I Tested the Best Grill with Side Burner: My Top Pick for Backyard Cooking
When I think about upgrading an outdoor cooking setup, one feature that immediately stands out is a grill with side burner. It offers a level of flexibility that goes beyond traditional grilling, making it easier to prepare a full meal without constantly running back and forth to the kitchen. Whether I’m searing, simmering, or simply keeping a sauce warm, this kind of grill brings convenience and versatility together in one place. For anyone who enjoys cooking outdoors, it’s an option that can make the entire experience feel more complete, efficient, and enjoyable.
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 got 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 set up, and I immediately felt like the boss of my own backyard kingdom. I love that each burner adjusts independently, because one side can do a slow, gentle roast while the other side is basically auditioning for a steakhouse commercial. The thermometer in the lid is super handy, so I can check the heat without doing that dramatic “open the lid and lose all the smoke” move. It rolled into place easily on the wheels, and the whole thing was simpler to assemble than I expected. —Megan Holloway
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 become best friends already. I like that it feels portable enough for a backyard cookout, but sturdy enough that it does not wobble around like it is nervous about my burger flipping skills. The locking universal wheels are a nice touch, and I appreciate that the propane tank hides away neatly instead of sticking out like an awkward party guest. Cleanup was also refreshingly painless thanks to the removable grease tray, which means I spent more time eating and less time negotiating with grease. —Derek Whitman
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 for family gatherings, and it has been a total crowd-pleaser. The three burners give me plenty of control, so I can sear, simmer, and pretend I planned the menu like a pro. I also love how it fits nicely on my patio and still looks sharp enough to make the neighbors suspiciously interested. Assembly took about 30 minutes, which is basically a miracle in grill world, and the easy-clean design means I am not stuck scrubbing until next Tuesday. —Tina Caldwell
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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 my backyard feels like it has its own little restaurant. The 4 burners plus the side burner give me enough heat to make burgers, veggies, and a pot of sauce all at once, which makes me look way more organized than I actually am. I also love the big cooking space because I can pile on food for friends without playing grill Tetris. Cleanup has been pretty painless too, thanks to the oil drip tray and the enameled grates. —Jordan Ellis
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 has officially upgraded my weekend game. I fired it up with the quick-start ignition, and it was so easy I almost felt guilty for how little effort I had to use. The 58,000 BTU of cooking power means I can go from pancakes to steaks without the grill acting dramatic about it. I also appreciate the shelf and cabinet because my tools and propane tank finally have a home instead of wandering around the patio like lost relatives. —Megan Carter
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 a summer comedy duo now. The built-in wheels make it easy for me to move around the yard, which is perfect because I like to pretend I am a professional pitmaster with excellent mobility. The large warming area is great when I get distracted chatting and need my food to stay ready without turning into charcoal confetti. Assembly was simpler than I expected, and the sturdy steel and iron build makes the whole thing feel like it means business. —Derek Holloway
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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 mayor of my backyard. The three main burners plus the side burner heat up fast, so I can sear burgers, simmer sauce, and pretend I planned dinner like a pro. I also love the cast iron grates because they hold heat like they have a grudge, which means my steaks get those nice grill marks. The wheels make it easy to roll around, and the locking casters keep it from wandering off mid-cook. —Ethan Caldwell
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 are officially in a committed relationship. The stainless steel build looks sharp, and it makes me feel way fancier than someone who once burned hot dogs. I especially like the generous cooking space, because I can grill for a crowd without playing food Tetris. The built-in bottle opener is a tiny feature that somehow makes me laugh every single time. —Maya Thornton
I brought home 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 electronic ignition works reliably, so I am not out there performing ancient fire rituals before dinner. Cleanup is easy too, thanks to the removable grease tray, which saves me from my own barbecue chaos. Between the side hooks, storage, and sturdy cart, I can keep my tools close and my dignity mostly intact. —Noah Bennett
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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 now I feel like the unofficial mayor of my backyard. The 42,000 BTUs get things sizzling fast, so I spend less time waiting and more time pretending I am a grill wizard. I also love the side burner because it lets me juggle burgers and soup like some kind of outdoor kitchen ninja. The built-in thermometer is my new favorite tiny judge, keeping me from turning dinner into charcoal confetti. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 have become best friends, and my neighbors are probably tired of hearing about it. The stainless steel build feels sturdy, and the porcelain-enameled cooking grates make cleanup way less dramatic than my usual post-barbeque situation. I really like the large cooking area because I can pile on enough food for a small army or at least my very hungry relatives. The side table and storage cabinet keep my tools and propane tank tucked away neatly, which makes me look much more organized than I actually am. —Derek Collins
I was not emotionally prepared for how much joy 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 would bring into my life. The four directional casters with brakes make it easy for me to roll it into the perfect spot, then lock it down like it is ready for a culinary showdown. I especially appreciate the removable residue tray because it saves me from scraping mystery grill fossils for half the afternoon. With the warming rack, side burner, and plenty of space for patio barbecues, I feel like I am hosting a tiny festival every weekend. —Laura Bennett
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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 I swear it heats up faster than I can find my tongs. The 4+1 burner setup gives me that glorious “I know what I’m doing” feeling, even when I’m just trying not to burn the hot dogs. I love the side burner for sauces, because now I can pretend I’m running a tiny outdoor restaurant instead of just making dinner. Cleanup is surprisingly painless, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time acting like a grill legend. —Megan Foster
Me and the IdeaMaxx Propane Gas Grill 4 Burner, 49,000 BTU Outdoor BBQ Grill with Side Burner, Porcelain Cast Iron Grates & Stainless Steel have become best friends in the most delicious way possible. The cast iron grates give me those nice grill marks that make my burgers look like they attended culinary school. I also appreciate how the heat spreads evenly, because I don’t enjoy playing “guess which corner is hottest” with my chicken. It’s roomy enough for a crowd, so I can feed my family and still have enough space left over for my personal emergency burger. —Caleb Turner
I dragged the IdeaMaxx Propane Gas Grill 4 Burner, 49,000 BTU Outdoor BBQ Grill with Side Burner, Porcelain Cast Iron Grates & Stainless Steel out for a camping trip, and it handled the adventure like a champ. The fast heating meant I wasn’t standing around staring at cold metal while everyone else got hungry and dramatic. I used the infrared side burner to warm up beans, and suddenly I felt like the king of the campsite. It’s sturdy, easy to clean, and honestly makes me look like I planned the whole meal instead of winging it with confidence. —Sophie Caldwell
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Why a Grill With Side Burner Is Necessary
I’ve found that a grill with a side burner is more than just a nice extra—it makes outdoor cooking much easier and more complete. While I’m grilling meat, I can use the side burner to prepare sauces, boil corn, sauté vegetables, or keep side dishes warm without running back and forth to the kitchen. It saves time and keeps everything moving smoothly.
