Three burners are the smallest layout that gives you real two-zone cooking with some room to spare. One side runs hot for steak, the middle stays medium, and the far side stays low or off for tortillas and resting meat. For a household of four, that covers almost every dinner a grill will ever cook.
Finding a good one is harder than it sounds. Many of the best-known three-burner grills are low in stock or already appear on our other guides, so we kept this list to seven grills that are in stock, from makers we can identify, with three main burners we could confirm. We dropped one otherwise eligible grill because of owner fire reports.
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Quick verdict: which 3 burner grill to buy
If you have a natural gas line, buy the Weber Genesis S-335 for its sear zone, side burner and 12-year warranty. If you cook on propane, buy the Monument Mesa 325, which gives you a large grate, a side burner and a viewing lid. If space is the problem, the Kenmore 3-Burner with Folding Tables folds down to 32.5 inches wide.
Five 3-burner gas grills side by side
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of backyard cook, with the burner layout and grate material each maker states.
| Grill | Best for | Burners | Grates | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Weber Genesis S-335 Natural GasBest overall
|
A home gas line | 3 PureBlu plus side burner | Stainless steel | View on Amazon |
Monument Mesa 325 BlackBest for propane
|
Propane cooks wanting value | 3 plus side burner | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | View on Amazon |
Victory 3-Burner with Infrared Side BurnerBest for searing
|
Hard searing on the side | 3 plus infrared side burner | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Blaze Prelude LBM 25-Inch PropaneBest built-in
|
Outdoor kitchens | 3 tube burners | 8mm stainless steel | View on Amazon |
Kenmore 3-Burner Propane with Folding TablesBest folding grill
|
Patios and balconies with room for a cart | 3 | Cast iron | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Burner layouts and grate materials are as each maker or listing states them. Check Amazon for current stock and price.
Our picks for the best 3 burner gas grill
1. Weber Genesis S-335 Natural Gas – Sear Zone and Side Burner
This grill has the most complete three-burner layout we found in stock, and it comes with one catch: it runs on natural gas only. If your house has a gas line that reaches the patio, it is the one to buy. If you cook on propane, go to the Monument below, because Weber’s factory setting is not something to change at home.
Three PureBlu burners sit under stainless steel grates, and Weber adds an extra-large sear zone, a side burner and a storage locker for big tools and grillware. The burners have a tapered shape that Weber says gives a consistent flame, with raised openings that let debris fall away and reduce clogs. Flavorizer bars move grease away from the flames and a pull-out tray collects it.
For a Mexican kitchen, this layout covers a whole meal: skirt steak in the sear zone, onions and chiles over the gentler burners, and a pot of beans on the side burner. The grates also accept Weber Crafted griddles and other grillware, sold separately with a frame kit. Weber does not list BTU or cooking area here. Before you buy, confirm that your home’s supply line can serve the grill, as Weber’s listing advises.
Why we like it
- Extra-large sear zone
- Side burner and storage locker
- Stainless grates and Flavorizer bars
- 12-year limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 1500538 (natural gas) |
|---|---|
| Main burners | 3 PureBlu |
| Side burner | Yes |
| Stated heat output | Not stated |
| Cooking area | Not stated |
| Grates | Stainless steel |
| Ignition | Not stated |
| Warranty | 12-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you have a natural gas line and want three burners that can still cook a full dinner at once.
Skip it if you use propane. This model is built for natural gas only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Sear zone plus side burner
- 12-year limited warranty
- Burners resist clogging
- Takes griddle inserts, sold separately
Cons
- Natural gas only
- BTU and area not in the listing
- Needs a gas line to the patio
2. Monument Mesa 325 Black – Big Grate, Viewing Lid
This is the propane grill we would look at first. Three primary burners and a side burner make 48,000 BTU in total, over a 570-square-inch area: 405 for cooking and 165 on the warming rack. Monument says it reaches 650°F in about 15 minutes, which is plenty for a good char on carne asada.
The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold heat well and clean up easily. The lid has a full viewing window and a temperature gauge, so you can check food without lifting it and losing heat. Knob lights show the state of each burner, white for off and red for high, and the side burner handles sauces and sides. Hooks hold your tools and there is a built-in bottle opener.
We feature the Mesa 305 on our budget guide, and this black Mesa 325 shares its stated burner, BTU and area figures. It is a different listing and model number, and we include it because few established makers had a three-burner propane grill in stock when we checked. We have not read an independent review of the 325 itself, so this pick rests on the listing and maker details. Reviews of Monument’s larger Mesa 415BZ are good, though that is a different grill. Plan for a long assembly, as those reviewers found on that model.
