AEI Corporation

When students head off to college, they’re not just looking for a place to sleep and study—they’re looking for a place to live. That means comfort, fun, and community. For owners, managers, or developers of college dormitories and student apartments, one of the smartest ways to attract and keep students is by creating great communal spaces. And one of the best additions to those spaces? A reliable, durable patio barbecue area.

Let’s talk about why PGS T-Series barbecues are the perfect fit for student housing and how they can enhance your property's appeal, safety, and long-term value.

College Housing Isn’t Just About a Bed Anymore

Colleges across the country are seeing more and more demand for high-quality student housing (both on-campus and off-campus). Today’s dormitories and student apartments need to offer more than the basics. Students and their parents are looking for amenities that make life easier and more enjoyable.

That’s where communal outdoor barbecue areas come in. Whether it’s a weekend get-together, a birthday celebration, or just a few roommates grilling up dinner, a shared outdoor barbecue area gives students a reason to step outside, make connections, and feel at home.

If your student property already has outdoor space near the pool, in a courtyard, or beside a lounge, adding a few patio barbecues is an easy way to boost its value and usefulness.

What Makes PGS Barbecues Perfect for Student Dorms?

Not all barbecues are created equal. Many department store barbecues break down fast, fade in the sun, simply can’t handle the wear and tear of everyday student use, and often don’t offer OEM replacement parts. That’s why AEI’s PGS T-Series barbecues are made specifically for multifamily settings, like dorms, apartments, and college housing developments.

Here are the features that come standard on all our multifamily barbecues that makes them a top choice for student housing:

Automatic Shutoff Timer (60 Minutes)

Every PGS T-Series barbecue comes with a 60-minute fuel shutoff timer that is built into the barbecue control panel. This is a must-have safety feature in a student setting. If someone forgets to turn off the grill? No problem. The 60-minute barbecue shutoff timer stops the flow of fuel or electricity automatically after an hour, saving fuel and avoiding accidents.

Laser-Etched Control Instructions That Never Fade

We don’t just print our barbecue control directions, we carve or etch them right into the barbecue’s control panel with a high-powered laser. That means no more worn-out, unreadable labels after a few months in the sun.

Side-Mounted Heat Indicator

Each unit features a temperature gauge on the side, so students don’t have to open the lid to check the heat.

Anti-Theft Knobs

Our anti-theft knobs help prevent vandalism and reduce maintenance headaches.

Stainless Steel Cooking Grids and FlipGrate

T-Series barbecues use 304 stainless steel cooking grids, which are rust-resistant and durable. The FlipGrate system allows easy cleaning by allowing the grate to be flipped upside down.

Built-In Safety, Performance, and Longevity

All PGS grills come with a 5-year warranty and full access to OEM replacement parts online, so your investment lasts.

Fuel Options for Every Campus Setting

We offer natural gas, propane, and electric barbecues to match your property's infrastructure.

Stainless Steel Barbecues (T-Series)

If you’re looking for a top-tier solution that combines rugged durability, modern design, and features built specifically for multifamily outdoor cooking, our T-Series stainless steel barbecues are the gold standard.

These barbecues are engineered to thrive in high-use, high-traffic environments like student dormitories, college apartment complexes, and shared courtyard spaces.

Sizes and Model Breakdown

• S27T – Compact and Capable
  Great for small patios or side-by-side installations.
• S36T – Mid-Sized and Versatile
  Ideal for medium-sized patios with groups of students.
• S48T – Large and Ready for Groups
  Our biggest model, designed for large communal spaces or pool areas.

Fuel Types

• Natural Gas Barbecue
• Propane Barbecue

Stainless Steel Benefits

• Built from 304 stainless steel (inside and out)
• Clean, modern design
• Easy maintenance and cleaning
• Multiple mounting options (pedestal, built-in, carts, and grill islands)
• Great in rows for multi-user zones
• Proven brand reputation in multifamily and hospitality industries

E27T – The Electric Patio Barbecue Made for Dorms

The E27T is our only electric barbecue, and it’s made for properties where open flames aren’t allowed, gas access is limited, or local regulations call for electric appliances.

Why Choose the E27T?

The E27T is a stainless steel T-Series barbecue, is the same size as the S27T and has all the same barbecue features that come standard.

• Uses a heavy-duty NEMA 30-6 power cord
• 304 stainless steel construction
• Side-mounted heat indicator
• Laser-etched control instructions
• Anti-theft knobs
• PGS FlipGrate system
• UL approved for outdoor use

Perfect for urban campuses, rooftop patios, or electric-only dorms.

Cast Aluminum Barbecues (T30 and T40)

Need a budget-conscious option that doesn’t sacrifice safety or quality? Our T30 and T40 cast aluminum barbecues are ideal for properties that want multiple barbecues in a shared space.

Model Overview

• T30 – Compact and Tough
  Perfect for smaller patio zones or high-density installations.
• T40 – More Cooking Space
  Great for mid-sized communal patios with more student usage.

Fuel Types

• Natural Gas Barbecue
• Propane Barbecue

Standard Features For The T30 & T40 Barbecues

• Rust-resistant cast aluminum body
• Built-in 60-minute fuel shutoff timer
• Laser-etched instructions
• Anti-theft knobs
• 304 stainless steel FlipGrate
• Lower price point with excellent long-term value
• Ideal for tight footprints and high-use areas

Why Communal Barbecue Areas Matter in Student Housing

Shared barbecue areas create a sense of community and provide a space for:

• Social events and gatherings
• Outdoor meals and celebrations
• Group cooking or grilling clubs

These areas boost both student satisfaction and property appeal.

Smart Barbecue Area Layouts

Poolside BBQs

Barbecues at the pool are instant student favorites.

Standalone BBQ Courtyards

Add picnic tables and lighting for day and night use.

Multiple Grills in One Space

Install 3–4 barbecues so students don’t have to wait in line.

Built for Dorm Life: Durable + Easy to Use

Students are tough on equipment. PGS barbecues are built to handle it. With intuitive controls, safety timers, and tough construction, these barbecues thrive in student housing environments.

OEM Parts for Long-Term Reliability

All PGS models are backed by readily available Original Equipment Manufacturer barbecue parts. If something breaks, you don’t need to replace the whole barbecue, just replace the broken part. That’s long-term savings and performance you can count on.

Choosing the Right Grill for Your Dorm Property

Final Thoughts

If you’re developing or managing student housing, installing PGS patio barbecues is a smart move. They’re durable, safe, stylish, and available in multiple sizes and fuel types. With easy-to-find replacement parts and industry-leading reliability, they’re built to last, and built for students.

It’s Time To Upgrade Your Outdoor Patio Barbecue Areas

Use the form below to get in touch with our team of patio design experts, and explore our full line of PGS patio barbecues, including natural gas, propane, and electric barbecues for student dormitories and college apartments.

Let your students enjoy their home away from home, with a hot meal and a warm sense of community.

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