Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.9 Best BBQ Grill With Side Burner | Sear Steaks, Simmer Sauce

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The Weber Genesis E-325 justifies its premium status through build precision and thermal performance that cheaper grills cannot replicate. The three PureBlu burners use tapered flame openings that keep food debris falling away, significantly reducing clogging and corrosion over time—a common failure point in budget units. The extra-large sear zone is not a marketing gimmick: it covers roughly a third of the primary cooking area, letting you seat six steaks simultaneously without crowding.

Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates paired with Flavorizer bars channel drippings into vapor rather than flare-ups. The grease management system slides out for disposal in seconds, which matters after a long cook. Side tables are wide enough to hold a large platter and your tools, and the warming rack sits high enough to toast buns without burning them. Assembly via the BILT app runs 1.5‑2 hours, but the fit and finish of every panel is consistent—no misaligned doors or bent shelves.

The one trade-off is burner count: three main burners versus the five or six you see on cheaper units. But each burner here delivers a more even flame pattern, so you actually get better coverage across the 27 x 48‑inch cooking area than a seven-burner budget grill that leaves cold pockets. For anyone who values cooking consistency over spec-sheet bravado, the E-325 is the definitive pick.

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Monument Grills redesigned the Mesa series with a fundamental rethink of burner geometry. The front sear zone uses U-shaped fire holes instead of conventional side flame ports, which concentrates heat more efficiently and hits 650°F in roughly 10 minutes. The flame tamers above employ smaller-angle V‑shaped holes that reduce hot spots—a real improvement over flat stamped-steel shields that create uneven browning.

The 62,000 BTU total output is distributed across four main burners and one side burner. The side burner itself runs on a dedicated 10,000‑plus BTU circuit, enough to boil a pot of water for corn or reduce barbecue sauce without frustration. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates cover 450 square inches of primary cooking space, and the 180‑square‑inch warming rack is deep enough for multiple burger buns. The Clearview lid includes a sensitive temperature gauge, and you can monitor steaks through the window without lifting the hood and losing heat.

Distinct knob lights show white when off and red when on high heat—a small UX feature that helps when grilling at dusk or in overcast weather. The grease trap slides out the back, though ensuring it is fully seated before a rainstorm matters because water can drip into the cook box if misaligned. Assembly runs about two hours and the build feels substantial for the price bracket.

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If you routinely cook for 10 or more people, the Royal Gourmet GA6402B is the volume play that does not compromise on the side burner. The specification sheet reads like a wish list: five main burners at 10,000 BTU each, a dedicated 14,000 BTU sear burner, plus a 10,000 BTU side burner—all totaling 74,000 BTU. The total cooking surface hits 835 square inches, which fits 21 burgers or three full racks of ribs across the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates.

The sear burner is not just a sticker boast; it sits in the center and delivers noticeable browning on steaks that matches mid-premium grills. The side burner sits under a spring-loaded lid that folds down to function as a side shelf when not in use. At 10,000 BTU it handles a standard saucepan well, though high-wind conditions need some shielding. The cabinet-style enclosure hides a propane tank neatly, and four lockable casters make relocation easy even on uneven patio surfaces.

Assembly is the biggest hurdle—multiple verified buyers report that the manual is vague and you should expect to backtrack a couple of steps. The blue paint on the hood resists rust, and the grease tray cup catches drips without spilling if you empty it after each cook. One door arrived dented for a reviewer, but the replacement process was fast. For the cooking area per dollar, this grill is hard to beat.

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Captiva Designs builds its 4-burner model around a simple insight: most mid-range grills cut corners on grate quality, but upgrading to porcelain-enameled cast iron changes the cooking experience dramatically. The 400‑square‑inch primary grates hold heat longer than stamped stainless, producing even sear marks across burgers and chicken thighs without cold-center spots. The secondary 145‑square‑inch warming rack is also porcelain-enameled, which is rare at this price tier.

The 42,000 BTU total output comes from four stainless steel burners plus a 10,000 BTU side burner. The side burner lid doubles as prep space when closed, and the full-size pullout drip tray slides out completely for cleaning—no squeezing a paper towel between grill bars. A bottom storage cabinet fits a 20‑lb propane tank plus tools, and the locking casters keep the grill planted on sloped driveways.

The primary concern across multiple owner reports is durability of the cook box finish: some users saw paint flaking after a handful of uses, which raises potential questions about long-term corrosion resistance. Assembly is straightforward at about 1.5 hours, and customer support responds within 24 hours. If you prioritize sear quality and clean convenience over absolute longevity, the Captiva Designs delivers remarkable value.

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Bestfire packs a staggering 68,000 BTU into its 6‑burner system (five main plus one side), targeting the buyer who wants premium specs without the premium price tag. The 447‑square‑inch porcelain-enameled cast iron grates handle 40-plus burgers, and the 200‑square‑inch warming rack keeps finished food hot without overcooking. The side burner is rated at 10,000 BTU—sufficient for sides, but you will notice a slower boil compared to higher-BTU dedicated burners.

