AEI Corporation

In today’s highly competitive apartment market, it takes more than just nice interiors and convenient locations to attract and keep tenants. One of the key amenities that modern residents look for in an apartment is a communal outdoor barbecue area. This simple feature adds incredible value to any apartment property, helping create a sense of community and offering residents the freedom to enjoy outdoor cooking and social gatherings.

Most individual patios in apartment units are too small to support a barbecue properly. That’s why shared outdoor barbecue areas have become essential. If your apartment complex doesn’t already have one, you could be at a serious disadvantage.

Why Barbecues Matter in Apartment Communities

Grilling isn’t just about cooking food; it’s about experience. Residents love having a place where they can host friends, spend time outside, and enjoy a good meal without having to leave the property. A well-placed and well-equipped communal barbecue area can be a major draw for potential renters.

Offering barbecues for apartments shows that your property is designed with the resident lifestyle in mind. It also helps promote a sense of community, giving tenants a common space to interact and bond.

Challenges of Barbecue in Apartments

Apartment patios are typically too small and too close together to allow for individual barbecues. Fire codes and safety regulations also often restrict what kinds of grills can be used on balconies or patios.

That’s why shared barbecue areas are the ideal solution. They provide a safe, compliant space for barbecue while giving everyone access to quality cooking equipment.

Fuel Type Options for Apartment Barbecues

We carry barbecues that use one of three different fuel sources: natural gas, propane, and electricity. Natural gas, propane, and electric barbecues each have its own benefits and considerations:

Natural Gas Barbecues

Natural gas barbecues are connected directly to your property’s natural gas utility line. Since they don’t use fuel tanks, there’s no need for refilling, which is a major convenience. They are best for permanent installations, as they can’t be moved easily.

Natural gas barbecues are a great long-term solution for apartment complexes that already have gas lines installed or are planning new builds.

Propane Barbecues

Propane barbecues have their fuel stored in a tank located in the base of the unit. This makes them portable and easy to reposition. They’re a good fit for properties that don’t have a natural gas connection.

The only maintenance required is swapping out the propane tank when it runs empty. This gives you more flexibility in where the grill can be placed.

Electric Barbecues

Electric barbecues are ideal for rooftops or other areas where gas isn’t an option, and cities that require electric appliances to be installed. These units plug into an NEMA 30-6 industrial outlet using a heavy-duty cord.

While they aren’t as mobile as propane barbecues, they’re extremely easy to operate.

Materials Matter: Stainless Steel vs. Cast Aluminum

All our barbecues are made from durable, weather-resistant materials perfect for outdoor use. We offer two main types:

Stainless Steel Barbecues

Our stainless steel barbecues are sleek, modern, and highly durable. Stainless steel resists rust and holds up beautifully in all weather conditions.

We offer three sizes:

• S27T: Available in electric, natural gas, and propane
• S36T: Available in natural gas and propane
• S48T: Available in natural gas and propane

Cast Aluminum Barbecues

Cast aluminum is lightweight and just as rust-resistant as stainless steel. Cast aluminum barbecues are great for smaller spaces and for barbecue areas with more than one barbecue. They are available in two sizes:

• T30: Natural gas and propane barbecues with 330 sq. in. of cooking surface
• T40: Natural gas and propane barbecues with 434 sq. in. of cooking surface
   

Both stainless steel and cast aluminum are alloys—stronger and more corrosion-resistant than the metals they’re made from.

Mounting and Installation Options

We offer several ways to mount and install your apartment barbecues depending on your space and needs:

Pole-Mounted Barbecues

The simplest solution. The barbecue is mounted on a pole that is secured into the ground or a base plate. It keeps the grill elevated and stable.

Pedestal-Mounted Barbecues

Perfect for hiding a propane tank, the pedestal base gives a clean, finished look. Pedestal barbecues are a sturdy and space-efficient mounting option.

Grill Carts

Need mobility and storage? Our grill carts come with drawers or cupboards for storing propane tanks and grilling tools.

Prefabricated Grill Islands

These lightweight grill islands provide countertop space and storage without the cost or hassle of custom building. Ideal for rooftops due to their weight.

Built-In Barbecues

For the ultimate high-end look, integrate your barbecue into a custom outdoor kitchen. We provide detailed dimensions of our barbecues and accessories so your contractor can design and build around the exact specs.

Choosing the Right Barbecue for Your Apartment Community

When picking a barbecue setup, consider:

• Space and layout of your outdoor area
• Access to utilities (gas or electric)
• Desired mobility (fixed vs. moveable units)
• Climate and exposure to the elements
• Resident usage and maintenance plans

A combination of different fuel types and mounting styles may be best for larger communities. For example, you could install a few permanent natural gas grills and supplement them with propane units on carts for flexible use.

Conclusion

In the world of apartment living, outdoor amenities like barbecues make a big difference. A well-planned barbecue area enhances community, supports resident satisfaction, and helps your property stand out.

With options in fuel types, materials, sizes, and installation styles, it’s easy to find the perfect fit for your property. Whether you’re upgrading an existing outdoor area or building a new one from scratch, investing in communal barbecues is a smart move that pays off in happy residents and higher lease renewals.

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