AEI Corporation

If you own or manage a multifamily property like an apartment complex or a hospitality business like a hotel, or resort, you know how important outdoor spaces can be. One of the most popular and valuable additions to any patio area is a reliable, durable patio grill.

At AEI Corporation, we carry a wide range of patio grills designed specifically for these types of environments. But one of the biggest decisions you'll need to make is choosing between stainless steel grills and aluminum grills—both great options, but each with its own advantages.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about both types of grills. We’ll talk about what they have in common, how they differ, and how to choose the right one for your property.

Stainless Steel vs. Cast Aluminum: What Do They Have in Common?

Before we dive into the differences, let’s talk about what makes both stainless steel grills and cast aluminum grills excellent choices for outdoor use.

Rust, Corrosion, and Scratch Resistance

Both materials are highly resistant to the elements. Whether you're managing a coastal resort or an inland apartment complex, these grills are built to last. They are rust resistant, they resist corrosion from rain and humidity, and they’re tough against scratches from daily use. With proper maintenance, stainless steel and cast aluminum grills can last intact for years.

Lightweight and Durable

Compared to some other outdoor materials, both stainless steel and aluminum are relatively lightweight. That makes installation easier, and it also helps if you ever need to relocate or reconfigure your grilling area.

At the same time, both materials are incredibly durable. They hold up under heavy use—perfect for multi-user environments like apartment patios or hotel pool decks.

Stainless Steel Components Inside

Even in our cast aluminum grills, the most important interior parts—like the burners and cooking grates—are made of stainless steel. That means you get top-notch performance and durability where it matters most, no matter which material you choose for your grill.

Multiple Fuel Options

Besides a single exception, all of our grills run on one of two fuel types: natural gas or propane. All our grills have two unique versions of each grill model, one that runs on natural gas and one that runs on propane. Our smallest sized stainless steel grill has a third grill model that is our only grill which runs on electricity.

• Natural gas grills – Great for permanent installations connected to your property’s gas line, never need to swap out a fuel tank
• Propane grills – Ideal for properties without access to proper natural gas or electric hook-ups and/or for properties that need to relocate their grill regularly. Propane grills mounted on a grill cart and wheel kit can be moved around as needed, or stored out of the way when not in use
• Electric grills – Only our stainless steel grill E27T runs on electricity, it requires a heavy-duty NEMA 6-30 receptacle to plug into

Spotlight on Stainless Steel Grills

If you're looking for premium performance and a high-end look, stainless steel grills may be the way to go. AEI’s PGS Grills has four stainless steel grills which are:

• S27T – Compact but powerful, our smallest sized stainless steel grill, great for patios with moderate space
• S36T – Mid-sized option with more grilling surface
• S48T – Our largest model, ideal for bigger properties or high-traffic areas
• E27T – Our electric patio grill, perfect for properties that don’t use gas, it is the same size and cutout dimensions of the S27T

Bigger Grill Sizes

All three sizes of our stainless steel grills —S27T(or E27T), S36T, and S48T—are larger than our two aluminum grills, giving you more grilling surface and cooking flexibility.

Mounting and Setup Options

Mounting options for our stainless steel grills include:

• Pedestals
• Grill carts
• Prefabricated grill islands
• Built-in installation for custom outdoor countertops

Sleek Appearance

Stainless steel offers a clean, modern aesthetic that many upscale properties prefer.

Spotlight on Cast Aluminum Grills

For properties that need something more compact, and/or properties with lots of families, PGS Grills has two sizes of cast aluminum grills which are excellent options because of their smaller size, durability, and reliability.

• T30 – Space-saving and efficient, these grills are ideal for duplexes or triplexes, and for when multiple grills are required in a single grill area
• T40 – Slightly larger, offering a bit more grilling capacity while still staying compact, they also work great for grilling areas that need multiple grills installed

Compact Sizes for Smaller Spaces

Both the T30 and T40 are smaller than our stainless steel models, which makes them perfect for installations where space is limited, and for grill areas with multiple grills.

Whether your property is duplex, triplex, or quadplex where a single T30 or T40 would be enough grill for everyone to share, or a large apartment or condo with dozens or more individual units that might need one or more grilling areas with 4-6 grills installed in each to allow your residents to properly share; these cast aluminum grills are a great solution. 

Flexible Mounting Options

Mounting options for cast aluminum grills include:

• Pole mounts (pole installed in the ground, or freestanding with a baseplate)
• Pedestals grill mounts

Note: Built-in installation for custom countertops is not available for the T30 or T40. These models are not compatible with grill carts or built-in countertop configurations.

Black Finish

These models come in a durable black finish that hides dirt and blends with most outdoor styles.

Bonus Features on All Our T-Series Patio Grills

No matter which material you choose for your grill, all of our T-Series patio grills are packed with features ideal for shared outdoor environments like those found at apartments and condos.

60-Minute Shutoff Timers

Every model includes a built-in automatic 60-minute grill shutoff timer—an essential safety feature for multi-user settings because it prevents residents from accidentally leaving the grill running when they are done using it. This timer is built into our grills’ control panel for a clean and professional look without having to find and install a 3rd-party grill timer. 

Laser-Etched Instructions

Control panels include permanent, easy-to-read instructions that will never fade or wear off.

Side-Mounted Thermometers

All models come with side-mounted temperature indicators for safe and precise grilling.

OEM Replacement Parts Available

We offer a wide selection of OEM grill replacement parts online to keep your grills in peak condition.

Optional Accessories

AEI offers optional upgrades and patio grill accessories like:

• Lift-assist grill hood handles: This handle allows any user to open and close the grill lid without reaching over the grill itself, even from a seated position
• Side burners: Which are great for dishes that need boiled water, woks, and other non-grilled side dishes
• Outdoor sinks: An outdoor sink with running water is a great addition to any outdoor kitchen
• Beverage centers: A dedicated place to keep drinks cold while using patio grills
• Utility drawers: Store useful grill accessories like spatulas, tongs, grill brush, etc
• And more

Choosing the Right Grill for Your Property

Here’s a quick comparison between our stainless steel and cast aluminum grill models:

Final Thoughts: Stainless Steel or Cast Aluminum?

• Choose stainless steel grills like the S27T, E27T, S36T, or S48T for more space, a modern look, or electric grill capability.
• Choose cast aluminum grills like the T30 or T40 for compact areas, easy installation, and high durability.

Both are excellent choices for shared use, long-term durability, and outdoor cooking performance.

Ready to Find the Right Grill?

Explore our full line of natural gas grills, propane grills, and electric grills today.

Have questions? Contact AEI Corporation — we’re here to help you choose the right patio grill solution for your property.

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