Thinking of using your Blackstone grill under a covered porch? It’s right to be concerned, if for no other reason than safety; you don’t want to the one the local news is talking about just having burned your home down!
But a Blackstone is a different type of grill, no wood or charcoal, etc.
So what’s the deal?
Can you cook with your flat top Blackstone grill without it being a fire hazard?
Speaking as someone who uses his Blackstone in his garage on a regular basis, generally speaking, yes, you can cook with your Blackstone grill without it being a fire hazard under a covered porch area, provided you follow proper safety measures. These measures include things like good height clearance above your grill and sufficient ventilation. It also means that you do a good job of maintaining your Blackstone to prevent grease buildup (which can be a unique problem for Blackstones), and keeping the grill at a safe distance from flammable materials.
But there are still other questions. Questions like:
Does the size of your porch make a difference?
What about local fire codes?
How does grill placement affect safety?
This article goes into all the key aspects you need to consider. We’ll tackle these questions and provide clear, practical advice to ensure your grilling is safe and compliant with regulations
Safety Considerations for Grilling
When you’re cooking up breakfast (or lunch, or dinner!) on your Blackstone grill, safety should always be your number one priority. Certain risks are involved when grilling under a covered porch, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can mitigate them. Let’s make sure your next barbecue doesn’t go up in smoke.
Understanding Heat Risks
Heat can build up quickly under a covered area, which poses a risk to both the grill and the structure of the porch. It’s vital that you ensure adequate clearance above the grill to prevent heat damage.
But what’s a sufficient amount of clearance? I have 8 foot ceilings in my garage, but I also cook with the door wide open, and one of those big orange ventilation fans from Home Depot running while I’m cooking (those flat tops get good and hot and radiate a lot of heat!). A good rule of thumb to go by is to allow for a height of at least 7-8 feet at the edge of the patio area.
Ventilation Requirements
Proper ventilation is key to prevent the buildup of smoke and fumes. Your grill setup needs to allow air to flow freely. A covered patio with no walls, should provide adequate airflow, but always make that the grill is near the edge or an open area to maximize air circulation.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Carbon monoxide is an invisible threat when grilling in an enclosed space. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never ever use a grill in an area that’s completely enclosed. This gas can accumulate rapidly and pose serious health risks, so it’s essential to grill in a well-ventilated area.
Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Methods
Water does nothing but make the problem exponentially worse with a grease fire, so it’s always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand designed for grease fires because water can make a grease fire worse. Maintain a clear zone free of flammable materials, and know how to cut off the fuel supply to your grill in case of emergency.
Proximity to Combustibles
Keep the grill at least 10 feet from any combustible materials, including deck railings and structures like your home or garage. Taste of Home advises the importance of this distance for safety precautions, giving you the room to handle flare-ups and prevent fire risks. Always mind the proximity to ensure nothing catches fire from a stray spark or intense heat.
That means no gas cans, no fatwood kindling (especially relevant in the colder months!) and making a point to regularly check your Blackstone’s surrounding environment for potential issues so you don’t have to worry about anything except getting the cook on those burgers just right.
Selecting the Right Location
Ever worry about where to put your grill for that perfect barbecue experience? It matters more than you might think. Let’s get the low down on where to set up shop for your grilling.
Covered Area Selection
You need the right spot—choosing a covered area comes with a catch. It’s safer to steer clear of enclosed spaces like a screened-in porch or a fully enclosed porch due to ventilation issues. Opt for an open area under a roof cover, just ensure there’s plenty of airflow.
Positioning Your Blackstone Grill
Place your Blackstone away from low hanging branches or flammable materials. Your grill thrives in a location with a cross breeze, so position it to take advantage of natural air flow but remain sheltered from the elements.
Distance from the House and Other Structures
Safety first— keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house or other structures. This isn’t just about avoiding fires; it’s about protecting your home’s siding and outdoor fixtures from heat damage.
Assessing Your Porch or Patio Type
Take a look at your porch or patio—is it a covered patio, carport, or something else? For a covered patio or similar structure, verify that the ceiling height is at least 9 feet to ensure smoke disperses properly. Remember, it’s not safe to grill under a carport due to its typical structure and enclosed nature.
