Kitchen

The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Outdoor Grills: Uses, Options, and Key Considerations

September 17, 2025

When it comes to cooking outdoors, nothing beats the power, flexibility, and crowd-pleasing capabilities of a commercial outdoor grill. Whether you’re outfitting a government facility, a resort, a catering operation, or a foodservice venue with patio dining, investing in the right grill is essential for delivering consistent results in high-demand environments.

Here’s what you need to know about choosing and using a commercial outdoor grill.

🔥 Common Uses for Commercial Outdoor Grills

Commercial outdoor grills aren’t just for backyard barbecues—they’re essential in a variety of professional settings, including:

• Military and government events

Supporting troop morale, base cookouts, and community days.

• Hospitality and resorts

Poolside or rooftop grilling options for guest dining experiences.

• Restaurants with outdoor seating

Creating a dynamic open-air kitchen experience that draws in guests.

• Catering companies

Offering on-site cooking for weddings, festivals, and large gatherings.

• Food trucks or mobile operations

Supplementing cooking capacity for grilled items on the go.

🔧 Types of Commercial Outdoor Grills

Depending on your setup and menu, there are several styles and fuel types to consider:

1. Gas Grills (Natural Gas or Propane)

• Fast heat-up time and easy temperature control.

• Great for high-volume operations.

• Ideal when access to a steady fuel source is available.

2. Charcoal Grills

• Imparts that classic smoky flavor customers love.

• Ideal for venues focused on flavor authenticity.

• Requires more cleanup and longer heat-up time.

3. Wood-Fired or Pellet Grills

• Offers unique flavor profiles with consistent heat.

• Some models offer digital controls for precision.

4. Flat Top Grills / Plancha

• Great for cooking burgers, vegetables, seafood, or breakfast items.

• Provides a smooth, cleanable surface and even heat.

5. Rotisserie or Specialty Grills

• Perfect for slow roasting meats in full view of guests.

• Adds visual appeal and interactive value to outdoor dining.

✅ Key Considerations Before You Buy

Choosing the right outdoor grill for your operation requires more than picking the biggest model. Here are some important factors to evaluate:

1. Intended Usage

• How many meals per day or per event will you be preparing?

• Do you need portability or is the unit fixed in place?

2. Cooking Surface Area

• Make sure the grill can handle your peak service volume.

• Look at number of burners or grates and overall square inches.

3. Durability & Materials

• Stainless steel construction is common for longevity and rust resistance.

• Weatherproof covers and placement in shaded or sheltered areas help extend the life of the equipment.

4. Local Regulations & Safety

• Check local codes for outdoor cooking and open flames.

• Ensure proper ventilation and fire suppression systems if required.

• Consider ADA accessibility and placement around pedestrian areas.

5. Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance

• Look for removable drip trays, ash collectors, or easy-access burner systems.

• Some grills have built-in grease management systems for commercial use.

6. Add-On Features

• Side burners, prep tables, storage drawers, hood-mounted thermometers, or warming racks can elevate functionality.

💡 Pro Tip

Consider Ventless Options for Semi-Outdoor or Covered Spaces

If you’re working under a covered pavilion or breezeway, ventless grill options might be an ideal choice to remain compliant with local fire codes without sacrificing performance.

🔍 Aldevra Can Help

Whether you need help sourcing a gas-powered monster grill for large military functions or a compact, durable unit for your café patio, Aldevra offers vetted commercial equipment solutions tailored to your operation’s needs.