Outdoor cooks often run out of primary cooking space when timing complex family meals on simple setups. Choosing the best grills with side burners 4 burners provides the zone control and auxiliary heat needed to finish sides without running indoors.
This guide analyzes 7 dependable models for October 2026 to balance footprint, fuel delivery, and material quality. Browse our curated Grills and Smokers category to explore complementary outdoor cooking setups.
Pros
- Four-burner cooking capacity
- Dedicated Broil Zone
- 525 square inches total area
- Foldable side shelves
- 304 stainless steel burners
Cons
- Propane-only fuel system
- 21.4-inch depth still needs patio space
- Assembly required
Specifications
| Color | Gas Grill |
|---|---|
| Size | 4-Burner M2-410FBZ |
| Dimensions | 21.4 x 50.6 x 41.9 inches |
| Product Group | Lawn & Patio |
| Binding | Unknown Binding |
Verify the current product variation before purchase; specifications may change.
Detailed Review
What stands out in the currently available product data:
- Reaches up to 500°F in five minutes for fast preheating
- Broil Zone supports high-heat searing and focused cooking
- Four adjustable burners handle steaks, vegetables, and mixed meals
- 525 square inches provides room for family meals and gatherings
- Foldable shelves reduce storage footprint when space gets tight
- Enameled cast iron grates retain heat and create grill marks
Pros
- Dedicated infrared side burner for quick searing
- Durable heat-retaining porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- Total 55,000 BTU output provides solid cooking power
- Enclosed bottom cabinet for propane storage
Cons
- Only two wheels make yard transport cumbersome
- Heavy 88-pound steel body demands level ground
- Moderate 402-square-inch primary grate limits giant cookouts
Specifications
| Color | Purple |
|---|---|
| Size | 4 Burner |
| Dimensions | 49.6 x 18.1 x 45.1 inches |
| Weight | 88 pounds |
| Product Group | Lawn & Patio |
Verify the current product variation before purchase; specifications may change.
Detailed Review
What stands out in the currently available product data:
- 55,000 BTU output across five burners handles high heat and multi-zone cooking
- Infrared side station sears steaks fast without occupying central grate space
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates retain heat well and resist food sticking
- 402-square-inch main cooking grate fits meals for mid-sized family gatherings
- Lower cabinet safely encloses propane tank and grilling supplies out of sight
- Integrated side prep tables keep tools, sauces, and plates within reach
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- Dedicated infrared side burner for quick searing
- Durable heat-retaining porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- Total 55,000 BTU output provides solid cooking power
Consider another option if
- Only two wheels make yard transport cumbersome
- Heavy 88-pound steel body demands level ground
- Moderate 402-square-inch primary grate limits giant cookouts
Pros
- 462-square-inch cooking surface
- 164-square-inch warming rack
- 12,000 BTU side burner
- Stainless steel grates
- Enclosed cabinet storage
Cons
- Large 25 x 46 x 51-inch footprint
- 83.77-pound body limits portability
- Propane-only fuel system
Specifications
| Color | Silver |
|---|---|
| Size | 4-Burner + Side Burner |
| Dimensions | 25 x 46 x 51 Inches |
| Weight | 83.77 pounds |
| Product Group | Lawn & Patio |
| Binding | Kitchen |
Verify the current product variation before purchase; specifications may change.
Detailed Review
What stands out in the currently available product data:
- 462 square inches supports larger meals and group cooking
- 164-square-inch warming rack keeps cooked food ready to serve
- Four 12,000 BTU burners provide separate cooking zones
- 12,000 BTU side burner handles sauces and side dishes outdoors
- Stainless steel grates resist rust and simplify cleanup
- Double-door cabinet stores grilling tools and supplies
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- 462-square-inch cooking surface
- 164-square-inch warming rack
- 12,000 BTU side burner
Consider another option if
- Large 25 x 46 x 51-inch footprint
- 83.77-pound body limits portability
- Propane-only fuel system
Pros
- 630 total square inches
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- 650°F sear zone
- Side burner for sauces
- Built-in tool hooks and bottle opener
Cons
- 55-inch-wide footprint
- 91.5-pound assembled weight
- Propane fuel required
Specifications
| Color | Stainless steel |
|---|---|
| Size | 4-Burner Grill M415BZ |
| Dimensions | 22 x 55 x 45.5 Inches |
| Weight | 91.5 Pounds |
| Product Group | Lawn & Patio |
| Binding | Unknown Binding |
Verify the current product variation before purchase; specifications may change.
