Upgrading your outdoor cooking experience often means finding a propane grill with a reliable side burner. These side burners allow you to simmer sauces, boil sides, or cook smaller dishes while grilling. This guide covers the best propane grills with side burners that combine power, ample cooking area, durability, and convenience. Below is a summary table showcasing the top selections for easy comparison.
| Product | Brand | Burners | BTU Output | Cooking Area (sq. in.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zvivofla 3-Burner Propane Grill with Side Burner | Zvivofla | 3 + 1 Side | 21,200 | 333.8 |
| Electactic 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner | Electactic | 3 + 1 Side | 34,000 | 489.17 |
| Captiva Designs 4-Burner Grill with Side Burner | Captiva Designs | 4 + 1 Side | 42,000 | 545 |
| BESTFIRE 5-Burner Propane Grill with Side Burner | BESTFIRE | 5 + 1 Side | 68,000 | 647 |
| Cuisinart 4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner | Cuisinart | 4 + 1 Side | 44,000 | 610 (443 + 167 warming rack) |
Zvivofla 3-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill With Side Burner
The Zvivofla propane grill features three stainless steel burners plus one side burner, generating a combined 21,200 BTU output. This ensures fast and even heat distribution for various grilling tasks. The grill provides a total of 333.8 sq. in. cooking space, including a 248.9 sq. in. main grill and an 84.9 sq. in. warming rack. The porcelain-enamel wire grates are non-stick and rust-resistant for hassle-free maintenance.
Its piezo ignition system guarantees quick startups, while the built-in temperature gauge on the lid helps maintain proper heat levels. A full-size pull-out grease tray makes cleaning convenient, and the two heavy-duty wheels offer easy movement and storage, making it well-suited for everyday backyard barbecues.
Electactic 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill With Side Burner
Electactic’s propane grill delivers a powerful 34,000 BTU output combining three 8,000 BTU burners and a 10,000 BTU side burner designed for versatile cooking tasks such as searing and simmering. Its 489.17 sq. in. cooking area includes 358.95 sq. in. for main grilling and 130.22 sq. in. warming area.
Constructed with 304 stainless steel grates and a 201 stainless steel body, this grill balances durability with easy cleaning. It also features convenient additions like a built-in bottle opener, side hooks for grilling tools, and ample bottom storage for accessories, contributing to an organized outdoor cooking space.
Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane BBQ Grill With Side Burner
This grill offers an impressive 42,000 BTU heat output across four burners plus a side burner. The upgraded porcelain-enameled cast iron grates combine heavy-duty durability with even heat retention and nonstick performance. They resist rust and cracking, enhancing longevity.
The spacious 545 sq. in. total cooking area includes 400 sq. in. primary grilling space and a 145 sq. in. warming rack, allowing for multi-item cooking simultaneously. An easy-to-clean pull-out oil drip tray collects grease efficiently for quick maintenance, helping keep the grill in prime condition for repeated use.
BESTFIRE 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner
The BESTFIRE propane grill stands out with its five main burners and one side burner, delivering a combined 68,000 BTU output for commercial-grade cooking performance. It includes a 647 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cooking grate and a 252.5 sq. in. warming rack, catering to large cookouts.
Its heavy-duty cast iron grates retain heat for ideal sear marks. The grill features push-button ignition, a built-in thermometer, adjustable flame controls, and a removable grease tray. Plus, tool hooks enhance cooking convenience and cleanup efficiency.
Cuisinart 4-Burner Gas Grill With Side Burner
Cuisinart’s full-size propane grill provides 44,000 BTU heat from four 11,000 BTU burners plus an integrated side burner for added cooking flexibility. The primary cooking area measures 443 sq. in. with a 167 sq. in. warming rack, giving a total of 610 sq. in.
Durable cast iron grates evenly distribute heat to create excellent sear marks and flavor. The grill includes side tables for preparation, contributing to an efficient cooking workflow. Its balance of power, space, and materials suits a variety of grilling occasions.
Buying Guide for Propane Grill Side Burners
BTU Power and Burner Configuration
BTU rating indicates the heat output — higher BTUs offer faster heating and greater temperature control. Look for a grill with at least one dedicated side burner ranging from 9,000 to 12,000 BTUs for simmering, boiling, or sautéing. Consider the number of main burners too, balancing your grilling volume and heat needs.
Cooking Space and Grate Materials
Opt for grills with sufficient main and warming areas to accommodate your typical cooking load. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are highly recommended for their heat retention, durability, and easy cleaning. Porcelain or stainless steel grates are alternatives with rust resistance and lower maintenance.
Ignition System and Temperature Control
An instant ignition system such as push-button or piezo ignition improves usability and safety. Adjustable flame control knobs enable precision cooking, which is especially important for side burners when simmering delicate sauces or heating side dishes.
Build Quality and Portability
Durable stainless steel bodies and burners help resist rust and enhance longevity. Features such as pull-out grease trays simplify cleaning. If you plan to relocate the grill regularly, consider lightweight models with caster wheels for easy movement.
Additional Features and Accessories
Side hooks, built-in thermometers, tool holders, warming racks, and storage shelves can enhance the grilling experience. Accessibility to propane tanks and ease of assembly are also practical considerations.