Same as with a gas grill there is always a risk of fire when cooking over live flame, but with the proper safety measures, a charcoal grill is perfectly safe on your patio. … Read on to discover a few top tips for preventing any damage to your wooden deck while grilling.
Is it safe to use a charcoal grill on a wood deck?
While charcoal is safe inside your grill, high-speed winds can blow flaming charcoal onto your wooden deck and cause a serious fire that can quickly burn out of control.
Can you use a charcoal grill on a balcony?
Grills on balconies must be at least 30 inches from the building. … You can only use gas and charcoal grills at least 15 feet from buildings. Electric grills are usually acceptable for balcony use.
Can you burn wood in a charcoal grill?
You can absolutely use both firewood and charcoal in your grill. When using both types of fuel, though, it’s recommended that you use wood smoking chunks rather than logs. … By separating your smoking chunks from your charcoal, they won’t burn as quickly.
Is it safe to BBQ on decking?
Make sure that when you’re cooking you’ve tucked your barbecue or grill away from high-traffic areas across your decking. Basically, this means don’t put it in the way of a door – this minimises the risk of someone crashing into it, which can obviously have disastrous consequences.
What do you put under a charcoal grill on a wood deck?
Use a Grill Mat
Grill mats come in all shapes and sizes; there is definitely one that is the right shape to fit under your grill. Grill mats are designed to protect your patio from not only sparks from your charcoal fire but from grease stains as well.
What do you put under a grill on a wood deck?
A deck grill mat acts as a protective layer between your grill and the deck. It prevents grease, sauce, or any other splattering liquids from causing damage to the flooring. You may be considering the quick and cheap fix of putting a folded tarp under your grill.
How far should a charcoal grill be from the house?
Your grill—whether it’s charcoal or gas—should be at least 10 feet away from your home or garage, deck railings and other structures. Give yourself enough space, too, says Greta Gustafson, media relations associate for the American Red Cross. “Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.”
Can you charcoal grill under a covered patio?
Never place a charcoal grill in an enclosed area, such as a screened porch or balcony. Also, be careful when using a charcoal grill on a wood deck; embers from the grill can scar the wood and might even cause a fire.
Is a charcoal grill considered an open flame?
Many people will come to this article wondering, “Is a charcoal grill considered an open flame?” The answer is NO, for all of you apartment and condo dwellers. Don’t put it on a wood deck, either. A fire is very likely if you use charcoal because it emits sparks and reacts to the wind.
Is it better to cook with wood or charcoal?
When compared to charcoal, cooking wood offers a better flavor. … However, most people will agree that grilled food tastes better when cooking wood is used as the fuel rather than briquette or lump charcoal. As the cooking wood burns, it will release flavorful smoke that’s absorbed by your food.
Can you grill with just wood chips?
Just like spices, you can combine different types of wood chips to enhance your grilled fare. It’s easy to do. Soak the wood chips for about two hours. Then put the moist wood chips in a smoker box attachment on gas grills or directly on the coals for charcoal barbecues.
What wood should you not cook with?
Softwoods. Avoid wood from conifers such as pine, redwood, fir, spruce, cypress, or cedar. These trees contain high levels of sap and turpenes, which results in a funny taste and can make people sick. Cedar planks are popular for cooking salmon, but don’t burn the wood for smoke.
How do I protect my deck from grill?
Grill Mats — Protect your deck from burning embers and stubborn grease stains by placing a grill mat under the pit. Look for a durable mat that is heavy enough to withstand wind and extends a few inches past the perimeter of your grill.
Can you put a propane grill on a wood deck?
Propane Leaks
Leaky propane is highly ignitable and can lead to fires and explosions, often setting wooden deck floorboards and railings on fire. Residents must use caution when using propane-fueled grills on any surface, but concrete surfaces away from structures and trees are safer than wooden deck surfaces are.
How do I protect my deck railings from the grill?
The simplest way to protect deck railing from the grill is a wool or welding blanket before firing up the grill drape the blanket over the railing, protecting it from heat and flames. Then after the grill has cooled down, fold up and put away returning your railing to its former beauty.