When it comes to enjoying a barbecue while still being compliant with local ordinances and lease agreements, there are some common rules and regulations you need to be aware of, whether you’re a developer or tenant alike.
Do Apartments Allow Grills?
This question is a little tricky to answer and mostly comes down to your definition of what a “grill” is. For the most part, full-sized traditional grills are not allowed in nearly all apartment complexes.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, but they are mostly underwhelming:
For example, you do have the option to use a charcoal grill on your apartment balcony, but it can only be on one of those small, budget kettle grills. These only hold a handful of hot coals and aren’t great for anything outside of cooking a lukewarm burger.
If propane is more of your thing, the best you’re allowed is one of those small campfire burners with the small disposable tanks you find at camping good stores. Again, these “grills” – if you can even call them that – aren’t suited for an actual barbecue experience. They’re great if you simply want to percolate coffee in the wilderness. They’re awful if you’re going to grill fajitas.
One final exception is an electric griddle. These were made most famous by George Foreman and his popular TV grill. These griddles were amusing at the time for their convenience, but have since proved to be inadequate for having an actual barbecue on. That’s because these cooking devices aren’t even grills; they’re griddles. Essentially all you’re doing is cooking your burger with an electric laundry iron.
Read More – Barbecue with a View: Using a Balcony Grill
Why Can’t I Use Charcoal or Propane for My Apartment BBQ?
The main reason you can’t use traditional fossil fuel grills in most apartments is due to safety concerns. Hot coals, leaky lines, open flames … they are all a safety liability in the eyes of property owners and municipalities alike.
NFPA Apartment Grill Policy
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) regulates this, which influences how building codes are formed and regulated. Traditional grills are not allowed due to the NFPA’s rule #1, which prohibits most open flames in elevated areas.
So, how can you enjoy a worthwhile barbecue experience while still complying with the NFPA’s no flame ordinance? Outside of the cheap alternatives listed above, there is only one legitimate alternative: a luxury electric grill.
Are Electric Grills Allowed in an Apartment?
For the traditional barbecue flavor you or your tenants are used to, there is only one valid option: The ElectriChef grill.
Since it is flameless and electric, it complies with the NFPA’s no open flame rule as well as various municipal regulations alike.
And this is no cheap griddle or small campfire burner. ElectriChef grills supply the complete barbecue performance you’d expect. These grills boast an industry-best 600° F maximum grilling temperature, which means you’re not compromising at all.
Ready to barbecue with a view? If so, check out our SpecSheet so you can get your creativity rolling on designing that ideal balcony kitchen.
