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Best Grill with Side Burner 2025: Reviews & Top Picks
Teh grill with a side burner has become an essential outdoor cooking appliance for many homeowners. Offering the versatility to sear steaks and simmer sauces simultaneously, these grills cater to a wide range of culinary needs. This guide explores the top grills with side burners expected to dominate the market in 2025, providing detailed reviews and highlighting their key features. We’ll help you choose the perfect grill to elevate your outdoor cooking experience.
Key Features Analysis
The grills included in this review are carefully selected based on performance, durability, and overall value. They include a variety of fuel types,from propane and natural gas to charcoal,to suit different preferences and cooking styles.BTU Output: The higher its BTU output, the faster the grill can heat up and maintain consistent temperatures.
This refers to the amount of heat the grill produces per hour. A higher BTU rating typically means more powerful burners, resulting in quicker preheating and the ability to reach higher temperatures. This is especially important for searing meats or cooking in cold weather. A grill with a side burner also needs to have sufficient BTUs allocated to the side burner to properly support simmering and sautéing tasks.
Cooking Area: This is the total grilling area in square inches, including both the primary grilling surface and any warming racks.
Larger cooking areas enable you to cook more food at onc, making them ideal for large gatherings or families. The cooking area should be constructed from durable materials that retain heat well and are easy to clean. Cast iron grates, for example, are known for their excellent heat retention and searing capabilities. Porcelain-coated grates offer easy cleanup and rust resistance.Side Burner Specifications: This includes the BTU rating of the side burner, its surface area, and whether it has a lid for protection when not in use.The side burner adds a remarkable range to your grilling setup. A sufficiently powerful side burner allows you to prepare sauces, side dishes, and even soups while simultaneously grilling.Check if the burner is protected with a lid when not in use. This not only protects it from the elements, but can also be used as a prep area. A high BTU rating is critically important, but also consider the diameter and how evenly it distributes heat.
Construction Material: The materials used to build the grill, such as stainless steel, cast iron, or porcelain-coated steel, impact its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for grill construction due to its durability and resistance to rust. Higher grades of stainless steel, such as 304 stainless steel, offer even greater corrosion resistance. Cast iron grates provide excellent heat retention but require regular maintenance to prevent rusting. Porcelain-coated steel offers a balance of durability and ease of cleaning, making it a practical choice for many grill owners.
Ignition System: reliable ignition systems ensure quick and easy startup.
Electronic ignition systems, such as push-button igniters, are known for their reliability and convenience.These systems use an electrical spark to ignite the burners, eliminating the need for matches or lighters. Some grills feature multiple igniters, ensuring that each burner can be lit independently. Battery-powered ignition systems are common and provide a reliable spark even in windy conditions.
Temperature Control: Accurate temperature control allows for precise cooking and consistent results.
Many grills feature built-in thermometers that provide real-time temperature readings. Adjustable burner valves allow you to fine-tune the heat output, ensuring consistent temperatures across the grilling surface.Some high-end grills also offer digital temperature control, enabling you to set precise temperatures and monitor the cooking process remotely.
Core Benefits
The benefits of owning a grill with a side burner extend beyond simply cooking outdoors. The added versatility and convenience can transform your entire outdoor cooking experience.
Enhanced Versatility: The side burner allows you to prepare entire meals outdoors, eliminating the need to constantly run back and forth to the kitchen.You can simultaneously grill your main course while simmering sauces, sautéing vegetables, or preparing side dishes.
Improved Convenience: With everything you need at your fingertips,grilling becomes a more streamlined and enjoyable process. You can keep sauces and side dishes warm on the side burner while continuing to grill, ensuring that everything is ready to serve at the same time. This minimizes stress and allows you to focus on creating delicious meals.
Expanded Cooking Options: The side burner opens up a world of culinary possibilities. You can use it to prepare everything from delicate sauces and hearty stews to flavorful toppings and savory soups. This versatility makes the grill with a side burner a valuable addition to any outdoor kitchen.
Optimized Meal Timing: achieve perfectly coordinated meals by using the side burner to manage side dish cooking times. This ensures everything is ready simultaneously, preventing cold side dishes or delayed entrees.
