A side burner turns a gas grill into a small outdoor kitchen. While the main grates take the carne asada, the side burner keeps a pot of charro beans at a simmer, warms a skillet of salsa or fries onions and peppers for fajitas, so nothing has to go back and forth to the stove indoors. On a hot Houston evening, that is the reason to buy one: the cooking, the heat and the smell all stay outside.
This guide is the side-burner branch of our main best gas grill guide. Several grills there already have a side burner; we have left those models out so this page gives you different options, from an infrared sear station on a premium cart to a convertible-fuel Coleman and a built-in Lion package for an outdoor kitchen. Where a model appears on another of our pages, we say why it is here as well.
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Quick verdict: which grill with a side burner to buy
If you want one grill that does everything, the Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 625 is the pick: five main burners, an infrared side burner that doubles as a sear station, an infrared rear burner for a rotisserie and a 15-year limited warranty, according to the listing. For a lower outlay, the Royal Gourmet GA4402S puts a 14,000 BTU sear burner and a lidded 10,000 BTU side burner on a stainless cabinet. If you may move to a natural gas line later, the Coleman Revolution 3-Burner is built around a convertible valve system.
Before you buy, measure the spot. A side burner adds a shelf’s width to the cart, and every manual we read sets clearance rules from walls and anything that can burn. We cover those below, taken only from the makers’ own manuals.
Five side-burner grills compared
Our five standout picks side by side, one for each kind of cook, with the burner and output figures each maker or listing states. All seven grills are reviewed in full below.
| Grill | Best for | Burners | Side burner | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 625 Propane GrillBest overall
|
Searing, simmering and rotisserie on one cart | 5 main + infrared rear; 88,500 BTU total | Infrared sear station | View on Amazon |
Royal Gourmet GA4402S Cabinet GrillBest value
|
A sear burner and side burner for less | 3 main + sear; 54,000 BTU total | 10,000 BTU, lidded | View on Amazon |
Coleman Revolution 3-Burner GrillBest for a future gas line
|
Propane now, natural gas later | 3 main; 45,000 BTU | 13,000 BTU | View on Amazon |
Monument 41847NG 4-Burner GrillBest window lid
|
Watching food without lifting the lid | 4 main + side; 60,000 BTU total | 1 side burner (output not split) | View on Amazon |
Lion L75000 32-Inch Grill with Side BurnerBest for an outdoor kitchen
|
A stainless grill and burner for an island | 4 cast stainless main burners | Lion single side burner (separate unit) | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Burner counts and BTU figures are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best gas grill with side burner
Seven grills, each with a burner beside the main firebox, chosen for how well that burner fits real cooking: a pot of beans, a pan of rice, a skillet of fajita vegetables or a hard sear on a steak. None of the grills from our main gas grill guide is repeated here.
1. Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 625 Propane Grill – Infrared Side and Rear Burners
Napoleon’s Rogue PRO-S 625 is the most complete grill on this page. The listing gives it five main burners, an infrared rear burner for a rotisserie and an infrared side burner, for 88,500 BTU in total and 988 square inches of cooking area, with a main cooking area of 34 3/4 by 18 inches. The body is stainless steel and so are the cooking grates.
The side burner is the reason it leads this guide. The listing describes it as an integrated infrared sear station that produces very high heat for a steakhouse-style crust, and says it is also the place to prepare sauces and side dishes. In practice that means two jobs from one shelf: a hard sear on arrachera or a thick ribeye while the main burners stay at a moderate heat for chicken and vegetables, then a pan of salsa or a pot of beans once the meat is resting.
The rear infrared burner adds a third way to cook, turning a whole chicken or a pork shoulder on a spit, though check the listing for whether a rotisserie kit is included before counting on it. The stainless warming rack gives you somewhere to hold tortillas and grilled onions while the rest finishes. The listing gives a 15-year limited warranty, the longest on this page.
