You’ve probably wondered what separates casual backyard grilling from the professional-level cooking that master chefs produce. The secret isn’t just skill—it’s having the right equipment. Side burners on gas grills reveal culinary possibilities you haven’t considered yet. Let’s explore which models deliver the performance you’re actually looking for.
Quick Overview
- Charbroil Performance 4-Burner features 37,000 BTU main heat with a 10,000 BTU side burner for versatile cooking.
- MASTER COOK 4 Burner delivers 52,000 BTU total power with heavy-duty enamel grates and reliable piezo ignition.
- Captiva Designs offers 545 square inches of cooking space with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates for superior heat retention.
- Premium enameled cast iron grates resist rust while stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting durability against outdoor elements.
- Side burners ranging 8,500-12,000 BTU enable efficient multi-dish cooking, supporting professional-quality meal preparation simultaneously.
| Charbroil Performance 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill |
| Best for Even Heating | Total BTU Output: 47,000 BTU | Primary Cooking Area: 435 sq. in. | Total Cooking Area: 565 sq. in. | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| MASTER COOK 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner |
| Most Powerful Output | Total BTU Output: 52,000 BTU | Primary Cooking Area: 400 sq. in. | Total Cooking Area: 518 sq. in. | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill |
| Largest Cooking Area | Total BTU Output: 42,000 BTU | Primary Cooking Area: 400 sq. in. | Total Cooking Area: 545 sq. in. | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner |
| Best Value Pick | Total BTU Output: 46,500 BTU | Primary Cooking Area: 332.28 sq. in. | Total Cooking Area: 458 sq. in. | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Charbroil Performance 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
If you’re a home entertainer who wants versatility without sacrificing cooking space, the Charbroil Performance 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill delivers. You’ll get 435 square inches of primary cooking area—enough for 24 burgers simultaneously—plus a dedicated 10,000 BTU side burner for sauces and sides. The 37,000 BTU main system heats rapidly and maintains even temperatures across porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. You’ll appreciate the integrated grease tray for hassle-free cleanup and the Chef’s Delite tray for delicate foods. The stainless steel construction withstands outdoor elements, while LED-illuminated control knobs let you grill after dark. At 4.4 stars from thousands of reviews, this grill proves it’s a reliable choice for serious home cooks.
- Total BTU Output:47,000 BTU
- Primary Cooking Area:435 sq. in.
- Total Cooking Area:565 sq. in.
- Grate Material:Porcelain-coated cast iron
- Construction Material:Stainless steel body
- Weight:69 pounds
- Additional Feature:LED-illuminated control knobs
- Additional Feature:Gear Trax accessory compatibility
- Additional Feature:Chef’s Delite delicate food tray
MASTER COOK 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner
The MASTER COOK 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner delivers versatile cooking power for those who want to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously. You’ll appreciate the 52,000 BTU output across four burners, giving you ample heat for searing and cooking. The 400 square inches of primary cooking space on heavy-duty enamel grates accommodates large meals, while the 118-square-inch swing-away secondary rack expands your options. You’ll benefit from stainless steel construction that resists rust and wear, ensuring longevity. The piezo ignition system provides dependable startups, and the lid-mounted temperature gauge lets you monitor cooking progress easily. Four casters make repositioning effortless, adapting to your outdoor layout.
- Total BTU Output:52,000 BTU
- Primary Cooking Area:400 sq. in.
- Total Cooking Area:518 sq. in.
- Grate Material:Heavy-duty enamel
- Construction Material:Stainless steel
- Weight:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Piezo ignition system
- Additional Feature:Lid-mounted temperature gauge
- Additional Feature:Four casters for portability
Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill
You’ll find the Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill particularly suited for home cooks who want versatile grilling without breaking the bank. This model delivers 42,000 BTU output across four stainless steel burners plus a dedicated side burner for sauces and sides. The 545 square-inch cooking area accommodates various dishes simultaneously. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates guarantee even heat distribution and durability. You’ll appreciate the built-in thermometer, pullout drip tray for easy cleanup, and warming rack. At 86 pounds with sturdy caster wheels, it’s mobile yet stable. With a 4.2-star rating from over 1,100 reviews, this grill proves itself reliable for weekend entertaining.
- Total BTU Output:42,000 BTU
- Primary Cooking Area:400 sq. in.
- Total Cooking Area:545 sq. in.
- Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Construction Material:Stainless steel
- Weight:86 pounds
- Additional Feature:Built-in thermometer
- Additional Feature:Large storage cabinet
- Additional Feature:Locking caster wheels
4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner
Hosting backyard gatherings for 10+ guests demands a grill that won’t leave you scrambling between cooking stations, and this 4-burner propane model delivers that versatility through its dedicated 8,500 BTU side burner. You’ll appreciate the premium enameled cast iron grates that sear burgers and steaks to steakhouse quality while resisting rust and sticking. With 458 square inches of total cooking space, you’ve got room to work. The stainless steel construction handles weather beautifully, and you’ll assemble it in under 45 minutes. Push-to-start ignition keeps things simple, while the removable grates make cleanup effortless.
- Total BTU Output:46,500 BTU
- Primary Cooking Area:332.28 sq. in.
- Total Cooking Area:458 sq. in.
