There’s a unique frustration that sets in when you’re planning an epic tailgate, a serene camping trip, or even just a get-together at a local park. You have the perfect menu in mind—juicy burgers, perfectly seared steaks, flavorful grilled vegetables—but your equipment holds you back. The massive, stationary grill on your patio is an immovable beast, and the flimsy, single-burner portable grills of the past often feel like trying to cook over a candle. They lack the power, the space, and the control to deliver a truly satisfying meal. This gap between ambition and reality is where the search for a serious portable grill begins—a quest for a unit that combines the power of a backyard fixture with the flexibility to cook anywhere your adventures take you. The ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill aims to be the definitive answer to that call.
- PREMIUM HEAVY DUTY STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: The Onlyfire portable BBQ gas grill is made of high quality stainless steel to ensure duarability and...
- EASY TEMPERATURE CONTROL WITH 3 BURNER: The outdoor propane grill is designed with 3 seperate burner which can be controlled individually. The 3 powerful...
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Grill
A portable propane grill is more than just a piece of outdoor cooking equipment; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom. It’s for the griller who refuses to be tethered to one location. The main benefit is obvious: powerful, controlled heat on the go. This allows for superior cooking results compared to unpredictable charcoal or underpowered camp stoves, whether you’re in an RV park, on a beach, or on a small apartment balcony where a full-size grill is impossible. It bridges the gap between convenience and quality, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for portability.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who leads an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle or is constrained by limited space. Think tailgaters, RV enthusiasts, campers, and apartment dwellers with small patios. They need a grill that is relatively easy to transport and set up but still packs enough punch to feed a small group effectively. Conversely, this might not be the right choice for the homebody pitmaster who regularly hosts large neighborhood barbecues. If you need to cook for 20 people at once and never plan to move your grill, a larger, stationary four or five-burner model would be a more suitable investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to both the operational and folded dimensions. A portable grill needs to fit comfortably on a tabletop or tailgate, but more importantly, it needs to fit in your vehicle’s trunk or RV storage compartment. The ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill, for example, shrinks to a 12-inch height when folded, a key metric for storage.
- Capacity/Performance: This is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and cooking surface area. More BTUs generally mean faster heating and higher searing temperatures. The ONLYFIRE model boasts an impressive 24,000 BTUs across three burners, which is substantial for a portable unit and signals serious searing power. Consider how many people you typically cook for to determine if the 286 square inches of cooking space is adequate.
- Materials & Durability: The construction material is a direct indicator of longevity. Stainless steel, as used in this grill, is prized for its resistance to rust and corrosion and its ease of cleaning. Cheaper alternatives might use painted steel, which can chip and rust over time, or cast aluminum, which is durable but can be heavier. The quality of the grates—in this case, stainless steel—also affects heat retention and cleaning.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Portability goes beyond size. Look for features like foldable legs, a locking lid, and comfortable carrying handles. For maintenance, a removable grease tray is non-negotiable for simple cleanup. Also, consider the assembly process; some grills are ready to go out of the box, while others require significant setup, which can be a point of frustration for many users.
Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a portable grill that not only meets your cooking needs but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
While the ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable 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:
- High-Heat Propane Gas BBQ Grill – This 4-burner gas grill with an additional 8,500 BTU side burner delivers a total of 46,500 BTU. Enjoy rapid...
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition...
- Heavy-Duty Griddle Plate – Built with a 4mm thick, reinforced hot-pressed steel griddle that ensures excellent heat retention and durability. Perfect for...
First Impressions and Key Features
Upon unboxing the ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill, the first thing that struck us was the sheer amount of polished stainless steel. It has a heavy, substantial feel that immediately separates it from flimsier, more plasticky competitors. Weighing in at over 33 pounds, it communicates a sense of durability and seriousness. The components, particularly the heavy-gauge cooking grate, feel built to last. However, this premium first impression is quickly tempered by the reality of assembly. The process is not for the faint of heart. The instructions are sparse and can be confusing, a sentiment echoed by numerous users who found themselves needing help or spending hours on what should be a straightforward task. We noted that some components, like the plastic feet for the legs, required significant force—even a hammer—to fit properly. It’s a tale of two halves: the finished product looks great and feels robust, but the journey to get there can be a significant, and sometimes frustrating, challenge. You can see its full feature set and detailed specifications before deciding if the assembly is a hurdle you’re willing to tackle.
Advantages
- Massive 24,000 BTU output across three burners for incredibly high heat and rapid pre-heating.
- Generous 286 square inch cooking surface, ample for a portable grill.