It is a large grill. Measure the space and the path to it, and read Napoleon’s manual for its clearance and gas-supply rules before you choose a spot.
Why we like it
- Infrared side burner doubles as a sear station
- Infrared rear burner for spit roasting
- 988 sq in total cooking area, per the listing
- Stainless body and grates
- 15-year limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | RPS625RSIBPSS-2 |
|---|---|
| Burners | 5 main, infrared rear, infrared side |
| Total output (stated) | 88,500 BTU |
| Side burner | Infrared sear station; separate output not stated |
| Cooking area | 988 sq in total; main 34 3/4 x 18 in |
| Grates | Stainless steel |
| Fuel | Propane |
| Warranty | 15-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you cook for a crowd most weekends and want searing, simmering and spit roasting without buying a second appliance.
Skip it if your side burner will mostly hold a pot of beans; an infrared burner is built for intense heat, and a conventional burner like the Coleman’s or Royal Gourmet’s is easier to keep at a low simmer.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Three distinct heat sources
- Largest cooking area here
- Longest warranty on the page
Cons
- Side burner output not stated in the listing
- Infrared heat is less suited to gentle simmering
- Big footprint and a premium cost
2. Royal Gourmet GA4402S Cabinet Grill – Sear Burner and Lidded Side Burner
The Royal Gourmet GA4402S gives you most of the Napoleon’s flexibility on a smaller, simpler cart. The listing describes three 10,000 BTU main burners, a 14,000 BTU sear burner inside the firebox and a lidded 10,000 BTU side burner, five burners and 54,000 BTU in all.
That split is useful. The sear burner sits among the main burners, so you can run one zone hot for steaks or chorizo while the others hold a medium heat, and the side burner stays free for a conventional pot or skillet. When the side burner is off, its lid closes to give you extra workspace, according to the listing, and a separate side table on the right holds seasonings and tools.
The cooking area is 632 square inches in total: 483 square inches of stainless steel cooking grates and a 149-square-inch chrome-plated steel warming rack. The listing says stainless steel is used for the double-layer lid, grates, flame tamers, burners and cabinet doors, and the cabinet below keeps the propane tank and tools out of sight. Ignition is electronic.
The listing gives a 1-year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase, the shortest here alongside Kenmore’s general coverage, so register the grill and keep the receipt.
Why we like it
- 14,000 BTU sear burner plus a side burner
- Side burner lid works as a prep surface
- Stainless grates, flame tamers and burners
- Enclosed cabinet for the tank
Key specifications
| Model | GA4402S |
|---|---|
| Burners | 3 main, 1 sear, 1 side |
| Total output (stated) | 54,000 BTU |
| Side burner | 10,000 BTU, lidded |
| Cooking area | 632 sq in total (483 grates + 149 rack) |
| Grates | Stainless steel |
| Fuel | Propane |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a sear zone and a proper side burner for family cookouts without paying for a premium cart.
Skip it if you want a long warranty; one year is short for a grill that lives outside all year.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Sear and side burner on one cart
- Clear burner-by-burner BTU split
- Cabinet storage
Cons
- 1-year warranty
- Smaller primary area than the five-burner grills
- Warming rack is chrome-plated, not stainless
3. Coleman Revolution 3-Burner Grill – Built to Switch to Natural Gas
The Coleman Revolution is the grill to buy if you run on propane today but may have a natural gas line put in later. Coleman’s assembly manual says the model includes its Convertible Valve System: the grill is sold propane-ready, and converting it to natural gas takes the Coleman Convertible Valve System kit, which the manual says is sold separately. The Amazon listing suggests you can switch without a separate kit, so go by the manual and budget for the kit if you plan to convert.
Three main burners produce 45,000 BTU and a 13,000 BTU side burner handles sauces and sides, according to the listing, which gives a 650-square-inch cooking area including a warming rack. The manual lists a porcelain cast iron upper cooking grate stacked over a stamped steel lower grate. The cart has folding side shelves, storage and wheels.
