You’re probably wondering how to elevate your outdoor cooking game without sacrificing space or efficiency. A griddle grill with a side burner offers you the flexibility to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously—main courses on the flat top while sauces simmer nearby. But finding the right model that balances performance, durability, and value isn’t straightforward. We’ve narrowed down the top contenders you’ll want to know about.
Quick Overview
- Side burners expand cooking versatility by enabling simultaneous preparation of sauces, sides, and main dishes without space constraints.
- Larger cooking surfaces ranging from 524 to 768 square inches accommodate multiple food items, essential for entertaining and catering.
- High BTU outputs between 34,000 and 62,000 enable faster cooking, better searing, and consistent heat distribution across all zones.
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron and stainless steel grates provide superior heat retention, rust resistance, and easy cleanup for long-term durability.
- Integrated features like removable grease trays, foldable designs, and independently controlled burners enhance usability and maintenance across all models.
| Sophia & William 6-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill |
| Most Versatile Cooking | Total Cooking Surface Area: 740 sq.in. | Fuel Type & Tank Size: Propane, 20 lbs | Number of Main Burners: 6 burners | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Pit Boss PB757GD Four Burner Gas Griddle |
| Best Portability | Total Cooking Surface Area: 748 sq.in. | Fuel Type & Tank Size: Propane (LP) | Number of Main Burners: 4 burners | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Royal Gourmet 5-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill |
| Best Value | Total Cooking Surface Area: 602 sq.in. | Fuel Type & Tank Size: Liquid propane | Number of Main Burners: 4 main burners (plus sear burner) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Blackstone Omnivore 36″ Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle |
| Highest Rated | Total Cooking Surface Area: 768 sq.in. | Fuel Type & Tank Size: Propane | Number of Main Burners: 4 burners | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| BLACKSTONE 1883 28″ Griddle with Hood and Shelves |
| Most Compact | Total Cooking Surface Area: 524 sq.in. | Fuel Type & Tank Size: Propane | Number of Main Burners: 2 burners | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill Combo |
| Best Combo Features | Total Cooking Surface Area: 610 sq.in. | Fuel Type & Tank Size: Propane, 20 lbs | Number of Main Burners: 4 burners | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Sophia & William 6-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill
If you’re searching for versatility without compromise, the Sophia & William 6-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill delivers both griddle and traditional grill functionality in one robust unit. You’ll appreciate the reversible cast iron grates that flip between sear marks and flat-top cooking, letting you tackle steaks, burgers, pancakes, and stir-fry with ease. The 740 square-inch cooking area gives you ample space for large gatherings. You’ll benefit from the enameled chamber’s superior heat retention and rust-resistant coating, which eliminates hot spots for even cooking. Cleanup’s effortless too—the slide-out grease tray and removable drip pan save you precious time after entertaining.
- Total Cooking Surface Area:740 sq.in.
- Fuel Type & Tank Size:Propane, 20 lbs
- Number of Main Burners:6 burners
- Total BTU Output:Not specified
- Cooking Surface Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Mobility Features:Fixed installation
- Additional Feature:Reversible dual-function grates
- Additional Feature:Slide-out grease tray design
- Additional Feature:Rust-resistant enameled chamber
Pit Boss PB757GD Four Burner Gas Griddle
The Pit Boss PB757GD is your ideal choice when you’re serious about feeding crowds without sacrificing cooking quality. You’ll appreciate the massive 748-square-inch pre-seasoned cooking surface, perfect for handling meals for up to 30 people. With 62,000 BTU across four stainless steel burners, you’ve got consistent heat control for everything from breakfast pancakes to dinner steaks. The fold-over side shelves enhance portability while swivel casters improve mobility. You’ll also value the front grease tray for easy cleanup and the included weather-resistant cover. At 125 pounds, it’s substantial yet manageable, making it excellent for both backyard entertaining and catering needs.
- Total Cooking Surface Area:748 sq.in.
- Fuel Type & Tank Size:Propane (LP)
- Number of Main Burners:4 burners
- Total BTU Output:62,000 BTU
- Cooking Surface Material:Pre-seasoned steel (4.7mm thick)
- Mobility Features:4 swivel casters
- Additional Feature:Fold-over side shelves
- Additional Feature:Pre-seasoned 4.7mm cooking surface
- Additional Feature:Weather-resistant fitted cover
Royal Gourmet 5-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
You’ll find serious cooking power in Royal Gourmet’s GA5401T model if you’re serious about versatility—it’s packed with five distinct burners that deliver 61,000 BTU of total output, including a dedicated 9,000 BTU side burner for sauces, sides, and prep work. The 602 square-inch grilling surface accommodates large meals, while porcelain-enameled cast iron grates guarantee excellent heat retention and distinctive grill marks. Its double-layer stainless steel lid maximizes heat efficiency and flavor infusion. You’ll appreciate the removable grease tray for straightforward maintenance and the built-in thermometer for precise temperature monitoring. At 69.5 pounds, this grill balances durability with reasonable portability for backyard entertaining.
