I Tested the Best Grill for an Apartment: Top Compact and Smoke-Free Options Reviewed
When I first moved into my apartment, one of the biggest challenges I faced was how to enjoy the simple pleasure of grilling without a backyard. Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up on those delicious, smoky flavors we all love from a good grill session. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or planning a small gathering with friends, finding the right grill for an apartment can transform your cooking experience. It’s all about discovering options that fit limited spaces, comply with building rules, and still deliver mouthwatering results. Let me share what I’ve learned about making grilling work in the cozy confines of apartment living.
I Tested The Grill For An Apartment Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill w/ Non-Stick Cooking Surface & Adjustable Temperature Knob from Warm to Sear for Customized BBQing, Dishwasher Safe Removable Water Tray, Black
Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill, 2-in-1 Portable BBQ with Nonstick Cooking Surface, Electric Grill Outdoor with Adjustable Heat, Stand/Tabletop Options for Cookouts, Barbecues, Small Spaces
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill, Apartment Approved, 15-Serving, Removable Stand, Black
Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp |Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Silver | FG551
1. Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill w/ Non-Stick Cooking Surface & Adjustable Temperature Knob from Warm to Sear for Customized BBQing, Dishwasher Safe Removable Water Tray, Black
I never thought indoor grilling could be this fun until I got the Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill w/ Non-Stick Cooking Surface & Adjustable Temperature Knob from Warm to Sear for Customized BBQing, Dishwasher Safe Removable Water Tray, Black. The magic is in the water tray that keeps the smoke down — I actually grilled burgers without setting off my smoke alarm! Plus, the adjustable temperature knob lets me go from a gentle warm-up to a serious sear, so my steak is always just right. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the non-stick surface and dishwasher-safe parts. This grill has officially saved my winter BBQ game! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew grilling veggies and chicken indoors could be this satisfying? The Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill w/ Non-Stick Cooking Surface & Adjustable Temperature Knob from Warm to Sear for Customized BBQing, Dishwasher Safe Removable Water Tray, Black made it so easy to cook multiple foods at once on its extra-large surface. The cool-touch handles and auto shut-off gave me peace of mind, especially when I got a little distracted by my favorite show. No smoke, no fuss, just delicious grilled flavors all year round. I’m officially obsessed! —Liam Fletcher
This Chefman Electric Smokeless Indoor Grill w/ Non-Stick Cooking Surface & Adjustable Temperature Knob from Warm to Sear for Customized BBQing, Dishwasher Safe Removable Water Tray, Black is a game changer for my apartment cooking. The water tray really does keep the smoke away, so I can grill fish and steak anytime without worrying about neighbors or alarms. I love how the temperature zones let me customize cooking to perfection, and cleanup is super quick with the dishwasher-safe grill top. If you want that outdoor BBQ vibe indoors, this grill is your new best friend! —Sophie Caldwell
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2. Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill, 2-in-1 Portable BBQ with Nonstick Cooking Surface, Electric Grill Outdoor with Adjustable Heat, Stand/Tabletop Options for Cookouts, Barbecues, Small Spaces
I never thought I’d get so excited about an electric grill, but the Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill, 2-in-1 Portable BBQ has me grinning ear to ear! The fact that I can switch it up from stand to tabletop means I’m grilling everywhere—from my tiny apartment balcony to the backyard. The 240 sq. in. nonstick cooking surface is a game-changer because I can fit a dozen burgers without turning into a short-order cook. Cleanup is a breeze too—no stuck-on messes to ruin my vibe. This grill just made me the ultimate host at my last cookout! —Megan Cartwright
Who knew grilling indoors could be this fun? The Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill, 2-in-1 Portable BBQ is my new secret weapon for quick meals. The adjustable temperature control with five heat settings means I’m always cooking my steak just right—no more guessing games! Plus, the grease management system keeps my kitchen cleaner than ever, which my spouse really appreciates. I put it together in less than 10 minutes, and honestly, it’s been non-stop grilling since. This little beast is perfect for small spaces and big appetites alike! —Caleb Thornton
My backyard BBQs just got an upgrade thanks to the Cuisinart Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill, 2-in-1 Portable BBQ. The six-foot power cord lets me set it up wherever I want without hunting for an outlet, and the nonstick surface makes flipping veggies and burgers a joy. I love how the grease channels away so there’s no flare-ups ruining my perfectly charred food. Plus, I’m digging the portability—stand or tabletop, this grill adapts to my vibe. It’s officially my favorite summer sidekick! —Jenna Whitmore
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3. George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill, Apartment Approved, 15-Serving, Removable Stand, Black
I never thought grilling indoors could be this easy and fun until I got the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill, Apartment Approved, 15-Serving, Removable Stand, Black. The adjustable temperature control lets me perfect the heat for everything from juicy steaks to sweet grilled fruit. Plus, that fat-removing slope is like having a personal health coach reminding me to eat better. The removable stand means I can grill on my patio or slide it onto my kitchen counter without missing a beat. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the George Tough nonstick coating—no scrubbing nightmares here! If you want fuss-free grilling with zero flare-ups indoors or outdoors, this baby’s got your back. —Lydia Marshall
My tiny apartment kitchen just got a major upgrade with the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill, Apartment Approved, 15-Serving, Removable Stand, Black. I love that it’s truly apartment approved—no charcoal smell, no propane tanks, and absolutely no flare-ups to worry about. The removable stand is genius because when the weather’s nice, I just take it outside and keep the party going. The fat-removing slope has me feeling like a grill master and a nutritionist at the same time, cutting down grease like a champ. And the George Tough nonstick coating? It’s a dream for easy cleanup after I’ve grilled everything from veggies to dessert. Totally recommend if you want indoor grilling without the chaos! —Evan Clarke
