Can You Grill Under a Canopy? Is It Safe?

Published October 16th, 2022 by Allen Campbell

can you grill under a canopy is it safe

Can you grill under a canopy? According to my experience, it is not a good idea to grill under a canopy because it can create several problems. One of the major problems is fire. Even if your canopy states that it is fire resistant, there will be always a small chance that the fire from the grill will reach your canopy and cause it to catch fire. 

But there are some situations where you have to grill under a canopy, like if it’s raining or snowing outside. So, in those cases, you can take some precautions to make sure that your canopy doesn’t catch fire.

Can You Grill Under a Canopy?: Summary

Risks Involved in Grilling Under a Canopy

Not only canopy can catch fire from the grill, but anything around the grill can also catch fire, like a paper plate or even your clothes. When grilling beneath a canopy, it is usually a good idea to exercise more caution. 

  • People standing under the canopy can also get injured if the grill’s fire reaches the canopy. Secondly, the canopy itself can easily catch fire if it comes in contact with hot coals or ashes from the grill.
  • There are many materials used in the canopy, but the most common are polyester and polyethylene. Both of these materials tends to melt when they get too hot and can easily ignite if they come in contact with fire. 
 

So, there is a possibility that people can get burned by the melted canopy material if they are standing too close to the grill. Also, if not controlled properly, the fire from the grill can easily spread to the surrounding area and cause damage to property.

Another risk is that the smoke from the grill can get trapped under the canopy and can cause respiratory problems for people who are standing nearby. So, it is always better to ventilate the area well before starting to grill.

Personally, I would not suggest you grill under a canopy unless it is absolutely necessary. But if you have to, then make sure that you take all the necessary precautions to avoid any accidents. Here are some effective methods for keeping safe when grilling beneath a canopy:

13 Tips to safely grill under a canopy tent

Before you fire up those coals, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re grilling under a canopy tent. Here are 13 tips for grilling under a canopy tent, so you can enjoy all the fun of grilling without any of the hassles.

Check if your canopy is resistant to fire

First and foremost, you should check the fire resistance rating of your canopy. You will see the rating on the label of the canopy. The two most common ratings are CPAI 84 and NFPA 701. If your canopy has either of these ratings, then it means that it is resistant to fire to some extent.

Fire Extinguisher

Keep a fire extinguisher near you while grilling. In case of any emergency, you can use it to extinguish the fire.

Grill Placement

Now you need to think about the location of the grill. It is always better to place the grill towards the side of the canopy. This way, the smoke, and heat will be directed away from the canopy. Also, keep your grill at least a few feet away from the edge of the canopy to avoid any accidents. This way, even if the fire spreads, it won’t be able to reach the canopy.

Charcoal over Gas

It is always better to use charcoal instead of gas while grilling under a canopy. Gas grills can create a lot of heat and smoke which can be dangerous for the canopy.

Reduce the Risk of BBQ Fires

Try to opt for a BBQ that has a proper built-in hood or screen. This will reduce a lot of risks as the fire will be more contained.

Pre-cook your food

If you can cook your food beforehand and just heat it up on the grill, that would be ideal. This way, you won’t have to spend a lot of time cooking under the canopy.

Consider headspace

The canopy should be at least 6 feet from the top of your grill. In this way, you will be sure that there will be fewer chances of fire spreading to the canopy. Additionally, it is always better to have a few more feet of space so that you can move around easily.

Opt. for grill mat

It is always better to use a grill mat under your grill. This way, even if there are any sparks, they will be contained and won’t be able to damage the canopy.

Camping fan

Also, you can purchase one quality camping fan to keep the smoke moving out from under the canopy.

Check weather forecast

An additional tip is to double-check the weather forecast before you fire up the grill. If it is too windy, then there is a chance that the fire can spread quickly. So, it is always better to grill when the weather is calm.

Don't grill when you are drunk

The most key tip I can provide is to grill while remaining sober. If you are drunk, there is a greater chance that you will make a mistake and that the fire may spread rapidly. So, it is always better to grill when you are sober.

Keep your canopy secure

Last but not the least; you should keep your canopy properly connected to guy lines and weight bags. In this way, you will eliminate the chances of your canopy blowing away in the wind and causing an accident. If you’re looking for a sturdy canopy for your grilling activities, check out our strongest canopies here.

Grilling Under a Canopy: Bottom Line

I strongly recommend you to not grill under a canopy tent. However, if you still want to do it because of some reason, then make sure that you take all the necessary precautions. 

Don’t take any risks while grilling under a canopy. I have mentioned some major tips that will definitely help you in grilling safely under a canopy. But, even after taking all these precautions, if you still feel that it is too risky, then I would suggest you not do it. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

FAQs

Will a grill get ruined in the rain?

For anyone who enjoys the taste of a freshly grilled steak or burger, the thought of rain putting a damper on their cookout plans can be frustrating. But is there really a reason to worry? After all, grills are designed to withstand high temperatures, so a little bit of moisture shouldn’t hurt them, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. 

While most grills are made to resist rust and corrosion, they aren’t necessarily built to withstand extended exposure to water. Over time, the metal components of a grill can start to break down, leading to problems with the performance of the grill. Additionally, water can also cause issues with the igniter, making it difficult or even impossible to get the grill started.

How do you keep a grill from rusting outside?

If you own a grill, chances are you’ll want to keep it in good condition for as long as possible. After all, nothing quite beats the taste of a juicy steak or burger that’s been cooked to perfection on an open flame. However, grills can be susceptible to rust, especially if they’re left outdoors in harsh weather conditions. So, how can you keep your grill from rusting? 

First, make sure to clean it regularly, both before and after use. This can assist in the removal of any built-up grease or debris, which may cause corrosion. Another thing you can do is invest in a cover; this will protect your grill from the elements when it’s not in use. Finally, oiling often will create a protective layer that prevents moisture from coming into contact with the metal below.

Can you grill under a covered patio?

Grilling is a great way to cook up delicious food, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. That’s why many people choose to grill under a covered patio, which can help to prevent accidental fires. However, grilling under a covered patio isn’t without its challenges. The heat from the grill can cause the temperature to rise, making it difficult to keep things cool. 

Additionally, smoke can quickly build up under a cover, making it hard to see what you’re cooking. For these reasons, it’s critical to exercise caution when grilling under a covered patio. Keep an eye on the grill at all times, and make sure there is plenty of ventilation in the area. By being mindful, you can reap all the benefits of grilling without any of its dangers.

Check out our best porch canopy ideas here.

Allen Campbell with Master Canopies

Allen Campbell

Allen is a full time writer at Mastercanopies.com and enjoys traveling around the United States and exploring nature. He enjoys writing about canopies as he believes they are extremely crucial in having a successful camping trip whether it be a trip to the beach, mountains, or the open plains.

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