The 304 stainless steel body and rust-proof cart cabinet inspire confidence in humid climates. Four heavy-duty wheels with two locking casters make the 88‑pound grill manageable on a patio. Push-button ignition fires reliably on the first try for most users, and the built-in thermometer is responsive enough for low-and-slow smoking. The enclosed cabinet hides a 20‑lb propane tank completely.

Assembly complexity is the main friction point. The instruction manual is vague, and reviewers consistently recommend watching the video tutorial on the product page first—expect around three hours if working solo. Some buyers reported metal discoloration from high-fat drippings that caused minor flare-ups, though the cast iron grates handled the heat fine. At this price, the cooking area per dollar is exceptional, provided you have patience for setup.

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The Electactic G41 Pro stands out for using real stainless steel throughout the frame rather than painted steel—a differentiator at its price point. Four main burners plus a covered 10,000 BTU side burner deliver 42,000 BTU total. The enamel-coated grates provide good non-stick performance, and the included multifunctional baking tray lets you stir-fry vegetables or cook seafood without a separate pan. Cast iron grates would hold more heat, but the enamel surface makes cleanup faster.

The side burner sits under a lid that folds flush with the side shelf, creating a continuous prep surface when not in use. The built-in tool hooks on the side shelf keep a spatula and tongs within reach, and the bottom storage area holds the propane tank and grilling accessories. Assembly is manageable at around two hours, though the control panel and gas lines require careful routing to avoid kinking the hose.

Heat distribution is the main variable: some users report that the back burners run hotter than the front, leading to uneven cooking if you do not rotate food. The included baking tray is a nice bonus, but it limits the grates to only two if you use it as a griddle. Dial precision is adequate rather than surgical, and the casters are not stainless steel, which may show surface rust over time if left in wet grass.

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Master Cook’s 4‑burner model delivers 52,000 BTU total with the highest side burner rating in this roundup at 12,000 BTU. That extra 2,000 BTU over the typical 10,000 makes a tangible difference when reducing a pan of barbecue sauce or boiling corn on the cob—the water comes to a rolling boil noticeably faster. The four main burners each produce 10,000 BTU, and the piezo ignition system fires consistently across all burners.

The total cooking area measures 518 square inches, split into 400 square inches of primary grilling surface and a 118‑square‑inch swing-away warming rack. The stainless steel lid and control panel lend a clean look, though the frame uses painted steel rather than full stainless. The cabinet-style base hides a propane tank behind two doors, and four caster wheels allow you to roll the grill out of storage. Assembly clocks in at about one to two hours depending on experience.

The biggest compromise is temperature ceiling: multiple owners report the grill tops out around 525°F, which limits the aggressive sear you get from higher-BTU units. The side burner works perfectly, but the main burners lack the thermal headroom for a high-temperature steakhouse char. For buyers who prioritize the side burner for sides and sauces over extreme main-grate heat, this is a compelling budget pick.

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The Royal Gourmet GA5401T balances a four-burner main layout with a dedicated 12,000 BTU sear burner and a 9,000 BTU side burner for a total of 61,000 BTU. The sear burner sits between the second and third main burners and delivers enough concentrated heat for steakhouse-quality crust when fully opened. The side burner at 9,000 BTU is adequate for low-to-medium simmering but will struggle to boil a large pot of water quickly compared to higher-rated units.

The total cooking area of 602 square inches includes a 476‑square‑inch primary surface plus a 126‑square‑inch warming rack. The double-layer stainless steel lid retains heat well, and the built-in thermometer on the hood gives a usable readout. Side shelves offer real prep space, and the side burner lid folds down to increase that surface when the burner is off. The electronic ignition uses a single burner to light the rest—turn the main ignition knob to HI, press the ignitor, and flames spread across all burners reliably.

The main long-term complaints center on the warming rack, where the paint can burn off during the initial pre-burn—cooking it off before first use solves the issue. The lid is thinner than premium competitors, allowing more heat to escape in windy conditions. Assembly instructions are notably vague, so allocate an afternoon and double-check every step before tightening hardware.

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The Electactic 3‑burner is the compact entry point into gas grilling with a side burner, offering a 34,000 BTU total output. Three stainless steel main burners plus a 10,500 BTU side burner provide enough heat for a family of four without overcomplicating the cooking area. The 373‑square‑inch porcelain-enameled grates create decent non-stick performance, and the built-in temperature gauge reads up to 1000°F—though the grill itself will not reach anywhere near that.

Design touches punch above the price class: the side shelf includes hidden tool hooks, a built-in SUS304 bottle opener, and SUS304 control knob bezels that resist corrosion. The rear-draw slant grease tray channels drippings into a removable cup, keeping the cook box relatively clean. The double-layer hood retains heat reasonably well, and the grill rolls on wheels that make it easy to tuck into a garage corner when not in use.

The heating power at 34,000 BTU is adequate but not fast—recovery time after opening the lid is slower than higher-BTU units. Assembly is reported as smooth with clear instructions, and the build quality feels solid for the entry-level tier. Buy this for occasional weekend cooks, not all-day entertaining.