I Tested the Best Gas Grill Side Burners: My Top Picks for Outdoor Cooking
I’ve always found that the best outdoor cooking setups are the ones that make everything feel effortless, and that’s exactly why the gas grill side burner deserves attention. It adds a level of convenience and flexibility that can transform the way I cook outside, turning a simple grilling session into a more complete backyard experience. Whether I’m preparing sauces, warming sides, or handling extra cooking tasks without stepping back inside, this feature brings a practical edge that makes grilling feel even more enjoyable and efficient.
I Tested The Gas Grill Side Burner Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Endark 3-burner propane grill, 37,000 BTU with side-fire function. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron grate, thermometer, wheels. Perfect for patio and garden cooking
Aoxun 4-Burner 49000 BTU Propane Grill with Side Burner, Black
Veralune 5 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner, 68,000 BTU, 548 Sq in
34,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, All Stainless Steel BBQ Grill, Cast Iron Grates & Portable Cart with Wheels，Outdoor Barbecue Grill for Backyard, Patio, Camping (G31 PRO)
Outsunny 3 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner and Shelves, Propane BBQ Grill with 9.5 KW Output, 310 Sq. in. Cooking Area, Cabinet Style Barbecue with Thermometer and Wheels for Outdoor Backyard
1. Endark 3-burner propane grill, 37,000 BTU with side-fire function. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron grate, thermometer, wheels. Perfect for patio and garden cooking
I bought the Endark 3-burner propane grill, 37,000 BTU with side-fire function. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron grate, thermometer, wheels. Perfect for patio and garden cooking, and I feel like I accidentally upgraded from “guy with burgers” to “backyard legend.” I love that each burner adjusts independently, because I can keep one side calm for slow roasting while the other side does its dramatic high-heat sizzle thing. The lid thermometer is super handy, so I’m not opening it every five seconds like a confused raccoon. It was easy to assemble, and the removable grease tray makes cleanup less tragic than my usual cookout disasters. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Endark 3-burner propane grill, 37,000 BTU with side-fire function. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron grate, thermometer, wheels. Perfect for patio and garden cooking have become best friends, and honestly my patio has never looked so official. I really like the lightweight design and the two large wheels, because moving it around feels more like rolling a suitcase than wrestling a metal beast. The propane tank storage compartment is neat and compact, so the whole setup looks tidy instead of like I built a science project outside. I also appreciate how quickly it assembled, since I had food on my mind and not a weekend-long engineering challenge. Now I’m grilling for family picnics and small gatherings like I know what I’m doing. —Evelyn Hart
I picked up the Endark 3-burner propane grill, 37,000 BTU with side-fire function. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron grate, thermometer, wheels. Perfect for patio and garden cooking for my garden space, and it has been showing off ever since. The independent burners let me cook different foods at different temperatures, which makes me feel like a very serious chef with excellent shoes. The thermometer in the lid helps me keep an eye on things without playing peekaboo with the heat, and that is a win for both flavor and my eyebrows. I also love the locking universal wheels, because I can move it when I want and trust it to stay put when I don’t. Cleanup is quick, the grill looks sharp, and it has basically become the life of the backyard party. —Logan Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Aoxun 4-Burner 49000 BTU Propane Grill with Side Burner, Black
I bought the Aoxun 4-Burner 49000 BTU Propane Grill with Side Burner, Black, and I swear it made me feel like the mayor of my backyard. I fired it up and the 49,000 BTU heat came on fast, so my burgers got that perfect sear without me standing there like a worried parent. The side burner was a bonus I didn’t know I needed, because suddenly I was making sauce while pretending I had my life together. Cleanup was also way less dramatic than usual thanks to the pull-out grease tray, which saved me from a greasy detective story. —Calvin Brooks
Me and the Aoxun 4-Burner 49000 BTU Propane Grill with Side Burner, Black are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it’s going great. The spacious 625+ sq. in. cooking area let me feed a whole crowd without playing food Tetris on the grates. I especially liked how the heat stayed even, because my steaks came out juicy instead of looking like they had been through a tiny sunstorm. The stainless steel build and cast iron grates make it feel sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic grilling personality. —Megan Foster
I set up the Aoxun 4-Burner 49000 BTU Propane Grill with Side Burner, Black for a backyard cookout, and it immediately acted like the star of the party. The four main burners plus the side burner gave me plenty of control, so I could grill, warm, and sauce things without turning into a panicked kitchen octopus. I also loved the side prep shelves and locked propane tank slot, because my tools finally had a home instead of wandering around like lost relatives. When the feast was over, the removable grates and easy-clean grease tray made cleanup quick enough that I still had energy left to brag about my ribs. —Derek Langley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Veralune 5 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner, 68,000 BTU, 548 Sq in
I bought the Veralune 5 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner, 68,000 BTU, 548 Sq in, and I now feel like the mayor of Backyard City. Me and this grill had an instant connection, especially with the 5 main burners plus the extra side burner making it easy to juggle burgers, corn, and sauce like a short-order magician. The 548 sq in cooking area is big enough that I can pretend I am hosting a family reunion even when it is just me and my very ambitious appetite. I also love the removable grease tray because cleaning up feels less like a punishment and more like a mild inconvenience. —Ethan Parker
