A good grill turns a Tuesday into a cookout. If you’re shopping for a 3 burner setup, the choices split fast between full-size propane rigs, portable tabletops, and flat-top griddles. This roundup covers all three, plus three protective covers thrown in for owners who already have a grill worth shielding from the weather.
A Quick View Of The Lineup
NettyPro Grill Cover 56 Inch Waterproof Heavy Duty (Brown)
NettyPro BBQ Grill Cover 52 Inch Heavy Duty Waterproof (Brown)
NettyPro Grill Cover 60 Inch Waterproof Heavy Duty (Brown)
Electactic 30,000 BTU Portable Tabletop Gas Grill 3 Burners
BESTFIRE 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Grill 30,000 BTU Stainless Steel
Cuisinart 360° Griddle Outdoor Cooking Center 22″ Flat Top
Monument Grills Mesa II 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill Stainless Steel
Monument Grills Mesa415BZ 4+1 Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill
Monument Grills Mesa200S 2-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Grill
SKOK Propane Gas Griddle with Hood and Standing Cart
The Strengths Of Each Pick
Most 3 burner grills sit outside year-round, which is why a properly sized cover pays for itself the first time a storm rolls through. The NettyPro 56 Inch Grill Cover fits grills up to 56 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 46 inches tall, so it slips over a typical 2 to 3 burner propane rig without bunching at the corners.
The fabric is a high-density weave with a PU coating, which keeps rain from soaking through while the ripstop grid helps small punctures from turning into long tears. Owners commonly note that the brown color hides dust and pollen better than lighter covers, and the UV-resistant treatment slows fading on grills that bake in afternoon sun.
Reasons It Performs
- Cut for 56 by 24 by 46 inch footprints, covering most 3 burner propane setups with room to spare.
- High-density fabric with PU coating sheds rain and resists UV breakdown through long summer days.
- Ripstop weave stops small snags from spreading if a branch scrapes the cover in storage.
- Brown tone blends with patio furniture, so the cover does not look like a tarp tossed over the grill.
Points To Note
- Tie-downs are not always included, so you may want to add bungee cords in windy yards.
- Measuring your grill before ordering matters; a tight pull over a side shelf can stress the seams.
Key Specs
Who It Suits Best
Anyone with a mid-size 3 burner propane grill that lives on an open patio or deck.
Look Elsewhere When
The NettyPro 60 Inch cover is the better fit if your grill runs closer to 4 burners or has a wider side shelf.
Sliding a cover over a smaller 2 burner grill means the fabric should hug the body without draping onto wet ground. The NettyPro 52 Inch BBQ Grill Cover is cut to 52 by 24 by 46 inches, which lands squarely on compact rigs from Weber, Char-Broil, Brinkmann, and Nexgrill. Compared with the 56 inch cover above, this one trades four inches of length for a cleaner fit on tighter frames.
The same PU-coated ripstop build carries over, which keeps the price conversation simple: this is mostly about size, not materials. In most patios, the shorter cut also means less fabric catching wind, so the cover stays put during a gusty afternoon.
The Practical Payoff
- 52 inch cut hugs compact 2 to 3 burner grills without bulky overhang.
- Compatible with mainstream Weber, Char-Broil, Brinkmann, and Nexgrill models.
- PU-coated shell blocks sideways rain without trapping condensation underneath.
- Brown color hides seasonal pollen and dust between washes.
Small Caveats
- Less forgiving if your grill has a tall lid or raised back panel.
- Same caveat as the larger cover: plan to add straps if your yard gets strong crosswinds.
Made For
Shoppers running compact 2 to 3 burner gas grills who want a tailored fit rather than a billowing tarp.
Swap It Out When
The NettyPro 56 Inch cover is the smarter pick if your grill has a wider cart or extra side burner.
Bigger grills mean bigger covers, and a cover that is too short will leave the wheels exposed to standing water. The NettyPro 60 Inch Grill Cover stretches to 60 by 24 by 46 inches, which clears the footprint of most 3 to 4 burner rigs from Weber, Char-Broil, Brinkmann, Jenn Air, and Nexgrill.
