AEI Corporation

When students choose where they want to live during the school year, the apartment itself is only part of the decision.

Today's students expect outdoor spaces where they can relax, cook, study, and spend time with friends. Whether it's a university-operated residence hall, privately owned college apartments, or student housing built just off campus, quality outdoor amenities have become a major selling point.

Few amenities get as much day-to-day use as outdoor gathering spaces with patio grills and patio heaters. On any given evening, you might find students grilling dinner after class, celebrating a birthday, watching a football game, or simply enjoying a break from studying.

For developers, property owners, and managers, these spaces do much more than improve curb appeal. They help create a sense of community while making the property more attractive to future residents.

Of course, not just any grill or heater will do.

Student housing places unique demands on outdoor equipment. The products need to stand up to constant use, changing residents, and years of exposure to the elements. Choosing commercial-grade outdoor grills and infrared heaters from a trusted manufacturer can make all the difference.

This guide looks at what makes a successful outdoor amenity space and why the right equipment pays for itself over the long run.

Why Outdoor Amenities Matter in Student Housing

Student housing has become increasingly competitive.

Students often compare amenities before deciding where they want to live, and outdoor spaces are frequently near the top of the list. That's true whether the property is owned by a university or operated by a private developer.

Popular student housing amenities include:

• Swimming pools
• Fitness centers
• Recreation rooms
• Clubhouses
• Outdoor study spaces
• Fire pits
• Patio grills
• Patio heaters

These spaces naturally become gathering places throughout the school year.

Students cook dinner after class. Friends meet outside on warm evenings. Student organizations host small events, and residents gather to watch big games or celebrate the end of finals.

It's the kind of amenity students remember.

Planning Outdoor Amenities for New Student Housing Developments

The best outdoor spaces don't happen by accident.

They're planned early, often before construction even begins.

Developers and architects have an opportunity to create outdoor amenities that will continue serving residents for years. Thinking through a few details during the design phase can prevent expensive changes later.

Some of the biggest planning considerations include:

• Choosing the right fuel source before utilities are finalized
• Allowing enough room for multiple grills
• Providing comfortable seating nearby
• Creating good pedestrian traffic flow
• Designing ADA-accessible pathways
• Installing lighting for evening use
• Positioning heaters where people naturally gather
• Leaving room for future expansion

Every project is different.

A 150-bed apartment community doesn't have the same needs as a 700-bed university residence hall. Planning should reflect how students will actually use the space.

This is one reason many developers work with manufacturers that provide planning assistance before construction begins.

Why Student Housing Needs Commercial Equipment

Student housing can be tough on outdoor equipment.

A backyard grill might be used once or twice each week.

A commercial grill in student housing could be used dozens of times every day.

Residents also change every academic year. Some students have years of grilling experience. Others may be lighting a grill for the first time.

That means the equipment needs to be simple, durable, and dependable.

Look for commercial products that offer:

• Corrosion-resistant construction
• Built-in safety features
• Easy operation
• Simple maintenance
• Vandal-resistant components
• OEM replacement parts

Commercial equipment costs more upfront than residential products, but it usually delivers a much lower lifetime cost.

Designing Outdoor Grill Areas Students Will Actually Use

No two student housing communities are exactly alike.

Some feature one outdoor cooking area beside the clubhouse.

Others spread several grilling stations throughout the property.

You'll commonly find patio grills near:

• Pools
• Courtyards
• Rooftop amenity decks
• Clubhouses
• Outdoor lounges
• Recreation lawns

Larger communities often install multiple grills together.

There's a good reason for that.

Football Saturdays, move-in weekends, graduation celebrations, and holiday gatherings can bring dozens of students outside at once. Having several grills available allows multiple groups to cook at the same time instead of waiting their turn.

Students notice when outdoor amenities are designed with real-world use in mind.

A Typical Student Housing Example

Imagine a newly built student apartment community with approximately 350 beds located next to a large university.

The developer plans two outdoor courtyards.

Each courtyard includes three commercial patio grills, shaded seating, picnic tables, and overhead infrared heaters positioned above the seating areas.

Natural gas grills are selected because the property already has gas service, while infrared heaters extend the outdoor season well into the cooler months.

The result is an outdoor space that's active almost every evening.

Students meet friends after class, cook dinner together, study outside, and spend more time enjoying the property.

It's a relatively simple investment that creates an amenity residents genuinely appreciate.

What Makes the AEI T-Series Patio Grills Ideal for Student Housing?

The AEI T-Series grills were designed specifically for multifamily communities.

These aren't residential grills adapted for commercial use. They're purpose-built for busy outdoor environments where reliability matters.

