What happens when the weather is not cooperating with your grilling plans? Can you move your grill into your garage?
In this TheGrillingDad.com article, you’ll learn:
- If you can grill in your garage
- Alternatives to grilling in your garage
- And much more!
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Can You Grill in Your Garage?
Many people find grilling to be one of their favorite ways to entertain their family and friends when they get together. However, when it comes to certain weather conditions, it is seemingly impossible to light up your grill outdoors as you may have planned.
If you have a get-together planned with friends and family and a sudden rain storm throws a damper on things, you may be tempted to move the cooking portion inside to your garage. Keep in mind that even with the door opened, it poses a huge risk to operate your grill inside.
So, the answer to the question of whether or not you can grill in your garage is a resounding no. This is because many dangers can result from doing so even if you argue that it is a well-ventilated area.
Unless, of course, you have already installed proper ventilation in your garage. And if you have, you probably wouldn’t be here reading this. 😉
Is it Safe to Grill in Your Garage With the Door Open?
You may think that it is perfectly safe to operate your grill inside of your garage due to the door being open. The truth is, however, that an opened garage door does not provide the proper ventilation needed to prevent certain dangers.
It is important to keep in mind that a grill, no matter the type, gives off certain chemicals that can be harmful to humans and pets. Because of this, when you do not have proper ventilation, you put your health and the health of others around you at risk.
In addition to the risk of certain contaminants being emitted during the cooking process, there is also a high risk of fire. This is because most grills often run at temperatures well above 200℉ and often even as high as 500℉ or more.
So, even if your garage door is opened, it is deemed not safe to operate your grill in the garage unless you have an extremely forceful range hood. In the case of an outdoor grill that is portable, this is not often the case.
Because your standard grill does not typically come equipped with a forceful range hood, an open garage door will not be enough to push the hot air and other chemicals out. This means that you and whoever else is in the garage with you can be at risk of harm.
What Are the Risks to Grilling in Your Garage?
As previously mentioned, there are many reasons why grilling in your garage is considered unsafe including the risk of fire and chemical exposure. Since the garage not only get-together enough ventilation but also may contain other chemicals that could lead to an explosion, it is not the best option for you.
If you are curious about the two most common risks of grilling in your garage, then read on below.
Carbon Monoxide Risk
Any type of open flame, especially the kind that is produced from a grill that uses alternative fuel sources, can produce carbon monoxide. This is an odorless gas that can only be detected once it is in the air by a carbon monoxide detector.
It is important to remember that carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that has been known to cause fatalities in both humans and pets. Since it is largely undetectable, you can be poisoned fatally before even realizing there is a problem.
Because of this risk, it is advisable not to operate your grill indoors, whether you are using charcoal, propane, wood pellets, or any other fuel source. The garage door does not provide enough ventilation to prevent the carbon monoxide levels from soaring out of control.
Fire Risk
Another reason you should never operate your grill in the garage is that there is a major risk of fire from the many flammable materials that may be stored inside. Keep in mind that the grill alone comes with a flame whether it is large or small and put near other items can spell disaster for you.
For many people, the garage is typically a dumping ground for many items that should be kept away from open flames. Whether you store your lawn mower, gas cans, or other items in your garage or not, many other items can pose a risk.
While you may be one of the safest grillers in the world, there is always a chance of a stray spark or flame that escapes from your grill. If it makes contact with other flammable items, you may find yourself fighting a bigger issue than the weather, which pulled you indoors in the first place.
Are there Grills That Are Safe to Use in the Garage?
Another question that is often asked is whether or not there is a grill that is safe to use in the garage or indoors. The short answer to this question is that no, there is not a grill that you would typically use for your outdoor cooking sessions that can safely be used indoors.
This is not to say that no type of grill can be used indoors since there are models that are made for this purpose. These models are typically mini versions of your larger grills that are created for the sole purpose of being able to use them in your kitchen, garage, or anywhere else you may want to grill. Typically they are called griddles…or your stove!
Alternatives to Using a Grill in the Garage
In most cases, the reason for wanting to use your grill in the garage is to protect you from any out-of-the-ordinary weather such as rain, snow, or even an extremely sunny day. One of the first thoughts for many people is to find a way to continue grilling even in these types of weather conditions.
Wondering what alternatives there are to using your garage for protection that can end up hazardous? Keep reading to learn more.
Get a Grill Gazebo
A grill gazebo is by far the least expensive option to provide cover for your grill when the weather is not at its best. Since they are designed to withstand heat directly over your grill and they have ventilation at the top, they give you the best coverage and can be adjusted easily.
In most cases, you can find a grill gazebo at most of your local home improvement stores or wherever you purchase your patio furniture. A great feature that this option has is the ability to use it when bad weather hits, and it can be taken down easily when needed.
Try a Canopy
A grill canopy is another great option that is a relatively inexpensive option to provide a cover to your grill during various weather conditions. In fact, of all the options available, the canopy is likely to be one of the easiest options available.
Keep in mind that a canopy is quite simple to put up and provides just enough safety to keep your grill and food perfectly dry. Another thing to consider is that since they are relatively easy to put up, you can choose to either leave them in place or take them down once you are finished grilling.
Covered Outdoor Kitchen Area
If you consider yourself a grilling connoisseur, then you may want to consider equipping your outdoor cooking space with a roof. This will provide the best solution if you choose to cook on your grill all year round.
While this is the most expensive option, it is a more permanent solution for those who find themselves cooking out quite a bit. Keep in mind that you will need to weigh the pros and cons and decide what is best for you and your situation.
Overall, a covered space will still allow for proper ventilation for any grill you choose to use since it only covers the top. The sides of the space will still provide enough air to come in and out of the space in most cases.
Install a Retractable Awning
A retractable awning is something you can easily add to the outside of your uncovered patio area to keep your grill safe from inclement weather. This is the same type of unit that is often used on camper trailers and RVs to provide shade from the sun or protection from the rain.
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Attached to the side of your home, you can use this when the weather is not conducive to grilling outdoors. The awning will allow you to use your grill safely when you choose to cook out during the rain or other inclement weather.
Keep in mind that you can purchase these awnings that operate either manually or with the power of electricity. When it comes to price, the manual awnings will be much cheaper but will take a bit more effort to use.