- Grate Material:Enameled cast iron
- Construction Material:Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- Weight:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Push-to-start ignition system
- Additional Feature:Side prep shelf space
- Additional Feature:Removable grates for cleaning
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gas Grill With a Side Burner
When you’re shopping for a gas grill with a side burner, you’ll want to evaluate several critical features that’ll directly impact your grilling experience and investment value. BTU output and power determine your cooking speed, while cooking area size, grate material quality, and temperature control options affect your versatility and food results. Finally, you should assess the construction and durability of your grill to guarantee it’ll withstand years of regular use.
BTU Output and Power
Because heating power directly affects how quickly you can sear meat and maintain consistent temperatures, the BTU rating is one of the most important specifications you’ll evaluate. You’ll typically encounter main burner outputs ranging from 30,000 to over 50,000 BTUs, depending on the grill’s size and quality.
When selecting your grill, you should match the BTU output to your cooking area. Larger cooking surfaces demand higher BTU ratings to distribute heat evenly across the entire grill. Balanced burner output prevents hot and cold spots that compromise your cooking results.
Don’t overlook the side burner’s BTU rating either. While generally lower than main burners, it should generate sufficient power for sauces and sides without affecting your primary grilling operation.
Cooking Area Size
The cooking area size fundamentally determines how much food you can prepare at once. Most grills offer between 400 to 545 square inches of cooking space, with larger surfaces accommodating up to 24 burgers simultaneously. You’ll want to evaluate both your primary cooking area and secondary surfaces like side burners or swing-away racks, which greatly enhance versatility.
For family events or outdoor parties, adequate cooking space prevents overcrowding and guarantees even heat distribution. A primary cooking area paired with a warming rack lets you maintain food temperature while freeing up prime grilling real estate for additional dishes. Assess your typical gathering size and cooking style to determine the ideal cooking area that meets your entertaining needs without compromise.
Grate Material Quality
Your grill’s grates are fundamental to cooking performance, and their material composition directly impacts heat retention, food quality, and durability. Cast iron excels at heat retention and produces superior sear marks, locking in flavors through its density. However, porcelain-coated grates offer rust resistance and easier cleaning, though they require careful handling to preserve their non-stick properties.
Thickness matters greatly—thicker grates retain heat better and create more pronounced sear marks. Stainless steel and enameled cast iron withstand extreme temperatures without warping, ensuring longevity. Consider your cooking style when selecting material. Non-stick surfaces suit delicate items, while heavier grates handle robust foods like steaks and burgers effectively. Your choice determines both immediate cooking results and long-term investment value.
Temperature Control Options
While grate material determines how well you’ll cook your food, precise temperature control determines whether you’ll cook it the way you want. You’ll find most quality gas grills feature lid-mounted temperature gauges that let you monitor cooking temperatures accurately. Adjustable flame control knobs give you the flexibility to customize heat levels for different recipes and techniques. Look for models with higher BTU ratings—up to 52,000 BTUs—since they heat faster and cook more effectively. Side burners typically have separate BTU outputs, enabling you to simmer sauces or sauté vegetables simultaneously with your main grilling. Integrated ignition systems like piezo or push-to-start mechanisms guarantee you’ll make quick, reliable temperature adjustments throughout your cooking session.
Construction and Durability
Since you’ll be investing in a gas grill with a side burner, you’ll want materials that’ll withstand years of outdoor use without deteriorating. Stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion while delivering a polished appearance. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates guarantee durability and even heat distribution, plus they’re remarkably easy to clean. You’ll also benefit from weather-resistant construction that protects your grill against rain, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations. A sturdy cabinet structure keeps everything stable during heavy usage, maintaining safety and functionality. Don’t overlook practical features like full-size oil drip trays either—they simplify maintenance and prevent grease buildup. When you prioritize these construction elements, you’re choosing a grill that’ll provide consistent performance for years.
Side Burner Functionality
A quality side burner transforms your grilling experience by expanding what you can cook simultaneously. You’ll want to look for burners ranging from 8,500 to 12,000 BTUs, giving you flexibility whether you’re simmering delicate sauces or sautéing vegetables at higher temperatures.
Consider how quickly the burner heats up and maintains consistent temperatures—this efficiency matters when you’re managing multiple dishes. Choose between built-in models integrated into your grill’s structure or extensions that provide additional prep space.
Pay attention to temperature control features, including lid-mounted gauges that let you monitor your cooking conditions easily. These details guarantee you’re not just grilling your main course but genuinely expanding your cooking capabilities and meal preparation options.
Heat Distribution Evenness
When you’re cooking multiple dishes on a grill with a side burner, uneven heat becomes your biggest enemy—hot spots can char one section of food while leaving another undercooked. You’ll want stainless steel burners and enameled flame tamers that distribute heat consistently across your cooking surface. Cast iron grates with porcelain coatings excel at heat retention and enable ideal searing. While a higher BTU rating suggests greater heating potential, focus on how well the grill manages and maintains that heat throughout. Built-in thermometers prove invaluable for monitoring temperature consistency, ensuring every area reaches your desired cooking temperature. These features combined create the reliable, even cooking that master chefs demand from their equipment.
Ease of Assembly
You’ll find that assembly difficulty varies dramatically between gas grill models, with some requiring less than 45 minutes to set up while others demand several hours of frustration.
When evaluating options, prioritize grills with detailed assembly manuals that guide you through each step clearly. Check whether the model requires basic tools or operates tool-free—minimalist designs simplify installation considerably.
Customer reviews reveal invaluable insights into real-world assembly experiences. Search for mentions of straightforward setup processes, as they indicate user-friendly designs.
Models featuring fewer, simpler parts reduce confusion and accelerate your setup. You’ll appreciate designs that minimize components without compromising functionality.
