Can You Grill Inside a Screen Enclosure in the Porch?

Summer time is the perfect time to fire up the grill and cook some delicious food. If you have a screen enclosure on your porch, you may be wondering if it’s safe to grill inside of it.

In this blog post, we go in-depth with this question and answer some of the most frequent questions we often get, so stay tuned for tips on making your grilling experience even better.

Can You Grill Under a Screen Enclosure?

No, grilling under a screen enclosure is not recommended. The high heat from the grill can damage the screen material and cause it to sag.

In addition, grease and smoke can build up on the screens and be challenging to remove. If you must grill under a screen enclosure, place a drip pan beneath the grill to catch any drippings.

For instance, you can use an old cookie sheet or pie tin. You should also clean the screens after grilling to prevent any build-up.

How Much Clearance Does a Grill Need?

According to most manufacturers, you need at least 20 inches to your grill’s rear, 7 inches from its sides, and 25 inches if you put your grill near the vinyl siding. If you’re unsure, always check your manufacturer’s instructions first. But what if you don’t have a lot of space in your backyard?

If you’re tight on space, you can always grill inside a screen enclosure on your porch (though this isn’t recommended). And that’s why you need to ensure that the screen enclosure is appropriately ventilated to avoid accidents.

Can You Use a Charcoal Grill on a Screened in Porch?

No, you should never use a charcoal grill on a screened-in porch because it can be a fire hazard. If you MUST grill on a screened-in porch, use an electric or gas grill. Keep the grill at least three feet away from the house and never leave it unattended.

When using an electric grill, use the proper extension cords. Check for damaged areas on the cord, and do not use it if damaged. If you must use a gas grill, ensure the gas line is installed correctly and that there are no leaks.

Also, ensure the grill is stable, so it does not tip over. Never leave a gas grill unattended while in use because a fire could start very quickly. If you have a propane tank, keep it away from the house and never store it inside the house or garage.

Reasons To Not Grill on a Screened-In Porch

You might be thinking, “Why not? I do it all the time!” But there are some good reasons why you shouldn’t grill inside a screen enclosure on the porch. Here are just a few:

1. Grill Emits Dangerous Smoke

The grill emits smoke and fumes that can be harmful to your health. The smoke can also damage the screens on your porch, causing them to become discolored and brittle. For example, OSHA warns that “exposure to carbon monoxide from grilling indoors can cause serious health problems, including asphyxiation.”

2. Grease and Food Stains

Another reason not to grill on a screened-in porch is that it can cause grease and food stains. These stains can be difficult to remove and make your porch look dirty. For instance, HouseLogic warns that “grease stains are difficult to remove from most surfaces, including screens.”

3. Fire Hazard

Grilling inside a screen enclosure is also a fire hazard. The website This Old House warns that “a stray spark could easily ignite the wood framing or the screens themselves.” For example, a few years back, a fire that started on a grill inside a screen enclosure caused $200,000 in damage to a home in Florida.

4. You Could be Breaking Local Laws

In some areas, grilling inside a screen enclosure is against the law. For example, in Orlando, Florida, it is illegal to grill inside a screen enclosure attached to a house or other structure. Using your grill inside a screen enclosure on the porch invites trouble, and it is best to avoid it.

5. Smoke Could Damage Things on Your Porch

The smoke from the grill could damage any items on your porch, such as patio furniture or potted plants. For example, the Apartment Therapy website warns that “smoke from the grill can discolor and damage outdoor furniture and fabrics.”

So, while grilling on a screened-in porch might seem like a good idea, it’s not. It’s safer to grill outdoors in an open area.

Can You Put a Grill in an Enclosed Patio?

No, using a grill in an enclosed patio or screen room is not recommended due to the risk of fire. If you must use a grill (gas or electric) in an enclosed area, keep it away from flammable objects and open any doors or windows to ventilate the area. Be extra careful when grilling in an enclosed space, and always err on the side of caution to avoid any accidents.

Can You Put an Outdoor Kitchen in a Screened Porch?

Yes, you can put an outdoor kitchen on a screened porch, but there are a few things you need to take into consideration before you do. The most important thing is making sure that the grill you choose is safe to use inside a screened enclosure.

Some grills give off sparks that can easily ignite the screen material, so choosing a grill with a spark arrestor is important. You should also ensure the grill is on a stable surface, such as a concrete pad, to avoid accidents.

Another thing to consider is the amount of smoke and fumes the grill will produce. Some grills produce more smoke and fumes than others, so choosing one that won’t cause problems with the screened enclosure is important.

Finally, you need to make sure the grill is properly ventilated. Most grills come with a built-in ventilation system, but if yours doesn’t, you’ll need to install one.

With proper planning and consideration, an outdoor kitchen on a screened porch can be a great addition to your home. Just make sure you take the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.

Can You Have a Fire Pit Inside a Screen Enclosure?

No, you should never put a fire pit inside a screen enclosure for the safety of your home. It would also be a pain to constantly move the fire pit in and out whenever you wanted to use it.

A better option would be to invest in a gas or electric grill that you can use inside the screened enclosure. This way, you can still enjoy cooking and entertaining outdoors without worrying about your home’s safety.

No ashes to deal with, no smoke to clear out – it’s the perfect solution for enjoying the outdoors without hassle.

So, if you’re looking for a way to enjoy grilling and entertaining outdoors without putting your home at risk, consider investing in a gas or electric grill. It’s the perfect solution for screened enclosures.

Alternatives To Grilling on Screened-In Porches

If you’re looking for an alternative to grilling on your screened-in porch, consider one of these options:

1. Cooking on an Indoor Electric Grill

If you’re looking for a smoke-free option, an indoor electric grill is an excellent alternative to cooking on your porch. For example, assuming you have the proper ventilation, you can use an electric grill indoors on your stovetop.

2. Cooking on a Gas or Charcoal Grill Outside

If you’re looking for a smoky flavor, cooking on a gas or charcoal grill outside is a great option. However, you’ll need to be sure to keep the grill clean and covered when not in use to prevent rust.

3. Cooking on a Campfire

Cooking on a campfire is a great option if you’re looking for a rustic option. However, you’ll need to be sure to keep the fire contained and extinguished when not in use to prevent wildfires.

4. Cooking on a Stovetop

If you’re looking for a smoke-free option, cooking on a stovetop is a great alternative to grilling. For example, you can use a cast-iron skillet on your stovetop to get that grilled flavor without all the smoke.

5. Grilling Food in the Oven

If you’re looking for a smoke-free option, grilling food in the oven is an excellent alternative to grilling on your porch. For example, you can use an oven-safe grill pan on your stovetop to get that grilled flavor without all the smoke.

As you can see, many options are available to you if you’re looking for an alternative to grilling on your screened-in porch. Choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.

In Summary

So, can you grill inside a screen enclosure in the porch? It’s not recommended due to the fire hazard. If you must grill inside, make sure to keep a fire extinguisher handy and never leave the grill unattended. Better yet, enjoy the outdoors and grill on the deck or in the backyard. Your family and friends will thank you for it.

Frequently Asked Questions