AEI Corporation

Outdoor grilling is one of the most popular amenities for residents of apartments, condos, resorts, and time-shares. Whether it’s summer cookouts, a quick weeknight dinner, or hosting friends, grilling brings people together. For property owners and managers, installing outdoor grills in communal areas is one of the most effective ways to increase resident satisfaction and add value to a property.

The Growing Demand for Outdoor Grilling in Multifamily and Hospitality Properties

Over the past decade, outdoor living has become one of the top trends in both multifamily housing and hospitality design. Residents and guests no longer see outdoor grills as a luxury — they expect them as a standard amenity.

• Multifamily Properties: Developers and owners are adding outdoor kitchens, rooftop patios, and courtyard BBQ stations to attract tenants and boost property value. Surveys show that residents view grills and outdoor cooking spaces as a major deciding factor when choosing where to live.
• Hospitality Spaces: Resorts and time-shares use outdoor grilling areas to create memorable guest experiences. Families, couples, and groups of friends enjoy cooking and dining outside, making grilling stations a highlight of the property.

This rising demand has created a challenge for owners: how do you install enough outdoor grills to meet demand without breaking the budget?

That’s where aluminum grills step in. Affordable, durable, and designed for commercial use, AEI’s line of cast aluminum grills offers the perfect balance of quality and cost.

Why Aluminum Grills Are a Smart Choice

For many multifamily properties, installing one grill simply isn’t enough. Communities with hundreds of residents often need multiple grill stations, sometimes with two or more grills per patio. This creates a dilemma:

• Stainless steel grills are aesthetically pleasing but come with a higher price tag.
• Cheap department store grills might be less expensive but may not last long enough to withstand constant use.

Cast aluminum grills provide a middle ground. Made from a cast aluminum alloy, these grills are resistant to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor environments. Cast aluminum grills are durable and efficient at a lower cost than their stainless steel counterparts.

This affordability allows property owners to:

• Install more grills across their community without exceeding budget
• Replace older grills with modern, safe commercial models
• Offer residents high-quality amenities at a fraction of the price

For properties where cost efficiency matters, aluminum grills check all the boxes.

Cast Aluminum Grills vs. Stainless Steel Grills

When choosing a commercial grill, one of the biggest decisions is the material. Let’s compare cast aluminum grills with stainless steel grills.

The key takeaway: cast aluminum grills provide most of the durability and all the functionality of stainless steel grills, but at a significantly lower cost. This makes them an attractive option for apartment and condo properties where multiple installations are needed.

AEI’s Aluminum T-Series Grills

AEI is proud to offer the T-Series cast aluminum grills, designed specifically for commercial and multifamily use. These aren’t just scaled-down backyard grills. They are purpose-built commercial grills with safety, durability, and ease of use in mind.

The T-Series comes in two models:

• T30 Aluminum Grill – A compact option for smaller patios or properties with limited space.
• T40 Aluminum Grill – A slightly larger grill that offers more cooking surface for busier communities.

Both models are smaller than AEI’s three stainless steel grills, which not only makes them more affordable but also easier to fit into communal outdoor areas with multiple stations.

Key Features for Multifamily Properties

The Aluminum T-Series grills are loaded with features designed for shared use in apartments, condos, and other multifamily properties. These include:

1. Built-in Safety Timers

Every T-Series grill comes with automatic gas flow shutoff timers. These timers prevent residents from accidentally leaving the grill running, reducing gas waste and improving safety.

2. Laser-Etched Instructions

Instructions are etched directly into the control panel. Unlike stickers or painted labels, laser-etched directions will never fade, peel, or wear away. Residents always have clear guidance on how to safely operate the grill.

3. Anti-Theft Control Knobs

Designed for multifamily environments, these control knobs cannot be removed without authorization. This reduces the risk of vandalism or tampering, ensuring the grill is always ready for residents to use.

4. Flip Grates for Easy Cleaning

The T-Series includes flip grates, which can be turned over so the grill heat helps burn off and loosen residue. This makes cleaning easier and ensures the grills remain hygienic for all residents.

5. Natural Gas or Propane Options

Both the T30 and T40 grills have natural gas and propane models available, giving property owners flexibility depending on their fuel setup. Natural gas is ideal for permanent installations, while propane allows for easier placement in areas without a gas line.

6. OEM Replacement Parts

Keeping grills in peak working order is easy with OEM grill replacement parts from AEI. Property owners don’t need to worry about mismatched components or hard-to-find parts.

7. Mounting Options for Any Layout

The T-Series grills can be installed in multiple ways, depending on your outdoor space:

• Pole mounted grills – A sturdy and space-efficient option
• Pedestal grills – Stable and attractive, perfect for patios
• Grill carts – Mobile flexibility for different layouts
• Countertop installation – Install the grill unit into a custom outdoor kitchen setup

8. Made in the USA

The Aluminum T-Series is proudly made in the USA, ensuring high-quality construction and long-lasting performance.

