Food with a View: What To Barbecue on Your Apartment Balcony, According to a Professional Grill Master

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When you think of barbecuing, big backyard gatherings around the pool might spring to mind. But you no longer need lots of space to get the barbecue firing, thanks to the Weber Lumin. 

The compact, multi-functional barbecue is fully electric, so you can set it up in any space with a power outlet, including smaller balconies. 

Now that you can cook up a storm from the comfort of your apartment, you'll need some tips and tried-and-tested recipes from a pro. We've got you covered — we chatted to Weber Grill Master Laura Romeo about where her love of barbecuing started, what makes barbecuing different to other methods of cooking, her summer barbecue essentials and her advice for experimenting with recipes.

Sam Trezise

Laura's Recommended Recipes for Summer

Get the festivities started with a smoky and spicy caramelised pine lime margaritas, which can be easily prepared with just pineapple, tequila, lime and a sprinkle of Tajin on the rim of the glass. Grilling the pineapple enhances the sweetness and flavour of the fruit, and also adds a touch of flair to the cocktail.

Once that has your guests fired up, you can fire up the barbecue. Stay on theme with simple but fiery chorizo, prawn and lime skewers, made by preparing the skewers and then grilling it all together on the barbecue for 4–6 minutes.

Sam Trezise

For the main course, start with a grilled zucchini, mint, labneh and pine nut salad. The labneh can be prepared an hour ahead (or even overnight), so all you'll have to do is grill the zucchini slices, caramelise the lemon and toast the pine nuts.

Sam Trezise

To accompany the salad, prepare and shape some lamb koftas ahead of time, grill them for about ten minutes, and then serve on top of hummus with mint leaves and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.

Sam Trezise

Where did your passion for food start, and how did you get into barbecuing specifically?

My love for food started early on, right in my grandma's kitchen. Growing up, we'd often bake cookies and slices — I even perfected the pavlova by the age of ten. That continued over the years and turned into cooking for family gatherings. As I got older, I realised there was something truly unique and satisfying about cooking over a live flame. The boldness, the smokiness — it's a sensory experience that's both dynamic and personal. Barbecuing offered the perfect way to elevate my passion, combining my love of food with the art of fire and technique.

What do you like most about barbecuing?

There's something magical about barbecuing that goes beyond the food itself. I love how barbecuing brings people together. It's social and interactive — a time where friends and family gather outdoors, unwind and enjoy amazing food. It's versatile too. I love that you can sear, roast, bake, smoke or slow-cook to get a variety of tastes and textures, all from the same barbecue. Plus, it's addictive, because barbecuing enhances flavours in a way that other methods can't.

Sam Trezise

Why would you say it's worth getting a barbecue? How is it different from cooking on a stovetop, oven or air-fryer?

A barbecue opens up a world of flavour that's hard to replicate on a stovetop or oven. The high heat and flame create that beautiful sear on steaks or crispy skin on chicken, with a smoky depth that can only come from the barbecue. Plus, barbecuing is an experience — it encourages you to be hands-on, you can disconnect from the world and allow yourself to connect with your food in a way that indoor cooking doesn't. Barbecuing can be just as convenient as a stove, oven or air-fryer, with the bonus that the flavours are deeper, more savoury, smoky, deliciously caramelised and honestly, unforgettable.

What are some of your barbecuing tips for novices?

For anyone new to barbecuing, I recommend starting simple. Don't overwhelm yourself with too many dishes at once. Begin with burgers or veggies, which are quick and easy to get the hang of. Also, don't skip preheating the barbecue, as it's essential for proper cooking, ensures you get that perfect sear, eliminates the food sticking and of course, encourages instant flavour. My biggest secret weapon is a meat thermometer to check for doneness, until you're comfortable with knowing the barbecue by sight and feel. If your barbecue has a lid, like most Weber barbecues, cook with it down! You get the best flavour when the lid is closed — trapping in the barbecue smoke cooks the food in a cloud of flavour, plus cooks the food quicker, too. 

Sam Trezise

What are some of your summer barbecue essentials?

I never head to the barbecue without my basics: a great pair of tongs, a sturdy spatula and a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time. Salt and pepper is an easy go-to, but I do love mixing up flavours, so I also keep seasoning and rubs handy for added flavour. For the barbecue itself, I always have my Weber grill brush to give the grill a quick brush after it's preheated. Clean grills mean better-tasting food, prettier sear marks and longer-lasting equipment.

Any tips for coming up with your own barbecue recipes?

Start with perfecting the protein first. Just keep the seasoning simple: olive oil, salt and pepper. Once you have nailed it, then start experimenting with the flavours you love. Think about your favourite spices, herbs or marinades and consider how they might pair with different proteins or veggies. Don't be afraid to mix things up — try a new marinade or add a unique twist to a classic recipe by using seasonal ingredients. Remember, barbecue is as much about creativity as it is technique, so trust your palate and enjoy the process!

What are some of your favourite features on the Lumin Barbecue?

The Lumin Barbecue combines the ease of an electric barbecue with the quality Weber is known for. I love its versatility — it can smoke, sear and even steam, so you can cook a wide range of barbecue meals in a compact space. It also heats up quickly, which is perfect for those last-minute barbecue sessions. And, of course, the Lumin is an ideal option for apartment living, where gas or solid fuel barbecues are not permitted.

What makes Weber products stand out?

Weber is truly unmatched in durability and innovation. From the materials to the design of the cooking system, everything is built with the barbecuer's experience in mind. If you've tasted food off a Weber barbecue, you'll know that unmistakable Weber flavour. You'll find even heat distribution on every Weber barbecue, which allows you to focus more on your food rather than fussing with the flames. Plus, Weber's commitment to quality means these barbecues are an investment that last through years of family barbecues and outdoor events.

Find out more about the Lumin at the Weber website.