Kenmore's Stainless Steel 4-burner Gas Grill 16311 is perfectly equipped for family style barbecues. This model is efficient, versatile and aesthetically appealing in bright stainless steel with black trim.

We loved the roomy 19x26-inch cooking surface, which includes three heavy porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates. The unit's four burners offer a combined 48,000 Btu of cooking power. The heat was fairly consistent across the width of the cooking surface with somewhat hotter temperatures registering at the rear of the grates, which were noticeably hotter than the front (due to a cross ignition bar that runs along the back of the grill). The cooking grates are composed of interconnected triangular bars, which are wider at the bottom and taper up to a point to minimize contact with foods for less sticking.

Kenmore packs some exceptional features into this low-budget grill. First, the stainless steel construction carries through from the hood all the way down to the cabinet. A brushed finish resists fingerprints and presents a nice contrast with the gleaming handle and knobs, as well as the black side shelf and side burner assembly. This model comes with a 12,000-Btu side burner with flush-mounted cover. We loved the flush-mounted design, which is unobtrusive and lets you use the surface as additional workspace when the burner is unoccupied. On the opposite side of the grill is a roomy 15.5x20.5-inch side shelf, and on either end, there is a handy towel bar/side handle. Three S-hook utensil holders can be affixed to either side.

An electronic igniter sends a series of sparks to the burners for quick lighting. Each burner is controlled independently and subsequent burners can be lit from the first. The electronic igniter also sends a spark to the side burner so you need to be careful to keep the side burner control knob in the Off position until you are ready to use it.

Preheating of the grill is fast -- the hood temperature gauge registered 400 degrees Fahrenheit in less then 5 minutes and climbed to 525 degrees by the 10-minute mark. The four burners are individually controlled by adjustable knobs that turn effortlessly to let you choose a setting. You can use all four burners together or just one or two to obtain an indirect grilling experience. A separate 6.25x24.5-inch warming rack offers ample space for buns and other delicate items. The total cooking space is 659 square inches.

This grill's overall dimensions are 60.75 inches (width) by 26 inches (depth) by 47.75 inches (height). The cookbox sits atop an enclosed cabinet (with magnetic-close doors) that stores/hides the LP gas tank. Four caster wheels provide full mobility and can be locked to hold the grill steady.

The Kenmore Stainless Steel 4-burner Grill exceeded our expectations in terms of performance. The variable heat settings provide a full range of temperature for slow barbecuing to quick searing and grilling.


Pros: Fast heating, stainless steel construction, four burners, 48,000 Btu and 12,000-Btu side burner
Cons: Cooking surface gets hotter toward the rear

Warranty
1 year; 10 years, burner