A side burner quietly turns a backyard grill into a small outdoor kitchen, letting you simmer beans, sauté vegetables, or boil a pot of corn while the main grates handle the steaks. The trick is matching the burner to how you actually cook, not just chasing the biggest number on a spec sheet. This roundup looks at nine grills that genuinely deliver on the side-burner promise, from full-size family rigs to portable propane units and a flat-top griddle that earns its spot for breakfast cooks. Whether you’re feeding four on a Tuesday or hosting a dozen on a Saturday, there’s a fit below that lines up with your space, your fuel, and your weekend style.
A Snapshot Of The Selections
Monument Grills Denali 605 6-Burner Convertible Smart Grill
Weber Q 2800N+ Portable Propane Grill
Monument Grills 35633 Propane Grill with Cover Bundle
Monument Grills Mesa200S 2-Burner Propane Grill
Monument Grills Mesa415BZ 4+1 Burner Propane Grill
Monument Grills Mesa400MF 4-Burner Propane Grill
La Bolata 4-Burner Propane BBQ Grill with Side Burner
La Bolata 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Cast Iron Grate
Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone Griddle, 468 Sq In
A Breakdown Of The Leading Choices
The Denali 605 is a full-size rig aimed at backyard hosts who treat Saturday cookouts like an event. Six main burners plus a dedicated side burner give you room to grill proteins on one half while warming sides or boiling water on the other, and the convertible design means you can run it on propane now and switch to natural gas later with the right conversion kit. Stainless steel construction holds up to weather, and the smart features (Wi-Fi connectivity, temperature probes, app control) let you step away from the grill without losing track of what’s cooking.
For larger patios where you entertain often, the footprint and BTU output make this a confident centerpiece. Smaller households may find the surface area more than they need week to week.
Everyday Advantages
- Six main burners plus a side burner handle full-menu cookouts without juggling pans on the main grates.
- Dual-fuel convertible design lets you choose propane portability or a natural gas line installation down the road.
- Smart connectivity with app monitoring helps on long cooks where you’re moving between kitchen and patio.
- Stainless steel exterior resists rust in humid or coastal climates better than painted steel finishes.
- High overall BTU output sears steaks quickly while still leaving low-and-slow zones for ribs or roasts.
Honest Caveats
- Full-size footprint demands a spacious patio and a permanent-feeling placement.
- Natural gas conversion requires the separate kit and a gas line hookup, which adds cost and scheduling.
- Stainless steel shows fingerprints and benefits from a wipe-down after most cooks.
Who It Suits Best
Hosts who regularly feed a crowd and want a smart, full-feature centerpiece for a permanent patio setup.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
For tight patios or balcony use, the Monument Grills Mesa200S offers a far smaller footprint with fewer trade-offs.
The Weber Q 2800N+ is the rare portable that doesn’t feel like a compromise. The Plus burner design lets you dial heat from a low 250°F bake-and-roast range up to 700°F for hard sears, which means you can smoke a chicken on one trip and sear ribeyes on the next from the same grill. Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates hold heat well and produce real grill marks, and the Midnight Black finish gives it a more premium table-side look than most portable units.
Tailgaters, campers, and apartment dwellers with a small balcony get the most from this format. If you typically cook for eight or more, the cooking surface will feel tight.
What Makes Sense
- Broad temperature range (250°F to 700°F) handles both low-and-slow cooks and high-heat searing in one unit.
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates retain heat for better sear marks and resist sticking with proper preheating.
- Portable form factor with folding legs fits car trunks and small patios without permanent installation.
- Compatible with a separately sold griddle insert for pancakes, eggs, and smash burgers.
Softer Spots
- Cooking surface is smaller than full-size grills, limiting batch cooking for larger gatherings.
- No dedicated side burner, so pots and pans compete for main grate space during multi-course meals.
- Propane tank adds bulk to transport compared to compact tabletop units.
Right Fit For
Tailgaters, campers, and balcony cooks who want genuine grilling performance in a portable form.
