AEI Corporation

Create a Standout Grilling Area: The Top Mounting Options for Communal Patio Grills

Posted: October 31, 2024 at 06:23 PM

9 minute read | Grills

In apartments and condos, outdoor grilling spaces have become a popular feature. These communal grilling areas give residents a place to cook and gather outdoors, adding a sense of community and fun to the property. Not only do these spaces make residents happy, but they can also add to the property’s value. Offering grills on-site is a perk that stands out in today’s rental market.

For property owners, there are several ways to set up these patio grills based on the property’s layout and size. Some setups are simple and affordable, while others offer a more permanent, high-end grilling station. Each setup has unique benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one to match your space and resident needs.

In this blog, we’ll explore five common options for mounting patio grills: pole-mounted grills, pedestal grills, grill carts, grill islands, and custom-built countertops. Whether you’re a developer planning new outdoor areas or a property manager upgrading existing ones, this guide will help you decide which mounting option is best for your property.

Pole Mounted Grills

A pole-mounted grill is installed on top of a sturdy pole that’s fixed securely into the ground. This setup keeps the grill stable and safe, making it ideal for shared outdoor spaces where safety is a priority. We also offer a base plate that can be added to the bottom of the pole for a polished, finished look.

One key feature of pole-mounted grills is that they’re almost always connected to natural gas. Since there’s no storage space for a propane tank, natural gas is a practical choice for pole-mounted patio grills. This means that once the grill is installed, it stays put and stays connected to your natural gas line—making it very convenient for a communal grilling area where multiple residents may use it at different times.

Pole-mounted grills are also great if you want to place multiple grills in a single area. This setup works well for larger properties with lots of outdoor space because it’s easy to create a dedicated grilling zone where residents can cook side by side.

Pros:

• Safe and secure
• Easy for multiple users to access
• Works well in larger grill areas with multiple grills installed

Cons:

• Limited to natural gas, so it’s not portable
• Requires a professional installation to ensure it’s securely mounted, and properly connected to your natural gas line

Pedestal Grills

Pedestal grills are similar to pole-mounted grills but offer a bit more flexibility in design and use. These grills are installed on top of a sturdy, square-shaped stand, also known as a pedestal, which is fixed to the ground. The pedestal provides plenty of stability, making it safe for communal areas where multiple people may be using it throughout the day.

One of the main advantages of pedestal grills is that the stand can be used as a storage space. This storage can be used to hold a propane tank or other grilling supplies, making it convenient for users. Pedestal-mounted grills can use either natural gas or propane, so they’re a versatile choice for properties that may not have a natural gas line already set up. If propane is used, the tank can be neatly hidden inside the pedestal for a clean and organized look.

Pedestal grills are ideal for properties that want to set up multiple grills in a single grilling area. For example, in an apartment complex with a large shared patio, several pedestal grills can be placed together to create a grilling zone. This setup is convenient and provides enough space for residents to grill alongside each other without overcrowding.

Pros:

• Can store propane tanks and grilling tools inside the pedestal
• Flexible fuel options: works with either natural gas or propane grills
• Sturdy and safe for multi-user areas
• The pedestal gives a more substantial look and feel to the grills

Cons:

• Not as portable as a grill cart

Grill Carts

Grill carts offer a unique advantage over other types of mounted grills: mobility. A grill cart is essentially a pedestal grill with wheels, allowing a propane grill to be moved as needed. This flexibility makes grill carts an excellent option for properties with limited outdoor space or areas that need a temporary grilling solution. Grill carts are especially popular in locations without natural gas hookups, as they’re typically fueled by propane.

The mobility of grill carts means they can be rolled out for use when needed and stored out of the way afterward. This makes them ideal for areas that can’t dedicate a full-time space to grilling or that may need to quickly set up extra grilling stations during busy times, such as a large event or gathering.

Grill carts work well in areas that might need grilling flexibility. For instance, if a condo complex has a small rooftop patio or a garden that’s only occasionally used for events, a grill cart can be rolled out and put away afterward. This saves space while still giving residents access to grilling options. It’s also a great solution for places that don’t have easy access to a natural gas line or electric outlet.

Pros:

• Portable and easy to move (propane grills only)
• Great for properties with limited space or no natural gas hookups
• Perfect for occasional or unexpected use
• Grill carts are available for both stainless steel and cast aluminum grills

Cons:

• Limited to propane since natural gas and electric grills can’t be moved around
• Propane grills require their fuel tanks to be swapped out when depleted. This can be made less of an inconvenience by having extra propane tanks on site

Grill Islands

Grill islands are a step up from pedestal and pole-mounted grills, offering a more permanent and stylish grilling station. A grill island is a prefabricated outdoor countertop with space to install a grill, and some storage drawers or compartments. Unlike custom-built countertops, grill islands come pre-made and can be set up quickly. They’re popular in shared outdoor spaces like patios because they provide a clean, professional look and often become the centerpiece of the patio area.

One big advantage of grill islands is their cost-effectiveness. Since they’re prefabricated, grill islands are cheaper to build than custom outdoor countertops, saving on both materials and labor. They can usually be assembled within a single day, making them a quick solution for adding a permanent grill setup. This is in contrast to custom-built outdoor countertops, which might take days or even weeks to complete.

