Selecting Your Perfect Commercial Outdoor Gas Grill Starts With The Right Fuel Source

8 minute read | Grills

The benefits of investing in an outdoor gas grill for a resort, restaurant patio, apartment complex, or condominium association, among others are well established. Residents and patrons value the locked-in flavor and health benefits of choice cuts of beef, veggies, and other delights cooked on an outdoor grill. It’s not a question of whether or not to secure top of the line grills to improve customer satisfaction. The only question is what type of patio barbecue makes sense for your specific needs.

It's a given that continual use will require a commercial BBQ that can stand up to long hours and multiple outdoor chefs. But beyond the obvious need to select a commercial-grade outdoor grill, there are other considerations. One of the primary considerations is whether to select a portable propane grill or one fueled by natural gas.

Decision-makers would be better served by understanding the subtle differences between a liquid propane (LP) and natural gas (NG) commercial BBQ in the context of effective use in a specific setting. That being said, knowing your options isn’t a matter of making the best choice based on someone else’s opinion. It’s essential to select the right grill for your residential community, restaurant, or hospitality industry operation.

What You Need To Know About A Commercial NG Outdoor Grill

A commercial BBQ fueled by natural gas will require a direct connection. For many restaurants, resorts, and even condominiums, this type of hookup can be amazingly convenient and energy-efficient. Business owners and property managers typically love the idea they will never run out of fuel and not have to send someone to refill a gas tank.

Natural gas connections usually require a licensed professional to conduct the installation and a building permit may be required in some areas. Such up-front costs sometimes steer decision-makers toward an outdoor gas grill fueled by LP. If you anticipate extended, daily, or weekly use, natural gas could save you from having to swap out propane tanks. In addition to recouping your initial installation fee, these are other benefits of working with top of the line gas grills run on natural gas.

  • Clean-Burning & Eco-Friendly
  • Natural Gas Ranks Among the Most Cost-Effective Fuel Sources
  • Natural Gas Grills Generate High BTU Rates

Keep in mind, when discussing the benefits of these fuel options, they are delivered in the context of top of the line gas grills such as the PGS models. Unlike cheap grills at discount centers, a PGS outdoor gas grill is constructed of high-quality stainless steel and/or sturdy cast aluminum. They are also easily accessorized to maximize natural gas efficiency with options such as automatic 60-minute shutoff timers. And while NG certain delivers proven commercial-setting benefits, there are many instances when common sense dictates a portable propane grill purchase.

What You Need To Know About A LP Commercial BBQ

The key difference between an NG and LP outdoor grill is that the latter can be a portable grill. Maintaining the ability to maneuver an outdoor grill on a cart with wheels into a variety of spaces proves remarkably beneficial.

For example, a mobile patio barbecue can be particularly effective when condominium or apartment living residents plan a gathering and need to change seating spaces. That convenience is the single reason that residential and commercial outdoor gas grill users select the liquid propane option. These rank among the other reasons why a portable propane grill may be the best option for your commercial needs.

  • Fuel Tanks Housed In Base & Easily Swapped Out
  • Propane Tanks Widely Available
  • Vendors Can Deliver LP Tanks
  • Flexibility Includes Off-Season Storage
  • Energy-Efficient & Eco-Friendly Fuel Resource

Like the PGS models powered by NG, the top of the line gas grills that run on LP have cost-saving considerations as well. A portable propane grill does not require professional installation and that saves on upfront costs.

In all fairness, both NG and LP resources are quite inexpensive. When the benefit of the quality outdoor gas grill is its ability to be relocated on a whim, it may be more prudent to select a portable LP grill.

Which PGS Commercial Outdoor Grill Meets Your Needs?

Top of the line gas grills in the PGS line all emphasize quality design, construction, stainless steel or durable cast aluminum castings, and accessories such as 60-minute shutoff timers. For business professionals and residential living managers to make an informed decision between an NG and LP outdoor grill, it could prove valuable to compare the PGS commercial BBQ options.

AEI Corp offers three distinct PGS commercial BBG grill lines that can utilize either NG or LP fuel. These are the A-Series, T-Series, and Legacy grill lines. While all enjoy quality design and construction made to last, knowing the subtle differences may add definition to your decision-making process.

  • A-Series Grills: Models range from 30,000 to 40,000 BTUs and offer grilling space from 330 square inches to 434 square inches. These high-quality LP grills also enjoy pedestal mounting options to conserve patio space. The NG options can be installed into outdoor countertops or fixed on a slim pedestal.
  • T-Series Grills: This PGS line includes increased variety. Models range from 30,000, 40,000, and as high as 90,000 BTUs when selecting the S48T model. Grilling space also ranges widely from 360 to 960 square inches of cooking area. Top of the line gas grills in the T-Series may include refined accessories such as laser-etched control panel instructions, automatic fuel shutoff valve, anti-theft knobs, and a side-mounted heat indicator.
  • Legacy Series Grills: This line is designed for permanent installations and is an outdoor gas series of choice for high-volume use. The Legacy line offers wide-reaching accessories to complete an outdoor kitchen such as drawer space, beverage center, side burners, and can be ordered with a specifically designed island. Other options include adding an infrared rotisserie, and Legacy line models may exceed 100,000 BTUs and deliver upwards of 720 square inches of cooking space. Whether they are built-in place on an outdoor countertop, on an outdoor grill island, or mounted on a grill cart Legacy grills can run on propane or natural gas.

Selecting the perfect commercial model to maximize your investment while delivering residents and patrons deliciously grilled menu options starts with choosing a fuel resource. Keep in mind the benefits of using a portable propane grill that does not require installation. Extended-use outdoor grills can save you money in the long run. But most of all, PGS grills deliver Made in USA quality and are welcome commercial additions.



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