Prepare Feasts with a Gas Grill With Side Burner
With the weather getting warmer, it’s normal to want to fire up the grills and whip up a delicious meal for your family. Instead of getting a regular grill, however, why not opt for a gas grill that comes with a side burner? Not only is it more efficient when you’re whipping up meals, but you’ll also be able to make a plethora of side dishes.
With so many gas grills with side burners available on the market, however, where do you start? To help, we’ve curated a guide with everything you need to know. We’ll point out some things to take note of when it comes to selecting a gas grill with a side burner, answer some frequently asked questions, and provide a detailed review of some of the best gas grills with side burners that we’ve found.
What Should I Consider When Purchasing a Grill with a Side Burner?
There are a few factors to consider when it comes to purchasing a grill that comes with a side burner.
The first thing to think about is the grill size that you’d need. Grills come in a variety of sizes, and while some of them come with one to four burners, you can also find grills that have as many as eight burners.
Then, you’ll want to think about the type of gas grill that you’d like – and your type of cooking style can heavily influence this. If you prefer a slower style of cooking, for example, you’d want to go for a gas grill that comes with a smokebox. On the other hand, if you’re looking to sear thick cuts of meat, a gas infrared grill is an ideal choice.
Another thing to consider is the number of accessories that you have and how much space you’d need to store them. Storage capacity is critical when it comes to selecting your grill, and you’d want to make sure that you’ve got enough space to store your items safely. Larger grills usually come with side shelves that’ll allow you to conveniently reach for your items when you’re cooking.
Burner types are also another key consideration when it comes to selecting your gas grill with side burner. There are a couple of burner types for you to consider – cast iron burners, infrared burners, stainless steel burners and tin burners. Cast iron burners have the most power, but you’d need to be careful of it potentially rusting. Infrared burners, on the other hand, are great if you’re looking to caramelize or get a bit of crisp on your meats. When it comes to durability, you can’t meet stainless steel burners. Finally, there are tin burners that are simple and easy to use. Out of all of the burners; however, they don’t hold great heat and are also prone to rusting.
FAQ
Below, are some frequently asked questions that we’ve received pertaining to gas grills with side burners.
What is a side burner on a gas grill used for?
Side burners are mainly used for side dishes, and you can use them for plenty from grilling up some corn or hot dogs to even heating up some of your sides. Additional creative ways that you can use your side burner include making sauces, pan-frying, charring vegetables, blackening fish fillets and more.
Who has the best deal on gas grills?
There are a couple of places that we recommend when it comes to best deals on gas grills.
BBQGuys
This amazing store has an extensive range of gas grills for you to choose from. Based in Louisiana, New Orleans, the company prides themselves on their expertise pertaining to grills. They’ve also got world-class customer service and of course, plenty of deals.
Amazon
With Amazon they’ve got plenty of gas grills at great prices. You’ll also get to know what customers think about these gas grills since they’ve got all the customer reviews listed on each of the product pages.
Wayfair
Another great place to purchase gas grills is Wayfair. Not only do they have a plethora of outdoor items, but their grills are awesome, too. They’ve got many options to choose from with plenty of deals. You’re sure to be able to find a gas grill that suits your needs here.
How do you install a grill side burner?
While it depends on the grill that you’ve got, most side burners are installed with a venturi clip that comes in different designs for different models. To do so, you’d want to locate a small hole at the bottom of the burner tube and insert the hook hold of the burner clip into the hole. Then, the other end will snap around the gas manifold or valve body, and you’re good to go. The venturi clip should fit snugly in place, so you’d want to double-check just to be sure.
Safety Tips When Using Side Burner
A couple of safety tips when you’re using your side burner include:
- Never use your side burner in windy conditions.
- Never leave your side burner unattended.
- If you’re not using your side burner, always turn off the gas supply at its tank.
- Don’t use a side burner until your gas has had time to dissipate.
Gas VS Charcoal
A common question asked is the difference between gas and charcoal grills. There are a couple of differences between the two, and we’ll elaborate it in greater detail below.
First off, charcoal has a traditional smoky flavour that’s derived from the wood chips. Gas grills on the other hand have more of a bacon-like taste. If you’d like your meat to have more moisture, gas grills are typically the better choice as it produces more steam than a charcoal grill.
When it comes to cooking time, a charcoal grill will take more time to preheat than a gas grill. You’ll also need to monitor the temperature of your charcoal grill constantly. On the other hand, that’s not really a problem with your gas grill as they heat up quickly and will hold a constant temperature. You can also control the temperature of a gas grill, and it’s easy to monitor.
