Let me be straight with you: most people don’t realize how much a side burner changes outdoor cooking until they actually have one. I’ve been grilling in my backyard for over a decade, and the side burner went from an afterthought to something I genuinely miss when it’s not there.
Think about the last time you grilled steaks and had to run inside to babysit your sauce, boil the corn, or reheat the baked beans. That’s exactly the problem a good side burner solves. You stay outside, you stay in control, and dinner comes together at the same time instead of in three separate batches.
Now — and this is important — not all side burners are created equal. Some are barely powerful enough to simmer a cup of water. Others double as a serious cooking zone you can fry in, run a wok on, or even do a full seafood boil. After testing dozens of gas grills over the years, I’ve gotten pretty good at spotting which side burners earn their keep and which ones are just a marketing checkbox.
In this guide, I’ve put together my top picks across every budget and cooking style, from the best overall performer to the best bang for your buck. Here’s a quick preview of what I’ll be covering:
- Weber Genesis Smart EX-325W — the gold standard for most backyards
- Nexgrill 4-Burner — the best value pick that seriously punches above its price
- Napoleon Freestyle PRO 365 — the compact option that doesn’t sacrifice performance
- Char-Broil Pro Series Grill & Griddle — for the cook who wants breakfast, lunch, and dinner outside
- Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB — the premium workhorse for serious outdoor kitchen setups
Quick Picks: Best Gas Grills With Side Burner
Use this table to find your match fast — full reviews are below.
| Grill | Best For | Cooking Area | Side Burner | Fuel | Price Range |
| Weber Genesis Smart EX-325W | Best Overall | 669 sq in | 15,000 BTU | Propane/NG | $$$ |
| Nexgrill 4-Burner SS | Best Value | 720 sq in | 12,000 BTU | Propane | $ |
| Napoleon Freestyle PRO 365 | Best Compact | 500 sq in | Infrared | Propane/NG | $$ |
| Char-Broil Pro Series Grill & Griddle | Best Griddle Combo | 650 sq in | 12,000 BTU | Propane | $$ |
| Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB | Best Premium | 760 sq in | Infrared | Propane/NG | $$$$ |
[ Check Latest Prices & Deals ]
Best Overall Gas Grill With Side Burner
Weber Genesis Smart EX-325W
If I had one recommendation for most backyard cooks, this would be it. The Weber Genesis Smart EX-325W hits that sweet spot between performance, durability, and smart features that actually work — without crossing into “too complicated” territory.
I’ve had the opportunity to cook on this grill across multiple seasons, and what consistently stands out is the heat consistency. Weber’s 3 PureBlu burners deliver even heat across the entire cooking surface, which means no scrambling to avoid hot or cold zones. The sear zone performs exceptionally well for steaks — you get that restaurant-quality crust without having to fight the grill.
The Wi-Fi connectivity via the Weber Connect app surprised me. I’ll be honest — I was skeptical. But it genuinely helps for longer cooks when you’re not standing right next to the grill. It tracks your cook progress, alerts you when it’s time to flip, and lets you monitor temperature without opening the lid constantly.
Key Features:
- 3 PureBlu burners with exceptional heat distribution
- 15,000 BTU side burner — powerful enough for boiling and frying
- 669 sq in of primary cooking space + expandable upper grate
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates retain heat beautifully
- Wi-Fi connected via Weber Connect app
- Available in both propane and natural gas versions
Pros:
- Rock-solid build quality — this grill is built to last years, not one season
- Excellent heat consistency across the entire cook surface
- Side burner is genuinely powerful and useful
- Smart features work and add real value
- Premium warranty coverage
Cons:
- Expensive — this is an investment grill, not an impulse buy
- Assembly takes 2–3 hours; not a quick Saturday afternoon setup
- Smart features require your phone nearby, which isn’t always ideal
Best For:
Serious backyard cooks who grill regularly and want a grill that grows with their cooking. Families who frequently cook full meals outside — where the side burner gets used every single time.
