Grilling on a rooftop offers a great view, but you need to ensure the grill is secured well because the winds are often stronger the higher up you get. That means you also need a grill that won’t go out in a strong breeze or spark and spread ash if the wind picks up.
What is the best grill for rooftop grilling? Read on to learn the top choice in gas, electric, and charcoal.
The best grill for rooftop cookouts is the Homewell Electric BBQ Grill because it has no flames or coals to cause a fire. Additionally, since you don’t need any charcoal or gas tanks, you won’t have to store the fuel or worry about running out at an inopportune time. You can cook anywhere you have 120V power.
Table of Contents
What Kind Of Grill Is Good For Rooftop
The best kind of grill for your rooftop is electric. While charcoal has a lovely flavor and propane is low-smoke, they both use actual fire, which can be dangerous.
An errant spark is all it takes to burn a house down.
According to NFPA, “The estimated 10,600 home grill fires reported annually included around 4,900 fires per year in or on structures (46 percent). All the grill fire deaths, 100 of the associated fire injuries (64 percent), and $135 million in direct property damage per year (91 percent) resulted from fires involving structures.”
Best Grill For Rooftop
Narrowing down the best rooftop grill out of the thousands available was a challenging task. However, I did all the research, so you don’t have to.
Below are the top 3 best grills for rooftop cooking:
1 – Best Gas Grill For Rooftop: (Char-Broil 463377319 Performance Grill)
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound propane tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 24 burgers, 20 chicken breasts or 12 steaks on 475-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the primary grates and use the 130-square inch warming rack to cook with indirect heat and keep food warm.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 36,000 BTU rating.
- SIDE BURNER: A 10,000 BTU side burner lets you keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill. You can also use it to boil water, sauté vegetables or brew a pot of coffee. When not in use, flip the lid down and use the surface as an additional workspace.
- SIDE SHELF: A large side shelf provides ample space to set plates, tools, sauces and rubs while you grill.
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Char-Broil 463377319 Performance Grill from Amazon is ideal for up to six people. This great grill is solid and durable.
At 85 lbs, it won’t blow away in a breeze, which is especially important for rooftop grilling.
Features
- 4 independently controlled burners
- Side shelf for food prep
- 10,000 BTU side burner
- Electric ignition
- Easy to clean, rust-resistant porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- Secure lid
User Experience
Char-Broil has been a well-known and trusted name in grills since 1948.
The 463377319 Performance Grill is excellent for rooftop parties, and the biggest complaint most customers have is that the ignition may not work if it gets wet.
Here’s what the users are saying.
- Marlyce says, “I purchased this exact grill in 2019, and we used it constantly without any maintenance whatsoever… Also, it comes almost completely assembled. All you have to put together is the legs. I would highly recommend this grill over and over.”
- Slick Ix mentioned, “This was a great buy… Assembly was not complicated… The side burner is a big plus! I mostly use it to darken some corn and tortillas for the wife… I like the side access to the propane tank.”
Pricing
This Char-Broil grill is reasonably priced, given the features. It is not a high-end grill that costs thousands but offers excellent value.
The stainless steel construction is better than comparable cheaper models, and these grills are known to last several years.
What I Like
I love the side access to the propane tank. It is easy and convenient. The side burner has a lid, so you can leave it turned off and use the space as a second prep area if you need it.
However, the best part is the additional 120-square inch swing-away warming rack.
To have this excellent grill delivered fast, click here.
2 – Best Charcoal Grill For Rooftop: (Char-Griller E86714 AKORN Jr. Kamado)
- Easy Dump Ash Pan
- Easy Mobility
- Holds Heat Like Ceramic
- Even Heat
- Triple Wall Steel
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Char-Griller E86714 AKORN Jr. Kamado is an ideal small grill and smoker for 2-3 people, though it could easily make burgers or other main-dish items for more people.
The low-to-the-ground design helps it stay stable. Moreover, at just 33 lbs, this grill is incredibly portable and space-saving.
Features
- Five color options to suit your decor
- The unique ‘egg’ shape offers optimal heat
- Dual dampers
- Works as a smoker too
- Triple wall steel
- Quick cleanup with the easy-dump ash pan.
