Top 6 compact BBQ grills for apartment

Recently, many families living in apartments or condos have developed a love for grilled dishes and BBQ parties. However, apartment living often makes people hesitant – worried about smoke spreading through the home, bothering neighbors, or struggling with limited space for setup. As a result, many give up on the idea of home grilling altogether. But in reality, there are now plenty of low-smoke, compact, and safe BBQ grills specifically designed for balconies and apartment use. In this article, X-BBQ will share the top 6 BBQ grills for apartments and condos to help your family enjoy delicious BBQ flavors right at home without worrying about smoke or cramped spaces.

Key factors to consider when choosing a BBQ grill for apartment living

When choosing a BBQ grill for an apartment or condo, you shouldn’t focus only on the taste of the food but also consider many factors specific to your living space. Below are the most important criteria to help you choose a grill that is safe, convenient, and truly suitable.

Low smoke – The top priority

Smoke is often the biggest concern that makes families hesitant to enjoy BBQ on their apartment balcony. Fortunately, modern grills are now designed to minimize smoke as much as possible. They often feature smart grease and ash collection trays, making them easy to clean after each use. These grills are ideal for small balcony spaces, delivering delicious grilling experiences while keeping things tidy and clean. Prioritize models that are optimized for low smoke, efficient grease and ash management, and overall comfort for the whole family during every BBQ gathering at home.

Compact, easy-to-move design

In an apartment or condo, the balcony is often the only suitable space for setting up a BBQ grill, but the area is usually quite limited. That’s why it’s important to choose a grill with a compact size and foldable shelves that expand your prep space when needed and fold away neatly when not in use. Also, pay attention to the cooking grate size to ensure it suits your family’s needs, or look for models with warming racks to increase grilling area while staying balcony-friendly. A lightweight, flexible design is also a big plus, making it easy to move, store, or tuck into a corner after use.

Safe for use in tight spaces

Apartment balconies or rooftop terraces are often cramped, so safety is always a top priority when choosing a BBQ grill. Each type of grill has its own key considerations:

• Charcoal grills: Choose designs with a large, well-contained charcoal chamber, an ash catcher, and especially a sturdy lid to reduce smoke and prevent ash from blowing everywhere. This helps keep your balcony clean and lowers the risk of fire hazards.
• Gas grills: Opt for reputable brands with secure valves and safe gas lines to prevent leaks. Automatic gas shutoff features and reliable ignition systems are big advantages for extra peace of mind.
• Electric grills: These are often the safest and cleanest option for apartments. Though sometimes a bit bulkier, electric grills minimize smoke, are easy to clean, and carry virtually no fire risk—making them ideal if your balcony or kitchen has enough space.

Top 6 Ideal BBQ grills for apartments & condos

X-BBQ is excited to recommend 6 compact BBQ grill models with designs optimized for apartment and condo living. These grills offer the right size for easy placement while still delivering everything you need for delicious, convenient, and safe home BBQ parties.

| See also: Popular types of BBQ grills today

Green Hills Kettle Deluxe charcoal grill

The Kettle charcoal grill is a true legend among BBQ enthusiasts, prized for its flexibility and versatility. Its classic round design ensures even heat distribution and preserves that distinctive smoky BBQ flavor. The sturdy lid with adjustable air vents makes temperature control easy, while the stable legs and convenient ash catcher simplify cleanup. It’s perfect for family gatherings, outdoor parties, or picnics.

Advantages:

• Classic round design saves balcony space.
• Lid helps retain heat and reduce smoke from spreading.
• Easy-to-remove ash catcher for convenient cleaning.
• Affordable price, suitable for small families of 4–6 people.

Disadvantages:

• Still produces a light, characteristic charcoal smoke—requires well-ventilated space.
• Lacks advanced airflow control systems found in premium models; airflow must be adjusted manually.

Best for: Those who want to enjoy authentic charcoal BBQ flavor, have a well-ventilated balcony, and need an affordable option.

