Grilling is a summer time favorite, and as the season nears, many may be wondering where they can place their electric grills. Electric grills are allowed to be placed in areas that may otherwise prohibit charcoal and propane grills. Electric grills may be the option that let you have the BBQ you wanted right at home.
So, are you allowed to have electric grills on your balcony?
Yes, you are allowed to have electric grills on balconies as well as roof tops. Electric grills are allowed on balconies while propane and charcoal grills are not. Before setting up any grill on a balcony, check with the building guidelines and or landlord.
Electric grills can allow you to bring the feast right to your balcony. Throughout this article, we will review the different types of electric grills, the difference between electric grills and other grill styles, and some safety tips to consider while using your electric grill.
Why Electric Grills are Better Than Charcoal and Propane
Electric grills are different from other types of grills because they do not use flames and do not produce smoke. They are also magnitudes smaller than most grills. They also use electricity, which is different than any other grill model.
Electric grills should be considered over other grill models because they:
- Allow the user to choose a more diverse array of options for placement
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors (note some of them are strictly meant for indoor use while others outdoor)
- Are easily transportable as long as where you are going has an electrical source that can support the wattage of the grill
- Are easy to clean, some have collection trays under a cooking rack and non-stick surfaces which allows for easy clean up
- Sometimes resemble skillets both in shape and in size
- Easy to store with other kitchen appliances
Differences Between Electric and Charcoal Grills
Other instances, electric grills cannot provide the same results as other grill models such as charcoal and gas. Some main examples of this are the lack of the classic smoky flavor and the cooking speed.
Some things that charcoal grills can offer but electric grills cannot include (source):
- They provide the signature smoky taste that reminds people of summer BBQs
- Require more space than electric grills and cannot be used on balconies
- Charcoal grills emit more heat as well as smoke
- With smoke can come carcinogens depending on the material being burned
- Require heavier cleaning than most electric grills as well as more inputs (charcoal, starts, and sometimes wood for flavor).
- Can provide indirect heat to allow for slow cooking/smoking of food giving it more time to cook evenly
Differences Between Electric and Propane Grills
The last option for grills is the gas grill. This uses propane and cannot be used on your balconies or inside! There are some major differences between electric grills and propane grills, such as (source):
- Size! Propane grills are generally much, much larger than electric grills.
- Can provide a balance between charcoal and electric by still providing the smoky flavor with some of the sleek cleanliness of the electric grills.
- Allow addons for personalization such as rotisserie chicken additions.
- Allows for high heat that cooks food quickly, compared to the slower cook on a charcoal grill.
- Can be dangerous due to the use of the propane tanks (propane is highly flammable)
- These grills are not portable and have to have a larger space set for them.
- They are connected to a gas line.
In summary, when looking for a smaller grill that can be used on balconies or even inside, the electric grill will be the most convenient. The other two styles of grills should be used at stand-alone homes in yards or on decks.
Different Models of Electric Grills
As most things today, there are many different brands and styles of electric grills. Along with different brands, there are also different models which create two different classes of electric grills.
Some are designed for inside use, while others are meant for outdoor use. Yes there can be some overlap, but generally, these are the two main models for electric grills (source). All use electricity and should be used the way the manual instructs, but here we will review the different brands/ styles and what they have to offer.
- Zojirushi EB-DLC10 Indoor Electric Grill: great indoor choice that uses 1500W and has collection tray for juices, reaches 450 degrees. However, pretty expensive compared to other competitors (source).
- George Foreman GGR50B: this is the best grill for multi-use (both indoor and outdoor). Some of its features that make it stand out include a grill stand that allows for ease of use, and also features a large non-stick surface for cooking. The only downside to this grill is that it does not come with a warranty while others do (source).
- Weber 52020001 Q1400 Electric Grill:if you are looking for an outdoor grill, this is the best option with a long chord for easy placement, the largest cooking surface, and heating element reaching 500 degrees. The downside to this option is it is pricey for the size of the grill (source).
These are only a few examples to get you familiar with products that can be used in all settings; however, there are countless other options for each setting, and research should be done to establish which electric grill model would work best for you and the cooking goal you are aiming for.
Safety Tips to Consider
Now that we have covered the basics of some the different types of electric grills for inside placement, outside, placement, and grills that are flexible for both, lets cover some of the safety tips for you to get the best results from your electric grill.
- When using outside, do not use if it is raining. If using inside, do not allow the wires to get wet or sit in water.
- If there is ever any damage or wear on the cord or the plug, replace it for a new one to avoid electrical complications
- Always remember to turn off the grill when unplugging the appliance
- Always make sure that the outlet you are plugging the grill into can handle the wattage
- Keep out of the reach of children due to hot surfaces
- Make sure the grill is off/unplugged before cleaning
When considering if you are allowed to have a grill on your balcony, you should also be considering safety. This is another reason why electric grills are the best choice. You are allowed to have them on balconies, and they do not have open flames or use flammable propane.
The main safety concern is using outlets that can handle the wattage for the electric grill. Note that the wattage for electric grills is not uniform. Without the proper support, the circuit could short, and the device could be dangerous for use.
In Summary
Electric grills can be used on balconies, which gives them a boost above gas and charcoal grills.
They are also able to be used inside in the kitchen as well as outside on your balcony. There are different types of electric grills for inside and outdoor use, so check the wattage and research the best fit for your situation.
Before installing any electric grills on your balconies, if you are renting or are in a multi-unit building, check with your landlord and the building guidelines.
Lastly, always review the user manual and follow all safety precautions, especially checking the wattage of the grill and the type of outlet being used. Not all electric grills require the same amount of wattage.