- Total Cooking Surface Area:602 sq.in.
- Fuel Type & Tank Size:Liquid propane
- Number of Main Burners:4 main burners (plus sear burner)
- Total BTU Output:61,000 BTU
- Cooking Surface Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Mobility Features:Fixed installation
- Additional Feature:Double-layer stainless steel lid
- Additional Feature:12,000 BTU sear burner
- Additional Feature:Built-in thermometer monitoring
Blackstone Omnivore 36″ Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle
Cooking for a crowd becomes effortless with Blackstone’s Omnivore 36″ griddle, which combines a massive 768-square-inch cooking surface with four independently controlled burners that let you manage different heat zones simultaneously. You’ll appreciate the Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology that guarantees even heating and fuel efficiency across your entire cooking area. The heavy-duty powder-coated steel construction withstands outdoor elements, while locking casters make repositioning simple. You get convenient features like a rear grease system, removable grease tray, and push-button ignition. With folding side shelves and tool hooks included, you’ve got everything organized for seamless cooking. Its 4.7-star rating from over 1,600 reviewers confirms this griddle delivers dependable performance for breakfast, BBQ, and sautéing.
- Total Cooking Surface Area:768 sq.in.
- Fuel Type & Tank Size:Propane
- Number of Main Burners:4 burners
- Total BTU Output:Not specified
- Cooking Surface Material:Carbon steel
- Mobility Features:Locking casters
- Additional Feature:Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology
- Additional Feature:Magnetic tool strip included
- Additional Feature:Heavy-duty powder-coated steel cover
BLACKSTONE 1883 28″ Griddle with Hood and Shelves
If you’re hosting large gatherings and need serious cooking real estate, Blackstone’s 1883 28″ Griddle delivers with 524 square inches of cooking surface—enough to whip up 21 burgers or 15 pancakes simultaneously. You’ll control two independently operated H-style burners producing 34,000 BTUs combined, letting you cook at different temperatures at once. The rear grease management system streamlines cleanup by channeling debris toward the back for quick collection. You’ll appreciate the integrated hood for weather protection, dual side shelves for prep work, electric ignition for hassle-free starting, and two wheels for mobility. Weighing 94.8 pounds, this powder-coated steel griddle handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner with impressive versatility.
- Total Cooking Surface Area:524 sq.in.
- Fuel Type & Tank Size:Propane
- Number of Main Burners:2 burners
- Total BTU Output:34,000 BTU
- Cooking Surface Material:Powder-coated steel
- Mobility Features:2 wheels
- Additional Feature:Integrated protective hood design
- Additional Feature:Rear grease management system
- Additional Feature:Counter-height side shelves
Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill Combo
The Royal Gourmet GD401 delivers a versatile cooking solution for those who won’t compromise on portability. You’ll appreciate its dual cooking zones—a gas grill and griddle—each offering 292 square inches of space. Four 12,000 BTU burners generate 14,018 watts of heating power, ensuring consistent results. The automatic ignition system simplifies startup, while removable oil management streamlines cleanup. Fold-down legs and locking casters make transport effortless. Constructed from alloy steel and porcelain-enameled cast iron, it’s built to last. With a 4.4-star rating from nearly 3,400 reviews, you’re choosing proven reliability for outdoor entertaining.
- Total Cooking Surface Area:610 sq.in.
- Fuel Type & Tank Size:Propane, 20 lbs
- Number of Main Burners:4 burners
- Total BTU Output:48,000 BTU (4 x 12,000)
- Cooking Surface Material:Ceramic-coated steel/porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Mobility Features:4 locking casters, fold-down legs
- Additional Feature:Dual cooking zones combo
- Additional Feature:Ceramic-coated steel flat top
- Additional Feature:Fold-down legs storage
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Griddle Grill With Side Burner
When you’re shopping for a griddle grill with a side burner, you’ll want to evaluate the cooking surface area to guarantee it fits your needs, examine the BTU output to confirm you’re getting adequate heat distribution, and inspect the grate material quality for longevity. You should also consider the unit’s portability and storage requirements based on your space constraints, as well as its overall durability and maintenance demands. These five factors’ll help you narrow down your options and find the model that best matches your cooking style and lifestyle.
