Barbecuing on the balcony: what's allowed and what isn't

There is no nationwide German law that generally bans or permits barbecuing on balconies. Whether you're allowed to grill mainly depends on your tenancy agreement, the house rules and – if you're an owner – the community regulations and resolutions of the owners' association. On top of that come neighbour law and state emission-control regulations, which can prohibit significant nuisance from smoke and smells.

Courts have ruled very differently in the past on how often and in what form barbecuing has to be tolerated. It always depends on the individual case: the type of grill, frequency, time of day, location of the balcony and how much neighbours are actually affected. So you shouldn't treat blanket rules of thumb such as "twice a month is always allowed" as settled law.

If your tenancy agreement or validly incorporated house rules contain a barbecue ban, you generally have to comply with it. Such clauses often only concern charcoal or open fire, sometimes gas barbecues too. Electric grills are more often tolerated because they produce hardly any smoke – but don't rely on that; check the exact wording.

If there's no rule, barbecuing isn't automatically allowed without limits. You have to show consideration for your neighbours. If you regularly send clouds of smoke into other people's flats, you risk formal warnings and, in extreme cases, further consequences. If in doubt, a quick enquiry with your landlord helps – ideally in writing.

Even as an owner, you're not completely free. The owners' association can adopt rules on balcony barbecues in the house rules, such as restrictions on charcoal. Such resolutions are generally binding. So check the community regulations and the collection of resolutions before you buy a large grill.

An electric grill is usually the best choice for balconies. It produces no charcoal smoke, needs no gas bottle and is quickly put away. Look for sufficient power, a lid for even heat and a design intended for outdoor use.

Compact gas grills are an alternative if your tenancy agreement and house rules don't exclude gas and the balcony offers enough space. They produce less smoke than charcoal. Pay attention to handling the gas bottle: it must stand securely and upright and must not be taken into cellar rooms.

Charcoal is the most problematic option on a balcony. Smoke and flying sparks bother neighbours and pose a fire risk, especially with wooden balconies, awnings or plastic privacy screens.

Most disputes don't arise from a single barbecue evening, but from frequency, smoke and noise. With a few simple rules, relations with the neighbours stay relaxed.

There's little space on a balcony, and many materials burn easily: wooden floors, awnings, plastic privacy screens, cushions and plants. Place the grill on a stable, heat-resistant base and keep a sufficient distance from flammable objects. Never leave the grill unattended.

Grilling in enclosed or glazed spaces is life-threatening. A closed conservatory or a fully glazed loggia doesn't count as a balcony for barbecuing purposes: carbon monoxide can build up there. A charcoal grill that seems to be out also gives off carbon monoxide for a long time and must not be brought into the flat.

With a gas grill: check the connections after every bottle change, close the bottle after grilling and don't hoard spare bottles on the balcony. With an electric grill: only use extension cables approved for outdoor use, unwind them fully and protect them from moisture.

On wooden balconies and decking, the fire risk is higher. A generous, non-flammable base under the grill is a must here, and charcoal is practically out of the question. Awnings and sun sails should be retracted while you grill, because rising heat and fat vapour can damage or ignite the fabric.

Roof terraces often offer more space and fewer immediate neighbours, but are subject to the same rules from the tenancy agreement and house rules. Pay particular attention to wind here: gusts can catch embers or light grills, and flying sparks quickly reach neighbouring roofs or planters.

Take special care with access walkways and balconies that serve as escape routes: a grill must not block the way, and in an emergency everyone must be able to get past unhindered.

If barbecuing on the balcony is ruled out, you still have several options. Many cities have public barbecue sites or designated barbecue zones in parks. A contact grill or griddle pan in the kitchen at least delivers roasted flavours. And sometimes it helps to find a solution together with the neighbours – such as a shared barbecue spot in the courtyard.

Balconies are small, and the grill has to share the space with chairs, a table and plants. So it's worth taking a close look at dimensions and handling before you order. Measure the available space and allow a safety margin to the railing, wall and furniture.

Make sure the cooking area is large enough for the people who typically eat with you – for two to three people, a compact grate is usually enough. A lid retains the heat and reduces fat spatter. Also important are a secure stance, a drip tray that is easy to remove and clean, and materials that can withstand wind and weather. If the grill is to go back into a storeroom after use, low weight and removable legs are handy.

Lots of smoke is produced when fat or sugary marinades drip onto hot surfaces and burn. Lean meat, fish in aluminium or stainless steel trays, vegetables, halloumi and grilling cheese cause far less smoke than fatty pork belly slices or heavily marinated ribs. Dab off marinades before putting food on the grill and only apply sweet glazes shortly before the end. A clean grease tray also stops old residue from burning and smelling.

Before you grill on the balcony for the first time, a quick check is worthwhile. That way you avoid trouble and hazards from the outset.