Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill Review: The Compact Powerhouse with a Pop of Color

For years, my back patio felt incomplete. It’s not a sprawling yard, but a cozy space designed for quiet evenings and small weekend gatherings. The problem was always the grill. I wrestled with bulky, oversized models that devoured precious square footage and portable grills that felt flimsy and underpowered, struggling to put a decent sear on a thick steak. I longed for that sweet spot: a grill with enough power and surface area to cook for a family of four, yet compact enough not to dominate the space. It needed to be more than just functional; it needed to have a bit of personality, something that looked as good as the food it cooked. This search for the perfect balance of power, size, and style is a familiar story for anyone with a balcony, a small deck, or a thoughtfully designed patio space. It’s the quest for a grill that enhances your outdoor living, rather than complicates it.

What to Consider Before Buying a Compact Propane Grill

A propane grill is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for convenient, controllable outdoor cooking. Unlike charcoal, which requires significant prep and cleanup time, a propane grill offers instant, adjustable heat at the turn of a knob. This makes it the undisputed champion of weeknight grilling, turning a simple Tuesday dinner into a special event. The primary benefit is speed and ease of use, allowing you to go from a craving for burgers to a perfectly cooked meal in under 30 minutes. For those who value precision, the ability to create distinct heat zones is a game-changer, allowing you to sear steaks on high heat while gently warming buns on the other side.

The ideal customer for a compact model like the Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill is someone facing the exact challenge I had: limited outdoor space. This includes apartment or condo dwellers with balconies, homeowners with small patios, or anyone who simply doesn’t need or want a monolithic six-burner behemoth. It’s perfect for couples, small families, or those who entertain smaller groups. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who regularly host large block parties or need extensive features like side burners and rotisserie kits. If you’re a die-hard charcoal purist who lives for the ritual of lighting coals, a gas grill might not satisfy that specific craving, though many modern grills deliver exceptional flavor.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your available area carefully. Pay close attention not just to the grill’s main footprint, but also its width with side tables extended. Features like the folding tables found on the Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill are invaluable, drastically reducing the storage footprint when not in use. Ensure you have enough clearance around the grill for safety.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at two key numbers: total BTUs (British Thermal Units) and primary cooking area in square inches. A higher BTU rating generally means faster pre-heating and better searing power. For a 3-burner grill, 30,000 BTUs is a solid output. A cooking surface of 350-450 square inches, like this Kenmore’s 381 sq. in., is typically sufficient to cook for 4-6 people simultaneously.
• Materials & Durability: The grates are the heart of the grill. Cast iron, as featured in this model, is prized for its superior heat retention and ability to create beautiful sear marks. Stainless steel burners are standard for longevity and corrosion resistance. The body should be made of durable, powder-coated or stainless steel to withstand the elements and prevent rust.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Modern conveniences make grilling more enjoyable. Look for an electronic or push-button ignition system to avoid the hassle of matches. A built-in lid thermometer is essential for temperature monitoring. For maintenance, consider how easy it is to access and clean the grease trap and how durable the components feel over the long term.

While the Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Kenmore 3-Burner: Style Meets Substance

The first thing that struck me upon arrival was the sheer pop of the Azure Blue color. In a sea of black and stainless steel, this grill makes an immediate design statement. It’s vibrant without being gaudy, a refreshing choice that instantly elevates the look of a patio. Unboxing a 75-pound grill is always a process, and we took our time laying out the parts on a blanket to prevent scratches—a tip we’d recommend to everyone, as some users have reported discovering cosmetic blemishes from shipping. The components felt substantial. The cast iron grates have a satisfying heft, the lid feels solid, and the powder-coated steel panels promise good durability. The packaging was thorough, with each piece well-protected in foam. It’s clear Kenmore aimed for a premium feel right out of the box, and aside from the potential lottery of shipping damage that affects many large online orders, the initial quality of the parts themselves was impressive. It doesn’t feel like a budget grill; it feels like a well-considered piece of outdoor equipment, and you can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its build quality.

