Choosing the Perfect-Sized Outdoor Grill for Single and Multi-Family Homes
4 minute read | Grills

For passionate outdoor grill enthusiasts, the idea of buying a new portable propane grill can be thrilling. Often, the mindset is "go big or go home!" It's hard to argue against having plenty of space to cook delicious meals like steak, chicken wings, and veggies on your own outdoor grill. However, having too much space can lead to unnecessary fuel wastage since a significant portion of the cooking area remains 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 could be more fitting. In the fairy tale, Goldilocks finds a chair that's too small and another that's too big, making her feel uncomfortable. Similarly, when choosing the perfect grill, it's crucial to find the right fit—something "just right."
How to Select the Right-Sized Outdoor Residential BBQ
One of the most important factors when choosing the right-sized outdoor grill is the cooking space. Direct and indirect cooking areas are usually measured in square inches. Some experienced grill experts believe that the ideal choice provides around 100 square inches per family member. On average, most families consist of three people.
This measurement generally suits weekend grill enthusiasts and accommodates occasional guests without overcrowding. For example, preparing food for 3-6 people wouldn't typically fill up the entire grill. However, adding more guests, along with items like ribeye steaks, grilled onions, and vegetable kabobs, can quickly make a 300-square-inch grill feel cramped.
While 100 square inches per person seems logical, it's essential to consider how often you host friends and family or organize large gatherings. Here are some considerations to help determine the appropriate size for your residential BBQ grill:
- Small Grills: A compact grill like the PGS A-Series or T-Series starts with 330 square inches of grilling area. This size works well for those who prefer intimate gatherings. For the average family of three who aren't avid grillers, these models provide more than enough BTUs, with warming racks offering over 121 square inches.
- Mid-Sized Grills: A mid-sized grill for a family of five would exceed 500 square inches if we follow the theoretical guideline. That's a lot of cooking space and might be excessive unless you frequently entertain. Opting for a grill around 400 square inches, such as the larger PGS T40 model, which generates over 40,000 BTUs and offers 434 square inches of cooking space, might be more practical. Homeowners who regularly use their grill for family meals but entertain less often can benefit from side burners, allowing them to save fuel while utilizing the available space efficiently.
- Large Grills: Families with more members or those who frequently host large gatherings may benefit from built-in grills. The PGS line offers flexibility, allowing users to fix the grill permanently or use a cart mount for portability. The PGS Legacy built-in grills are top-tier models, providing over 960 square inches of direct cooking space and 355 square inches of warming rack space. These grills generate 102,000 BTUs and can handle any cooking task. They can also be enhanced with an infrared rotisserie burner.
When selecting the right-sized outdoor grill, it's also vital to consider the placement. Not every deck, patio, or veranda can accommodate the grill space you need. Much of this challenge comes down to the size of the mounting option. Portable propane grills mounted on carts with wheels can be easily moved around. Pedestal mounts reduce the grill's footprint, while built-in grills are often integrated into outdoor countertops. For those who don't want to involve contractors in building a custom setup, PGS grills can be paired with the prefabricated Gensun kitchen island.
The key takeaway when choosing the right-sized outdoor grill is to balance regular family use with the frequency of gatherings. If a small or mid-sized model meets most of your needs, you can always enhance it with side shelves and burners. This approach allows homeowners to save money and make the most of their chosen grill space. However, if you expect frequent large gatherings, it might be better to invest in a larger grill.
How to Choose the Right-Sized Grills for Multi-Family Properties
Property managers and residential community facilities face unique challenges when selecting the best outdoor barbecue grills. The math becomes more complex than simply counting family members and anticipated gatherings. Apartment complexes and condo associations, for instance, must account for residents bringing an unknown number of guests. As a decision-maker, ask yourself these 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 large is your communal outdoor patio space?
- Are individual units spacious enough to have their own grills?
For smaller multi-family dwellings like 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, it tends to see more use during pleasant weather or special events. Luxury residential communities may benefit from installing a large built-in gas grill and strategically distributing mid-sized and smaller units. This setup helps prevent long wait times during weekends.
At this point, we've moved beyond simple headcounts and gatherings. Large communities may require multiple built-in grills placed near pools, green spaces, and designated areas for group activities. Savvy property owners sometimes install smaller propane grills on each patio and charge a lease premium, resulting in high resident satisfaction and occupancy rates.
Selecting the Right-Sized PGS Grill and Accessories
Home and multi-family property owners deserve durable, weather-resistant BBQ grills made from cast aluminum and stainless steel. The PGS Grill line offers small, mid-sized, and large outdoor grill options with varying square inches of cooking space to suit every need. These high-quality grills can be customized with accessories, offer flexible mounting options, and function on both liquid propane and natural gas. With comprehensive warranties and easy access to OEM replacement parts, PGS Grills remain a popular choice. Whether you prefer a small, medium, or large grill, there's a PGS Grill that fits perfectly.
Need more information? Have a question? Contact us today, and we'll be happy to assist!
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