Preparing dinner entirely outdoors prevents running back to the kitchen stove for sauces or sides. Choosing the best barbecue grills with side burner keeps full meals in one place, freeing indoor ranges during summer gatherings.
For October 2026, our selection analyzes 7 propane setups engineered for heat control, durable metal construction, and practical workspace. Patio cooks can also explore our guide to charcoal cookers for compact spaces when layout footprint remains limited.
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
- Five stainless steel burners
- Dedicated side burner
- Porcelain cast iron grates
- Rust-resistant porcelain-coated firebox
- Large outdoor cooking area
Cons
- Large footprint for compact patios
- Propane fuel required
- Cooking-area specifications appear inconsistent
Detailed Review
What stands out in the currently available product data:
- Five burners support flexible heat control across multiple foods
- Side burner keeps sauces and side dishes outdoors
- Porcelain cast iron grates promote even heat distribution
- Grate surface offers improved non-stick performance
- Porcelain-coated steel firebox helps resist rust
- Spacious cooking area suits steaks, vegetables, and seafood
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- Five stainless steel burners
- Dedicated side burner
- Porcelain cast iron grates
Consider another option if
- Large footprint for compact patios
- Propane fuel required
- Cooking-area specifications appear inconsistent
Pros
- Six independently controlled main burners
- Reversible cast iron griddle
- Side burner for sauces
- Large cooking capacity
- Pull-out oil drip tray
Cons
- Large 56-inch overall width
- Cast iron requires regular care
- Propane fuel only
Specifications
| Color | Black Silver |
|---|---|
| Size | 6 Burner |
| Dimensions | 19 x 56 x 45 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:
- Six 10,000 BTU burners support separate heat zones
- Reversible griddle handles pancakes, eggs, steaks, and vegetables
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist rust and cracking
- 9,000 BTU side burner supports sauces and side dishes
- 446 square inches of primary cooking area
- 174-square-inch warming rack keeps cooked food ready
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- Six independently controlled main burners
- Reversible cast iron griddle
- Side burner for sauces
Consider another option if
- Large 56-inch overall width
- Cast iron requires regular care
- Propane fuel only
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
- 39,000 BTU total output
- Three main burners
- Cast iron cooking grates
- Side burner and prep storage
- Removable grease cup
Cons
- 57.3-pound weight
- 19-inch depth needs storage space
- No supplied cooking surface measurements
Specifications
| Color | Black, Silver |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Dimensions | 19 x 44.5 x 45 inches |
| Weight | 57.3 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:
- Three main burners deliver 30,000 BTU for multi-zone cooking
- 9,000 BTU side burner handles sauces, beans, and sides
- Cast iron grates retain heat for searing and grilling
- Double-wall stainless steel lid supports covered cooking
- Slide-out grease tray and removable cup simplify cleanup
- Side table, tool hooks, storage, and bottle opener organize prep
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- 39,000 BTU total output
- Three main burners
- Cast iron cooking grates
Consider another option if
- 57.3-pound weight
- 19-inch depth needs storage space
- No supplied cooking surface measurements
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
Side Burner Heat Output and Utility
Side burners generally provide between 9,000 and 12,000 BTUs of dedicated heat. Lower output suits simmering barbecue glazes, while higher output quickly boils large pots of corn or boils water outdoors.
Look for flush-mounted covers over the burner grate. A stable metal cover turns that auxiliary space into a usable food-prep shelf whenever the side flame sits idle.
Cooking Surface Area and Warming Racks
Primary grilling space dictates how many protein servings fit over direct heat at once. Midsize options offer roughly 450 to 500 square inches, accommodating twenty or more standard hamburger patties comfortably.
Secondary warming racks expand capacity by another 150 to 180 square inches. These upper shelves toast buns or hold finished meats without burning them while main grates finish cooking vegetables.
Cooks needing smaller footprints can compare these footprints against our picks for compact travel grills designed for tailgating or smaller outdoor decks.
Grate Materials and Heat Retention
Porcelain-enameled cast iron remains standard across high-performance gas setups. Cast iron absorbs heat efficiently, transferring defined sear marks while the enamel coating prevents surface rust and minimizes food stick.
Stainless steel rods offer another path that eliminates chipping risks entirely. While steel rods hold slightly less initial thermal mass, they clean easily with wire brushes and tolerate moisture without corroding.
