Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
A barbecue grill with a side burner is the difference between juggling a saucepan on the patio and actually hosting a cookout. You sear the steaks while the sauce simmers beside them, and the right one turns a cramped two-hour session into a relaxed, hands-on meal. For most buyers, the deciding factors come down to total cooking space, the strength of that auxiliary burner, and whether the grates will hold up to years of char.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you feed a family of four or a street of neighbors, this breakdown of the best barbecue grill with side burner finds your match without burning your budget on a brand name alone.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Barbecue Grill with Side Burner
A side burner’s heat output varies widely, so check its BTU rating before buying. Before you check out, focus on the three numbers that actually dictate your cookout: the main cooking surface, the side burner’s output, and the total heat across all burners. These specs tell you whether you can feed a crowd and whether that side spigot can simmer a pot of beans.
Match the Cooking Area to Your Crowd
Cooking area in square inches directly determines how much food fits on the grill at once. Entry-level grills hover around 373 square inches — fine for a couple of steaks. The biggest unit in this lineup jumps to 835 square inches, which comfortably handles a gathering of 8 to 10 people. If you host often, size up rather than down; you can always use a warming rack for bread.
Look at the Side Burner’s Real Output
Cheaper models often skimp on the side burner, dropping to as low as 9,000 BTU. That level handles melting butter but struggles to boil water quickly. A dedicated 10,500 BTU or 14,000 BTU side burner gives you real versatility, so you can boil corn or fry sides in parallel with the main grill. Check this number if you actually plan to use the burner instead of just storing a lid over it.
Read the Grate Material Carefully
You want grates that sear hard and last, not ones that rust after a season. Porcelain-enameled cast iron (cast iron coated with a glass-like layer) gives you heavy heat retention plus a non-stick, rust-resistant surface. Cheaper stainless steel wire grates are lighter but do not sear as well and can flex under a heavy load. For weekly cooks, porcelain-enameled cast iron is the surface that protects your investment.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Total BTUs | Cooking Area | Main Burners | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COWSAR 4-Burner★ Best Overall | Budgets That Want Big Space | 32,000 | 530 sq.in. | 4 | Amazon |
| Electactic 3-Burner 34KFastest Sear | Quick Sear & Fast Heat | 34,000 | 373 sq.in. | 3 | Amazon |
| Electactic 3-Burner 489Best for New Owners | First-Time Owners | 34,000 | 489 sq.in. | 3 | Amazon |
| Captiva Designs 4-Burner | House parties | 42,000 | 545 sq.in. | 4 | Amazon |
| GRILL DEPOTS 4-Burner | Griddle & Grill Lovers | 49,000 | 441 sq.in. | 4 | Amazon |
| Sophia & William 4-Burner | Balanced All-Rounder | — | 545 sq.in. | 4 | Amazon |
| Monument Grills Mesa415BZ | Sear Marks & Even Heat | 62,000 | 630 sq.in. | 4 | Amazon |
| Royal Gourmet GA6402S | Giant Gatherings | 74,000 | 835 sq.in. | 6 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. COWSAR 4-Burner Gas Grill
Our pick — 4.5★ from 50+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The four-burner workhorse that gives you 530 square inches without demanding a premium price.
At its heart, this COWSAR packs 32,000 BTU across four upgraded stainless steel burners, and the real payoff is heat that spreads evenly with no hot spots. That consistency matters when you lay down six steaks at once and expect a uniform sear on every last one, not a charred corner and a raw middle.
The cooking layout splits into 391 square inches of primary grilling space and a 139 square-inch warming rack, which together handle burgers, steaks, or ribs for a full gathering. Buyers report the key parts are stainless steel “should last many seasons,” and the pull-out oil tray with a large-capacity grease cup makes post-cook cleanup a slide-and-dump job instead of a scrub session.
