You might not realize how much a side burner transforms your grilling setup. It’s not just for searing steaks. You can simmer sauce, sauté onions, or boil corn without running back inside. These ten grills combine that extra burner with durable builds and smart features, making outdoor cooking smoother. So, which one earns a spot in your backyard?
| Stainless Steel 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill (G31 PRO) |  | Compact Starter | Total BTU Output: 34,000 BTU | Total Cooking Area: 489.17 sq in | Number of Main Burners: 3 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner |  | Best Capacity | Total BTU Output: 69,000 BTU (6×10,000 + 9,000) | Total Cooking Area: 620 sq in | Number of Main Burners: 6 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Endark 68,500 BTU 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill |  | Most Powerful | Total BTU Output: 68,500 BTU | Total Cooking Area: 580 sq in | Number of Main Burners: 6 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Sophia & William 4-Burner Propane BBQ Grill |  | Balanced Build | Total BTU Output: 42,000 BTU | Total Cooking Area: 542 sq in | Number of Main Burners: 4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| COWSAR 4-Burner Gas Grill 42000 BTU |  | Top Rated Value | Total BTU Output: 42,000 BTU | Total Cooking Area: 525 sq in | Number of Main Burners: 4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Propane Gas Grill 4 Burner Combo with Griddle |  | Griddle Combo | Total BTU Output: 49,000 BTU | Total Cooking Area: 440 sq in | Number of Main Burners: 4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| LazySunsets 4-Burner Propane BBQ Grill with Side Burner |  | Heavy Duty | Total BTU Output: 49,000 BTU | Total Cooking Area: 625 sq in | Number of Main Burners: 4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Bestfire 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill |  | Large Surface | Total BTU Output: 68,000 BTU | Total Cooking Area: 647 sq in | Number of Main Burners: 5 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 3 Burner Propane BBQ Grill with Side Burner |  | Budget Pick | Total BTU Output: 39,000 BTU | Total Cooking Area: 369 sq in | Number of Main Burners: 3 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Royal Gourmet GA5403B 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill |  | Feature Packed | Total BTU Output: 64,000 BTU | Total Cooking Area: 666 sq in | Number of Main Burners: 5 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Stainless Steel 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill (G31 PRO)
You’re looking for a compact starter grill that won’t hog your patio. The Electactic G31 PRO fits the bill at 48 by 20 by 43 inches, with four heavy duty wheels (two lockable) for easy maneuvering. Its polished AISI 304 stainless steel lid and 201 stainless body resist rust. You get three main burners (8,000 BTU each) and a 10,000 BTU side burner, totaling 34,000 BTU. Cast iron grates hold heat well. The 489 square inch cooking area includes a warming rack. Cleanup is quick with a removable grease tray. Plus, you’ve got a built in bottle opener and side hooks.
- Total BTU Output:34,000 BTU
- Total Cooking Area:489.17 sq in
- Number of Main Burners:3
- Grill Grate Material:Cast iron
- Burner Material:Stainless steel
- Wheels for Mobility:4 wheels (2 lockable)
- Additional Feature:AISI 304 stainless steel lid
- Additional Feature:Built-in bottle opener
- Additional Feature:Lockable casters
6 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner
Six burners give you serious room to maneuver, making this grill a top pick for backyard hosts who love cooking for crowds. You get a total of 620 square inches of cooking space, with 446 square inches on the main grilling surface and a 174 square inch warming rack. The six stainless steel burners each deliver 10,000 BTUs, giving you precise heat control. You’ll also love the 9,000 BTU side burner, perfect for simmering sauces or melting butter.
The cast iron grates and reversible griddle plate are coated in porcelain enamel for easy cleanup. You can flip the griddle: smooth side for pancakes, ridged side for steaks. And the built in thermometer and pull out grease tray make your job easier. Four wheels let you move it anywhere, and the cabinet hides your propane tank. A solid 4.2 star rating backs it up.
- Total BTU Output:69,000 BTU (6×10,000 + 9,000)
- Total Cooking Area:620 sq in
- Number of Main Burners:6
- Grill Grate Material:Porcelain-coated cast iron
- Burner Material:Stainless steel
- Wheels for Mobility:4 wheels
- Additional Feature:Reversible griddle plate included
- Additional Feature:Porcelain-coated enamel grates
- Additional Feature:Pull-out oil drip tray
Endark 68,500 BTU 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill
If you want serious heat for serious cooks, this is your grill. The Endark 68,500 BTU 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill packs six stainless steel main burners for uniform searing, plus an 8,500 BTU side burner perfect for sauces or quickly boiling water. You’ll get a massive 580 sq. in. ceramic-enameled cooking area and a warming rack. It rolls easily on four wheels (two lockable), features a built-in thermometer, and a grease management system simplifies cleanup. Assembly’s straightforward, and it includes a 1-year warranty. Model GA5010-2.
