AEI Corporation

For over a century, the phrase “Made in the USA” has been a symbol of quality, reliability, and craftsmanship. From cars to kitchen appliances, American manufacturing has built a reputation for delivering products that last, and patio heaters and grills are no exception.

In contrast, products made overseas often carry a reputation for being cheaper, mass-produced, and sometimes less durable. These generalizations are not always completely accurate because some overseas manufacturers produce excellent products. However, there is a reason “American-made” still carries weight with buyers. For property owners, managers, and hospitality businesses, the choice between a USA-made and an imported patio heater or grill can impact everything from long-term maintenance to guest satisfaction.

AEI Corporation has been a leader in patio heater and grill manufacturing for over 50 years. As a U.S. company, AEI started out manufacturing in America and continues to produce most of its patio heaters and patio grills in the USA. We are proud to carry several industry-leading brands made domestically, offering all the advantages that come with American manufacturing.

In this article, we will explain why American-made patio appliances remain a strong choice, highlight AEI’s Made in USA heaters and grills, and compare them to their overseas counterparts so you can make the best investment for your property.

The Legacy of “Made in USA” Patio Appliances

When you hear “heater made in the USA” or “grill made in the USA,” you may picture products that are built to last. That is no coincidence. American manufacturing has long been tied to high-quality standards, rigorous testing, and materials designed for durability.

Historically, American manufacturers have thrived by:

• Prioritizing quality over quantity by focusing on products that last for years instead of just a single season.
• Investing in skilled labor such as craftspeople and engineers who take pride in their work.
• Keeping tight control over production so that build quality and design remain consistent.

These values are especially important for patio heaters and patio grills used in high-demand environments like apartment complexes, restaurants, resorts, and hotels. In these settings, equipment is often in near-constant operation. That means durability and performance are not just nice to have, they are essential.

AEI’s American-Made Patio Heaters

AEI carries some of the most trusted Made in USA patio heater brands in the industry, each with decades of experience producing high-performance outdoor heating solutions.

Infratech Electric Patio Heaters

• Fuel Type: Electric patio heaters
• Style: Horizontal heaters
• Best For: Hospitality venues, condo and apartment patios, rooftop bars, and covered outdoor lounges.
• Why They Stand Out: Infratech heaters are designed for sleek, architectural integration. Many models are available in multiple finishes to match décor, including stainless steel, bronze, and custom powder coats. They feature quartz elements for efficient, even heat and are compatible with modern smart controls. This makes them ideal for businesses that want a quiet, odor-free heating solution that also looks great.
• Product Highlights:
  • Available in single or dual-element models for different heat intensities.
  • Can be recessed into ceilings for a clean, flush appearance with a flush mount frame.
  • Offers zone heating control, allowing you to heat only the areas you need.
  • Made in the USA.

Sunpak Patio Heaters

• Fuel Type: Natural gas or propane
• Heater Style: Horizontal heaters
• Best For: Outdoor dining patios, hotel pool decks, and apartment shared spaces.
• Why They Stand Out: Sunpak heaters are built for tough outdoor environments. Made from stainless steel and aluminum, they resist rust and corrosion. They provide instant infrared heat and can be mounted on walls or ceilings to save space.
• Product Highlights:
  • Electronic ignition with flame sensor for added safety.
  • High and low heat settings for comfort control.
  • Multiple color options for added style.
  • Easy to operate with simple ON/OFF switches, High/Low/OFF switches, and shutoff timers
  • Made in the USA.

SunStar Patio Heaters

• Fuel Type: Natural gas or propane
• Heater Style: Horizontal heaters
• Best For: Coastal locations, large hospitality areas, resort patios, and wide-open apartment complex courtyards.
• Why They Stand Out: SunStar heaters deliver broad heat coverage and are known for their power and their heaters that are made with marine-grade stainless steel. They are a popular choice for properties that need to keep large groups comfortable outdoors. With corrosion-resistant housing and durable burners, they are built for year-round use.
• Product Highlights:
  • Marine-Grade stainless steel available for additional corrosion protection from coastal climates
  • Adjustable angles for targeted heating.
  • Suitable for partially enclosed patios with proper ventilation.
  • Available in multiple BTU outputs to match your heating needs.
  • Optional heat shield available for tighter spaces so the heaters can be installed closer to potentially combustible materials.
  • Made in the USA.

AEI’s American-Made Patio Grills

When it comes to patio grills, the difference between a cheaply made import and a quality grill made in the USA becomes even more noticeable. Grills face heat, grease, weather, and frequent use, all of which can quickly wear down poorly made models.