The extra four inches of length come in handy when a side burner or folding shelf extends past the main body, a problem the smaller 52 inch cover can struggle with. Owners with open patios often reach for this size because it tolerates slight measuring differences and still drapes clean over the hood.
What Pays Off
- 60 inch length covers full-size 3 to 4 burner grills without exposing the wheels.
- Works with Weber, Char-Broil, Brinkmann, Jenn Air, and Nexgrill frames.
- PU-coated ripstop handles rain, dust, and seasonal pollen with one wipe-down.
- UV-resistant shell keeps the brown color from bleaching in summer sun.
Trade Offs
- Loose fit on small grills, so measure carefully before ordering down a size.
- Heavier fabric can pool water if the cover is not tensioned over the hood.
Right Fit For
Grill owners with full-size 3 to 4 burner propane setups that need coverage past the side shelves.
Not Your Match When
The NettyPro 52 Inch cover wraps a smaller 2 burner grill more neatly without excess fabric.
A small deck, a tailgate, or a cramped campsite all need the same thing: real burner control in a body you can carry. The Electactic 30,000 BTU Portable Tabletop Gas Grill runs three independent burners with knob ignition, and the 251 square inch cooking surface fits roughly eight burgers or six steaks at once.
Compared with the cover-only picks above, this is a working grill. The trade-off is footprint: at roughly 20 by 20 by 14 inches, it lives on a tabletop rather than rolling around the patio, so the people who love it are the ones who cook away from a permanent kitchen.
Where It Excels
- Three independent burners give you a hot zone, a warm zone, and a simmer zone in one small body.
- Knob ignition lights each burner without a long match hunt at a campsite.
- Tabletop size fits tailgate setups, RV pads, and apartment balconies where full-size grills are not allowed.
A Few Limitations
- Propane tank and regulator are typically sold separately, which adds to the setup cost.
- Tabletop height means you need a stable surface; the legs do not compensate for uneven ground.
Key Specs
Best Suited To
Tailgaters, campers, and renters who want real burner control without a permanent grill footprint.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The BESTFIRE 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Grill is a smarter grab if you want a glass viewing lid and a built-in thermometer for low-and-slow cooks.
Portable grills usually skip the niceties, but the BESTFIRE 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Grill adds a viewing glass lid and a built-in thermometer to the standard three-burner layout. The stainless steel shell takes more abuse than painted steel, and the 30,000 BTU total output matches the Electactic above for raw cooking power.
The viewing lid is the standout feature for anyone who has ruined a fish fillet by lifting the hood at the wrong moment. With glass and a thermometer, you can hold a steady oven-like temp without venting heat, which matters when you’re roasting veggies while a steak sears.
The Case For It
- Glass viewing lid lets you monitor food without venting heat and slowing the cook.
- Built-in thermometer supports steady roasting, smoking, and slow grilling.
- Stainless steel body resists rust at the campsite or beach house.
Possible Compromises
- Glass lid adds weight and can crack if the grill gets knocked around in transit.
- Same caveat as most portable grills: confirm the propane regulator and tank are part of your bundle.
Feature Snapshot
Who Should Grab It
Outdoor cooks who want roast-and-smoke capability in a portable body for camping, RVing, or tailgating.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
The Cuisinart 360° Griddle makes more sense for shoppers who mostly cook pancakes, smash burgers, and stir-fry.
Round flat-top griddles earn their keep at brunches and family cookouts, and the Cuisinart 360° Griddle Outdoor Cooking Center leans into that role. Two burners push 30,000 BTU total across a 22 inch round carbon steel surface, which is large enough for pancakes, smash burgers, fajitas, and stir-fry in the same session.
The folding prep table and vented stainless lid turn the unit into a small outdoor kitchen rather than a standalone griddle. Compared with the BESTFIRE above, this one swaps open-flame grilling for griddle versatility, so the buyer profile looks different even though both share the 30,000 BTU ceiling.
Real Benefits
- Round carbon steel surface handles pancakes, eggs, smash burgers, and stir-fry with even heat.
- Vented stainless lid traps heat for steaming, roasting, and light smoking.
- Folding prep table gives you a place to set plates and tools without dragging out a separate cart.
Points To Keep In Mind
- Carbon steel needs a quick oil wipe after each cook to prevent rust between sessions.