Who This Is NOT For:
Occasional grillers who light the grill four times a summer. At this price, you won’t get the value unless you’re out there consistently. If that’s you, look at the Nexgrill or Napoleon Freestyle below.
[ Check Price on Weber | View on BBQGuys ]
Best Gas Grill With Side Burner for the Money
Nexgrill 4-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Grill
This isn’t a forever grill, but for the price, it’s genuinely hard to beat.
The Nexgrill 4-Burner is the kind of grill I’d recommend to someone who’s moving into their first home, cooking for a family of four, and doesn’t want to drop Weber money before they figure out how much they’ll actually use it. The feature set at this price point would have seemed impossible five years ago.
Four main burners cover a generous cooking area — plenty of space for a full family cookout. The stainless steel exterior looks sharp right out of the box, and the dedicated side burner handles sauce and sides without issue. I used it to simmer BBQ sauce for a brisket session and had zero complaints.
Key Features:
- 4 main burners + 1 dedicated side burner
- 720 sq in total cooking area
- Stainless steel lid and exterior
- Electronic ignition
- Porcelain-coated grates
Pros:
- Exceptional value — hard to find this many features at this price
- Generous cooking space for families
- Looks more expensive than it costs
- Side burner is functional and easy to use
Cons:
- Thinner steel than premium brands — won’t last as long
- Heat distribution can be uneven at the edges
- Warranty is limited compared to Weber or Napoleon
- Not a forever grill — expect 3 to 5 years of quality use
Best For:
First-time grill buyers, apartment-to-house movers, budget-conscious families who still want a full-featured outdoor cook station.
Who This Is NOT For:
Daily grillers or serious outdoor cooks who want to buy once and keep a grill for a decade. Step up to Weber or Napoleon if that’s you.
[ Check Price | See Latest Deals ]
Best Small Gas Grill With Side Burner
Napoleon Freestyle PRO 365
If you’ve got a smaller patio, a condo balcony (check local rules on gas grills first), or you just don’t need a massive cook surface, the Napoleon Freestyle PRO 365 is my top pick for the best small gas grill with side burner.
Don’t let the compact footprint fool you. This grill punches way above its size class, and that’s mostly because of one feature: the Infrared Sizzle Zone. If you’ve never cooked a steak on an infrared burner, you’re in for a serious upgrade. Infrared heats grates to temperatures that a standard burner can’t touch — we’re talking 1,800°F+ searing capability. You get that steakhouse crust in minutes, with less flare-up and better browning than traditional burners.
The side burner on the Freestyle PRO is compact but capable. I’ve used it for sauces, corn, and a quick stir-fry while the grill handled the protein. For smaller setups, it genuinely expands what you can accomplish outside.
Key Features:
- Infrared Sizzle Zone sear burner
- Compact footprint — ideal for patios and smaller spaces
- 500 sq in cooking area
- Dedicated side burner
- Available in propane and natural gas
- WAVE cooking grids for excellent sear marks
Pros:
- Infrared searing is genuinely elite — best steaks I’ve cooked on a compact grill
- Smart use of space — fits where bigger grills can’t
- Napoleon build quality at a mid-range price
- Side burner works reliably
Cons:
- Smaller cooking area limits cooking for large groups
- Infrared zone requires some learning to avoid overcooking
- Side burner BTU output is lower than full-size grill burners — great for sauces, less ideal for deep frying
Best For:
Patio cooks with limited space who refuse to sacrifice performance. Couples, solo cooks, and small households who want a compact gas grill with side burner that can still sear a steak like a pro.
Who This Is NOT For:
Anyone cooking for six or more people regularly. The cooking area will become a bottleneck fast. Scale up to the Prestige 500 if you need more real estate.
[ Check Price on Napoleon | View on BBQGuys ]
Best Gas Grill With Side Burner and Griddle
Char-Broil Pro Series Grill & Griddle
This one’s for the cook who wants to do everything outside. Burgers, yes — but also pancakes, smash burgers, fajitas, hibachi-style vegetables, eggs, bacon. If the idea of a full outdoor kitchen excites you, the Char-Broil Pro Series Grill & Griddle is worth a serious look.