- Total BTU Output:68,500 BTU
- Total Cooking Area:580 sq in
- Number of Main Burners:6
- Grill Grate Material:Porcelain-coated (ceramic-enameled)
- Burner Material:Stainless steel
- Wheels for Mobility:4 wheels (2 lockable)
- Additional Feature:Piezoelectric ignition system
- Additional Feature:Lockable propane tank slot
- Additional Feature:Dedicated cover storage
Sophia & William 4-Burner Propane BBQ Grill
This grill’s balanced build makes it perfect for anyone hosting backyard gatherings who wants serious cooking power without a massive footprint. You get 42,000 BTUs total, split between four main burners and a handy side burner. That’s 397 square inches of primary space plus a 145-square-inch warming rack, so you can sear steaks while keeping buns toasty.
The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist rust and clean up fast. A double-layer lid locks in heat, and the built-in thermometer tracks your temperature at a glance. You’ll love the electronic ignition for instant starts and the removable grease tray for easy cleanup. Rolling it around on galvanized casters? Effortless. Just grab a standard 20-pound tank, hook up the included hose, and you’re flipping smiles in no time.
- Total BTU Output:42,000 BTU
- Total Cooking Area:542 sq in
- Number of Main Burners:4
- Grill Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Burner Material:Stainless steel
- Wheels for Mobility:Galvanized casters
- Additional Feature:Double-layer heat-retaining lid
- Additional Feature:Porcelain-enamel flame tamers
- Additional Feature:Galvanized casters
COWSAR 4-Burner Gas Grill 42000 BTU
You can’t beat top rated value with the COWSAR 4-Burner Gas Grill, 42000 BTU. Its four main burners deliver serious heat, and you’ll love the powerful side burner for boiling sides or whipping up sauce while you grill. The porcelain coated cast iron grates hold heat evenly and make cleanup a breeze. Plus, you get 525 square inches of cooking space. That’s room for burgers, steaks, and ribs all at once. Use the built in hooks for your tools, and watch the pull out grease tray reduce flare ups. It’s durable stainless steel too.
- Total BTU Output:42,000 BTU
- Total Cooking Area:525 sq in
- Number of Main Burners:4
- Grill Grate Material:Porcelain-coated cast iron
- Burner Material:Stainless steel
- Wheels for Mobility:Yes (wheels included)
- Additional Feature:Spacious storage cabinet
- Additional Feature:Built-in side hooks
- Additional Feature:Large-capacity grease cup
Propane Gas Grill 4 Burner Combo with Griddle
Propane Gas Grill 4 Burner Combo with Griddle is built for the backyard cook who refuses to choose between flame-kissed steaks and a full breakfast spread. This workhorse packs a 4+1 burner system pumping out 49,000 BTU, so you’re searing burgers while simmering sauce on the side burner. The real star? That reversible porcelain cast iron surface. Flip it for ridged grilling on one side or flat griddling on the other. You’ll flip pancakes, eggs, and bacon without a separate pan. The 440 square inch main area handles 20 burgers at once, while the built-in thermometer keeps you precise. Cleanup? Just brush the rust-resistant surface and pull the removable grease tray. It’s weatherproof, portable, and ready for your biggest cookouts.
- Total BTU Output:49,000 BTU
- Total Cooking Area:440 sq in
- Number of Main Burners:4
- Grill Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Burner Material:Stainless steel
- Wheels for Mobility:Yes (stable, portable design)
- Additional Feature:Reversible porcelain cast iron surface
- Additional Feature:Feeds up to 10 adults
- Additional Feature:Can cook 20 burgers at once
LazySunsets 4-Burner Propane BBQ Grill with Side Burner
Looking for a grill that handles big groups without breaking down? The LazySunsets 4-Burner Propane BBQ delivers 49,000 BTUs across its main burners, giving you even heat for everything from burgers to a whole suckling pig. You get over 625 square inches of cooking space, plus a dedicated side burner for simmering sauces while you grill. The stainless steel frame and enamel-coated cast iron grates resist rust and sticking, so cleanup is a breeze. Just pull out the grease tray, remove the grates, and you’re done. It’s lightweight at 28 pounds, making it easy to move from patio to campsite. And with a 2-year warranty and 24/7 support, you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
- Total BTU Output:49,000 BTU
- Total Cooking Area:625 sq in
- Number of Main Burners:4
- Grill Grate Material:Enamel-coated cast iron
- Burner Material:Stainless steel
- Wheels for Mobility:Yes (portable freestanding)
- Additional Feature:2-year warranty
- Additional Feature:Fits whole lamb or suckling pig
- Additional Feature:24/7 customer support
Bestfire 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Who needs a grill that can handle a massive cookout without breaking a sweat? The Bestfire 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill is your answer. You get six burners total: five main ones plus a side burner, pumping out 68,000 BTU. That large 647 square inch cooking surface fits over 40 burgers or 8 racks of ribs at once. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates give you perfect sear marks.