- Round shape means rectangular griddle accessories, like a grease trough liner, may not fit cleanly.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Hosts who cook large brunches or do weekly smash-burger nights and want a flat-top station rather than a flame grill.
Consider Something Else When
The SKOK Propane Gas Griddle is the better fit for shoppers who want four independent heat zones on a rectangular surface.
Full-size grills earn their space by heating fast and holding steady, and the Monument Grills Mesa II 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill does both. The Advanced Broil Zone pushes the chamber up to 500°F in roughly five minutes on full blast, which is fast enough for a weeknight sear without a long preheat.
The 304 stainless steel build gives it a backyard upgrade over painted steel, and the foldable side shelves collapse when you need to roll the grill closer to a wall. Versus the Mesa415BZ reviewed next, this one skips the dedicated side burner and trims a few thousand BTU in exchange for a friendlier footprint.
What Makes Sense
- Hits 500°F in about five minutes, cutting preheat time on busy weeknights.
- Advanced Broil Zone focuses heat for searing while other burners handle sides.
- Foldable side shelves save patio space when the grill is parked against a wall.
Small Limitations
- Stainless steel looks sharp but shows water spots; a quick wipe after cooking keeps it tidy.
- Assembly time is short, though two people make the box easier to manage.
Quick Facts
The Right Fit
Backyard cooks who want a four-burner full-size grill without paying for a separate side burner they would rarely use.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The Monument Grills Mesa415BZ makes more sense if you regularly need a side burner for sauces or veggies while the main grates are full.
The Mesa415BZ is the more ambitious sibling to the Mesa II above, adding a dedicated side burner to the four main burners for a total of 62,000 BTU. The Advanced Sear Zone uses U-shaped fire holes at the front of the burner to push the chamber up to 650°F in roughly ten minutes, which lands in serious steakhouse territory for a backyard rig.
Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold and distribute heat better than plain steel, and they clean up faster once you scrape them while still warm. Compared with the Mesa200S reviewed later, this is a heavier, taller grill aimed at the cook who uses every burner at once.
What Helps Most
- Side burner adds a real cooking station for sauces, corn, or a small pan while the main grates work.
- Advanced Sear Zone hits up to 650°F in roughly ten minutes for restaurant-style crust.
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates distribute heat evenly and wipe clean faster than bare steel.
Honest Caveats
- Larger footprint than the Mesa II, so smaller patios may feel the squeeze.
- Cast iron grates need an occasional oil rub to keep the enamel from drying out.
Built With In Mind
Home chefs who cook for groups, use every burner, and want a dedicated side burner for sides and sauces.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
The Monument Grills Mesa II is the cleaner pick if the side burner would sit unused and a smaller footprint matters more.
Tight patios call for grills that respect the space, and the Monument Grills Mesa200S 2-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Grill is built for exactly that. The two foldable shelves drop down when you need to wheel it under an awning or against a railing, and the 450 square inch total cooking area is enough for roughly four people without overcrowding the grates.
The 24,000 BTU burner output is modest compared with the Mesa415BZ above, but stainless construction and a Clearview lid keep the build from feeling like a downgrade. Compared with the BESTFIRE tabletop grill, this one trades the viewing glass lid for a permanent cart and a true patio footprint.
Where It Helps
- Foldable shelves collapse for narrow balconies and tight storage spots.
- 450 square inch cooking area fits a small family dinner with room for a warming rack.
- 304 stainless steel burners hold up to humid coastal weather better than painted steel.
A Few Limitations
- Only two burners, so indirect cooking for large roasts is limited.
- Clearview lid glass adds elegance but needs a quick wipe to stay transparent.
The Right Fit
Patio and balcony cooks who need a real grill with a small footprint and a cart that tucks out of the way.
Skip It When
The Monument Grills Mesa II is a smarter match if you want four burners for indirect roasts and big gatherings.
The SKOK Propane Gas Griddle closes the list with a four-burner flat-top setup on a standing cart, which is the most flexible griddle format for serious outdoor cooking. Four independently controlled stainless tube burners put out 10,000 BTU each, so the surface can run as one even griddle or split into separate heat zones for picky eaters.