Detailed Review
What stands out in the currently available product data:
- 630 square inches handles large meals and mixed foods together
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates support even heating and easier cleanup
- Sear zone reaches up to 650°F in 10 minutes
- Four burners and 62,000 BTU provide broad cooking capacity
- Side burner handles sauces and side dishes without crowding grates
- Clearview lid and temperature gauge support heat monitoring
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- 630 total square inches
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- 650°F sear zone
Consider another option if
- 55-inch-wide footprint
- 91.5-pound assembled weight
- Propane fuel required
Pros
- Three cooking modes
- 535-square-inch primary cooking area
- Included griddle insert
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- 178.2-pound body limits mobility
- Large 61.4-inch width
- Multiple modes require setup changes
Specifications
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Size | 4 Burner w/ Side Burner |
| Dimensions | 23.7 x 61.4 x 47.7 inches |
| Weight | 178.2 Pounds |
| Product Group | Lawn & Patio |
| Binding | Tools & Home Improvement |
Verify the current product variation before purchase; specifications may change.
Detailed Review
What stands out in the currently available product data:
- Switch between gas, griddle, and charcoal cooking
- 535 square inches supports large family meals
- Amplifire system helps reduce flare-ups
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain durable cooking surfaces
- Stainless steel burners support long-term outdoor use
- Included griddle insert handles breakfast and flat-top foods
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- Three cooking modes
- 535-square-inch primary cooking area
- Included griddle insert
Consider another option if
- 178.2-pound body limits mobility
- Large 61.4-inch width
- Multiple modes require setup changes
Pros
- 60,000 total BTU output across five burners
- Built-in 12,000 BTU auxiliary side burner
- Stainless steel grates, lid, and burners
- Enclosed lower cabinet stores fuel tank
- Slide-out bottom grease tray
Cons
- Requires large patio footprint at 52.5 inches wide
- Full cart assembly required before initial setup
Specifications
| Color | Silver |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Dimensions | 17 x 52.5 x 43 inches |
| Product Group | Lawn & Patio |
Verify the current product variation before purchase; specifications may change.
Detailed Review
What stands out in the currently available product data:
- Four main burners deliver 48,000 BTUs for rapid, even searing across the primary grates
- Dedicated 12,000 BTU side burner heats sauces and side dishes without taking up primary grate space
- Total 546-square-inch area provides 402 square inches for active grilling and 144 square inches for warming
- Double-layer stainless steel lid retains cooking heat and shields burners from outdoor wind
- Enclosed lower cabinet secures standard propane tanks and protects cooking tools from weather
- Slide-out grease tray captures drippings underneath firebox for simplified cleanup
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- 60,000 total BTU output across five burners
- Built-in 12,000 BTU auxiliary side burner
- Stainless steel grates, lid, and burners
Consider another option if
- Requires large patio footprint at 52.5 inches wide
- Full cart assembly required before initial setup
Pros
- 40,000 BTU total burner output
- Four independently adjustable burners
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- Folding side tables
- Removable grease tray
Cons
- 35-pound build may feel lightweight
- Four burners require more propane management
- Large 45-inch width needs storage space
Specifications
| Color | Black Silver |
|---|---|
| Size | 4-Burner |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 45 x 39 inches |
| Weight | 35 Pounds |
| Product Group | Lawn & Patio |
Verify the current product variation before purchase; specifications may change.
Detailed Review
What stands out in the currently available product data:
- Four independently adjustable burners support separate heat zones for varied foods
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates support searing and resist rust
- Perforated griddle pan handles fish, seafood, vegetables, and breakfast foods
- Folding side tables add prep space, then reduce storage footprint
- Removable grease tray and detachable grates simplify cleanup
- Two wheels and side propane hook support easier backyard repositioning
Side Burner Function and Heating Style
Auxiliary burners handle everything from warming glazes to high-heat skillet searing. Standard blue-flame burners simmer baked beans or reduce marinades effectively without scorching pan bottoms.
Infrared side units concentrate thermal output to reach searing temperatures far faster than open atmospheric rings. Match your expected cooking methods to avoid paying for extreme heat you never use.
Primary Grate Materials and Heat Retention
Cooking surfaces dictate how evenly your food cooks across wide grate spans. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold thermal mass exceptionally well and deliver dark grill marks.
Stainless steel rod grates resist long-term rust and tolerate rough wire scraping during post-cook routines. If you cook fish or delicate seafood frequently, inspect grate gap spacing carefully.