Cooking Surface Area
Since you’ll want to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously, cooking surface area is one of the most critical specs you’ll evaluate. Griddles typically range from 524 to 768 square inches, giving you flexibility for different meal types and gathering sizes.
A larger surface lets you cook more items at once—think pancakes and multiple burgers without crowding. Conversely, a smaller area may limit your cooking options and require batch cooking.
Beyond total size, consider the layout. Some griddles feature multiple temperature zones, allowing you to sear proteins on one section while keeping sides warm elsewhere. Check for warming racks or side burners too, as these features effectively expand your usable cooking space and enhance your meal preparation capabilities.
BTU Output and Heat
One of the most important specs you’ll encounter is BTU (British Thermal Unit) output, which measures how much heat your griddle grill generates. Higher BTU ratings enable faster cooking and superior meat searing, typically ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 BTUs depending on burner count and cooking area size.
However, raw BTU numbers alone don’t guarantee performance. You’ll want controllable heat settings that distribute warmth evenly across your cooking surface, preventing hot spots and cold areas that compromise food quality. Look for grills offering multi-temperature capabilities so you can simultaneously cook different foods at varying temperatures.
Combining robust BTU output with durable construction materials maximizes cooking efficiency. This combination allows you to maintain consistent temperatures regardless of outdoor conditions, ensuring reliable results whether you’re searing steaks or delicately cooking vegetables.
Grate Material Quality
Your grate material fundamentally determines how well your griddle grill performs. Porcelain-enameled cast iron delivers excellent heat distribution and creates those coveted grill marks while retaining heat effectively. If you’re prioritizing durability and rust resistance, stainless steel grates offer a long-lasting solution that withstands outdoor conditions.
Consider the pore structure too—non-porous materials resist grease and food residue absorption, making cleanup greatly easier. Thicker grates outperform thinner ones by retaining heat better and resisting warping under high temperatures.
Don’t overlook flavor either. Cast iron’s unique heat characteristics impart subtle nuances to your food that other materials can’t replicate. Ultimately, you’ll want to balance durability, maintenance requirements, cooking performance, and the flavor profile you’re seeking.
Portability and Storage
After you’ve selected the ideal grate material for best cooking performance, you’ll want to take into account how easily you can move and store your griddle grill. Portability matters considerably if you plan to relocate your grill for events or transport it to camping trips.
Look for models with locking casters that enhance mobility and allow smooth relocation. Lightweight designs greatly improve portability, making setup at different locations effortless. Compact dimensions prove essential for storage, especially in homes with limited space, ensuring your appliance doesn’t consume excessive room.
Many modern griddle grills feature collapsible or removable designs, facilitating both storage and transportation. Foldable side shelves maximize space efficiency when not in use, making these grills ideal for smaller outdoor areas or garages.
Durability and Maintenance
Since you’ll want your griddle grill to last for years, prioritize materials like stainless steel and porcelain-enameled cast iron that naturally resist rust and corrosion. A non-porous enamel finish makes cleaning effortless—you’ll simply wipe away grease and residue without worrying about surface damage.
Cast iron’s excellent heat retention reduces wear from temperature fluctuations while boosting cooking efficiency. Don’t overlook maintenance, though. Regularly clean the grease tray and removable parts to extend your grill’s lifespan and keep it performing efficiently.
Check the manufacturer’s warranty as well. Most griddle grills offer one to two-year warranties, reflecting the maker’s confidence in durability. A solid warranty protects you against defects and malfunctions, giving you valuable peace of mind.
Price and Value
Finding the right griddle grill with a side burner means balancing upfront costs with long-term value. You’ll want to evaluate the initial price alongside cooking capacity—larger models with over 700 square inches typically cost more but offer greater functionality. Consider the price per BTU output; you’re getting better performance when a grill delivers higher BTU output at a comparable price.
Features like removable grease trays and easy-clean surfaces justify premium pricing by reducing your maintenance burden. Warranty length matters greatly too—longer warranties indicate manufacturer confidence and suggest durability, making higher-priced models more appealing. Finally, check customer ratings and reviews; higher ratings signal satisfaction and reliability, often worth paying slightly more for over less-trusted alternatives. These factors combine to reveal genuine value rather than just the lowest price.
