It’s a common problem for anyone who enjoys cooking outdoors.
In the beginning, you’re happy to throw a few burgers on the grill now and then. But after a while, you start to get restless. It would be great to experiment with other recipes–to turn the grill into a true outdoor kitchen.
To do this, you need a larger cooking surface. That’s where 4 burner units come in.
A 4 burner gas grill is a good compromise for most families. It’s large enough to prepare several meal components at once without taking up the entire patio. More importantly, it marks you as a true grilling aficionado.
How does the Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill hold up to the industry standard? Let’s take a brief look.
Pros:
- Superior heat distribution
- Easy to clean
- User-friendly
- Reliable igniter switch
Cons:
- Some shipping issues reported
- Customer service can be hit-or-miss
We’ve compiled this Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill review to help you decide whether the product is worth the money.
- 5-burner, total 53,000 BTU/Electronic ignition system
- Electronic ignition system/27 in. x 17 in. firebox
- Total cooking area 621 sq. In./side handle with hook
Things to Consider Before Buying a Gas Grill
Gas grills are the most popular type of grill in the US for one simple reason: convenience.
With a gas grill, the flames appear at the touch of a button. No messy briquettes, no waiting half an hour for the coals to be ready. Just set the knobs to the desired setting and press the igniter button. The grill will be ready to go by the time you can retrieve the ingredients from the fridge.
Of course, there are some people who swear by the flavor of charcoal-grilled food. There’s probably no swaying these purists. Fortunately, both grill types are readily available.
Before investing in a gas grill, think about how much space you’ll need. If you’re looking for a 4 burner unit, you’ll probably want between 500 and 700 square inches of cooking space. This should be enough to feed groups of 6 to 8 people.
Also, remember to look for a well-constructed unit. Heavy-gauge steel is the preferred material. The cooking grates should be made of either stainless steel or cast iron.
You might also want to check the warranty information. If the grill malfunctions within the warranty period, you could be entitled to free replacement parts.
Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill: Features & Benefits
What does Kenmore have to offer that the competition doesn’t? Read on to find out.
Burners
As advertised, this model is equipped with 4 main burners. Each has a BTU output of 10,000, so the main cooking surface packs a combined punch of 40,000 BTUs. That’s fairly standard for a 4 burner grill.
The Kenmore also has an extra side burner, which can double as a shelf. This additional burner cranks out 13,000 BTUs. That comes in handy if you’re boiling water for rice or pasta. It can be used to keep sauces warm as well.
Like the main body of the grill, the burners are composed of stainless steel. The lid is made of steel as well, which helps the unit retain its heat.
Surface Area
Between the main grilling surface and the included warming rack, the Kenmore offers 606 square inches of cooking space. That means it can comfortably hold about 36 hamburger patties at once. Note that this total doesn’t include the extra burner, which is designed to hold saucepans rather than raw ingredients.
The cooking grids are constructed of stainless steel. This gives them good heat retention, but cleanup can be difficult.
It’s vital to clean the grids well after each use. If grease and food residue are allowed to build up on the grids, they’ll be prone to corrosion and rust. While rusty cast iron can be cleaned and re-seasoned, rusty stainless steel grates will need to be replaced.
Storage
The Kenmore is flanked by a second side shelf, one that doesn’t convert to a burner. This extra space can be used to hold grilling tools, condiments, or a small platter. There’s also a bar-style handle, which is the ideal spot to hang utensils when they’re not in use.
This is a cabinet-style grill that stores the LP tank behind twin doors. The tank takes up a lot of the space, but a small spare tank could be stored alongside it. That’s good news for frequent grillers who worry about running out of fuel.
Mobility
Larger grills aren’t as maneuverable as smaller units. This model gets around that problem by including a set of 4 rolling casters. Located on the corners, these small wheels allow you to move the grill across the lawn or patio as needed.
It should also be noted that the unit is lightweight for its size. That makes it more maneuverable as well. The casters are outfitted with a braking system, so you don’t have to worry about it rolling away once it’s in place.
Safety tip: Always make sure the gas lines are properly secured after moving the grill.