The high hood traps heat for thicker cuts and quick melts, and the cart puts the cooking surface at a comfortable working height. Compared with the Cuisinart 360° above, this is rectangular rather than round, with one extra burner and a dedicated standing cart.
A Few Strong Suits
- Four independent 10,000 BTU burners let you set up multiple heat zones on the same cooktop.
- High hood traps heat for melting, steaming, and thicker proteins.
- Standing cart brings the cooking surface to a comfortable working height without a separate table.
Practical Considerations
- Flat top needs seasoning and a quick oil wipe after each cook to prevent rust.
- Cart footprint is larger than a tabletop griddle, so plan for parking space on the patio.
Best Suited To
Home cooks who want a multi-zone griddle for pancakes, smash burgers, and stir-fry on a permanent patio setup.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The Cuisinart 360° Griddle is the cleaner pick for smaller patios that need a round surface and a folding prep table.
Factors That Matter When Choosing A 3 Burner Bbq Grill
Start with the cooking surface you actually need. A 250 to 350 square inch grate feeds roughly four people, while 450 square inches and up handles family cookouts without crowding burgers against steaks. For griddles, the same math applies but measured in flat-top inches rather than grate bars, and rectangular surfaces tend to fit more spatulas than round ones.
Burner layout matters more than raw BTU. Three independently controlled burners let you sear on one side, roast in the middle, and warm on the other, which is the workflow most recipes assume. A single high-BTU burner without independent knobs tends to overcook thinner cuts, while a four-burner layout with a side burner adds real flexibility once you start cooking multiple dishes at once.
Material and weather protection drive long-term cost. Stainless steel costs more upfront but resists rust on coastal or humid patios, while painted steel grills need a cover in the off-season. Covers like the NettyPro 56, 52, and 60 inch options extend the life of any grill, and matching the cover to your measured footprint matters more than brand loyalty.
Portability versus footprint is a use-case question. Tailgaters, campers, and renters usually want a tabletop body that lives in a trunk, while homeowners with a fixed patio benefit more from full-size carts with folding shelves. Think about where the grill will actually spend 95% of its time before choosing between those two form factors.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Where Shoppers Go Wrong
The most common mistake is picking a cover by guess rather than by measurement, which leaves the wheels exposed to standing water and slowly rusts the cart from the bottom up. Another slip is buying a small tabletop grill for a family of six and expecting it to keep up with the cooking pace. Measure your grill, count your usual guests, and match the body to both before adding accessories.
The Upgrade Payoff
Higher-tier grills in this roundup buy you better materials, faster preheats, and independent burner control rather than just more BTU on paper. The Monument Grills Mesa415BZ, for example, adds a side burner and a 650°F sear zone that cheaper models cannot match, and the Cuisinart 360° adds griddle versatility that flame grills simply cannot replicate. Worth it if you cook for groups weekly, less critical if your grill only fires up a few times a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many BTU do I need for a 3 burner grill?
Most 3 burner grills land between 24,000 and 36,000 BTU total, which is enough for weeknight searing without running through propane. Focus on independent burner control more than the raw BTU number.
What size cover fits a typical 3 burner grill?
A 52 to 60 inch cover handles most 2 to 4 burner grills, depending on side shelves and cart width. Always measure your grill’s length, width, and height with the lid closed before ordering.
Can a portable tabletop grill replace a full-size patio grill?
For renters, campers, and tailgaters, a 3 burner tabletop covers most weeknight cooks. For families that entertain weekly, a full-size cart with folding shelves tends to keep pace better.
Is stainless steel worth the extra cost?
In humid or coastal climates, stainless holds up far longer than painted steel. In dry climates with a cover, painted steel grills often last nearly as long at a lower entry cost.
Do I need a side burner?
Side burners earn their keep when you cook sauces, corn, or vegetables alongside the main grates. If you mostly sear steaks and burgers, the extra burner often sits unused.
The Takeaway
A 3 burner grill fits the way most people actually cook: one zone hot, one zone warm, and enough surface to feed four without crowding. Match the body to your space, your guest count, and your typical menu, and the rest of the decision lines up. The NettyPro covers, Electactic and BESTFIRE portables, Cuisinart and SKOK griddles, and Monument Grills full-size rigs each handle a different slice of that decision.