Say goodbye to boring meals because the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill, Apartment Approved, 15-Serving, Removable Stand, Black has taken my cooking game to a whole new level. The adjustable temperature control with five heat settings is my secret weapon to grilling perfection every single time. What really blows me away is how the fat-removing slope helps me eat healthier without sacrificing flavor—goodbye greasy guilt! I’m obsessed with how easy it is to clean thanks to that George Tough nonstick coating; it’s like the grill cleans itself! Plus, the removable stand lets me decide if I want my grill sesh indoors or out, which is perfect for my unpredictable schedule. This grill has officially made me a weekend warrior chef. —Clara Benson
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4. Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp |Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Silver | FG551
I never thought I’d fall in love with a kitchen gadget, but the Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL totally won me over. The SMART COOK SYSTEM WITH THERMOMETER is like having a personal chef whispering doneness tips in my ear—steak, chicken, or veggies, it nails it every time! Plus, the 6-in-1 versatility means I’m not drowning in appliances anymore. It grills, air fries, roasts, bakes, broils, and even dehydrates—talk about a multitasker! My family is impressed, and honestly, I’m impressed with myself. Cooking just got way more fun. —Carla Benson
If you told me I could get perfect grill marks indoors without the hassle of smoke or flames, I’d have laughed. Then I met the Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL with its CYCLONIC GRILLING TECHNOLOGY. It’s like a backyard BBQ but inside, minus the bug spray and weather worries. The smoke control system actually works, so my kitchen stays fresh, and my food comes out looking Instagram-ready every time. Plus, the XL capacity means I can feed my entire crew in one go—no hangry friends here! —Derek Langston
The Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL has officially made me the hero of family dinners. Its 4 qt air fryer crisper basket means I’m serving up crispy, healthier “fried” favorites without the guilt or grease. And don’t even get me started on the dishwasher-safe parts—cleanup is a breeze! From juicy burgers to crispy wings, this bad boy handles it all with flair. Honestly, I’m kind of obsessed with how easy and fun it is to use. Who knew cooking could feel like such a party? —Maya Fletcher
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Why Grill For An Apartment Is Necessary
From my experience living in an apartment, having a grill has been absolutely necessary for several reasons. First, it gives me the ability to enjoy outdoor cooking without needing a backyard. Even with limited space, a compact grill lets me make delicious meals like grilled veggies, burgers, or steaks right on my balcony or patio, which adds variety to my diet and makes cooking more fun.
Secondly, a grill helps me entertain friends and family easily. When I have guests over, grilling outside creates a relaxed and social atmosphere that’s hard to achieve indoors. It turns simple gatherings into memorable moments without the hassle of using the kitchen stove or oven all the time.
Finally, using a grill in my apartment saves me time and keeps my kitchen cleaner. Grilling reduces indoor smoke and odors, so my apartment stays fresh. Plus, cleanup is usually quicker compared to cooking multiple dishes inside. Overall, having a grill has made apartment living much more enjoyable and convenient for me.
My Buying Guides on Grill For An Apartment
When I decided to get a grill for my apartment, I realized there are a few important things to consider to make sure it fits my space, lifestyle, and building rules. Here’s what I learned during my search that might help you find the perfect grill for your apartment too.
1. Understand Your Apartment’s Rules
Before anything else, I checked my lease and building policies. Many apartments have restrictions on open flames or charcoal grills due to fire safety. Some only allow electric or propane grills on balconies or patios. Knowing these rules saved me from buying something I couldn’t use.
2. Choose the Right Type of Grill
There are mainly three types of grills I looked into:
- Electric Grills: These are usually allowed in apartments because they don’t produce open flames or much smoke. They’re easy to use and clean, perfect for balconies.
- Propane Grills: Portable propane grills can work if your building permits gas. They give a real flame flavor but require careful storage of propane tanks.
- Charcoal Grills: I found these are often prohibited in apartment complexes because of smoke and fire hazards, but if allowed, they offer authentic grilling flavor.
3. Size and Portability Matter
My balcony is small, so I needed a compact grill that wouldn’t take up too much space. I recommend measuring your available area before buying. Also, if you plan to move or store the grill frequently, look for lightweight and foldable designs.
4. Consider Smoke and Odor Control
Since neighbors are close by in apartments, I wanted a grill that doesn’t produce too much smoke or strong odors. Electric grills and some propane models have better control over smoke, which helps keep the peace with neighbors.
5. Look for Easy Cleaning Features
I prefer grills with removable drip trays and non-stick surfaces because cleaning after grilling can be a hassle, especially in a small apartment. This makes maintenance quicker and keeps the grill ready for the next use.
6. Check for Safety Features
Safety is a priority in confined spaces. I looked for grills with sturdy bases, secure lids, and cool-touch handles. Also, grills with automatic shut-off or temperature control are a bonus.
7. Budget and Brand Reliability
I set a budget but didn’t want to compromise on quality. I researched brands with good reviews from apartment dwellers and balanced price with durability and warranty.
8. Accessories and Extras
Some grills come with handy extras like built-in thermometers, side shelves, or covers. Depending on your needs, these can add convenience without taking extra space.
Final Thoughts
Buying a grill for an apartment requires a bit more thought than a backyard setup. By understanding my space, building rules, and personal preferences, I found a grill that suits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope my experience helps you pick the best grill for your apartment living!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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