The porcelain-coated cast iron grates resist sticking and rust while retaining heat well, and the storage cabinet plus side hooks keep tools within reach. Assembly is described as easy, with a handy screwdriver even included — though the unboxing takes longer than the build, and one owner notes the door magnets do not keep doors shut when the grill is moved. The standout verdict is simple: it is a great grill for the money.
What wins people over
- Large 530 sq.in. surface with even heat
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates resist rust
- Pull-out grease tray simplifies cleanup
Where it stumbles
- Cabinet door magnets slip when rolling
- Not the model to pick if you expect a griddle setup
Your best buy if: you want maximum cooking space and four-burner control at a value price.
Look elsewhere if: you move your grill often and need cabinet doors that latch solidly during transit.
2. Electactic 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
The crowd favorite on heat — owners mention 650°F in under ten minutes flat.
This Electactic runs three stainless steel main burners plus a 10,500 BTU side burner for a total of 34,000 BTU, and owners consistently report excellent heat distribution with no cold or hot spots. The built-in temperature gauge reads up to 1000°F, so you dial in a precise sear without lifting the double-layer hood repeatedly.
With 373 square inches of cooking surface split across main grates and a warming area, it is more compact than the COWSAR above — a real advantage if your patio space is tight. Owners shipped to Alaska say it arrived early and undamaged, and one assembly took 1.5 hours with the cleanest instructions they had seen. The porcelain-enameled grates give a non-stick, easy-to-clean surface for year-round cooking.
Smart touches include a side shelf with hidden tool hooks and a built-in SUS304 bottle opener for entertaining. A recurring honest note is that you cannot add lava rocks for drippings or heat retention, and the burner valve rests rather than feeling fully secured. Still, buyers describe it as sturdy, well built, and “very well fabricated” — a grill that looks set to last a lifetime.
The real takeaway: raw heating speed and even coverage are the headline acts, making this the grill for cooks who chase a rapid, consistent sear.
Fair warning: if you judge a grill by its ability to hold lava rock, this one is not designed for that.
3. Electactic 34,000 BTU 3-Burner Grill
A versatile 3+1 layout with a cast-iron flat plate for buns and veggies in the mix.
Three main burners each deliver 8,000 BTU, while the dedicated side burner adds 10,000 BTU for a combined 34,000 BTU — enough to preheat quickly and cook evenly. What truly distinguishes this Electactic is the included cast iron flat grill alongside two regular grates, so you can toast buns on the flat plate while burgers sear on the open bars.
Total cooking space hits 489.17 square inches, including a 130.22 square-inch warming area, and buyers find the setup remarkably easy to follow. The build uses AISI 304 stainless steel on the lid with 201 stainless steel on the body, plus cast iron grates that hold heat efficiently. Independent heat knobs and a sealed lid that retains moisture make it sturdy and long-lasting for backyard parties.
Four heavy-duty wheels — two with casters that lock — let you glide it across a deck, and a removable grease tray keeps cleanup quick. Reviews cheer the easy assembly and the responsive customer service when a hose arrived crimped. A minority report the burners do not always match their rated output, so temperature control can feel imperfect. For the price, owners call it a great value with excellent materials.
The smart-money pick: you get the versatility of a grill plus a griddle plate in one unit, which is rare at this level.
Know this first: if you demand exact flame control every time, some owners found heat output occasionally shy of the spec sheet.
4. Captiva Designs Propane Gas BBQ Grill
Four burners, 42,000 BTU, and 545 square inches built to feed a full backyard party.
The four stainless steel burners generate 42,000 BTU across 545 square inches of cooking space, with a 400 square-inch main area and a 145 square-inch warming rack. Owners highlight the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates as genuinely heavy-duty, with an even heat distribution across every burner that sears burgers to perfection.
This Captiva runs hotter than the Electactic 3-burner models above, and customers note the double-layer lid heats fast while retaining that heat well. The grates season properly within the first couple of uses, sticking minimally by the second cook, and the thermometer reads accurately. A full-size pullout oil drip tray plus a two-tray grease system keeps the post-cook cleanup fast.
