Constantly abandoning your expensive steaks to sprint back inside to stir a pot of boiling corn is the fastest way to burn your dinner. Modern gas grills featuring integrated side burners completely solve this, turning your basic backyard patio into a highly capable, self-contained outdoor kitchen.
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Top Pick
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Versatile
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Budget
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Best Value
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Best for Reliability
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| Product | Napoleon Freestyle FP425 4-Burner Gas Grill | Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill | Royal Gourmet GA5407H 5-Burner Gas Grill | Napoleon Rogue 525 Gas Grill with Side Burner | 2-Burner Propane BBQ Grill with Side Burner |
| Burners | 4 Main + 1 IR Side | 4 Main + 1 Side | 5 Main + 1 Side | 4 Main + 1 Side | 2 Main + 1 Side |
| Power btu | High Output | 41,000 BTU Total | High Output | High Output | 24,000 BTU Total |
| Cooking area | 425 sq in (Primary) | 435 sq in | Extra Large | 525 sq in | 237 sq in |
| Side burner type | Infrared Searing | Standard Flame | Standard Lidded | Standard Range | Standard Flame |
| Buy Now | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → |
Quick Tips
Always keep the metal lid closed over the side burner when not actively cooking on it to prevent grease splatter from the main grates.
Use heavy cast-iron skillets on the side burner rather than thin indoor pots to ensure the wind doesn't strip the heat away.
Keep a designated 'safe zone' turned off completely on your main grates to move meat if aggressive grease flare-ups occur.
Invest in a heavy-duty, waterproof canvas cover to protect both the main firebox and the delicate side burner from harsh winter elements.
Napoleon Freestyle FP425 4-Burner Gas Grill
The absolute gold standard for infrared searing
Napoleon Freestyle FP425 4-Burner Gas Grill
The absolute gold standard for infrared searing
What we like
- High-performance infrared side burner reaches intense temperatures instantly for restaurant-quality searing
- Iconic wave-shaped cast iron cooking grids create bold sear marks and prevent food from falling
- Jetfire ignition system guarantees quick and highly reliable start-ups without using frustrating batteries
- Enclosed storage cabinet securely hides your gas cylinder and provides dry space for grilling tools
What we don't
- Premium brand tax pushes this into a significantly higher price bracket than basic big-box store models
- Infrared side burner requires extreme caution to avoid instantly scorching or burning delicate meat
- Black exterior finish aggressively shows dust, pollen, and grease splatters over the summer
The Napoleon Freestyle FP425 elevates your entire patio setup by featuring a high-performance infrared side burner specifically engineered to instantly crust expensive steaks. The four main burners flawlessly distribute heat across the iconic wave-shaped cast-iron grates, giving you precise temperature control for complex backyard recipes.
You will love this reliable workhorse if you want absolute premium searing capability and refuse to run back into the kitchen. Skip this model if you strictly cook basic hot dogs, as you will be paying for high-end features you simply won't use.
Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill
Sleek cabinet design with massive capacity
Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill
Sleek cabinet design with massive capacity
What we like
- Integrated 11,000 BTU standard side burner easily handles simmering sauces or boiling pots of corn
- Four independent main burners provide excellent zonal control for indirect cooking and slow roasting
- Enclosed lower cabinet beautifully hides your messy propane tank and provides crucial tool storage
- Incredibly affordable entry point for a feature-heavy, five-burner outdoor cooking station
What we don't
- Thinner metal construction is prone to rusting if left completely uncovered during harsh winters
- Standard flame side burner struggles to boil water efficiently if the patio is exposed to heavy winds
- Cast iron grates are slightly thinner than the heavy-duty models found on luxury brands
This sleek unit brilliantly delivers complete temperature control, massive cooking space, and a highly functional 11,000 BTU side burner for a fraction of the cost of luxury brands. The enclosed lower cabinet elegantly hides your ugly propane tank while keeping your patio looking incredibly clean and organized.
Grab this if you want an affordable, highly capable gas grill with a side burner that looks fantastic sitting on your new deck. Pass on this system if you live in a highly corrosive coastal environment, as the thinner steel will likely rust faster than premium models.
Royal Gourmet GA5407H 5-Burner Gas Grill
Unrivaled five-burner main cooking capacity
Royal Gourmet GA5407H 5-Burner Gas Grill
Unrivaled five-burner main cooking capacity
What we like
- Insane five-burner main layout provides massive primary cooking space for huge neighborhood parties
- Includes a dedicated lidded side burner and an internal sear burner for maximum cooking versatility
- Multiple integrated storage solutions keep your spices, spatulas, and sauces perfectly organized
- Massive BTU output recovers internal temperatures almost instantly when you open the heavy lid
What we don't
- Enormous horizontal footprint completely dominates small wooden decks and tiny apartment balconies
- Assembly process is notoriously complicated and requires serious patience to properly finish
- Consumes a massive amount of expensive propane when running all six total burners simultaneously
Pushing out massive heat across five independent main burners, this absolute beast easily handles huge block parties while the dedicated side burner takes care of the baked beans. The extensive integrated storage shelves keep all your heavy spatulas and barbecue sauces perfectly organized, so your prep area never feels cluttered.
You need this if you regularly host massive holiday parties and desperately need extreme cooking capacity on a tight budget. Avoid this massive cart if you only cook for two, as firing up this huge rig completely wastes expensive fuel.
