7 Best Grills With Side Burners For Outdoor Cooking

When you’re living in a tiny home or a van, your outdoor space becomes an extension of your kitchen, making a grill with a side burner essential for keeping the heat out of your living quarters. Having that extra burner means you can simmer a sauce or boil water without needing a full stove setup inside. It is the ultimate hack for expanding your culinary footprint without sacrificing precious square footage.

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Weber Genesis E-335: Best Overall Gas Grill

The Weber Genesis E-335 is the gold standard for a reason: it’s built to last and performs consistently. The side burner is perfectly integrated, offering enough power to handle a cast-iron skillet while you sear steaks on the main grates.

If you prioritize reliability and want a grill that won’t need replacing in two years, this is your best bet. It’s a solid investment for anyone who views outdoor cooking as a primary lifestyle rather than a weekend hobby.

Napoleon Prestige 500: Top Propane Choice

Napoleon brings a level of engineering to the table that makes it a top-tier choice for propane users. The side burner here is robust, often featuring their signature SIZZLE ZONE infrared technology that delivers serious heat for a perfect sear.

This grill is for the person who wants professional-grade results in a residential footprint. If you have the budget, the build quality and heat retention make it a standout choice for long-term outdoor cooking.

Broil King Baron S590: Best For Versatility

Broil King is all about control, and the Baron S590 gives you plenty of it with its powerful burners and cast-iron grids. The side burner is a workhorse, designed to handle everything from heavy stockpots to delicate frying.

This unit is ideal for those who like to experiment with different cooking styles. Because it’s so versatile, it effectively replaces the need for an indoor stove during the warmer months, which is a massive win for small-space dwellers.

Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle: Best For Cooking

While technically a griddle, the Blackstone platform has revolutionized outdoor cooking for those who want diner-style versatility. Adding a model with a side burner gives you the ability to manage liquid-based sides while you smash burgers or sauté veggies on the massive flat top.

This is the ultimate choice for communal cooking and large groups. If you enjoy the social aspect of hosting and want a high-output cooking station, the Blackstone is unbeatable for its sheer surface area.

Monument Grills 4-Burner: Best Value Option

Monument Grills offers a surprising amount of features for the price point, including a side burner that performs well for basic tasks. It’s a great entry point if you want the convenience of a side burner without spending a month’s rent on the hardware.

This grill is perfect for those who want a modern look and solid performance on a budget. It’s a practical, no-nonsense machine that gets the job done without unnecessary bells and whistles.

Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner: Top Budget

When space and budget are both tight, the Char-Broil Performance series is a reliable workhorse. The side burner is simple and functional, perfect for heating a small pot of beans or corn while the main grill handles the protein.

This is the grill for the minimalist who just needs the basics. It’s lightweight enough to move around your patio or campsite, yet sturdy enough to handle regular use.

Nexgrill Evolution 5-Burner: Best Modular

The Nexgrill Evolution series is designed for those who like to customize their cooking surface. With its modular infrared and standard burner setup, you can switch between different cooking methods, and the side burner adds that extra bit of utility for sauces.

This grill is excellent for anyone who wants a "one-size-fits-all" solution. It’s highly adaptable, making it a smart choice if your cooking habits tend to change with the seasons.

Napoleon Rogue XT 425: Best Compact Design

If you’re working with a smaller deck or a tight outdoor living area, the Rogue XT 425 is a masterclass in space efficiency. It packs a powerful punch into a smaller frame, and the side burner is perfectly sized so it doesn’t overwhelm the footprint.

This is the definitive choice for small-space living where every inch of patio space matters. You don’t have to sacrifice performance just because you have a smaller footprint; this grill proves that quality beats quantity.

KitchenAid 7-Burner Grill: Best For Parties

When you have a crowd, the KitchenAid 7-burner is a beast that handles high-volume cooking with ease. The side burner is an essential component here, allowing you to manage multiple pots while the massive main grill is fully occupied.

This is for the host who loves to throw big backyard gatherings. If you have the space and the need for high-capacity cooking, this grill is the ultimate centerpiece for your outdoor kitchen.

Dyna-Glo Premier 4-Burner: Best Durability

Dyna-Glo focuses on heavy-duty construction, and the Premier series is built to withstand the elements. The side burner is well-shielded, ensuring it stays lit even in breezy conditions, which is crucial for outdoor setups.

If you live in an area with harsh weather or simply want a grill that feels like a tank, this is your match. It’s built for longevity, making it a reliable partner for your outdoor culinary adventures.

Finding the right grill with a side burner is all about balancing your specific cooking needs with the reality of your outdoor space. Whether you prioritize compact design or massive cooking capacity, the right tool will turn your outdoor area into a functional, high-performance kitchen. Choose based on how you actually cook, and you’ll find that the right grill makes small-space living feel significantly larger.