You can almost hear the sizzle as flames dance across gleaming stainless steel. When you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor cooking setup, you’ll want a grill that combines reliability with versatility. Natural gas grills with side burners offer the flexibility you’re seeking, but choosing the right one requires understanding what separates the best performers from the rest. We’ll examine four top-tier models that might be exactly what you need.
Quick Overview
- Napoleon Prestige 500 features infrared sizzle zone and rear burner for versatile cooking with 48,000 BTU output.
- Weber Genesis S-415 offers 994 sq. inches cooking space with PureBlu burners and consistent heat distribution technology.
- Weber Genesis E-325 includes extra-large sear zone and porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates for superior heat retention and versatility.
- Monument Grills 4 Burner delivers 60,000 BTU across four burners with 723 sq. inches cooking capacity for gatherings.
- Side burners and infrared rear burners increase cooking versatility, enabling simultaneous preparation of multiple dishes with precise temperature control.
| Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel |
| Premium Entertainer’s Choice | Total BTU Output: 66,000 BTU (48,000 main + 18,000 rear burner) | Main Cooking Surface: 500 square inches | Number of Main Burners: 4 burners | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Weber Genesis S-415 Natural Gas Grill 4 Burners |
| Best Overall Value | Total BTU Output: Not specified | Main Cooking Surface: 994 square inches | Number of Main Burners: 4 burners | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Weber Genesis E-325 Natural Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking 3 Burners Black |
| Best Budget Pick | Total BTU Output: Not specified | Main Cooking Surface: Not specified (large surface area noted) | Number of Main Burners: 3 burners | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Monument Grills 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel |
| Most Versatile Fuel Option | Total BTU Output: 60,000 BTU | Main Cooking Surface: 513 square inches | Number of Main Burners: 4 burners | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Napoleon Prestige 500 Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel
If you’re serious about grilling for crowds, the Napoleon Prestige 500 delivers the cooking capacity you need. You’ll appreciate the 500 square inches of main cooking space, which accommodates 31 burgers simultaneously. Four stainless steel burners generate 48,000 BTU per hour, while the infrared sizzle zone side burner reaches 1,800 degrees in 30 seconds for steakhouse-quality searing. You also get an 18,000 BTU infrared rear burner for rotisserie cooking. The JETFIRE ignition system reliably starts each burner, and back channel lighting provides backup ignition. With additional warming rack and side burner space totaling 400 square inches, you’ve got everything you need for versatile entertaining.
- Total BTU Output:66,000 BTU (48,000 main + 18,000 rear burner)
- Main Cooking Surface:500 square inches
- Number of Main Burners:4 burners
- Cooking Grate Material:Stainless steel sear plates
- Grease Management:Not specified
- Fuel Type:Natural gas only
- Additional Feature:Infrared sizzle zone reaches 1,800°F
- Additional Feature:Heavy-duty rotisserie kit included
- Additional Feature:JETFIRE ignition system backup
Weber Genesis S-415 Natural Gas Grill 4 Burners
The Weber Genesis S-415 is built for serious home cooks who demand reliability and performance without sacrificing convenience. You’ll appreciate the PureBlu burners that deliver consistent heat across 994 square inches of cooking surface. The tapered flame design and raised openings minimize debris clogging while the stainless steel grates heat quickly and durably. FLAVORIZER Bars catch drippings to enhance flavor and prevent flare-ups. You’ll find grease management effortless with the pull-out tray, and the side tables give you plenty of prepping space. The warming rack keeps finished dishes hot while you work. With a 4.6-star rating from 114 reviewers, this grill earns its #10 ranking among natural gas models.
- Total BTU Output:Not specified
- Main Cooking Surface:994 square inches
- Number of Main Burners:4 burners
- Cooking Grate Material:Stainless steel grates
- Grease Management:Pull-out grease tray
- Fuel Type:Natural gas only
- Additional Feature:994 square inches cooking surface
- Additional Feature:FLAVORIZER Bars prevent flare-ups
- Additional Feature:WEBER CRAFTED outdoor kitchen compatible
Weber Genesis E-325 Natural Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking 3 Burners Black
You’ll appreciate Weber’s Genesis E-325 if you’re committed to hassle-free outdoor entertaining without compromise. This natural gas grill features three PureBlu burners delivering 9.09 kW of heating power, plus an extra-large sear zone for versatility. The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates retain heat efficiently, while FLAVORIZER bars catch juices and prevent flare-ups. You’ll manage grease effortlessly with the pull-out tray, and the warming rack keeps food ready. Compatible with WEBER CRAFTED grillware, you can customize your cooking experience. At 57.7 inches wide, you’ll grill multiple items simultaneously. With 4.6 stars from 240 reviews, this model proves reliable for serious outdoor cooks.
