7 Best Grills With Side Burners For Outdoor Cooking

Outdoor cooking is more than just a leisure activity; for those living in tiny homes, RVs, or compact spaces, it is a vital strategy to keep heat and cooking odors outside. A high-quality grill equipped with a side burner transforms a simple patio or deck into a fully functional secondary kitchen. Selecting the right setup requires balancing fuel efficiency, footprint, and thermal performance to ensure every meal is both seamless and enjoyable.

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Weber Genesis E-335: Best Overall Gas Grill

The Weber Genesis E-335 stands as the undisputed heavy hitter in the outdoor culinary world, seamlessly blending durability with precise temperature control. Its high-performance side burner operates like a residential cooktop, allowing you to simmer delicate sauces or boil side dishes without stepping foot inside your primary kitchen. This model is engineered for those who refuse to compromise on heat distribution or build quality, making it a reliable extension of any living space.

With its massive sear zone and expandable top cooking grate, this grill provides exceptional versatility for multi-course meals. The extra-large prep and serve table offers critical workspace, a premium feature for tiny homes where indoor counter space is at a premium. Weber’s proprietary GS4 grilling system ensures consistent ignition, which is critical when relying on your grill as a daily cooking appliance.

The main tradeoff here is physical footprint and weight. At nearly 200 pounds, this is not a portable unit for weekend RV trips, and it requires a dedicated, sturdy deck or patio space. If you are a stationary tiny home dweller or have a permanent outdoor setup and want a durable, investment-grade grill that will last for decades, this is the absolute best choice.

Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner: Best Value

For those seeking a highly functional outdoor kitchen setup without breaking the bank, the Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner offers an unmatched balance of features and affordability. It delivers robust cooking power and reliable electronic ignition at a fraction of the cost of high-end brands. This makes it an incredibly attractive entry point for budget-conscious homeowners looking to move their daily meal prep outdoors.

The integrated 10,000 BTU side burner is a standout feature, offering plenty of heat to boil water or saute side dishes while the main grates handle the heavy lifting. The enclosed cabinet design provides valuable concealed storage, allowing you to keep a 20-pound propane tank and essential grilling tools neat and protected from the elements. This structural layout is particularly helpful for keeping small outdoor spaces uncluttered and visually organized.

Naturally, budget-friendly pricing comes with certain material tradeoffs, such as thinner stainless steel and more plastic components than premium models. It will require a high-quality cover and diligent cleaning to prevent rust over time, especially in humid or coastal environments.

Should you need to move the grill to a new location, the four caster wheels offer decent mobility on flat surfaces. However, they are on the smaller side, so navigating gravel or grass will require some extra muscle. If you need a reliable, spacious family grill with a functional side burner but want to keep your initial investment under control, this is your perfect match.

Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle: Best Griddle Combo

The Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle Combo completely redefines what outdoor cooking looks like by swapping traditional grates for a versatile cold-rolled steel flat top. This design is highly favored in the nomadic and tiny living community because it allows you to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a single surface. From morning eggs and bacon to evening stir-fries, the flat-top surface handles delicate foods that would easily fall through standard grill grates.

This specific model features an integrated side burner, solving the classic griddle limitation of not being able to easily boil a pot of water or heat up soup. The combination of a high-heat griddle plate and a dedicated direct-flame side burner creates a fully self-contained culinary station. It effectively eliminates the need for an indoor stove, which is a massive win for off-grid setups trying to minimize indoor heat and moisture buildup.

Keep in mind that steel griddles require a commitment to seasoning and regular maintenance to maintain their non-stick surface and prevent rust. They are also heavier than standard grills of a similar size, making transport a two-person job if you plan to move it frequently. For the outdoor chef who prioritizes versatile diner-style cooking, smash burgers, and outdoor breakfasts alongside a practical side burner, this griddle combo is the ultimate choice.

Napoleon Prestige 500: Best High-End Option

The Napoleon Prestige 500 is a masterclass in engineering, designed specifically for those who view outdoor cooking as an art form rather than a chore. Constructed from high-grade stainless steel, this grill resists corrosion in harsh environments, making it ideal for coastal tiny homes or uncovered decks. The standout feature is the SafetyGlow control knobs, which change color from blue to red when the gas is flowing, providing an essential safety visual for busy outdoor areas.