You control heat easily with adjustable flame knobs and a built-in thermometer. Instant push button ignition gets you cooking fast. Cleanup is simple with the removable grease tray. The heavy duty 304 stainless steel body resists weather, and four wheels (two lock) let you move it anywhere. Plus, a storage cabinet holds your propane tank and tools.
- Total BTU Output:68,000 BTU
- Total Cooking Area:647 sq in
- Number of Main Burners:5
- Grill Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Burner Material:Stainless steel
- Wheels for Mobility:4 wheels (2 locking)
- Additional Feature:304 stainless steel body
- Additional Feature:Handles over 40 burgers
- Additional Feature:Heat-resistant handles
3 Burner Propane BBQ Grill with Side Burner
For anyone seeking a reliable grill without breaking the bank, this is your budget pick. You get a stainless steel build with porcelain-enamel-coated cast iron grates, so heat spreads evenly for perfect sear marks, and they resist rust. The double-layer lid locks in consistent temperature, while the bottom cabinet hides your propane tank neatly. Plus, there are built in tool hooks and a bottle opener for convenience.
Cooking capacity and burner setup:
- Main cooking area: 279 square inches
- Warming rack: 90 square inches for toasting buns or keeping items warm
- Three main burners at 10,000 BTU each, plus a 9,000 BTU side burner for sauces or melting butter
- Total heat: 39,000 BTU
You can dial in precise heat for low-and-slow or high-heat searing. The built in thermometer and adjustable knobs make flame management easy. A full sized grease tray simplifies cleanup. Customers rate it around 4.2 stars, and you get a 30 day return policy and manufacturer warranty. It measures 44.5 inches wide by 19 inches deep by 45 inches tall. Affordable, practical, and ready for your next cookout!
- Total BTU Output:39,000 BTU
- Total Cooking Area:369 sq in
- Number of Main Burners:3
- Grill Grate Material:Porcelain-enamel-coated cast iron
- Burner Material:Stainless steel
- Wheels for Mobility:Yes (portable)
- Additional Feature:Double-layer heat-locking lid
- Additional Feature:Bottom cabinet hides propane tank
- Additional Feature:Built-in bottle opener
Royal Gourmet GA5403B 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill
The Royal Gourmet GA5403B is your best bet if you want serious versatility without breaking the bank. You’re getting 64,000 total BTUs across five burners, including a dedicated 14,000 BTU sear burner for that perfect crust. At 666 square inches of cooking space, you’ve got room for family feasts. The electronic ignition fires up instantly, no matches needed. And storage? The cabinet hides your propane tank, while the side burner doubles as extra prep space when closed. Use the warming rack for keeping buns toasty, and don’t forget the grease tray for easy cleanup. It’s a solid workhorse.
- Total BTU Output:64,000 BTU
- Total Cooking Area:666 sq in
- Number of Main Burners:5
- Grill Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled
- Burner Material:Stainless steel
- Wheels for Mobility:Yes (4 wheels)
- Additional Feature:Blue powder-coated finish
- Additional Feature:Side burner doubles as prep shelf
- Additional Feature:Dedicated LP cylinder storage
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Barbeque Grill With Side Burner
You’ll want to look closely at the total BTU output and the main burner power, as these determine how hot your grill can get and how quickly it recovers heat after you open the lid. But don’t overlook side burner versatility and the cooking surface area, because a higher BTU side burner lets you sauté or boil sauces faster, and more grilling space means you can cook for a bigger crowd with fewer batches. Finally, check the material and build quality—stainless steel burners and a thick, powder-coated lid mean your grill will resist rust and hold up to years of use.
Total BTU Output
Why does total BTU output matter when you’re picking a grill with a side burner? It’s simple: total BTU tells you the overall heating muscle of your setup, combining every burner and side burner into one number. A higher total BTU rating, say 40,000 versus 30,000, means you can crank up the heat faster and sear that steak quicker. But don’t get tunnel vision on raw power. You’ve got to balance BTU with your cooking area size, or you’ll end up with a hot spot mess instead of even cooking. Your side burner adds its own heat to this equation, so check its rating alongside the main burners for true capacity. A grill with robust total BTU gives you flexibility, letting you boil sauce on the side while grilling burgers, without waiting around. Just remember, bigger numbers help, but they’re not everything.
Main Burner Power
How much heat does a grill’s main burners actually need to deliver? It’s all about those BTUs, baby. You’re looking at a sweet spot between 30,000 and 68,000 BTU for most standard outdoor grills with side burners. That’s enough raw power to sear a steak or slow-roast a rack of ribs without breaking a sweat.
