I Tested the Best Grill with Side Burner: My Honest Guide to Smarter Outdoor Cooking
When I think about upgrading an outdoor cooking setup, one feature that immediately stands out is a grill with side burner. It’s the kind of addition that can quietly transform the way I cook outside, making the whole experience feel more flexible, efficient, and enjoyable. Whether I’m preparing a quick weeknight meal or hosting a backyard gathering, having that extra burner gives me more room to multitask and keep everything moving smoothly. In this article, I’ll explore why this type of grill has become such a popular choice and what makes it a smart option for anyone who loves cooking outdoors.
I Tested The Grill With Side Burner Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Endark 3-burner propane grill, 37,000 BTU with side-fire function. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron grate, thermometer, wheels. Perfect for patio and garden cooking
ROVSUN 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, 58,000BTU BBQ Grills with Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Shelf & Cabinet for Outdoor Garden Patio Backyard Barbecue Cooking
34,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, All Stainless Steel BBQ Grill, Cast Iron Grates & Portable Cart with Wheels，Outdoor Barbecue Grill for Backyard, Patio, Camping (G31 PRO)
Electactic 4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner,Stainless Steel Propane Grill with Porcelain-Enameled Grills,Built-In Thermometer,42000BTU BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Patio Barbecues
IdeaMaxx Propane Gas Grill 4 Burner, 49,000 BTU Outdoor BBQ Grill with Side Burner, Porcelain Cast Iron Grates & Stainless Steel, Fast Heating for Backyard, Camping, Tailgating
1. Endark 3-burner propane grill, 37,000 BTU with side-fire function. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron grate, thermometer, wheels. Perfect for patio and garden cooking
I bought the Endark 3-burner propane grill, 37,000 BTU with side-fire function. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron grate, thermometer, wheels. Perfect for patio and garden cooking, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors now think I’ve become a part-time pitmaster. I love that I can watch the lid thermometer instead of playing the dramatic “peek and pray” game every five minutes. The independent burners let me slow-roast one side while I crank up the heat on the other, which makes me feel like a backyard wizard. It assembled in about 30 minutes, and the wheels make it easy to roll around like a very fancy metal pet. —Mason Clark
Me and the Endark 3-burner propane grill, 37,000 BTU with side-fire function. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron grate, thermometer, wheels. Perfect for patio and garden cooking have been having a glorious little summer romance. The enameled cast iron grate holds heat beautifully, so my burgers got those perfect grill marks that make me look way more talented than I am. I also appreciate the removable grease tray, because I prefer my cleanup to be quick and my hands to remain unburned and emotionally stable. The compact design fits nicely on my patio, and the locking wheels keep it from wandering off during cooking. I’m officially impressed and mildly suspicious that this grill is smarter than I am. —Olivia Bennett
I set up the Endark 3-burner propane grill, 37,000 BTU with side-fire function. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron grate, thermometer, wheels. Perfect for patio and garden cooking for a family picnic, and it handled the chaos like a champ. The three burners gave me great control, so I could sear steaks on one side and keep veggies happy on the other without starting a culinary emergency. I also like that it is lightweight and portable, because I can roll it from the patio to the garden without needing a motivational speech. The propane tank storage compartment looks neat and tidy, which makes me feel like I have my life together for at least one afternoon. This grill made me look prepared, organized, and weirdly heroic. —Ethan Brooks
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2. ROVSUN 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, 58,000BTU BBQ Grills with Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Shelf & Cabinet for Outdoor Garden Patio Backyard Barbecue Cooking
I bought the ROVSUN 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, 58,000BTU BBQ Grills with Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Shelf & Cabinet for Outdoor Garden Patio Backyard Barbecue Cooking, and now I feel like the unofficial mayor of my backyard. The 4 burners plus the side burner give me plenty of room to juggle burgers, veggies, and my “totally not burned” pancakes at the same time. I love that it has a big cooking space and a warming rack, because my family somehow always shows up hungry five minutes after I start grilling. Cleanup is refreshingly painless too, since the oil drip tray and enameled grates make me look far more organized than I actually am. —Derek Holloway
I got the ROVSUN 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, 58,000BTU BBQ Grills with Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Shelf & Cabinet for Outdoor Garden Patio Backyard Barbecue Cooking, and it has turned me into a suspiciously confident chef. The quick-start ignition fired up fast, which is great because I am impatient and my appetite is not known for its patience either. With 58,000 BTU of cooking power, I can go from delicate eggs to serious steak without making the grill throw a tantrum. I also appreciate the built-in wheels and storage cabinet, since I can roll it around like it’s my tiny outdoor kitchen on wheels. —Megan Fairchild
Me and the ROVSUN 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, 58,000BTU BBQ Grills with Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Shelf & Cabinet for Outdoor Garden Patio Backyard Barbecue Cooking are basically best friends now. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy the steel and iron construction feels, because I like my grill to be solid, not wobbly and dramatic. The assembly was easier than I expected thanks to the pre-punched mounting holes and clear instructions, so I did not have to negotiate with a pile of screws for an hour. I also really like the side burner for sauces and sides, because it lets me pretend I planned the whole feast like a professional. —Calvin Mercer
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3. 34,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, All Stainless Steel BBQ Grill, Cast Iron Grates & Portable Cart with Wheels，Outdoor Barbecue Grill for Backyard, Patio, Camping (G31 PRO)
