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

As a fervent outdoor barbecue enthusiast, it's tempting to get carried away when selecting a new portable propane grill and exclaim, "go big or go home!" It's hard to argue against the appeal of having plenty of space to whip up mouthwatering dishes like prime cuts of beef, succulent chicken wings, and colorful veggies on your very own outdoor grill. However, having too much of a good thing can lead to unnecessary fuel wastage since a significant portion of the cooking area often goes unused.

If you're thinking about investing in a high-quality residential BBQ or commercial natural gas grill, the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears might be more fitting. In the tale, she accidentally breaks the chair that's too small and finds the larger one uncomfortable. So, just like backyard BBQ enthusiasts, Goldilocks needs to find the grill that's "just right."

How to Choose the Right-Sized Outdoor Residential BBQ

It's crucial to base your decision primarily on the cooking space. Direct and indirect cooking areas are usually measured in square inches. Some seasoned BBQ experts insist that the ideal choice provides roughly 100 square inches per family member. On average, most families consist of three people.

This measurement typically caters to weekend grill enthusiasts and occasional gatherings of friends and family. For instance, preparing hot dogs and burgers for 3-6 people likely won't utilize the entire grilling area. However, adding a few extra guests, ribeye steaks, grilled onions, veggie kabobs, and 300 square inches can quickly resemble rush hour traffic.

While 100 square inches per family member sounds reasonable, decision-makers should carefully assess how frequently you host friends and family or organize large gatherings. Here are some considerations for determining the right-sized residential BBQ grill for your needs.

• Small Grills: A compact grill like the PGS A-Series or T-Series offers around 330 square inches of grilling space. This size generally works well for those who prefer intimate gatherings. For an average family of three who isn't necessarily BBQ fanatics, these models provide more than enough BTUs, with warming racks offering 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 grilling space and could feel excessive unless you frequently entertain. Opting for a grill around 400 square inches, such as the larger PGS T40 model, might be more practical. This option delivers over 40,000 BTUs and a cooking space of 434 square inches. Many homeowners who regularly use their residential BBQ for family meals and seldom entertain can benefit from side burners, ensuring no fuel is wasted while cooking on the liquid propane or natural gas grill.
• Large Grills: For large families or homeowners who frequently host gatherings, built-in grills may be the best choice. The PGS line gives backyard chefs the flexibility to either permanently install them or use cart mounts for a portable propane grill. The PGS Legacy built-in grills are top-tier models offering upwards of 960 square inches of direct cooking space and warming racks that span 355 square inches. This premium large grill boasts 102,000 BTUs and can handle anything you throw at it. The Legacy built-in grill can also be enhanced with an infrared rotisserie burner.

When selecting the right-sized outdoor grill, homeowners should also take into account the 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 mounted on a cart with wheels can be easily moved around. Pedestal mounts tend to reduce the grill's footprint. Built-in grills, naturally, are integrated into outdoor countertops. For those who don't wish to hire a contractor for a custom build, PGS grills can leverage the prefabricated Gensun kitchen island.

The key takeaway when choosing the correct-sized outdoor grill is to consider regular family usage as well as how often you gather. If you believe a small or mid-sized model covers most of your grilling needs, you can always enhance it with side shelves and burners. This approach allows homeowners to save some money while utilizing the space that's "just right." However, if you expect frequent large family gatherings, birthdays, graduations, and other events, it might be wise to opt for a larger model and stay home.

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

Property managers and residential community facilities face unique challenges when choosing the ideal outdoor barbecue grill. The calculations involved are far more complex than simply counting family members and anticipated gatherings. For example, apartment complexes and condo associations house residents who also bring an unpredictable number of guests. As a decision-maker, ask yourself the following questions before selecting a portable propane or natural gas grill.

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

In smaller multi-family dwellings like side-by-sides and duplexes, a mid-sized outdoor BBQ might suffice, depending on the frequency of use and tenant preferences. When property managers install a built-in gas grill in a common area, people tend to use it during pleasant weather days or special occasions. For luxury residential communities, it might be worthwhile to install a large built-in gas grill and strategically distribute mid-sized and smaller units. This setup helps prevent community members from experiencing long wait times on weekends.

At this point, we're well beyond simple headcounts and potential gatherings. Larger communities may require multiple built-in grill installations near pools, green spaces, and areas designated for large groups. Some savvy property owners invest in providing smaller propane grills on every resident's patio and charge a lease premium. This approach generally yields an excellent return on investment, boosts resident satisfaction, and creates waiting lists for occupancy.

Choose the Right-Sized PGS Grill & Accessories for Your Needs

Homeowners and multi-family property owners deserve durable cast aluminum and stainless steel BBQ grills that withstand harsh weather conditions and endure the test of time. The PGS Grill line offers small, mid-size, and large outdoor grill options with varying square inches of cooking space to meet everyone's needs. Since these high-quality grills can be skillfully customized, feature flexible mounting options, and operate 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 prefer going big, medium, or small, there's a PGS Grill that fits perfectly.