If you want grilled food without a propane tank or charcoal on your balcony, an electric grill can be a practical option. The best choice depends on your building’s rules, how much cooking space you need, and whether you value simple controls or extras like a lid, smoker box, or temperature probe. These five models range from compact everyday grills to feature-rich options, but no electric grill is automatically allowed in every apartment building—check your lease and balcony rules before buying.
Quick Comparison
| Grill | Best for | Notable features | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artestia 1800W Compact Electric Grill | Simple meals for a small household | Nonstick cooking surface, removable drip tray, portable design | Listed as available |
| Artestia 1800W Grill with Smoker Box | Adding wood-chip flavor | Smoker box, domed lid, built-in temperature gauge | Listed as available |
| Weber Lumin Compact Portable Grill | High heat and multiple cooking modes | Searing, smoking, steaming, warming, and frozen-food settings | Listed as available |
| CURRENT Model G2A Dual Zone Smart Electric Grill | Separate heat zones and app controls | Dual-zone cooking, app connection, removable heating elements | Listed as unavailable |
| PlugNGrill Turbo E Sport Compact Electric Grill | More cooking area and precise monitoring | Infrared heat, digital control, integrated probe | Listed as available |
Our Picks: Best Electric Grill For Apartment Balcony reviews
1. Artestia 1800W Compact Electric Grill: A straightforward pick for everyday meals
This compact Artestia is designed for small households and routine grilling. Its 1800W heating element is intended to heat quickly and evenly, while the nonstick cooking surface and removable drip tray aim to make cleanup less of a chore.
The listed cooking capacity is suited to meals for about one to three people. That makes it a better fit for burgers, chicken, hot dogs, or vegetables for a small household than for a large balcony gathering. Its lightweight frame is also useful if you need to move the grill between storage and your outdoor space.
One detail to plan around is preheating: the product information recommends 10–15 minutes. It also notes that an automatic temperature protection system may temporarily stop heating if the grill overheats or is not properly preheated. The indoor-use claim does not remove the need for ventilation or for checking your building’s rules.
Compared with the other picks, this model keeps things relatively simple. It does not list a lid thermometer, app control, or an integrated temperature probe, but it may suit shoppers who want a portable electric grill for modest, everyday portions.
Pros:
- 1800W heating element for everyday grilling
- Cooking surface is sized for meals for one to three people
- Nonstick surface and removable drip tray support easier cleanup
- Lightweight design is easier to move and store
Cons:
- Small capacity is not ideal for larger groups
- Recommended preheating takes 10–15 minutes
Verdict: Choose this Artestia if you want a portable, no-frills grill for small meals and are comfortable allowing time to preheat.
2. Artestia 1800W Grill with Smoker Box: For wood-chip flavor and covered cooking
This tabletop Artestia adds a stainless steel smoker box to an 1800W electric grill. The box is designed for wood chips such as hickory, applewood, or mesquite, offering a way to add wood-smoked flavor without using charcoal. Keep in mind that using wood chips can create smoke, so “electric” does not mean smoke-free in every cooking mode.
A domed lid helps hold heat and moisture, and a built-in gauge lets you check the temperature without lifting the lid. The product description states a maximum temperature of 450°F. A nonstick cooking surface and removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray are intended to simplify cleanup.
The lid and smoker box make this a more feature-focused choice than the basic Artestia. They also make it important to consider the space where you plan to use it: leave room around the grill, follow its instructions, and verify that your building allows this type of appliance and any smoke it may produce.
Pros:
- Integrated smoker box for wood-chip flavor
- Domed lid and built-in temperature gauge
- 1800W heating system with a stated maximum temperature of 450°F
- Removable drip tray is listed as dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Wood chips can produce smoke, despite the smokeless description
- Requires more attention to balcony rules and nearby space than a simple open grill
Verdict: Pick this model if you want a lid and the option to cook with wood chips, but confirm that your balcony rules allow the added smoke.