- Total BTU Output:Not specified
- Main Cooking Surface:Not specified (large surface area noted)
- Number of Main Burners:3 burners
- Cooking Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Grease Management:Pull-out grease tray
- Fuel Type:Natural gas only
- Additional Feature:Extra-large sear zone included
- Additional Feature:Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates
- Additional Feature:240 customer reviews (4.6★)
Monument Grills 4 Burner Natural Gas Grill Stainless Steel
Monument Grills’ 4-burner model stands out for grillmasters who want serious cooking capacity without sacrificing convenience. You’ll appreciate the 60,000 BTU output distributed across four main burners plus a dedicated side burner for sauces and sides. The 723 square inches of cooking space gives you flexibility for large gatherings. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates deliver even heat and clean easily. You’ll monitor your food through the built-in Clearview Lid while the stainless steel construction guarantees durability. Note that you’ll need the separate Monument Grills Conversion Kit model 97352 to operate on natural gas, though the grill’s dual-fuel design supports both propane and natural gas.
- Total BTU Output:60,000 BTU
- Main Cooking Surface:513 square inches
- Number of Main Burners:4 burners
- Cooking Grate Material:Porcelain-coated cast iron
- Grease Management:Not specified
- Fuel Type:Dual-fuel (propane and natural gas with conversion kit)
- Additional Feature:Dual-fuel compatible (propane/natural gas)
- Additional Feature:Built-in Clearview Lid monitoring
- Additional Feature:Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Natural Gas Grill With Side Burner
When you’re shopping for a natural gas grill with a side burner, you’ll want to evaluate several key factors that directly impact your cooking experience. Consider the BTU output and power of both the main burners and side burner, the cooking surface capacity that fits your needs, the heat distribution technology that guarantees even cooking, the durability and materials that’ll withstand weather and time, and the temperature range capabilities that give you cooking flexibility. Each of these elements plays an essential role in determining whether a grill will serve you well for years to come.
BTU Output and Power
The heart of any grill’s performance lies in its BTU output—a metric that directly determines how quickly and efficiently your grill heats up and maintains temperature. You’ll find natural gas grills ranging from 48,000 to 60,000 BTU, with higher numbers delivering greater power for robust cooking.
Side burners add significant versatility, boosting your overall BTU capacity while letting you prepare sauces and side dishes simultaneously. However, don’t fixate solely on BTU numbers. You need to balance output with cooking space to guarantee even heat distribution across your entire grill, especially when hosting larger gatherings.
Quality design matters too. Stainless steel sear plates and strategic burner configurations work together to maximize heating efficiency, ensuring consistent performance throughout your cooking surface.
Cooking Surface Capacity
While BTU output determines your grill’s heating power, cooking surface capacity determines what you can actually cook on it. You’ll find options ranging from 500 to over 990 square inches of main cooking area. A larger surface, like 994 square inches, lets you grill multiple items simultaneously, making it ideal for entertaining guests or feeding your family efficiently.
Most grills supplement the main area with warming racks and side burners, adding roughly 260 square inches of extra space. These side burners enhance versatility markedly, allowing you to sauté vegetables, boil water, or prepare sauces while your main dishes cook. The burner configuration and grate arrangement also matter greatly, as they directly impact heat distribution and reduce overall cooking time.
Heat Distribution Technology
Even cooking across your grill’s entire surface doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of thoughtful heat distribution technology. You’ll want stainless steel sear plates that guarantee consistent temperatures while enhancing flavor. These plates eliminate hot spots that cause unevenly cooked food, giving you reliable results every time.
Look for burners designed like tapered PureBlu models that create consistent flames while resisting food debris clogging. This design maximizes heat efficiency across your entire cooking area.
If your grill includes FLAVORIZER Bars, you’re getting an added advantage. They catch drippings to boost flavor and reduce flare-ups, creating a more controlled cooking environment.
Consider infrared side burners too—they reach approximately 1,800 degrees in just 30 seconds, perfect for searing meats with exceptional results.
Durability and Materials
Your grill’s longevity depends heavily on the materials used in its construction. You’ll want stainless steel components throughout, as this material resists corrosion and rust effectively. Look specifically for 304-grade stainless steel burners, which deliver superior heat output and withstand prolonged outdoor exposure.
Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates should be your priority—they retain heat better, last longer, and clean more easily than lower-quality alternatives. A heavy-duty build with premium components guarantees your grill endures harsh weather conditions without premature deterioration.
Don’t overlook protective features like built-in lids or cabinet-style designs. These shields guard internal components from environmental damage, greatly extending your grill’s lifespan and maintaining its performance over years of use.
Temperature Range Capabilities
Temperature performance separates exceptional grills from mediocre ones. You’ll want to prioritize maximum temperature capabilities, since some models reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit in just 30 seconds. This rapid heating proves invaluable when you’re searing steaks or creating perfect crust on meats.
Assess the grill’s total BTU output—models featuring up to 60,000 BTUs greatly enhance cooking performance, particularly for thicker cuts. Look for stainless steel sear plates that distribute heat evenly across your cooking surface, ensuring temperature consistency throughout.
Side burners amplify your versatility by allowing simultaneous cooking at different heat levels. An infrared rear burner elevates your capabilities further, providing intense heat for rotisserie cooking and thorough, even meat preparation. These combined features give you complete temperature control across diverse grilling techniques.