Consider Something Else When
If a dedicated side burner matters to your style, the Monument Grills Mesa200S keeps that workflow even on a small patio.
This Monument Grills bundle pairs the 35633 four-plus-two burner propane grill with a fitted cover, which solves the “I’ll buy a cover later” problem that often turns into a rusted lid by year two. Four main 304 stainless steel burners, a side burner, and a sear burner give you 72,000 BTU total output, while the 723-square-inch combined cooking surface (primary plus warming rack) handles family gatherings without crowding. The included cover means your grill is protected from the day it arrives.
Shoppers who want a turnkey setup without tracking down a separate cover benefit most. If you already own a cover or plan to store the grill under a roof, buying the bundle may feel redundant.
What Pays Off
- Bundled cover protects the stainless steel finish from rain, pollen, and UV damage from day one.
- Sear burner delivers high-heat marks on steaks while side burner handles sauces or vegetables simultaneously.
- Large 723-square-inch combined cooking area accommodates burgers, sides, and a warming rack in one session.
- 304 stainless steel main burners offer better corrosion resistance than aluminized steel alternatives.
Practical Considerations
- Full-size footprint requires dedicated patio space and may dominate smaller entertaining areas.
- Owners commonly report that the included cover benefits from a support pole underneath to prevent water pooling.
- More burners mean more cleaning time after large cookouts compared to simpler three-burner units.
Key Product Details
Built With In Mind
Shoppers wanting a complete backyard setup with a grill and matching cover delivered together.
Skip It When
For tighter budgets where a cover is easy to buy separately, the Mesa415BZ delivers similar cooking performance without the bundle markup.
The Mesa200S targets the gap left by full-size grills that simply won’t fit a balcony or small patio. Two 304 stainless steel burners put out 24,000 BTU, which is plenty for a four-person cookout, and the Clearview lid lets you peek at food without lifting the lid and losing heat. The two foldable shelves drop flat for storage against a wall or fence, which matters when every square foot of patio counts.
For condo patios and small backyards, this hits a sweet spot the bigger Monument models can’t. Large families hosting more than six will outgrow the 450-square-inch cooking area fast.
A Few Strong Suits
- Foldable shelves reduce the grill’s standing footprint when not in use, ideal for tight storage.
- Clearview lid window helps monitor food without lifting the lid and interrupting the cook.
- 304 stainless steel burners handle heat cycling better than coated alternatives over multiple seasons.
- 450-square-inch total cooking area suits a four-person household without overcrowding the grates.
Room For Improvement
- Two burners limit indirect cooking setups and simultaneous high/low temperature zones.
- Smaller primary cooking area (320 sq in) feels tight for entertaining more than four people.
- No dedicated sear burner means achieving deep sear marks requires running both main burners on high.
Made For
Apartment dwellers, condo owners, and small-patio cooks who grill for two to four people regularly.
Look Elsewhere When
For larger gatherings where a dedicated sear burner matters, the Mesa415BZ delivers more cooking zones in a similar footprint class.
The Mesa415BZ is built around a serious sear zone that reaches 650°F in roughly 10 minutes, which puts it in steak-house territory rather than weeknight-burger territory. Four main burners plus a dedicated side burner total 62,000 BTU, and the U-shaped flame holes on the sear burner concentrate heat at the front of the cooking surface for more efficient fire output. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates deliver solid heat retention and those visible grill marks that make a steak look as good as it tastes.
Cooks who care deeply about the sear and run medium-to-large gatherings get the most from this configuration. For low-and-slow purists, the four-burner layout opens more indirect cooking options than smaller units offer.
Well-Handled Touches
- Sear zone reaches 650°F in about 10 minutes for restaurant-style crusts on steaks and chops.
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates retain heat consistently and clean up reasonably with a wire brush.
- Four main burners enable indirect cooking on three burners while one stays hot for direct sear.
- Dedicated side burner handles boiling, simmering, or sautéing without crowding the main grates.
Things To Consider
- Heavier overall weight than two- or three-burner units makes repositioning on the patio harder.
