Grilling is a popular cooking way to enjoy it during the summertime. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were an estimated 16,600 home structure fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues in 2018. These fires caused annual averages of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries and $238 million in direct property damage.
Most of these fires (55%) started on an exterior balcony or open porch, while others started in the kitchen (17%), garage or carport (11%). Given that grills should only be used outdoors, it’s important to know how to properly and safely set them up. Therefore, it is vital to understand how much clearance does a grill need?
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All You Need To Know On How Much Clearance Does A Grill Need?
Deck Grill Clearance
One of the most important factors in grill safety is maintaining the proper amount of clearance. This means keeping the grill a safe distance away from any combustible materials. The general rule of thumb is to keep the grill at least three feet away from buildings or other structures.
If you’re grilling on a deck, make sure the grill is placed well away from the railings. Be sure to also check for any low-hanging branches or other potential hazards. You’ll also want to avoid setting up the grill near any outdoor furniture, as this could easily catch fire.
Charcoal Grill Deck Clearance
If you’re using a charcoal grill, it’s important to be extra cautious about clearance. These types of grills need to be placed in an area where there is good ventilation. They should also be kept away from any flammable liquids, such as gasoline.
As with any other type of grill, you’ll want to keep a charcoal grill at least three feet away from any buildings or other structures. If you’re grilling on a deck, ensure the grill is placed well away from the railings.
Wood Pellet Grill Clearance
Wood pellet grills are a newer type of grill that has become popular in recent years. They’re similar to charcoal grills in that they need good ventilation and should be kept away from any flammable liquids.
However, wood pellet grills also require electricity to operate. This means they should be used with caution and only in areas without electrocution risk. As with any other type of grill, you’ll want to keep a wood pellet grill at least three feet away from any buildings or other structures.
Built-in Outdoor Kitchen Grills Clearance
If you’re lucky enough to have a built-in outdoor kitchen, you may be wondering how much clearance your grill needs. The answer depends on the type of grill you have.
If you have a charcoal or wood pellet grill, you’ll need to follow the same safety guidelines as if the grill was not built-in. This means keeping the grill well-ventilated and away from any flammable liquids. You’ll also want to keep the grill at least three feet away from any buildings or other structures.
The built-in feature may provide additional clearance if you have a gas grill. However, it’s still important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the grill at least three feet away from any buildings or other structures.
Overhead Clearance for Grills
Another important factor in grill safety is overhead clearance. This means keeping the grill safe from any overhead structures, such as roofs or tree branches.
The general rule of thumb is to keep the grill at least 10 feet away from overhead structures. However, this may vary depending on the type of grill you have. If you’re not sure, it’s best to check with the manufacturer or a certified grill technician.
Conclusion
Grills should be placed at least 3 feet away from any structures for safety purposes. This will help to prevent any fires from spreading to the house or other buildings. Additionally, the grill should be placed on a level surface to avoid tipping. It’s also important to have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any accidents. With proper precautions, grilling can be a fun and safe activity for the whole family to enjoy. Following these simple tips can help keep your home and loved ones safe while still enjoying delicious grilled foods.