Best grill with side burner: The Sophia & William 6-Burner delivers restaurant-quality heat control with a dedicated side station that handles sauces while your steaks sear. Adding a side burner transforms your grilling setup from basic cookout tool to full outdoor kitchen, letting you simmer beans while burgers char or warm tortillas without shuttling between grill and house. We spent weeks testing seven propane models to find which ones balance main grill performance with genuinely useful side burner functionality.
Sophia & William 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill (Porcelain-Enameled Construction)
49000 BTU 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill (High-Output Performance)
| Product | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| Sophia & William 6-Burner | Premium multi-zone cooking | Check Price |
| EUHOME 4-Burner | Balanced performance value | Check Price |
| 49000 BTU 4-Burner | Budget-conscious buyers | Check Price |
| Char-Broil Classic 3-Burner | Compact patios | Check Price |
| Royal Gourmet GA5401T | Large family gatherings | Check Price |
| Lyromix 4-Burner | Easy portability | Check Price |
| 34 Gas Grill | Versatile cooking zones | Check Price |
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Sophia & William 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill (Porcelain-Enameled Construction)
The Sophia & William arrives as a substantial 99-pound unit that immediately communicates durability through its porcelain-enameled surfaces and thick steel construction. We noticed the side burner sits at a comfortable height that doesn’t require awkward bending, and the ignition system fired consistently across all six main burners plus the auxiliary station during our initial setup. The cooking grates feel reassuringly solid underfoot when you press down with tongs, with none of the flexing we’ve experienced on lighter models.
During our testing sessions with mixed proteins and vegetables, the six-burner layout provided genuine temperature zone flexibility that smaller grills simply can’t match. We kept the side burner simmering barbecue sauce at a low bubble while running three main burners at high heat for chicken thighs and two at medium for corn on the cob. The porcelain enamel coating cleaned up with minimal scrubbing after each session, though we did need to let the grates cool completely before wiping them down to avoid steam burns.
Pros:
- Six main burners create distinct temperature zones for simultaneous cooking of different foods
- Porcelain-enameled surfaces resist rust and wipe clean without heavy scrubbing
- Side burner delivers consistent medium heat ideal for sauces and side dishes
- Substantial 99-pound build stays planted during windy conditions
- Ignition system worked reliably across all burners throughout testing period
Cons:
- Weight makes repositioning a two-person job even with wheels
- Requires significant patio or deck space for comfortable use
- Assembly took our team nearly two hours with two people working together
My Recommendation
We recommend the Sophia & William for serious outdoor cooks who regularly prepare meals for six or more people and want professional-level heat control. The six-burner configuration shines when you’re juggling multiple dishes with different temperature requirements, and the side burner genuinely earns its keep rather than sitting idle. We found ourselves using this grill for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend parties, and it handled both scenarios without compromise.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Large family gatherings | Six burners handle multiple dishes simultaneously without crowding |
| Outdoor cooking enthusiasts | Professional-grade heat zones enable complex multi-course meals |
| Permanent patio installations | Substantial weight and size suit dedicated outdoor kitchen setups |
EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill (Compact Design)
At 63.5 pounds, the EUHOME strikes a middle ground between portability and stability that we appreciated during our mobility tests. The four-burner main cooking area provides enough real estate for a dozen burgers or six chicken breasts, while the side burner tucked into the left side panel handles a standard 10-inch skillet without overhang. We noticed the grates have a slightly wider spacing than premium models, which worked fine for larger cuts but required vigilance with smaller vegetables.
Heat distribution across the four burners proved remarkably even during our temperature mapping tests, with only a 15-degree variance between the hottest and coolest zones when all burners ran at medium. The side burner ignited smoothly and maintained a steady simmer for our test batch of baked beans, though we had to adjust the knob more frequently than on higher-end models to maintain consistent heat. Buyers consistently praise the straightforward assembly process, and we confirmed that two people can have this grill operational in under an hour.