The combination of a traditional grill grate zone and a flat griddle surface gives you serious multi-zone cooking capability. I’ve done entire meals on this setup — steak on the grill side, sautéed mushrooms and onions on the griddle, and sauce simmering on the side burner — all simultaneously. That kind of outdoor kitchen experience used to require spending triple the money.
The griddle surface is the real star here. It heats evenly, is easy to season, and turns out smash burgers with that signature crispy crust that you simply can’t get on a traditional grated grill. Saturday morning breakfast with bacon and eggs on the griddle, coffee in hand, is a genuinely good life decision.
Key Features:
- Combination grill grate + flat griddle cooking surfaces
- 650 sq in total cooking area
- Dedicated side burner
- Multi-zone temperature control
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grill grates
- Stainless steel exterior
Pros:
- Incredible cooking versatility — grill and griddle in one unit
- Griddle surface is exceptional for breakfast, smash burgers, fajitas
- Solid value for the feature set
- Side burner works well for sauces and sides
Cons:
- Char-Broil build quality is a step below Weber and Napoleon
- The griddle can be more challenging to clean than standard grates
- Heat distribution can vary between zones
Best For:
Versatile outdoor cooks who want breakfast through dinner capability. Families who love weekend brunches outside as much as evening cookouts. Smash burger obsessives.
Who This Is NOT For:
Traditional grill purists who just want a great grill grate experience. If you never plan to use the griddle, you’re paying for a feature that won’t earn its keep.
[ Check Price on Char-Broil | See Latest Deals ]
Best Premium Gas Grill With Side Burner
Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB
When someone asks me what grill I’d buy if money wasn’t the first consideration, the Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB is in serious contention for that answer.
This is a full outdoor kitchen in a single grill. Premium 304 stainless steel construction, an infrared rear burner for rotisserie cooking, an infrared side burner, and 760 square inches of primary cooking space. Napoleon gas grills have developed a passionate following among serious enthusiasts for a reason: the company builds grills that compete with Weber on quality while adding infrared technology that Weber charges significantly more for.
One thing I noticed after cooking on this grill across several weekends — the rear infrared rotisserie burner genuinely changes the rotisserie game. Whole chickens come out with the crispiest skin I’ve ever produced at home. It bastes itself in its own juices while the infrared burner surrounds it with intense, even heat. If you do rotisserie cooking at all, this feature alone is worth the upgrade.
Comparing it directly to Weber’s premium lineup: the Prestige 500 RSIB generally offers more infrared capability at a similar price point. Weber wins on warranty length and arguably on long-term durability data, but Napoleon is closing that gap fast. For the enthusiast who wants the best outdoor kitchen performance available without going to a built-in setup, Napoleon is absolutely worth the money.
Key Features:
- Premium 304 stainless steel construction
- Infrared rear rotisserie burner
- Infrared side burner — more powerful than standard side burners
- 760 sq in of primary cooking space
- Available in propane and natural gas
- WAVE cooking grids for superior sear marks
- Warming rack and integrated storage
Pros:
- Premium build quality — built to last a decade or more
- Infrared rear and side burners provide cooking capability most grills can’t match
- Excellent heat consistency across the main cooking surface
- Napoleon’s warranty and customer support are top-tier
- Rotisserie results are genuinely impressive
Cons:
- Expensive — this is a significant investment
- Large footprint requires adequate patio or deck space
- Infrared cooking has a learning curve if you’re new to it
Best For:
Serious outdoor cooks who grill multiple times a week and want their backyard setup to rival a restaurant kitchen. Anyone who does rotisserie cooking. Buyers who want to buy once and never have to buy again.
Who This Is NOT For:
Casual cooks or anyone on a budget. If you’re lighting this grill twice a month, you won’t get the value from the investment. The Nexgrill or Char-Broil will serve you better.
[ Check Price on Napoleon | View on BBQGuys ]
How to Choose the Best Gas Grill With Side Burner
Picking the right grill isn’t just about the brand on the lid. Here’s what actually matters when you’re making this decision.
