One of the best ways to enjoy your apartment is to grill out, but options can be tough when it comes to the fact that your deck or balcony are dinky. Just because you might not have gobs of space to entertain doesn't mean you shouldn't try to make the most of your deck.
While you might not be able to throw a big party out there, that shouldn't prevent you from enjoying a good burger or steak (or veggie burger, if that's your thing) with friends and family. On the bright side, you can certainly grill year-round on a small deck because you can pop out and back in through the adjacent sliding door. Before buying, keep in mind that most landlords only permit gas grills instead of charcoal for fire-hazard reasons, but the good news is that there are a ton of small gas grill options. Now, all you have to do is choose from our curated selection here and then make a beeline to your nearest butcher for your favorite cut of meat.
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200
Your deck might be really short on space to the point where you can't have both a grill and deck furniture side-by-side. So, what should you do when you want to both grill out and eat on your deck? A good solution is a tabletop grill that's powerful and easy to move. The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 propane grill is sturdy and retains great heat thanks to its cast aluminum firebox and robust construction. The no-flare-up TRU-Infrared cooking system keeps the heat even, and the X200 also comes with push-button ignition and a thermometer. It's also great for picnics and tailgating thanks to its buckle closures and chunky side handles. You can easily store it away when you're not using it, as well.
Buy ($126)
Monument Grills 19" Tabletop Grill
If you want to show off your grill but still want to keep things small, then look no further than the Monument Grills 19" Tabletop. Its full stainless steel construction is corrosion-resistant and easy on the eyes. It uses a standard propane tank or a smaller camping propane unit with the use of an optional adapter. There are two independent stainless steel burners that provide an impressive 15,000 BTU for fast grilling. 207 square inches of cooking area means you can manage sizable cuts of meat, and there's a thermometer so you don't overcook your dinner. The thick stainless steel handle and lid locks mean you can also take it pretty much anywhere where grilling is called for.
Buy ($149)
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
We love the slim look and portability of the Weber Traveler. It doesn't look cheap thanks to its strong construction and modern design, so it will look more than adequate for your small deck. The Traveler can accommodate up to 15 hamburgers, so it's no slouch when it comes to the cooking area. You can fold it and roll it with one hand, and it easily fits in the trunk of a car, so it's more than just a one-trick pony for your apartment. Use a 16 oz. propane tank or get the optional adapter hose for a larger tank. The pushbutton ignition and accessory hooks will prevent you from wasting time getting your grilling on.
Buy ($325)
Cuisinart CGG-240 All Foods
Here's another portable gas grill that looks upscale. You wouldn't hesitate to serve guests off the Cuisinart All Foods thanks to its stainless steel lid and twin side tabletops. You can grill just about anything on its 240 square-inch cooking surface. The double-walled lid retains heat especially well, paired with powerful 15,000 BTU loop burner. Fire the All Foods up with the easy Twist Start electric ignition, and monitor the temperature via the easy-read lid-mounted thermometer. Fold the side tables and then fold the legs for easy transport off your deck and to the beach or picnic without skipping a beat.
Buy ($207)
Weber 44010001 Spirit II E-210
The Spirit II might not be portable like the aforementioned grills, but it is compact and ready for deck duty. Its size doesn't mean it scrimps on details, either. There are two burners, push-button ignition, porcelain-enameled lid, two sturdy side tables (the left one folds down), lid thermometer, accessory hooks, storage shelf, and fuel gauge. This is one grill that won't take up too much real estate but still manages to look like the bigger boys.
Buy ($419)