Choosing the right side burner and cook space can elevate backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or weekend cookouts. This guide highlights five dependable options with strong heat, ample cooking real estate, and durable construction. Each pick balances searing power, side burner usefulness, and ease of cleaning to support versatile outdoor grilling. The selections below demonstrate a range of budgets and configurations while keeping performance and durability at the forefront.
| Product | BTU / Cooking Space | Grill Type | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner | 46,500 BTU total (8,500 BTU side burner) | Gas Grill | Enameled cast iron grates for searing |
| Char-Broil Classic Convective 3-Burner with Side Burner | ~20,000 BTU primary; 8,000 BTU side burner | Gas Grill | Compact, even heat with warming rack |
| Monument Grills 4+1 Outdoor Barbecue | 62,000 BTU total (includes side burner) | Gas Grill | High heat sear zone and expansive cooking area |
| Electactic 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner | 34,000 BTU total | Gas Grill | Stainless steel outer shell and easy maintenance |
| Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill | 46,700 BTU total | Gas Grill | Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and easy cleaning |
EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill With Side Burner
The EUHOME grill combines high-output performance with practical layout for outdoor gatherings. A total 46,500 BTU rating comes from four main burners plus an 8,500 BTU side burner, enabling rapid preheating and robust searing for burgers, steaks, and kebabs. It offers a 458 sq. in. cooking area, including 332.28 sq. in. main space and a 125.28 sq. in. warming rack, so it can feed 10+ guests in one session. Heavy-duty enameled cast iron grates lock in heat for sear marks while resisting rust and sticking, and cleaning is simplified by the grate design. Durable stainless steel builds ensure weather resistance for year-round use.
Char-Broil Classic Convective 3-Burner With Side Burner
This Char-Broil model is designed for quick startup and steady heat with a 360-square-inch primary cooking area plus a warming rack and an 8,000 BTU side burner. It runs on propane and is compatible with a standard 20-pound tank (not included). The two-zone cooking approach enables direct grilling on the main grate while keeping sides warm or simmering sauces on the side burner. The compact footprint makes it suitable for smaller patios while still offering reliable performance for family meals and casual weekend cookouts.
Monument Grills 4+1 Outdoor Barbecue
With a 62,000 BTU total, Monument Grills balances power and space. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates promote even heat distribution and easy cleaning, while a dedicated sear zone delivers up to 650°F in about 10 minutes, helping achieve restaurant-grade sear marks. The expansive cooking area totals 630 square inches (450 main, 180 warming), making it feasible to grill a turkey, multiple burgers, and vegetables at once. The combination of high heat, wide layout, and quality materials supports serious outdoor entertaining.
cookit 49000 BTU Gas Grill With Side Burner
Cookit offers a crowd-friendly configuration with four main burners and a separate side burner on a robust 49,000 BTU total system. It emphasizes flavor with a cast iron grate and a stainless-coated heat distributor to ensure even cooking and reduced hot spots. A double-walled lid and flame tamers help retain heat and minimize flare-ups, while the overall design supports easy cleanup and stable cooking across a range of recipes—from briskets to grilled vegetables.
Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill
Captiva Designs pairs a 46,700 BTU system with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates for efficient heat transfer and strong sear capability. A 360 sq. in. primary area plus a 150 sq. in. warming rack totals 510 sq. in., providing ample space for family cookouts. The grill height is designed to reduce bending, and a slide-out grease tray with a hanging grease box simplifies cleanup. The combination of durable grates, easy maintenance, and a comfortable cooking height makes this model appealing for frequent entertainers.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- BTU and heat zones: Higher BTU totals and effective sear zones improve preheating and even cooking. Look for a dedicated side burner for sauces, sides, or beverages that keeps main grill space focused on meats.
- Cooking area and layout: Consider total square inches, the split between main cooking space and warming racks, and whether a warming rack fits your typical meals (burgers, wings, or a whole turkey).
- Grate material and durability: Porcelain-enameled cast iron provides heat retention and easier cleaning, while stainless steel components resist rust and weathering.
- Ease of cleaning: Features such as tilt grease trays, accessible grease management systems, and slide-out trays save time after cooking sessions.
- Build quality and materials: Stainless steel frames and weather-resistant finishes extend the grill’s life in outdoor environments and occasional harsh weather.
- Maintenance and parts availability: Replacement burners, grates, and side-burner heads should be readily available, reducing downtime when replacements are needed.
- Size and fit: Measure your outdoor area to ensure the grill’s footprint fits without crowding walkways while leaving space for prep work and dining.
- Fuel compatibility: Gas grills typically use propane, with some models adaptable to natural gas. Confirm LP/NG compatibility and any required conversion kits.
- Warranty and support: A solid warranty on burners, grates, and housing signals longer-lasting performance and confidence in the product.