A 13,000 BTU side burner is the strongest conventional side burner on this page with a stated figure, which matters if you want to bring a big pot of water to a boil for elotes or keep a cazuela of beans bubbling. Coleman’s manual also asks you to level the grill for its Flare-Free Technology to work as designed.
The manual’s cover states a limited 5-year warranty, while the listing says 2-year limited; check with Coleman’s customer care line, printed in the manual, before you rely on either. The manual also notes that the grill is made under license by BackHome Products LLC.
Why we like it
- 13,000 BTU side burner
- Convertible Valve System for natural gas (kit required)
- Porcelain cast iron cooking grate
- Folding side shelves for a tighter patio
Key specifications
| Model | RV-301BBQ |
|---|---|
| Burners | 3 main, 1 side |
| Total output (stated) | 45,000 BTU main + 13,000 BTU side |
| Side burner | 13,000 BTU |
| Cooking area | 650 sq in including warming rack |
| Grates | Porcelain cast iron over stamped steel (manual) |
| Fuel | Propane; natural gas with Coleman kit (sold separately) |
| Warranty | Manual: limited 5-year; listing: 2-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a mid-size grill with a strong side burner and a path to natural gas without replacing the grill.
Skip it if you want more than three main zones for big parties; the five-burner grills below give you more room to separate meat and vegetables.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strongest stated conventional side burner here
- Convertible fuel design
- Folding shelves
Cons
- Conversion kit sold separately, per the manual
- Warranty terms differ between manual and listing
- Three main burners only
4. Monument 41847NG 4-Burner Grill – Window Lid and LED Controls
Monument’s 41847NG is a stainless cabinet grill with four 304 stainless steel main burners and one side burner, 60,000 BTU in total according to the listing. Its signature is the Clearview lid, a window that lets you watch the food without lifting the lid and losing heat, and the title lists LED controls.
The cooking area is 700 square inches: 510 square inches of primary area and a 190-square-inch warming rack. The cooking grates are porcelain-coated cast iron, which hold heat evenly and give good sear marks, per the listing; like all cast iron, they want to be kept dry and oiled to avoid rust.
Read the title carefully. It says “Natural Gas Grill” and also “Propane Grills”, and adds “Without Conversion Kit”. The listing’s own explanation is that the grill is designed to run on both fuels, and that you buy Monument’s conversion kit, model 97352, separately to switch to natural gas. Treat it as a propane grill that can be converted.
Monument’s listing gives a 2-year warranty on the grill, an 8-year limited warranty on the stainless burners and 1 year on electrical parts, for orders from August 20, 2024.
Why we like it
- Window lid keeps the heat in
- Four stainless main burners plus a side burner
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
- 8-year limited burner warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 41847NG |
|---|---|
| Burners | 4 main, 1 side |
| Total output (stated) | 60,000 BTU |
| Side burner | 1; separate output not stated |
| Cooking area | 700 sq in total (510 + 190 rack) |
| Grates | Porcelain-coated cast iron |
| Fuel | Propane; natural gas with kit 97352 (sold separately) |
| Warranty | 2 years grill; 8 years burners (limited); 1 year electrical |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you like to keep an eye on slow-cooking chicken or ribs without opening the lid, and want a side burner and cabinet in the same frame.
Skip it if you need natural gas out of the box; the conversion kit is a separate purchase.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clearview window lid
- Long burner warranty
- Can be converted to natural gas
Cons
- Confusing title about fuel type
- Side burner output not given separately
- Cast iron grates need oiling
5. Lion L75000 32-Inch Grill with Side Burner – An Outdoor-Kitchen Package
If you are building an island rather than buying a cart, Lion Premium Grills sells its 32-inch L75000 propane grill as a package with a Lion single side burner and a 5-in-1 barbecue tool set. The side burner is a separate stainless unit that goes into the counter next to the grill, so this is a pick for a masonry or steel island, not a patio cart.