3. Weber Lumin Compact Portable Grill: Versatile cooking in a compact design
The Weber Lumin is a compact electric grill with several cooking modes. Its listed options include searing, smoking, steaming, boiling, and keeping food warm. The controls are described as a clearly marked knob, which may appeal if you would rather use a direct dial than phone-based settings.
Weber lists a high-heat setting that reaches over 600°F for searing. Its steam system can thaw frozen foods while the grill preheats, with the option to sear them afterward. The front-access grease tray is designed to make removal and cleanup easier, and the compact form is intended to be easier to store between uses.
The range of functions makes this more flexible than a basic tabletop grill, but it may be more than you need if you only plan to grill simple meals. The product information does not give a cooking-area measurement, so check the product listing and dimensions before deciding whether it suits your usual portions and available balcony space.
Pros:
- Multiple cooking modes, including searing, steaming, smoking, and warming
- High-heat setting reaches over 600°F, according to the product information
- Steam system can thaw frozen food as the grill preheats
- Front-access grease tray and compact design support cleanup and storage
Cons:
- Cooking-area dimensions are not provided in the supplied product details
- Its extra cooking modes may be unnecessary for shoppers seeking a basic grill
Verdict: The Lumin is a strong option to consider if you want high-heat searing and more cooking modes in a compact electric grill.
4. CURRENT Model G2A Dual Zone Smart Grill: For independent heat settings
The CURRENT Model G2A is built around two independently controlled heat zones. That layout lets you set different temperatures for separate foods, such as using one side for meat and the other for vegetables. Its description also highlights stainless steel heating elements and a Gen2 heating system intended to provide even heat.
The grill connects to the CURRENT app, which is described as letting you monitor temperatures, track cooking progress, control the grill remotely, and receive alerts. QuickRelease heating elements are designed to come out for cleaning. These features may be useful if you often cook several foods at once or want app-based monitoring.
There is an important shopping caveat: this model is listed as unavailable in the supplied product data. Availability can change, but it may not be an option if you need a grill now. The description also does not provide a cooking-area measurement, so check dimensions and fit before purchasing if it becomes available.
Pros:
- Independent heat zones for cooking different foods at once
- App connection for temperature monitoring, progress, and alerts
- Removable heating elements are designed to make cleaning easier
- No gas or charcoal is required
Cons:
- Listed as unavailable in the supplied product data
- App-connected features may be unnecessary if you prefer simple manual controls
Verdict: Consider the G2A if you want dual-zone cooking and app control, but check current availability and balcony rules before planning around it.
5. PlugNGrill Turbo E Sport: More cooking space with digital monitoring
The PlugNGrill Turbo E Sport uses 1700W infrared heat from dual carbon-fiber lamps. Its listed main cooking area is 286.4 square inches, and the product description says the grill can fit up to 15 burgers. That gives it more stated cooking space than the Artestia model intended for one to three people, making it worth considering if you often cook several portions at once.
A digital temperature control and integrated probe are designed to help you monitor cooking more closely. The grill also has one-touch preheating, an auto-resting feature, and an automatic shutoff at 572°F, according to the product information. Its low lid is described as heating faster, though you should check the grill’s full dimensions to make sure its footprint and lid clearance work on your balcony.
This model offers more monitoring features than the basic Artestia, while the Weber provides more listed cooking modes and a higher stated searing temperature. The PlugNGrill description does not specify a maximum cooking temperature, so focus on the probe and digital controls rather than assuming a particular searing performance.
Pros:
- 286.4-square-inch main cooking area
- Digital temperature control and integrated probe
- One-touch preheat and auto-resting features
- Automatic shutoff is listed at 572°F
Cons:
- Larger cooking area may take up more balcony space than a compact tabletop grill
- Product details do not state a maximum cooking temperature
Verdict: Choose the PlugNGrill if you want a larger stated cooking area and built-in temperature monitoring in a portable electric grill.
How to Choose an Electric Grill for an Apartment Balcony
Check your building’s rules first
Electric grills avoid propane tanks and charcoal, but that does not guarantee your building permits them. Review your lease, HOA rules, and local fire-safety requirements before buying. Ask whether electric grills are allowed on your balcony and whether there are restrictions on grill size, placement, or smoke. This is especially important for a model with a smoker box.