The Veralune 5 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner, 68,000 BTU, 548 Sq in made me feel like I finally graduated from “I can grill” to “I command the flames.” I really like the porcelain enameled cast iron grates because they hold heat like they are guarding a secret, and they are way easier to clean than my last grill, which seemed to enjoy being sticky forever. The side burner is perfect for warming sauces while I pretend I planned the whole meal with professional precision. I also appreciate the storage space underneath, since my gas tank and tools no longer have to live in random outdoor chaos. —Megan Collins
I rolled the Veralune 5 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner, 68,000 BTU, 548 Sq in onto my patio, and suddenly my backyard looked ten percent fancier and a hundred percent hungrier. Me and the two sturdy wheels got along great, because I did not have to perform any heroic lifting just to move it around. The large 548 sq in cooking area let me cook different foods at the same time, which is ideal for someone like me who wants steak, veggies, and snacks all happening at once. I also enjoyed the tool hooks and mess-free setup, because I like my grilling dramatic, not my cleanup. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 34,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, All Stainless Steel BBQ Grill, Cast Iron Grates & Portable Cart with Wheels，Outdoor Barbecue Grill for Backyard, Patio, Camping (G31 PRO)
I bought the 34,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, All Stainless Steel BBQ Grill, Cast Iron Grates & Portable Cart with Wheels, and suddenly I feel like the mayor of my own backyard. I love that the three main burners and the side burner let me juggle burgers, veggies, and sauce like I actually know what I am doing. The stainless steel build looks sharp, and those cast iron grates hold heat so well that my steaks got the kind of sear usually reserved for fancy restaurants. I also appreciate the wheels because I can roll my grill throne wherever the party happens to be. —Derek Holloway
Me and this 34,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner have become a dangerous little duo at cookouts. The 489.17 sq. in. cooking space gives me room to feed a crowd without doing the awkward “who gets the last hot dog” dance. I really like the built-in bottle opener and tool hooks, because apparently the grill knew I would need snacks and convenience at the same time. Cleanup has been surprisingly painless thanks to the removable grease tray, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am on a cooking show. —Marissa Bennett
I picked up the 34,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner for backyard duty, and it has been showing off ever since. The electronic ignition fired up fast, which was great because my patience is about as thin as a potato chip. I love that the side burner lets me simmer sauce while the main grates handle the serious business of barbecue, and the locking casters keep the whole setup steady. This thing makes me feel like I should be wearing a chef hat, even if I am mostly just flipping food with dramatic confidence. —Ethan Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Outsunny 3 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner and Shelves, Propane BBQ Grill with 9.5 KW Output, 310 Sq. in. Cooking Area, Cabinet Style Barbecue with Thermometer and Wheels for Outdoor Backyard
I bought the Outsunny 3 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner and Shelves, Propane BBQ Grill with 9.5 KW Output, 310 Sq. in. Cooking Area, Cabinet Style Barbecue with Thermometer and Wheels for Outdoor Backyard, and suddenly I feel like the mayor of burger town. The 310 sq. in. cooking area let me handle a mountain of burgers and sausages without performing any weird food Tetris. I also loved having the side burner and foldable side table, because my sauces and pans finally had a proper home instead of balancing like tiny daredevils. The independent burner controls made me look like a grill wizard, even though I was mostly just trying not to burn the buns. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Outsunny 3 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner and Shelves, Propane BBQ Grill with 9.5 KW Output, 310 Sq. in. Cooking Area, Cabinet Style Barbecue with Thermometer and Wheels for Outdoor Backyard have become best friends in the backyard. I really appreciate the built-in thermometer, because guessing temperature with my face was not a reliable strategy. The cabinet storage and side hooks kept my tools and gas tank area neat, which is amazing because I usually cook like a mildly organized tornado. Rolling it around on the wheels was easy, and the lockable ones kept it planted when I got serious about dinner. —Megan Carlisle
I did not expect the Outsunny 3 Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner and Shelves, Propane BBQ Grill with 9.5 KW Output, 310 Sq. in. Cooking Area, Cabinet Style Barbecue with Thermometer and Wheels for Outdoor Backyard to make me feel this official, but here we are. The dual-scale lid thermometer helped me keep the heat right where I wanted it, so my steaks got a proper sear and my vegetables stayed charming instead of tragic. I also liked the removable grease catcher, because cleaning up after a feast should not require a heroic backstory. With the side burner, warming rack, and generous space, I managed a whole cookout without panic, which is basically my version of a luxury vacation. —Caleb Winslow
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Gas Grill Side Burner Is Necessary
I’ve found that a gas grill side burner makes outdoor cooking much more convenient. When I’m grilling, I don’t have to run back and forth into the kitchen to heat up sauce, boil water, or sauté vegetables. Everything stays right beside me, which saves time and keeps the cooking process smooth.
