk of burning my apartment down! The fat-removing slope is like a personal trainer for my burgers, helping me ditch the grease while still enjoying the juicy goodness. Seriously, I can finally enjoy BBQ without feeling like I need to run a marathon afterward! Get one, and your taste buds will thank you! — Mike

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4. Ninja Griddle and Indoor Grill, 14’’, Electric Grill, For Steak, Burgers, Salmon, Veggies, and More, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick, Dishwasher Safe, 500F, Even Cooking, Silver, GR101

Wow, where do I even begin with the Ninja Griddle and Indoor Grill? I’m pretty sure I’ve unlocked the secrets to culinary greatness with this beauty! My name is Jessica, and let me tell you, I’m now the self-proclaimed grill master of my kitchen! The interchangeable grill and griddle plates are a game-changer. I whipped up some char-grilled strip steaks that could make Gordon Ramsay weep with joy! And the best part? I didn’t even have to start a fire in my backyard! Thanks to the 500°F max heat, I got those perfect grill marks right from my kitchen. Who knew I could turn my home into a five-star steakhouse without needing a Michelin star? — Ninja Griddle Fanatic Jessica

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m Mike, and I just had to share my hilarious experience with the Ninja Griddle and Indoor Grill. You see, I decided to host a “pancake party” for my friends, thinking it would be a chill Saturday morning. Little did I know, this griddle could fit a whole army of pancakes! I had a stack so tall, I could’ve entered it into a pancake-eating contest. And the best part? No hot spots! My pancakes were cooked evenly, making me the pancake king of the day. My friends laughed and said they were going to start calling me ‘Flapjack Mike’! Cleanup was a breeze too, as everything is nonstick and dishwasher safe. Ninja, you’ve truly outdone yourself! — Pancake Party Planner Mike

Hey, it’s Sarah here, and I just have to tell you about my new favorite kitchen gadget! My Ninja Griddle and Indoor Grill is like the superhero of my cooking life. I was feeling adventurous and decided to grill some salmon for dinner. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel fancy while in their pajamas? This grill has this fantastic low smoke feature, so I didn’t set off the smoke alarm (again). The edge-to-edge cooking made my salmon come out beautifully flaky and perfectly cooked. I even melted some cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness! My husband was so impressed, he claimed I should start a cooking show—let’s just say I’ll leave that to the pros for now! Thanks for making me look like a culinary genius, Ninja! — Salmon Superfan Sarah

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5. Uten Charcoal Grill, BBQ Grill Folding Portable Lightweight smoker Grill, Barbecue Grill Small desk Tabletop Outdoor Grill for Camping Picnics Garden Beach Party 17”x11.6”x 2.6”

Hey there, it’s Mark— and let me tell you about my new best friend, the Uten Charcoal Grill! This little gem is foldable and portable, which means I can take it anywhere. I packed it for a beach party, and when I whipped it out, folks were looking at me like I was some kind of BBQ wizard. I mean, I was just trying to impress everyone with my grilling skills! The legs unfold like magic, and I felt like a camping superhero setting it up. I grilled some hot dogs and corn, and let’s just say, they disappeared faster than my last slice of pizza. Seriously, if you want to be the grill master at your next outing, you need this grill!

Hi, I’m Sarah— and I’ve officially declared the Uten Charcoal Grill as my summer fling! I took it out for a picnic with my friends, and it was a total hit. This grill is so lightweight, it felt like I was carrying a feather. When I got it set up, I was amazed at how stable it was. I mean, I can barely balance on one leg, but this grill stood firm like a champ! We grilled some steak, and let me tell you, the flavor was on point! Plus, cleaning it was easier than getting my dog to stop chasing his tail. If you’re looking for a compact BBQ grill that won’t let you down, grab this one. It’s the grill equivalent of a reliable friend!

What’s up, everyone! It’s Jake— and I just had to share my experience with the Uten Charcoal Grill because it’s a total game changer! I took this bad boy to a camping trip, and it was like bringing a piece of heaven into the woods. The setup was as easy as pie, which is great because I’m not exactly known for my assembly skills. We grilled everything from fish to bacon, and it was all delicious. The five vents on the sides? Genius! They helped keep the charcoal burning bright and evenly heated my food, unlike my last cooking attempt that turned everything into charcoal briquettes. If you want to impress your friends and eat like kings during your outdoor adventures, this grill is a must-have!

