Shrinking backyards relegate outdoor grilling to balcony spaces
Small spaces don't have to limit your outdoor cooking experience. With a few strategic choices and some creative planning, you can host a memorable cookout on your balcony.
Choosing the right grill
When it comes to grilling on a small balcony, compact and safe options are key. Opt for a small electric or propane grill designed specifically for balconies or small spaces. These are usually easy to use and meet most building safety codes. If space is very limited, consider portable, tabletop grills. However, it's important to avoid charcoal or large gas grills if balcony regulations or space constraints apply.
Setting up the space
Maximize seating without clutter by using foldable furniture or stackable stools. Arrange the grill in a well-ventilated corner that keeps it away from walls or flammable surfaces. Add ambiance without sacrificing space by incorporating small outdoor lighting or string lights. A small table or cart nearby will hold utensils, condiments, and plates for convenience. Multi-use décor elements, like cushions that double as seating and décor, can add a touch of style.
Preparing an appealing menu
Focus on easy-to-grill items that don’t require much space or equipment, such as kebabs, small steaks, shrimp, or surf-and-turf selections like salmon or lobster tail. Include simple side dishes like grilled corn, pasta salads, or pre-made trays of fruits and vegetables. For dessert, an ice cream sundae bar or s’mores station (if fire-safe) adds fun and simplicity. Keep menu items bite-sized and manageable to ease eating in tight quarters. Consider options like veggie or seafood skewers for variety and lighter fare.
Presentation matters, and chilled mocktails or infused waters in mason jars or clear pitchers can add visual appeal to the spread. Preparing something fresh like a roasted beet salad ahead of time can add to the balcony cookout menu.
Balconies aren't just filling in for backyards; they're becoming the main stage for a new kind of cookout culture in urban areas. With a few details such as candles, fairy lights, and a throw blanket, the balcony can be transformed into a scene-stealing gathering spot.
Tabletop grills let guests join in the action, making the meal a shared experience. Korean-style grills or electric hibachi setups are suitable for this. A portable Bluetooth speaker can provide full sound without clutter for small spaces. Foil trays can catch drips and simplify cleanup, while compact bins and biodegradable wipes handle the rest.
Mandy, a food writer who shares her favourite recipes at Hungry Cooks Kitchen, believes that small balcony cookouts can be just as enjoyable as larger gatherings. With the right planning and a bit of creativity, your small balcony can become the perfect setting for unforgettable evenings.
[1] Mandy. (n.d.). Small Balcony Cookout Ideas. Hungry Cooks Kitchen. Retrieved from https://hungrycookskitchen.com/small-balcony-cookout-ideas/
[2] Balcony Cookout Ideas. (n.d.). The Spruce Eats. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/balcony-cookout-ideas-4688865
[3] Small Balcony Cookout. (n.d.). The Balcony Garden Web. Retrieved from https://www.balconygardenweb.com/small-balcony-cookout/
- Even in small spaces, you can transform your balcony into a scenic dining area for a memorable cookout using compact grills, foldable furniture, and outdoor lighting.
- Instead of charcoal or large gas grills, opt for small electric or propane grills for safe and space-efficient cooking on a balcony.
- To add variety to your small balcony cookout menu, consider easy-to-grill items like kebabs, small steaks, and even seafood or veggie skewers.
- Small balcony gatherings can still be unforgettable with the right planning and creativity, as Mandy, a food writer at Hungry Cooks Kitchen, suggests.
- With the help of multi-use decor, portable grills, and compact appliances, your balcony can become an enjoyable both for dining, cooking, and fashion-and-beauty or home-and-garden lifestyle experiences.