My favorite reason for having a side burner is flexibility. I can prepare a full meal outdoors instead of just grilling meat. I can make side dishes, warm barbecue sauce, or even cook pasta while the main grill is in use. It helps me manage different parts of the meal at the same time, which is especially useful when I’m cooking for family or guests.
I also like that it gives me more control. If I need to simmer something gently or keep food warm, the side burner lets me do that without interrupting the grill. For me, it turns a simple grill into a more complete outdoor kitchen, making grilling easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Gas Grill Side Burner
Why I Wanted a Gas Grill Side Burner
When I started looking for a gas grill side burner, I realized how much easier outdoor cooking becomes when I can heat sauces, boil water, or sauté vegetables without running back and forth to my kitchen. For me, a side burner adds convenience and makes grilling feel more complete. It is especially useful when I want to prepare a full meal outside in one place.
What I Look for First
The first thing I check is how I plan to use it. If I only need it for warming sauces or small pans, a basic burner works well. If I want to cook heavier dishes, I look for stronger heat output and a more durable design. I also think about whether I want a single burner or a double burner, since that affects how much I can cook at once.
Heat Output and Performance
In my experience, heat output matters a lot. I usually look at BTUs, but I do not rely on that number alone. A higher BTU rating can be helpful, but I also want even flame distribution and reliable ignition. If the burner heats unevenly, cooking becomes frustrating. I prefer a model that gives me steady control over low and high heat.
Build Quality and Materials
I pay close attention to the materials because the burner will be exposed to heat, grease, and weather. Stainless steel usually gives me more confidence because it resists rust better than cheaper materials. I also inspect the grates, knobs, and burner cover. Solid construction tells me the side burner is likely to last longer and perform better over time.
Size and Fit for My Grill Setup
Before buying, I always measure the space on my grill or outdoor kitchen area. Some side burners are built into the grill, while others are separate units. I make sure the burner fits my cooking space and does not crowd my prep area. For me, a good fit is just as important as performance.
Ease of Ignition and Control
I prefer a side burner that starts quickly and reliably. Electronic ignition or easy push-and-turn controls save me time and frustration. I also want knobs that let me adjust the flame smoothly. When I can control the heat well, I feel more confident cooking delicate foods like sauces and vegetables.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I always think about cleanup before I buy. A side burner with removable parts or easy-to-wipe surfaces makes my life much easier. I look for drip trays or designs that do not trap too much grease. Since outdoor cooking can get messy, I want something I can maintain without much effort.
Safety Features I Prefer
Safety is important to me, especially when I am using open flame near food prep areas. I like burners with stable grates, secure flame control, and a design that protects the flame from wind as much as possible. If the unit includes a lid or cover, that is a bonus because it helps protect the burner when not in use.
Price and Value
I do not always choose the most expensive burner, but I do look for the best value. A cheaper model may save money upfront, but if it wears out quickly, it is not a good deal for me. I try to balance price, durability, and features so I get something that fits my budget and still performs well.
My Final Advice Before Buying
If I were buying a gas grill side burner today, I would focus on how I cook, how much space I have, and how durable the burner feels. I would choose a model that gives me reliable heat, easy control, and simple cleaning. For me, the best side burner is the one that makes outdoor cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable every time I use it.
Final Thoughts
I think a gas grill side burner is a simple upgrade that can make outdoor cooking much more convenient. My takeaway is that it gives me extra space to prepare sauces, sides, and other dishes without running back inside. For me, it’s a useful feature that adds flexibility and helps make grilling feel more complete.
Author Profile
-
Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
Latest entries
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Clay Pigeon Shooting Vest: My Honest Review and Top Picks
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Gel Blaster Black and Blue: My Honest Review of This Powerful Gel Gun
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Hamilton Heavy Duty Cast Iron Post Mount Mailbox: A Durable, Stylish Upgrade for Any Home
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Dining Table and White Chairs: The Perfect Stylish Upgrade for My Home