Best Smoker for 2nd Floor Condo Unit?

ksblues

ksblues

Is lookin for wood to cook with.
Joined
Jul 12, 2009
Messages
37
Reaction score
6
Points
0
Location
Orlando, Florida
We live on the 2nd floor of a 2 story condo unit. We do have a screened in balcony that faces a very large lawn area with lake.

Currently, we grill on a Charbroil gas model, but I want to move to a smoker/grill. Can anyone provide guidance as to which models out there, if any, are condo friendly? Key concern is not wanting to smoke out the neighbors too badly!

(Please assume we can go with either charcoal, electric, or gas).

Thanks.
 
Charcoal on a 2nd floor condo?

Better check with your association. Buying a unit you're prohibited from using doesn't sound like a good plan.

My Bradley electric is nice. That would work.
 
A condo owner just down the road from my home used a grill on his third floor balcony. Embers blew up into the eaves and the next thing you know his third floor balcony was a first floor pile of smoking rubble along with everyone below.

Electric is the only safe solution.
 
I think some old time UDS users would beg to differ. As stated in the original post, assume that charcoal is an option...I say UDS. Just look at the beginning of the Ugly Drum Smoker thread. More than a few balcony condo users on there. I just saw an old vid posted by none other than Bigmista the other day of him using a UDS on a condo balcony cooking up a glorious looking butt. Follow what your association says and take common sense steps towards fire prevention (like have a fire extinguisher available) and you should be able to rock a drum. Just my .02...
 
UDS or WSM IF you are aloud to use charcoal. Your going to get some good smoke no matter what you use, when you start it up. After 30 - 60 minutes it should not be as smokey.
 
The Weber Smokey Mountain is a great balcony sized smoker. I have it fired up right now.
 
You could try the electric Mini Chief or Little Chief to add smoke to the food, and finish the cook in the oven.
 
I will second the bradley electric. From a safety point, no different then a showtime set and forget or a toaster oven.

And a fire in a Bradley is self contained, and will go out on it's own. (leave the door closed!)
 
Bradley, FEC if you can swing it. I dont think charcoal is a great idea. A Darwin award is just itching to pay you a visit if you go coal.
 
I would probably go with a high-quality electric smoker in your situation.

Your HOA probably has rules about grills and smokers, so make sure you know what those rules are.

In a condo situation, you need to have a heat source you can turn off with a knob or switch. And, you need to have a good fire extinguisher next to the smoker. You don't just have your own home to consider, but the homes of other people, so be extra safe.

Also, I would make sure your neighbors know what you are up to. If you get a smoker, make sure they know what you are getting, and that it is safe -- and that you will share!

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

CD
 
will you have enough air moving thru the screened balcony so that smoke won't build up? I'd go with good quality electric IMO.
 
If you want to go classic with low emissions and outstanding smoke...Cookshack Smokette. I kick myself for ever selling mine, that thing was built for eternity.
 
First off, like many others have already said, check the condo rules.
If charcoal is OK, a Big Green Egg would be an excellent choice. It doesn't produce too much smoke, and the fire is very well contained. I've used mine on my covered wooden porch for many years without a problem. If smoke buildup on the balcony becomes a problem, use a fan on a floor stand.
 
i love my traeger jr., I think it would be a great patio smoker grill
 
OakPit said:
I'd snag a BGE Medium and never look back.
Click to expand...

What's great about this suggestion is that you end up with a competent smoker AND a fantastic grill in a small footprint. You can control the smoke output by managing air flow, if necessary.
 
Most Home Owner Associations will pribit any cooker based on "open flame".
So - the electric smoker as a catgory would be the only safe and responsible thing to do.
I say this as someone that long ago experienced what one ember can do if it gets out of a charcoal smoker......:redface: Had I not awoke up to go check the fire, I would have burned down the entire building, killing many innocent people.I lived on the third florr of an appartment house, and the balcony was wooden. What a bonehead!
I was in my 20's and "indestructable" I suppose...or so we all tend to think in that decade of life.
If you go Bradley - go with the OBS. Simpler, far more reliable.
Best of luck on your cooking!
T
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

motoeric
Bbq story
Replies
14
Views
1K
oldgfbbq
O
A
Mak 1 Star or 2 Star?
Replies
10
Views
2K
4ever3
4ever3
T
Rec Teq 340 or bigger
Replies
11
Views
2K
PatAttack
PatAttack
mjbradakis
Time for a new smoker? Boxelder wood?
Replies
3
Views
531
Marquez
Marquez
Y
How's Weber Spirit 310?
Replies
17
Views
4K
Dweverett
D
Back
Top