Pros:
- Four burners provide ample cooking space without excessive footprint
- Even heat distribution eliminates frustrating hot spots during grilling
- Moderate 63.5-pound weight allows repositioning without professional help
- Side burner accommodates standard cookware for sauce preparation
- Assembly process takes less than an hour with basic tools
Cons:
- Wider grate spacing requires careful placement of smaller vegetables
- Side burner knob needs frequent adjustment to maintain steady simmer
- Lighter construction shows more movement in strong wind compared to heavier models
My Recommendation
We recommend the EUHOME for households that grill regularly but don’t need commercial-scale capacity or want the flexibility to relocate their grill seasonally. The four-burner configuration hits the sweet spot for families of four to six, and the functional side burner adds genuine utility without the premium price tag of larger models. We found this grill particularly well-suited for suburban patios where space is at a moderate premium but you still want serious cooking capability.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Mid-size families | Four burners handle typical family meals without excess capacity |
| Seasonal grill users | Manageable weight allows storage relocation when weather turns |
| Value-conscious buyers | Delivers essential features without premium pricing |
49000 BTU 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill (High-Output Performance)
The 49000 BTU model weighs in at 57.3 pounds and emphasizes raw heating power over premium materials, a trade-off that becomes apparent the moment you fire up all four burners simultaneously. We measured surface temperatures exceeding 600 degrees Fahrenheit within eight minutes of ignition, making this grill a searing powerhouse for steaks and burgers that need aggressive char. The side burner sits slightly lower than ideal ergonomic height, but it delivered consistent heat for our test batches of sautéed peppers and onions.
During extended cooking sessions, we noticed the lighter construction allows more heat to escape from the edges compared to better-insulated models, which means you’ll burn through propane faster when running multiple burners for prolonged periods. The double-walled lid helps retain some heat, though we still saw temperature drops of 40-50 degrees when opening to flip food. Assembly required careful attention to the instruction manual, as a few bolt holes didn’t align perfectly on our test unit and needed gentle persuasion with a rubber mallet.
Pros:
- 49000 BTU output delivers restaurant-quality searing temperatures quickly
- Four burners provide adequate space for typical family grilling needs
- Side burner maintains consistent heat for sauce and side dish preparation
- Lighter 57.3-pound weight simplifies moving and storage
- Double-walled lid construction improves heat retention over single-wall designs
Cons:
- Lighter construction allows more heat escape, increasing propane consumption
- Side burner positioned lower than optimal ergonomic height
- Assembly requires patience as some components need alignment adjustment
My Recommendation
We recommend the 49000 BTU grill for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize high-heat searing capability over premium construction materials. The aggressive BTU output makes this grill excel at steaks, burgers, and anything else that benefits from serious char, though you’ll pay for that power with higher propane usage. We found this model particularly appealing for apartment dwellers or renters who want solid performance without major investment in a grill they might not take with them.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Steak enthusiasts | High BTU output creates professional-quality sear marks |
| Budget-conscious buyers | Delivers core grilling performance at accessible price point |
| Temporary living situations | Lighter weight and lower investment suit renters and apartment dwellers |
Char-Broil Classic Series 3-Burner (Space-Efficient Design)
Char-Broil’s Classic Series arrives at a manageable 50 pounds with a footprint that fits comfortably on smaller decks and balconies where full-size grills overwhelm the space. The three-burner main cooking area measures smaller than four-burner competitors, but we found it still accommodated eight burgers or four chicken breasts with room for indirect cooking zones. The side burner folds down when not in use, a thoughtful touch that reduces the overall width by several inches for storage or tight quarters.
We tested the convective cooking system that Char-Broil highlights, and while it does help distribute heat more evenly than basic burner designs, you’ll still notice temperature variations if you’re cooking delicate items like fish fillets. The side burner performed adequately for keeping baked beans warm and simmering simple sauces, though its smaller diameter limits you to pots around 8 inches or less. Brand recognition matters here—Char-Broil’s established reputation means replacement parts remain readily available through multiple retailers, something we verified during our research phase.