But here’s the thing: higher BTU ratings don’t automatically mean better performance. Your grill’s design and heat distribution matter just as much. You don’t need a massive flame wall if you’re only cooking for two. Consider your grill size and typical menu. A bigger cooking area demands more BTUs to maintain consistent heat. Conversely, that 60,000 BTU beast might waste fuel on a tiny grate. Balance is key. Measure your needs, not just the numbers, and you’ll get that perfect sear every time.
Side Burner Versatility
Since you’ve dialed in your main burners, let’s shift focus to that side burner: it’s the unsung hero of grill versatility. You’ll simmer sauces, boil corn, or sear veggies without abandoning your steak. Check the BTU output, though. Higher ratings mean faster boiling for those emergency gravy fixes, while lower ones handle delicate reductions without scorching.
Look for a cover. When it’s off, that burner turns into a solid prep station, doubling your workspace. And placement matters: a front-mounted unit lets you stir while flipping, no awkward reaches. Multi-function controls? Grab them. They let you dial from a rolling boil down to a gentle simmer precisely. Finally, confirm it accepts standard griddle or wok accessories. That turns a simple burner into a wok station or a smash-burger zone. You’re not just grilling; you’re orchestrating a full kitchen outside.
Cooking Surface Area
That side burner’s versatility is a game changer, but don’t let it distract you from the main event: the cooking surface area. This is where the real magic happens. You’ll find that a larger grilling area, say over 600 square inches, lets you cook for a crowd without breaking a sweat. That means you can throw on a dozen burgers, a rack of ribs, and still have room for veggies.
But you’ve got to plan smart. The primary grilling surface is your main zone, while the warming rack above keeps food hot. Don’t forget the side burner adds capacity too. So, when you’re sizing up a grill, add it all together. You’ll want a balanced setup that handles meats and sides at once. That’s how you maximize your cookout, not just flip burgers.
Material And Build Quality
While you’re mapping out square inches, don’t overlook what those inches are actually made of. You want stainless steel for the hood and body—it fights rust and looks sharp for years. Porcelain-enameled surfaces on your cook box prevent corrosion and make cleanup a breeze; just a quick wipe and you’re done. Cast iron burners? They hold heat like a champ, giving you even temps across your cooking zone. Look for weather-resistant elements like powder-coated steel or coated aluminum—they’ll survive rain and sun without flinching. And check the frame: reinforced joints and heavy-duty fixtures keep the grill stable, even when you’re loading up a big brisket. Skip flimsy builds; they’ll wobble and warp. Your grill’s material is its backbone—don’t settle for less.
Grate Material Type
Because your grill’s performance starts right where the food hits the heat, the grate material matters more than you might think. Cast iron is your heavyweight champion, delivering stellar heat retention for that perfect sear, though it demands a bit of oiling to prevent rust. For easier cleanup, go porcelain coated steel or cast iron; it’s non stick and rust resistant, making your life simpler.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, offers unbeatable durability and corrosion resistance, requiring almost no maintenance. And if you crave versatility, reversible grates give you two sides: one for aggressive searing, one for gentle warming. Remember, thicker, denser materials mean steadier temperature control, so don’t skimp here. Your food deserves that consistent heat kiss!
Mobility And Storage
Once you’ve nailed down the grate material, the next big thing is how easily you can move your grill around and where you’ll stash all your gear. Check the wheels: you want at least two large, lockable ones. This keeps the grill stable during cooking but lets you roll it effortlessly across your patio or lawn. Weigh the whole unit, too. A heavy grill with poor wheels is a pain to reposition, especially for camping trips.
Now, storage. Look for built-in cabinets, shelves, or utensil hooks. They keep your tongs, sauces, and tools right where you need them, so you’re not hunting mid-flip. Evaluate if the side burner has a removable griddle or foldable side tables. These features simplify setup and takedown. And make sure the storage is big enough for your gear yet conveniently accessible while you cook. No fumbling allowed!
Warranty And Support
What kind of backup do you get if something goes wrong with your grill? You’ll want a clear warranty, typically 1 to 3 years, covering defects or malfunctions. Check the terms, too, because exclusions hide in fine print, like cosmetic rust or burner tubes. Then, confirm support channels: phone, email, or live chat, so you’re not stranded mid-setup. Replacement parts should be easy to source through the manufacturer or authorized dealers, or repairs stall indefinitely.
And don’t overlook documentation. A solid manual and online FAQs save you from guessing games during maintenance. For example, knowing how to clean a side burner’s jet nozzle isn’t intuitive, but a good guide walks you through it. Short version: warranty length, accessible help, and parts availability. Nail those three, and you’re cooking with confidence.