- Porcelain enamel can chip if grates are dropped or scraped aggressively during cleaning.
- Higher BTU demand means propane consumption climbs during long sear sessions.
Feature Snapshot
Best Suited To
Steak enthusiasts and hosts who want a dedicated sear zone plus room to manage multiple dishes at once.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
For budget-focused cooks who don’t prioritize searing, the Mesa400MF offers four burners and a Clearview lid without the sear-zone price jump.
The Mesa400MF keeps things uncomplicated, which is exactly why it earns a spot on this list. Four independently controlled burners, a Clearview lid with heat-rated glass, and a single foldable shelf give you the core grilling experience without paying for features you may not use. The electronic ignition system lights all four burners with one hand, which sounds small until you’ve wrestled a stubborn starter knob with greasy fingers. Heating up to roughly 500°F in 10 minutes handles most weeknight cookouts without a long wait.
Families who want a reliable four-burner setup for typical dinners, burgers, and chicken get the most from this design. Pitmasters chasing extreme sear temperatures will want to step up to the Mesa415BZ.
Useful Strengths
- One-handed electronic ignition simplifies startup, especially with food already waiting on a plate.
- Clearview lid glass is rated to handle high heat, letting you monitor food without opening the lid.
- Four independently controlled burners support varied cooking temperatures across the grates simultaneously.
- Foldable shelf drops down for easier storage against a wall or fence on small patios.
Small Caveats
- Max temperature around 500°F is lower than dedicated sear-focused grills for serious crust development.
- No dedicated sear burner means achieving steak-house marks requires running all four burners on high.
- Single foldable shelf means less prep space than two-shelf designs during full-meal cookouts.
Who Should Grab It
Family cooks who want a balanced four-burner layout without paying for premium searing features they may not use often.
Not Your Match When
For steak-focused searing sessions, the Mesa415BZ reaches much higher temperatures and earns its higher price.
The La Bolata 4-Burner brings two distinct cooking surfaces to one frame: a cast iron wire grate on most of the main area and a reversible cast iron griddle plate that you can swap to either side depending on the meal. That flexibility is the headline here, letting you run pancakes and bacon on one half while burgers sear on the other, then flip the griddle to a flat side for smash burgers later. A stainless steel warming rack sits above the main burners to keep finished food hot while the rest of the meal finishes.
Cooks who switch between grilling and griddling, especially for weekend breakfasts or varied cuisines, get the most value from this layout. Traditional grill-only cooks may find the griddle plate goes unused.
Points In Its Favor
- Reversible cast iron griddle plate swaps between flat and grooved sides for varied cooking styles.
- Cast iron wire grate plus griddle combination handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner on one grill.
- Stainless steel warming rack keeps cooked food at serving temperature while finishing the rest of the meal.
- Dedicated side burner supports pots, pans, and sauces without sacrificing main grate real estate.
Areas To Watch
- Cast iron griddle plate requires seasoning and careful drying to prevent rust over time.
- Swapping between grate and griddle adds setup time compared to fixed-surface grills.
- Black painted finish shows grease and dust more readily than stainless steel exteriors.
Quick Facts
Perfect Match For
Versatile cooks who regularly switch between grilling and griddling, especially for breakfast or smash burgers.
Reach For A Different Pick When
If griddling is your primary cooking style rather than occasional variety, the Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone Griddle is purpose-built for flat-top cooking.
The La Bolata 3-Burner is the simplest way into the grilling hobby without buying a disposable tabletop unit. Three stainless steel burners deliver 30,000 BTU, which is plenty for a small family’s dinners, and the cast iron grates hold and distribute heat better than thin porcelain-coated wire racks. Foldable side tables drop down for apartment storage, and the easy-clean grease system pulls out for fast post-cookout cleanup rather than scraping caked-on drippings later.
First-time grill owners and apartment dwellers benefit most from the approachable size and forgiving controls. Larger households hosting six or more will want more cooking surface and more burners.
Everyday Perks
- Easy-clean grease system removes drippings without disassembly, encouraging post-cookout maintenance.
