BBQ without a Backyard: Your Guide to Grilling at an Apartment

There's nothing quite like the perfect meal on the grill, whether you're throwing together hamburgers and hot dogs or fixing a more elaborate meal with steak or chicken. Especially in the heat of the summer, when cooking indoors can lead to high temperatures and costly electric bills, cooking outside is sometimes the best option.  

When you live in an apartment, however, there are a few extra safety precautions you may need to take into account. Ready to get grilling? These tips and tricks will help you get started!  

How Long to Grill Chicken, Steak, and Other Outdoor Favorites 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things you can cook on the grill. Each type of meat, however, has its own cooking time. Assuming that you're dealing with a preheated grill and meats that are around 1" thick, common cook times include: 

• Steak, medium rare: 3-4 minutes per side with an internal temperature of 135°F 
• Steak, medium well: 5-6 minutes per side with an internal temperature of 145°F 
• Pork chops: 4-6 minutes per side with an internal temperature of 145°F 
• Chicken breast: 6-8 minutes per side with an internal temperature of 165°F 
• Beef burgers: 4-5 minutes per side with an internal temperature of 160°F 

Note that meat thickness can have a significant impact on cooking time, and that how you handle your meat depends on whether you use a gas or charcoal grill.  

Always check the temperature of the meat before taking it off the grill if you have any doubts. In addition, keep in mind that grill temperature matters for cook time. A grill that's at a high level of heat will sear the outside of your meat more quickly, while a lower-temp grill will cook slower, but provide more even heating.  

Apartment Grilling Tips 

If you're planning on grilling in your apartment, make sure you take these safety tips into account first.  Otherwise, you could endanger yourself, others, or your ability to continue living at your current apartment.  

1. Know the Rules 

Some apartment complexes have specific rules around grilling, and they can vary significantly from one location to the next. For example, some apartment complexes may prohibit grilling on balconies or porches. Others may provide shared grills that you can use in outdoor spaces but have rules against using your own grill.  

Avoid open flames on balconies and tight patio spaces even if the rules do not specifically prohibit them. Don't forget to check city or local ordinances, which may prohibit grilling within a certain distance from the building or require avoiding outdoor flames at specific times of the year. 

2. Keep the Grill Outside 

If you're going to be grilling, unless you're using a specific indoor smokeless grill, make sure you take the grill outside. Never use charcoal or propane grills indoors due to the risk of explosion or fire.  

Additionally, many styles of grills can produce carbon monoxide, which can build up to dangerous levels when cooking inside. Before you select your grill model, make sure it's approved for use in your apartment complex, even if you're looking at an indoor option.  

3. Learn How to Use the Available Grill 

Some apartment complexes may provide community grills, which can be a great way to get outside and grill while still following your complex's rules and requirements. Not having to own and maintain your own grill also means that it's easy and affordable to get started with your grilling adventure.  

However, before you start grilling, make sure you know how to use it, how to clean it, and how to know when meat is cooked. Cooking on a charcoal grill can be very different from a propane grill, and you want to ensure you're following best practices for the type of grill available to you.  

4. Choose a Safe Location 

If you're grilling out on your private balcony or patio, place the grill away from anything flammable. Remove any rugs, decorations, and furniture that sit too close to the grill.  

Most fire codes require you to keep the grill at least 10 feet away from the building itself. If you don't have adequate clearance, consider moving your grill to a safer location or using an electric or indoor grill instead of a traditional charcoal or propane one.  

5. Keep an Eye on the Grill 

Once you heat the grill up, do not leave it unattended at any time. Keep an eye on the grill to avoid fires. In addition, make sure that you keep children away from the grill. Many grills heat up all the way around and stay hot long after cooking is complete, which can lead to burns if children stray too close. 

Don't Forget the Sides 

When most people think of throwing food on the grill, they start out with the meat. After all, it's the main dish, and often the most important element of the meal!  

However, there are plenty of great sides that you can throw on the grill, too, streamlining food prep and cleanup. Consider options like: 

• Grilled vegetables 
• Grilled vegetable kebabs 
• Grilled corn on the cob 
• Grilled summer fruit 
• Grilled potatoes and peppers 

You can even make many of your favorite desserts on the grill, adding a little something sweet to the end of your meal without having to add significantly to the dishes in your kitchen. Many take-and-bake pizzas can be cooked on a grill. In fact, you can host a whole fall or summer party in your apartment with all the fantastic recipes you can fix on the grill.  

Find Your Next Grilling-Friendly Apartment 

At Fair Hills Apartments in Williston, ND, we understand the joy that comes from creating that perfect meal on the grill, and we want to help you make the most of it. Our beautiful stainless steel community grill is the perfect place to make burgers, chicken, grilled vegetables, and anything else you can imagine.  

Check out our available apartments or schedule a visit to learn more about our community amenities and how you can call these apartments home.