Gear Guide: The Urbanite’s Guide to Throwing a Chic City BBQ

With low-profile, compact gear, even city-dwellers short on outdoor space can get their grill on. Here are our top picks for city barbecuing, whether you’ve got a tiny patio, rooftop deck or skinny balcony.

[1] Forgo disposable tableware for Black + Blum’s watertight microwave-and-dishwasher-safe lunchboxes. Each comes with a fork/knife utensil, an inner dish and a separate sauce container, for no-fuss rooftop feasts. Box Appetit, $24 each at Black-Blum.com.

[2] The most versatile of portable grills, Weber’s Jumbo Joe measures in at a patio-perfect 19.75 inches high and 20.5 inches wide, and weighs about 20 pounds. With 240 square inches of plated-steel cooking grate, there’s enough room for multiple items (15 burgers) and indirect cooking. Plus, a stainless steel wire cradle keeps the lid out of the way while you grill and locks it in place for transport. $69.99 at Mapes True Value, Ardmore and Narberth.

[3] The tiniest grill ever? Klaus Aalto’s City Boy Picnic Grill is just over seven inches wide and deep and a mere 8.7 inches tall, which means you can take it anywhere. It’s powered by standard gas cartridges; a side knob adjusts the flame. $229 at finnishdesignshop.us.

[4] Made of waterproof recycled milk jugs, this wall-mounted bar is the best bet for minimalist mixologists. The hinged door folds down for extra workspace; when closed, the cabinet is a sleek, unobtrusive addition to a deck wall at only 21 by 32 by 6.25 inches. Loll wallbanger, $399.99 at lolldesigns.com.

[5] The BBQ Briefcase packs 20 stainless steel, dishwasher-safe grilling tools into one easily tote-able box, perfect for schlepping up to rooftop decks. $83 at uncommongoods.com.

Photography by Dom Savini. Originally appeared in the July 2014 issue of Philadelphia magazine.