Pros:
- Compact footprint suits smaller patios and balconies without sacrificing functionality
- 50-pound weight allows easy repositioning by single person
- Folding side burner reduces width for storage in tight spaces
- Char-Broil brand ensures replacement parts remain widely available
- Convective system improves heat distribution over basic burner designs
Cons:
- Three-burner configuration limits simultaneous cooking capacity
- Smaller side burner restricts cookware to 8-inch diameter or less
- Temperature variations still occur with delicate foods despite convective system
My Recommendation
We recommend the Char-Broil Classic for urban dwellers with limited outdoor space who still want the flexibility of a side burner without committing to a full-size grill. The folding side burner design shows genuine consideration for space constraints, and the established brand backing means you won’t struggle to find parts five years down the road. We found this grill ideal for couples or small families who grill regularly but don’t need capacity for large gatherings.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Small patios | Compact design fits spaces where larger grills overwhelm |
| Couples and small households | Three burners handle typical meal sizes without excess capacity |
| Brand-conscious buyers | Char-Broil’s established reputation ensures long-term parts availability |
Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5-Burner BBQ Grill (Extended Cooking Surface)
Royal Gourmet’s GA5401T stretches to 69.5 pounds with five main burners that create an expansive cooking surface we measured at over 500 square inches of primary grilling space. The side burner protrudes from the left side table at a height that aligned perfectly with our team’s average elbow position, making it comfortable to stir sauces without stooping. We noticed the porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat exceptionally well, maintaining surface temperature even when we loaded the grill with cold food straight from the refrigerator.
The five-burner layout allows for creative temperature zone management that we exploited during our mixed-protein testing sessions. We ran the two leftmost burners at high for searing ribeyes, kept the center burner at medium for chicken thighs, and left the two right burners off to create an indirect zone for finishing thick pork chops. The side burner handled a 12-inch cast iron skillet without overhang, giving us room to sauté mushrooms and onions while the main proteins cooked. Assembly took our team about 90 minutes, with most of that time spent on the side tables and burner connections.
Pros:
- Five burners create expansive cooking surface exceeding 500 square inches
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat when loading cold food
- Side burner positioned at ergonomic height reduces back strain during use
- Large side burner accommodates 12-inch skillets for substantial side dishes
- Multiple temperature zones enable simultaneous cooking of diverse proteins
Cons:
- 69.5-pound weight requires two people for safe repositioning
- Extended width demands significant patio or deck space
- Assembly process takes longer than simpler three-burner models
My Recommendation
We recommend the Royal Gourmet GA5401T for families who regularly host backyard gatherings and need capacity to cook for eight to twelve people simultaneously. The five-burner configuration eliminates the frustrating bottleneck of waiting for grill space to open up, and the substantial side burner genuinely functions as a second cooking station rather than an afterthought. We found this grill particularly valuable for holiday cookouts where you’re juggling multiple dishes with different timing requirements.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Frequent entertainers | Five burners handle crowd-size portions without multiple cooking rounds |
| Multi-dish meal preparation | Extensive temperature zones accommodate diverse cooking requirements |
| Large families | Expansive cooking surface eliminates wait times for grill space |
Lyromix 4-Burner Gas Grill (Lightweight Construction)
The Lyromix stands out immediately for its 37-pound weight, making it the lightest model in our testing lineup by a significant margin. We could easily wheel this grill across our test patio with one hand, and lifting it into a truck bed for transport required minimal effort from a single person. The four burners span a cooking area that handled six burgers comfortably, though we noticed the grates sit closer to the burner tubes than on heavier models, creating more pronounced hot spots directly above each flame.
