Collapsible Grills for Small Spaces: Patios, Balconies and Small Yards
How a flat pack charcoal grill can work for small outdoor spaces, plus the rules and safety checks to make first.
A grill that stores flat is appealing when you don't have room for a permanent cooker. But small spaces come with rules.
Check first
- Rules. Many apartment buildings, condos and local fire codes restrict charcoal grills on balconies or near buildings. Check your lease, HOA and local fire code before you buy or light anything.
- Surface. Non-combustible only: concrete, pavers, gravel. Not a wood deck or plastic tiles.
- Clearance. Away from walls, railings, overhangs, furniture and plants.
Making it work
- Store it flat indoors so it doesn't rust on the patio.
- Use the Compact for a small spot; 17.5" × 10.25" footprint.
- Light with a chimney to avoid lighter fluid smell near neighbors.
- Have a plan for ash: a lidded metal can.
The two Slot Grills at a glance
| Compact | Full Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | 12-gauge carbon steel | 10-gauge carbon steel |
| Cooking area | 16.25" × 9" | 20.5" × 11.25" |
| Weight, grill only | About 14 lb | About 27.6 lb |
| Packs to | About 1" | About 1.25" |
| Air gap | 2⅞" | 3⅝" |
Figures from SlotGrill.com. For the full breakdown, see Compact vs Full Size.
Fire safety on any collapsible grill
- Outdoors only. Burning charcoal makes carbon monoxide, which you can't see or smell. Never use it in a garage, tent, camper, vehicle, boat cabin or under a roof or awning.
- Non-combustible, level ground. Soil, gravel, sand, concrete, pavers or a fire-safe pad.
- Clearance. Away from walls, vehicles, tents, overhanging branches and dry grass. Kids and pets kept back.
- Seated tabs. Check every tab is fully in its slot before you add fuel.
- Water and gloves at hand. Hot steel looks exactly like cold steel.
- Leave it alone until cold. Don't move or take apart a lit or warm grill.
The one-minute care habit
Most carbon steel problems come from skipping the last minute of a cook. After the grill cools, scrape the grates, empty the ash, and wipe a whisper-thin coat of oil or Seasoning Balm on the cooking surfaces. Store it dry. That habit is the difference between a grill that darkens into a slick patina and one that shows orange freckles every spring. If freckles do show up, it's not a disaster: see surface rust.