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Unlike normal BBQs, Traeger grills get a lot of attention because they use electricity for a power source and then wood pellets for the burn fuel.
That, of course, makes people think that a Traeger might be treated differently than a traditional BBQ or smoker, especially when thinking about using one in an apartment.
The most applicable location would be in an apartment patio or balcony setting, still exposed to the outside air, but some folks may even go so far as to wonder if they can use it indoors as well.
Traeger For Apartment Use
Unlike a BBQ, Traeger grills don’t incorporate significant or open flames. That’s a big plus as flame-generating cooking tools aside from a stove plumbed for the apartment are usually not allowed.
If permitted in an apartment setting, the apartment agreement will typically specify that the cooking instrument needs to be used only on the outdoor patio or balcony and not indoors at all. That’s why a stove with a range is provided already.
However, the allowance is not across the board. Some apartment landlords or management don’t want any variation from a stove at all, feeling the risk of a fire is too great.
So, it’s a case by case situation, and prospective renters need to ask up front before renting.
Can You Use Traegers in an Apartment?
Generally, the answer is yes.
Again, it’s advised in most cases, given the heating element, to use it outdoors, which would mean the apartment patio or balcony where the heat generated can escape into the air quickly.
Using a Traeger inside is usually not a good idea as it does give off burning fumes, which would accumulate inside and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning in concentration.
Additionally, if the Traeger were knocked over, it would likely fall on furniture or flooring that could catch fire.
Again, that’s a risk that should be prevented by not creating it in the first place. Cook outdoors.
Are Traeger Grills Apartment Safe?
Used properly and in an outdoor setting, a Traeger grill should not pose a problem for an apartment resident or the building management.
That doesn’t mean that the management will automatically agree to allow them.
Since apartments are technically private property, the landlord can choose what to allow. However, technically speaking, with proper placement outside and venting a Traeger should not pose a risk in and of itself.
Traeger on an Apartment Balcony
When placing a Traeger look to find a corner that has ample air space and room for placement.
You don’t want the Traeger touching the wall or balcony railing as it will heat it up by proximity.
Also, keep the Traeger clear of anything else stored on the balcony. Plants, chairs, decorations and similar should be put on the other side of the balcony to avoid heat damage or catching fire.
Best Traeger for an Apartment
Size matters in balcony placement, so a small size Traeger is probably the best choice versus a big one. Larger units literally won’t leave much room to move around on the balcony.
A smaller unit can be placed on one side, leaving room to maneuver and sit on the other side of the balcony.
Measure your internal moving space first and then compare the dimensions to the models available. Don’t buy the Traeger first and then place it or you may be disappointed that the unit won’t fit as planned.
Final Thoughts
When cooking with any kind of heating source, especially a hot one, you want the ability to put it out if things go wrong.
Always have an extinguisher handy and primed for cooking areas, including on the balcony. Having the right tools to work with when you need them immediately makes all the difference.
If you are in a unit with a patio and you have a hose hookup, have it primed and turned on, just in case.
Use a hand control sprayer to keep the water from gushing until you need it. If there is an issue, use the fog spray setting as it covers the most ground the fastest when putting out a fire.
Of course, if you practice safety and common sense, you probably will never need to use the above tools to cool things down.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.