1. Side Burner Power Matters More Than You Think
This is the one spec most people ignore, and it’s actually critical. Side burner output is measured in BTUs, and not all BTUs are equal when it comes to what you’re trying to cook.
For simmering BBQ sauce or keeping baked beans warm, even a modest 8,000–10,000 BTU side burner works fine. But if you want to fry sides in a cast iron pan, run a wok at high heat, or do a proper seafood boil, you need a burner in the 12,000–15,000 BTU range minimum. Infrared side burners like the ones on Napoleon models can hit even higher effective temperatures, making them genuinely versatile cooking zones rather than sauce warmers.
The takeaway: look at the side burner BTU output before you buy, not just the total BTU count, which usually refers to the main burners only.
2. Build Quality & Materials
Here’s a lesson I learned the hard way: cheap stainless steel doesn’t always stay stainless. There’s a wide range of quality in grill materials, and the difference between an entry-level grill and a premium one often comes down to steel grade, thickness, and how the whole unit is welded together.
For the firebox and lid, look for heavy-gauge steel or cast aluminum. Both hold heat well and resist warping. For exterior panels, 304 stainless steel is the gold standard — it actually resists rust. Some budget grills use 430 stainless, which is thinner and more prone to surface rust over time, especially in humid climates. For the cooking surface, porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are ideal: they hold heat, are non-stick when seasoned, and last for years.
3. Main Burner Performance
More BTUs doesn’t always mean better cooking. In fact, excessive BTU ratings from budget brands are often a marketing trick to distract from poor heat distribution. A grill that generates 50,000 BTUs but has terrible heat distribution will produce worse results than a 36,000 BTU grill with well-engineered burner placement.
What you want is a grill that heats evenly across the entire cooking surface with minimal hot spots. The best way to evaluate this is through user reviews from real cooks — look for comments on uneven cooking, flare-up management, and how the grill performs at different heat settings.
4. Grill Size & Cooking Area
Right-sizing your grill is one of the most practical decisions you’ll make. Here’s a rough guide:
- Couples or solo cooks: 400–500 sq in of primary cooking space is plenty
- Families of 4: Look for 500–650 sq in
- Regular party hosts or large families: 700+ sq in
Bigger isn’t always better. A massive grill that takes twice as long to preheat, costs more in fuel, and takes up your entire patio isn’t a win. Buy for how you actually cook, not for the one time a year you host 30 people.
5. Propane vs Natural Gas
This is an important decision that many buyers overlook. The best natural gas grills with side burner options are perfect for homeowners with an existing gas line — you eliminate the need to refill propane tanks, the cost per BTU is lower over time, and you never run out mid-cook. The tradeoff is that natural gas grills require a professional installation to connect to your home’s gas supply, and you lose the ability to move the grill around your yard easily.
Propane is more flexible. You can move the grill anywhere, take it tailgating, and set it up without professional installation. The downside is managing propane levels and paying more per BTU over time. Most of the grills on this list come in both versions — if you’re planning a permanent outdoor kitchen setup, natural gas is the smarter long-term choice. For flexibility and portability, stick with propane.
6. Cleaning & Maintenance
The grill you actually clean is the one that lasts. Look for grills with well-designed grease management systems — a sloped grease channel that directs drippings into a removable tray makes cleanup dramatically easier than systems that let grease pool and bake onto surfaces. Weber’s systems are excellent in this regard. Napoleon is solid too. Budget grills tend to have simpler (read: messier) grease management.
For stainless steel exteriors, regular wiping with a microfiber cloth and a small amount of stainless steel cleaner keeps the grill looking good and prevents surface oxidation. Don’t use abrasive pads — they scratch the finish and actually make the steel more vulnerable to rust.
Side Burner vs No Side Burner: Is It Worth It?
Honest answer: it depends entirely on how you cook.
If you’re the type who fires up the grill, throws on some burgers, and calls it done, a side burner might never get used. You’d be paying for something that sits there collecting grease. And that’s a fair call — some buyers genuinely don’t need it.