60 Minute Automatic Fuel Shutoff Timer

One of the most valuable features is the built-in 60 minute automatic shutoff grill timer.

Unlike aftermarket timer boxes, AEI integrates the timer directly into the control panel.

That means it helps:

• Prevent grills from accidentally being left on
• Improve resident safety
• Reduce wasted fuel
• Lower operating costs

It's one of those features property managers quickly come to appreciate.

Laser Etched Operating Instructions

Printed decals eventually fade.

Sunlight, weather, and routine cleaning slowly wear away inexpensive labels.

AEI permanently etches the operating instructions directly into the control panel with a high-powered laser.

Years later, new residents can still clearly understand how to operate the grill.

Side Mounted Temperature Indicator

Nobody likes opening the lid every few minutes just to check the temperature.

The side-mounted temperature indicator allows users to monitor cooking temperatures without releasing heat.

Simple. Effective. Easy to use.

Anti Theft Control Knobs

Outdoor amenities occasionally experience vandalism.

AEI's anti-theft control knobs help discourage unauthorized removal while reducing maintenance costs.

Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Cooking Grids

Every grill features durable 304 stainless steel cooking grids.

They're corrosion resistant, easy to maintain, and built for years of commercial use.

PGS FlipGrate

Available on stainless steel models, the PGS FlipGrate makes cleaning much easier.

Maintenance staff can simply flip the grate over for improved access during cleaning, helping keep grills looking their best with less effort.

OEM Replacement Parts

Even commercial equipment eventually needs replacement components.

AEI maintains OEM replacement parts that can be ordered directly through our website.

Instead of replacing an entire grill, maintenance teams can simply replace the worn component.

Over time, that can save thousands of dollars.

Which Fuel Source Is Best?

No two student housing projects are the same.

One property may already have natural gas available.

Another may be building a rooftop amenity where electric grills make more sense.

Choosing the right fuel source early simplifies the entire project.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is often the preferred choice for larger student housing communities.

Benefits include:

• Continuous fuel supply
• Lower operating costs
• No propane tank exchanges
• Excellent for high-use grilling stations

Propane

Propane offers greater flexibility when natural gas isn't available.

It's an excellent option for many outdoor spaces and can often simplify installation.

Electric

The E27T electric grill provides another outstanding solution.

Electric grills work particularly well for rooftops, podium decks, and locations where gas piping would be difficult or expensive.

Modern commercial electric grills produce cooking performance comparable to traditional gas grills while simplifying installation.

Stainless Steel or Cast Aluminum?

AEI offers both stainless steel and cast aluminum patio grills.

Both materials are durable and corrosion resistant letting them perform exceptionally well outdoors.

The right choice simply depends on your project.

Stainless Steel Grills

Available models include:

• S27T (natural gas grills and propane grills)
• S36T (natural gas grills and propane grills)
• S48T (natural gas grills and propane grills)
• E27T Electric Grill

Benefits include:

• Premium appearance
• Outstanding corrosion resistance
• Three available sizes
• Natural gas, propane, and electric options

These models work especially well as premium outdoor cooking stations.

Cast Aluminum Models

Our cast aluminum grills are smaller than our stainless steel grills and are budget friendly. Available models include:

• T30 (natural gas grills and propane grills)
• T40 (natural gas grills and propane grills)

Fuel options include:

• Natural gas
• Propane

Cast aluminum naturally resists rust while offering excellent durability.

For communities installing several grills throughout the property, these models provide outstanding long-term value.

Grill Comparison

Fuel Comparison

Why Patio Heaters Matter Just As Much

The nicest outdoor space in the world won't get much use if everyone is too cold to enjoy it.

As temperatures cool in the evening or during the fall semester, students naturally head indoors unless the space remains comfortable.

That's where patio heaters make a real difference.

Patio heaters extend the usefulness of outdoor amenities and encourage residents to continue using them throughout more of the year.

Students stay outside longer while:

• Studying
• Eating dinner
• Socializing
• Watching sporting events
• Relaxing after class

For property owners, that means outdoor amenities continue delivering value long after summer ends.

Why Infrared Heaters Are the Best Choice

Not all patio heaters work the same way.

The brands carried by AEI use infrared heaters, which warm people directly instead of trying to heat the surrounding air.

That difference is important. Warm air quickly drifts away outdoors. Infrared energy doesn't, because it doesn’t heat the air.

Instead, it safely transfers heat directly to people and nearby surfaces.

Even on breezy evenings, students stay comfortable because the wind has very little effect on infrared heat.