Related: These KitchenAid Grills Will Make Your Grilling the Envy of the Neighborhood
When it comes to maintenance, gas grills are also easier to clean than a charcoal grill since you won’t have to deal with the problem of ashes. Safety-wise, cooking with charcoal grills can pose quite a bit of a risk due to the hard charcoals which can burn your hand. Luckily, gas grills aren’t susceptible to the wind, so that’s not something you’d need to worry about.
When it comes to costs, however, gas grills are more expensive than charcoal grills. If you’re not looking to spend a whole lot, charcoal may not be ideal for you. However, if you’re looking for a grill that’ll provide you with a whole slew of benefits and safety, gas grills are the way to go.
Best Gas Grills with Side Burner
1. Weber Genesis II SE-335 Special Edition
This fantastic gas grill from Weber with side burner comes with numerous features that make it a great purchase. Upon purchase of this grill, you’ll get three stainless steel high-performance burners, a side burner along with a sear station burner that delivers plenty of power. There are also two storage shelves for you to store all of your tools and accessories conveniently.
Other great features that come with your gas grill include stainless steel rod cooking grates, flavorizer bars and heat deflectors that’ll allow for even distribution of heat across the cooking grates. If you’d like to keep your food warm, the grill also comes with a warming rack, and you’ve got a grease management system for easy cleanup. Need to monitor cooking temperatures? This grill has a thermometer for you to monitor your cooking.
If you’re cooking at night, you’d also be happy to know that your grill comes with a motion-activated, handle-mounted light for added visibility while you’re grilling. If you need to wheel your grill around, you can also do so with the locking casters and large wheels. To store your tools, the grill also comes with tool hooks so you can quickly grab and use your BBQ tools whenever.
Pros:
- Comes with a side burner and sear station burner
- Has storage shelves
- Easy cleanup
- Has a motion-activated light for added visibility
Cons:
- Doesn’t have the highest heat output
2. Weber Genesis II S-435 Natural Gas Grill with Sear Burner & Side Burner
Another amazing grill, you’ll be all set with this particular gas grill with a side burner. It comes with a high-performance grilling system that consists of a total of four high-performance burners made with stainless steel, a side burner mounted on a side shelf and a sear station burner. You’ve also got cooking grates, flavorizer bars and heat deflectors to distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface.
To keep your food warm, there’s also a warming rack, and you’ve also got a thermometer to monitor your food temperatures with ease. Worried about cleanup? This grill has you covered with its grease management system that’ll make cleanup a breeze. Additionally, you’ve also got plenty of prep and storage space – thanks to the side shelves, cart shelves and closed cart design.
The large wheels will allow you to move your grill around and the heavy-duty locking casters will keep it in place. For your convenience when you’re cooking, the grill also comes with shelf tool hooks for you to store all of your accessories. It’s a good value gas grill that comes with a range of features to suit your needs.
Pros:
- Comes with a side shelf mounted burner and sear station burner
- Comes with a warming rack
- Thermometer to monitor your temperatures
- Plenty of prep and storage space
Cons:
- Doesn’t score highest for heat when compared to some other grills
3. Performance TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Cabinet
This particular liquid propane grill comes with numerous features that make it a great purchase. As it has a sizable surface area, you can cook up to 20 burgers at once. It also comes with cooking grates that are both durable and easy to clean. Want to monitor the temperature of your food without opening the grill? No worries as this grill comes with a temperature gauge on the lid that’s easy to read.
Since it comes with an electronic ignition system, you’ll also get an easy start every single time. You’ve also got three top-ported tube burners that’ll allow for better temperature control and incredible performance. Material wise, it’s made with durable stainless steel, and you’ve also got two cabinets for plenty of storage.
You’ll also get a grease cup along with a dripping pan. While you will need to install the grill yourself, you’ll get all of the instructions with your purchase. Since the grill comes with wheels that lock, you can move it around before locking it in place. It’s also both weather and rust-resistant so you can be assured of its longevity.
Pros:
- Cooking grates that are durable and easy to clean
- Temperature gauge on the lid
- Electronic ignition system
- Three top-ported tube burners
Cons:
- Some mentioned that the grill grate holes are a bit small
4. Thermos 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
This grill has a medium-surface area that’s perfect for those backyard BBQ parties. You can cook a total of about 15 to 20 burgers on it, and it comes with plenty of power across the cooking space. You’ll also get four burners with your grill, and they’re made with stainless steel so you can be assured that they’re rust-resistant. Additionally, the grates are porcelain-coated, so you won’t have to worry about your food sticking on there.