User Experience
This surprisingly efficient small grill is well-loved by its users, with a four and a half star rating out of thousands of reviews.
Here is what some of those reviewers had to say about their experiences.
- Karl says, “…It is the nicest grill and smoker I have ever had. Very frugal on the charcoal too. Easy to light and easy to use. The food tastes great.”
- Jason adds, “It’s really well built and easy to assemble. I tried it out as a grill first, the fire started quick, and heated up surprisingly fast. Ready to grill in minutes.”
Pricing
This small grill and smoker is very cost-effective and surprisingly high value for the money.
Other comparably priced grills tend to come with far more cons and complaints.
When finding a great, stable, small charcoal grill for your rooftop, you’d be hard pressed to beat the price on the AKORN jr.
What I Like
My favorite parts of this grill all have to do with the heat. Not only does it hold heat like ceramic, but the heat is even, so you have fewer problems with hot spots. Plus, there’s a built-in heat gauge.
Updates
The AKORN jr. comes with all the features of the larger AKORN, but it’s lightweight.
As a more portable and cost-efficient model, this is a stellar deal with all the functionality of a larger grill but made for a small family instead of a giant party.
Get your Char-Griller E86714 AKORN Jr. Kamado from Amazon when you click here.
3 – Best Electric Grill For Rooftop: (Homewell Electric BBQ Grill)
- ELECTRIC BARBECUE GRILL - No need to worry about buying charcoal or propane, the Homewell grill is electric! Simply plug it in to a standard USA 120V power source and you're ready to start grilling. The grill is perfect for indoor and outdoor grilling with a large 1600 watt heating element.
- EASY TO USE - Choose the perfect cooking temperature with the easy-to-use temperature control. Temperature range: 200°-425°F. The interlocking bowl and lid design insulates heat, allowing food to cook faster and evenly. Adjustable lid vent for additional heat and smoke control. Preheat the BBQ grill for best results.
- GRILL & WARMING RACK - Features a 14.5" grill top with upper warming/low-heat rack. Cook a variety of foods anywhere there's 120V power and 1600 watts!
- CONVENIENT - Perfect size for apartment balconies, patios, indoor grilling, tailgating, RV and locations where fires or open flames are not allowed. Portable grill weighs 13 lb, and is easy to store. Dimensions: 17" x 17" x 32".
- QUALITY BUILD - The indoor and outdoor grill is ready in just a few steps. The grill is made out of metal and features a large grilling surface and easy to adjust temperature dial. Perfect for summer cookouts, camping and more!
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I’ve saved the best for last. For safer rooftop grilling, you need the Homewell Electric BBQ Grill.
This superb grill is ideal for a family and offers easy portability with plenty of cooking surfaces and a classic design.
Features
- Great for areas where fires and traditional grills are not allowed
- Simple setup with good quality instructions
- All-metal parts
- Temperature range of 200° to 425°F
- Simple, accurate temperature control
- Bright red exterior
- Separate warming rack to keep food warm
- Works with any 120V power source
- Insulated interlocking bowl and lid design
User Experience
People are raving about this compact, affordable electric grill. Customers’ only complaints seem to be that it’s a little top-heavy.
However, most people adore this indoor-outdoor cooker.
- Linda says, “Love the compact design, it’s easy to use, and no more charcoal to buy!”
- Shari says, “This grill was easy to assemble and the perfect size for my lanai (porch). There’s room to cook for four with leftovers. Charcoal takes too long, and the horror stories of gas grills are really scary. Just plug in and get that grilled flavor anytime. A couple of burgers for lunch or a late-night snack or dinner with steak and baked potatoes! So easy to remove and clean the tray, grill racks, and grease well and pop back into place for next time.”
Pricing
Both the floor and tabletop versions of this fantastic grill are affordably priced.
You get a high-quality traditional-grill flavor and plenty of grill space that you can use on any rooftop, even when flame and coal grills are forbidden.
Comparably priced grills are usually called ‘cheap’ and ‘a waste of money,’ but people love this model.
What I Like
This grill is easy to clean because you remove the heating element and wipe the rest with a damp cloth.
The Homewell Electric BBQ Grill requires no coal dumping or heavy propane tank.
The 59-inch cord is long enough for most porches and rooftops, and you can cook in a smaller space.
