Do you love to cook outside? Cooking outdoors is a great way to enjoy the summer, but it can be tough when you don’t have enough space. Side burners provide a lot of benefits for outdoor cooks.
Side burners are an excellent solution for outdoor cooks who want more cooking space and versatility. They provide many benefits including the ability to sear meat on one side while slow-cooking on the other. Plus, they can be used as an extra burner when you’re cooking indoors!
I’d like to share with you some of the most exciting things that side burners are capable of. I’ll also show you how they function and why many outdoor chefs prefer them. Finally, I’ll provide you with information on what sort of side burner is ideal for your requirements.
If you love cooking outside, then this article is just for you! Click this link right now and find out what kind of side burner is best for your needs.
Contents
Quick Pick
- Power Source: Propane/ liquid petroleum gas. The propane tank is not included.
- Exclusive Stainless Steel finish for increased style and durability
- Reliable electric ignition to fire up your grill and 10, 000 BTU side burner
- Porcelain-coated grease pan is durable and can be removed for easy cleaning
- Stainless Steel burners emit flame from the top to allow for even cooking
- Porcelain coated cast-iron grates are rust-resistant and made to last
What is a Side Burner?
The side burner is a small but important piece of outdoor cooking equipment. A side burner makes it much easier for you to cook side dishes such as vegetable stir fry, pasta salads, grilled pork, and more. It is a great option for those who want to cook a variety of foods at once and don’t have enough space in their kitchen!
Do you need a Side Burner on a Grill?
Reasons why you would need a Side Burner on a Grill
Many grillers asked if they need a side burner and the answer is “It depends on what type of person you are.” The majority of people do not need to use a side burner because there’s usually enough room in the kitchen for indoor cooking. If you cook outside frequently or your outdoor cooking space is too small, then yes, you should buy a side burner.
Side burners give you more cooking options especially when grilling season is in full swing! It can be difficult to cook multiple dishes at once without an extra burner by your side! Side burners provide many benefits such as:
- You can use it as an extra burner inside or outside.
- If you love making homemade soups and stews, then a side burner is a must-have!
- You can sear and grill meat on one side while slow cooking on the other.
- Side burners make it easier to cook vegetables, fish, and pasta dishes.
Reasons why you don’t need a side burner on your grill
Before you rush off to buy a side burner, consider the following reasons why you may not need one:
- If you have a large kitchen and plenty of space, then a side burner is probably an unnecessary expense.
- If it’s just your partner and yourself that use the grill most of the time, then there’s no need for an extra burner.
- It can be difficult to cook multiple dishes at once without an extra burner by your side!
Top Grills with Side Burners
- Power Source: Propane/ liquid petroleum gas. The propane tank is not included.
- Exclusive Stainless Steel finish for increased style and durability
- Reliable electric ignition to fire up your grill and 10, 000 BTU side burner
- Porcelain-coated grease pan is durable and can be removed for easy cleaning
- Stainless Steel burners emit flame from the top to allow for even cooking
- Porcelain coated cast-iron grates are rust-resistant and made to last
- 280 square inches of cooking space over porcelain-coated grates
- 8,000 btu side burner provides a secondary cooking space for sides or sauces
- Two stainless steel in-line burners for cooking performance
- Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox stand up to weather and the elements
- Metal side shelves measure 12-inches w x 13-inches l providing extra storage and prep space
- High Output: This durable 6-burner gas grill generates 71,000 BTU in total including 5 individually controlled tubular burners (10,000 BTU each), a sear burner (12,000 BTU) and a side burner (9,000 BTU) to achieve high performance.
- Spacious Cooking Area: Consists of primary cooking area – 602 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates and secondary cooking space – 193 sq. in. warming rack, offering a total of 795 sq. in. cooking area that serves to a large gathering.
- Sear Burner & Side Burner: U-shape sear burner at the right side generates 12,000 BTU to provide strong performance for quick grilling; lidded side burner offering 9,000 BTU is ideal for preparing side dishes or soups.
- Great Heat Retention: Double-layer lid ensures excellent heat retention for keeping food tasty and warm evenly. The dome creates an environment like oven to get a better flavor. Built-in thermometer monitors temperature in real-time.
- Hassle-free Cleanup: Made of galvanized steel, the removable grease tray is large enough to capture any drippings that escape. The removable grease cup also helps protect floors from fluid drips. Both are easy to slide out for hassle-free cleanup.
The benefits of owning a side burner for outdoor cooks
The benefit of owning a side burner for outdoor cooks is that you can sear and grill meat on one side while slow cooking on the other. Side burners also make it easy to cook vegetables, pasta dishes, and any other food that needs more space.
A side burner gives you more cooking options, especially when grilling season is in full swing! It can be difficult to cook multiple dishes at once without an extra burner by your side! A side burner makes it much easier for you to cook side dishes like vegetable stir fry, pasta salads, or grilled pork.
How Does a Side Burner Work?
A side burner is mounted near the edge of your grill to give you more cooking options when grilling. Some side burners are mounted underneath the grill while others sit next to it. The majority of units have a dedicated dial for heat control so you can adjust the flame depending on what you’re cooking. Side burners can also be used as an extra burner inside or outside.
Are Side Burners for Grills worth buying?