With sturdy side shelves made of metal, you’ve got plenty of storage, and there’s also tool hooks integrated within the grill so you can easily reach for your tools while you’re cooking. The steel lid and firebox are also specially designed to withstand the weather elements, and you can wheel your grill around – thanks to the wheels and stationary legs that’ll also lock it in place.
If you need space to prep your food, you’ll be happy to know that the grill also comes with metal side shelves for plenty of space. You’ll also get a fast and reliable startup every time – thanks to the Piezo ignition. It’s a great all-round grill that’ll take you about an hour to assemble.
Pros:
- Medium-sized surface area
- Made with stainless steel
- Comes with metal side shelves that have plenty of storage
- Wheel your grill around with ease
Cons:
- Some mentioned that it doesn’t heat up quickly
5. Classic 6 Burner Stainless Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner
This is a great budget-friendly grill that’s feature-packed for a backyard BBQ. You’ve got six stainless steel gas grills – five of them are stainless steel tube burners, and you’ve got a searing burner and a lidded side burner. While the searing burner is powerful enough to lock in juices of juicy steak, the side burner is great for making side dishes and sauces.
Since the cooking grates are made with porcelain and cast-iron, you can be assured that heat will be distributed evenly across the cooking surface. There’s also a warming rack that’ll keep your food warm if you’re busy doing something else. As there’s electronic ignition, just give it a push, and you’re good to go.
The oil management system will also help with eliminating grease – making cleanup a breeze. Feel free to store all of your grill items in the bottom cabinet that comes with two doors for convenient access. Need to move your grill around? No worries, it comes with lockable casters so you can wheel it around with ease. It’s truly an amazing grill that you’ll want to show off at your backyard parties.
Pros:
- Comes with a searing burner and a lidded side burner
- Cooking grates that allow for even heat distribution
- Comes with a warming rack
- Electronic ignition
Cons:
- Not easy to assemble
6. Monument 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Cabinet
Enjoy an outdoor grill party with your loved ones with this durable stainless steel propane gas grill. It comes with four gas grills along with a cabinet for you to store all of your items. With the burners, you’ve got a side burner along with a side sear burner for all your cooking needs.
For an easy startup, all you’ve got to do is press the electronic ignition, and you’re good to go. It also comes with a total of 72,000 BTUs of cooking power and the cooking grids are made with cast iron and coated with porcelain for even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface area.
To ensure that you’re cooking your food items properly, you’ve also got a thermometer for precise temperature control. As the grill comes with a blue LED backlit control knob, you’ve also got no issue whipping up a meal in the evening. Like other grills, it’s easy to move around as it has heavy-duty casters that you can also lock in place when you need it to be stationary.
Pros:
- Comes with a side burner and side sear burner
- Comes with an electronic ignition
- Made with cast iron and coated with porcelain for even cooking
- Thermometer for precise temperature control
Cons:
- The quality of the stainless steel isn’t fantastic
7. Performance Series 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill
Last on the list is this propane gas grill that comes with a plethora of features. It’s large enough to cook about 15 to 20 burgers and has a total of five burners for your grilling needs. It’s built to last and is a durable grill that’s also both rust-resistant and a breeze to clean. Additionally, it also comes with a powerful side burner that’s durable and produces about 10,000 BTUs of power.
For easy cleaning, the porcelain-coated grease pan can be removed, and the cast iron grates are also made with rust-resistant material. Since the burners have flames that emit from the top, it’ll allow for even cooking. To start your grill, all you’ve got to do is push the electric ignition, and you’re good to go.
Want your food to cook evenly? Check the temperature gauge to monitor the inside temperature of your grill with ease. It also comes with a warming rack for you to keep your items hot and is a great all-round grill that also won’t cost a fortune.
Pros:
- Rust-resistant and easy to clean
- Comes with a powerful side burner
- Even cooking
- Comes with a temperature gauge
Cons:
- Not the easiest to assemble
Bottom Line
We hope that you’ve found this article helpful and you’ve learned how to go about purchasing the best gas grill that comes with a side burner. All of the gas grills listed above are budget-friendly, and it goes to show that you don’t have to spend a whole lot of money for a good quality gas grill. With a side burner, you’ll also get a little more space to whip up side dishes, sauces and whatever else you’d like.