Student Housing Grills and Communal BBQ Areas are the Future of Off-Campus Living

The average cost of a four-year college degree now exceeds $100,000, and students are increasingly particular about the amenities they expect in their housing arrangements. Among the most sought-after features today are student housing grills and shared barbecue areas.

Considering that college campuses usually offer fitness centers, libraries, and student lounges, it makes perfect sense for students to want the option to unwind and cook outdoors on a barbecue grill with friends. Property managers and architects involved in designing student housing should definitely consider adding a commercial-grade grill to the property to enhance the living experience. Student housing commercial grills could be a key differentiator when prospective residents are evaluating off-campus living options.

Top College Life Amenities Students Want

It's crucial for property managers and developers to recognize that young adults place a high value on the overall college experience. This includes not just academics but also the daily routines that contribute to their quality of life. Here are some of the top amenities college students desire.

• Recreational Centers
• Enhanced Mail Services
• Better Parking Facilities
• Indoor Rock Climbing Walls
• Golf Simulators
• Fire Pits and Outdoor Cooking Areas

Students residing in on-campus dorms often find their environment somewhat rigid and lacking in enjoyable amenities. University administrators might not see the need to add a grill to the outdoor spaces since dining halls already cater to their food needs.

The typical college graduate leaves with a diploma and close to $60,000 in student loan debt. If they're paying a premium to live off-campus, it better be worth it.

How Popular Are BBQ Grills Among Students?

Some of the trends in what students want today might be fleeting, but the growing interest in outdoor patios and shared barbecue areas suggests these amenities will have a lasting impact on housing choices. Over the past five years, sales of gas grills in the U.S. have climbed from $1.32 billion in 2017 to $1.53 billion annually. Propane and natural gas grill sales are projected to reach $1.58 billion in 2023 and $1.73 billion by 2025. The steady rise in patio grill sales indicates that adding a BBQ will soon become a standard feature.

Further supporting the idea that shared BBQ areas at student housing facilities will continue to grow in popularity, Forbes magazine featured an article titled "BBQ University Is Back, And Your Backyard Grilling Will Be Better Than Ever." The piece discussed the reopening of the so-called "BBQ U" at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado. After closing temporarily due to a change in ownership, its reopening sparked excitement. BBQ University also aired a series on PBS for four seasons.

The point is that people love the idea of preparing delicious cuts of beef, chicken, fish, and vegetable kebabs over an open flame that enhances the flavor. Shared BBQ areas are a big hit among young adults learning to perfect their burger, steak, or grilled vegetable skills while pursuing a degree. Student housing grills are here to stay.

Integrating Student Housing Grills

Property owners, developers, and housing designers need to find a commercial grill line that meets all the criteria for durability, safety, and effective use. The PGS patio grill line offers top-tier natural gas and liquid propane grills that are ideal for off-campus life.

Given the popularity of outdoor cooking and the expected high volume of use, these grills must be commercial-grade. Stainless steel products are generally the most durable, and PGS grills provide extensive direct cooking areas. Each commercial grill will need to be securely fastened to ensure safety and reduce the risk of theft. This could involve fixed countertops, prefabricated grilling islands, or pedestal mounts that can be secured in place. The PGS T-series might be the perfect choice for student housing.

PGS T-Series Patio Grill Line Offers Enhanced Safety Features

Property owners and developers should consider how many residents will occupy each off-campus housing facility. In multi-unit settings, smaller or modest-sized outdoor grills are unlikely to meet the needs, and safety is a priority. The PGS T-Series patio grills offer ample direct grilling space, making them suitable for gatherings and meal preparation. The T-Series S27T, S36T, and S48T models come with the following essential safety features.

• One-Hour Auto-Shutoff: This built-in safety feature automatically shuts off the grill after 60 minutes, reducing the chance of accidental burns. It also helps conserve fuel by preventing wasteful usage.
• Push Button Ignition: Each commercial grill comes with a battery-powered ignition system. This safety measure helps prevent lighting injuries.
• Temperature Indicator: The T-Series patio grills feature a side-mounted temperature gauge. This ensures precise cooking temperatures for safety and quality.

The T-Series patio grill line also comes with laser-etched instructions on the control panel. Having the directions permanently inscribed on the commercial grill explains proper usage to all students. These etched instructions can help lower premises insurance costs.

Top 3 Student Housing Grill Models

The PGS S27T, S36T, and S48T models provide expansive direct cooking space, high heat output, and thoughtful design elements that make them ideal for shared BBQ areas. These are among the standout features of these stainless steel commercial grills, which are widely used in apartments, condos, and resorts.

• PGS S27T Patio Grill: This model offers 540 square inches of direct grilling space and produces 45,000 BTUs. It can be mounted on a slim pedestal or serve as the centerpiece of an outdoor kitchen. An optional warming rack is available for indirect cooking.
• PGS S36T Patio Grill: With 720 square inches of direct grilling space and 67,000 BTUs, the S36T is a favorite for shared BBQ areas. An optional warming rack can also be added.
• PGS S48T Patio Grill: Featuring 960 square inches of direct cooking space and an impressive 90,000 BTUs, this model is perfect for large groups. It can also be equipped with an expansive warming rack.

When planning a new student housing project or upgrading existing common areas, it’s important to note that the PGS T-Series commercial grill line comes with self-cleaning cooking grates and a five-year replacement warranty. These commercial grills are manufactured in the USA and are known for their durability, weather resistance, and long-lasting performance.

If student housing developers and property management companies want to continue attracting college students willing to pay a premium for off-campus living, shared BBQ areas are an appealing incentive. Hotels, condominiums, apartment complexes, and resorts are already capitalizing on the outdoor grill trend, and the industry's consistent sales growth proves its staying power.