What do you suggest one to use for grilling on a upper level apartment complex?!
What do you suggest one to use for grilling on a upper level apartment complex?
I am new to grilling always have had friends and family do it and am a novice at this and want to be safe as possible in a upper apartment area here out on the deck?
Should one use propane or charcoal ?
Thanks a bunch :)
Answers:
What are the rules of the complex?
Gas vs charcoal is a question that has started many arguments in the outdoor cooking world - usually over flavor. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Since you are just beginning to develop your skills, consider your main goal: safety. For that reason I'd choose gas since it's easier to control, no left over hot ashes or large flames at start up.
You said grilling which is hot and fast. A gas grill ideal for this method. Turn it on, and within 15 minutes the grill is ready.
Barbeque is low and slow. This method is best for ingredients that need a longer time or low temperature to develop flavor and tenderness.
For grilling only and if electricity is available on the deck consider the Weber Q, Coleman or George Foreman. No worries about flame, or running out of fuel.
Source(s):
I own both types and years of experience. Various grilling and barbeque articles, books and classes.
george foreman
George Forman GRILL
propane
wally-world special....Weber charcoal grill.
I don't think you are supposed to grill on a deck in an apartment complex (some city ordinances prohibit use of grills on decks and patios due it being a fire hazard).
However, if you don't have this ordinance, I suggest one of those Hibachi grills. They use charcoal and are small enough not to scare anyone. Usually.
Be careful and have fun!
First off, you need to check your city's fire code. You could get slapped with a nice fine if you have an open flame within a certain number of feet of your residence. And if you spark a fire and burn down half of your complex, your renter's insurance could be rendered null and void for violating any fire codes. Go directly to jail unless you can cough up $100,000 in repairs. If you want to be safe, get a decent electric grill and go crazy...and not a George Foreman grill for pete's sake.
Everyone is right about the fire codes. check it out. I suggest a propane grill. Much easier to control. With charcoal, if the flames get out of control, you have to resort to water or fire exstinguisher.
With propane, it's just turning the dials. Char-Broil makes great grills. You can get one through this link:
http://www.capitalmeats.com/partners.asp...
First thing you need to do is call your fire department and ask them if there are any by-laws on balcony bbq's. If they give you the all clear, invest in a small camping/travel propane bbq. Walmart sells one for $50 I'm including the link to the one I'm talking about, and the one I bought
http://walmart.ca/wps-portal/storelocato...
It uses small propane tanks, one lasts about 5 uses. The small tank gives a little more security in that if there's a fire or explosion it would be a lot smaller than it would be if you had a large propane tank. The BBQ cooks well, you can add 4 pieces of charcoal in the corners to get the charcoal flavor without all the mess. It's a good size too. Just put it on a table when you use it and when not in use, keep it out of the elements. Great thing is it doesn't take up a lot of room so you don't lose your balcony, it's easy to keep away from the siding and rails. If you want to go on a picnic, you can bring it lalong.
I live in an apt. and have no porch to grill on. I found that if you use a non stick grill pan you get the same grill marks and flavor. The only thing lacking is the smokey flavor. Unfortunately, they can be a bit expensive. I use Calphalon? Contemporary Nonstick 11 Square Grill Pan. They are on sale at macys.com for $39.99. By the way, if you ever grill tuna, this maybe the best way I have ever found to do it.
Use a George Forman Grill.
Propane - Baby Q
I live in an apartment complex and it is posted right on our memo board by the mailboxes that we are not allowed to have grills on our balconies. Then they also have a the city ordinance posted to saying that there are no grills allowed in multi-family complexes. I'm assuming this is the law in most municipalities. I mean, come on, think about it! It is a fire hazard!!!! Is grilling food really worth the risk of a fire that put not only you and your belongings at risk...but everyone in the complex! Get your priorities straight! Have a picnic at a local park or better yet, buy a house if you want to do that.
George Foreman Grill! You will probably get kicked out of your apartment if you use a grill on your deck! The George Foreman actually works really well. When I lived in my apartment I used one and everything I made on it tasted great! Make sure you get one that has grill plates that are removable so that it is easy to clean!
Goodluck, and don't set your apartment complex on fire, go for the Foreman!