Grill islands are also relatively lightweight, so they’re a good choice for areas with weight restrictions, such as rooftop patios. Many custom countertops are made from concrete or masonry, which can be heavy and may not be suitable for all spaces. A grill island, on the other hand, can often be installed without worrying about weight limits.

Grill islands work well with grills that use natural gas, propane, or electricity, giving you flexibility with fuel options. This makes them suitable for properties with varied grilling needs and allows you to select a fuel source based on what’s available in the area.

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Quick and easy to install
• Lightweight, making them suitable for rooftop patios
• Compatible with natural gas, propane, or electric grills
• Plenty of countertop space to prep and serve food
• Convenient storage drawers for grill accessories
• Constructed to exceed safety standards including proper venting

Cons:

• Less customizable than custom-built countertops
• Not portable

Custom-Built Countertops for Built-in Grills

For properties looking to add a high-end and fully customized grilling area, a custom-built countertop for built-in grills is the ideal choice. These outdoor countertops are tailor-made to fit the outdoor space and can include additional amenities like sinks, beverage centers, side burners, and trash receptacles. Custom-built countertops allow developers and property managers to create a unique look that matches the style of the property, making it a focal point in outdoor spaces.

One of the biggest advantages of custom-built countertops is the design flexibility. They can be designed in any shape or size and can be customized to include extra storage, seating, and other features that enhance the outdoor grilling experience. These countertops work with natural gas, propane, or electric grills, so they can be designed to match the available utilities and fuel sources.

However, custom-built countertops require more time and investment to install compared to prefabricated options. They involve a detailed planning and construction process to ensure that everything fits perfectly and meets safety standards. For example, if the grill is fueled by gas, the countertop must have proper ventilation to safely release any heat that might build up in the compartment under the grill. This requires careful design and installation by professionals who are experienced in outdoor kitchens and grilling areas.

Custom-built countertops are an excellent choice for properties that want a premium, long-lasting grilling setup that can serve as a standout feature. While they are more expensive than other options, their durability and custom features make them worth the investment for luxury spaces or areas with high resident usage.

Pros:

• Fully customizable, including extra features like sinks and storage
• Compatible with natural gas, propane, and electric grills
• Adds a high-end, focal point to the outdoor space
• Usually built with brick, concrete, or some other masonry material they can match your properties design

Cons:

• More costly in both labor and materials
• They can be time-consuming to construct, with potential delays
• Requires professional design and installation for safety

Use Cases for Different Grill Mount Options

Each type of grill mount has its own cost and uses that make it better suited for certain spaces and budgets. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best fit for your property’s outdoor grilling area.

1. Pole-Mounted and Pedestal Grills

• Cost: Pole-mounted and pedestal grills are generally on the more affordable end when it comes to installation. The main expenses are the grill unit itself. Securing it to the ground is relatively straightforward
• Ideal for: Budget-friendly communal spaces, or to install multiple grills in a single grilling area for different families to use at once

2. Grill Carts

• Cost: Grill carts are also affordable, as they don’t require installation beyond initial assembly. This makes them cost-effective for properties that want the flexibility to rearrange their outdoor space as needed
• Ideal for: Spaces that need flexibility, like smaller patios or areas without fixed fuel sources

3. Grill Islands

• Cost: Grill islands are moderately priced. Although they are prefabricated, they offer a polished, professional look at a lower price than custom-built options. Labor and material costs are lower because these islands are pre-made and can be installed quickly
• Ideal for: Properties looking for a stylish yet affordable grilling option that can be installed quickly

4. Custom-Built Countertops

• Cost: Custom-built countertops are the most expensive option, as they are fully customized and require skilled labor for both design and installation. They are typically constructed with high-quality materials, which contributes to the overall cost
• Ideal for: High-end properties or large outdoor spaces where a premium grilling area is desired

Choosing the right option involves balancing cost, durability, and functionality. While grill carts and pedestal grills are cost-effective and durable for basic needs, grill islands and custom-built countertops offer more style and flexibility at a higher price point. By assessing the specific needs of your property, you can select a grilling solution that offers long-term value for your residents.

Outdoor Patio Grilling For Multifamily Properties

Creating the perfect outdoor grilling area for an apartment or condo property involves more than just choosing the grill itself—it’s about finding the right setup that works for the space, budget, and residents’ needs. Each mounting option for patio grills comes with unique benefits that suit different kinds of outdoor layouts, levels of usage, and types of fuel sources.

For properties with larger shared spaces, pole-mounted and pedestal grills are excellent options. They are durable, secure, and allow multiple residents to use the grilling area simultaneously. Grill carts provide flexibility and are ideal for smaller patios or properties that need a portable solution. They’re easy to move and store, making them suitable for occasional use or areas without natural gas access.

If a property wants a grilling area that’s more permanent and stylish, prefabricated grill islands offer a quick yet polished solution that’s more affordable than custom built outdoor countertops. They can be set up quickly and work well in shared outdoor areas. Finally, custom-built countertops are perfect for properties looking to add a high-end, fully customized grilling area with additional features like sinks, storage, and beverage centers. While they require more investment and time, custom setups provide a focal point that elevates the outdoor space.

By considering each of these options and balancing cost, durability, and functionality, property owners and developers can create a communal grilling area that residents will enjoy and use regularly. The right grilling setup not only enhances the property’s outdoor areas but also adds value for current and future residents.