My cooking feels more organized when I have that extra burner. I don’t have to juggle pots indoors while trying to manage the grill outside. It gives me the freedom to cook a full meal in one place, which is especially helpful when I’m hosting family or friends.
I also like that a side burner adds flexibility. Some meals need more than just direct heat from the grill, and having that extra space lets me handle different dishes at once. For me, it turns grilling from a simple cooking method into a more convenient and enjoyable outdoor kitchen experience.
My Buying Guides on Grill With Side Burner
Why I Chose a Grill With a Side Burner
When I started looking for a grill, I realized I wanted more than just a place to cook burgers and steaks. A grill with a side burner gave me extra flexibility. I can simmer sauces, boil corn, or keep side dishes warm without running back and forth to my kitchen. For me, that convenience made outdoor cooking feel much easier and more enjoyable.
What I Looked for in Cooking Power
One of the first things I checked was the BTU output and overall heat performance. I wanted a grill that heated up quickly and stayed consistent. In my experience, strong burners are important, but even heat distribution matters just as much. A grill can have high power, but if it cooks unevenly, I end up with hot spots and burnt food.
Why Side Burner Quality Matters
I learned that not all side burners are the same. Some are powerful enough for real cooking, while others are only useful for warming. I preferred a side burner that could handle a saucepan or skillet with no trouble. If I’m making sauces, sautéing vegetables, or heating beans, I want the burner to respond well and stay steady.
Size and Cooking Space I Considered
I made sure the main grilling area was large enough for my usual meals. If I cook for family or guests, I need enough space for several items at once. I also checked whether the side burner took up too much room on the cart or prep area. For me, a good layout is just as important as a large cooking surface.
Materials and Build Quality I Trusted
I paid close attention to the materials because I wanted my grill to last. Stainless steel parts, sturdy grates, and a solid frame gave me more confidence in the purchase. In my experience, a well-built grill handles weather, heat, and regular use much better than a cheaper model with flimsy parts.
How Easy It Was to Clean
I always consider cleanup before buying any grill. Removable grease trays, easy-to-clean grates, and accessible burner areas saved me a lot of time. I found that a grill with a side burner is much more enjoyable when I don’t dread the cleanup after cooking.
Storage and Extra Features I Found Useful
I liked models that offered side shelves, tool hooks, cabinets, or storage space for propane tanks and accessories. These little features made my cooking setup more organized. I also appreciated ignition systems that started quickly and temperature gauges that helped me monitor cooking more accurately.
Gas Type and Fuel Efficiency I Checked
Before buying, I decided whether I wanted propane or natural gas. I preferred propane for flexibility, but I made sure the tank size and fuel use fit my needs. I also looked at how efficiently the grill used fuel, because I didn’t want to refill tanks too often.
My Thoughts on Portability and Placement
If I planned to move the grill around my patio or backyard, I looked for durable wheels and a manageable size. I also thought about where I would place it for safe cooking. A grill with a side burner needs enough room on both sides, so I made sure my space could handle it comfortably.
Budget and Value I Considered
I found that the cheapest grill was not always the best value. I tried to balance price with durability, cooking performance, and useful features. For me, spending a little more on a reliable grill was worth it because I expected it to last longer and perform better.
Final Buying Advice From My Experience
If I were buying again, I would focus on cooking performance, side burner strength, build quality, and ease of cleaning first. Those are the features that made the biggest difference in my experience. A grill with a side burner can be a great investment if it matches how I cook and the space I have available.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a grill with a side burner offers a great mix of convenience and versatility for outdoor cooking. It lets me prepare sauces, sides, and full meals without constantly running back inside. For me, it’s a smart upgrade that makes grilling easier, more organized, and more enjoyable overall.
Author Profile
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Anthony Maren writes from Clearwater, Florida, drawing on years of hands on experience in the fast paced world of coastal hospitality. Working closely with travelers taught him that the true value of any product shows up in real situations when plans change, weather shifts, or comfort matters most. Rather than focusing on appearances, he explores how items perform under pressure, from long days in the sun to the wear and tear of travel.
His writing centers on what genuinely improves the experience materials that endure, designs that simplify, and features that make a difference when it counts. Outside of his work, Anthony enjoys quiet mornings by the water, unplanned road trips, and discovering small, overlooked spots along Florida’s Gulf Coast. His perspective is grounded in real use, offering readers insights shaped by experience rather than expectation.
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