Should I buy an indoor grill or outdoor BBQ?

If you have a safe outdoor space and plan to grill often, buy an outdoor BBQ. It’s usually better for classic grilled flavor, high-heat searing, larger meals, and entertaining. It can also be more versatile if you want charcoal/wood flavor, indirect cooking, smoking, or multiple heat zones.

Buy an indoor grill if you live in an apartment or condo, have limited space, want quick weeknight cooking, dislike weather-dependent cooking, or need something easier to store and clean. It’s the lower-fuss choice for many small households, though it usually won’t match the smoke, char, or capacity of a good outdoor BBQ.

A good middle ground is an electric grill that is specifically rated by the manufacturer for both indoor and outdoor use, but don’t assume any grill is safe indoors unless the manual clearly says so.

Before buying, check your lease, condo rules, building policies, and local fire rules, since restrictions on propane, charcoal, balcony grilling, and indoor/outdoor use vary by location.