Why we like it
- 570 square inches including the warming rack
- Side burner included
- Viewing window in the lid
- 8-year limited warranty on the burners
Key specifications
| Model | Mesa325 |
|---|---|
| Main burners | 3 |
| Side burner | Yes |
| Stated heat output | 48,000 BTU including side burner |
| Cooking area | 570 sq in (405 + 165 warming) |
| Grates | Porcelain-enameled cast iron |
| Ignition | Not stated |
| Warranty | 2 years grill, 8 years burners, 1 year electrical |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you cook on propane and want a side burner and a large grate from a maker whose larger grills review well.
Skip it if you want a body warranty that runs longer than two years.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large grate for three burners
- Side burner
- Viewing lid and knob lights
Cons
- Two-year warranty on the grill body
- No review of this model read
- Assembly likely to take a while
3. Victory 3-Burner with Infrared Side Burner – Infrared Side Burner
Victory is the BBQGuys house brand, and this grill spends its effort on steel and heat. The body is all stainless, with a double-walled hood, side walls and firebox for insulation, and three stainless tube burners that the listing says top 700°F. The 12,000 BTU infrared side burner lets you sear a steak quickly without firing up all three main burners, and Triple Ridge flame tamers reduce flare-ups.
Smoked BBQ Source reviewed it and said it gets hot quickly, keeps even heat, and that the build quality was fantastic at its price. The reviewer also says BBQGuys sent the grill for free, so keep that in mind. That review gives 626 square inches in total, with 464 on the main rack and 162 on the warming rack. It took over 90 minutes to build, with bolts that did not seat easily, and the reviewer found the footprint larger than other three-burner grills.
Buyers split sharply on this one. Reviews on the seller’s own site range from an owner reporting a couple of trouble-free years to complaints about the company and warranty service. The lifetime warranty looks good on paper, so read the terms before you count on it.
Why we like it
- Infrared side burner for searing
- Double-walled hood and firebox
- All-stainless construction
- Lifetime warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | BBQ-VCT3BSB-LP |
|---|---|
| Main burners | 3 stainless tube |
| Side burner | Yes, infrared |
| Stated heat output | Main not stated; side 12,000 BTU |
| Cooking area | 626 sq in (464 + 162 warming) |
| Grates | Not stated |
| Ignition | Piezo |
| Warranty | Lifetime, per listing; see description |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you want hard sear marks without heating the entire grill, and you have room for its wide body.
Skip it if warranty service matters most to you, since buyer complaints focus on it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Infrared side burner
- Even heat, per Smoked BBQ Source
- Insulated double walls
Cons
- Reviewer’s sample was free
- Mixed buyer comments on warranty
- Bigger than most three-burner grills
4. Blaze Prelude LBM 25-Inch Propane – For an Outdoor Kitchen
This one is different from the rest of the page. It is a built-in grill head, so it needs an island, a cart or a counter to sit in. If you are planning an outdoor kitchen, a 25-inch three-burner head leaves room for counter space beside it, which is hard to find in a small yard.
Blaze uses 304 stainless steel and three 16-gauge stainless tube burners. Retailers list each burner at 14,000 BTU for 42,000 BTU in total, with 558 square inches of cooking space, and 8mm stainless cooking grates. The listing gives a cutout of 23 1/4 inches wide, 21 1/4 inches deep and 8 1/2 inches high. Get those numbers to whoever builds your island before you order.
We searched and found no independent long-term review of this three-burner model, only retailer pages. BBQGuys rates the build near the top of its premium class, based on the four-burner version, and it sells the grill. One BBQGuys buyer described a burner issue that the maker resolved by sending new burner tubes and flame diffusers, so its support seems responsive. The lifetime residential warranty is unusually long for this size.
Why we like it
- 304 stainless steel construction
- Three 14,000 BTU burners, per retailers
- Published cutout dimensions
- Lifetime residential warranty
Key specifications
| Model | BLZ-3LBM-LP |
|---|---|
| Main burners | 3 |
| Side burner | None |
| Stated heat output | 42,000 BTU, per retailers |
| Cooking area | 558 sq in, per retailers |
| Grates | 8mm stainless steel |
| Ignition | Push and turn, per retailers |
| Warranty | Lifetime residential; 3-year multi-user commercial |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you are building an outdoor kitchen and want a compact three-burner head with a long warranty.
