The best propane grills with side burner deliver enhanced cooking versatility, allowing outdoor chefs to sauté vegetables or keep sauces warm while the main course grills. When selecting one, consider factors like BTU output for searing power, the number and type of burners (main and side), and the overall construction materials for durability. A poorly chosen model might offer insufficient heat, uneven cooking, or a flimsy build that compromises performance and longevity.
Navigating the market can be daunting, but understanding these nuances ensures you find a grill that elevates your backyard barbecues. We’ve curated a list of top-performing models to help you choose the perfect addition to your patio.
Leading propane grills with side burners often feature porcelain-enameled cast iron grates for durability and even heat distribution, like the Captiva Designs 4-Burner or Monument Grills Mesa Series. For powerful searing, models such as the Weber Spirit E-325 and E-435 offer enhanced Boost Burners. High BTU output is common, with options like the Bestfire 68,000 BTU and Veralune 5 Burner providing ample cooking power.
Best Propane Grills With Side Burner, Compared
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick 1  | Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Best for: Infrared cooking tech | Check Price |
Best Pick 2  | Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner Best for: Family cookouts | Check Price |
Best Pick 3  | Weber Spirit E-325 Liquid Propane Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking Best for: Classic grilling choice | Check Price |
Best Pick 4  | Bestfire 68,000 BTU 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Best for: High-heat searing | Check Price |
Best Pick 5  | Permasteel 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill, 30,000 BTUs BBQ Grill with Best for: Simple cooking | Check Price |
How We Picked
We meticulously evaluated numerous propane gas grills to identify the best propane grills with side burner options for Our selection prioritized robust build quality, reliable real-world performance, and essential safety features. We focused on durability, looking for high-quality materials like stainless steel and porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, exemplified by models like the Monument Grills Mesa Series and Captiva Designs.
Standout features, such as infrared technology on the Charbroil Pro Series and powerful BTU outputs across models like Bestfire and Veralune, also played a significant role. Grills lacking critical durability or robust construction were ruled out.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Maximize Your Grill’s Versatility with Side Burners
The true value of a propane grill with a side burner lies in its ability to do more than just grill. You can simmer sauces, boil corn, or sauté vegetables simultaneously while your main course is cooking. Look for side burners with sufficient BTU output, like the 9,000 BTU unit on the EUHOME 4-Burner or the 10,500 BTU on the 3-Burner Stainless Steel model, to ensure they can handle your culinary needs without becoming a bottleneck for your meal preparation.
Understand BTU Ratings for Side Burner Performance
When comparing propane grills with side burners, pay close attention to the BTU rating specifically for the side burner itself. While overall BTU output is important for the main grill, a low-BTU side burner can significantly limit its utility. Models like the Veralune 5 Burner and Bestfire 5 Burner offer powerful side burners, indicated by their substantial BTU figures, ensuring you can cook a full meal outdoors without sacrificing cooking techniques that require consistent heat.
1. Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas
Best for: Modular grilling and griddling chef.
This 4-burner propane grill features a patented modular cooking system, allowing transformation to griddle or charcoal setups in under 90 seconds with sold-separately accessories. Its porcelain-coated cast iron grates resist rust and deliver distinct grill marks.
The infrared cooking system heats up to 500°F in under 10 minutes and provides even heat distribution across multiple grilling configurations. It includes a 328-square-inch cold-rolled steel griddle.
Pros
- Modular cooking system for grill, griddle, or charcoal
- Infrared technology heats to 500°F quickly
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates resist rust
- Even heat maintenance for consistent cooking
Cons
- Charcoal tray and griddle top sold separately
This grill is ideal for the versatile home chef who wants to switch between grilling and griddling with ease. Expand your outdoor cooking capabilities beyond traditional grilling.
2. Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner
Best for: Family cookouts and batch preparers.
Boasting a 545 sq.in. cooking area, this 4-burner propane grill offers ample space for large family meals, featuring porcelain-enameled cast iron grates for superior heat distribution. The dual-purpose grates are heavy-duty, nonstick, and resist rust and cracking.
With four stainless steel burners and enameled flame tamers, it generates 12 Kilowatts of power, ensuring consistent temperatures across the expansive primary cooking area of 400 sq.in. A warming rack adds extra utility.
Pros
- Large 545 sq.in. total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- Even heat distribution from 4 stainless steel burners
- Rust and crack-resistant grates
Cons
- Output measured in Kilowatts, not BTUs for direct comparison
This grill is perfect for families or hosts who frequently entertain large groups. Prepare multiple dishes at once with its generous cooking surface.