Performance Under Fire: A Detailed Analysis of the Kenmore Grill

A grill can look great, but its true worth is proven over the flame. We put the Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill through a series of tests, from quick weeknight chicken breasts to a weekend feast of steaks and grilled vegetables, to see if its performance matched its promising appearance. We analyzed everything from the initial build to its heating capabilities and day-to-day usability.

The Assembly Gauntlet: From Box to Barbecue

Let’s address the elephant in the room: assembly. User experiences are notably divided on this front, with some finding it a two-hour breeze and others describing an “all afternoon assembly.” Our experience landed squarely in the middle. With a methodical approach and a second pair of hands, we had the grill fully assembled in just under three hours. The instruction manual is clear, composed mostly of diagrams, which is standard for grills. One user noted that every single screw and bolt lined up exactly with the pre-drilled holes, and we can confirm this was our experience as well—a testament to good manufacturing tolerance that is often lacking in flat-pack products. The most challenging step, as echoed by others, was securing the main firebox to the pedestal base. This required some careful alignment and is definitely where a helper becomes essential. Our advice aligns perfectly with seasoned users: watch an assembly video online before you begin. It provides context that static diagrams can’t, making the process much smoother. While it requires a bit of patience, the end result is a surprisingly sturdy and solid-feeling unit, dispelling any initial concerns about the thickness of the metal panels during the build.

Firing It Up: Power, Heat Distribution, and Control

This is where the Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill truly shines and exceeded our expectations. With three burners combining for 30,000 BTUs, this grill gets hot, fast. We turned all three burners to high, closed the lid, and watched the built-in thermometer climb. As one user enthusiastically reported, it can reach 600°F in just over five minutes, and our tests showed it rocketing towards 700°F if left unchecked. This immense power is fantastic for achieving a deep, crusty sear on steaks and burgers. The electronic ignition is another highlight—a simple push-and-hold button that provides a continuous spark, firing up the burners instantly and reliably. It’s a small but significant quality-of-life improvement over old-school single-click igniters that often fail.

Heat distribution across the 381 square inches of primary cooking space was impressively even. The cast iron grates do a phenomenal job of absorbing and retaining thermal energy, eliminating hot and cold spots that can plague lesser grills. This evenness meant we could confidently use the entire surface, grilling corn on the cob and asparagus spears alongside our main proteins without worrying about inconsistent results. The three-burner setup provides excellent zone control. We could maintain a high-heat searing zone on one side while keeping the other burner on low for more delicate items or for finishing thicker cuts of meat with indirect heat. It’s this level of control that makes the grill incredibly versatile, confirming that this compact grill performs like a much larger model.

Design and Livability: More Than Just a Pretty Face

Beyond its cooking prowess, the thoughtful design of the Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill makes it a joy to live with, especially in tight quarters. The undisputed star of the show is the pair of folding side tables. With both tables up, you have a generous 51.1 inches of width, providing ample space for platters, spices, and tools. When you’re done cooking, they fold down with a simple, secure mechanism, shrinking the grill’s width to a mere 32.5 inches. This feature is a masterstroke of space-saving engineering, allowing the grill to be tucked neatly into a corner of a balcony or patio, freeing up valuable space.

