Buyer’s Guide for Park Grills
What’s Inside
- Barbecuing grows in popularity
- Choosing top-quality components
- Grill sizes: pedestal & premium
- ADA park grills
- Fire rings (adjustable, ADA, cooksites, residential)
- Installation & cleaning
- Grilling tips
- Summary & About
Barbecuing Grows in Popularity
Cooking shows and barbecue superstars have inspired millions to fire up the coals. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, more than 200 million Americans enjoy outdoor cooking.
That demand shows up in parks. The question for park and facility managers: Are you keeping up with the number of amateur pitmasters? Availability and condition matter—guests eat off this equipment, so it must be safe, sturdy, and easy to use.
In this guide you’ll learn how to pick durable, low-maintenance grills that stand up to weather, crowds, rust, and corrosion—and how to place and maintain them so visits end with smiles (and seconds).
Quality Components
Prioritize quality from handles and fireboxes to grates and posts. Opt for high-temperature enamel cooking surfaces that tolerate repeated heating. Attached grates stay with the grill for security and convenience.
Cool-coil handles made of coiled steel stay cooler to the touch. Galvanized steel posts with theft-resistant bases keep units stable. Curved, lipped fireboxes with room to manage coals improve safety and control. Ensure pieces lift for quick ash cleanout.
Grill Sizes
Pedestal Grills
Great for everyday park use and medium crowds. Typical cooking areas run ~250–300 in² (about 12–15 burgers). Options include 360° rotation and adjustable, attached grates. Available with powder-coat or galvanized finishes.
Premium Grills
For pavilions, tournaments, and big gatherings. Premium units can offer up to ~1350 in² of cooking space, utility shelves, and height-adjustable fire grates for heat control. Rotational bases make loading/unloading easier, and multi-grill layouts can exceed eight feet of cooking length.
ADA Certified
Serve all guests with ADA-qualified grills. Cooking surfaces must adjust within 15–34 inches high. Controls should be operable with one hand, without tight grasping or twisting, and require ≤5 lbs of force. Choose in-ground bases for stability and safety.
Fire Rings
Campgrounds and group sites benefit from durable, heavy-gauge steel fire rings that withstand high temperatures and frequent use. Choose sizes and features to match your site, including adjustable flip grates and ADA options.
Grill & Fire Ring Installation
Most permanent grills offer in-ground or surface-mount options over a concrete footing (surface mounts typically use expansion bolts). Place grills near picnic areas but at least ~15 ft from pavilions, cabins, playgrounds, and any structures where people gather.
Cleaning
Open fireboxes allow easy ash removal—do it regularly so rain-soaked ash doesn’t accelerate corrosion. Wire-brush rust, then repaint with high-heat grill paint as needed. Brush grates after use; a light coat of cooking oil helps protect between uses.
Grilling Tips
- Preheat heavy-gauge grills thoroughly; it directly affects results.
- For users wary of grate contact, a cast-iron pan or perforated foil over the grate works (poke holes for grease drainage).
- Keep a water bottle nearby to tame flare-ups.
- Use adjustable grates to manage cooking temperature.
Summary
- Stock sufficient, durable grills matched to crowd size and use patterns.
- Choose quality components (cool-coil handles, attached grates, galvanized posts, safe fireboxes).
- Offer ADA-compliant units with easy controls and proper height ranges.
- Add the right fire rings for camp and group sites.
- Install on solid footings; place smartly near tables yet clear of structures.
- Maintain with regular ash removal, brushing, and periodic high-heat paint touch-ups.
About The Park and Facilities Catalog
The Park and Facilities Catalog (Boca Raton, FL) has supplied commercial-grade park grills and ADA-compliant grills since 2001, along with bicycle racks, benches, bleachers, lockers, receptacles, picnic tables, and other Division 10/12 items. Clients include municipalities, parks, contractors, architects, schools, universities, multifamily communities, shopping centers and office buildings across the U.S.
Call 1-800-695-3503 or visit theparkcatalog.com/grills for expert help selecting the right models for your site.