With outdoor grilling becoming more popular, many people are asking themselves whether it is okay to grill under a porch.
So, Is It Okay To Grill Under A Covered Porch?
Yes. You can grill under a covered porch but it need to be properly ventilated. Also, we do not advise you to grill here using a charcoal grill because of the massive amount of smoke and stain associated with it.
Keep reading this article to learn more about this and understand the grilling safety measures that we have added at the end of the article.
Two Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Grill Under A Porch Using A Charcoal Grill
1. Charcoal Can Stain Your Walls
The charcoal will greatly stain your walls black.
You cannot afford to ruin that beautiful paint on your walls at the expense of a charcoal grill.
2. Fire Risk
There is a possibility of creating a fire scenario if you grill under the porch.
This is especially true if a timbered wall is present.
Using a Charcoal Grill under a Porch
Most people prefer charcoal grills because they are inexpensive.
As we mentioned, you should never attempt to use a charcoal grill under a porch.
Aside from staining your walls, it leaves behind a strong charcoal scent on the porch.
This scent can even spread to other parts of the buildings hence interfering with the serenity of air in the home.
If you are going to grill in an open area, charcoal burning consumes a lot of oxygen.
This can equally be dangerous for people grilling near the smoke.
It is, therefore, important to use a charcoal grill with a lot of care.
Should You Use A Gas Grill Under A Covered Porch?
As the name suggests, a gas grill uses gas as the source of fuel. Some folks find it cool to grill with a gas grill outside on the porch.
Others do not like it because of the soot that comes from the grill which can stain the structures around the porch.
Honestly, gas grilling under the porch is no different from any other outdoor grilling.
Of course, you have to be careful when handling any form of grilling so that there is no possible fire hazard.
Since they do not emit any potentially harmful smoke like charcoal grills, gas grills are more versatile and preferred for use in enclosed areas like the porch and patio.
Complete combustion of gas will only happen if it is exposed to a maximum supply of oxygen.
Ideally, make sure that the height of the porch is beyond 10 feet.
This is not only important to guarantee proper ventilation and possible fires, but it also helps to ensure that smoke from the grill does not get to the ceilings.
Smoke can also leave the house with a bad scent.
Having a fire extinguisher close by is also a key safety measure.
It will help you to quell any fire outbreak in case things get out of hand. Grill fires are unprecedented and it is better if it catches you prepared.
Six Safety Tips to Follow When Grilling Under a Porch
Grilling under a porch is more of outdoor entertainment. It is, therefore, necessary to stick to safety measures to avoid accidents and too much smoke accumulation.
Here are 6 safety tips you should follow when grilling under a porch:
1. Make Sure Your Porch Has A High Ceiling
Use a gas or pellet grill under a high porch ceiling.
Stay away from the traditional charcoal grill.
Stick to either a pellet of gas grill or grill under a high ceiling.
This will help to eliminate fire threats.
2. Do Not Leave Your Grill Unattended
Most fires that have been caused by grilling started due to carelessness. Keep watch over your grill.
This is important so that you can put out any fire if such a scenario unfolds.
Also make sure that it is clear of ash and charcoal.
3. Dealing With Stains
Sometimes, stains caused by grilling on the walls of your porch are inevitable.
But if it happens, it is a good idea to contact a cleaning professional to help you remove the stains off the walls of your porch.
As we mentioned earlier, do not use charcoal grills under your porch. It is linked with too many stains.
4. Dealing With Fire Risk-Have A Fire Extinguisher With You
Grill fires can occur due to grease. Make sure you keep an eye out for any hazards.
If anything happens, you should be ready to put out the fire with your extinguisher.
5. Keep Your Grill At Least Three Feet Away From Structures And Anything That Might Catch Fire
This is a fire preventive measure.
It does not only help to prevent a fire incident but also avoids staining the walls.
6. Make Sure The Porch Is Well Ventilated
Proper ventilation is a must to keep smoke at bay by ensuring complete combustion of fuel and expulsion of smoke out of the porch.
Wrapping Up
As you have noted in this article, you can grill under a porch.
But make sure that you are not using a charcoal grill since it is not suitable in this particular spot. A gas or pellet grill is recommended for porches.
Also for maximum safety, stick to all the precautions mentioned here.
With that out of the way, it is time for you to enjoy your nice meal and have a worthwhile time.
