Preparing Thanksgiving indoors often results in losing much of the rich flavors of holiday favorites and restricts the number of people who can gather. Additionally, the cleanup afterward can be quite a chore. Moving the feast outside to a grill can significantly enhance both the taste of your meal and the overall experience.

Modern natural gas and liquid propane grills provide a fantastic way to bring the Thanksgiving celebration back outdoors. A high-quality stainless steel grill opens up opportunities for multi-family environments to host large gatherings that foster a strong sense of community. If you manage or own a senior living development, condo association, or apartment complex, investing in commercial-grade patio grills can create a new dynamic during Thanksgiving celebrations and strengthen bonds among residents.

The Evolution of the Thanksgiving Meal

In the U.S., the first Thanksgiving took place in 1621, shortly after the Pilgrims finished their first harvest. Although little is known about exactly what was eaten at the first Thanksgiving, historians believe that fowl, venison, fish, cornbread, and porridge were likely part of the feast.

Fast forward over four centuries, and the "traditional" Thanksgiving meal now centers around turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pies, among other dishes. While property managers might not want to set up open fire pits and have residents manually turn a spit, portable liquid propane and fixed natural gas grills offer a modern way to reconnect with the original Thanksgiving tradition of cooking over an open flame while still enjoying delicious meals.

Thanksgiving Menu Options for A Stainless Steel Grill

When choosing the right commercial stainless steel grill, it's important to remember that these grills can help maintain the turkey-loving tradition. The main difference 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 can result in the loss of some of the turkey's natural juices and flavors.

However, by opting for patio grills equipped with advanced infrared rotisserie burners, residents can savor the true essence of the bird. Certain stainless steel grills come with cutting-edge technology that can replicate the essence of historical Thanksgivings. Infrared rotisseries distribute heat evenly, ensuring a perfectly cooked turkey or large cut of beef or pork. If you're considering installing a portable patio grill or a model without a rotisserie, there are various turkey grilling options available. Other menu items, such as sweet potatoes, baked mac and cheese, corn on the cob, stuffing, grilled veggie kabobs, Brussels sprouts with bacon, and green bean casserole, also benefit from the superior flavor achieved on natural gas or liquid propane grills.

• 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 used to bake biscuits using indirect heat. Equipped with the proper stainless steel grill and accessories, property owners and managers can revive Thanksgiving's original outdoor grilling traditions.

Top Picks for Grilling Thanksgiving Dinner

For property owners or managers, evaluating the cost of an outdoor kitchen setup or a portable patio grill remains a financial consideration. Multi-family living environments have fixed costs such as grounds maintenance and building upkeep. It's crucial for property owners and managers to recognize that installing natural gas or liquid propane grills can be considered a pass-through expense. Whether funds are drawn from existing HOA accounts or passed on through slightly higher rent and fees, a portable patio or stainless steel grill provides a solid return on investment. Among the leading patio grills are those that can help transform Thanksgiving into a grilling holiday and foster a stronger sense of community.

PGS T-Series Patio Grills

The PGS T-Series offers decision-makers a choice between stainless steel grills for outdoor kitchens, portable liquid propane grills, and pedestal-mounted options that save space. Compact cast-aluminum models like the T30s and T40s can function as either natural gas or liquid propane grills in smaller areas. Larger models like the S27T, S36T, and S48T are ideal for outdoor gathering spots suitable for events like birthday parties, graduations, and full-scale Thanksgiving celebrations.

• PGS T30 Patio Grills: These hard-cast aluminum patio grills deliver 30,000 to 40,000 BTU and offer a direct grilling area ranging from 330 to 434 square inches. They are excellent choices for personal patios and small family gatherings. While these models may lack an infrared rotisserie, numerous recipes show that turkeys can be perfectly roasted on fixed-in-place and portable patio grills. This is because a BBQ grill creates similar surrounding heat to an indoor oven when the lid is closed.
• PGS S27T, S36T, and S48T: These large stainless steel grills are perfect for setting up comprehensive, budget-friendly outdoor grilling stations. The BTUs for these commercial patio grills include 45,000 (S27T), 67,000 (S36T), and 90,000 (S48T). Their direct grilling areas span 540, 720, and 960 square inches, respectively. These spacious stainless steel grills support infrared rotisseries, warming racks, and can be enhanced with side burners and beverage centers to complete an outdoor kitchen installation.

There are also non-commercial patio grills that meet the needs of apartment complexes, condos, and other multi-family living environments. The residential Legacy PGS line offers liquid propane and natural gas grills with direct cooking space 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 additional accessories.

It’s also worth noting that the PGS legacy patio grills, along with 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 prefabricated center island that doesn’t necessarily require a contractor to build.

Benefits of Returning Thanksgiving to Its Outdoor Grilling Roots

Beyond the improved taste of meals prepared outdoors compared to indoors, one of the most significant advantages of grilling Thanksgiving is the ease of cleanup. The use of multiple pots, pans, utensils, and potential spills can be a major hassle when the gathering ends. This is not the case when the majority of a diverse Thanksgiving meal is prepared on a PGS patio grill.

Grills, in general, are simpler to clean and require fewer pots and pans. You can roast vegetables and other sides on direct or indirect heat. This industry-leading patio grill line also features self-cleaning grates that eliminate the need for scraping and scrubbing. These factors make PGS patio grills appealing options for condos, apartments, and other multi-family living facilities.

Grilling for Thanksgiving makes for a memorable and enjoyable day. It’s a low-stress option that yields excellent results, allowing you to enjoy the festivities rather than being confined to the kitchen all day.