3. Weber Spirit E-325 Liquid Propane Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking
Best for: Seared perfection enthusiasts.
The Weber Spirit E-325 gas grill features Boost Burners that concentrate 40% more power into its largest sear zone, facilitating bold, flavorful searing. Its precise, consistent heat reaches cooking temperature quickly and cooks evenly across the grates.
This 3-burner grill offers 19,000 BTUs of main burner heating power, supported by 3 heating elements for even cooking. The Snap-Jet Ignition system ensures easy lighting, and Weber Works side rails accept snap-on accessories (sold separately) for added convenience.
Pros
- Largest sear zone in its class
- Boost Burners for intense searing power
- Quick and even heat distribution
- Easy Snap-Jet Ignition
Cons
- Only 3 main burners for cooking space
Ideal for those who prioritize achieving a perfect sear on steaks and other meats. This grill offers a focused searing experience with reliable Weber performance.
4. Bestfire 68,000 BTU 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side
Best for: Master chefs managing multiple tasks.
This 68,000 BTU 5-burner propane grill includes an additional side burner, offering six total cooking elements for versatile meal preparation. A removable grease tray and tool hooks simplify cleanup and organization.
The grill provides 5 main burners plus one side burner, delivering a total of 68,000 BTU. It features a push-button start for instant ignition and adjustable flame knobs for precise temperature control, with a built-in thermometer for monitoring.
Pros
- Total of 6 cooking elements (5 main + 1 side)
- 68,000 BTU total heating power
- Precise temperature control with adjustable knobs
- Instant ignition with push-button start
Cons
- 8 racks may be excessive for some users
This grill is best suited for experienced cooks who need to simultaneously sear, simmer, and keep dishes warm. Its high BTU output and multiple burners allow for complex meal staging.
5. Permasteel 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill, 30,000 BTUs BBQ Grill with
Best for: Compact space entertainers.
With a 512 sq. inch cooking surface, this 3-burner propane grill provides room to cook approximately 33 burgers. Its three stainless steel burners deliver a combined 30,000 BTU for efficient grilling performance.
The primary cooking surface measures 381 sq.in., complemented by a 131 sq.in. secondary surface for flexible cooking. Two porcelain-coated cast iron grates ensure superior heat distribution and retention, enhancing cooking consistency.
Pros
- Generous 512 sq. in. total cooking area
- 3 stainless steel burners
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- Efficient heat retention and distribution
Cons
- Only 1 shelf/rack available
This 3-burner grill is a solid choice for smaller patios or decks where space is a consideration. It offers sufficient capacity for moderate gatherings.
6. EUHOME 51,000 BTU 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner
Best for: Outdoor party hosts seeking flexibility.
Experience professional-grade power with 51,000 BTU total output from four 10,500 BTU main burners, ensuring fast, even heat for searing. The dedicated 9,000 BTU side burner is perfect for simmering sauces or sautéing vegetables.
This grill boasts an expansive 452 sq.in. cooking area, divided into a 345 sq.in. primary grill surface and a 107 sq.in. warming rack. Five heating elements work to distribute heat evenly across the cooking surfaces for consistent results.
Pros
- 51,000 BTU total professional-grade power
- Four 10,500 BTU main burners
- Dedicated 9,000 BTU side burner
- Expansive 452 sq.in. cooking area
Cons
- Warming rack size is relatively small at 107 sq.in.
This grill is ideal for home entertainers who want high performance and the versatility to prepare multiple components of a meal simultaneously. It’s designed for hosting larger outdoor events.
7. Weber Spirit E-435 Liquid Propane Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking,
Best for: Sear enthusiasts with accessory needs.
The Weber Spirit E-435 grill enhances searing with Boost Burners that provide 40% more power in the largest sear zone of its class, achieving intense heat for bold flavors. Its side rails are compatible with Weber Works accessories (sold separately) for added customization.
This 4-burner grill delivers 19,000 BTUs across its main burners, supported by 3 heating elements for consistent cooking. A dedicated side burner offers supplementary cooking space, and the grill includes two racks for elevated cooking or warming.
Pros
- Enhanced searing with Boost Burners
- Largest sear zone in its class
- Weber Works side rail compatibility
- Dedicated side burner for versatility
Cons
- Only 3 main burners despite being a 4-burner model
This grill is designed for users who value superior searing capabilities and the convenience of customizable accessories. It’s perfect for crafting restaurant-style grilled dishes at home.
8. 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Stainless
Best for: Everyday backyard cooks.
Generating a powerful 34,000 BTU output, this 3-burner stainless steel grill includes a dedicated 10,500 BTU side burner for simultaneous cooking tasks. Its high-quality stainless steel construction ensures durability for frequent use.
