cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill Review: The Compact Contender for Perfect Patios

There’s a universal moment of frustration for anyone with a small patio, balcony, or backyard: the desire for a powerful, feature-rich gas grill that doesn’t consume the entire outdoor living space. For years, my own grilling journey was a series of compromises. I wrestled with bulky, oversized grills that turned my deck into an obstacle course, or underpowered portable models that couldn’t put a decent sear on a steak to save their lives. The dream was simple: a grill with multiple burners for precise temperature zones, high-quality grates for those perfect sear marks, and a smart design that respected my limited square footage. Failing to find this balance means sacrificing either cooking quality or precious outdoor real estate, a compromise no backyard chef should have to make. This persistent challenge is what led us to rigorously test compact, free-standing grills, and it’s precisely where the cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill enters the conversation, promising big performance in a thoughtfully designed package.

What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Grill

A propane grill is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for effortless, controlled, and delicious outdoor cooking. Unlike charcoal grills that require significant time for heating and a steep learning curve for temperature management, propane grills offer instant, adjustable heat at the turn of a knob. This convenience transforms weeknight dinners, making it possible to grill a quick meal without the lengthy prep and cleanup of other methods. The main benefits are speed, precision, and consistency, allowing you to focus on the food itself rather than wrestling with the fire.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a smaller outdoor area—like a townhome patio or a compact backyard—who refuses to compromise on the ability to cook for a family or small gathering. They value features like independent burner control for versatile cooking (searing on one side, gentle cooking on the other), and space-saving designs like foldable side tables. Conversely, this grill might not be suitable for those who host very large parties and need a massive cooking surface with six or more burners. It’s also not designed for the die-hard charcoal purist who savors the ritual of traditional BBQ, or the camper who needs an ultra-portable, tabletop model to throw in the trunk of a car.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your available space carefully. Consider not just the grill’s footprint, but also the clearance needed around it for safety and maneuverability. The cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill, with its 46.5-inch width, is designed for tighter spots, and its foldable side tables are a massive advantage, reducing its storage footprint significantly.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at the total BTU (British Thermal Units) output and the primary cooking area. A higher BTU isn’t always better; it needs to be appropriate for the cooking surface size. This grill’s 30,000 BTU spread across three burners and 370 square inches is a well-balanced ratio, providing ample power for searing without being wasteful.
• Materials & Durability: The longevity of your grill is determined by its construction. We prioritize materials like cast iron for cooking grates due to their superior heat retention and searing capability, a feature that really sets the cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill apart. A double-layer stainless steel lid aids in heat retention, while a powder-coated frame offers good resistance to rust and the elements.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Think about the long-term ownership experience. Features like an electronic ignition system, a built-in thermometer, and especially an effective grease management system are not just luxuries—they are essential for an enjoyable and hassle-free grilling life. A removable grease tray, as found on this model, simplifies cleanup dramatically.

Getting these factors right ensures you’ll have a grill that you love to use for years to come, rather than one that becomes a frustrating patio ornament.

While the cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas 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:

First Impressions: Smart Design and Straightforward Assembly

Upon unboxing the cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill, our initial impression was one of efficient, no-nonsense design. The packaging was robust, a sentiment echoed by users who noted the great shipping protection. All components were clearly labeled, and the instruction manual was surprisingly clear. As one user happily reported, assembly was a breeze, taking a mere “20 or 30 minutes” without any complaints—a claim we found to be accurate in our own setup. This is a refreshing change from the hours of frustration that can accompany other flat-pack outdoor equipment.

Once assembled, the grill’s compact nature becomes apparent. One user noted it was “smaller than I expected,” which we see as a primary selling point for its target audience. It feels purposeful, not diminutive. The finish is a classic combination of black powder-coated metal and gleaming stainless steel on the double-layer lid and handle, giving it a modern look that blends well with most patio furniture. The star attractions at first glance are the heavy-duty cast iron cooking grids and the clever foldable side tables. These tables feel sturdy when locked in place, providing crucial prep space, yet fold down seamlessly to shrink the grill’s profile for storage. It immediately feels like a grill designed by people who understand the value of space. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its smart design.