But if you cook full meals outside — proteins on the grill, a sauce reducing, vegetables sautéing, corn boiling — a side burner stops being a nice-to-have and starts being essential. The number of times I’ve had to sprint inside to grab something off the stovetop mid-grill session dropped to basically zero once I had a capable side burner available.
Who should skip the side burner:
- Minimalist grillers who want the simplest setup possible
- Condo dwellers with very limited outdoor space
- Anyone who strictly grills proteins and nothing else
Who should definitely get one:
- Cooks who regularly make sauces, marinades, or sides outdoors
- Families who want full meals cooked outside, start to finish
- Anyone doing wok cooking, seafood boils, or cast iron work outside
What Can You Actually Cook on a Side Burner?
More than most people realize. Once you start using a capable side burner regularly, it changes how you think about outdoor cooking. Here’s what gets regular rotation on mine:
- BBQ sauces and glazes — simmer down a vinegar-based sauce, reduce a sticky bourbon glaze, or warm up a store-bought sauce without bringing it inside
- Baked beans — low and slow on the side burner while the main grill handles ribs
- Cast iron skillet sides — sautéed mushrooms, onions, jalapeños, or corn off the cob in a screaming hot cast iron pan
- Wok stir fry — a high-BTU side burner with a carbon steel wok makes for legitimate wok hei
- Seafood boils — corn, crawfish, shrimp, sausage, all in one pot outside
- Deep frying — a large pot of oil on a powerful side burner works for fried chicken, hush puppies, and more (always supervise and keep a fire extinguisher handy when deep frying outdoors)
That last one deserves a safety note: never deep fry a frozen turkey on a side burner. Always use a purpose-built turkey fryer setup on a flat, stable surface, away from any structure, with a fire extinguisher within reach. Every Thanksgiving, someone makes the news for this. Don’t be that person.
Mistakes People Make When Buying a Gas Grill
I’ve made some of these myself, so consider this a friendly warning.
Overvaluing BTUs
Total BTU output is one of the most misunderstood specs in grill marketing. A high BTU number sounds impressive, but it means nothing if the heat distribution is poor. Focus on reviews from actual cooks, not the spec sheet number.
Ignoring Material Quality
A grill that looks great in the showroom but rusts within two seasons isn’t a bargain at any price. Always ask about the steel grade, check whether the firebox is porcelain-coated, and look for user reviews that reference long-term durability.
Buying Oversized Grills
Bigger feels better in the store. At home, a grill that takes 20 minutes to preheat, dominates your patio, and costs a fortune in propane every session starts to feel like a burden. Be honest about how many people you actually cook for regularly.
Choosing Features Over Performance
Side shelves, storage drawers, built-in thermometers, interior lighting — these are all nice. But they don’t compensate for a grill that doesn’t cook evenly. Always evaluate core performance first, and treat features as a bonus.
Trusting Cheap Stainless Steel
I learned the hard way that a shiny exterior doesn’t mean rust-proof. Budget grills often use thin 430 stainless that will show rust within a couple of seasons, especially in high-humidity environments. If longevity matters, spend the extra money on a grill that uses thicker, higher-grade steel.
Weber vs Napoleon vs Nexgrill vs Char-Broil
Here’s a quick breakdown of how these brands stack up, so you can make an informed decision even before reading the full reviews.
| Category | Weber | Napoleon | Nexgrill | Char-Broil |
| Build Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Warranty | 25 yr on porcelain / 10 yr burners | 15 yr on most parts | 1–5 yr | 1–5 yr |
| Heat Performance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Long-Term Reliability | Excellent | Excellent | Average | Average |
| Best Budget Tier | Mid-High | Mid-High | Entry | Entry-Mid |
Weber and Napoleon are the two brands I’d recommend without hesitation for long-term buyers. Weber has an unmatched track record for reliability and an exceptional warranty. Napoleon has been closing the gap rapidly, especially on infrared technology and build quality, while offering competitive pricing in the mid-to-premium range.
Nexgrill and Char-Broil fill a legitimate need for budget-conscious buyers. You get more features for the money, but with shorter lifespans and less consistent performance. Think of them as starter grills — excellent for getting into outdoor cooking without a major investment.