The majority of people do not need to buy a side burner, but it is nice to have when grilling in large quantities. Side burners are definitely worth buying if you cook outside frequently and if your outdoor cooking space is too small. The best part about owning a side burner is:
It provides more cooking options! You can sear and grill meat on one side while slow cooking on the other.
Side burners make it easier to cook vegetables, fish, and pasta dishes.
Types of Side Burners for a Grill
There are several different types of side burners for grills. When you’re purchasing one, consider the following:
- Gas or electric – Side burners can be powered by gas or electricity. Which is better for your grill?
- Powdered vs. liquid fuel – A lot of portable models come with powdered fuel; while larger models usually use liquid fuel.
- Freestanding vs. built-in – If you want a permanent side burner that’s built into your grill, then choose this option instead of the freestanding version (which is removable).
Side Burner vs Searing Burner
On an outdoor grill, a sear burner is available and is generally hotter than the rest of the grill. This allows cooks to cook food at high temperatures until a brown crust has formed. A searing burner can be found on a gas grill and is typically hotter than the main grilling surface.
The grill’s burner, on the other hand, is positioned next to the side burner, which allows it to operate at precise temperatures for cooking little meals like sauces and veggies in addition to grilling meat or ribs. The nicest feature of this sort of side burner for your outdoor cooker is that it opens up even more cooking possibilities!
Best Grills with Searing Burner
- 4 BURNER GAS BBQ: Cook up to approximately 40 burgers on a total cooking surface of 593 square inches. Primary cooking surface of 425 square inches plus 168 square inches of secondary cooking surface.
- BURNER OUTPUT: 4 main burners made of stainless-steel tube. Each carries 10,000 BTU. Includes one 12,000 BTU side burner. Total BTU is 52,000.
- DURABLE: Stainless steel and powder coated surfaces and side shelves makes this grill last even in the toughest conditions. The 4 main burners are made of stainless steel tube for lasting strength.
- EASY TO START: Electronic ignition makes starting this grill as easy as pushing a button with individualized ignition system.
- USER FRIENDLY: Hinged doors make it easy to get in and out of lower compartment. The propane tank is conveniently located making bottle exchange a simple task. Easily convert to natural gas
- High Cooking Output: Embodies five tube burners (10,000 BTU each), a sear burner (14,000 BTU) and a side burner (10,000 BTU). With all burners in use, you will have a total of 74,000 BTU output that can heat up the grill in no time.
- Sufficient Cooking Capacity: Total of 855 square inches cooking area which can hold up to 21 hamburgers at one time. It can satisfy the need of an 8-10 gathering to conveniently cook as much gourmet food as possible.
- Burners for Different Purposes: With the capacity of offering 14,000 BTU power, the sear burner produces intense high heat for professional style searing. The single side burner is an appropriate choice to prepare side dishes.
- Fast & Even Heat: One-button electronic ignition system, reliable enough to fire up burners immediately. Flame tamers and porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates help distribute heat evenly throughout the whole cooking surface.
- Mess-free Cleanup: Equipped with removable grease tray and grease cup to reduce the risk of flare-ups. It’s very easy to slide out and dump residues, thereby simplifying the cleanup procedure.
- Best-in-class lifetime warranty and all-stainless steel construction promise years of use
- Triple Ridge Flame Tamers evenly distribute heat and direct drippings away from flame for fewer flare-ups
- Infrared side burner puts you in command of lightning-quick, high-heat searing for steaks or chops
- Three stainless steel tube burners churn out intense heat above 700 F for hot-and-fast grilling
- Double-walled grill hood, side walls, and fire box add an extra layer of insulation for consistent temperatures
What can you cook on the Grill Side Burner?
There are many uses for the grill’s side burner but a few ways you can creatively utilize the side burner include (but are not limited to):
- Make sauces by adding wine, chicken stock, and then brushing on the sauce while grilling.
- Pan-frying or using a cast iron skillet to cook blackened fish on the outside grill allows for less smoke in the house
- Cook lobster tails (or shrimp or scallops) on the side burner while preparing the steak AKA Surf-and-Turf!
- Char peppers or other veggies, to be put in the flame.
- Use the side burner to make a glaze for fruit kabobs.
- Oysters can be boiled or grilled and seasoned with different spices.
- Cook breakfast on the grill to avoid waking up your housemates.
- Saute onion and pepper in a skillet, then grill meat for fajitas.
Conclusion
A side burner can be a useful tool to have on your grill, especially if you cook outside frequently. They are most beneficial when cooking for large groups or working in limited outdoor space and they open up more opportunities for creativity with grilling. A quality side burner will not only make it easier to prepare vegetables but also sauces while grilling meat – making the process of preparing an entire meal much less daunting!
FAQ
What do you use the side burner for on a grill?
The side burner on your grill is best used to cook quick meals for one or two people. If you are looking to have a larger cooking space, consider purchasing an extra-large gas grill.
How can I use the side burner on my grill to make sauce?
Place wine and chicken stock in a small pot then place it on the side burner. Bring to a boil while stirring continuously then season with herbs and spices of your choice! The sauce will thicken as it continues simmering; remove from heat when it reaches the desired consistency.
Can you boil water on a side burner?
Yes, using the side burner on your grill will allow you to boil water for spaghetti or noodles.