Char‑Broil Professional Core B 2 gas grill

The Char‑Broil Professional Core B 2 is a modern gas BBQ grill, ideal for those who want convenient and quick grilling. It features two powerful stainless steel burners for precise temperature control and even heat distribution across the cooking surface. With reliable electronic ignition, a grease tray for easy cleanup, and a sturdy lid, it ensures your food cooks evenly while keeping the entire grilling process neat, convenient, and fast.

Advantages:

• TRU‑Infrared / Amplifire™ technology ensures even heat distribution and reduces flare-ups.
• Heats up quickly, produces minimal smoke, and offers easy temperature control.
• Foldable side shelves and smooth-rolling wheels for flexible movement.
• Sleek design with durable stainless steel construction.

Disadvantages:

• Higher price compared to traditional charcoal grills.
• Requires a gas source (mini or large tank optional – available pre-installed when purchased at X-BBQ).

Best for: Apartment families looking for a low-smoke, easy-to-clean, modern grill suitable for medium to large balconies.

Char-Broil Gas2Coal combo charcoal & gas grill

The Char‑Broil Gas2Coal Combo Grill offers convenient 2-in-1 versatility, letting you easily switch between gas and charcoal in just one minute. With a sturdy design, quick ignition, and flexible temperature control, it delivers authentic American-style BBQ flavor for any family gathering.

Advantages:

• 2-in-1 functionality – use gas for quick, clean grilling or switch to charcoal for richer flavor.
• Fast conversion time (under 1 minute).
• Lid and grease tray help reduce smoke and splatter.
• Equipped with side shelves and wheels for added convenience.

Disadvantages:

• Mid-to-high price range compared to single-fuel grills.

Best for: Families who want the flexibility of both gas and charcoal grilling, and the ability to enjoy both styles on a single unit.

Napoleon TravelQ PRO285 (Portable Gas Grill)

The Napoleon TravelQ PRO285 is a premium portable gas grill with a compact yet powerful design. It features two independent burners for precise temperature control across different cooking zones. Its cast aluminum body ensures optimal heat retention, making it ideal for apartment or condo balconies.

Advantages:

• Compact, portable size—easy to take along for picnics.
• Two independent burners for precise, multi-zone temperature control.
• Tall lid design retains heat well, suitable for roasting whole chickens.
• Enamel-coated cast iron body resists rust and is highly durable.

Disadvantages:

• Limited grill surface—best for small groups of 2–4 people.
• Slightly higher price compared to other portable grills.

Best for: Apartments with narrow balconies, small families, those prioritizing portability and outdoor trips.

Kamado Joe JR (Premium ceramic charcoal grill)

The Kamado Joe Jr is a premium ceramic grill with exceptional heat retention, ensuring food cooks evenly, quickly, and with that signature smoky flavor. Its compact, sturdy design and stylish color make it a perfect choice for apartment or condo balconies.

Advantages:

• Excellent heat and moisture retention thanks to its thick ceramic body.
• Supports both low & slow cooking and high-heat searing.
• Tight-fitting lid and precise vent controls for easy temperature management.
• Extremely durable—a long-term investment.

Disadvantages:

• Heavy (~35 kg), requires a stable, dedicated spot.
• Higher price compared to regular charcoal grills.

Best for: BBQ enthusiasts who want authentic grilling results, are ready to invest long-term, and have a sturdy, spacious balcony.

Masterbuilt Gravity 560 digital charcoal smoker grill

The Masterbuilt Gravity 560 Digital is a modern charcoal smoker grill equipped with a smart digital control panel. Its automatic charcoal feed system maintains stable and precise temperatures, making it perfect for BBQ, low-and-slow smoking, or quick grilling right at home.

Advantages:

• Gravity-fed hopper technology automatically feeds charcoal and maintains stable temperatures.
• Electronic fan control for precise temperature settings.
• Supports wood smoking for authentic American BBQ flavor.
• Easy-to-use digital display.

Disadvantages:

• Larger size—requires a spacious balcony or private rooftop.
• Relatively high price.
• Needs a nearby power outlet.

Best for: Families truly passionate about American-style BBQ, looking to try smoking and professional slow-cooking at home.

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