AEI Corporation

Outdoor barbecue areas are truly one of the best amenities you can offer in a condominium! They not only bring neighbors together but also create a lovely sense of community, giving everyone a delightful reason to enjoy the outdoors. However, it's important to remember that not every barbecue is suited for condo life. That’s where AEI steps in with the T-Series line of barbecues—crafted especially for multifamily living!

In this blog, we will guide you through everything you need to know about selecting the right barbecue for your condo property. Whether you are building a brand-new community or updating your current outdoor spaces, this guide will assist you in making the best decision.

What Is a Condominium?

A condominium, or condo for short, is a type of multifamily property. It usually includes a large building (or a few buildings) that are divided into smaller units. Each unit is owned by a person or family, while shared spaces like hallways, lobbies, pools, and outdoor patios are managed by a Homeowners Association (HOA) or property management company.

Most condo units don’t have private backyards or large patios, so residents can’t usually have their own barbecues. That’s why many condos offer a shared outdoor barbecueing area. These barbecue stations give everyone a chance to cook outside while keeping things safe and clean.

The T-Series: Built for Multifamily Use

AEI designed the T-Series line of barbecues specifically for multifamily settings like condominiums. These barbecues are not your average backyard barbecue. They are made to be used by multiple families, day after day, year after year.

Here are a few features that make T-Series barbecues stand out:

• 60-Minute Automatic Shutoff Grill Timers: These timers shut off the flow of fuel or electricity to the barbecue after 60 minutes of use, even if someone forgets to turn it off. This helps avoid safety problems and saves on fuel or electricity.
• Built-In Grill Timers: Our 60-minute automatic shutoff grill timers are built right into our barbecues’ control panels. You won’t find that anywhere else. Other barbecues require 3rd party after-market barbecue timers to be added after installation, which takes away from the uniform aesthetic of matching control knobs.
• Laser-Etched Control Panels: The directions on our barbecues never fade. That’s because we use a high-powered laser to etch the instructions into the stainless steel. No peeling stickers or worn-out writing.
• Anti-Theft Knobs: These knobs are designed to stay put. You won’t have to worry about someone walking off with them.
• Reliable Parts and Warranties: All of our barbecues come with strong warranties. Plus, we offer OEM replacement parts on our website. That means your barbecue can stay in great shape for years.
• OEM Barbecue Replacement Parts Website: We built an easy to use website to order OEM replacement parts for our barbecues. Whether your part is covered under warranty or not, you can order a replacement part easily.

Fuel Options for Every Setup

When it comes to fueling your barbecue, one size does not fit all. AEI offers barbecues that run on one of three fuel options (electricity, natural gas, and propane), so you can choose the barbecue that works best for your condominium and complies with local building codes.

Electric Barbecues

Our newest T-Series barbecue is made entirely of stainless steel and operates on electricity. It must be plugged into a NEMA 6-30 outlet. If you don’t already have one, an electrician can easily install it.

Some cities now require new condo buildings to use electric appliances to adhere to new green energy goals. If your city requires electric appliances, our electric barbecue is a perfect choice.

Natural Gas Barbecues

Natural gas barbecues come in multiple sizes and are available in stainless steel or cast aluminum. They need to be connected to your property’s natural gas line, which a contractor can help install. If your condo already has a gas hookup in the outdoor area, this option is simple and cost-effective over time.

Propane Barbecues

Liquid propane barbecues are great when you don’t have access to electricity or natural gas hook-ups. These barbecues include a hidden compartment that holds a liquid propane tank. When the tank is empty, just swap it out for a new one.

Strong Materials for Long-Term Use

Our barbecues are made with either stainless steel or cast aluminum. Both materials are great for outdoor cooking stations. They are rust-resistant, and scratch-resistant; they handle all types of weather, and they last a long time.

• Stainless Steel Barbecues: These are the biggest barbecues we offer. They make a great centerpiece and are excellent for larger barbecue stations. We carry three sizes of stainless steel barbecues allow you to get the right fit for your property
• Cast Aluminum Barbecues: We carry two sizes of aluminum barbecues which are smaller compared to our stainless steel barbecues. If you’re setting up several barbecues in one area, this is a smart option, because they are smaller and still pack a punch.

Different Mounting Styles to Fit Any Layout

Every condo property is different, so we offer several mounting options for your barbecues to match your layout and design style. Each one works best in a slightly different situation.

• Pole Mounted: A clean and simple option that lifts the barbecue off the ground.
• Pedestal Mounted: This gives the barbecue a sturdy base and often includes a compartment to hide a liquid propane tank. If you’re looking for a pedestal BBQ with a lid, this is your best bet.
• Grill Cart: This mobile option allows you to move the barbecue if needed.
• Built-In Countertops: These barbecues are placed directly into a custom outdoor kitchen. They look high-end and are ideal for luxury properties.
• Prefab Grill Islands: These ready-to-install grill islands are lighter than custom countertops, which is perfect for rooftop patios or balconies where weight matters.

Planning Tips for Condo Barbecue Areas

Installing the right barbecue is just one part of the plan. Here are a few tips to make your condo barbecue area a big success:

• Add Plenty of Seating: Picnic tables, benches, or even lounge chairs help people relax while they cook.
• Use Shade Structures: Pergolas or umbrellas can make the area more comfortable on sunny days.
• Post Clear Rules: A simple sign with safety rules helps everyone use the barbecue properly.
• Keep it Clean: Make sure your maintenance team checks the area often and wipes down the barbecues.
• Offer Trash and Recycling Bins: This keeps the area tidy and encourages people to clean up after themselves.

Why AEI Is the Right Choice for Your Condominium

At AEI, we understand the needs of multifamily properties. Our T-Series barbecues were built with developers, owners, and property managers in mind. Here’s why people trust us:

• Our barbecues are made to last for years with heavy use.
• We provide top-quality parts and strong warranties.
• Our barbecues are easy to maintain and come with built-in safety features.
• We offer all three fuel options: electric, natural gas, and liquid propane.
• You can pick from different sizes, materials, and mounting styles.

If you’re planning a new condo project or upgrading an existing space, AEI has the right barbecue for you. We’ll help you create a safe, inviting, and reliable barbecue area your residents will love.

Final Thoughts

A shared barbecue area can be one of the most loved parts of a condominium. But choosing the right barbecue matters. You need something strong, safe, and built for frequent use. That’s exactly what the T-Series from AEI delivers.

From stainless steel showpieces to compact cast aluminum models, from electric barbecues to natural gas and liquid propane options, we have a solution that fits your needs. Plus, with features like automatic shutoff timers, anti-theft knobs, and laser-etched controls, our barbecues are as useful as they are tough.

Ready to upgrade your condo’s outdoor space? Contact us today and see why AEI is the trusted choice for multifamily barbecues.

Have a Question?

Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.