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction provides a premium look and feel.
- Includes adapters for both 1lb and 20lb propane tanks, offering excellent fuel versatility.
Drawbacks
- Assembly is challenging, with unclear instructions and potential for missing or ill-fitting parts.
- Serious concerns about long-term durability, with multiple reports of rusting within a short time.
- Poor low-temperature control; the grill runs extremely hot even on the lowest setting.
Performance Under Fire: A Closer Look at the ONLYFIRE GRILLS GS307
A grill’s true worth is only revealed when the propane is flowing and the food hits the grates. It’s here, in the heat of the moment, that we move past spec sheets and into the real-world performance. We put the ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill through its paces, from the initial setup frustrations to its blistering searing capabilities, to determine if its power outweighs its reported problems.
The Assembly Gauntlet: What to Expect Out of the Box
Let’s be unequivocally clear: the assembly of this grill is its single greatest hurdle. While we eventually ended up with a solid-feeling unit, the process was fraught with ambiguity and minor frustrations that could easily derail a less patient person. Our experience aligns perfectly with reports from other users who described the assembly as “not easy” and “very unclear.” The instruction manual lacks the detailed diagrams and step-by-step clarity that has become standard for modern products. At one point, we had to consult photos of the completed product online to understand how the regulator and hose were intended to connect, a step that one user noted took them over an hour to figure out with a friend’s help.
Furthermore, we encountered quality control issues that complicated the build. We found ourselves tightening screws that were loose from the factory and noticed that small parts like plastic feet required excessive force to install. This is consistent with feedback about missing nuts, loose panels, and even poorly welded brackets for the drip pan falling off. While some users received pristine units, others reported dings, bent corners, and other shipping or manufacturing damage right out of the box. This initial experience is a significant gamble. If you are not mechanically inclined or are easily frustrated by poor instructions, this assembly process could be a deal-breaker. However, for those who push through, a powerful grill awaits, and you can check the latest price and availability to see if that trade-off is worth it to you.
Unleashing the Inferno: Power, Heat, and Searing Capability
Once assembled and fired up, the defining characteristic of the ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill is its raw, unadulterated power. With 24,000 BTUs at its disposal, this grill gets hot, and it gets hot *fast*. We saw the built-in thermometer climb to over 600°F in minutes, making it an absolute beast for searing. This is where the grill truly shines. We tested it with thick-cut steaks and achieved a deep, flavorful crust with beautiful grill marks in no time. For anyone who loves that steakhouse-quality sear, this grill delivers in spades. One user perfectly captured this, stating it’s “excellent for siring steak” and that they “had temperature up to 650 degrees and probably could have gone higher.”
However, this immense power is a double-edged sword. The grill’s most significant performance flaw is its lack of a true “low” setting. We confirmed what many users have discovered: even with all three burners on their lowest setting, the grill holds a temperature of around 400°F. This makes cooking delicate items like chicken or fish without burning them a constant battle. As one user aptly put it, “You can’t cook anything low and slow on this grill, it’ll burn your thick cuts of meat even on the low setting.” We also experienced significant flare-ups, especially with fattier cuts like ribeyes, due to the heat distribution plates being quite close to the cooking grate. Managing these flare-ups requires constant attention. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” grill; it’s an active, high-heat cooking machine best suited for quick-cooking foods like steaks, burgers, and sausages.
Design & Durability: Stainless Steel Dreams and Rusty Realities
The polished stainless steel finish gives the ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill a professional, heavy-duty appearance that stands out in the portable grill market. The main body, lid, and cooking grates are all made from this material, which, in theory, should provide excellent longevity and resistance to the elements. The lid handle is robust, the three control knobs have a solid feel, and the locking clasps secure the lid firmly for transport. It looks and feels like a premium product that should last for many seasons of grilling.
Unfortunately, our long-term testing and analysis of user feedback reveal a troubling contradiction to this initial impression. The most alarming issue is the propensity for the stainless steel to rust. We saw multiple, credible reports of rusting appearing in as little as one month of ownership, even when the grill was kept covered. One user expressed their disappointment, saying, “I’ve used it 4 times and have owned it less than a month and it’s already rusting. It’s always covered and still rusted.” This suggests the grade or finish of the stainless steel may not be as high-quality as its appearance implies. Beyond rust, we also noted potential weak points in the manufacturing, specifically the spot welds. The bracket holding the grease tray, in particular, was identified as a failure point by one user whose tray fell off during use—a dangerous and messy flaw. This is a crucial consideration for potential buyers; the grill looks fantastic, but its long-term durability is a significant question mark. The all-stainless construction is a major selling point, but one that comes with serious caveats.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our hands-on testing, we delved into a broad range of user experiences to see how our findings compared. The sentiment is sharply divided, often centering on the same key issues. On the positive side, many users are thrilled with the grill’s primary function: getting incredibly hot. One satisfied owner noted it “heats quickly” and is “great for searing steaks with nice grill marks.” Another praised its versatility, saying, “This portable Barbecue is fantastic…It has now replaced my clunky deck barbecue.” These users value the raw power and large cooking surface, seeing it as a high-performance portable solution.
