Are you ready to have the a grill that will produce aromas that delight the entire neighborhood? Then you must be thinking about where to put it.
Choosing the best location for your grill can be a daunting process, and you might think it is a good idea to have it near your house, but, unfortunately, it’s not.
It’s recommended that you keep your grill at least 10 feet away from any structure, including flammable overhangs like awnings. Spacing is critical no matter whether you have charcoal, gas, or pellet grill.
A less conservative recommendation, usually given by manufacturers, is 3 feet away from a house.
Still, have doubts? Then don’t worry; we have done the research, so you don’t have to.
Continue reading to find out how you should place your grill and why it matters to place it away from your house.
Things To Consider When Deciding Your Grill Placement
HOAs and the department of building codes in local government suggest verifying whether your county or city has a stipulation in place for the length of grills from construction.
Building codes vary greatly between municipalities. This could be a neighbour’s building, a house, or a fence between the two properties.
You can also check your homeowner’s association’s rules regarding grill location and adding structures if you are a member.
To construct an overhang, you might require permits or first obtain the HOA’s approval.
Manufacturer’s Brand
The grill maker usually offers instructions, including the ideal separation from your home.
The 3′ recommendation is frequently used as far as there are no overhangs that protrude.
The most frequent query is how far away from the house a built-in barbecue should be, but there is also the issue of an accessible room above your grill.
There must be at least 8′ of free space above the grill if you choose to put your outdoor grill station under a carport, under an awning, or create your cover.
You might also require some vent hood if the overhang is made of combustible materials like wood. You might need to handle this criterion with your local building codes and insurance requirements.
Owner’s Insurance Provider
Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to determine any restrictions or guidelines about the distance between an outdoor kitchen or grill and the main structures.
Other Tips That Can Help You Decide Your Grill Placement
So, you’re convinced to place your grill station 10 feet away from the house. There are more considerations than just distance.
Here are five additional crucial considerations:
- No one desires the hot dogs to roll off the grill, so pick a flat surface. Make sure the base of your grill is level
- Think about the neighbors; though smoke follows beauty, having the grill next to the patio entrance may be convenient, but you don’t want to smoke off your visitors
- Gravel, a patio, or a deck? Put your barbecue, if possible, on a patio or a bed of gravel. The risk of glowing embers or briquets touching a flammable surface is reduced
- The breeze is on your side if you’re using charcoal for cooking. Your briquets require a breeze to start burning quickly. Your grill’s vents should face the breeze so that you may benefit from it
- Please avoid setting up your barbecue in an area that will be protected from the wind
Why Does Placing A Grill Far From Home Matter?
Even though it might seem apparent, there are a few factors to bear when grilling away from the house.
Boost Airflow
Space needs to be provided with enough air space to allow for ventilation to prevent the development of gasses or carbon monoxide.
Any accumulation can cause unexpected flare-ups and flames that spread swiftly.
Decrease Smoke Damage
There is smoke wherever there is fire. You want the smoke from your grill to dissipate in the air around it sufficiently.
Smoke damage may develop if your built-in barbecue is placed too close to the house or beneath an awning or eave.
Keeping Siding Intact
Your home’s siding may be harmed by the heat your barbecue emits. Vinyl siding is prone to melting in the presence of hot grill temperatures.
Other dangers associated with loose or rippling siding include leaks, structural harm, and even building movement. This could be harmful, mainly if you ever sell your home.
Place your barbecue at least 10 feet away from the home if it has vinyl siding.
What Are Some Safety Procedures To Follow Along With Correct Grill Placement?
Whether it is a gas or charcoal barbecue, safety should always come first. The following things should go without saying:
- Put the grill 10 feet or more away from any structures.
- Never use your grill near anything that could catch fire, such as a canopy, branches, or other objects.
- Don’t ever use the grill inside, and never use it in the garage
- Have a spray bottle and a fire extinguisher on hand.
Safety of Gas Grills
To safely light and use your grill according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A gas grill’s heat can harm siding and paint. Consult the CPSC gas grill fact page for further details on gas grill safety.
In the off-season, you may keep your gas grill indoors, shed, or in a garage, but the propane or propane gas tank needs to be detached and kept outside.
Lighting Charcoal Properly
Your charcoal briquets can be lit in different ways. One is standard briquets stacked high and covered in starting fluid for charcoal.
Make sure the grill’s vents are open regardless of your selected lighting technique. Take off the grill’s lid, place it aside, or hang it if it has a hook.
Keep in mind that charcoal isn’t ready to be used for cooking till the open flame phase has passed and the briquets are primarily covered in ash. Typically, the procedure lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
Unusual smells are not always a reason for concern. When starting fluid is applied, a strong odor develops.
The simple light briquets could emit a chemical odor as well. Regardless of the method used to light the charcoal, a sizable stream of smoke is produced.
After lighting the grill, there are a few safety considerations to address as well as a few tips to help your guests refer to you as the “Grillmaster.”
Keep It Secure
Sweep the grate clean. Once the grate has heated, clean it with a stiff brush. The residue from earlier cooks may catch fire and stick to your current effort.
Additionally, try to avoid grilling on a heavily rusted surface.
Use grilling-specific utensils with long handles. Do not use kitchen tools because doing so would subject your hands to intense heat.
A hot grill should never be left alone.
Horseplay or a stray soccer ball might tip a hot barbecue over. No successful grill-out concludes with fire danger, a risk to onlookers, and a pizza delivery request.
Final Words on How Far Your Grill Should Be From the House
Outdoor grilling is among the most enjoyable and rewarding activities in life.
Therefore, they should be enjoyed to the fullest without any dangers. In such cases, you should always place your grill 10 feet away from your house.
Also, this guide has mentioned safety tips that should not be overlooked when grilling.