Burner Configurations and Zone Control
Grills equipped with four to six main burners create precise multi-zone cooking environments. Independent knobs let you establish searing zones over 500 degrees alongside low-heat indirect roasting zones under 300 degrees.
Look for 304 stainless steel burner tubes or specialized infrared diffusers under the grates. Robust deflectors protect burner ports from falling meat drippings while vaporizing fats to enhance natural grilled flavor.
Cabinet Storage and Grease Management
Enclosed lower cabinets protect standard 20-pound propane tanks from weather exposure. Cabinet doors also provide shielded storage for grill brushes, cast iron griddles, wood chip trays, and clean spare tools.
Effective maintenance relies on removable funnel trays and slide-out grease catch pans. Quick-release grease pans let owners discard rendered fat before flare-up risks develop inside the bottom firebox assembly.
Hybrid Versatility and Griddle Inserts
Modern gas units frequently integrate reversible griddle plates or hybrid charcoal trays directly into the firebox. A flat griddle plate handles eggs, smash burgers, and loose vegetables that would slip through standard grates.
Those who enjoy dedicated slow roasting can review our breakdown of the top backyard wood pellet cookers for purely wood-fired smoky flavors.
| Feature Category | Entry Level Specs | Mid to High Range Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Main Burners | 3 to 4 Burners | 4 to 6 Burners + Sear Station |
| Side Burner Output | 9,000 BTUs | 11,000 to 12,000 BTUs |
| Grate Construction | Coated Wire or Thin Steel | Heavy Porcelain Cast Iron |
| Base Structure | Open Cart with Two Wheels | Full Double-Door Storage Cabinet |
Why You Should Trust Us
Our review process relies on detailed material breakdowns, verified product documentation, and engineering specifications. We evaluate burner tube steel grades, heat distribution methods, assembly complexity, and long-term chassis durability.
We do not accept free promotional samples or invent laboratory testing environments. Recommendations balance functional BTU output, cooking grate mass, and real owner ergonomics so outdoor cooks spend money on dependable machinery.
Final Thoughts
For high performance, the Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared serves as our top recommendation. Its infrared heat deck limits flare-ups, while included griddle and charcoal accessories bring exceptional flexibility to weekend cooking sessions.
Backyard chefs wanting maximum heat control on a sensible budget should consider the Nexgrill 5-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner. Five main burners provide wide temperature zones, supported by durable porcelain cast iron cooking surfaces.
When utility and surface space matter most, the GRILL DEPOTS 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side handles huge gatherings easily. The reversible cast iron griddle and spacious enclosed base cabinet deliver substantial storage alongside reliable heating power. Check out our wider grills and smokers category for further backyard ideas.
FAQs
What is the primary benefit of the best barbecue grills with side burner in 2026?
A side burner lets you heat barbecue sauces, simmer beans, or fry fragrant side items outdoors. This setup keeps all meal preparation in the backyard, containing kitchen heat and cooking aromas outside.
Can side burners handle regular pots and skillets?
Yes, standard stainless steel saucepans, cast iron skillets, and stockpots work safely on outdoor side burners. Always match cookware diameter to the support trivet so pots remain stable over active flames.
How much BTU power should an outdoor side burner produce?
Most auxiliary burners generate between 9,000 and 12,000 BTUs. That range delivers adequate energy to boil liquids rapidly or maintain gentle sauce reductions without burning pan bottoms.
Are cast iron grates superior to stainless steel grates?
Porcelain-coated cast iron grates hold high heat longer and yield dark grill marks on steaks. Stainless steel grates resist corrosion better and require less maintenance over years of damp outdoor storage.
How do you clean an outdoor side burner safely?
Ensure the gas supply is shut off and metal surfaces have cooled completely. Lift off the trivet to wipe grease away, and clear clogged burner gas holes using a soft brass wire brush.
Can a side burner boil water for seafood or corn?
Burners generating 11,000 to 12,000 BTUs easily boil moderate pots of water. For larger boiling setups, check out our insights on alternative outdoor cooking gear before planning large backyard parties.
Do side burners consume extra propane rapidly?
Side burners consume fuel only when active and use far less propane than four or five main firebox burners running simultaneously. Running a side burner for twenty minutes draws minimal fuel from standard tanks.
Can you use a side burner during windy weather?
High winds can scatter the open flame, reducing heat delivery to pots and pans. Position the grill so side tables receive wind protection from patio walls or designated privacy screens.
