The honest answer for an apartment is: a propane infrared grill can work on a balcony or patio, but only where your building rules allow propane and where there is outdoor space with clearance — and for strictly indoor use, an electric grill is the only sensible option. A portable propane infrared grill like the Big Horn 16-inch model gives apartment cooks a powerful searing tool that stows compactly, but the first question is always what your lease and building allow. This guide covers the rules, the formats that fit apartments, and how to match the grill to the space you actually have.
This is general guidance, not legal or building-code advice; check your lease, building rules, and local regulations before buying a grill for an apartment.
What actually matters for this decision
- Building rules. Many apartment buildings ban or restrict propane grills on balconies; some allow electric only. This is the first filter.
- Space. A portable tabletop grill needs a stable surface and clearance around it, not just a corner to sit in.
- Clearance and ventilation. Propane appliances must be used outdoors with space around the burner; never use them indoors or in an enclosed garage.
- Storage. A compact grill that stows in a cabinet or on a shelf between cooks fits apartment life better than a large cart.
- Propane connection. Check whether the model takes 1-pound cylinders or a larger tank, and where you will store fuel.
Understanding temperature before you decide
An infrared grill uses a ceramic emitter to radiate heat directly onto the food, reaching searing temperatures quickly — the Big Horn 16-inch portable model reaches about 1500°F (815°C) in 3–5 minutes on a 19,000 BTU propane burner. That heat is the point for apartment cooks who want a restaurant-style crust without a full-size backyard setup. The trade-offs are the same as any portable infrared: intense heat needs attention, the cooking area is compact, and it is a specialist searing tool rather than a low-and-slow grill.
The key factors, ranked
| Factor | Why it matters for an apartment | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Building rules | Decides the whole question | Propane allowed? Electric only? |
| Portability | Fits a balcony and stores away | Weight, packed size |
| Stability | Safe on a small balcony surface | Feet, low center of gravity |
| Preheat speed | Fast searing in a small space | Minutes to searing temp |
| Cleanup | Easy to manage in a small area | Removable grates, drip tray |
Matching the choice to your situation
If your building allows propane grills on the balcony, a portable propane infrared grill is the strongest fit for steak-focused cooking: it stores compactly, preheats in minutes, and sears hard without a permanent installation. If your building allows electric only, an electric grill or an indoor electric pizza oven is the honest choice — infrared propane is not indoor-safe, and the apartment grill guide separates the two at the building-rules step. If you have no outdoor space at all, a high-heat indoor option (skillet, cast iron, or an indoor-rated electric appliance) is the fallback.
What the experts look for
Experienced cooks choosing a grill for a small space focus on the same short list: can I use it here legally, does it set up and store easily, does it sear well, and can I clean it without a hose? A grill that fails the building-rule filter is not a bargain at any price. After that, preheat speed, stability, and cleanup decide whether the grill gets used or stays in storage.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Buying before checking the building rules. Confirm propane is allowed on your balcony before you spend.
- Using a propane grill indoors. Never use propane grills indoors or in an enclosed garage; the safety risk is serious.
- Ignoring clearance. A balcony grill needs space around the burner and away from walls, railings, and overhangs.
- Choosing a format too big for the space. A tabletop grill fits a balcony; a full cart needs its own footprint and is rarely an apartment fit.
- Forgetting fuel storage. Store propane canisters per local rules and away from heat.
Realistic expectations and results
A portable infrared grill on a permitted balcony delivers the same 1500°F-class sear as a backyard version, in a footprint that stores away between cooks. Expect a compact cooking area, fast heat that rewards attention, and the need for a stable table or stand. The result is a genuine high-heat searing tool for cooks who do not have a full backyard — if the rules allow the fuel.
The takeaway in one paragraph
For an apartment, the grill question starts with the building rules, not the specs: if propane is allowed outdoors, a portable infrared grill like the Big Horn 16-inch model is a great fit — compact, fast, and powerful. If only electric is allowed, choose an electric grill and skip the propane. Match the fuel to the rules first, then match the size to the space, and the apartment grill decision becomes straightforward.
See the portable infrared grill that fits a balcony. Big Horn portable infrared broiler · infrared grill collection
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of using an infrared grill?
The main disadvantages are the learning curve and specialization: intense heat overcooks thin cuts quickly, the format is not built for low-and-slow smoking, and a tabletop unit has a smaller cooking area than a full-size grill. For an apartment, the bigger filter is whether your building allows propane at all.
What is the best electric grill for an apartment?
For apartments where propane is not allowed, the best choice is an indoor-rated electric grill or griddle that fits your counter or stovetop and vents reasonably. Match the cooking surface to how many people you cook for, and choose one with removable, dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup. Electric grills do not sear like a 1500°F infrared grill, but they are the legal option where propane is banned.
Can I have an electric grill at my apartment?
Yes, electric grills are generally allowed indoors or on balconies because they do not burn fuel, but still check your building rules and the manufacturer’s clearance instructions. They produce no combustion exhaust, which is why they are rated for indoor use, unlike propane grills.
How to grill if you live in an apartment?
First check your lease and building rules to see whether propane grills are allowed on the balcony. If yes, a portable propane grill on a stable table with clearance works. If no, use an electric grill indoors or on the balcony, or use a cast-iron skillet and broiler for a steakhouse-style sear in the kitchen.
