Side Burners vs. Power Burners: Best Options for Outdoor Kitchens
Discover the ideal burner solution to elevate your outdoor cooking experience
What is a Side Burner?
A side burner is a supplementary cooking surface positioned adjacent to your primary grill. Typically built into the side shelf or countertop of your outdoor kitchen setup, these burners provide additional cooking capacity without requiring you to leave the grilling station.
These versatile cooking tools are perfect for preparing side dishes, warming sauces, sautéing vegetables, or keeping food at the optimal temperature while you focus on grilling the main course. Most side burners operate on propane or natural gas and offer adjustable heat settings for precise temperature control.
Side Burner Advantages
✓ Adds versatility to your grilling station
✓ Perfect for sauces and side dishes
✓ Space-saving and convenient
✓ Easy temperature adjustment
Side Burner vs. Double vs. Power Burner
Understanding the differences between these burner types helps you select the right option for your outdoor cooking needs. Each type offers distinct advantages depending on your culinary requirements.
| Feature | Side Burner | Double Burner | Power Burner |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTU Output | 10K - 15K | 20K - 30K | 60K+ |
| Best For | Sauces, warming | Multiple dishes | High-heat cooking |
| Space Required | Minimal | Moderate | Moderate |
| Price Range | $ | $$ | $$$ |
Why Side Burners for Your Outdoor Kitchen?
Side burners transform your outdoor kitchen from a simple grilling station into a complete cooking environment. They eliminate the constant trips between your indoor kitchen and the grill, allowing you to prepare entire meals outdoors.
Whether you're boiling corn on the cob, preparing a signature barbecue sauce, or keeping sides warm while the steaks finish cooking, a quality side burner provides the flexibility professional outdoor chefs demand.
Top Burners We Recommend
Premium Side Burner Options
When selecting a side burner for your outdoor kitchen, consider factors such as BTU output, construction materials, and compatibility with your existing setup. Stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while higher BTU ratings provide more versatile cooking options.
Double burner configurations offer enhanced flexibility, allowing you to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously while maintaining precise temperature control on each burner independently.
Power Burners for Serious Cooks
Power burners deliver exceptional heat output, making them ideal for tasks like deep frying turkey, boiling large pots of seafood, or wok cooking. With BTU ratings often exceeding 60,000, these burners bring restaurant-quality heat to your backyard.
Cal Flame Deluxe Double Side Burner
Premium stainless steel construction with dual burner configuration for ultimate outdoor cooking versatility.
Cal Flame Double Side BurnerBuilt-In vs. Cart Style Burners
Built-in burners integrate seamlessly into custom outdoor kitchen islands, providing a polished, professional appearance. These units are designed for permanent installation and typically offer superior heat distribution and durability.
Cart-style burners provide excellent mobility and flexibility, ideal for those who prefer a portable solution or are still finalizing their outdoor kitchen design. While equally functional, cart models allow repositioning based on cooking needs or entertainment layouts.
Built-In Benefits
Seamless integration, premium aesthetics, permanent installation, custom countertop compatibility
Cart Style Benefits
Portable design, flexible placement, easy storage options, no installation required
Choosing the Right Gas Type
Most premium side burners are compatible with both propane and natural gas, though conversion kits may be required. Natural gas connections offer unlimited fuel supply and consistent pressure, ideal for permanent outdoor kitchen installations connected to your home's gas line.
Propane provides excellent portability and typically delivers higher BTU output per cubic foot, making it the preferred choice for cart-style setups or locations without natural gas access. Consider your existing infrastructure and long-term outdoor kitchen plans when selecting your fuel type.
Key Considerations
Assess your grill's current fuel type, check local building codes, evaluate propane tank storage options, and consider future expansion plans for your outdoor cooking space.
Installation Tips
Proper installation ensures optimal performance and safety. For built-in models, verify cutout dimensions match manufacturer specifications precisely. Allow adequate ventilation beneath the unit and maintain required clearances from combustible materials.
Consider proximity to your main grill for workflow efficiency. Position the burner within comfortable reach while maintaining sufficient workspace between cooking stations. Always consult local building codes and consider professional installation for gas line connections.
Ensure proper drainage and protection from weather elements to extend the lifespan of your investment.
When to Choose a Power Burner
Power burners excel in situations requiring intense, concentrated heat. If you frequently host large gatherings featuring fried turkey, crawfish boils, or low country boil seafood feasts, a power burner becomes an essential tool in your outdoor cooking arsenal.
Wok cooking enthusiasts particularly appreciate power burners, as achieving proper wok hei requires heat levels that standard side burners simply cannot produce. The rapid temperature recovery also makes power burners ideal for maintaining consistent oil temperatures during deep frying.
Home brewers and canners also benefit from power burners, which can bring large volumes of liquid to boil significantly faster than conventional burners.
Outdoor Cooking Ideas
Maximize your side burner investment with these popular outdoor cooking applications:
Homemade BBQ Sauces
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Seafood Boils
Sautéed Vegetables
Deep Fried Turkey
Wok Stir-Fry
Warming Baked Beans
Pasta and Noodles
Frequently Asked Questions
How much BTU do I need for a side burner?
For general cooking tasks like sauces and warming, 12,000-15,000 BTUs is sufficient. If you plan on boiling large pots or high-heat cooking, look for burners with 25,000+ BTUs. Power burners for deep frying should have 60,000+ BTUs.
Can I convert my propane burner to natural gas?
Most quality side burners are convertible. Check manufacturer specifications for conversion kit availability. Professional installation is recommended for gas conversions to ensure safety and proper operation.
Do I need a cover for my side burner?
Yes, protective covers extend the lifespan of your burner by shielding it from weather elements. Many premium models include integrated covers, while aftermarket options are available for most configurations.
What's the difference between single and double side burners?
Double side burners provide two independent cooking zones with separate controls, allowing you to cook at different temperatures simultaneously. They're ideal for preparing multiple dishes or larger outdoor cooking sessions.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a versatile side burner for everyday outdoor cooking or a high-powered burner for demanding culinary applications, adding this capability transforms your backyard into a complete outdoor kitchen. Evaluate your cooking style, space constraints, and budget to select the perfect burner solution for your needs.
Cal Flame Double Side Burner