Is it Safe to Grill in the Garage With the Door Open
Tips & Tricks

Is it Safe to Grill in the Garage With the Door Open?

Winter is finally here, and you cannot resist the need to grill your favorite burgers and hotdogs for long. So you decide to drag your grill into your garage to begin the party.

Please don’t do it. Don’t drag your grill into your garage. The grills made for use on your patio emit tremendous amounts of carbon monoxide. Letting this gas collect in your garage can be fatal. According to The National Fire Protection Association, such grills can only be used outdoors, away from the home and deck railings.

While grilling is fun, doing it indoors exposes you to health and fire risks. Therefore, it is not safe to grill in your garage, even if you open its door. Likewise, when using propane, gas, or charcoal grills, indoors is the last place you want to use them.

If the weather is unfavorable, consider safety first over comfort and burgers. This, however, does not mean you cannot grill during winter. The only grill allowed indoors is the electric grill.

Why you should not grill inside your garage

  1. Charcoal, gas, and propane grills are designed for outdoor use. Using them indoors is bound to expose you and everyone in the compound to significant risks. These outdoor grills produce lethal amounts of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, and you may not notice it as you grill. Gradually, it sucks up the oxygen in the room, and you may suffocate. Its gaseous form makes it easily spread even to other rooms through vents when the volume is high. You may experience headaches or suffocation when the gas is mild. The bottom line is that having the gas in your living space poses a danger to your life and that of others.
  2. Outdoor grills come with warning alerts upon purchase. One such warning is that the grill’s source of fuel is flammable. The charcoal grill may require a charcoal fluid starter on the first day. The fluid is highly flammable, and if you place it near a heat source, it may cause a fire. You wouldn’t want this happening inside a garage.
  3. If your propane grill is leaking, and you end up storing it in the garage, the propane will spread through the garage walls. Once you ignite a fire to begin grilling, the propane will explode and cause a fire that can bring your house down. Grilling with the garage door open will not avail much in this situation except help you escape.
  4. The items stored in the garage may cause fire outbreaks. Items like tires, newspapers, the rubber floor, glue or flammable liquids are susceptible to explosions when you light the grill. To avoid this risk of fire, grill in an open space for ample air circulation.
  5. Using a grill in your garage continuously will cause all surfaces to have an ugly grease coating in the long run. You will need to spend some money repainting your walls.

Therefore, grilling in the garage with the door open is not worth it as it may cost you your house or the lives of loved ones.

However, you can grill in your garage with the right grill, i.e., the electric grill. It is manufactured specifically for indoor use and does not expose you to any risks.

Alternatively, if you already have an outdoor grill and do not feel the need to buy an indoor grill, you can create a weather-favorable outdoor grill in your compound. You can put up a canopy, gazebo, picnic pavilion, or any shelter you have in mind. The shelter offers protection from adverse weather to allow you to grill. When putting up the shelter, choose a spot that is not close to the house.

When to use indoor grills

Since grilling is an outdoor activity, some weather-oriented situations may lead you to grill indoors. Many people choose the garage because it is close to an open space with the garage door open.

Conditions for indoor grilling

  • Only use the recommended indoor grill.

Electric grills are made for use indoors. They come in two types; open grill and contact grill.

The open grill resembles the traditional outdoor grill in design and method of cooking. The main difference is that an open grill’s power source is electricity, and it’s easier to maintain and clean than the traditional grill.

The contact grill resembles the George Fireman grill model and has an open clamshell. This type is ideal for making sandwiches and grills on both sides, making it superior to other grills. In addition, it requires minimal monitoring when cooking. However, you cannot use it to grill large amounts of food.

You can also use a grill pan to grill indoors. The grill pan is heavyweight and has high rides, allowing you to lift your food so that it does not collect grease. It is also affordable.

Can you use a charcoal grill in a garage?

No, you cannot. Charcoal grills emit large amounts of carbon monoxide, which slowly reduces the oxygen levels in the garage, leading to suffocation or sudden headaches.

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

It is not safe to use a propane grill in the garage. The propane tank requires outside storage or a well-ventilated space. Storing the tank in a garage would be hazardous. The same applies to the tank for your propane garage heater

However, if you must use it, carefully check for leaks before igniting the grill.

Is it dangerous to grill in cold weather?

With some minor adjustments, you are well set to get grilling in the cold weather. Here are a few things to note:

  • Give your grill time to warm up during cold seasons. Your grill may require extra fuel, so ensure to have some handy.
  • Leave the lid on to prevent the hot air from escaping before your meat cooks. Open the lid only when necessary.
  • Ensure you have a warm pan to use to place your meat in once it’s cooked.
  • Choose a strategic grilling spot. Choose a spot that is less affected by the cold and also consider the direction of the wind. Set up your grill facing away from the wind.

Is it safe to grill in the rain?

You can grill in the rain if you take the necessary steps. You can try putting up a

  • Grill canopy: it is an inexpensive way to ensure you remain dry as you grill
  • Patio umbrella: It is also an inexpensive way to keep dry, and it lets you position it differently for shade.
  • Lean-to or outdoor kitchen: it is the best option but also the most expensive. Create a roof on your deck for ample shade.
  • Retractable awning: you can choose manual or electric, which opens and closes by pushing a button.

Where should you not put a grill?

  • You should never bring a grill indoors unless it is designed for that purpose.
  • Do not place your grill under flammable materials.
  • Your grill should not be near deck rails or branches that can easily catch fire.

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

Just like the charcoal grill, the gas grill produces huge amounts of carbon monoxide. This emission makes it unsafe for use in an enclosed place, such as a garage. The gas sucks up the oxygen in the room and can cause suffocation. Also, if there are gas leakages, igniting the grill can be hazardous.

Is it safe to use a pellet grill in the garage?

Like a gas grill, the pellet grill also emits carbon dioxide and is not safe for use in a garage. Pellet grills are outdoor cookers that are more like gas and charcoal grills. They use ignited wood pellets to heat food to a specific temperature.

Is it safe to grill on grass?

It would be best if you never grilled on grass. Look for a raised and sturdy surface with fewer or no obstructions to prevent any safety challenges. Grass can easily catch fire, so it is not advisable to place your grill directly on grass. If you have artificial grass, you should confirm its fire rating with the manufacturer. This grass melts due to high temperatures. Therefore, you should not use your grill directly on grass.

Grill safety tips

  • Keep children and pets far from the grill.
  • Remove grease buildup from the trays and grids to keep your grill clean.
  • Have baking soda readily available in case of flare-ups and a fire extinguisher nearby for fire preparedness.
  • Do not leave your grill unattended.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked correctly.

Conclusion

Regardless of the fun found in grilling, it is essential to prioritize safety. Find alternative ways of using your outdoor grill without having to drag it into the garage. Alternatively, you can buy a grill explicitly made for indoors.

Check this too: Which is cheaper: A Deck or a Patio?

However, if you must use these outdoor grills in your garage, you should first install a carbon monoxide detector. The gas detector allows you to keep tabs on the carbon monoxide levels in the garage.