Can I grill in my garage? (Explained)

You’re ready to break out the grill but the weather’s not looking so good. You wonder: can I grill in my garage?

Unless you have installed a powerful range hood, do not grill in the garage under any circumstances. Carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other harmful contaminants will accumulate in your garage. Even with the door open, grilling in the garage is dangerous for your health. You are at risk of causing a house fire and endangering others in your home.

The only grill you should use in a garage or indoors is an electric grill. These grills are designed for indoor use and do not produce carbon monoxide and other harmful contaminants.

You should still keep combustible materials several feet away from your grill to prevent cooking fires. Don’t grill in tightly enclosed areas.

So, in short, if you encounter some bad weather, don’t grill in your garage without a powerful vent hood. Postpone your cookout until the weather clears up.

With the right setup and high ceilings, you can use a gas grill indoors. But, you absolutely need a powerful range hood to vent out heavy grease and smoke.

Can I grill in the garage with the door open?

Cooking in the garage is a fire hazard waiting to happen. Propane tanks are highly combustible and should never be stored inside.

Can you use a charcoal grill in a garage?

No, you can’t use a charcoal grill in a garage. Charcoal grills are more dangerous than gas grills because the heat is unregulated and difficult to control. A charcoal grill can get up to 600º or more without much effort. This is a huge fire hazard in a garage or any other enclosed area.

Is it illegal to cook in your garage?

It is not illegal to cook in your garage. But that should not be a reason to cook there. Without a powerful vent hood, cooking in your garage is dangerous for you and your family’s health. It doesn’t take a lot to start a fire. So you’ll be much safer grilling on your outdoor patio.

Is it safe to keep a gas grill in the garage?

Yes, it is safe to store a natural gas grill in the garage. But, do not use your gas grill in the garage without a powerful range hood. Carbon monoxide and formaldehyde will accumulate which is dangerous for you and your family’s health.

Is it safe to keep a propane grill in the garage?

You can store the grill itself in the garage safely. If you have any filled propane tanks, store them outside in a well-ventilated area away from sunlight. Direct sunlight increases the pressure inside the tank, so store your tank in a cool area.

Propane tanks are highly flammable and pressurized so you run a higher risk of fire storing them indoors. It’s possible for valves to leak on propane tanks too. If enough gas escapes, just a spark could cause an explosion.

Can I use a pellet grill in the garage?

It’s not recommended to use a pellet grill in the garage without a powerful vent hood. You won’t have adequate ventilation even with the door open. You also run the risk of causing a garage fire which can endanger you and your family. Keep your pellet grill outdoors for a safe, comfortable cooking experience.

Can I leave my grill outside in the winter?

Yes, you can leave your grill outside in the winter. When not in use, cover your grill with a grill cover to keep it in good shape for the following summer. Keep propane tanks outside to reduce the risk of fire, but not in direct sunlight. Propane gas will liquefy at the frigid -44º F (-42.2 C.). Your local area won’t get this low but it’s good to be aware of it as a safety precaution.

How do you keep a grill from rusting outside?

Consistent cleaning is your best bet to prevent rust on your grill. Take some dish soap and water and wipe down the grill after each use. Rinse it off, dry it thoroughly, and you’re done! When you’re not using your grill, cover it to protect it from moisture and the elements. This will keep the rust at bay.

Hopefully you learned more about grilling in the garage. You’ll want a high CFM vent hood to remove smoke, contaminants, and cooking odors if you grill in the garage. Don’t use a charcoal grill because the heat is unregulated and the risk of a fire is quite high.

If you want to grill indoors, use an electric grill. Otherwise, wait until the weather clears up.

Thanks for reading! For more grilling tips and guides, check out the articles below!

7 Types of Grills (Pros and Cons)

How to Start a Charcoal Grill

Can I line my grill with foil?