Storage is well covered by a bottom cabinet that swallows a propane tank, tools, and seasonings, while wheels with two locks add mobility. Assembly runs under an hour for most, though one builder spent two hours thanks to a confusing back-bar step that was actually shipping reinforcement. The grates being so heavy is exactly why food does not fall through — a feature, not a flaw.
Why it earns its place: great heat and heavy-duty grates deliver a proper sear and even cook across the whole surface.
One honest catch: a single buyer reported severe overheating after limited use, which reads as a lemon rather than the norm.
5. GRILL DEPOTS 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill
The dual-zone trick that sizzles bacon on a griddle while flipping burgers on the bars.
You get four main stainless steel burners, each producing 10,000 BTU (a unit of heat output), totaling 49,000 BTU, plus a 9,000 BTU side burner. What makes this GRILL DEPOTS stand apart is the cast iron grill grates plus a flat griddle in the same cooking area — so eggs, fish, and veggies get a flat surface while steaks and burgers ride the open bars.
The cooking zone covers 441 square inches, including 331 square inches of active cooking and a 108 square-inch warming rack. Owners specifically praise the size, noting it is big enough for a family barbecue and perfect for hibachi-style cooking at home. The porcelain-enameled grates are non-stick and rust-resistant, which keeps cleanup easy after each session.
A stainless steel build with cabinet doors hides the propane tank and tools, and four heavy-duty wheels roll smoothly across grass or pavers. Assembly reviews split widely — some finished in an hour while one buyer spent almost eight — and a few mention screws that strip easily. The value is real, though a handful note the metal is thinner than premium brands, which may shorten its lifespan.
The defining trick: the built-in flat griddle turns one grill into a breakfast-and-dinner station.
Temper expectations: if you want thick-gauge metal that shrugs off years of weather, this leans toward the value side of the spectrum.
6. Sophia & William 4-Burner Propane BBQ Grill
Premium looks and features that cook like a far pricier name without the premium tag.
Four stainless steel burners work with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and matching flame tamers to spread heat evenly across 545 square inches of cooking space. The layout gives you 400 square inches of primary cooking area and a 145 square-inch warming rack, and the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist rust while retaining heat superbly.
Owners consistently mention the fast, even cook and how the side burner plus prep shelf make it genuinely useful — not just decorative. The single-layer lid has been swapped for a double-layer design to hold heat, and a built-in thermometer tracks temperature in real time. A large storage cabinet conceals the tank while leaving room for accessories.
Assembly is reported as quick, somewhere between 15 minutes and a couple of hours depending on experience. The four galvanized casters include two that lock, so you can position it safely. The most honest long-term note from a single owner is that after a couple of years of light use, rust appeared on flame disperser supports — a reminder that even stainless needs its cover. Most buyers find it solid, feature-packed, and attractive.
The balanced choice: you get even cooking, honest heat retention, and a clean look that most owners call a premium feel.
Think twice if: you plan to leave it uncovered in coastal air for years — a long-term owner saw rust set in.
7. Monument Grills Mesa Series 415BZ
The sear machine that hits roughly 700°F and hands you perfect medium-rare in minutes.
You get four primary burners plus a side burner, combining for 62,000 BTU of raw power across 630 square inches of cooking space. The sear zone uses U-shaped fire holes at the front with a flame tamer (a metal shield that spreads heat evenly) designed to cut hot spots. Reviewers point out the grill rockets to about 700°F — one owner seared steaks three minutes per side for perfect medium-rare.
The space splits into 450 square inches for main cooking and 180 square inches of warming rack, enough to handle a 22-pound turkey or 23 burgers side by side. A Clearview lid with a sensitive temperature gauge lets you watch food without lifting the hood, and distinct knob lights show status — white for off, red for high heat.
Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates deliver even heat and easy cleanup, while rounded edges throughout minimize bumps. Assembly takes two to three hours, and while the instructions are vague in spots, shoppers say the quality is evident and it is well packaged. The built-in bottle opener arrives with no mounting spot and no instructions — a small head-scratcher on an otherwise polished unit.
