Host the Perfect BBQ in Singapore Without Breaking the Rules

If you live in Singapore, are a BBQ lover or are looking to start your BBQ journey, but wondering how to go about grilling, we’re here to answer your questions so you can host the best BBQ in Singapore!

HDB apartments are where most Singaporeans live – almost 80%! For landed property dwellers, the garden or the backyard is the obvious choice for the placement of the BBQ, whereas condo dwellers have to check with their management first if they can use their BBQ on their balcony.

What about those who live in HDB apartments? Most HDB apartments don’t have balconies or terraces. The closest thing to a balcony we have is a service yard.

Where You Can (and Can’t) Place a BBQ in Your HDB

First of all, am I even allowed to put a BBQ in my HDB apartment? The answer is yes – but to legally have one in your home, you’ll need to do it within HDB’s guidelines.

When we asked HDB if it was possible to have the BBQ in the service yard, their reply was this:

“According to our regulations, cooking activities should be confined to the original kitchen floor area, and cooking activities within the service balcony are not allowed.”

Since most service yards are next to the kitchen, you could bring the door and wall that divides the yard and kitchen deeper into the kitchen, making the service yard a larger area. In doing so, part of your kitchen now becomes your service yard. However, according to the original floor plan (and this is what matters), part of the service yard is still considered the kitchen. This is where your BBQ has to go.

For reference, here was HDB’s response to us: “We wish to clarify that cooking of any kind is allowed within the original kitchen area as per the original floor plan.

If the wall/door between the service yard and the kitchen has been removed, the layout of the flat is based on the original floor plan. Therefore, you may use a BBQ or conduct any cooking activities in the area that was originally designated as the kitchen.

However, cooking activities are not permitted in the area that was originally designated as the service yard, even if the kitchen extended into the service yard.”

Here’s what the original floor plan looked like, compared the new floor plan (by Plush Interior Design):

Managing Smoke & Smell Considerations

You’re probably wondering—okay, now that I’ve gotten the legalities out of the way, what about my neighbours complaining about the smoke?

We have a few suggestions:

1. Avoid using charcoal, smoker boxes, wood chips or wood chunks. Use a gas or electric BBQ grill instead. Charcoal and other fuels, even those that supposedly create less smoke, will still create enough smoke to bother your neighbours. Remember, the service yards are lined up above each other, and that’s where most people do their laundry.

2. If possible, get the top floor of your building. If you’re getting a resale flat, try to get the highest floor of the building. Smoke travels upwards, and being on the top floor means not having a neighbour above you to complain about it.

3. Get a portable (or two!) exhaust hood. While this won’t really work with charcoal grills, as the smoke can be really overwhelming, it will help with your gas or electric grill.

4. Avoid sugary marinades if possible. This can cause flare-ups when the marinade and oils drip onto the fire, even with your gas grills. Flare-ups can be pretty smoky.

5. We also recommend shutting the front door if your neighbours are drying the laundry in the corridor. Instead, open the window in the living room and allow for airflow between this window and the service yard. If you notice that the air is flowing out the service yard and not out the window in your living room, that’s even better! It means the smoke and smells from the BBQ are less likely to enter into the main area of your home.

How to Choose A BBQ Grill In Singapore

When shopping for a BBQ grill in Singapore, consider the following factors to ensure you are getting something that makes sense for your situation:

1. Compact & Space-Smart Design – HDB kitchens and service yards have limited space, so choose a slim, lightweight grill that won’t crowd your counters or storage. Features like foldable legs, detachable stands, and built-in wheels make it easier to move your grill and store it away when not in use.

2. Low-Smoke Performance – In communal living, smoke control is essential. Look for enclosed heating elements, grease management systems, and lids that help trap heat and reduce smoke.

3. Effortless Cleaning – Removable drip trays, dishwasher-safe grates, and non-stick cooking surfaces save time and make it easier to store your grill quickly after use.

4. Built-In Safety Features – Cool-touch handles, automatic shut-off timers, and thermal cut-off protection reduce risk in kitchens where the grill may be close to walls, windows, or other appliances.

Here are some of our personal recommendations for grills:

Currently, I am using the smallest 2-burner Napoleon grill available in my HDB apartment (more on this in future posts). There is also an electric version, but I personally still prefer an open fire grill. I got it with the stand option because you can hide the LPG tank behind it. See it in action!

If you have more space, I recommend any of the Napoleon Freestyle BBQs. The Freestyle 365 in particular is the smallest 3-burner grill you can get from this range, and the one without the side burner option comes with 2 collapsible side tables, making it even more compact and perfect for storage after use. There are also regular side burners and infrared side burner options for those who want these additional features.

Use these pointers to zero in on the best BBQ grill in Singapore for your needs and space.

Everyday Dishes That Work on a Home BBQ Grill

Short on space but want more from your setup? From quick proteins to breads, use these ideas to get more mileage from your BBQ grill, which you can use year-round.

Quick Proteins That Cook Cleanly

Go beyond the usual cuts. Paneer, halloumi, firm tofu, and simple prawn skewers brown beautifully on a hot grate or griddle with the lid closed. Pat them dry, brush lightly with oil and salt, and cook until just set; they slide straight into wraps, salads, and grain bowls without the smoke and splatter of fattier meats.

Vegetables That Shine on the Grill

Mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, and asparagus take on colour quickly under a closed lid. A perforated tray keeps small pieces in place and reduces mess. Even okra or green beans turn tender with a light oil toss and lid-down cooking, ideal when neighbours are close.

Breads & Fast Carbs

Flatbreads love radiant heat. Pita, naan, or roti puff on a preheated stone, while garlic bread crisps at the edges and stays soft inside. And you can absolutely make pizza (yes, you heard me right, pizza) on a home grill: preheat a stone, keep toppings light, and cook with the lid down for an even melt and a crisp base—see a quick demo here.

Find the Best BBQ Grill in Singapore at The BBQ Grill Store

Whether you live in an HDB, landed property or a condo, you’ll find the perfect gas or electric BBQ grill at The BBQ Grill Store. Discover our specially curated barbecue pit collections designed for apartment living, or explore our story and mission at our BBQ warehouse.

Get expert advice, premium equipment, and everything you need to host an unforgettable—and rule-compliant—BBQ in Singapore.