To get this amazing electric grill, order here.
Best Grill For Rooftop Buyers Guide
Choosing your rooftop grill shouldn’t be spontaneous. It’s essential to look at the details like the available grill space, type of fuel, and overall quality.
Below I’ve put together the best grill for rooftop buyers’ guide to help you get cooking faster and safer.
Quality
The quality of a grill can be hard to judge at a glance. Looking up the company that makes your grill model and reading some of the reviews by people who have used it can help you learn more about how well it will work on your roof.
Seek out information on the customer service, warranty length, and materials used in production.
Always go with steel, cast iron, and porcelain over aluminum, and check to see if your grill is weatherproof.
Size
The grill size you need depends on how many people you want to cook for. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 70-72 inches per person you plan to cook for.
The chart below is a great reference, so feel free to bookmark this page before shopping to ensure you can feed everyone.
Minimum Grill Surface Area
| Number of People Eating | Cooking Surface |
| 1 | 70 Square Inches |
| 2 | 140 Square Inches |
| 3 | 210 Square Inches |
| 4 | 280 Square Inches |
| 5 | 350 Square Inches |
| 6 | 420 Square Inches |
| 7 | 490 Square Inches |
| 8 | 560 Square Inches |
| 9 | 630 Square Inches |
| 10 | 700 Square Inches |
Pro Tip: If you’re only planning to make smaller items like burger parties, hot dogs, shishkebabs, or steaks, you don’t need as much space. However, for meals with side dishes or big parties, you either need more grill space or a way to keep food warm while you cook in batches.
Fuel Type
The best fuel type for rooftop cooking is electricity. No one wants to be a house fire statistic, and avoiding using fire on your home’s roof is much safer.
Electric grills don’t have sparks or any flammable components.
Work Space
Selecting a grill with at least one side table will give you some space for cooking.
However, paying attention to how much workspace you have around the grill is more important.
To grill safely, you need to be 10 feet from walls and not directly under any awnings, trees, or overhanging coverage.
Ensure you have enough space to keep a 5-foot radius around the grill free from people and pets while it is hot.
You can use a small outdoor table for additional food prep workspace and store your fire safety equipment below, but keep everything else a few feet away.
Fire Safety
Fire safety isn’t something that is built into a grill. Although you may have a cutoff switch for gas and electric and a lid you can close to smother flames, this is not enough.
Whenever you set up a grill, you must ensure you have three things on hand. First, a bucket of water for wood fires started by sparks.
Second, a small fire extinguisher for general blazes that need more than a bucket of water.
Finally, keep a second bucket full of sand to smother any grease fires.
Accessories
A secure lid, a high-quality temperature gauge, and a meat thermometer are essential accessories for a rooftop grill.
These will prevent hot food from flying away and help you ensure your food is safe to eat.
If you want to upgrade your grill, add a side table with hooks for hanging grill tools and a warming plate to keep your meal at the right temperature.
Helpful Tips To Know About The Best Grill For Rooftop
There are lots of excellent grills for rooftop use. Choosing the most suitable model for your home should be much easier now that you know what to look for.
Here are more helpful tips to know about the best grill for your rooftop.
- In many areas, you cannot use a grill on a roof because of the minimum distance requirements. Since a grill has to be 10 feet from the nearest building, sitting on top of it means the grill is literally still in contact with your home. Always check your local ordinances before putting a grill on your roof or balcony.
- Never operate a rooftop grill in high wind or any type of precipitation.
- A small electric model like a Homewell Electric BBQ Grill is allowed when charcoal and gas grills are forbidden. These clever electric grills are more like a griddle or hotplate than an actual grill, but you should still check your local laws.
- Electric grills get as hot as traditional grills, so always operate them with care.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the best ‘backyard’ barbecue is actually above the backyard. Grilling on your rooftop can be a ton of fun and offer incredible views of the surrounding area.
However, safety is imperative when you plan to cook on top of any structure, especially your home. Make sure the grill you have is legal for use in your area.
Keep appropriate fire suppression safety equipment around and remember to grill in an open area away from walls.
You’ll have a better time if you don’t have to worry so much about safety or risk getting a citation for cooking too close to a building.