The listing describes commercial-grade 304 stainless steel construction and four cast stainless steel burners. Lion’s companion listing for the same grill in a larger package, with a refrigerator added, gives 75,000 BTU in total and 830 square inches of cooking surface, built from 16-gauge 304 stainless, and says the Gourmet package includes a smoker box, a canvas grill-head cover, a rotisserie kit, a griddle and a griddle remover. This listing’s title also calls it a Gourmet Package Deal; check the listing to confirm exactly what ships.
A built-in side burner is the most kitchen-like option on this page: it sits at counter height, beside a work surface, and holds a comal or a pot of rice the way a stove would. The trade-off is that the listing gives much less detail than the cart grills do. It does not state the side burner’s output, the grate material or the warranty terms, so ask the seller for Lion’s spec sheet and manual before you cut a countertop.
Why we like it
- Grill and side burner sold together for an island
- 304 stainless construction, per the listing
- Four cast stainless burners
- Tool set included in the package
Key specifications
| Model | L75000 (package with single side burner) |
|---|---|
| Burners | 4 cast stainless main; separate side burner |
| Total output (stated) | 75,000 BTU (Lion’s companion package listing) |
| Side burner | Lion single side burner; output not stated |
| Cooking area | 830 sq in (companion listing) |
| Grates | Not stated |
| Fuel | Propane |
| Warranty | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you are planning an outdoor kitchen and want a matched stainless grill and side burner from one maker.
Skip it if you want a freestanding grill you can roll into place; installation and gas hook-up are a project, and the listing leaves out several specifications.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Counter-height side burner
- All-stainless build
- Package includes extras
Cons
- Needs an island and installation
- Thin listing: warranty and grates not stated
- Side burner output not stated
6. Monument 35633 4-Burner Grill with Rotisserie Kit – A Side Burner and a Sear Burner
This Monument has two burners outside the main firebox: a conventional side burner and an infrared side sear burner, alongside four 304 stainless steel main burners, for 72,000 BTU in total, according to the listing. It is the only grill here that lets you simmer a pot and sear a steak on separate side burners at the same time while the main grates carry on.
The cooking surface is 723 square inches: 513 square inches of primary area plus a 210-square-inch warming rack. Grates are porcelain-coated cast iron, flame tamers are stainless, the knobs light up for cooking after dark and the lid has a Clearview window. This listing bundles a stainless steel rotisserie kit, which the listing says ships in a separate package and may arrive on a different day.
The 35633 grill also appears in another of our guides under a different listing. We include it here because no other in-stock grill we found pairs a conventional side burner with a separate side sear burner, and this listing adds the rotisserie kit. Monument’s warranty is the same as on the 41847NG: 2 years on the grill, 8 years limited on the stainless burners and 1 year on electrical parts, for orders from August 20, 2024.
Why we like it
- Side burner and side sear burner
- Rotisserie kit in this listing
- 723 sq in total cooking surface
- Lit knobs and window lid
Key specifications
| Model | 35633 + 97222 rotisserie kit |
|---|---|
| Burners | 4 main, 1 side, 1 infrared side sear |
| Total output (stated) | 72,000 BTU |
| Side burner | Conventional side burner plus infrared sear burner |
| Cooking area | 723 sq in total (513 + 210 rack) |
| Grates | Porcelain-coated cast iron |
| Fuel | Propane |
| Warranty | 2 years grill; 8 years burners (limited); 1 year electrical |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want to sear on the side while a pot simmers on the other side, and like the idea of a rotisserie chicken now and then.
Skip it if you need a narrow grill; two side burners make for a wide cart.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two side burners for two jobs
- Rotisserie kit included
- Long burner warranty
Cons
- Kit and grill may arrive separately
- Wide footprint
- Same model as one of our other picks elsewhere
7. Kenmore 5-Burner Grill with Side Burner – Five Zones and a Searing Section
Kenmore’s PG-40522S0LH is a stainless five-burner cart with a side burner and a searing zone, 66,000 BTU in total, according to the listing. The cooking area is 644 square inches: 476 square inches of main area and a 168-square-inch warming rack, which the listing says fits up to 50 burgers.
