Celebrating 60 Years of AEI

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Celebrating 60 Years of AEI

January 05, 2026

AEI proudly celebrates 60 years of supporting outdoor living through thoughtfully selected patio grills and patio heaters. This milestone is more than a company anniversary. It is a celebration of the customers, partners, and long-standing relationships that have helped shape AEI over six decades.

From communal patios at apartment communities to outdoor dining spaces at restaurants, hotels, and resorts, AEI products have supported countless shared experiences. Meals have been enjoyed, guests have stayed longer, and outdoor spaces have become true extensions of the properties they serve.

As AEI reflects on 60 years in business, one thing remains clear. The company’s success has always been built on trust, collaboration, and gratitude for the customers and partners who made this journey possible.

In honor of our momentous 60th anniversary, we are thrilled to unveil our beautifully redesigned 60th anniversary logo, a symbol that reflects our journey and growth over the decades. Alongside this, we are also excited to introduce a refreshed AEI logo, which captures the essence of our brand while embracing the spirit of innovation as we step into the future.

The Early Roots of AEI

AEI’s story begins even before the company was officially founded.

In the spring of 1958, AEI’s founder, Phillip Arnold, was involved in the early development of gas patio grills, gaining hands-on experience with outdoor cooking equipment at a time when the industry was still taking shape. These early years provided valuable insight into what worked, what did not, and what shared outdoor spaces truly needed.

Those experiences revealed a clear opportunity. Property owners and operators needed patio grills that were better built, safer, and designed specifically for frequent use in communal and commercial environments.

That understanding laid the foundation for AEI.

The Founding of AEI in 1966

In January of 1966, AEI was officially founded with a focused goal. The company set out to supply high-quality patio grills designed for real-world use across residential and commercial patio spaces.

From the very beginning, AEI emphasized:

Durable construction
Practical, safety-conscious design
Reliable performance
Long-term support

Early customers and partners played an essential role in shaping AEI’s direction. Their feedback helped refine product offerings and establish AEI’s long-standing commitment to service and reliability.

Entering the Patio Heater Market Through Strategic Partnerships in 1968

In 1968, patio heaters were a relatively new addition to outdoor spaces. Restaurants, hotels, and multifamily properties were beginning to explore outdoor heating to extend patio use beyond warm weather.

AEI partnered with established heater manufacturers and began reselling and distributing patio heaters to its growing customer base. This approach allowed AEI to bring proven heating solutions to market while focusing on product selection, availability, and customer support.

These early partnerships helped introduce patio heaters to a wider audience and set the stage for decades of collaboration with trusted heater brands. This model, working closely with experienced manufacturing partners, remains a core part of AEI’s approach today.

Growing Alongside Customers and Industry Partners

Over the decades, AEI grew alongside the people and businesses it served.

Apartment communities needed dependable grills for shared patios. Restaurants and bars relied on patio heaters to support outdoor dining. Hotels and resorts sought equipment that could perform consistently in high-traffic environments.

AEI listened closely, adapted its offerings, and expanded its catalog to meet these evolving needs. Through long-standing relationships with distributors, installers, designers, and property owners, AEI became a trusted and experienced name in the patio grill and patio heater space.

Supporting Commercial and Residential Patio Spaces

For 60 years, AEI has supported both commercial and residential outdoor environments.

Multifamily properties rely on AEI-supplied equipment to support communal amenities. Hospitality businesses trust AEI products to help enhance guest comfort and extend the usable patio season.

Across these settings, customers value AEI for:

Carefully selected product offerings
Consistent performance and durability
Safety-focused features
Reliable access to OEM replacement parts

This trust has been built over time through responsive service and strong partnerships.

Patio Grills Designed for Real-World Use

Today, AEI offers one of the most versatile and well-rounded selections of patio grills for multifamily and hospitality applications.

AEI’s grill lineup includes:

This broad selection allows property owners and developers to choose grills that align with fuel availability, space constraints, and usage requirements.

A Growing Grill Product Catalog

Over the years, AEI has expanded its grill offerings to include 11 unique grill models, along with a wide range of outdoor grill accessories.

Each expansion has been guided by customer feedback and real-world application, ensuring AEI’s grill solutions continue to meet the needs of shared patio environments.

A Broad Selection of Patio Heaters

AEI’s experience with patio heaters spans decades and is rooted in strong relationships with trusted heater brands.

Today, AEI offers one of the most comprehensive selections of patio heaters available, including:

This wide selection allows AEI to support a variety of patio layouts, climates, and fuel preferences.

Heater Brands and Options That Fit the Space

AEI works with four distinct heater brands, offering more than 30 different patio heater models. These heaters are supported by:

This depth gives customers flexibility when designing outdoor spaces of all sizes.

A Mission Focused on Service and Support

At its core, AEI’s mission has remained consistent:

Supply high-quality grilling and heating equipment designed to enhance patio spaces of all types.

Just as important, AEI supports its customers with:

Strong warranties provided by trusted brands
Knowledgeable and responsive customer support
OEM replacement parts for long-term ownership

This commitment reflects AEI’s respect for the long-term relationships it has built over the past 60 years.

Innovation Driven by Customer Needs

Innovation at AEI is often found in how products are supported, specified, and delivered.

In recent years, AEI has introduced new solutions and services based on customer and partner feedback.

Expanding Electric Grill Options

One of AEI’s newest additions is an all-electric stainless steel grill.

Electric patio grills address the growing demand for electric grilling solutions in multifamily properties where gas may not be available. It provides dependable performance while meeting the requirements of modern residential environments.

Simplifying Access to OEM Replacement Parts

AEI has launched a dedicated OEM replacement parts website to make maintenance easier for owners and operators.

This platform helps customers quickly identify and order the correct parts, reducing downtime and extending the life of their grills and patio heaters.

Complimentary Services That Add Value

AEI offers several complimentary services designed to help customers plan patio spaces with confidence.

Free Heat Map Service

AEI’s free heat map service helps visualize patio heater coverage and placement before installation. This service is especially helpful for larger patios or complex layouts.

Personalized Patio Layout Designs

AEI also provides personalized patio layout designs created by experienced patio specialists. These layouts help optimize grill placement, heater coverage, and overall patio flow.

Safety, Accessibility, and Usability Enhancements

AEI continues to prioritize features that improve safety and accessibility in shared outdoor spaces.

Built-In Grill Timers

Many AEI grill models include 60-minute automatic fuel shutoff timers, integrated directly into the grill’s control panel. This feature helps promote safe operation in communal environments.

Durable Instructions and ADA Accessories

Laser-etched operating instructions are designed to remain clear and legible over time. AEI also offers lift-assist grill handles to support inclusive patio design.

Digital Resources That Support Better Planning

AEI provides easy access to important digital resources, located on their corresponding product page, including:

Owner manuals
Product diagrams with cutout dimensions
CAD files for developers
Product brochures

These resources help streamline planning, installation, and ongoing maintenance.

Gratitude at the Heart of 60 Years

AEI’s success would not be possible without:

Customers who have trusted AEI year after year
Manufacturing and brand partners who provide reliable products
Distributors, installers, and contractors who support execution
Designers and developers who incorporate AEI into their projects

Every patio grill and patio heater supplied represents a shared effort.

Looking Ahead With Appreciation

While this milestone is a time to reflect, it is also a time to look forward.

With 60 years of experience, trusted partnerships, and a customer-first approach, AEI remains committed to supporting outdoor spaces for years to come.