This Electric Grill Could Be the Safest Choice for Your Apartment Balcony

When you live in an apartment or condo, grilling often comes with a long list of rules. For many, they’re banned because of fire risk.

Before you assume you’ll have to give up grilling, pay attention to these models. At the time of publishing, Kenyon's high-performance electric grills stand out as the only grills in the world that are UL-listed and fire-rated to be used indoors, let alone being among the best for any renter or homeowner looking for the safest balcony grill.

And truthfully, these grills aren't just for the apartment seekers. They’re also great for people who want a safer way to grill at home and want something more than an ordinary electric griddle. These systems deliver the high heat needed for burgers, steaks, vegetables, and more while avoiding many of the concerns that come with traditional grills.

A Safer Kind of Grill (And Yes, It’ll Sear)

Many apartment buildings prohibit charcoal or gas grills. Open flames, smoke, and added fire hazards aren’t ideal for shared living spaces. Even where they're allowed, neighbors may not appreciate smoke drifting into nearby windows or onto adjacent balconies.

Electric grills solve many of those problems. Instead of burning charcoal or propane, they use electricity to generate heat.

• No open flame
• No propane tanks to store or refill
• No charcoal to light or dispose of
• Much less smoke during normal cooking

Kenyon takes that concept even further with its City Grill and G2 Grill, both more portable than other models in their lineup. The brand’s patented heating element sits beneath the cooking grate instead of directly contacting food. The concealed design creates high cooking temperatures (without exposed flames), while still producing the seared finish. And the 304 marine-grade stainless steel means that it’ll hold up if it’s stored on your balcony year-round.

The distinction that caught my attention is that Kenyon’s electric grills are UL-listed and fire-rated for indoor use. That level of safety testing is unusual in the grilling world and makes them an option worth considering if you have any appetite in indoor grilling.

Portable Performance

Both the City and G2 models are designed for year-round use—indoors and out. Since they don't rely on propane tanks or charcoal, they're just as easy to use indoors when the weather turns bad as they are outside on a balcony or patio.

Performance matters, of course. City Grill reaches temperatures above 550°F in less than five minutes, giving cooks enough heat to get a good sear.

The City Grill ($695) is built with apartment living in mind. It offers:

• Portable design for balconies, patios, and indoor use
• Dishwasher-safe grate and lid
• Smokeless, flameless cooking
• Fast preheating
• Now available with a stand ($1,350)

The G2 Grill ($949) has a larger cooking surface. The brand notes that it’s more capable of preparing up to eight servings at once. It also includes features that make grilling more versatile, including:

• Drip tray that can hold liquids like beer or wine for added flavor
• Nonstick cooking grate
• Optional warming rack
• Weather-resistant marine-grade stainless steel construction
• Now available with a stand ($1,595)

Environmental Impact and Durability Matter, Too

Safety is one reason many people consider electric grills, but environmental impact and long-term durability are part of the conversation, too.

Traditional charcoal grilling creates emissions before the grill is even lit. Producing charcoal requires significant natural resources, while propane depends on fossil fuels. Electric grills eliminate combustion during cooking, producing no smoke or gas emissions at the point of use.

Another benefit is longevity. Kenyon builds its grills from 304 marine-grade stainless steel, a material chosen for its resistance to rust and corrosion. Grills stored on balconies or patios are exposed to rain, humidity, and changing temperatures, and quality materials matter. If you’ve ever bought a cheap grill and needed to replace it after a few years, you’ll understand what I mean.

For people living in wildfire-prone regions, the flameless design offers another advantage. During periods of elevated fire danger, local restrictions sometimes limit the use of open-flame grills. Electric models are often allowed where charcoal and propane grills are not, making it possible to keep cooking even during seasonal fire restrictions.

FAQ

Am I allowed to put a grill on my apartment balcony?

Usually, but policies vary by property so double check the rules in your area. Apartment buildings often prohibit charcoal and propane grills because they produce open flames. Electric grills are commonly permitted since they don't use combustible fuel, though it's always smart to review your lease or check with property management before buying one.

Do electric grills leave grill marks and sear food?

Sure do! High-performance electric grills can produce grill marks. Models like Kenyon's City Grill exceed 550 degrees, and the G2 exceeds 600, giving enough heat to sear steaks, burgers, vegetables, and seafood without using charcoal or propane.