AEI Corporation

Owning or managing apartments or condos means taking care of many people at once. Providing a great place to live involves thinking about the comfort and safety of every resident. One popular amenity for residents is communal grilling areas. These spaces are often located near pools, courtyards, or rooftop patios, where multiple grills allow residents to enjoy outdoor cooking together.

However, communal grills have one major challenge: residents can accidentally leave grills running after they finish cooking. This not only wastes gas or electricity but also poses serious safety risks. Thankfully, there is a simple solution: installing commercial grill timers. In this guide, we'll explore how grill timers save money, improve safety, and make your property better for everyone.

Understanding Grills in Multifamily Properties

In apartment or condo communities, having a grill for each unit usually isn't practical. Limited outdoor space means it’s smarter to have shared grilling stations. Multiple grills in a communal grilling area lets multiple residents cook at the same time, creating opportunities for neighbors to socialize. These grills might be near pools, courtyards, or rooftop spaces, making grilling accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Communal grills come in various types and sizes. Grills can run on natural gas, propane, or electricity. Materials like stainless steel or cast aluminum make these grills durable enough to withstand daily use. But despite their convenience, communal grills can cause issues when users forget to turn them off.

The Problem with Grills Left Running

It's important for everyone, even the most responsible adults, to remember to turn off the grill after cooking. On sunny days, the flames from gas grills can be difficult to see, which may cause residents to mistakenly think the grill is off when it’s still running. To prevent accidents, it can be helpful to establish a routine check before leaving the grill unattended.

When grills are left running, two main problems arise:

Wasted Fuel or Energy

Leaving a grill on overnight or for extended periods wastes gas or electricity can lead to significant financial repercussions. This waste accumulates over time, causing utility bills to spike for property owners or management teams who must bear the burden of these increased expenses. With gas prices fluctuating and electricity rates experiencing consistent hikes, the costs associated with this energy waste can escalate quickly, impacting budgets and financial planning.

Safety Risks

Additionally, beyond the monetary aspect, there are potential safety concerns that arise from leaving grills unattended, which could lead to hazardous situations. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize energy efficiency and safety by ensuring that grills are turned off when not in use.

Unattended grills are not only costly; they can also be hazardous. A grill that is left running can reach dangerously high temperatures, posing a burn risk to the next person who uses it. Additionally, if debris such as leaves or trash blows onto the grill, there is a heightened risk of fire. It is crucial to ensure that grills are turned off after each use to keep residents safe.

The Simple Solution: Commercial Grill Timers

Fortunately, solving these problems is easy: install commercial grill timers. T-Series grills, designed specifically for multifamily settings, come standard with built-in automatic shutoff grill timers. Here's how they work:

• Easy-to-use timer knob: Each grill has an additional knob that must be turned to supply gas or electricity to the grill. This knob is a timer, with a maximum of 60 minutes. Once the timer runs out, the gas or electricity is automatically shut off.
• Flexible cooking time: If residents need more than 60 minutes, they can simply turn the timer knob again to add more cooking time. The timer ensures grills remain on only when actively in use, preventing wasted fuel.
• Anti-theft protection: Just like other controls on T-Series grills, the timer knob includes anti-theft features to prevent removal or vandalism.

Benefits of Installing Grill Timers

Installing grill timers has clear advantages, both financially and in terms of safety. Here’s why they're so beneficial for your property:

1. Save Money by Preventing Waste

Without timers, a forgotten grill can run for hours, increasing utility costs significantly. Timers ensure grills shut off automatically, saving money on gas or electricity bills. Over time, these savings become substantial, especially for properties with multiple communal grilling areas.

2. Increase Resident Safety

Safety is a major priority for property managers and residents alike. An unattended, hot grill can quickly become a safety hazard. By ensuring grills shut off after use, timers reduce the chance of accidents, burns, or fires. Residents feel safer, knowing communal areas are protected by timers.

3. Lower Maintenance and Repair Costs

Running grills unnecessarily for long periods can reduce their lifespan. By ensuring grills shut off promptly, timers help grills last longer and require fewer repairs or replacements. The investment in timers pays off through reduced long-term maintenance costs.

Available Models of T-Series Grills

PGS Grills offers several models in their T-Series, each designed to meet specific needs:

T-Series Legacy Grills (Natural Gas or Liquid Propane):

• S27T: Compact and ideal for smaller patios or courtyards.
• S36T: Medium-sized, suitable for typical communal grilling areas.
• S48T: Large grill perfect for high-use areas or large groups.

T-Series Electric Grill:

• E27T: Electric patio grill, great where gas isn't available, or where municipal regulations require electric appliances to be installed.

T-Series Aluminum Grill (Natural Gas or Liquid Propane):

• T30: Versatile model, ideal for various spaces and easy to use.
• T40: Larger grill, designed for busy grilling areas with higher demand.

Each T-Series grill includes the built-in 60-minute shutoff timer and is available in durable stainless steel or cast aluminum. 

Easy Installation and Maintenance

Installing T-Series grills with built-in timers is straightforward. Professionals can quickly install them in existing communal spaces, pool areas, or rooftops. Once installed, maintaining these grills is simple. Regular cleaning and basic maintenance keep them operating reliably for years.

Why Residents Appreciate Grill Timers

Residents enjoy grilling in communal areas, but many worry about accidentally leaving grills on. Timers give them peace of mind. They appreciate knowing their apartment or condo management has taken steps to ensure everyone's safety and reduce energy waste.

Making Your Property Safer and More Efficient

Adding commercial grill timers like those in T-Series grills offers your property clear financial and safety benefits. They reduce utility bills, lower maintenance costs, and significantly improve resident safety.

By choosing durable, reliable grills equipped with automatic shutoff timers, you make your property more attractive to current and future residents. Everyone appreciates the added convenience, safety, and savings that these timers provide.

Final Thoughts

If you manage a multifamily property, communal grills are a fantastic amenity your residents will love. But it's crucial to ensure those grills are safe, cost-effective, and well-maintained. T-Series grills with built-in commercial grill timers are the ideal solution, offering safety, convenience, and significant savings.

Investing in grill timers isn't just about saving money—it's about creating a safer, more enjoyable environment for all your residents. Consider upgrading your property's grills today and experience the benefits of commercial grill timers firsthand.

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