BBQ Anywhere: Creative Ways to Grill Without a Backyard

Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling barbecue wafting through the air on a warm summer day. For many, the thought of a perfectly grilled steak or tender, smoky ribs is enough to make their taste buds dance with anticipation. However, only some have the luxury of owning a spacious backyard or the freedom to fire up a traditional grill or smoker.

That’s where WE LOVE FIRE® steps in – your friendly neighborhood experts in BBQ, hearth, and patio. In this blog, we’ll address the challenges faced by apartment dwellers, grill enthusiasts with limited space, and those without access to traditional grilling equipment. We’ll provide practical tips on how to BBQ without a grill, charcoal, or a smoker. Let’s dive right in!

1.     How to BBQ Without Charcoal:

Grilling without charcoal might seem daunting, especially if you want that classic smoky flavor it imparts. But fear not! You can still achieve that irresistible BBQ taste using alternative methods.

However, if you miss wood flames but want to avoid annoying your neighbors, why not consider the ideal compromise? You will find a perfect example of this in the Ambiance® Fiero® Smokeless fire pit. It uses pellets or firewood, yet due to its design, it produces hardly any smoke!

A collage of pictures of the smokeless firepit Fiero by Ambiance

Smokeless Firepit Fiero® by Ambiance®

Or, instead of charcoal, opt for a portable propane or electric grill. These compact devices are perfect for apartment balconies or small patios. They offer consistent heat and make it easy to control cooking temperatures. Also, consider a portable outdoor pizza oven like the Pizzero® by Ambiance®.

A man is doing a pizza in the pizza oven Pizzero® by Ambiance®

Pizza Oven Pizzero® by Ambiance®

Another great option is a stovetop grill pan. These pans are designed to mimic the searing and grill marks you’d get on a traditional grill. Place it on your stovetop, preheat it, and grill your favorite meats and veggies.

2.     How to BBQ Without a Grill:

Not having a grill doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of BBQ. There are alternative cooking methods that can deliver that classic BBQ flavor.

  • One popular option is using your oven’s broiler. Simply set the range to the broil setting, place a wire rack on a baking sheet, and put your seasoned meat or veggies under the broiler. Keep a close eye on them, and you’ll achieve that perfect char and smoky taste.
  • Alternatively, try a cast-iron grill pan or skillet on your stovetop. These versatile tools can create grill marks and impart that coveted smokiness to your dishes. And if you want to impress your friends, cast iron grill presses are readily available to provide those grill marks on your steak!

A steak in a cast iron

3.      How to BBQ Without a Smoker:

While smokers are fantastic for infusing deep, smoky flavors, not everyone can access one. But there’s no need to despair; you can still achieve smoky goodness in your BBQ creations.

  • One simple technique is to use wood chips or wood chunks. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes, then wrap them in aluminum foil, poke a few holes in the packet, and place it on your grill or in your oven. The smoldering wood will add that signature smokiness to your food.
  • Another option is to use liquid smoke. It’s a concentrated, natural flavoring that captures the essence of smoke. Mix it into your marinades, sauces, or rubs to infuse your dishes with smoky goodness.
  • For those looking for a more hands-on approach, you can explore a smoking gun kit for food and drinks. These nifty gadgets infuse various dishes and beverages with a delightful smoky aroma. Load the chamber with wood chips, ignite them, and let the smoke work its magic. Your culinary creations will have that authentic smoky flavor that BBQ enthusiasts crave.

A smoker gun

  • Additionally, on the market, you can find versatile appliances designed to offer both grilling and smoking capabilities. These devices are equipped with innovative features like temperature control and smoke infusion using wood pellets, ensuring your BBQ dishes turn out perfectly every time.

In conclusion, BBQ enthusiasts can still enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of barbecue regardless of their living situation or equipment limitations.

Your friendly WE LOVE FIRE® local dealer should be your first stop and resource for all things BBQ. They are here to help you find the perfect solution to your grilling needs, providing expert advice and access to the latest equipment.

Whether it’s grilling without charcoal, without a grill, or without a smoker, there’s always a way to savor the deliciousness of BBQ. So, get creative, explore new methods, and don’t let anything stop you from indulging in barbecue delights! Happy grilling!

Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service ()

Auburn, AL

Top Hat Chimney Sweeps
1280 Financial Ct.
Auburn, AL 36830

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Elk Grove, CA

Custom Fireside Shops
9097 Elk Grove Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95624

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Sacramento, CA

Custom Fireside Shops
5455 Auburn Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95841

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Durango, CO

Durango Outdoor Living
140 Rock Point Drive
Durango, CO 81301

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Durango, CO

Four Corner Stoves & Spas
3001 Main Avenue
Durango, CO 81301

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Grand Junction, CO

Stove Depot and Chimney Works
330 North Ave.
Grand Junction, CO 81501

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New London, CT

Family Hearth and Patio LLC
571 Broad Street
New London, CT 06320

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Ridgefield, CT

Yankee Doodle, Inc.
71 Ethan Allen Highway
Ridgefield, CT 06877

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Dover, DE

Byler's Stove Shoppe Inc.
1368b Rose Valley School Rd.
Dover, DE 19904

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Destin, FL

Doodlebuggers Service Network
36054 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, FL 32541

Bettendorf, IA

Fireplaces Plus, Inc.
1745 State Street
Bettendorf, IA 52722

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Post Falls, ID

Quality Stoves & Home Furnishings
569 N Syringa St
Post Falls, ID 83854

Rockford, IL

Advanced Chimney Systems, Inc.
3486 Lonergan Drive
Rockford, IL 61109

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Wauconda, IL

Grass Roots Energy, Inc.
28751 N Route 12
Wauconda, IL 60084

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Evansville, IN

Firemaster, Inc.
5300 E Morgan Avenue
Evansville, IN 47715

Jeffersonville, IN

Olde Towne Chimney & Fireplace Sales
915 Nachand Ln
Jeffersonville, IN 47130

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Overland Park, KS

Kansas City Fireplace Center
10470 Metcalf Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66212

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Erlanger, KY

TateBuilder's Supply, LLC
3511 Dixie Highway
Erlanger, KY 41018

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Littleton, MA

Woodstove, Fireplace and Patio Shop, Inc.
60 White Street
Littleton, MA 01460

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Seekonk, MA

The Fireplace Showcase
775 Fall River Ave
Seekonk, MA 02771

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Sudbury, MA

Woodstove, Fireplace and Patio Shop, Inc.
348 Boston Post Road
Sudbury, MA 01776

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Duluth, MN

Duluth Stove & Fireplace
2431 W Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55806

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Minneapolis, MN

Woodland Stoves & Fireplaces
2901 Franklin Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55406

Oakdale, MN

Energy Savers of Minnesota
6298 Highway 36 Blvd N
Oakdale, MN 55128

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Rochester, MN

Brekke Fireplace Shoppe
1904 S. Broadway
Rochester, MN 55904

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Walker, MN

Wilkening Fireplace Company
9608 State 371 NW
Walker, MN 56484

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Fargo, ND

Home Heating, Plumbing & A/C Inc.
701 28th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103

Omaha, NE

Fireplace By Design
13913 R Plaza
Omaha, NE 68137

Epping, NH

The Stove Shoppe
285, Calef Highway Rte. 125
Epping, NH 03042

Windham, NH

The Stove Shoppe
25 Indian Rock Road
Windham, NH 03087

Hamilton, NJ

Bowden's Fireside - Hearth & Home
1731 Nottingham Way
Hamilton, NJ 08619

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Voorhees, NJ

Rettinger Fireplace Systems, Inc.
476 Centennial Blvd
Voorhees, NJ 08043

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St. Henry, OH

Buschur's Refrigeration, Inc.
541 N Eastern Avenue
St. Henry, OH 45883

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Media, PA

Chimney Cricket
101 State Road
Media, PA 19063

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Rapid City, SD

Hebron Brick Company
1543 Deadwood Ave
Rapid City, SD 57709

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Sioux Falls, SD

Hebron Brick Company
2211 W. 50th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105-6525

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Vermillion, SD

Kalin's Indoor Comfort Inc.
710 Cottage Avenue
Vermillion, SD 57069

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Manassas, VA

Winston's Chimney Service
11301 Industrial Road
Manassas, VA 20109

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Barre, VT

Chimney Sweep Fireplace Shop
1284 US Rte, 302 Ste 10
Barre, VT 05641-2317

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Bennington, VT

Friends of The Sun
126 Hicks Avenue
Bennington, VT 05201

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Manchester, VT

Friends of The Sun
159 Depot Street
Manchester, VT 05255

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Shelburne, VT

Chimney Sweep Fireplace Shop
3113 Shelburne Road
Shelburne, VT 05482

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White River Jnct, VT

Home Comfort of New England
1255 VA Cut Off Road
White River Jnct, VT 05001

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Burlington, WI

Burlington Fireplace & Heating LLC
857 Milwaukee Ave.
Burlington, WI 53105

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Madison, WI

Top Hat
5117 Verona Rd
Madison, WI 53711

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Morgantown, WV

Rustic By Design
709 Beechurst Ave. Suite 15
Morgantown, WV 26505

Laramie, WY

High Country Stoves & Fireplaces
860 N. 3rd Street
Laramie, WY 82072


For more information, contact your local fireplace and grill store.

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