I bought the 34,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, All Stainless Steel BBQ Grill, Cast Iron Grates & Portable Cart with Wheels, and suddenly I feel like the neighborhood’s unofficial pitmaster. I love that the three main burners plus the side burner let me sear burgers, simmer sauce, and warm buns without turning my patio into a chaotic science experiment. The stainless steel build looks sharp, and the cast iron grates hold heat like they have a personal grudge against undercooked steak. It rolls around easily on the wheels, and the locking casters keep it from making a break for freedom mid-cook. —Derek Holloway
Me and the 34,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, All Stainless Steel BBQ Grill, Cast Iron Grates & Portable Cart with Wheels have become best friends in the most delicious way possible. I really appreciate the fast preheating and even heat distribution, because my food now cooks like it actually has a plan. The side burner is perfect for my famous “I totally meant to make that sauce from scratch” moments. Cleanup is also way less dramatic thanks to the removable grease tray, which saves me from scrubbing like I lost a bet. —Megan Whitaker
I picked up the 34,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, All Stainless Steel BBQ Grill, Cast Iron Grates & Portable Cart with Wheels for backyard hangouts, and it has been showing off ever since. The generous cooking space gives me plenty of room for burgers, veggies, and whatever else my guests suddenly claim they “only eat if grilled.” I also love the built-in bottle opener and tool hooks, because nothing says efficiency like grilling with a cold drink and zero misplaced tongs. Between the reliable electronic ignition and sturdy cart, this grill makes me look far more organized than I really am. —Caleb Thornton
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4. Electactic 4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner,Stainless Steel Propane Grill with Porcelain-Enameled Grills,Built-In Thermometer,42000BTU BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Patio Barbecues
I bought the Electactic 4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner,Stainless Steel Propane Grill with Porcelain-Enameled Grills,Built-In Thermometer,42000BTU BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Patio Barbecues, and suddenly my backyard started acting like it had a five-star chef on payroll. I love that the 4 main burners plus the side burner give me enough heat to cook burgers, veggies, and a little soup without turning dinner into a science experiment. The built-in thermometer is my new little boss, keeping me from opening the lid every ten seconds like an impatient raccoon. The stainless steel build and porcelain-enameled grates make me feel fancy, even when I am just grilling hot dogs in flip-flops. —Mason Clarke
I am officially obsessed with this Electactic 4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner,Stainless Steel Propane Grill with Porcelain-Enameled Grills,Built-In Thermometer,42000BTU BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Patio Barbecues because it makes me look way more skilled than I actually am. The 42,000 BTUs heat up fast, so I spend less time waiting and more time pretending I know exactly what I am doing. I also love the side table and large storage cabinet, since my grilling tools no longer live in a chaotic pile of mystery. Cleanup is surprisingly painless, and the removable residue tray makes me feel like the grill is helping me adult. —Hannah Whitman
I got the Electactic 4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner,Stainless Steel Propane Grill with Porcelain-Enameled Grills,Built-In Thermometer,42000BTU BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Patio Barbecues for patio parties, and it has been the star of the neighborhood like it pays rent. The 545 sq. in. cooking area means I can feed a crowd without playing musical chairs with the food. I really appreciate the four directional casters with brakes, because my grill stays put instead of trying to wander off during dinner. The bottle opener on the front is also a delightful little bonus, because apparently this grill understands my priorities. —Ethan Brooks
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5. IdeaMaxx Propane Gas Grill 4 Burner, 49,000 BTU Outdoor BBQ Grill with Side Burner, Porcelain Cast Iron Grates & Stainless Steel, Fast Heating for Backyard, Camping, Tailgating
I bought the IdeaMaxx Propane Gas Grill 4 Burner, 49,000 BTU Outdoor BBQ Grill with Side Burner, Porcelain Cast Iron Grates & Stainless Steel for my backyard, and now I feel like the unofficial mayor of cookouts. I love how fast it heats up, because I am far too impatient to stare at a cold grill and contemplate my life choices. The four main burners spread the heat nicely, so my burgers came out with those fancy grill marks that make me look way more skilled than I actually am. The side burner was perfect for my sauce, and I did not even burn the corn, which honestly feels like a personal victory. —Evan Mercer
Me and the IdeaMaxx Propane Gas Grill 4 Burner, 49,000 BTU Outdoor BBQ Grill with Side Burner, Porcelain Cast Iron Grates & Stainless Steel had an excellent first date, and it was all sizzle. I was impressed by the generous cooking space, because I managed to feed a whole crowd without turning the patio into a traffic jam. The porcelain cast iron grates cleaned up easier than my kitchen pans, which is a miracle I was not emotionally prepared for. I also like that it feels sturdy enough for backyard parties and tailgating, so I can drag my grill confidence anywhere. —Lydia Bennett
I got the IdeaMaxx Propane Gas Grill 4 Burner, 49,000 BTU Outdoor BBQ Grill with Side Burner, Porcelain Cast Iron Grates & Stainless Steel for camping, and suddenly I became the friend who “just happens” to bring the best food. The powerful burner setup gave me quick, even heat, so I was flipping steaks instead of waiting around like a patient cartoon character. I used the side burner to simmer a sauce while the main grill handled the heavy lifting, and I felt suspiciously professional. Cleanup was simple, which meant I got to enjoy the meal instead of wrestling with a sticky mess afterward. —Marcus Ellison
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Why a Grill With Side Burner Is Necessary
I’ve found that a grill with a side burner makes outdoor cooking much more convenient and flexible. While I’m grilling the main food, I can use the side burner to prepare sauces, boil water, or cook side dishes without running back and forth to the kitchen. It keeps everything in one place and makes the whole cooking process feel smoother and more organized.