Skip it if you want a grill you can wheel out of the box. This one needs a place to sit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact 25-inch width
- All-stainless build
- Lifetime residential warranty
Cons
- Built-in: needs an island or cart
- Specs come from retailers, not this listing
- No side burner
5. Kenmore 3-Burner Propane with Folding Tables – Folds to 32.5 Inches
Kenmore’s folding cart solves the problem three-burner buyers often have, which is space. It measures 51 inches wide with the tables out and 32.5 inches with them folded, so it can tuck against a wall between cookouts. The total area is 512 square inches, with 381 primary and a 131-square-inch warming rack, and four wheels, two of them locking.
It runs at 30,000 BTU, so don’t expect the sear of the Monument. Cast iron grates help, since they hold heat well and leave a better crust than thin steel. Season them and keep them oiled in humid weather. Electronic ignition and a lid thermometer make it simple to run.
This is the black version of the Azure Blue grill on our budget guide. We include this color because the folding design is one of the most useful ways to fit three burners in a small yard, and because it gives readers a choice of finish. The warranty is one year. This pick rests on the listing details.
Why we like it
- Folds from 51 to 32.5 inches wide
- Cast iron cooking grates
- Electronic ignition
- Two locking wheels
Key specifications
| Model | PG-A4030400LD |
|---|---|
| Main burners | 3 |
| Side burner | None |
| Stated heat output | 30,000 BTU |
| Cooking area | 512 sq in (381 + 131 warming) |
| Grates | Cast iron |
| Ignition | Electronic |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you need a full three-burner grill that folds away between uses.
Skip it if you want strong searing. 30,000 BTU is modest for this area.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Folds narrow for storage
- Cast iron grates
- Simple electronic ignition
Cons
- Modest heat output
- No side burner
- 1-year warranty
6. Master Cook 3-Burner Propane – Folds Under 30 Inches
Master Cook’s three-burner is a simple cart grill with 30,000 BTU, stainless burners and a push-and-turn piezo ignition that needs no battery. The cooking area is 472 square inches, with 339 primary and a 133-square-inch warming rack. It is smaller than the Kenmore on the main grate, but it folds down further, from about 46.5 inches to 29.5 inches wide.
That small footprint is the main reason to pick it. A stainless control panel and handle and a lid thermometer give it a tidier look than the price tier suggests. It suits two to four people who grill on weeknights, more than a full backyard party.
Our search found only short retail comments on this line and no expert review. The listing does not state the cooking grate material or a warranty term, so ask before buying if those matter. Look up replacement parts before you need them.
Why we like it
- Folds to about 29.5 inches wide
- Three stainless burners
- Piezo ignition, no battery needed
- Stainless control panel
Key specifications
| Model | SRGG31403 |
|---|---|
| Main burners | 3 |
| Side burner | None |
| Stated heat output | 30,000 BTU |
| Cooking area | 472 sq in (339 + 133 warming) |
| Grates | Not stated |
| Ignition | Piezo |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if storage width is your main limit and you cook for a small household.
Skip it if you care about warranty terms. The listing gives none.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Narrowest folded width here
- Lid thermometer
- No battery to replace
Cons
- Grate material and warranty not stated
- Thin review record
- Smaller main grate than the Kenmore
7. Megamaster 3-Burner with Foldable Shelves – Three Burners, No Frills
Megamaster keeps this one simple: three 10,000 BTU burners, porcelain-coated steel grates, a porcelain-steel firebox and a stainless control panel, with shelves that fold and a warming rack above. It is a basic backyard cart grill, and the listing doesn’t pretend otherwise. The title gives 429 square inches of cooking space and the feature list gives 434, so treat it as about 430.
Porcelain-coated steel is the entry tier for grates. It is easy to clean, but it doesn’t hold heat the way cast iron does, so expect lighter sear marks and be gentle with metal tools that can chip the coating. Replacement grates exist for many grills, but check the fit by model.
Our search found no expert review. Short owner comments call it decent for the money and say assembly takes about an hour. One Walmart buyer said it runs hot even on the lowest setting, around 400°F, which matters if you like to cook low and slow. Other retailer pages list different BTU figures for this model, so check the box. It suits new grillers and light use.
Why we like it
- Three 10,000 BTU burners
- Porcelain-coated steel grates
- Folding shelves
- Warming rack
Key specifications
| Model | 720-0988EA |
|---|---|
| Main burners | 3 |
| Side burner | None |
| Stated heat output | 30,000 BTU |
| Cooking area | About 430 sq in (listing gives 429 and 434) |
| Grates | Porcelain-coated steel |
| Ignition | Push and turn |
| Warranty | Not clearly stated |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you want a simple three-burner grill for weeknight burgers and chicken.