Performance Deep Dive: Searing, Sizzling, and Space-Saving

A grill’s true worth is proven over fire and food. We put the cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill through a gauntlet of tests, from searing thick-cut ribeyes to slow-cooking chicken thighs and grilling delicate vegetables. Our extensive testing, corroborated by user feedback, reveals a grill that performs admirably, with a few key characteristics that define its personality.

Heating Performance and Temperature Control: A Tale of Two Halves

At the heart of this grill are three stainless steel burners, each packing 10,000 BTUs for a total output of 30,000 BTUs. In our testing, this power translated to impressive preheat times. On a calm, 70°F day, we ignited all three burners and reached a searing temperature of over 500°F in under 10 minutes. The independent electronic ignition for each burner is responsive and reliable, allowing for true multi-zone cooking. We could easily maintain a high-heat zone for searing steaks on one side while keeping the other side on low for warming buns on the upper rack. One user perfectly captured this efficiency, noting their grill preheated to 250°F in just 6 minutes and held a steady 350°F with all burners on the lowest setting. This level of control is fantastic for a grill in this class.

However, there is a significant design choice that impacts performance: the open-cart design. As one particularly insightful user pointed out, the bottom of the grill is largely open, with only the drip tray providing a partial floor. Combined with large vent holes on the sides, this makes the grill highly susceptible to wind. On a breezy day, we observed noticeable temperature fluctuations and found it struggled to maintain its highest temperatures. The user’s assessment that it “does not get as hot as other grills we have had” in windy conditions is spot on. The double-layer stainless steel lid does an excellent job of trapping heat from the top down, but it can’t fully compensate for the airflow from below. For users in windy locations, this is a critical consideration; a simple DIY windbreak or strategic placement against a wall would be highly recommended to unlock the grill’s full heating potential. Despite this, the raw power from the 30,000 BTU burners is undeniable in calmer conditions.

The Cooking Experience: Cast Iron Reigns Supreme

This is where the cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill truly shines. The decision to include high-quality cast iron cooking grids is a game-changer at this price point. In our tests, these grates heated evenly and retained that heat exceptionally well, delivering deep, restaurant-quality sear marks on burgers and steaks. The 370-square-inch primary cooking area provided enough space to comfortably cook for a family of four to six. We fit about 12-15 burger patties without feeling crowded. The heat distribution across the grates was fairly even, with only a slight drop-off at the very front edge, which is common in most gas grills.

The day-to-day usability features add immense value to the cooking process. The foldable side tables are more than a gimmick; they are sturdy enough to hold a full tray of meat or a set of grilling tools. The integrated tool hooks keep your tongs and spatula within easy reach, and the warming rack is perfectly positioned for toasting buns or keeping finished items ready to serve. Even the built-in bottle opener, while a small touch, speaks to a design philosophy centered on user convenience. We found ourselves consistently impressed by how these small, thoughtful features combined to create a seamless and enjoyable cooking experience. The quality of the cast iron cooking grids alone makes this grill a worthy contender for anyone who prioritizes a perfect sear.

Assembly, Durability, and Maintenance

As mentioned, the assembly process is refreshingly simple. Our experience mirrored that of users who had it built and ready to go in under half an hour. The instructions are clear, and the parts fit together without issue. However, we did corroborate the user feedback regarding the frame’s stability. While perfectly safe, the frame does have a bit more “wobble” than you might find on a premium, fully-welded cart that costs three times as much. Once the propane tank is installed, its weight helps anchor the grill, but it’s a noticeable trait of its lightweight, more budget-friendly construction.