What truly sets this grill apart is its innovative infrared “Sizzle Zone” side burner, which can reach temperatures up to 1,800¬∞F in seconds. This allows you to achieve restaurant-quality sears on steaks while simultaneously roasting vegetables on the main grates. Because it heats up almost instantly, it uses less fuel overall, representing a highly efficient design choice for long-term off-grid cooking.

This level of commercial-grade performance comes with a premium price tag and a substantial physical footprint that requires permanent placement. The unit does not move easily once assembled, so it must be carefully factored into your overall outdoor space layout. If you have the budget for a lifetime investment and demand professional-grade searing power coupled with impeccable build quality, look no further than the Napoleon Prestige 500.

Nexgrill 4-Burner: Best Budget-Friendly Grill

The Nexgrill 4-Burner is the ultimate solution for those who need a full-sized grilling experience on a strict budget. It strips away expensive cosmetic extras to focus purely on the essentials of outdoor cooking: heat generation, grilling space, and basic side-burner utility. For occasional cookouts or seasonal tiny home residents, this grill provides an affordable way to move dinner prep outdoors.

Equipped with a reliable 12,000 BTU side burner, this model easily handles side dishes, sauces, or even a small pot of coffee in the morning. The main cooking grates are made of porcelain-coated cast iron, offering excellent heat retention and a surface that is relatively easy to brush clean. The simple, lightweight frame also makes it easier to reposition on a deck or patio compared to its heavier, cast-iron counterparts.

Because of its budget construction, the metal panels are thinner, making it less insulated during cold-weather grilling and more vulnerable to rust if exposed to rain. Investing in a heavy-duty waterproof cover is non-negotiable if you want this unit to survive more than a few seasons. If you are looking for an affordable, highly functional starter grill with a side burner for seasonal use, the Nexgrill 4-Burner is your best bet.

Broil King Baron S490: Best Premium Build

The Broil King Baron S490 stands out for its exceptional engineering and robust North American construction, designed to handle extreme weather conditions. Unlike many modern grills that rely heavily on thin sheet metal, this model features a thick, heavy-duty cast aluminum oven box. This design choice provides unparalleled heat retention, making it the premier choice for off-grid or tiny home dwellers living in colder, windier northern climates.

The heart of this machine is its patented Dual-Tube burners and Flav-R-Wave cooking system, which vaporizes drippings to infuse food with deep smoky flavor while preventing flare-ups. The high-powered side burner is accompanied by a dedicated rear rotisserie burner, giving you an incredible range of cooking techniques in a single footprint. Fold-down side shelves allow you to collapse the grill’s overall width when not in use, resolving a classic space-constraint dilemma.

This premium engineering makes the assembly process notably complex, requiring careful attention to detail and several hours of work. It is also a heavy unit that, while mobile on heavy-duty casters, requires a flat, stable surface to rest on. If you live in a cold or windy climate, have limited patio space, and want a heavy-duty, fold-down premium grill that cooks like a professional oven, this is the one to buy.

Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ: Best Clearview Lid

The Monument Grills Mesa 415BZ introduces a highly practical design innovation that addresses one of the biggest challenges of outdoor cooking: heat loss from lid-lifting. Featuring a robust, heat-resistant Clearview glass window built directly into the lid, this grill allows you to monitor cooking progress without opening the cook box. This simple feature drastically improves fuel efficiency, making it an excellent option for those who rely on limited propane tanks.

This model also boasts an impressive stainless steel build with LED-backlit control knobs, which are invaluable for cooking after dark in poorly lit outdoor spaces or off-grid homesteads. The powerful side sear burner offers professional-level heat, allowing you to finish steaks with a beautiful crust while keeping the main burners at lower temperatures. It is a feature-rich package that punches far above its price point in terms of both aesthetics and utility.