Burner Tube Construction and BTU Distribution
The interior burners endure direct combustion cycles and aggressive grease dripping season after season. Grade 304 stainless steel resists pitting and oxidation significantly better than coated steel variants.
Balanced BTU ratings ensure you achieve high sear temperatures across all four individual primary heat zones. Look for heat tents designed to disperse flame bursts evenly across wide grates.
Cart Structure, Folding Shelves, and Mobility
Backyard layouts dictate how much physical footprint your cooking station can realistically consume during storage. Grills with folding side tables free up valuable patio clearance when dinners conclude.
Enclosed lower cabinets protect the propane tank and barbecue tools from rain and blowing grit. Check out our guide to the Best Charcoal Grills for Small Patios if outdoor footprint remains your main challenge.
Grease Management and Firebox Cleaning Access
Grease management systems direct runaway cooking oils safely away from main gas lines and flame ports. Removable slide-out drip trays simplify cleanup and prevent dangerous grease fires over time.
Steep interior firebox channels direct residue into concentrated catch pans before buildup hardens. Smooth porcelain enamel linings wipe clean faster than raw unpolished steel internal walls.
Hybrid Versatility and Accessory Compatibility
Certain modern gas cookers support optional griddle plates or drop-in charcoal trays for diversified cooking. These inserts expand standard gas cooking into breakfast smash burgers and weekend smoking sessions.
For cooks who prioritize low-and-slow wood flavor over gas speed, our best pellet grills under $500 comparison outlines alternative smoke-first cookers.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our editorial approach analyzes engineering specifications, build materials, burner outputs, and assembly structures without bias. We compare manufacturer design choices against practical cooking scenarios rather than recycling marketing sheets.
We evaluate flame tamers, grate densities, and warranty structures to help home cooks choose reliable gear. Our goal remains providing clear, evidence-based recommendations that stand up to years of real outdoor ownership.
Final Thoughts
For cooks who prioritize premium build materials and reliable four-zone heat, Nexgrill Propane 4 Burner Gas Grill serves as our top recommendation. Its all-stainless body, dedicated 12,000 BTU side burner, and enclosed cabinet provide balanced performance across large family barbecues.
Shoppers wanting reliable cooking capacity on a sensible equipment budget should examine GRILL DEPOTS 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill. The folding side shelves and included perforated griddle pan deliver strong multi-course utility without occupying excessive patio space.
If you prefer versatile multi-fuel cooking, Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared handles gas, flat-top griddling, and charcoal trays in one cart. Those focusing purely on low-temperature smoking should check out our Best Electric Smokers for Beginners guide instead.
FAQs
What makes the best grills with side burners 4 burners worth buying in 2026?
A four-burner layout provides enough distinct temperature zones to manage direct searing alongside delicate indirect warming. The attached side burner lets you simmer sauces or fry onions simultaneously without monopolizing your indoor stove.
How many BTUs do I need on an outdoor side burner?
A side burner delivering 10,000 to 12,000 BTUs provides sufficient thermal energy for simmering sauces and sautéing vegetables outdoors. Lower outputs may struggle against sudden patio breezes or take longer to boil pots of water.
Are cast iron or stainless steel grates better on 4 burner grills?
Porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat longer and create deep sear marks on steaks and chops. Stainless steel grates require less delicate seasoning, resist rust outdoors, and tolerate aggressive brushing between weekend grilling sessions.
Can I use standard cookware on an outdoor side burner?
Cast iron skillets and heavy stainless steel saucepans work well on standard side burner support grates. Avoid lightweight nonstick pans with delicate coatings that could degrade under direct open outdoor gas flames.
How much clearance is required around a four burner gas grill?
Most manufacturers recommend maintaining at least 24 to 36 inches of clearance from combustible walls, vinyl siding, and deck railings. Always verify exact distances in your unit instruction manual to ensure safe operation outdoors.
What should I check if a side burner fails to ignite?
Check the igniter wire connection underneath the shelf and inspect the gas port orifice for spider webs or debris. Ensure the propane tank valve is open and verify that the main regulator is not locked in low-flow mode.
How do I protect a stainless steel gas grill from patio weather?
A heavy-duty waterproof grill cover prevents water pooling and guards against pollen and harsh sun fading during offseason storage. Cooks with very limited patio footprints can also reference our Best Portable Grills for Camping review for stowable cooking gear.