The same grill appears on our large gas grill page, in black. We include this silver listing because the grill’s user guide, which we read for this page, answers questions that matter for side-burner cooking. It says the side burner and side shelf have a maximum load of 10 pounds, so a full pot of pozole or beans may be too heavy for it; use a smaller pot or cook big batches on the main grates. It also tells you to open the side burner lid before lighting it and gives a match-lighting method if the igniter fails.
The guide says the grill is made under license by Permasteel. Kenmore’s limited warranty covers defects for one year and replaces stainless steel burners that rust or burn through for five years, with proof of purchase; the listing gives only the 1-year limited figure. The listing does not state the grate material.
Why we like it
- Five main zones plus a side burner
- Searing section in the firebox
- 5-year burn-through cover on stainless burners
- Clear side burner instructions in the manual
Key specifications
| Model | PG-40522S0LH |
|---|---|
| Burners | 5 main incl. searing section, 1 side |
| Total output (stated) | 66,000 BTU |
| Side burner | Lidded; 10 lb maximum load with side shelf (manual) |
| Cooking area | 644 sq in total (476 + 168 rack) |
| Grates | Not stated |
| Fuel | Propane |
| Warranty | 1 year; 5 years on stainless burners (manual) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want five separate heat zones for a crowd and a side burner for sauces and smaller pots.
Skip it if you plan to rest heavy stockpots on the side burner; the 10-pound limit rules that out.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Five zones and a sear section
- Detailed user guide
- Burner coverage beyond one year
Cons
- 10 lb side burner load limit
- Grate material not stated
- Thin listing
How to choose a gas grill with a side burner
A side burner is only useful if it suits the cooking you will do on it. These are the questions we would ask before buying.
1. What will the side burner cook?
A conventional burner, like the Coleman’s 13,000 BTU burner or the Royal Gourmet’s 10,000 BTU burner, behaves like a stove: it boils, simmers and holds a skillet of fajita vegetables or a pan of Mexican rice. An infrared side burner, like the Napoleon’s sear station, is built for intense heat and searing. If beans, rice and salsas are the plan, a conventional burner is easier to keep low. If steaks and arrachera are the plan, infrared is the stronger tool. The Monument 35633 gives you one of each.
2. How heavy is your pot?
Side burners sit on a shelf, and shelves have limits. Kenmore’s guide puts the side burner and shelf at 10 pounds; other makers may differ, so look for the figure in your grill’s manual before you set a full pot of menudo on it. A cast iron skillet or a wok is usually a better fit for a side burner than a big stockpot.
3. Propane now, natural gas later?
Most grills here run on propane out of the box. The Coleman and the Monument 41847NG can be converted to natural gas, but both need a conversion kit bought separately. If you already have a gas line, start with our natural gas grill guide.
4. Space and clearance
A side burner adds width, and the grill needs room around it. Coleman’s manual asks for more than 36 inches from combustible materials and no awnings, umbrellas, porch roofs or house overhangs above the grill. Kenmore’s guide says never to use the grill in an enclosed space such as a garage, carport, porch or covered patio, to keep it at least 3 feet from any wall and 10 feet from objects that can catch fire. The figures differ by maker, so follow the manual for the grill you buy.
5. Grates, lid and warranty
Stainless grates, on the Napoleon and Royal Gourmet, need little care. Porcelain-coated cast iron, on the Monuments and Coleman, holds heat well but should be kept dry and oiled. Warranties run from one year on the Royal Gourmet to 15 years on the Napoleon, and Monument and Kenmore cover their stainless burners for longer than the rest of the grill. Add a grill cover to whichever you buy; a grill that lives outside lasts longer covered.