The performance king: searing speed and even heat make this the pick for steak purists who want results fast.
Keep in mind: set aside a patient afternoon for assembly and expect a minor bottle-opener puzzle.
8. Royal Gourmet GA6402S 6-Burner Grill
Six burners strong and 835 square inches deep — the true crowd-feeder of the lineup.
Five tube burners each put out 10,000 BTU, joined by a 14,000 BTU sear burner and a 10,000 BTU side burner for a total of 74,000 BTU. That extreme output explains why Royal Gourmet calls it a high-output grill, and the 835 square inches — enough for 39 hamburgers at once — comfortably serves a gathering of 8 to 10 people.
The dedicated sear burner produces intense heat for professional-style charring, while the side burner holds oil at 350°F without drama, according to one owner’s test. Flame tamers and porcelain-enameled cast iron grates spread heat evenly, and buyers report minimal flare-ups with a sear plate that actually works. One cook loaded it with a 5-pound chicken plus three burgers and still had room to spare.
Assembly is the honest hurdle — even a mechanic called it difficult — but owners say the effort pays off in even heat and juicy results. Burner dials can feel inaccurate, with high sometimes reading lower than expected, and a few note the frame is not fully stainless. Yet the removable grease tray and cup make cleanup simple, and the value is strong for the sheer scale.
Feed the neighborhood: if you regularly cook for a dozen or more, this is the only grill here that will not break a sweat.
Plan for it: a challenging build and some dial quirks are the toll you pay for this much raw capacity.
Understanding the Specs
BTU Output
BTU — British Thermal Units — measures raw heat output, and more BTU generally means faster preheating and higher peak temperatures. But the number only tells part of the story. A 74,000 BTU six-burner grill can overwhelm a smaller surface, while a well-designed 34,000 BTU three-burner may sear just as well with far better fuel efficiency. Compare BTU against the cooking area to judge real performance.
Cooking Surface Area
Square-inch cooking area is the most reliable gauge of how much food you can grill simultaneously. Look for two numbers: the primary grilling area and the warming rack. A 530 square-inch grill typically handles a full family meal, while a 835 square-inch unit is built for entertaining. If you host parties, choose area over raw BTU every time.
Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates
This material combo gives you the heat retention of heavy cast iron with a protective enamel coating that resists rust and sticking. Unlike bare cast iron, it needs no seasonal seasoning ritual, and unlike thin wire grates, it holds consistent heat for proper sear marks. It is the surface most worth paying for in a grill that will live outdoors.
Side Burner Output
The side burner’s BTU rating determines if it boils water or merely melts butter. A 9,000 BTU side burner suits sides and sauces, while 10,000 to 14,000 BTU powers boiling corn or frying. If the side burner is a priority, hold every model to this number before you commit.
FAQ
How much cooking area do I need for a family of four?
Is a higher BTU rating always better on a gas grill?
Can I actually boil water on a side burner?
What is the difference between porcelain-enameled cast iron and stainless steel grates?
How long does assembly take on these grills?
Do I need to buy a propane tank separately?
What does the grease tray actually do for cleanup?
Is a cabinet-style grill worth the extra money?
Which is better — a 4-burner or a 6-burner grill?
How do I know if a grill will fit on my patio?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
The barbecue grill with side burner you choose depends on how many plates you fill. The crowd favorite — the COWSAR 4-Burner — wins Best Overall by pairing 530 square inches with 32,000 BTU of even heat at a value price, and its strong review volume backs that pick. If raw searing speed is your priority, the Electactic 34,000 BTU reaches 650°F in under ten minutes with genuinely even heat. And for the host who cooks for a crowd every weekend, the Royal Gourmet 6-Burner with 835 square inches is the one to reach for. Every grill here earns its place — the honest job is matching the surface area and burner power to your actual cookout size.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, KitchPrep earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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