How To Select The Right Sized Outdoor Grill To Meet Single & Multi-Family Home Needs

As an avid outdoor barbecue enthusiast, it's easy to get carried away when picking out a new portable propane grill and shout, "Go big or go home!" It's hard to argue against the idea of having ample space to whip up delicious dishes like juicy steaks, wings, and vegetables on your own outdoor grill. However, having too much of a good thing can lead to unnecessary fuel wastage since most of the cooking area ends up unused.

When you're thinking about buying a high-quality residential BBQ or commercial natural gas grill, the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears comes to mind. She accidentally broke the chair that was too small and felt uncomfortable in the one that was too large. Just like backyard BBQ enthusiasts, Goldilocks needed to pick a grill that was "just right." This approach ensures you're getting the perfect fit for your needs.

How to Select the Right Sized Outdoor Residential BBQ

It's crucial to remember that choosing the right-sized outdoor grill should primarily depend on the cooking space. Direct and indirect cooking areas are usually measured in square inches. Some residential BBQ experts strongly believe that the ideal choice reflects approximately 100 square inches for each family member. On average, families typically consist of three individuals.

This measurement usually caters to weekend grill enthusiasts and accounts for occasional gatherings with friends and family, albeit with some delay. For instance, preparing hot dogs and burgers for 3-6 people won't likely fill up the entire grilling space. However, adding more guests, along with items like ribeye steaks, grilled onions, vegetable kebabs, and a 300-square-inch cooking area can feel like rush-hour traffic.

While 100 square inches per family member seems reasonable, decision-makers should take a closer look at how frequently you host friends and family or hold large gatherings. Here are some ways to think about the size of the residential BBQ grill you might need.

• Small Grills: A compact grill like the PGS A-Series or T-Series starts with 330 square inches of grilling space. This size works well for those who prefer intimate gatherings. For an average family of three who isn't necessarily barbecue aficionados, these models provide more than enough BTUs, and the warming racks offer upwards of 121 square inches.
• Mid-Sized Grills: A mid-sized unit for a family of five would exceed 500 square inches if we follow the theoretical guideline. That's quite a bit of cooking grate surface and could be "too big" unless you plan to entertain regularly. Opting for a grill around 400 square inches, such as the larger PGS T40 model, might be a better choice. This option provides upwards of 40,000 BTUs and a cooking space of 434 square inches. If you're among the many homeowners who use a residential BBQ frequently for family meals and entertain occasionally, side burners on the grill mean you won't waste fuel cooking on liquid propane or natural gas.
• Large Grills: Larger families and homeowners who entertain regularly may benefit most from installing built-in grills. The PGS line allows backyard chefs the flexibility of permanently fixing them in place or using cart mounts for a portable propane grill. The PGS Legacy built-in grills are top-of-the-line models offering upwards of 960 square inches of direct cooking space and warming racks that span 355 square inches. This flagship large grill generates 102,000 BTUs and can handle anything you throw at it. The Legacy built-in grill can also be customized with an infrared rotisserie burner.

When selecting the right-sized outdoor grill, homeowners should also consider placement. Not every deck, patio, or veranda can accommodate the square inches of grill space you need. Much of this challenge stems from the size of the mounting option.

A portable propane grill set on a cart with wheels can be easily moved around. Pedestal mounts tend to minimize the grill's footprint. Built-in grills, naturally, are mostly integrated into outdoor countertops. For those who don't want to hire a contractor to do a build-out, PGS grills can use the prefabricated Gensun kitchen island.

The key takeaway when choosing the correct-sized outdoor grill is to consider regular family use as well as the frequency of gatherings. If you think a small or mid-sized model meets most of your grilling needs, you can always add accessories like side shelves and burners. This strategy allows homeowners to save money while still making the most of the available space. However, if you expect large family gatherings, birthday parties, graduation events, and other get-togethers, it might be best to go big and stay home.

How to Choose the Right Sized Grills for Multi-Family Properties

Landlords and residential community facilities face additional challenges when selecting the best-suited outdoor barbecue grills. The math involved goes beyond simply counting family members and estimating the number of attendees at gatherings. Apartment complexes and condo associations, for instance, house residents who also bring an unknown number of guests. As a decision-maker, ask yourself the following questions before choosing a portable propane or natural gas grill:

• How many residents do you have?
• How many typically live in each unit?
• How big is your property?
• How big is your communal outdoor patio space?
• Are your individual units large enough to have their own grills?

Smaller multi-family dwellings such as side-by-sides and duplexes may require only a mid-sized outdoor BBQ to suffice, depending on frequency and tenant usage. When property managers install a built-in gas grill in a common area, people tend to use it on pleasant weather days or during special events. If you run a luxury residential community, it might be worth installing a large built-in gas grill and strategically distributing mid-sized and smaller units. This can help prevent community members from experiencing long wait times on weekends.

At this point, we've moved far beyond headcounts and potential gatherings. Large communities may require built-in grill installations near pools, green spaces, and areas designated for large groups. Some smart property owners invest in placing smaller propane grills on every patio and charge a lease premium. This usually results in a great return on investment, resident satisfaction, and waiting lists for occupancy.

Choose the Right Sized PGS Grill & Accessories for Your Needs

Home and multi-family property owners deserve durable cast aluminum and stainless steel BBQ grills that withstand harsh weather conditions and last for years. The PGS Grill line offers small, mid-size, and large outdoor grill options with square inches of cooking space to meet everyone's needs. Since these high-quality grills can be easily accessorized, offer flexible mounting options, and work on liquid propane or natural gas, they remain a popular choice. PGS Grills come with comprehensive warranties, and owners can conveniently order OEM grill replacement parts if something eventually wears out. Whether you want to go big, medium, or small, there’s a PGS Grill that fits just right.