PGS Aluminum T-Series Grills

• Fuel Type: Natural gas or propane
• Best For: Multifamily properties, including apartments and condos.
• Why They Stand Out: Designed for high-traffic communal use, these grills are built with cast aluminum bodies that resist rust. They feature anti-theft knobs, commercial-grade burners, and a built-in 60-minute safety timer that automatically shuts off gas flow, which is a valuable feature for property managers.
• Product Highlights:
  • The budget conscious choice for multifamily patio grills.
  • They pack a lot of power into a smaller grill, which allows multiple grills to be installed in a single grilling area, letting multiple families grill their food at once.
  • Two sizes of grills available, the T30 & T40.
  • Heavy-duty cooking grids and flavor grids for even heat.
  • Easy-to-service components for quick maintenance.

PGS Aluminum Series

• Fuel Type: Natural gas or propane
• Best For: Properties or venues needing high-quality grills without a built-in timer.
• Why They Stand Out: The Aluminum Series shares the same rugged cast aluminum build and commercial-quality parts as the T-Series but without the built-in timer. This gives operators more flexibility in how the grill is used.
• Product Highlights:
  • The budget conscious choice for residential patio grills.
  • Same rust-proof body and burner quality as the T-Series.
  • Perfect for settings where grill use is supervised.
  • Easy to customize with side shelves or warming racks.

Comparing USA-Made vs. Overseas Patio Products

Here is how American-made patio appliances compare with their overseas counterparts.

Build Quality and Durability

• USA-Made: Often uses thicker metals, commercial-grade components, and long-lasting finishes like marine-grade stainless steel or powder coating. Products are designed for easy part replacement.
• Overseas: Quality can vary greatly. Some models work well for light residential use, but many struggle in high-traffic or commercial environments. Thinner metal can warp or rust faster.

Shipping and Delivery

• USA-Made: Ships from within the country, which reduces freight costs and speeds up delivery.
• Overseas: Often requires ocean freight or long-distance air shipping, which can cause delays.

Parts and Service

• USA-Made: Replacement parts are readily available and can often be shipped overnight.
• Overseas: Parts may be discontinued quickly or take weeks to arrive.

Customization

• USA-Made: Offers more finish options, sizes, mounting hardware, and accessories.
• Overseas: Typically limits variations to keep production costs low.

Real-World Pros and Cons

USA-Made Pros:

• Long-term reliability reduces repair and replacement costs.
• Higher resale value for properties with premium amenities.
• Easier warranty claims and faster service.

USA-Made Cons:

• Higher initial cost compared to imports.

Overseas Pros:

• Lower purchase price, which can be beneficial for tight budgets.
• Suitable for low-use applications.

Overseas Cons:

• Shorter lifespan in heavy-use environments.
• Limited repair options and slower part replacement.

Why American-Made Matters for Multifamily & Hospitality

For multifamily properties and hospitality businesses, investing in American-made patio heaters and grills provides several benefits:

• Less downtime because durable equipment requires fewer repairs and replacements.
• Consistent guest experience since reliable heating and grilling equipment keeps residents and customers happy.
• Brand reputation that reflects well on your property’s overall standards.
• Long-term savings since spending more upfront often means spending less over time.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Apartment Complex Grill Area

A property manager installs two PGS Aluminum T-Series grills in the shared courtyard. Five years later, they are still in great shape with only minor maintenance, and OEM grill replacement parts have always been easy to get.

Scenario 2: Restaurant Rooftop Bar

A downtown restaurant invests in Infratech electric patio heaters for its rooftop lounge. Guests enjoy warm, comfortable evenings year-round, and the restaurant avoids the noise and fumes of propane heaters.

Scenario 3: Hotel Pool Deck

A resort installs SunStar natural gas heaters along the perimeter of its outdoor pool area. They provide consistent warmth during cool evenings and additional resistance to the ocean sea breeze, while improving guest comfort and extending the outdoor season.

The Bottom Line

Not every overseas product is low-quality, but American-made patio heaters and grills offer clear advantages for those who need reliability, durability, and strong support. AEI is proud to carry and manufacture a wide range of Made in USA heaters and grills, designed for the needs of multifamily properties and hospitality businesses across North America.

Whether you need a patio heater to keep guests comfortable during cool evenings or a patio grill that stands up to daily use in a shared space, AEI has American-made options that deliver dependable performance.

Ready to Upgrade Your Patio?

Explore AEI’s selection of American-made patio heaters and grills today. Contact us for expert guidance on choosing the right model for your property, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with owning equipment built to last.

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