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I think I'd go that route. Plus, if you are renting, the landlord (and their insurance company) may have requirements regarding what you can do. I've been renting the same apartment for the last 12 years. Just a few years ago, the new owners (third since I've been here) informed us that grills could no longer be kept on upper balconies and had to be moved to ground level. They couldn't even be stored on the upper levels. Their insurance company insisted this be done. I would certainly check with the owners to see if there are any limitations before you even put a grill on your balcony. I was surprised after so many years without that issue but I think there had been a fire on a ground floor patio and then it affected everyone. C'est la vie.

We are more than happy with our fire pit in the garden from www.redhillwroughtiron.com.au Best to get a really good one as they last for ages. Ours is 10mm thick and a garden structure in itself. It is versatile, free standing and great for any gatherings. We use ours all the time and cook dinner on a BBQ plate that was made for us.

We all know that fire pits are great for the colder months - the warmth they provide means you can use your outdoor space almost all year round. However, I am interested to know what people think about fire pits in the summer months. Do you loath the space your fire pit takes up in summer and wish it was a drinks cooler instead. Or do do even hide your fire pit away in the shed until the weather cools down again? Or, are you a die-hard fire-gazer and light the fire on summer evenings to give your space ambiance and keep the bugs away. Is gas, ethanol or timber better for a summer fire pit?