#1 PickAussie LegendPortable Gas Grill$269
Weber Q 2200
4.5/5
The Aussie icon. Every park, beach, and campsite in Australia has one. Compact, seriously capable.
Apartment & Condo Living
Best Grills for Apartments 2025
Living in an apartment doesn't mean you can't grill. It means you need to be smart about what you buy. Between HOA rules banning open flames, balconies too small for full-size grills, and neighbors who complain about smoke, apartment grilling is a puzzle — but a solvable one. I've tested every compact, electric, and apartment-friendly grill to find the ones that actually work in tight spaces with real restrictions.
Our Top Picks
#1 PickAussie Legend
#2 PickBest Overall ElectricElectric Grill$369
Weber Q 2400 Electric
4.5/5
The best outdoor electric grill. Same Q series build quality, runs on a power cord. Perfect for apartment balconies.
#3 PickMost RecognizedElectric Grill$100
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor
4.2/5
The name everyone knows. The 15-serving model goes from patio to countertop. Dead reliable.
#4 PickBest for BalconiesElectric Grill$230
Char-Broil Patio Bistro Electric
4.3/5
TRU-Infrared heating means no flare-ups and surprisingly even heat. Perfect for condo balconies.
#5 PickPremium NicheBuilt-In Electric$950
Kenyon City Grill
4.6/5
Premium built-in electric for outdoor kitchens and marine use. Flameless, smokeless, approved where nothing else is.
#6 PickSmoke + ElectricElectric Smoker Grill$370
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill
4.4/5
Electric grill that actually produces real smoke flavor using wood pellets. A genuine game-changer for apartment grillers.
#7 PickUltralight GasPortable Gas Grill$55
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable
4.2/5
A 13.5 lb tabletop gas grill that folds into a briefcase. Perfect for picnics, beach trips, and balcony grilling.
#8 PickCompact GriddleFlat Top Griddle$249
Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle
4.5/5
The compact Blackstone that fits smaller spaces without sacrificing flat-top performance. Perfect for patios, balconies, and camping.
#9 PickBest Budget GasGas Grill$369
Weber Spirit II E-210
4.4/5
The best gas grill under $400. Two burners, compact footprint, and Weber's legendary build quality — perfect for small patios and couples.
Buying Advice
1
Check your building's rules FIRST. Some HOAs and landlords ban all grills — including electric. Others allow electric but ban gas and charcoal. Some ban grills on covered balconies but allow them on open patios. Read your lease and HOA docs before spending money.
2
Electric grills are the safest bet for apartments. No open flame, minimal smoke, and usually compliant with building codes. The Weber Q 2400 and Ninja Woodfire are the best performers.
3
Size matters more than features. Measure your balcony or patio before buying. A 48-inch-wide balcony won't fit a full-size gas grill. The Weber Q series and tabletop griddles are designed for exactly these spaces.
4
Smoke is your biggest neighbor problem. Even if your building allows grilling, excessive smoke will generate complaints. Electric grills and gas grills with lids produce far less smoke than charcoal. The Ninja Woodfire's smoke setting is surprisingly restrained.
5
Don't forget storage. Apartment grills need to be stored when not in use — either on the balcony under a cover or inside a closet. Look for grills that fold, nest, or have a small enough footprint to store upright.
6
Propane tanks have rules too. Many apartments ban propane tank storage inside units. If you go with a portable gas grill like the Weber Q, you'll need to store the tank outside and check your building's propane policies.