FAQs Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about grills with side burners:
What is the ideal BTU output for a grill with a side burner?
A gas grill with a side burner should have at least 40,000 BTUs for the main burners and 10,000 to 12,000 BTUs for the side burner. This ensures that both the grilling surface and the side burner can reach and maintain adequate temperatures for various cooking tasks.
How do I clean and maintain a grill with a side burner?
Regular cleaning is essential to extend the lifespan of your grill. After each use, clean the grates with a grill brush to remove any food residue. Periodically, deep clean the burners and inner components.The side burner should also be cleaned regularly to prevent grease buildup.
Are grills with side burners tough to assemble?
The assembly process can vary depending on the model. Most grills come with detailed instructions and require basic tools. It’s often recommended to have a second person assist with the assembly, as some components can be heavy and difficult to manage alone.
Can I convert my propane grill to natural gas?
some propane grills can be converted to natural gas, but it’s essential to use a conversion kit specifically designed for your grill model. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a qualified technician to ensure the conversion is done safely and correctly.
Competitor Comparison
A look a how the upcoming top picks stack against each other.
Product Comparison Overview
top Pick 1: Blaze premium LTE 32-Inch 2-Burner Built-In Gas Grill with Rear Burner & Side Burner
- Feature One: Offers 44,000 BTUs from two main steel cast stainless burners and 10,000 BTU side burner
- Feature Two: Includes a rear infrared burner for rotisserie cooking
- feature Three: Features a flame stabilization grid to minimize flare-ups
Competitor 1: Weber Genesis S-335 Gas Grill
- Feature One: Boasts 39,000 BTU output from three stainless steel burners and sear burner
- Feature Two: Equipped with a 12,000 BTU side burner
- Feature Three: Includes Weber’s GS4 high-performance grilling system
Competitor 2: Napoleon Prestige 500 Gas Grill
- Feature One: Provides 48,000 BTU output from four stainless steel burners and infrared rear burner
- Feature Two: Has a side burner with integrated infrared sear station
- Feature Three: Features stainless steel wave cooking grids
Key Differences Summary
The Blaze Premium LTE excels in providing a extensive outdoor cooking experience with the addition of the rear ir burner. The Weber Genesis focuses largely on the searing using the main body. The Napoleon Prestige has similar features to the Blaze, but offers it as a side burner.
Ideal User Profile
These grills cater to a diverse range of users, from seasoned grill masters to occasional backyard cooks.
Dedicated Home Chefs: These users require a grill that can handle complex recipes and cater to diverse culinary demands. They value the versatility of a side burner for preparing sauces,side dishes,and complete meals outdoors. They appreciate features like precise temperature control, ample cooking space, and durable construction for long-lasting performance.
Entertaining Enthusiasts: Individuals who frequently host outdoor gatherings and parties will find these grills ideal for cooking large quantities of food. The larger cooking surfaces and powerful burners allow them to efficiently grill multiple dishes at once. The side burner provides added convenience for preparing sauces,dips,and other accompaniments,making it easy to create memorable culinary experiences for their guests.
space-Conscious Urban Dwellers: Even those with limited outdoor space can enjoy the benefits of a grill with a side burner.Compact models are available that offer the same features and capabilities in a smaller footprint. These grills are perfect for balconies, patios, and other small outdoor areas, allowing urban dwellers to experience the joy of outdoor cooking without sacrificing space.
Buying Recommendations & Conclusion
Carefully consider your cooking style, frequency, and the types of meals you plan to prepare on your grill. Evaluate the features and specifications of each model to determine which one best aligns with your needs and preferences. Prioritize factors such as BTU output, cooking area, construction materials, and ignition system to ensure that you select a grill that can deliver consistent performance and long-lasting durability.
investing in a high-quality grill with a side burner can significantly enhance your outdoor cooking experience. By carefully weighing the factors outlined in this guide, you can choose the perfect grill to elevate your culinary creations and create memorable meals for years to come. while models are not specified above, this guide will help inform your selection process when those models come out in 2025.