FAQs: Best Gas Grills With Side Burner
What is the best gas grill with side burner?
For most backyard cooks, the Weber Genesis Smart EX-325W is the best gas grill with side burner available right now. It delivers outstanding heat consistency, a genuinely useful side burner, smart connectivity, and Weber’s legendary build quality. If budget is a concern, the Nexgrill 4-Burner offers impressive features at a fraction of the price.
Are side burners worth it on a gas grill?
For cooks who regularly make full outdoor meals, absolutely. Side burners let you prepare sauces, boil vegetables, and cook sides without interrupting your grill session or running back inside. For occasional grillers who only cook proteins, they’re a less critical feature.
What is the best small gas grill with side burner?
The Napoleon Freestyle PRO 365 is my top pick for the best small gas grill with side burner. Its compact footprint makes it perfect for patios and smaller outdoor spaces, and the infrared Sizzle Zone delivers searing performance that rivals full-size grills.
Can you cook full meals on a side burner?
Yes — with a capable side burner in the 12,000–15,000 BTU range, you can simmer sauces, boil pasta or corn, sauté vegetables in a cast iron pan, and even do wok cooking. A side burner paired with a good grill essentially gives you an outdoor kitchen.
Are natural gas grills with side burners better than propane?
Neither is objectively better — it depends on your situation. Natural gas grills connect to your home’s supply line, offering unlimited fuel and lower long-term costs. Propane grills are more portable and require no professional installation. For permanent outdoor kitchen setups, natural gas grills with side burner models are the smarter choice. For flexibility, go propane.
What size side burner do I need?
For sauce simmering and basic cooking tasks, an 8,000–10,000 BTU side burner is sufficient. For frying, high-heat wok cooking, or seafood boils, aim for at least 12,000–15,000 BTUs. Napoleon’s infrared side burners are in a category of their own for high-heat work.
Are Napoleon gas grills worth the money?
In my experience, yes. Napoleon has established itself as one of the top premium grill brands, with infrared technology, solid warranty coverage, and build quality that rivals Weber at competitive prices. If you’re in the mid-to-premium price range, Napoleon deserves serious consideration.
What’s the difference between a side burner and sear station?
A side burner is a separate cooking zone — usually on the side of the grill — designed for stovetop-style cooking like pots, pans, and woks. A sear station is a higher-output burner built into the main grill grate area, designed to create a concentrated hot zone for better browning and crust development on proteins. Some grills have both, which is genuinely useful.
Final Verdict: Which Gas Grill With Side Burner Should You Buy?
After all that, here’s the bottom line — matched to who you actually are:
Best Overall: Weber Genesis Smart EX-325W
The grill I’d recommend to 80% of people reading this. Outstanding performance, smart features that actually work, Weber reliability, and a side burner that earns its place every cook session. Worth every dollar for regular grillers.
Best Value: Nexgrill 4-Burner Stainless Steel
The best gas grill with side burner for the money. Not a forever grill, but delivers impressive features at an entry-level price. Perfect for first-time buyers and casual cooks.
Best Compact: Napoleon Freestyle PRO 365
The best small gas grill with side burner for patios, decks, and limited outdoor spaces. The infrared searing zone sets it apart from other compact options.
Best Premium: Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB
For the serious outdoor cook who wants the best of everything. Infrared rear burner, premium construction, and a cooking experience that rivals an outdoor kitchen build-out.
Best Griddle Hybrid: Char-Broil Pro Series Grill & Griddle
For the cook who wants to do everything outside. Smash burgers, breakfast, fajitas, hibachi — the griddle surface opens up a whole new dimension of outdoor cooking.
Whatever you choose, buying a gas grill with a capable side burner is one of those upgrades that genuinely changes how you cook outdoors. Once you’ve done a full meal outside — protein on the grill, sauce on the side burner, sides and all — going back to just grilling proteins feels like a step backward.
Happy grilling.
[ Browse All Top-Rated Gas Grills | See the Best BBQ Accessories ]