Grilling is a treasured summer pastime. Unless, of course, you live in an small urban apartment with limited outdoor space. For those of us confined to tiny balconies, or hell, a roof, grilling can present something of a logistical challenge. But it’s not impossible! All you need is the right gear—and permission from your local government, which probably has some strict rules about where you can grill. We can’t speak to the law, but we can take care of the tools.
01
Weber Q 1200 Grill
This isn’t the tiniest grill you can buy, but at just over four feet wide, it’s compact enough to fit into most small spaces. Weber’s little propane barbecue comes with ample prep space on both sides, saving you the trouble of hauling out a separate table. Meanwhile, the optional under-grill storage fits a 20-pound propane tank and all your grilling tools. $209
This isn’t the tiniest grill you can buy, but at just over four feet wide, it’s compact enough to fit into most small spaces. Weber’s little propane barbecue comes with ample prep space on both sides, saving you the trouble of hauling out a separate table. Meanwhile, the optional under-grill storage fits a 20-pound propane tank and all your grilling tools. $209
02
Thermapen
Every grill master knows that intuition can take you only so far. For perfectly cooked meat, you need a thermometer. This one from Thermoworks spits out readings in 2 seconds. We recommend wrapping it in a squishy silicone boot ($9 extra) so the next time you drop it on your concrete balcony, its brains will survive the impact. $79
Credit: Thermoworks
Every grill master knows that intuition can take you only so far. For perfectly cooked meat, you need a thermometer. This one from Thermoworks spits out readings in 2 seconds. We recommend wrapping it in a squishy silicone boot ($9 extra) so the next time you drop it on your concrete balcony, its brains will survive the impact. $79
03
Hedley & Bennett Apron
An apron pulls double duty. It protects your clothes from meat juice, sure. But it also functions as a wearable storage unit. This canvas (read: washable) apron has two lap pockets, a triple-check pocket, and small towel loop, making it capable of storing a junk drawer’s worth of cooking tools. $114
Credit: Hedley and Bennett
An apron pulls double duty. It protects your clothes from meat juice, sure. But it also functions as a wearable storage unit. This canvas (read: washable) apron has two lap pockets, a triple-check pocket, and small towel loop, making it capable of storing a junk drawer’s worth of cooking tools. $114
04
Pok Pok Thaan Coals
If you hate grilling with propane, try these binchotan coals from famed Thai restaurant Pok Pok, made from orchard-grown rambutan fruit wood. They’re larger and more expensive than the standard briquettes you’d get at Ace Hardware. But they look insanely cool. Also, they burn with a consistent, even heat that’ll make your grilling more efficient. You’re going to want a charcoal chimney to start these, but once the fire’s rolling, it won’t stop for more than four hours. $9
Credit: Pok Pok
If you hate grilling with propane, try these binchotan coals from famed Thai restaurant Pok Pok, made from orchard-grown rambutan fruit wood. They’re larger and more expensive than the standard briquettes you’d get at Ace Hardware. But they look insanely cool. Also, they burn with a consistent, even heat that’ll make your grilling more efficient. You’re going to want a charcoal chimney to start these, but once the fire’s rolling, it won’t stop for more than four hours. $9
05
Grillaholics Grill Basket
So you don’t eat meat? That’s cool. Grill your veggies to perfection with these stainless steel baskets that sit atop your grill’s grates. Flames lick up through the perforations, giving your zucchini and peppers robust flavors and just enough color. Bonus: When your vegetables are done, you can let the baskets cool and use them as serving dishes. $22
Credit: Grillaholics
So you don’t eat meat? That’s cool. Grill your veggies to perfection with these stainless steel baskets that sit atop your grill’s grates. Flames lick up through the perforations, giving your zucchini and peppers robust flavors and just enough color. Bonus: When your vegetables are done, you can let the baskets cool and use them as serving dishes. $22
06
Williams Sonoma Smoker Box
Chances are good you don’t have room for a separate smoker. If not, this handy little smoker box will do the trick. Fill the bottom of the 12 x 10-inch aluminum box with wood chips or herbs, stick it on the grill, and wait for delicious smoke to infuse that rack of ribs. $37
Credit: Williams Sonoma
Chances are good you don’t have room for a separate smoker. If not, this handy little smoker box will do the trick. Fill the bottom of the 12 x 10-inch aluminum box with wood chips or herbs, stick it on the grill, and wait for delicious smoke to infuse that rack of ribs. $37
07
Star Spangled Spatula
Alright, fine. This spatula isn’t especially small, but it is patriotic. Happy Memorial Day! $75
Credit: Areaware
Alright, fine. This spatula isn’t especially small, but it is patriotic. Happy Memorial Day! $75
