Grilling under an ordinary covered patio in New Orleans goes against the safety guidance most people should follow: the National Fire Protection Association says a grill should be placed well away from the home and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. A screened porch is a firmer no for charcoal, since the Consumer Product Safety Commission says charcoal grills belong outside in the open air.
That’s frustrating in a city where an afternoon thunderstorm can roll in just as the burgers go on. The good news is there are safer ways to cook near your outdoor living space, and a covered outdoor kitchen designed for cooking is a different thing from a grill pushed under a patio roof. We design and build covered outdoor kitchens in New Orleans, and this guide covers what the safety guidance says and how cooking areas get planned around it.
This article is general safety information. Your grill’s manual and your local fire code come first, and questions about your own setup belong with the fire department or your insurer. If you rent or live in a condo, check your lease or association rules before you grill.
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