cookit CIQL003S Grill Review
Our verdict
The cookit CIQL003S is a compact 3-burner propane grill with 19,800 BTU and cast iron grates, priced at $159.99. With 157 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, it is one of the better-reviewed budget grills in this set and stands out for its BTU output relative to its price.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Budget shoppers who want a 3-burner propane grill with cast iron grates and solid BTU output for everyday grilling in a smaller outdoor space.
Skip if
You regularly cook for more than 4 to 6 people, need a large cooking surface, or want a premium long-lasting build.
- Fuel Propane
- BTUs 19800 BTU
- Burners 3
- Cooking area 372 Sq In
- Material Cast Iron, Metal, Stainless Steel
- Install Freestanding
- Priced 58% below the category median ($381.99 across 260 tracked models)
- BTUs of 19800 BTU - higher than 95% of the 261 models we track
Pros
- 19,800 BTU across 3 burners is strong output for the price
- Cast iron grates improve searing and heat retention
- 157 reviews at 4.1 stars is a reliable satisfaction signal
- At $159.99, it is one of the most affordable grills in this range
- Freestanding design at 57.3 lb is manageable for one or two people
Cons
- 372 sq in is compact and limits cooking for larger groups
- Only 3 burners means less zone flexibility than 4 or 5 burner models
- Cast iron grates need regular maintenance to avoid rust
- Budget price likely reflects some build quality trade-offs
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.1/5
4.1 average across 157 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.7/5
157 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The cookit CIQL003S delivers 19,800 BTU across 3 burners and 372 square inches of cooking area for $159.99. That works out to 6,600 BTU per burner, which is a respectable output at this price tier, especially compared to higher-priced grills that list much lower BTU figures. The combination of cast iron grates and a metal and stainless steel frame keeps the heat-retention characteristics competitive.', 'Cast iron grates are a meaningful feature at under $160. They absorb and hold heat better than porcelain-coated steel, which helps produce better sear marks and more consistent cooking. The tradeoff is that cast iron needs to be dried and lightly oiled after each use to prevent rust, particularly in wet climates.', 'One hundred fifty-seven reviews at 4.1 stars is the most substantial review base in this product group. That sample size gives the rating real credibility. A 4.1 at 157 reviews indicates most buyers are satisfied but a portion had issues, which is a normal outcome for a budget-category grill. At $159.99, it is a strong option for the price.']
Specifications
| Fuel | Propane |
|---|---|
| BTUs | 19800 BTU |
| Burners | 3 |
| Cooking area | 372 Sq In |
| Material | Cast Iron, Metal, Stainless Steel |
| Install | Freestanding |
| Color | Black, Silver |
| Dimensions | 19 X 44.5 X 45 In |
| Weight | 57.3 lb |
Performance notes
Fuel is propane. 3 burners produce 19,800 BTU total across 372 sq in of cooking area, averaging 6,600 BTU per burner. Material is a combination of cast iron grates, metal frame, and stainless steel accents. Freestanding install type. Dimensions are 19 x 44.5 x 45 in and weight is 57.3 lb. The BTU-per-burner output is competitive with grills in a higher price bracket, and cast iron grates add genuine cooking performance value at this price.
What buyers say
157 reviews at 4.1 stars is the strongest data point in this group. The volume of reviews and the above-average score suggest this grill consistently meets buyer expectations for the price. Some lower ratings exist but they do not dominate the distribution, pointing to a generally reliable product at the budget level.
Similar grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers to consider
Frequently asked questions
How do I maintain cast iron grates on this grill?
After each grilling session, brush the grates while still warm to remove food residue. Once cool, apply a light layer of cooking oil using a paper towel to protect the iron surface. If the grill will sit unused for extended periods, store it covered or bring the grates indoors to prevent rust from developing.
Is 19,800 BTU good for a 3-burner grill?
Yes, 19,800 BTU across 3 burners averages 6,600 BTU per burner, which is solid for a grill at this price point. Many grills in this category run 8,000 to 12,000 BTU per burner on mid-range models. This output is enough for effective searing and general grilling across the 372 sq in cooking surface.
Can this grill handle steaks and burgers at high heat?
With 19,800 BTU and cast iron grates, this grill is capable of reaching grilling temperatures suitable for steaks and burgers. Cast iron holds heat evenly, which helps produce consistent sear marks. For food doneness, follow USDA safe cooking temperatures for the specific protein you are preparing.