Natural Gas Grills vs. Propane Grills

One of the biggest decisions property owners face is whether to use natural gas or propane grills. Both have advantages:

• Natural Gas Grills:
  • Permanent connection to the property’s gas line
  • No need to swap tanks
  • Ideal for high-use communal spaces
• Propane Grills:
  • Flexible placement without requiring a gas line
  • Easy to refill or replace propane tanks
  • Great for properties with multiple scattered patios

AEI offers both fuel types for the T30 and T40, so owners can select what works best for their property.

The Cost-Saving Advantage

For multifamily property owners, the cost advantage of aluminum grills is clear:

• Lower upfront investment – Aluminum grills are significantly less expensive than stainless steel models.
• Ability to buy multiple grills – Properties can install several aluminum grills for the cost of just one or two stainless steel units.
• Durability that saves money long-term – Cast aluminum resists rust and corrosion, meaning fewer replacements and repairs.
• OEM replacement parts available – Extends the lifespan of each grill.

The result is a high-quality amenity that adds resident value while keeping costs under control.

Where Aluminum Grills Are Perfect for Installation

Because of their balance of affordability, durability, and safety, aluminum grills are an excellent fit for a wide range of communal outdoor spaces. Here are a few examples:

1. Apartment Courtyards

Many apartment complexes have shared courtyards where residents gather. Installing T30 or T40 aluminum grills in these spaces gives residents a convenient place to cook outdoors without requiring large investments.

2. Resorts and Time-Shares

Hospitality properties like resorts and time-shares need to provide premium amenities while managing costs across multiple guest areas. Aluminum grills are an excellent option for poolside patios, garden spaces, or outdoor dining areas. Their durability ensures they stand up to frequent use by guests, while their budget-friendly price makes it possible to install multiple grills throughout the property.

3. Poolside BBQ Areas

Pool decks are natural gathering spots for residents. Adding aluminum grills allows people to grill while enjoying the pool, and the cast aluminum material ensures the grills can handle the outdoor elements year-round.

4. Community Clubhouses

Clubhouses often include indoor and outdoor spaces designed for resident events. Installing aluminum grills on pedestals or poles outside makes it easy for residents to host cookouts, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers.

5. Garden or Picnic Spaces

Many multifamily properties offer shaded picnic areas. Adding aluminum grills with timers and anti-theft knobs creates a safe, convenient spot for residents to cook and dine outdoors.

6. Smaller Properties with Limited Budgets

Smaller apartment or condo communities may not have the budget for multiple stainless steel grills. Aluminum grills are a cost-effective choice, allowing even small properties to offer residents a quality amenity without overspending.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aluminum Grills

Q: Are aluminum grills durable enough for heavy use in an apartment or condo setting?
Yes. Cast aluminum is extremely durable and resists rust and corrosion. While stainless steel is stronger overall, cast aluminum provides more than enough durability for multifamily outdoor areas where grills are used regularly.

Q: Do aluminum grills heat as well as stainless steel grills?
Absolutely. Cast aluminum retains heat very efficiently, which allows aluminum grills to warm up quickly and cook food evenly.

Q: Which is better for my property: a natural gas grill or a propane grill?
It depends on your setup. Natural gas grills are best if you have a permanent gas line, since they provide continuous fuel and require less maintenance. Propane grills are better for flexible placements or areas where a gas line isn’t available.

Q: Can I get replacement parts for aluminum grills?
Yes. AEI provides OEM replacement parts for all of our T-Series aluminum grills. This makes maintenance simple and ensures your grills stay in peak working condition for years.

Q: How do I keep aluminum grills clean and ready for residents?
The T-Series aluminum grills come with flip grates that make cleaning much easier. For everyday maintenance, wipe down surfaces after use and periodically check burners and valves. Since the instructions are laser-etched, residents always have guidance on proper use, which helps keep the grills clean.

Q: Do aluminum grills come with warranties?
Yes. AEI’s aluminum grills are backed by strong warranties that protect your investment. Details vary by model, but all warranties are designed to ensure long-term confidence in your purchase.

Q: Are AEI’s aluminum grills made in the USA?
Yes. All T-Series aluminum grills are proudly made in the USA, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and commercial-grade durability.

The Bottom Line

For owners of multifamily properties, aluminum grills offer the perfect mix of value, durability, and functionality. They are budget-friendly without cutting corners, designed specifically for heavy use in communal spaces, and packed with features that make them safe and easy for residents.

By choosing AEI’s Aluminum T-Series grills, property owners can:

• Save money on installation across multiple patios
• Provide reliable grilling options for residents
• Enjoy peace of mind knowing the grills are built for commercial use

If you’re looking for a cost-effective outdoor grill solution for your property, AEI’s cast aluminum grills are the budget-conscious choice that delivers long-lasting results.

Have a Question?

Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.