That's why infrared technology has become the standard for commercial outdoor heating.

Mushroom Patio Heaters

Mushroom heaters remain one of the most recognizable outdoor heating options.

Their wide circular heat pattern makes them an excellent choice for:

• Pool decks
• Courtyards
• Outdoor gathering spaces
• Open seating areas

Their freestanding design also offers flexibility if the outdoor layout changes in the future.

AEI proudly carries Sunglo mushroom heaters, which have been trusted in commercial outdoor spaces for decades.

Horizontal Infrared Heaters

Horizontal heaters are another excellent solution.

Instead of taking up floor space, they mount overhead on:

• Walls
• Ceilings
• Poles

They're particularly effective above outdoor dining tables, study areas, lounge seating, and covered patios.

AEI offers Sunpak, SunStar, and Infratech horizontal heaters, providing multiple BTU options, finishes, and mounting configurations to suit nearly any project.

For coastal installations, SunStar makes some heaters with marine-grade 316 stainless steel for additional corrosion protection.

Patio Heater Comparison

Commercial Equipment Lowers Long-Term Ownership Costs

It's easy to focus on the purchase price. In reality, that's only part of the story.

The bigger question is what the equipment will cost over the next ten or fifteen years.

Commercial products help lower those costs by providing:

• Longer service life
• Fewer maintenance calls
• Corrosion-resistant construction
• Easier cleaning
• Built-in safety features
• OEM replacement parts
• Strong manufacturer support

Instead of replacing grills every few years, maintenance teams can repair them and keep them operating for many more seasons.

That saves both time and money.

More Than Products. Planning Support Too.

Every student housing project has its own challenges.

That's why AEI offers more than commercial patio grills and patio heaters.

Our team also provides:

• Complimentary patio planning assistance
• Product recommendations
• Heat zone mapping
• Guidance on fuel selection
• Mounting recommendations
• Support for architects and developers

The goal is simple.

Help you design an outdoor amenity that performs well from opening day and continues serving residents for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best patio grills for student housing?

Commercial patio grills designed specifically for multifamily communities are the best choice because they're built for frequent use, include safety features like automatic shutoff timers, and have OEM replacement parts available.

How many grills should a student housing community install?

It depends on the size of the property and the number of residents. Larger communities often benefit from multiple grilling stations with several grills at each location to reduce wait times during busy periods.

Should student housing choose natural gas, propane, or electric grills?

Natural gas is ideal where utility service already exists and grill usage is high. Propane provides flexibility when natural gas isn't available, while electric grills are excellent for rooftops and locations where gas installation may be difficult.

Are electric grills powerful enough for commercial use?

Yes. Modern commercial electric grills can reach high cooking temperatures and provide excellent grilling performance while simplifying installation in many projects.

Why are infrared heaters recommended for outdoor spaces?

Infrared heaters warm people directly instead of heating the surrounding air. Because wind has little effect on infrared energy, they remain effective in outdoor environments.

Should I install mushroom or horizontal patio heaters?

It depends on your layout. Mushroom heaters work well in open gathering spaces like pool decks, while horizontal heaters are ideal above seating, dining, and study areas where overhead heating is preferred.

How long do commercial patio grills last?

With proper maintenance and access to OEM replacement parts, commercial patio grills can provide reliable service for many years, even in busy student housing communities.

Why are OEM replacement parts important?

OEM replacement parts allow maintenance teams to repair equipment instead of replacing entire grills or heaters, reducing long-term ownership costs.

Does AEI help with project planning?

Yes. AEI offers complimentary patio planning assistance, product recommendations, and heat zone mapping to help developers, architects, and property managers design outdoor amenities that fit their project's needs.

Can patio heaters be used year-round?

Absolutely. In many climates, commercial patio heaters extend the usable season for outdoor amenities well into the fall, winter, and early spring, making patios comfortable during cool mornings and evenings.

Build Outdoor Spaces Students Will Want to Use

Great outdoor spaces don't happen by accident.

They come from thoughtful planning, quality equipment, and understanding how students actually use a property every day.

When those pieces come together, the result is more than another apartment amenity. It becomes one of the places students remember most about living there.

Choosing commercial-quality patio grills and infrared heaters helps ensure those outdoor spaces remain attractive, safe, and dependable for years to come.

If you're planning a new student housing development or upgrading an existing outdoor amenity area, AEI can help. Our experienced team provides product recommendations, complimentary patio planning, and heat zone mapping to help you create outdoor spaces your residents will enjoy throughout the academic year.

Contact AEI today to discuss your project and discover the commercial grilling and heating solutions that best fit your student housing community.

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