AEI Corporation

If you own or manage a multifamily property like an apartment complex or condo community, you know the value of providing shared amenities that residents will actually use and appreciate. Few amenities bring people together quite like an outdoor grill. Families gather around them, neighbors share meals, and communities create lasting memories.

That is why AEI’s T-Series outdoor grills have been a top choice for property owners and developers for decades. These patio grills are not just durable and attractive, but they are built specifically with multifamily settings in mind. From built-in safety features to flexible fuel options, T-Series grills set the standard for what a multifamily outdoor grill should be.

In this spotlight, we will walk through the details of the T-Series grill family, including:

• Why T-Series grills are perfect for multifamily patios
• Differences between natural gas, propane, and electric grills
• Stainless steel vs. aluminum construction
• The built-in features that make these grills safe and reliable
• Mounting choices that fit any property layout
• A breakdown of each model in the T-Series lineup

By the end, you will have a clear picture of why AEI’s T-Series grills are trusted across the country by property developers, managers, and residents alike.

Why T-Series Grills Excel in Multifamily Settings

The T-Series was designed with one key focus: make outdoor grilling in shared spaces safe, reliable, and enjoyable for residents.

Unlike restaurant-style industrial grills, these commercial patio grills are built for residential use in apartments and condos. They are large enough to handle family meals, yet safe enough for everyday use in a communal environment.

What makes them such a good fit?

• Durability: Built with stainless steel or cast aluminum, they resist rust and corrosion while holding up to heavy use.
• Safety: Automatic shutoff timers, anti-theft knobs, and clear instructions are all built-in.
• Support: AEI backs every grill with strong warranties, replacement parts, and customer service.
• Versatility: Available in natural gas, propane, or electric, with multiple mounting options to fit any property design.

With more than 50 years of leadership in the commercial patio grill industry, AEI has refined the T-Series into one of the most reliable grilling solutions for multifamily properties.

Fuel Options: Natural Gas, Propane, and Electric

Every property has different needs when it comes to fuel sources. AEI offers the T-Series lineup in three main types: natural gas, propane, and electric. Each grill fuel option has its own strengths depending on your setup and location.

Natural Gas Grills

Natural gas grills are the go-to option for properties that already have access to gas utility lines. These grills connect directly to the property’s system, which means:

• No tanks to refill or replace
• A permanent installation that is always ready to use
• Reliable and consistent fuel supply

They are not portable, but they are a great long-term solution for central grilling stations.

Propane Patio Grills

Propane grills offer flexibility, since they store fuel in a tank hidden in the base of the unit. This makes them:

• Portable when paired with a grill cart and wheels
• Easy to install even where natural gas or electric connections are unavailable
• Refillable either through local services or at gas stations and hardware stores

They can be either permanently installed or repositioned as needed. Propane patio grills are a smart choice for properties that want flexibility without sacrificing performance.

Electric Grills

Some properties face restrictions on gas appliances, whether due to building codes, safety rules in disaster-prone areas, or green initiatives. For these communities, electric grills are the answer.

T-Series electric grills plug into a heavy-duty NEMA 6-30 receptacle, which must be installed by a licensed electrician. These grills:

• Deliver consistent power for cooking performance equal to gas grills
• Stay permanently installed, with no tanks or lines to manage
• Comply with the growing demand for all-electric building solutions

For multifamily developers in cities phasing out gas appliances, the T-Series electric grill provides the perfect balance of safety, compliance, and power.

Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Grills

Another important choice is construction material. AEI offers both stainless steel and cast aluminum grills in the T-Series lineup. Each has unique advantages.

Aluminum Grills

• Budget-friendly grills compared to our stainless steel grills
• Our Aluminum T-Series grills are 100% made in the USA
• Two sizes available, both smaller in footprint than our stainless steel grills
• Great for small patios or communities that need multiple girls in a single outdoor grilling area
• Allow more residents to cook at once by installing several side-by-side
• We use an aluminum based alloy that is specifically formulated to resist all kinds of corrosion including rust, without losing strength.

Aluminum grills are durable, reliable, and space-conscious. They are especially popular with smaller properties or large communities that need multiple smaller grills instead of one or two large ones.

Stainless Steel Grills

• Available in three larger sizes
• Known as the flagship T-Series grills
• Durable, sleek, and visually impressive for shared spaces
• Ideal for events, parties, or central communal areas
• Often installed at pools, courtyards, or rooftop patios
• We use 304 stainless steel that is optimal at resisting rust and corrosion, while remaining lightweight and strong

Some larger properties combine both types—placing stainless steel grills in a main communal area while using multiple aluminum grills in smaller secondary grill areas. This offers residents the best of both worlds.

Standard Accessories that Make a Big Difference

All T-Series grills come with features designed specifically for multifamily properties. These aren’t “optional upgrades”—they are built into every unit because safety, reliability, and ease of use are essential.

