How Many Patio Grills Do You Need Per Apartment Unit and Where Should You Install Them?
Outdoor amenities can make or break a multifamily property. Today’s renters expect more than just an apartment. They want lifestyle features that make their home feel like a community. One of the most requested amenities in an apartment complex are patio grills.
Outdoor grills give residents a place to cook, gather, and enjoy time outside without leaving the property. For owners and developers, apartment grills can improve resident satisfaction, increase retention, and help your property stay competitive.
But one important question always comes up:
How many patio grills do you need per apartment unit, and where should you install them?
This guide will walk you through recommended grill to unit ratios, placement strategies, safety requirements, and fuel options so you can confidently plan your outdoor grill areas.
How Many Grills Per Apartment Unit?
There is no exact universal number. The right number of outdoor grills depends on:
- Total number of apartment units
- Average number of residents per unit
- Community lifestyle and activity level
- Size of the grills being installed
- Layout of your property
However, there is a widely accepted starting point.
Recommended Grill to Unit Ratio
A common planning guideline is:
2 to 5 patio grills per 50 apartment units
Here is what that looks like in practice:
- 100 units: 4 to 10 outdoor grills
- 200 units: 8 to 20 outdoor grills
- 300 units: 12 to 30 outdoor grills
This ratio helps reduce wait times and prevents residents from having to line up during peak hours, such as weekends and holidays.
If your property has large families, frequent social events, or heavy amenity usage, you may need to increase the number of outdoor patio grills.
What Factors Affect How Many Outdoor Grills You Need?
While the 2 to 5 per 50 units rule is a strong starting point, several factors may require adjustment.
1. Resident Demographics
A property with mostly families or shared units will see more grill use than one with mostly single occupants.
More residents per unit equals more demand for patio grills.
2. Community Engagement
Does your property host pool parties or resident events? Are outdoor spaces heavily used?
Highly social communities will need more grills for apartments to meet demand.
3. Grill Size and Cooking Capacity
Commercial grade outdoor grills with larger cooking surfaces can serve more people at once.
Commercial grade patio grills with smaller cooking surfaces may require higher quantities to prevent congestion.
As discussed in previous AEI blogs about the hidden costs of cheap grills, residential grade models are not built for frequent multifamily use. Investing in commercial patio grills reduces long-term maintenance and replacement costs.
4. Property Layout
Large garden style properties should not rely on a single grilling area. Residents should be able to access your communal patio grills easily from their unit. Multiple grilling stations spread throughout the property often work best to limit the walking distance for residents.
Can You Put a Grill on an Apartment Balcony or Private Patio?
This is a common question. In most cases, the answer is no.
Most outdoor grills are not suitable for private apartment patios for three main reasons.
1. Minimum Clearance Requirements
Natural gas grills and propane grills require minimum distances from buildings and combustible materials. The minimum safety clearance is often around 10 feet from structures. However, this varies based on:
- Manufacturer guidelines
- Local fire codes
- City or state regulations
Most apartment balconies and private patios are too small to meet these clearance requirements. Always confirm required clearances with the manufacturer, AEI, and your local municipality.
2. Cost Considerations
Installing high-quality grills for every unit can become extremely expensive, especially in large developments. Centralized outdoor grills provide better cost control and easier maintenance.
3. Liability and Maintenance
When patio grills are located in communal areas:
- Maintenance is centralized
- Inspections are easier
- Usage can be monitored
- Risk is reduced
For these reasons, most apartment communities install shared grilling stations rather than individual unit grills.
Where Should Outdoor Grills Be Placed in an Apartment Complex?
Location is just as important as quantity. Patio grills should be installed in safe, convenient, and accessible communal areas.
Best Locations for Patio Grills
Poolside Patios
Pool areas are natural gathering spaces. Installing outdoor grills nearby encourages residents to spend more time outdoors.
Ensure grills are placed at safe distances from:
- Buildings
- Shade structures
- Pool equipment
- Walkways
Clubhouse Patios
Clubhouse patios are ideal for hosting events. Outdoor grills in these spaces allow residents to cook while using indoor amenities in your clubhouse.
Dedicated Grilling Stations
Many modern apartment complexes include purpose built grilling stations with:
- Multiple patio grills
- Outdoor countertops
- Seating areas
- Lighting
- Trash receptacles
- Patio heaters
- Overhead coverings
Dedicated stations create organized, attractive community hubs.
