For many restaurant owners and chefs, finding the best commercial grill is key to delivering delicious food. The perfect grill is crucial for a range of menu items, from grilled steaks and succulent burgers to perfectly charred vegetables and seafood. But picking the best commercial grill for your business can feel overwhelming.

What Defines a Commercial Grill?

Unlike your average backyard grill, commercial grills are designed for heavy-duty use. They also have a high output in demanding environments like restaurants, catering events, and food trucks. They are typically constructed from more durable materials.

Commercial grills usually have greater cooking space and BTUs (British thermal units). This allows chefs to cook larger quantities of food quickly and efficiently. Other features, like adjustable heat zones, let you cook different foods at varying temperatures simultaneously.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Best Commercial Grill

Before jumping into recommendations, there are several important aspects to consider. As you evaluate the best commercial grill for your restaurant, keep the following factors in mind.

1. Fuel Type: Gas vs. Charcoal

Commercial grills are primarily fueled by either propane gas or natural gas, each having its pros and cons.

• Propane Gas Grills: Offer convenience with portable propane tanks but may need frequent replacements during busy periods.
• Natural Gas Grills: Offer a continuous fuel supply when connected to a natural gas line. This eliminates tank refills, although a professional installation is usually required.

A few grills offer the ability to cook over charcoal. These add authentic smoke flavor but can take longer to heat up and are messier.

2. Size and Cooking Area

Think about how many people you’ll typically be serving to determine the required cooking space. Some factors include your projected volume of customers or the typical party size for catering events.

Grills are measured by the width of the cooking surface. A 30-inch commercial grill, for instance, provides adequate space for grilling multiple steaks and burgers at once. For higher volume demands, a 48-inch or larger model may be required.

3. Configuration: Freestanding, Built-in, or Countertop

Think about how you envision integrating the grill into your overall setup and workflow. Each configuration offers its own set of benefits.

• Freestanding Commercial Grills: Great for flexibility. These grills have their own carts or stands and can be moved if needed.
• Built-In Commercial Grills: A more permanent setup, perfect for outdoor kitchens and areas specifically designed around the grill.
• Countertop Commercial Grills: Compact but still offer substantial cooking power for smaller spaces.

4. Construction and Durability:

The demanding nature of commercial environments makes durability paramount. A great commercial grill needs to be constructed from top-quality materials to endure heavy usage.

Choose a grill built with heavy-duty stainless steel. Consider one with features such as welded frames, thick cooking grates, and rust-resistant components.

Our Top Picks: Finding the Best Commercial Grill For You

To guide you further in your search, here are some of our top-recommended commercial grills:

1. PGS T-Series Commercial 30-Inch 2-Burner Built-In Natural Gas Grill With FuelStop One-Hour Gas Flow Timer

The PGS T-Series Commercial 30-Inch Built-In Natural Gas Grill comes equipped with a FuelStop one-hour gas flow timer, enhancing safety in commercial environments. The anti-theft knobs add a layer of practicality by preventing the theft or misplacement of knobs.

Its high-performance 304 stainless steel cooking grids produce striking sear lines.

2. PGS T-Series Commercial 30-Inch 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill on Pedestal with FuelStop One-Hour Gas Flow Timer

Just like its natural gas counterpart, this propane gas grill boasts the same reliable FuelStop feature for safe grilling operations. However, with this model you have the convenience of using propane tanks.

The included pedestal makes it a free-standing grill with an ergonomic height. This setup gives you added flexibility in terms of placement.

3. PGS T-Series T40 Commercial Cast Aluminum Propane Gas Grill With Timer On In-Ground Post

This PGS grill sets itself apart with its construction. Constructed with durable cast aluminum, it boasts long-lasting durability even when exposed to the elements. Its built-in timer ensures grilling is carried out within a pre-set timeframe.

This model is mounted onto a sturdy in-ground post. This maximizes space while maintaining a prominent position, making it ideal for bustling events.

4. Blaze Grills Prelude LBM 32-Inch 4-Burner Built-In Natural Gas Grill

With four powerful burners, the Blaze Grills Prelude LBM 32-Inch 4-Burner Built-In Natural Gas Grill offers versatility for catering to large gatherings and multiple users. It’s designed for built-in installation and brings impressive grilling capacity.

304-grade stainless steel construction means that the grill is designed for frequent use. Keep in mind that when seeking a commercial grill for events, portable options with built-in features also exist. Crown Verity offers some of these with features such as sinks and prep areas.

FAQs About Best Commercial Grill

What is the Best Grill On the Market Today?

The answer isn’t so straightforward because it depends on your specific needs. Think about what types of food you plan to grill and how often. Do you need portability or higher volume capability? Gas or charcoal?

But based on expert reviews and customer ratings, a few consistently recognized as top choices in 2024 include:

• PGS T-Series: Durable and high-performing with built-in timers for safety and anti-theft knobs.
• Blaze Prelude LBM: Durable stainless steel build, 4-burner design, excellent heat distribution, and a good warranty covering commercial use.
• Old Hickory Pits: Charcoal grill with innovative rotating rack system and top-quality construction (an example being their SSG commercial smoker). These provide true BBQ flavor and capacity.

It’s wise to carefully research different brands and compare features. Read expert reviews, and assess user feedback before selecting a model.

What Makes a Grill Commercial?

Several aspects differentiate commercial grills from their residential counterparts. They’re typically made with the following features:

• Heavier duty materials: Built using thicker, tougher metals like stainless steel to withstand the demands of professional environments.
• Greater BTUs and cooking space: Powerful output and ample room for handling bigger quantities. Restaurant chefs or caterers don’t want bottlenecks on busy nights.
• Specific features: Commercial grills often come equipped with add-ons. Things like grease traps and built-in timers aren’t commonly found on home grills but contribute to functionality, safety, and compliance.
• Stricter certification standards: The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) establishes guidelines for commercial cooking equipment to meet hygiene and safety standards.

How Long Do Commercial Grills Last?

When well maintained and properly used, a good commercial grill should have a lifespan of 5-15 years. Higher quality grills made of durable materials and equipped with robust burners are designed to withstand heavier use. Regular cleaning and preventative maintenance will extend the life of your grill.

What Grill Gives the Best Smoke Flavor?

Without a doubt, charcoal grills consistently produce the richest smoke flavor. This is due to the combustion of wood itself imparting a unique character. Gas grills can have wood chips added for a touch of smoke, but it is never as authentic.

Conclusion

Finding the best commercial grill is essential for your foodservice business. Choose wisely because a well-selected commercial grill can significantly enhance your cooking capabilities and operational efficiency. It can even impact the unique flavor of your food. Keep in mind that carefully researching brands and model specifics is critical. Look for ones that match your budget, needs, and have a solid history of customer satisfaction in high-use environments.