Cleanup is another area where this grill excels. The grease management system is brilliantly straightforward. All drippings are funneled into a large, removable grease tray that slides out from the back. A user specifically praised this feature, and we agree wholeheartedly. There are no hidden corners or complex channels to scrub. You simply slide out the tray, dispose of the contents, and wipe it clean. This easy-clean system, combined with the durability of the cast iron grates (which just need a good scrape and occasional re-seasoning), makes post-BBQ maintenance a quick and painless task, encouraging more frequent use.

What Other Users Are Saying

Digging into the collective feedback from other owners, a clear picture of the cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill emerges. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the value and core cooking performance. Many users, like the one who called it an “extraordinary” and “quality grill,” were impressed by the fit, finish, and especially the cast iron grids, which they noted “works grate.” The ease of assembly is a recurring theme, with multiple people highlighting the quick and painless setup process.

However, the constructive criticism is just as valuable and aligns perfectly with our findings. The most significant point, raised by a detailed reviewer, is the open-bottom design’s susceptibility to wind, which can hamper its ability to reach and maintain peak temperatures on blustery days. This is the grill’s primary trade-off. Additionally, the slight wobbliness of the frame and its smaller-than-anticipated size were mentioned, though the latter was often seen as a positive for those with limited space. Overall, users feel they’ve received a high-performing cooking machine with a few design quirks that are manageable given its excellent price point.

How Does the cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill Compare to Alternatives?

While the cookit grill is a strong performer, it exists in a competitive market. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives, each catering to a slightly different user.

1. Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill

The Kenmore 3-Burner grill is the most direct competitor to the cookit model. It boasts a nearly identical spec sheet: 3 burners, 30,000 BTUs, folding side tables, and cast iron cooking grates. The primary differences lie in its more enclosed cart design, which may offer better protection from wind, and the branding of an established American appliance name. The Kenmore often comes in different color finishes, like the striking Azure Blue, which might appeal to those looking to make a style statement. If you prioritize a more traditional, enclosed look and the peace of mind of a legacy brand, and are willing to potentially spend a bit more, the Kenmore is a very solid alternative.

2. Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill

The Coleman RoadTrip 225 represents a completely different class of grill focused on ultimate portability. It’s a tabletop model with collapsible legs, designed for tailgating, camping, and beach trips. With two burners and 11,000 BTUs, it’s significantly less powerful than the cookit, but its purpose is different. It’s not meant to be a permanent patio fixture but rather a companion for adventures. If your primary need is a grill you can easily pack into a car and take anywhere, the Coleman is the superior choice. If you want a stationary grill for your backyard, the cookit offers far more cooking space and power.

3. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Propane Grill

The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is another portable option, but it emphasizes rugged durability over cooking area. With its single burner and cast aluminum construction, it’s built like a tank to withstand the rigors of travel. Its key feature is the TRU-Infrared cooking system, which is designed to prevent flare-ups and cook food more evenly. This makes it an excellent choice for a solo camper or a couple who needs a tough, compact, and efficient grill on the go. However, for everyday backyard cooking for a family, its smaller single-burner cooking surface is far more limiting than the versatile three-burner setup of the cookit grill.

Our Final Verdict on the cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the cookit 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill is a formidable contender in the compact grill market, offering exceptional value for its price. Its greatest strengths lie in its core cooking components—the three powerful, independently controlled burners and the superb heat-retaining cast iron grates—which work together to deliver an excellent grilling experience. Thoughtful features like the foldable side tables, simple assembly, and incredibly easy-to-clean grease management system make it a joy to live with, especially for those with limited patio space.

The primary caveat, as we’ve detailed, is its open-cart design, which makes it vulnerable to wind. This is a crucial factor to consider based on your local climate. However, for those in sheltered locations or who are willing to position it strategically, this grill performs well above its weight class. We recommend it for small families, couples, or anyone looking for a capable, no-fuss grill that prioritizes cooking performance and space efficiency over a premium, heavy-duty frame. If you want fantastic searing power and smart design without breaking the bank, this is an excellent choice. You can check the latest price and secure one for your backyard today.