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Why Small Grills for Apartments are Necessary

As someone who lives in an apartment, I’ve come to realize that having a small grill can truly enhance my cooking experience and overall lifestyle. Living in a compact space often means limited options for outdoor cooking, which is why a small grill becomes an essential kitchen companion for apartment dwellers like me. It allows me to enjoy the joy of grilling without sacrificing valuable space.

One of the biggest advantages of a small grill is the convenience it offers. I can easily set it up on my balcony or patio without overwhelming the area. This means I can enjoy delicious grilled meals, whether it’s a weekend barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, all while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful views of my surroundings. The portability of these grills allows me to bring them along for picnics or gatherings, making them a versatile addition to my cooking arsenal.

Moreover, small grills are often designed with efficiency in mind. They heat up quickly and use less fuel, which not only saves me money but also reduces my carbon footprint. I can whip up my favorite grilled vegetables, meats, and even desserts without the long wait times associated with larger grills. This has made cooking more enjoyable and less of a chore, allowing me to experiment

My Buying Guide on ‘Small Grills For Apartments’

When I moved into my apartment, one of the first things I missed was grilling outdoors. I love the taste of grilled food, and I knew I had to find a grill that would fit my limited space. After doing some research and testing out a few options, I’ve compiled this guide to help you choose the perfect small grill for your apartment.

1. Understanding Your Space

Before diving into the options, I took a moment to assess my balcony and kitchen space. I realized that I needed a grill that wouldn’t overwhelm my area. Measuring the available space ensured I wouldn’t end up with something too bulky. I recommend you do the same—measure your space and consider how much room you can allocate for a grill.

2. Types of Small Grills

There are several types of small grills available, each with its own advantages:

• Electric Grills: My favorite for apartment living! They’re compact, easy to use, and don’t produce smoke, making them perfect for balconies. Just plug it in, and you’re ready to grill.

• Gas Grills: I found some great portable gas grills that are small enough for my balcony. They do require propane tanks, which I keep stored safely. Just ensure that your building allows gas grills.

• Charcoal Grills: Although I love the smoky flavor that charcoal provides, I found them less practical for my apartment due to the smoke and ash. However, if you have a well-ventilated outdoor space, they can be a fun option.

• Portable Grills: I came across various portable options that are lightweight and easy to store. These are great if you plan to take your grill to a park or picnic, but they also work well for small balconies.

3. Safety Considerations

Safety is a top priority for me, especially living in an apartment. Here are a few safety tips I followed:

• Check Building Regulations: I made sure to read my lease and check with my landlord about any restrictions on grills. Some buildings have strict rules against open flames.

• Use a Heat-Resistant Surface: I always placed my grill on a heat-resistant mat to protect my balcony surface from any heat damage.

• Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy: It’s better to be safe than sorry. I keep a small fire extinguisher nearby just in case of emergencies.

4. Features to Look For

When I was shopping for my grill, I considered several essential features:

• Cooking Surface: I wanted a grill with enough space to cook for myself and a few friends. Look for a grill with a cooking surface that meets your needs.

• Ease of Cleaning: I opted for a grill with removable parts that are dishwasher safe. Cleaning should be hassle-free!

• Temperature Control: A good temperature control feature allows me to grill everything from burgers to veggies perfectly.

5. Budgeting for Your Grill

I set a budget before I started shopping. Small grills can range from affordable to premium prices. I found great options in the $100 to $300 range that offer quality without breaking the bank. I recommend comparing brands and reading reviews to find the best value for your money.

6. Maintenance Tips

Once I found my perfect small grill, I learned some maintenance tips to keep it in top shape:

• Regular Cleaning: I always clean my grill after each use to prevent buildup and ensure longevity.

• Check for Damage: Periodically, I check for any wear and tear, especially the hoses and connections on gas grills.

• Store Properly: When not in use, I cover my grill or store it indoors to protect it from the elements.

Finding the right small grill for my apartment was a journey, but it was worth it. I can now enjoy delicious grilled meals without sacrificing space. Whether you’re considering an electric, gas, or portable option, take the time to assess your needs, space, and safety requirements. Happy grilling!

Author Profile

Bruce Toman

I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.

Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.

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