It's Time To Make Thanksgiving A Grilling Holiday

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner indoors often leads to losing some of the rich flavors of traditional holiday dishes, while also restricting the number of guests who can join in and leaving a mountain of post-meal cleaning. The good news is that modern gas grills—whether powered by natural gas or liquid propane—offer a great solution to bring the festivities back outdoors. A high-quality stainless steel grill can transform multi-family living spaces into venues for grand, community-focused Thanksgiving gatherings. For operators of senior living communities, condominium associations, or apartment complexes, investing in commercial-grade patio grills can enhance resident relationships and create a strong sense of community.

The Evolution of the Thanksgiving Feast

In the United States, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, just after the Pilgrims' first successful harvest. While we don't know much about what exactly was eaten at the original feast, historians believe it likely included fowl, venison, fish, cornbread, and porridge. Fast forward over four centuries, and the "traditional" Thanksgiving meal has evolved to include dishes like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pies. While it might not be practical for property managers to construct open fire pits for residents to cook over, portable liquid propane or fixed natural gas grills provide a modern way to honor the original Thanksgiving tradition of outdoor cooking while still enjoying a delicious feast.

Menu Options for Grilling on a Stainless Steel Grill

It’s crucial to remember that the right commercial stainless steel grills can give residents the chance to savor their favorite turkeys. The key distinction between cooking a turkey on a liquid propane or natural gas grill lies in the flavor. Submerging a turkey in a roasting pan and basting it frequently often results in losing much of the natural juices and flavors. However, with the latest advancements in technology, installing patio grills equipped with state-of-the-art infrared rotisserie burners can lock in those flavors and provide a truly mouthwatering experience. These advanced stainless steel grills can mimic historical Thanksgivings with one exception: the infrared rotisserie ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked turkeys or large cuts of beef and pork. If you opt for a portable patio grill or a model without a rotisserie, there are still many ways to prepare a flavorful Thanksgiving meal.

• Sweet potatoes
• Baked mac and cheese
• Corn on the cob
• Stuffing and cornbread
• Grilled veggie kabobs
• Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Green bean casserole

With the addition of side burners, users can also prepare side dishes like wild rice, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Warming racks can be utilized for baking items such as biscuits using indirect heat. With the proper stainless steel grill and accessories, property owners and managers can restore Thanksgiving to its original outdoor grilling spirit.

Top Products for Grilling Thanksgiving Dinner

For property owners and managers, evaluating the cost of installing an outdoor kitchen or a portable patio grill is always a financial consideration. Expenses like grounds maintenance and building upkeep are already fixed costs in multi-family living environments. It’s important to recognize that adding natural gas or liquid propane grills can be passed on to residents through rent increases or HOA fees. Investing in a portable patio or stainless steel grill provides a full return on investment. Here are some of the leading patio grills that can help bring Thanksgiving back to its roots and foster a stronger sense of community.

PGS T-Series Patio Grills

The PGS T-Series offers various options, from stainless steel grills that serve as the centerpiece of an outdoor kitchen to portable patio grills fueled by liquid propane tanks, and pedestal-mounted models that save space. Compact cast-aluminum models like the T30s and T40s are ideal for small patios and intimate family gatherings. Larger models such as the S27T, S36T, and S48T are better suited for communal outdoor spaces that can host birthday parties, graduations, and even a full Thanksgiving celebration.

• PGS T30 Patio Grills: These durable cast-aluminum grills deliver 30,000 to 40,000 BTUs and offer direct grilling areas ranging from 330 to 434 square inches. They are perfect for personal patios and smaller spaces. Although they may lack an infrared rotisserie, there are numerous recipes that prove turkeys can be cooked to perfection on both fixed and portable patio grills. When the lid is closed, the BBQ grill generates the same surrounding heat as an indoor oven.
• PGS S27T, S36T, and S48T: These stainless steel grills are excellent for setting up comprehensive, budget-friendly outdoor grilling stations. The BTUs for these commercial patio grills are 45,000 (S27T), 67,000 (S36T), and 90,000 (S48T), with direct grilling areas of 540, 720, and 960 square inches, respectively. These spacious stainless steel grills can accommodate infrared rotisseries, warming racks, and can be enhanced with side burners and beverage centers to create a complete outdoor kitchen setup.

There are also non-commercial patio grills suitable for apartment complexes, condos, and other multi-family living environments. The residential Legacy PGS line offers liquid propane and natural gas grills with direct cooking spaces ranging from 540 to 960 square inches. These Made in USA stainless steel patio grills can also be fitted with a rotisserie, side burners, and other accessories.

It’s worth noting that the PGS legacy patio grills, as well as the T-Series, can be mounted on carts when used as liquid propane grills. They can be installed on pedestals, integrated into outdoor countertops, or placed on a pre-fabricated center island that doesn’t require a contractor to set up.

Advantages of Returning Thanksgiving to Its Roots

Beyond the diminished flavor of indoor-cooked meals compared to outdoor grilled ones, one of the biggest drawbacks of hosting Thanksgiving indoors is the cleanup. The use of multiple pots, pans, utensils, and the mess from basting can be overwhelming once the event concludes. This isn’t the case when most of the Thanksgiving meal is prepared on a PGS patio grill.

Grills in general are simpler to clean and usually require minimal pots and pans. You can roast vegetables and other sides on direct or indirect heat. This top-tier patio grill series also includes self-cleaning grates that eliminate the need for scraping and scrubbing. These factors make PGS patio grills appealing choices for condos, apartments, and other multi-family living settings.

Grilling for Thanksgiving makes for a memorable and enjoyable day. It’s stress-free and yields exceptional results, allowing you to fully enjoy the day without being confined to the kitchen.