Using a side burner safely: what the manuals say
We took every safety point below from the makers’ own manuals. Your grill’s manual is the one that counts, so read it before the first cookout.
- Leak-check first. Coleman’s manual says to follow all leak check procedures before using the grill, even if it was dealer assembled. Kenmore’s guide describes brushing a 50/50 mild soap and water solution onto the connections and watching for bubbles.
- Open the lid before lighting. Kenmore’s guide says never to light a burner with the lid closed, because unburned gas can build up, and to open the side burner lid before lighting the side burner.
- If you smell gas. Coleman’s manual says to shut off the gas to the appliance, put out any open flame and open the lid; if the smell continues, keep away from the grill and call your gas supplier or fire department.
- Store spare propane away from the grill. Coleman’s manual says an LP cylinder that is not connected for use should not be stored near the grill, and not to keep an extra tank inside the grill cart.
- Outdoors only. Both manuals say the grill is for outdoor use, away from enclosed and covered spaces.
How we chose these seven grills
We looked for full-size gas grills with a side burner from identifiable makers, sold on Amazon in the United States and in stock when we checked, and left out any listing the Amazon data showed as low in stock. Burner counts, BTU figures, cooking areas, grates and warranties come from the Amazon listings; where we could read the maker’s own manual, for the Coleman Revolution and the Kenmore PG-40522S0LH, we used it and say so, and we flag where the manual and the listing disagree. Where a figure was missing we wrote “not stated”.
We did not repeat any grill from our main gas grill guide. Two models here also appear in other guides under different listings, the Monument 35633 and the Kenmore, and we explain why in each section. Weber, Char-Broil, Broil King and Nexgrill side-burner grills were low in stock or unavailable when we checked, so they are not here. We also checked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database for every brand on this page and found no recall covering any of these models. We have not cooked on these grills ourselves; this guide is built from specifications, makers’ manuals and listings.
Side-burner grill questions, answered
Is a side burner worth having on a gas grill?
If you cook full meals outside, yes. It lets you keep beans, rice or a salsa hot while the meat grills, without running back to the kitchen stove. If you only grill burgers and hot dogs, a simpler grill without one saves space.
What can you cook on a gas grill side burner?
Anything you would cook on one stove burner within its weight and heat limits: charro beans, Mexican rice, a skillet of fajita onions and peppers, a pan of salsa, corn on the cob in a pot, or tortillas on a comal. See charro beans vs refried beans for two classic pots for the side burner.
What is the difference between a side burner and a sear burner?
A side burner is a stove-style burner for pots and pans. A sear burner is a high-heat burner, often infrared, for crusting meat. Some grills, like the Royal Gourmet GA4402S, put the sear burner inside the firebox; the Napoleon makes its side burner an infrared sear station; the Monument 35633 has both a side burner and a side sear burner.
Can I use a griddle on the side burner?
A small skillet or comal, yes, within your manual’s weight limit. For a full flat-top surface, a griddle insert on the main grates is usually better; see the best gas grill griddle insert.
Can a propane side-burner grill be converted to natural gas?
Only if the maker designed it for conversion and you use the maker’s kit. The Coleman Revolution and the Monument 41847NG are both designed for it, and both need a kit sold separately. Follow the maker’s instructions or have a qualified installer do it.
Our pick for the side-burner grill to buy
Buy the Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 625 if you want one grill for searing, simmering and spit roasting, with the longest warranty here. Choose the Royal Gourmet GA4402S for a sear burner and side burner for less, the Coleman Revolution if natural gas is in your future, the Monument 41847NG for its window lid, and the Lion package if you are building an outdoor kitchen.
Whichever you choose, a good grill thermometer helps you cook to temperature rather than by guesswork, and our guide to how to eat fajitas shows what to put on that side burner first. For grills without a side burner, go back to the best gas grill.
And if you would rather someone else did the grilling tonight, see our menu or call to order.