• 60-Minute Automatic Shutoff Timers: Prevent fuel waste and safety hazards by shutting the grill off if left unattended. T-Series is the only grill with 60-minute grill timers built directly into the control panel.
• Laser-Etched Control Panels: Instructions never fade since they are carved into the metal surface.
• Anti-Theft Control Knobs: Keep grills functional by preventing tampering or theft.
• Side-Mounted Heat Indicator: Lets residents check the temperature without lifting the lid.
• Strong Warranties and OEM Replacement Parts: Easy to maintain and keep your grills in perfect working condition.

Optional grill accessories are also available, including shelves, drawers, lift-assist handles, side burners, sinks, and built-in outdoor kitchen setups.

Mounting Options for Every Layout

Every property has a different layout, and T-Series grills are built to adapt. Grill mounting options include:

• Pole Mounts: Installed on a sturdy post, either free-standing or secured in the ground.
• Pedestal Mounts: Free-standing with an optional base plate and floor brackets.
• Grill Carts: Available for propane grills only, making them portable.
• Custom Countertops: Perfect for built-in outdoor kitchens.
• Prefab Grill Islands: A lighter, faster alternative to custom builds, often used on rooftops.

This flexibility allows property managers to place grills in courtyards, rooftop patios, pool decks, or small shared spaces without compromise.

The T-Series Lineup

Here’s a breakdown of the six models in the T-Series family:

Aluminum T-Series Grills

• T30: 30,000 BTUs, 330 sq. in. of cooking surface, natural gas or propane
• T40: 40,000 BTUs, 434 sq. in. of cooking surface, natural gas or propane

Legacy Stainless Steel T-Series Grills

• S27T: 43,000 BTUs, 540 sq. in. of cooking surface, natural gas or propane
• E27T: 5,880 watts, 540 sq. in. of cooking surface, electric only
• S36T: 65,500 BTUs, 720 sq. in. of cooking surface, natural gas or propane
• S48T: 83,000 BTUs, 960 sq. in. of cooking surface, natural gas or propane

This variety ensures that whether your property needs compact grills for small patios or large-capacity grills for major events, there is a T-Series grill model to match.

Why Property Owners Choose T-Series

When owners and developers choose outdoor grills, they need reliability, safety, and long-term value. The T-Series grills provide all of that with the added benefit of resident satisfaction.

Residents love the grilling experience, while owners appreciate the ease of installation, strong warranties, and long-lasting performance. Whether you need propane patio grills for flexibility, a natural gas grill for permanent installations, or an electric grill to meet building codes, the T-Series lineup has you covered.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor grills are one of the most appreciated amenities in multifamily communities. AEI’s T-Series patio grills are designed to deliver the best grilling experience in apartments and condos while ensuring safety, reliability, and long-term durability.

With six models to choose from, flexible mounting options, and built-in features that solve common problems for property owners, the T-Series grills stands out as the ultimate choice for multifamily outdoor grilling.

If you are planning a new property development or upgrading your communal spaces, the T-Series is a proven solution that your residents will thank you for.

Call to Action

Ready to explore which T-Series outdoor grill is right for your property? Contact AEI today using the form below to learn more about models, fuel options, and installation support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes T-Series grills better for multifamily properties than regular patio grills?

T-Series grills include features like automatic shutoff timers, anti-theft knobs, and laser-etched instructions designed specifically for communal use. They are more durable and safer for residents than standard consumer patio grills.

Are propane patio grills safe to use in a shared community space?

Yes. Propane patio grills are safe as long as tanks are properly maintained. Many properties hire services that handle refueling to ensure consistency and safety.

Do electric grills perform as well as gas grills?

Yes. The E27T electric grill delivers enough power to barbecue food just like a natural gas or propane model. The key is the heavy-duty NEMA 6-30 outlet, which ensures it gets the energy it needs.

How do automatic grill timers work?

Each T-Series grill has a built-in 60-minute timer on its control panel. When the timer runs out, the grill shuts off fuel or power automatically, preventing waste and reducing fire risks.

Can residents move the grills around?

Only propane grills can be mounted on a grill cart with wheels that are portable. Natural gas and electric grills must be permanently installed for safety and compliance reasons.

Do T-Series grills come with warranties and replacement parts?

Yes. AEI provides strong warranties and makes OEM replacement parts available directly through their website. This helps property managers keep grills in excellent condition for years.

Which T-Series grill is best for a small apartment patio?

The T30 or T40 aluminum grills are great space-saving options that still provide plenty of cooking power. Their smaller footprint makes them ideal for properties with limited patio space.

Can T-Series grills be installed on rooftops?

Yes. Many developers choose prefab grill islands for rooftops since they are lighter than custom-built countertops and easier to install without overloading a building’s structure.

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