A gas grill side burner offers far more versatility than simply searing steaks. While excellent for achieving a perfect crust, these auxiliary burners are incredibly useful for preparing a variety of dishes that complement your main grilled items, from simmering sauces to boiling corn. Understanding the full range of its capabilities can significantly enhance your outdoor cooking experience and reduce trips back and forth to the indoor kitchen.
Simmering Sauces and Gravies
One of the most common and practical uses for a gas grill side burner is simmering sauces and gravies. Instead of juggling pots indoors, you can keep your BBQ sauce warm, reduce a marinade, or prepare a rich gravy right alongside your grilling action. This ensures everything is ready at the same time and served at the ideal temperature. It’s particularly useful for dishes like pulled pork or ribs that benefit from a warm, flavorful sauce.
Boiling and Steaming Vegetables
The side burner is perfect for boiling or steaming vegetables. You can easily cook corn on the cob, asparagus, green beans, or potatoes without taking up valuable stovetop space inside. This is especially convenient when hosting larger gatherings, as it allows you to prepare a complete meal outdoors. Just fill a pot with water, bring it to a boil, and add your favorite vegetables for a fresh, healthy side dish.
- Boil corn on the cob for a classic summer side.
- Steam broccoli or green beans for a healthy accompaniment.
- Prepare pasta salad components like noodles or tortellini.
- Blanch vegetables for quick preparation or freezing.
- Cook small batches of rice or quinoa to serve with grilled proteins.
Frying and Sautéing
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Our Picks for the Best Gas Grill in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | Monument Grills 4 Burner Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel Outdoor Patio Barbecue Grill, with Broil Zone Fast Heating, Knob Control, and Easy Cleanup, M410MBZ |
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| 2 | Cuisinart Chef's Style Tabletop Portable Propane Grill, 20,000 BTU Stainless Steel 2-Burner Outdoor Gas Grill for Camping, Tailgates, BBQ, Hassle-Free Setup, Twist-Start Ignition, CGG-306 |
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| 3 | Black Portable Gas Grill, Dual 10,000 BTU Burners, 275 Sq.In Cooking Space, Push-to-Start Ignition, Wind-Proof Lid with Built-in Thermometer, Perfect for Camping Tailgates & Backyard BBQ Cookouts |
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| 4 | WAA Portable Propane Griddle, Tabletop Portable Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel Flat Top Grill, Outdoor Cooking for Tailgating,Camping, RVs, BBQ, Patio, Silver (3-Burner-2) |
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| 5 | R.W.FLAME 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, Stainless Steel Propane Grill 42000BTU for Outdoor Cooking, with Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Baking Pan, Silver |
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| 6 | Endark 4-burner propane gas grill | Stainless steel construction | Dual side racks and wheels | Designed for patio, garden, and backyard cooking |
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| 7 | GasOne GP-1030S One 3 Burner Stainless Steel– Outdoor Cabinet Style with Wheels-High-Temperature Paint Coating Gas BBQ Grill – Elegant and Luxurious Design, Black |
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| 8 | 2 Burner Propane Gas Grill with 26,500 BTUs Output, Porcelain-Enamel Main Body and Lid, Propane BBQ Grill with Warming Rack & Side Tables for Patio, Backyard, Poolside Gatherings |
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| 9 | Tabletop Gas Grill 3-Burner, 22-inch Portable Propane Grill, 30,000 BTUs Stainless Steel Grill with Foldable Legs, Ideal for BBQ, Camping, Patio, Backyard, Tailgate, and Holiday Gatherings |
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| 10 | Endark 3-burner Propane Gas Grill | 37,000 BTU Stainless Steel with Side-iFre Function | with Enameled Cast Iron Grate,Thermometer and Side Stand Wheels | Great for Patio and Garden Outdoor Cooking |
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Don’t limit your side burner to just boiling. It’s fully capable of frying and sautéing. Imagine making crispy fried onions to top your burgers, sautéing mushrooms and peppers for fajitas, or even preparing a quick stir-fry. This expands your outdoor menu significantly, allowing for more complex and diverse meals. Ensure you use appropriate cookware, such as a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan, for best results.
For those looking to upgrade their grilling setup, consider models with robust side burners that offer precise temperature control.often feature powerful side burners designed for a wide range of cooking tasks, making them a valuable addition to any backyard chef’s arsenal.
Preparing Side Dishes and Appetizers
Beyond main meal components, the side burner is excellent for preparing various side dishes and appetizers. Think about heating up baked beans, cooking a pot of chili, or even making a quick queso dip. This keeps your indoor kitchen clean and allows you to socialize with guests while everything cooks outdoors. It’s a true game-changer for entertaining.
Keeping Food Warm
Finally, a side burner can serve as a convenient warming station. If you’ve finished cooking a dish but the main course isn’t quite ready, you can keep it warm on a low setting. This is particularly useful for items like chili, soup, or even a pot of coffee for an early morning cookout. It helps in timing your meal perfectly, ensuring all components are served hot and fresh.are known for their consistent heat distribution, making them ideal for both cooking and warming tasks.