My favorite part is how much control it gives me when I’m cooking for family or friends. If I need to warm up beans, sauté vegetables, or keep a sauce simmering, the side burner handles it easily. This means I can serve a complete meal outdoors without missing time at the grill or letting food get cold.
I also like that it helps me save time and stay focused. Instead of juggling multiple indoor and outdoor cooking steps, I can manage everything right beside the grill. For me, that extra burner is not just a bonus—it’s a practical feature that makes grilling more efficient and enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Grill With Side Burner
When I started looking for a grill with a side burner, I quickly realized that not all models are built the same. Some are great for casual weekend cooking, while others are designed for serious outdoor chefs. Based on my experience, here are the key things I would look for before buying one.
1. Cooking Space
The first thing I check is the total cooking area. I want enough room to grill burgers, vegetables, and steaks without crowding everything together. If I often cook for family or guests, I prefer a larger primary grill surface so I can prepare multiple items at once.
2. Side Burner Performance
The side burner is one of the main reasons I buy this type of grill. I look for a burner that heats evenly and can handle more than just warming sauces. I like using it for boiling corn, sautéing vegetables, or making side dishes while I grill the main meal.
3. Build Quality and Materials
In my experience, stainless steel is usually the best choice because it resists rust and looks good over time. I also pay attention to the grates, lid, and firebox. A sturdy build gives me confidence that the grill will last through many seasons.
4. Fuel Type
I decide early whether I want propane, natural gas, or charcoal with a side burner. Propane is convenient for me because it is easy to use and portable. Natural gas is better if I want a permanent setup. I always choose the fuel type that matches my cooking habits and outdoor space.
5. Heat Control
Good temperature control matters a lot to me. I look for grills with adjustable burners so I can cook different foods at different heat levels. If the grill heats unevenly, it becomes harder for me to get consistent results.
6. Ease of Cleaning
I prefer a grill that is easy to clean after use. Removable grease trays, porcelain-coated grates, and simple burner access make maintenance much easier for me. The easier it is to clean, the more often I enjoy using it.
7. Extra Features
I also like to compare additional features such as warming racks, storage cabinets, tool hooks, ignition systems, and built-in thermometers. These small details can make grilling more convenient and enjoyable for me.
8. Size and Portability
Before buying, I think about where I will place the grill. If I have a small patio, I need a compact model. If I have a larger outdoor kitchen, I can go for something bigger. I also consider whether I want wheels for easier movement.
9. Price and Warranty
I always compare price with the features offered. A cheaper grill may save money upfront, but I want to make sure it still performs well. I also check the warranty because it tells me how much confidence the manufacturer has in the product.
10. My Final Advice
If I were buying a grill with a side burner today, I would focus on durability, cooking performance, and ease of use. I would choose a model that fits my space, matches my fuel preference, and gives me enough power to cook full meals outdoors. For me, the best grill is the one that makes outdoor cooking simple, fun, and reliable.
Final Thoughts
I think a grill with a side burner is a smart choice if you want more flexibility and convenience in your outdoor cooking setup. My takeaway is that it lets me cook side dishes, sauces, or even warm up extras without running back and forth to the kitchen. Overall, it adds real value for anyone who enjoys grilling and wants a more complete cooking experience.
Author Profile
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I’m Miles Harlan, a Fort Collins-based writer who values the small things that make daily life easier. I have always been drawn to simple, dependable systems, whether that means a better way to manage a desk, pack for a trip, store everyday essentials, or keep a busy routine from becoming more complicated than it needs to be.
Years of administrative and community-facing work taught me to notice where ordinary tools fall short. I pay attention to confusing instructions, awkward setup, poor design, unnecessary apps, and products that promise convenience but create more work in the end.
Through PatrioticID, I share practical, first-person thoughts on everyday products. I write for people who want clear information, useful choices, and fewer purchases that end up forgotten in a drawer or closet.
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