Mobility is another key strength. The four swivel casters allow the grill to glide effortlessly across a deck or patio, and the two locking wheels ensure it stays firmly in place once you’ve found the perfect spot. Little details, like the integrated tool hooks on the side table, add to the convenience, keeping your tongs and spatula within easy reach. The enclosed cabinet design neatly hides the propane tank from view, maintaining the grill’s clean and stylish aesthetic. The Azure Blue powder-coated finish isn’t just for looks; it’s a durable layer of protection against the elements, and in our testing, it wiped clean easily. It’s this combination of striking aesthetics and genuinely useful, practical features that makes the grill feel like a complete and well-rounded package for any outdoor cook who values both form and function. It’s a feature set that truly sets it apart in the compact grill market.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill is overwhelmingly positive, with users frequently praising its performance and style. One happy customer called it “absolutely PERFECT,” highlighting its quality and efficient gas consumption. Another stated, “This grill is a beast for smaller spaces,” after noting it reached 600 degrees in just over five minutes. The striking color is a constant point of praise, with many, like one reviewer, admitting, “I have to be honest… I bought this grill because it has a pretty face.” The cooking ability consistently gets high marks, with comments like “it does a great job cooking the food” and “heat distribution is even.”

However, no product is without its criticisms, and a clear pattern emerges in the negative feedback. The most significant issue is damage during shipping. Numerous users reported receiving units with dents, scratches, or bent parts, as one person noted, “Arrived with huge dent in the base.” This appears to be the biggest gamble when ordering the grill. The second point of contention is the assembly time, which can be significant for those less experienced. While the performance is lauded, some have noted that smaller components, like the adjustment dials, feel a bit lower in quality compared to the rest of the build. This feedback is crucial, as it confirms that while the core grilling experience is top-notch, the journey from delivery to the first cookout can have some bumps.

How the Kenmore 3-Burner Stacks Up Against the Competition

While the Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill carves out a fantastic niche, it’s important to see how it compares to other options. Different grills serve different needs, and one of these alternatives might be a better fit for your specific grilling style.

1. EUHOME 4-Burner Propane BBQ Grill with Side Burner

The EUHOME 4-Burner is a step up in both size and functionality. With four main burners and the addition of a lidded side burner, it’s geared towards those who entertain larger groups or want the versatility of cooking side dishes and sauces outdoors. Its 46,500 total BTU output offers more raw power than the Kenmore. If you have the space to accommodate a larger grill and frequently find yourself wishing you could sauté onions or warm baked beans while you grill, the EUHOME is a compelling alternative that offers more capacity and features for a competitive price.

2. Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill

Char-Broil is a legacy brand in the grilling world, and their Performance Series 4-Burner is a direct competitor for those seeking a more traditional, full-sized grill. Like the EUHOME, it offers four burners and a side burner, along with the added benefit of a full cabinet for enclosed propane tank storage. It represents a classic, reliable choice from a well-known manufacturer. Buyers who prioritize brand recognition and a more substantial, cabinet-style design over the Kenmore’s compact footprint and unique color would likely gravitate towards this Char-Broil model.

3. Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill

The Coleman RoadTrip 225 exists in a different category altogether: portability. This is not a patio grill; it’s a tabletop model designed for camping, tailgating, and picnics. With just two burners and 11,000 BTUs, its power and cooking area are significantly smaller than the Kenmore’s. However, its collapsible design and light weight make it the undisputed champion of grilling on the go. If your primary need is a grill you can easily toss in the trunk of your car for an adventure, the Coleman is the clear choice. It’s an excellent supplement to a home grill, but not a direct replacement.

Final Verdict: Is the Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill is a fantastic choice for a specific type of user: the style-conscious griller with limited space who refuses to compromise on power. Its ability to heat up rapidly and maintain high, even temperatures makes it a true performance machine. The brilliant space-saving design, centered around the folding side tables, is a game-changer for balconies and small patios. And, of course, the stunning Azure Blue finish makes it a centerpiece rather than just an appliance. The primary caveat remains the risk of shipping damage, a common pitfall of ordering large items online. If you can overlook the potential for a cosmetic blemish or are willing to navigate a return, the reward is a grill that punches well above its weight class.

If you’re looking for a compact, powerful, and beautiful grill that will make your neighbors envious and your weeknight dinners exciting, this is it. For its combination of searing power, intelligent design, and aesthetic flair, the Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill earns our strong recommendation. You can check the latest price and secure one for your patio today.