Match the cooking area to your usual meals
A compact grill can be easier to store, but a smaller cooking surface may mean cooking in batches. The basic Artestia is described as suitable for one to three people, while the PlugNGrill lists a 286.4-square-inch main cooking area. If you regularly cook for several people, compare cooking capacity and the grill’s overall footprint rather than choosing by wattage alone.
Think about the cooking style you want
For straightforward grilling, a simple open electric grill may be enough. A lid and smoker box offer a different cooking experience, while the Weber Lumin lists searing, steaming, smoking, and warming modes. The CURRENT model adds independent heat zones and app control. Choose features you expect to use; extra modes can add complexity without helping if your meals are simple.
Consider temperature control and monitoring
Temperature features vary across these picks. The Weber lists a high-heat setting above 600°F, the smoker-box Artestia lists a maximum of 450°F, and the PlugNGrill includes a digital control and integrated probe. The basic Artestia recommends a 10–15-minute preheat. Check the product instructions for preheating, temperature settings, and any safety cutoffs before cooking.
Measure your balcony and storage space
Confirm the grill’s full dimensions, including space needed around it and any clearance required to open a lid. A compact design can still be awkward if it blocks a doorway or leaves too little room to move safely. Also think about where the grill will go when it is not in use; several of these models are described as portable or compact, but you should verify their measurements for your own storage area.
Plan for power and safe placement
Check the grill’s electrical requirements and your outdoor outlet before use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the outlet, cord, setup, and placement, and keep the grill away from anything that could be damaged by heat. Do not assume an indoor-use claim makes a grill appropriate for every enclosed or poorly ventilated space. Use it only in locations permitted by the instructions and your building.
Look closely at cleanup and maintenance
Removable drip trays can make grease disposal easier, while nonstick surfaces may reduce scrubbing. The CURRENT model lists removable heating elements, and the Weber describes a front-access grease tray. Check which components can be removed or washed, and follow the manual’s cleaning directions rather than assuming every part is dishwasher-safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric grills allowed on apartment balconies?
It depends on your lease, building rules, and local safety requirements. Electric grills do not use gas or charcoal, but some buildings still restrict them. Check the rules before buying or using one.
Does an electric grill produce no smoke?
Not always. Electric heating avoids charcoal and gas flames, but food and grease can still create smoke. The Artestia model with a smoker box is specifically designed to use wood chips, which add smoke. Follow the product instructions and check your building’s restrictions.
Which option has the largest stated cooking area?
The PlugNGrill Turbo E Sport lists a 286.4-square-inch main cooking area. Check the grill’s overall dimensions as well, since cooking area alone does not tell you how much balcony or storage space it needs.
Which grill has the most cooking modes?
The Weber Lumin lists searing, smoking, steaming, boiling, and warming functions, along with a steam system for thawing frozen foods while the grill preheats. It may suit you if you want more than basic grilling.
Do I need an outdoor outlet?
Check the manufacturer’s electrical instructions and the outlets available where you plan to cook. Use only an outlet and setup that meet the product requirements, and keep cords positioned safely. If you are unsure whether your outlet is suitable, ask a qualified electrician.
Which grill is best for a small household?
The compact Artestia is described as suitable for meals for one to three people. If you need more cooking room or want a built-in probe, the PlugNGrill lists a larger cooking area and digital monitoring features.
Final Recommendation
For simple meals in a small outdoor space, the Artestia 1800W Compact Electric Grill is a practical place to start, especially if you cook for one to three people. Choose the Weber Lumin if you want several cooking modes and high-heat searing, or the PlugNGrill if a larger stated cooking area and integrated probe matter more. The Artestia with smoker box is the specialist pick for wood-chip flavor, while the CURRENT offers dual-zone and app-based features but is listed as unavailable in the supplied product data. Before choosing any model, confirm that your building allows balcony grilling and that the grill fits your space and electrical setup.