Distributed Stations for Large Properties
If your property spans a large area, install multiple grilling stations throughout the complex. Residents should not have to walk long distances to access outdoor grills. In multi-story buildings, grilling stations should be located near elevator access points when possible. Convenience increases usage and satisfaction.
What Is the Minimum Clearance for Gas Grills in Apartments?
Safety is critical when installing natural gas grills or propane grills.
Most manufacturers require a minimum of 10 feet from buildings and/or combustible materials. Some jurisdictions may require more.
You must confirm:
- Manufacturer installation manuals
- Local fire department regulations
- Municipal building codes
Never assume a standard clearance applies everywhere.
Ventilation Requirements for Built-In Grills
If you plan to install natural gas grills, propane grills, or electric grills into custom countertops or islands, proper ventilation is required.
Vent openings must be large enough to:
- Prevent heat buildup
- Allow gas to dissipate
- Reduce fire risk
This is especially important for propane grills that store their fuel tank below the grill.
AEI grill islands and grill carts are designed to meet required ventilation standards, simplifying compliance for apartment owners.
Choosing Between Natural Gas Grills, Propane Grills, and Electric Grills
Your fuel type affects installation and long-term maintenance.
Natural Gas Grills
Natural gas grills are ideal for high-use apartment communities.
Benefits include:
- Continuous fuel supply
- No tank replacements
- Lower long-term fuel costs
- Consistent performance
They must be installed near gas hookups or where gas lines can be added.
Propane Grills
Propane grills offer flexible placement because they store fuel in a tank below the unit.
They are ideal for areas without gas lines but require:
- Tank monitoring
- Refilling logistics
- Extra ventilation care
Electric Grills
Electric grills require NEMA 6-30 receptacles. Some city or State ordinances require electric grills to be used instead of gas grills. They eliminate open flame concerns and still deliver the same cooking experience residents expect from traditional outdoor grills.
When choosing grills for apartments, consider utility access, installation costs, and long-term maintenance requirements.
Designing Grilling Stations Residents Will Actually Use
Installing enough patio grills is only part of the solution.
To maximize usage, include:
- Adequate lighting
- Durable countertops
- Clear usage instructions
- Built-in automatic shutoff grill timers
- Trash and recycling bins
- Nearby seating
- Overhead coverings
- Patio heaters
Our commercial grade outdoor grills designed for multifamily housing include laser etched instructions and safety features that reduce misuse. Durability matters. Cheap residential grills often break down under heavy use, increasing maintenance costs and frustrating residents.
Planning for Peak Usage
Think about peak demand times:
- Summer evenings
- Holiday weekends
- Community events
If all grills are occupied during these periods, you may need additional units. It is better to slightly exceed minimum demand than to create bottlenecks.
Quick Planning Checklist for Apartment Owners
Use this framework when planning patio grills for your property:
- Calculate your total unit count.
- Apply the 2 to 5 grills per 50 units guideline.
- Evaluate resident demographics and lifestyle.
- Plan multiple grilling stations for large properties.
- Confirm minimum clearance requirements with manufacturers and local authorities.
- Select between natural gas grills, propane grills, or electric grills.
- Ensure proper ventilation for built-in grills.
- Install grills in convenient communal areas.
- Choose commercial grade grills for apartments.
- Plan for peak seasonal usage.
Final Thoughts: Plan Your Apartment Patio Grills the Right Way
So, how many patio grills do you need per apartment unit? Start with 2 to 5 outdoor grills per 50 units. Adjust based on property size, resident demographics, and expected usage.
Where should you install them? Place patio grills in safe, accessible communal areas such as poolside patios, clubhouse patios, and dedicated grilling stations. Large properties should distribute outdoor grills throughout the community for convenience.
Most importantly, follow all manufacturer and local code requirements for clearance and ventilation.
Well planned outdoor grills are more than an amenity. They are community builders. They increase satisfaction, support retention, and strengthen your property’s competitive position.
If you are developing a new apartment complex or upgrading existing grills for apartments, AEI can help you determine:
- The proper number of patio grills
- Ideal placement throughout your property
- Fuel type selection
- Code compliant installation strategies
- Commercial grade solutions built for multifamily use
Contact AEI to discuss the layout of your apartment community and ensure your outdoor grills are designed for safety, durability, and long-term success.
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