One key tradeoff to consider is the maintenance required to keep the Clearview window functional; grease and smoke residue will quickly coat the glass, requiring regular cleaning with a specialized glass cleaner. Additionally, the electronic components, like the LED lights, introduce extra points of potential failure if the grill is not kept dry. If you want a modern, stylish grill that helps you conserve fuel by letting you watch your food cook with the lid closed, this Monument Grills model is the ideal choice.

How to Choose the Right Grill for Small Spaces

When designing an outdoor cooking setup for compact environments like tiny home decks, narrow balconies, or mobile home patios, every inch counts. The first and most critical factor is the footprint-to-cooking-surface ratio, which determines how much usable space remains on your deck. Look specifically for models with folding side shelves; these allow you to collapse the grill’s width by up to two feet when it is not in use, keeping walkways clear.

Weight and mobility should also weigh heavily in your decision-making process, especially if you live in a rented space or plan to relocate your dwelling. Cast-aluminum fireboxes and stainless steel frames offer the best durability without adding the excessive weight of heavy cast iron. High-quality caster wheels with reliable locking mechanisms are essential to prevent the grill from shifting on uneven outdoor surfaces or during high winds.

Finally, never overlook safety clearances in tight spaces. Fire codes and manufacturer instructions generally require a minimum of three feet of clearance from all combustible materials, including vinyl siding, wooden railings, and low-hanging RV awnings. Choosing a grill with a front-loading grease tray makes routine maintenance much easier in confined spaces, as you will not have to squeeze behind the unit to clean it.

Consider also how the lid opens. Grills with roll-top lids require less rear clearance, allowing you to push them closer to a wall or railing. This small mechanical detail can save you several inches of precious deck space.

Safe Propane Hookups for RVs and Tiny Homes

Hooking up a gas grill to a mobile home, RV, or tiny house requires a solid understanding of pressure systems to ensure safe and efficient operation. The most common mistake is double-regulation, which occurs when a grill with its own pressure regulator is plugged into an RV’s pre-regulated, low-pressure quick-connect port. This setup results in extremely low flames and poor cooking performance because the gas flow is restricted twice.

To connect a standard gas grill safely to a low-pressure onboard RV system, you must remove the grill’s factory regulator and install a compatible quick-connect conversion kit. If you prefer not to modify your grill, you can run a dedicated high-pressure hose directly from an auxiliary propane tank or the high-pressure side of your RV‚Äôs dual-tank system. Always use CSA-certified hoses and solid brass fittings to prevent leaks caused by vibration and road travel.

Regardless of your setup, regular leak testing is a non-negotiable safety practice in small-living environments. Spraying a simple mixture of soapy water onto all connections with the gas turned on will instantly reveal leaks through bubbling. Additionally, never store propane tanks inside your living space, under an RV skirt, or in unventilated compartments, as even minor leaks can lead to catastrophic gas buildup.

Essential Maintenance for Outdoor Grills

Maintaining an outdoor grill in a small-space or off-grid setting is about preserving both your investment and your safety. Grease buildup is the primary cause of dangerous flare-ups and can quickly ruin the flavor of your food. Establish a routine of burning off residue on high heat for ten minutes after every cooking session, followed by a thorough brushing of the grates while they are still warm.

At least twice a year, perform a deep clean by removing the grates, heat tents, and burners to scrape down the bottom of the firebox. Use a small wire or paperclip to clean out the tiny burner ports, which can become clogged with grease or spider webs, causing uneven heat distribution and dangerous yellow flames. Pay special attention to the side burner, as its open design makes it highly attractive to nesting insects when left unused.

Protecting the exterior of your grill is just as important as maintaining the interior, especially if you live in a coastal or high-humidity area. Apply a thin layer of stainless steel cleaner or high-heat oil to exterior surfaces to create a barrier against rust, and always invest in a heavy-duty, UV-resistant, waterproof cover. Secure the cover tightly with straps to prevent strong winds from blowing it away, keeping your cooking station protected year-round.

Integrating a versatile grill with a side burner into your outdoor setup is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for compact, alternative living. By choosing a model that fits your physical space, mastering safe fuel hookups, and maintaining the equipment properly, you can enjoy delicious meals while keeping your living area cool and comfortable. Embrace the outdoor culinary lifestyle and enjoy the freedom it brings to your daily routine.