Electronic Ignition
Some gas grills are cursed with unreliable ignition systems. It’s a frustrating issue that requires grillers to keep a pack of matches or a stick lighter handy. This model offers a user-friendly igniter switch that delivers precise flames whenever they’re needed.
Temperature Gauge
Like many gas grills, the Kenmore features a built-in thermometer. The analog temperature gauge is located in the lid of the grill. It lists a range of 200 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’ll be able to tell whether the grill is ready for smoking, searing, or anything in between.
The temperature gauge is generally reliable. In our opinion, though, the numbers can be hard to read, especially from a distance. The dial can also be erratic at times, especially at low temperatures. It might be worth it to purchase a digital thermometer as well.
Grease Tray
Unlike charcoal grills, which allow the fat to burn right off, gas grills need a place to store grease drippings. This unit comes with a grease tray that can be removed for easy cleanup.
Note that the grease tray should be removed and cleaned after each use. This is particularly important if you’ve been preparing fatty meats like sausages and hamburgers. If you wait too long, the grease can build up and ignite, leading to dangerous flare-ups. It may also give your food an unpleasant flavor.
Warranty
Kenmore’s warranty package is generous but misleading. The burners are covered for 15 years from the date of purchase, which is great news. Meanwhile, the heat diffusers are covered for just 5 years. The body of the grill itself only falls under the warranty for 2 years.
Since you’re unlikely to keep the grill if the body and heat diffusers have rusted through, the 15 year guarantee on the burners is essentially meaningless. Still, any warranty is better than none.
Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill: Social Proof
We searched the internet to hear what regular consumers had to say about the Kenmore 4 burner gas grill.
A handful of buyers were pleased, saying that the grill had excellent heat distribution. The lightweight nature and maneuverability were mentioned as well. Another group claimed that it was difficult to assemble, but worth the effort. Overall, the response was positive.
Possible Alternatives
If this Kenmore 4 Burner gas grill review wasn’t enough to sway you, here are some other options. Each of these grills is similar to the Kenmore model in one way or another.
#1 Char-Broil Performance 4 Burner Gas Grill
This is another cabinet-style gas grill with an additional side burner. While it’s not quite as powerful as the Kenmore, it’s much less expensive. Even with a customized cover thrown in, Char-Broil easily beats the price.
How They Compare:
- Affordability-Char-Broil
- Quality-Kenmore
- Ease of Cleanup-Char-Broil
- Ease of Assembly-Char-Broil
- Storage Space-Kenmore
- Warranty-Kenmore
Take a look at the Char-Broil if you’re in the market for a gas grill that’s both spacious and affordable.
#2 Monument Grills 4-Burner Gas Grill
The combined BTU output on this offering from Monument is even higher than that of the Kenmore. The design is attractive, with two looped handles on the cabinet doors.
How They Compare:
- Affordability-Monument Grills
- Quality-Kenmore
- Ease of Cleanup-Monument Grills
- Ease of Assembly-Monument Grills
- Storage Space-Monument Grills
- Warranty-Kenmore
For a stylish 4 burner unit at a bargain price, give the Monument Grills unit a try.
#3 Master Cook 4 Burner Gas Grill
This 4 burner budget option features less space and power than the Kenmore. It could be a good fit if you’re a charcoal enthusiast who wants to try a gas grill for a change.
How They Compare:
- Affordability-Master Cook
- Quality-Kenmore
- Ease of Cleanup-Tie
- Ease of Assembly-Master Cook
- Storage Space-Kenmore
- Warranty-Kenmore
Check out the Master Cook 4 Burner Gas Grill if you value affordability over longevity.
Final Thoughts
Is the Kenmore 4 burner gas grill worth a look?
Certainly, if you want a mid-sized unit with a great deal of power. The heat distribution is impressive, and the side burner is a neat touch. It’s also surprisingly portable for a 4 burner model. For buyers who cook outdoors on a regular basis, the Kenmore should be a worthwhile investment.
Click here to learn more about the Kenmore 4 burner gas grill.