However, the negative feedback is consistent and significant. The most common complaint by far is the difficult and poorly documented assembly process. Beyond that, the extreme heat and lack of low-temperature control is a major source of frustration, with one user stating, “The heat is too hot even on too low.” But perhaps the most concerning trend is the reports of premature rusting. Comments like, “Only one month after purchase and it is already rusty, what a disappointment,” raise serious questions about the material quality and long-term value of the grill. These contrasting experiences paint a picture of a product with high potential but significant flaws in execution.
How Does the ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill Compare to Its Top 3 Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum. The ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill competes in a crowded market filled with established brands. To understand its true value, we need to compare it directly against some of the most popular alternatives.
1. BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable Griddle
- MAKE EVERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DELICIOUS with Black Stone griddle. Perfect for the backyard or the great outdoors, this flat top griddle makes cooking...
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The Blackstone 17″ Portable Griddle isn’t a direct competitor so much as a different philosophy of portable cooking. Instead of grates, it offers a solid steel flat-top surface. This makes it the champion for cooking things the ONLYFIRE grill would struggle with: bacon, eggs, pancakes, smash burgers, and chopped Philly cheesesteaks. Its 12,000 BTU output is significantly lower, meaning it won’t achieve the same intense, char-broiled sear on a steak. The choice here is clear: if your ideal outdoor meal involves a classic breakfast spread or diner-style burgers, the Blackstone is unequivocally the better tool. If you live for grill marks and cooking over an open flame, the ONLYFIRE grill’s power is what you need.
2. Weber Q1000 Propane Grill
- One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
The Weber Q-series is the gold standard for reliable, high-quality portable grilling. The Q1000 is known for its exceptional build quality, cast-aluminum body that will never rust, and incredibly even heat distribution from its single burner. However, it’s a trade-off. It has only one burner and 8,500 BTUs, less than half the power of the ONLYFIRE grill, and its 189 square inch cooking area is much smaller. The Weber is for the griller who prioritizes longevity, reliability, and precision cooking over raw power and maximum cooking space. It’s a safer, more refined choice, while the ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill is the wilder, more powerful, and more spacious option for those willing to accept its flaws.
3. Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Propane Grill
- COOKING POWER: Up to 11,000 total BTUs
- 3 ADJUSTABLE BURNERS: For optimum temperature control
The Coleman RoadTrip line is synonymous with tailgating. The RoadTrip 225 is designed from the ground up for ultimate portability, often featuring a collapsible stand with wheels for incredible ease of transport. It offers two burners with up to 11,000 BTUs and a 225 square inch surface, placing it in a middle ground between the Weber and the ONLYFIRE models. Its main advantage is its integrated, user-friendly design made for life on the move. However, its construction feels less substantial than the ONLYFIRE’s heavy stainless steel, and its heat output is considerably lower. The Coleman is for the person who prioritizes convenience and mobility above all else, while the ONLYFIRE grill is for the user who is willing to trade some of that convenience for a much larger and more powerful cooking system.
The Final Word: Is the ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill is a conditional recommendation. This is a grill for a very specific type of user: the high-heat enthusiast who prioritizes searing power and a large cooking area above all else in a portable package. If your idea of grilling is getting a blistering-hot surface to put a perfect crust on steaks, burgers, and chops, this grill’s 24,000 BTUs will not disappoint. It delivers heat that rivals much larger, more expensive stationary grills.
However, this recommendation comes with serious warnings. It is not for the impatient, the mechanically challenged, or anyone who wants to cook delicate foods or employ low-and-slow techniques. The difficult assembly, the alarming reports of premature rusting, and the near-total lack of low-temperature control are significant flaws that cannot be ignored. If you are prepared to muscle through the setup and are vigilant about cleaning and storage to hopefully stave off rust, you will be rewarded with immense grilling power. For those seeking searing performance on the go and who understand its limitations, the ONLYFIRE GRILLS 3 Burner Portable Gas Grill is a compelling, if imperfect, option worth considering.
Last update on 2025-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API