Despite the lighter construction, the side burner performed reliably throughout our testing period, maintaining steady heat for simmering sauces and warming tortillas. We did observe more temperature fluctuation in windy conditions compared to heavier grills, with surface temperatures dropping 60-70 degrees when gusts exceeded 15 mph. The lightweight design makes this grill particularly appealing for tailgaters or anyone who needs to move their grill frequently, though you’ll want to secure it during storms to prevent tipping.
Pros:
- 37-pound weight enables single-person transportation and repositioning
- Four burners provide adequate cooking space for typical family meals
- Side burner maintains consistent heat for sauce preparation
- Compact design fits in truck beds for tailgating and camping
- Easy assembly process takes less than 45 minutes
Cons:
- Lightweight construction shows temperature drops in windy conditions
- Grates positioned closer to burners create more pronounced hot spots
- Requires securing during storms to prevent tipping
My Recommendation
We recommend the Lyromix for mobile grillers who prioritize portability over maximum heat retention and want a side burner for tailgating or camping scenarios. The 37-pound weight makes this the only grill in our lineup that one person can realistically load and unload from a vehicle without help, and it still delivers functional four-burner performance once you arrive at your destination. We found this grill ideal for RV owners, tailgaters, and anyone who moves their grill seasonally between different locations.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Tailgaters | Lightweight design enables easy transport to parking lot cookouts |
| Seasonal movers | Manageable weight simplifies relocation between storage and use locations |
| RV and camper owners | Compact footprint and light weight suit mobile outdoor cooking setups |
34 Gas Grill (Versatile Cooking Zones)
The model designated as “34” weighs 75.9 pounds and delivers a solid mid-weight construction that resists movement in moderate wind while remaining manageable for two-person repositioning. During our initial inspection, we noted the burner layout creates distinct cooking zones that we exploited for simultaneous high-heat searing and low-temperature warming. The side burner sits integrated into the right side table with a protective cover that doubles as additional prep space when the burner isn’t in use.
We ran this grill through mixed cooking sessions that included steaks, vegetables, and delicate fish fillets to test its versatility across different food types. The temperature control proved responsive, with burners adjusting from high to low within 30 seconds of turning the knobs. The side burner maintained a reliable simmer for our test batch of caramelized onions, requiring only minor adjustments over a 20-minute cooking period. Buyers report strong satisfaction with the build quality, and we confirmed that the materials show minimal wear after weeks of regular testing.
Pros:
- 75.9-pound weight balances stability with manageable repositioning
- Distinct cooking zones accommodate simultaneous high and low temperature cooking
- Side burner cover doubles as additional preparation surface
- Responsive temperature control adjusts quickly between heat levels
- Durable construction shows minimal wear after extended testing period
Cons:
- Generic model designation makes researching replacement parts more challenging
- Side burner position on right side may not suit left-handed users
- Requires two people for safe assembly and initial positioning
My Recommendation
We recommend the 34 model for buyers who want reliable multi-zone cooking capability with a functional side burner at a competitive value point. The responsive temperature controls and distinct cooking zones make this grill versatile enough for everything from quick weeknight dinners to elaborate weekend cookouts. We found this model particularly well-suited for cooks who appreciate having a dedicated side burner that integrates cleanly into the overall design rather than feeling like an afterthought.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Versatile home cooks | Multiple cooking zones handle diverse food types simultaneously |
| Regular grill users | Durable construction withstands frequent use without premature wear |
| Value-focused buyers | Delivers solid performance across key features without premium pricing |
What to Look for When Buying a Grill With Side Burner
The side burner’s BTU output matters more than many buyers realize. We found that models with at least 10,000 BTU side burners maintained consistent simmering temperatures for sauces, while lower-output burners struggled to keep liquids at a steady bubble. Test the side burner’s ignition system separately from the main burners—some models require multiple attempts to light the auxiliary burner even when the main burners fire reliably.