The three main stainless steel burners are complemented by the 10,500 BTU side burner, offering ample heat for searing and slow-cooking. A built-in temperature gauge reads from 0-1000°F, providing precise heat control over its cooking surfaces.
Pros
- Powerful 34,000 BTU main burner output
- 10,500 BTU dedicated side burner
- High-quality stainless steel construction
- Precise temperature control with 0-1000°F gauge
Cons
- Only 4 power levels for burners
This grill is ideal for the average backyard cook who needs reliable performance and the ability to manage multiple cooking tasks. It offers a good balance of power and convenience for daily grilling.
9. Monument Grills Mesa Series, 4+1 Outdoor Barbecue Stainless Steel Propane
Best for: Targeted searing and multi-zone cooking.
The Monument Grills Mesa Series features porcelain-enameled cast iron grates for optimal flavor and easy cleaning, ensuring even heat distribution. Its sear zone reaches up to 650°F in 10 minutes with efficient, U-shaped fire holes.
This 4+1 burner grill boasts a rapid sear capability, reaching high temperatures quickly across its main burners. It includes a side burner for auxiliary cooking, four racks for versatile food placement, and a warming rack to keep finished items hot.
Pros
- Sear zone reaches 650°F in 10 minutes
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- Efficient U-shaped fire hole burners
- Built-in side burner for added versatility
Cons
- Requires assembly, indicated by multiple components
This grill is perfect for the home chef who enjoys intense searing and needs precise temperature control for various cooking methods. It’s designed for those who appreciate specialized cooking zones.
10. Veralune 5 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner, 68,000 BTU,
Best for: Large-scale outdoor event chefs.
Achieve total cooking versatility with this 5+1 burner gas grill, delivering a combined 68,000 BTU output for simultaneous searing, simmering, and sauce warming. It includes a removable grease tray and tool hooks for efficient cleanup and organization.
The main grill boasts a substantial 548 sq.in. cooking area, complemented by side prep tables, one of which doubles as a powerful auxiliary burner. Five main burners plus one side burner provide ample heating power for diverse culinary needs.
Pros
- Total of 68,000 BTU heating power
- 5+1 burner configuration
- Large 548 sq.in. main cooking area
- Side prep tables, one functioning as a burner
Cons
- Number of racks (3) could be limiting for complex plating
This grill is ideal for hosts who prepare large meals outdoors and require maximum flexibility to manage multiple dishes at once. Its extensive cooking space and high BTU output cater to parties and gatherings.
Side Burner BTU is Not the Whole Story
When evaluating best propane grills with side burner, many shoppers fixate on the stated BTU output of the side burner, assuming higher numbers equate to superior performance. This is a critical misstep. While BTU is a factor in heat, it’s the management of that heat, the construction of the burner cap, and the overall grill design that truly dictates its utility.
A powerful side burner on a flimsy housing that allows heat to escape or warp is ultimately less effective than a marginally lower BTU burner on a robust, well-insulated unit.
Consider the Monument Grills Mesa Series, 4+1 Outdoor Barbecue Stainless Steel Propane, or the Veralune 5 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner, both boasting significant main burner BTU outputs. While their side burners might appear competitive on paper, true versatility comes from how they integrate with the primary cooking surface and the quality of the grates. The Monument Grills’ porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, for instance, offer superior heat retention and even distribution compared to thinner gauge stainless steel, which is crucial for simmering sauces or developing fond.
Conversely, a grill like the Permasteel 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill, 30,000 BTUs BBQ Grill with, prioritizes a more modest BTU total, suggesting a focus on efficient, core grilling rather than extensive secondary cooking tasks.
The mistake is overlooking the synerg y between the main burners, the sear zone, and the side burner. A grill like the Weber Spirit E-435 Liquid Propane Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking, with its Boost Burners and largest sear zone in its class, understands this. The power directed to the main cooking areas, coupled with the ability for rapid, high-heat searing, often implies a more deliberate design philosophy where the side burner is a supplementary tool, not the primary heat source for complex operations.
This contrasts with models like the Bestfire 68,000 BTU 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side, which touts high total BTU, leading some to believe it offers a comprehensively hotter experience across all elements, when in reality, heat distribution and control are paramount.