- Cast iron grates retain heat for better searing than stamped steel alternatives in this size class.
- Foldable side tables collapse for vertical storage against a wall on small patios.
- Three-burner layout is simple enough for first-time owners to learn direct and indirect cooking basics.
Points To Note
- 252-square-inch cooking area limits batch size, making this a poor fit for feeding a crowd.
- No dedicated sear burner means high-heat searing requires all three burners running on maximum.
- Cast iron grates need occasional oiling to prevent rust, especially in humid storage conditions.
Who Will Love This
First-time grill owners and small households who want an approachable propane setup with minimal learning curve.
Swap It Out When
For larger families or regular entertaining, the Mesa400MF offers more burners and a Clearview lid for a modest step up.
The Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone isn’t a traditional grill at all. It’s a 468-square-inch propane flat-top griddle with two independently controlled cooking zones, which is the setup you’ll find at breakfast joints and smash-burger shops. Run one zone hot for searing patties while the other holds warm for toasting buns, or set both zones low for pancakes and eggs on a Sunday morning. The EZ Clean Grease Keg channels drippings into a removable container, eliminating the scraping-and-disposal routine that plagues most griddles.
Households that cook breakfast regularly, love smash burgers, or want a flat-top alongside their existing grill get genuine value here. If you mostly cook steaks and vegetables over open grates, this format will feel limiting.
A Strong Showing
- Two independent zones let you cook at very different temperatures simultaneously on the same surface.
- EZ Clean Grease Keg collects drippings for fast, splash-free disposal after the cook.
- 468-square-inch flat-top handles pancakes for a family or a dozen smash burgers in one batch.
- Traeger’s build quality extends to griddles, with consistent heat across the cooking surface.
Where It May Fall Short
- Flat-top format doesn’t produce traditional grill marks or open-flame char on steaks.
- Specialty appliance means it complements rather than replaces a primary grilling setup for many owners.
- Requires flat, level placement for the grease management system to function properly.
The Right Fit
Breakfast enthusiasts and smash-burger devotees who want flat-top versatility as a second outdoor cooking station.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
For traditional grilling with a side burner, the Mesa415BZ or La Bolata 4-Burner handle the grill-first workflow more directly.
What Matters Most Before Choosing Barbecue Grills With Side Burner
Start with how you cook most weekends, not the most impressive cookout you’ll ever throw. A full-size grill with five or six burners feels like overkill for a household that runs a weeknight chicken-and-vegetables routine, and a portable unit underdelivers when guests show up hungry. Side burner BTU ratings matter more than the main burner total for anyone who actually simmers sauces, boils pots, or sautés sides while the main grates work.
Cooking surface area scales with household size: roughly 400 to 500 square inches handles a family of four comfortably, while 700-plus square inches gives you the headroom to host eight or more without playing shuffle-the-burger. Material choices like cast iron grates retain heat better for searing, while stainless steel burners resist corrosion in coastal or humid climates where painted steel alternatives may pit sooner.
Fuel type shapes the long-term ownership experience. Propane offers portability and quick startup with no gas line installation. Natural gas requires professional hookup but eliminates tank refills and runs cheaper over years of frequent use. Dual-fuel convertible models like the Denali 605 bridge both, letting you start with propane and convert later when a gas line becomes practical.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Mistakes Worth Dodging
Chasing the highest BTU number often leads to overpowered grills for typical weeknight use, and underpowered side burners that can’t hold a simmer. Match the total output to your cooking style rather than the biggest figure on the spec sheet. Another common slip is assuming a foldable shelf or compact footprint means easy storage. Measure the assembled dimensions, not the folded size, before committing to a patio with tight access.
When Paying More Pays Off
The price jump from a basic three-burner unit to a feature-rich four or five-burner grill typically buys three things that matter over years of use: heavier gauge stainless steel that resists rust, better-sealed lids that hold cooking temperature more efficiently, and dedicated sear or side burners that expand what you can cook at once. For households grilling two or more times per week across multiple seasons, the upgrade usually pays back in cooking versatility and longer service life.