Skip it if you want low-and-slow control, or you sear often.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple to run
- Shelves fold
- Easy-clean grates
Cons
- One owner reports high heat on low
- Thin grates compared with cast iron
- Listing has conflicting figures
How to choose a three-burner grill
Check that all three burners are main burners
Listings blur this. Some grills sold as three-burner models have two burners under the grates and a third on the side. We left out one such combo for that reason. Look for wording like “three primary burners” or a per-burner BTU figure, and treat a side burner as a bonus rather than a third main burner.
Choose your fuel first
Propane and natural gas grills are not interchangeable out of the box. The Weber here is natural gas only, and the rest are propane. If you have a line on the patio, see our guide to natural gas grills. If you use tanks, ignore the natural gas models entirely, however good they look.
Compare BTU with the grate size
A 30,000 BTU grill with 381 square inches of main grate runs cooler than the same output over a smaller area. Three-burner grills on this page run from 30,000 BTU to 48,000 BTU, and that top figure includes a side burner. Check what the total includes before you compare.
Grates matter more than most features
Cast iron and porcelain-enameled cast iron hold heat for a good crust. Porcelain-coated steel is easy to clean, but it gives a lighter sear. Stainless grates heat fast and handle weather well. For carne asada or fajitas, we would pick cast iron or the Weber’s stainless grate with a sear zone.
Think about where it lives
Folding shelves make a real difference on a three-burner grill, since buyers in this size often have small patios. The Kenmore and Master Cook fold narrow, and our small patio guide has more ideas. Keep the grill well away from siding, railings and overhangs, as the U.S. Fire Administration advises, and protect it with a good grill cover.
Judge value by what you give up
Cheaper three-burner grills usually give up grate quality, warranty length and parts support first. A one-year warranty on a thin grill often says more than the BTU figure does. Look at how long the burners are covered, and whether the maker sells replacement parts.
How we picked these seven grills
We have not used these products ourselves. We started from Amazon listing data, checked each pick was in stock and confirmed three main burners from the listing. We looked for independent reviews next, and we say where one exists. Smoked BBQ Source covers the Victory, and it tells readers the grill was sent free. The others rely on listings, maker details and retailer pages, and we say so on each.
We checked the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database for each brand and found no recall of these models. We left out grills with an unresolved safety report rather than listing them with a warning. One cabinet grill went for that reason, after a review relayed owner reports of a lid fire and dangerous overheating. We found no recall of it, but we would rather leave it off. We also skipped limited-stock listings, which removed several Weber, Napoleon, Broil King and Dyna-Glo models, and we avoided repeating grills from our other guides, apart from two color or model variants we note above.
3 burner grill questions, answered
What is the best 3 burner gas grill for the money?
For propane, we would look at the Monument Mesa 325 first. It gives you the most grate and the side burner, with an 8-year burner warranty. For the lowest tier, see our guide to the best cheap gas grill, and compare warranties before you decide.
Is a 3 burner gas grill enough for a family of four?
Yes. Most of the grills here have about 340 to 465 square inches of main grate, which is enough for a family dinner plus a side. Kenmore’s 381-square-inch grate, for example, has room for steaks and vegetables at once. If you often cook for ten or more, see our large gas grill guide.
Should I get 3 burners or 2?
Three, if you have the space. With two burners, you have a hot side and a cool side but no middle. A third burner gives you a medium zone, which is handy for peppers and onions while the steak sears. If you only cook for one or two, a small gas grill is simpler.
Do I need a side burner on a 3 burner grill?
Only if you cook in pots outdoors. A side burner is handy for beans, salsa or a pan of rice, and the Weber, Monument and Victory have one. If you only grill, skip it. See our guide to grills with a side burner for more.
How do I check a new grill for gas leaks?
Brush soapy water on the hose and connections with the gas on and the burners off. Bubbles mean a leak. The CPSC says to tighten the connection, and if the leak persists, close the valve and have a qualified professional repair it.
Our final pick for three-burner cooking
Buy the Weber Genesis S-335 if you have a natural gas line, and the Monument Mesa 325 if you cook on propane. The Victory suits cooks who want a separate sear burner, and the Blaze suits outdoor kitchens. The Kenmore, Master Cook and Megamaster are the plainer options, for small spaces and light use.
For the full range of sizes, see our main guide to the best gas grill. When the grill is hot, read our guide on how to eat fajitas. Or leave the cooking to us: see the menu and call to order.