Ultimately, the most effective best propane grills with side burner are those that balance main grill power with a side burner that offers consistent, controllable heat without sacrificing the integrity of the overall cooktop. The EUHOME 51,000 BTU 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, while listing a respectable BTU, must be judged on its ability to maintain temperature for deliberate, stovetop-style cooking, not just its raw output figure. A precisely engineered side burner, even at a slightly lower BTU, that provides even heat and withstands the rigors of frequent use—perhaps like the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates found on the Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner—will outperform a high-BTU burner that struggles with temperature modulation.
For those prioritizing serious wok cooking or slow-simmering, the 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Stainless, offers a powerful secondary burner that may prove more effective than on grills where the side burner is an afterthought to an overwhelming main cooking area.
What to Look For in Best Propane Grills With Side Burner
Grill burner btus and configuration
Prioritize a total BTU output of at least 40,000 BTU for the primary burners to ensure robust searing and consistent heat across the grill. Look for 3-4 main burners, each rated around 10,000-12,000 BTU, for precise temperature control. The side burner should offer at least 10,000 BTU; a higher output allows for boiling water or simmering sauces quickly.
Opt for stainless steel burners, as they resist rust and wear better than cast iron or aluminum. For the best cooking experience, select a grill with a powerful, well-configured burner system delivering reliable heat.
Grill area and warming racks
Aim for a primary cooking area of 400-600 square inches to comfortably grill for families or small gatherings. This typically translates to around 20-24 inches in width. The warming rack should provide an additional 150-200 square inches, ideal for keeping buns warm or resting cooked food.
Cast iron grates offer superior heat retention and searing marks, but require seasoning and maintenance; stainless steel grates are more durable and easier to clean. Choose heavier gauge cast iron or thick-walled stainless steel cooking grates for optimal performance and longevity.
Construction materials and durability
Invest in a grill with a heavy-gauge stainless steel lid and body construction for superior heat retention and rust resistance. Painted steel offers a budget-friendly option but is prone to chipping and rust over time. Ensure side shelves and the control panel are also made from stainless steel or at least a durable, heat-resistant plastic.
Look for large, sturdy wheels, ideally 7-8 inches in diameter, with locking casters for stability. For lasting durability and reliable performance, select a grill constructed with robust, high-quality materials throughout.
Which Should You Choose?
- If you want maximum versatility and the ability to easily switch cooking methods, choose a grill with a modular cooking system or a gas-to-charcoal conversion option.
- If searing is your top priority, look for models with high-BTU “Boost Burners” and the largest Sear Zone available.
- If you need to cook for a larger crowd but also appreciate precise heat control, opt for a grill with 4-5 main burners and a substantial total BTU output.
- If you’re looking for a solid, reliable option for everyday grilling that accommodates a few people, consider a 3-burner grill with a dedicated side burner.
Quick Best Propane Grills With Side Burner Buying Checklist
- BTU Output: Ensure primary and side burners offer sufficient heat for your grilling needs.
- Grill Surface Area: Select a size that accommodates your typical cooking load.
- Warming Rack: Verify if the warming rack is large enough and suitable for your recipes.
- Construction Quality: Look for durable materials like stainless steel for longevity.
- Side Burner Versatility: Confirm the side burner’s BTU is adequate for simmering or boiling.
- Ease of Mobility: Check for sturdy wheels and handles for convenient placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Main Advantage Of A Propane Grill With A Side Burner?
The primary benefit of a propane grill with a side burner is enhanced cooking versatility. It allows you to simultaneously prepare side dishes, sauces, or boil water while grilling mains, significantly expanding your outdoor culinary capabilities.
How Much Grilling Space Do I Need On A Propane Grill With A Side Burner?
The ideal grilling space depends on your typical guest count. For families or small gatherings, 400-600 square inches is usually sufficient, while larger parties might require 600+ square inches for comfortable cooking.
What Btu Output Should I Look For In A Side Burner?
A side burner with a BTU output between 10,000 and 15,000 BTUs is generally recommended for effective simmering and boiling. Higher BTUs offer quicker heating, while lower BTUs provide better control for delicate sauces.
Are Stainless Steel Grills With Side Burners Worth The Investment?
Yes, stainless steel propane grills with side burners often offer superior durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. This material can lead to a longer lifespan and easier maintenance, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent grillers.
Can I Cook With Cast Iron On A Side Burner?
Yes, cast iron cookware is excellent for use on a side burner, particularly for achieving a good sear or maintaining consistent heat for simmering. Ensure the side burner’s heat output is sufficient for your cast iron cooking needs.
Final Words
Investing in the best propane grills with side burner unlocks a new level of outdoor cooking convenience and capability. These versatile machines allow you to prepare complete meals outdoors, from searing steaks to simmering sauces. With the right model, you’ll elevate your backyard entertaining and culinary adventures.