Napoleon Rogue 525 Gas Grill with Side Burner
Premium stainless steel reliability
Napoleon Rogue 525 Gas Grill with Side Burner
Premium stainless steel reliability
What we like
- Constructed entirely of premium stainless steel that fiercely resists harsh weather and aggressive corrosion
- Integrated range-style side burner effortlessly handles heavy pots for complex side dishes
- Dual-level stainless steel sear plates actively vaporize drippings to create intense, authentic flavor
- Folding side shelves brilliantly save massive amounts of horizontal space when parked in the garage
What we don't
- Luxury branding and heavy-duty construction require a massive initial financial investment
- Stainless steel exterior requires frequent polishing to remove messy fingerprints and grease splatters
- Side burner is a standard flame range, not the ultra-high heat infrared ceramic style
Napoleon brings commercial-grade reliability to the backyard with a thick stainless steel body and dual-level sear plates that perfectly vaporize drippings for maximum flavor. The integrated range-style side burner easily handles heavy cast-iron pots, while the folding shelves allow you to tuck this massive unit into tight garage corners.
This hits the absolute sweet spot for homeowners who demand zero-maintenance, rust-proof reliability and a highly capable side burner. Skip this if you are shopping on a strict budget, as the premium brand tax pushes this into the high-end category.
2-Burner Propane BBQ Grill with Side Burner
Compact dual-burner convenience
2-Burner Propane BBQ Grill with Side Burner
Compact dual-burner convenience
What we like
- Compact two-burner footprint fits effortlessly on tiny townhome patios and small concrete balconies
- Dedicated side burner is an incredibly rare and valuable feature to find at this low price point
- Enameled grates provide highly respectable heat retention while remaining extremely easy to wipe clean
- Exceptionally affordable entry-level price tag for a fully functional three-zone cooking station
What we don't
- Build quality is decidedly entry-level and lacks the heavy thermal mass of luxury brand carts
- Lower total BTU rating takes slightly longer to achieve a rock-hard crust on thick cuts of beef
- Very small primary cooking surface restricts your ability to host large weekend neighborhood parties
This incredibly compact unit brilliantly squeezes a fully functional side burner onto a small two-burner frame, giving apartment renters complete outdoor cooking versatility. Despite its low price, it features durable enameled grates and quick-start ignition, completely saving you from dealing with matches in the wind.
This is perfect for first-time renters who want maximum cooking options without sacrificing their entire tiny patio. Pass on this entry-level machine if you demand thick cast-iron heat retention for cooking expensive, thick cuts of prime beef.
What to Look For
Look closely at the specific technology powering the side burner before making a purchase. Standard burners act like an indoor gas stove, while infrared burners push out aggressive 700-degree radiant heat specifically designed for crusting meat.
Examine the primary cooking grate material to ensure it matches the high-quality utility of the side burner. Heavy cast iron holds massive amounts of thermal energy for searing, while thick 7mm stainless steel guarantees absolute rust-proof longevity.
Evaluate the cart design to see how the propane tank is stored. Models with enclosed lower cabinets beautifully hide the ugly metal tank while providing essential dry storage for your outdoor spatulas and grill covers.
Who Should Skip This
You should skip buying a grill with a side burner if your outdoor space is severely limited, as the burner permanently consumes valuable horizontal prep space on the side shelf. If you exclusively cook basic hot dogs and burgers without ever preparing complex side dishes, the side burner will simply collect dust and rust over time.
What the Community Actually Uses
On r/grilling, veterans constantly debate the actual utility of standard side burners versus infrared searing stations. The consensus heavily favors infrared ceramic burners, noting that a standard flame burner struggles to boil water efficiently if there is any significant wind hitting the patio.
Quick Picks — In Case You've Already Decided
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of a side burner on a grill?
A side burner allows you to cook side dishes, simmer barbecue sauces, or boil pots of corn without ever having to run back inside to your kitchen stove, effectively turning your patio into a full outdoor kitchen.
Is an infrared side burner better than a standard one?
Yes, if your goal is searing meat. Infrared burners use a specialized ceramic plate that achieves dramatically higher temperatures than standard tube burners, making them perfect for creating a dark, crispy crust on a steak in seconds.
Can you put a frying pan on a grill side burner?
Yes, you can absolutely use standard kitchen frying pans and saucepots on a grill's side burner. However, heavy cast-iron skillets are highly recommended because they retain heat better when exposed to outdoor winds.
Does using the side burner waste a lot of propane?
Side burners typically output between 10,000 and 12,000 BTUs, which is roughly equivalent to running one additional main burner. While it uses more fuel, it is highly efficient compared to heating up your entire indoor kitchen.
Can I use the side burner to light charcoal?
While some people carefully use a standard flame side burner to ignite a charcoal chimney starter, it is extremely dangerous and highly discouraged. The intense concentrated heat can easily melt or damage the burner components.
Buying Guide
To secure the ultimate outdoor cooking station, you must first decide what you actually plan to do with the side burner. If you just want to warm up baked beans or barbecue sauce, a standard flame burner is perfectly fine.
However, if you want to execute a flawless reverse-sear on a thick steak, you absolutely must upgrade to a model featuring a specialized infrared ceramic side burner.