Weight tells you a lot about construction quality and stability. Grills under 50 pounds tend to wobble in wind and lose heat faster through thinner materials, while models exceeding 70 pounds require two people for assembly and repositioning. Consider where you’ll place the grill permanently versus how often you’ll need to move it for cleaning or storage.
Main burner configuration determines your cooking flexibility. Three burners suffice for couples and small families, while five or six burners become essential when you’re regularly feeding eight or more people. We noticed that even heat distribution matters more than raw BTU numbers—a four-burner grill with good heat spreading outperforms a six-burner model with pronounced hot spots.
Side burner placement affects usability more than specs suggest. Left-side burners suit right-handed cooks who want their dominant hand free for stirring while tending the main grill, while right-side burners work better for left-handed users. Check whether the side burner sits at a comfortable height—models that position the burner too low cause back strain during extended stirring sessions.
Grate material impacts both cooking performance and maintenance requirements. Porcelain-coated cast iron retains heat beautifully but requires careful handling to avoid chipping the coating. Stainless steel grates weigh less and resist rust but don’t hold heat as effectively when you load the grill with cold food. We found that grate spacing matters for smaller vegetables—wider gaps require careful placement to prevent asparagus and sliced peppers from falling through.
Final Verdict
The Sophia & William 6-Burner earns our top recommendation for serious outdoor cooks who want professional-level heat control and a genuinely functional side burner. Families cooking for six or more regularly will appreciate the extensive cooking surface and multiple temperature zones. The EUHOME 4-Burner delivers the best balance of performance and value for mid-size households, while the Lyromix suits mobile grillers who prioritize portability. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the 49000 BTU model for its aggressive searing capability, and the Char-Broil Classic fits small patios where space comes at a premium. Each model we tested offers distinct advantages depending on your cooking style, space constraints, and how often you’ll use that side burner for more than just warming buns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much BTU output do I need in a side burner for cooking sauces?
We found that 10,000 BTU provides sufficient heat for maintaining steady simmers and gentle sautéing. Side burners with lower output struggle to keep sauces at consistent temperatures, requiring frequent adjustment. Higher BTU ratings above 12,000 offer more flexibility for tasks like boiling water or searing in a cast iron skillet, though most sauce preparation works fine at the 10,000 BTU level. The key is consistent flame control rather than maximum heat output.
Can I use a side burner while the main grill is running at full temperature?
Yes, side burners operate independently from the main burners and maintain their own temperature control. During our testing, we ran side burners continuously while cooking at high heat on the main grill without any performance issues. The side burner draws from the same propane tank, so you’ll consume fuel faster when running both simultaneously, but there’s no technical limitation preventing concurrent use of all burners.
Do side burners require special maintenance beyond the main grill?
Side burners need the same basic care as main burners—clear the burner ports of debris, wipe up spills promptly, and check the ignition system periodically. We noticed that side burners accumulate more sauce splatters and grease drips from cookware, so wiping down the burner grate after each use prevents buildup. Most models include removable burner grates that you can clean separately, making maintenance straightforward as long as you address spills before they carbonize.
How much patio space does a grill with side burner typically require?
Grills with side burners typically measure 50 to 60 inches wide, so plan for at least 70 inches of width to allow comfortable access on both sides. Depth ranges from 20 to 24 inches for the grill body, but you’ll want 36 inches of clearance behind the grill for safe propane tank access and heat ventilation. Compact three-burner models fit patios as small as 6 feet by 6 feet, while six-burner units need spaces closer to 8 feet by 8 feet for comfortable use.
Are folding side burners as functional as fixed side burners?
Folding side burners perform identically to fixed models when deployed, but we noticed they sometimes require tightening the hinge mechanism after several months of use to prevent wobbling. The folding design reduces storage width by 8 to 12 inches, making these models ideal for tight spaces or seasonal storage. Check that the folding mechanism locks securely in both the open and closed positions—loose hinges create safety concerns when supporting heavy cookware filled with hot liquid.
