is charcoal BBQ grill safe?

[Xin297]

Hi all,

My airbnb house does not have gas. So I provided a BBQ grill that uses charcoal. I wonder if it is a good idea.

Is it safe? The BBQ grill that I provided is a round portable one, and I put it in the backyard on the cement patio. However, cleaner has noticed that some of the guests took it to the deck which is made of composite materials. Should I require guests only BBQ on the cement ground and not take it to the deck? What about fire hazard to do a BBQ on the deck? 

Any good suggestions?

[Sarah977]

@Xin297  Chain it to the cement pad so guests can't move it and leave instructions that it's not to be moved, or remove it entirely.  

They will destroy your deck otherwise.

[Anonymous]

@Xin297 Considering the risk of damage to the deck, fire hazard, the waste disposal issues, the noxious air pollution, and the time-consuming cleaning between guests, is that BBQ grill really pulling its weight as an amenity?

[Kia272]

@Xin297  Gas grills run off of a portable propane tank that's around $20-25 to fill. If you want to provide a grill, that might be your best bet. I don't see any particular problem with charcoal and fire hazards, but you don't need a gas line at your house to provide a gas grill. If you do keep the charcoal grill then yes, be specific that guests need to use it where it is and not move it, if that's your preference. 

[Anonymous]

@Kia272   I wouldn't have seen a potential fire hazard with a Duraflame log either, but there's no IQ minimum for Airbnb guests. Remember this one?  https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Host-Circle/The-honeymooners-helicopter-mom-and-the-fire-log/m-p...

[Kia272]

@Anonymous  I know.....but at least this situation is exterior to begin with. I suggested the gas grill because it might be considered safer. Not having a gas line isn't a reason to not have a gas grill. 

Maybe AirBnB can start screening for IQ soon? New name: AirBnB Elevated  😉

[Anonymous]

I'd also say the propane grill is safer and not quite so rough on the air quality. Hosts who offer these have to consider whether they want to add refilling a tank to their changeover routine from time to time.

For what it's worth, on the couple of occasions when I've stayed at an Airbnb with a gas grill, I've changed my mind about using it the minute I opened it up and saw some severely gory food remains and, in one case, rodent feces. It seems that outdoor grills are the feature that hosts and and guests alike always forget to clean. 

[Xin297]

Thank you for the advice!