A four-burner gas grill with a dedicated side burner changes the rhythm of outdoor cooking. You can sear steaks on the main grate while a pot of beans simmers next to it, no more juggling zones or racing the clock. This roundup walks through nine grills that pair a full four-burner cooktop with a usable side burner, so weeknight dinners and weekend cookouts both stay manageable.
The Lineup, Simplified
Weber Spirit E-325 Natural Gas Grill
Monument Grills 35633 Propane Grill with Cover
Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner with Amplifire
Weber Spirit E-425 Propane Gas Grill
Weber Spirit E-210 Small Propane Grill
Weber Spirit E-325 Propane Gas Grill
Sophia & William 4 Burner Propane Grill (Silver)
Sophia & William 4 Burner Propane Grill (Blue)
Sophia & William 6 Burner Propane Grill 665 sq in
The Details Behind The Selections
Run on a home natural gas line, this Weber Spirit E-325 keeps the cooktop going without tank swaps, which is a quiet luxury for anyone who grinds through weekends of burgers and veggies. The Sear Zone sits at the center of the grates, so two Boost Burner knobs push extra heat exactly where you want those dark, caramelized marks on steak or fish. Snap-Jet Ignition lights each burner individually with one hand, useful when the cook is holding tongs and a plate at the same time.
You give up portability in exchange for an unlimited fuel supply, and you need a gas line professionally run if your patio does not already have one. Owners commonly appreciate the smooth temperature control across low-and-slow cooks. The cast-iron grates hold heat well and produce a respectable sear once preheated.
Notable Gains
- Natural gas connection removes tank refills entirely
- Sear Zone with Boost Burner knobs delivers focused high heat for steaks
- Snap-Jet Ignition lights each burner one-handed for fast startup
- Cast-iron grates retain heat and create a reliable sear after preheating
Trade Offs
- Requires a professionally installed natural gas line at the grill location
- Fixed placement makes rearranging the patio layout harder than with propane
Best Suited To
Homeowners with an existing natural gas line who grill several times a week and want the convenience of never swapping a propane tank.
Look Elsewhere When
A renter or anyone without a gas stub should consider the Weber Spirit E-425 Propane Gas Grill, which runs on standard propane tanks instead.
Monument packs serious heat into this 4+2 burner layout, with a dedicated sear burner and a side burner that handles pots alongside the main cooktop. The 304 stainless steel main burners handle the heavy lifting, while the 723-square-inch cooking surface (including a 210-square-inch warming rack) gives you room to feed a crowd without playing musical plates. The included cover is a small but appreciated touch for anyone storing the grill outside through the off-season.
Compared with the Weber Spirit E-325 Natural Gas Grill above, this one trades a softer footprint for raw output and a larger cook area. The trade-off shows up in footprint weight, so make sure the patio base can handle a full-size cart. Stainless components still need occasional wiping to prevent surface spotting in humid climates.
The Value In It
- 72,000 BTU across four main burners plus sear and side burners for fast searing
- 723-square-inch total surface feeds a large group without juggling batches
- 304 stainless steel main burners resist corrosion for longer service life
- Included fitted cover protects the grill between cooking sessions
Softer Spots
- Full-size cabinet requires a generous patio footprint and stable base
- Stainless exterior benefits from periodic wiping to prevent spotting in humid air
Quick Facts
Made For
Entertainers cooking for a dozen or more guests who need raw heat and a wide griddle-friendly side burner for side dishes.
Consider Something Else When
Apartment dwellers or small-balcony cooks may prefer the Weber Spirit E-210 Small Propane Grill, which fits a tighter footprint without sacrificing Weber build quality.
The Charbroil Pro Series pulls triple duty right out of the box, working as a grill, a flat-top griddle, and a charcoal cooker with included trays and a griddle insert. Amplifire infrared technology directs radiant heat at the food rather than the surrounding air, which helps reduce flare-ups during fatty cuts like burgers or chicken thighs. The cabinet design adds enclosed storage for a propane tank, keeping the patio looking tidy.
Versatility comes with a slight learning curve, since you swap inserts and learn the heat behavior of each cooking mode. Owners report that the infrared emitters reward a good preheat and respond best to clean grates between cooks. For shoppers who want one grill to handle weekday gas grilling, weekend pancakes, and the occasional charcoal sear, this 3-in-1 approach removes the need for a second appliance.
Key Advantages
- 3-in-1 design covers gas grilling, griddle cooking, and charcoal searing in one cabinet
- Amplifire infrared reduces flare-ups and retains moisture in lean proteins
- Enclosed cabinet hides the propane tank for a cleaner patio appearance
- Side burner supports pots and sauces alongside the main grate
Room For Improvement
- Insert swaps take a few minutes, so single-method cooks may find it extra effort
- Infrared grates need regular cleaning to keep radiant performance consistent
Feature Snapshot
Perfect Match For
Curious cooks who want to mix gas grilling, griddle breakfasts, and charcoal flavor without buying separate equipment.
Skip It When
You only plan to grill with gas and want the simplest possible workflow, in which case the Weber Spirit E-425 Propane Gas Grill is a cleaner fit.
Four main burners plus the Sear Zone put this Weber Spirit E-425 in a sweet spot for typical family grilling, leaving one burner dedicated to a side dish while the rest handle proteins and veggies. Boost Burner knobs send extra power to the Sear Zone for those dark grill marks on steak and fish, and Snap-Jet Ignition fires each burner one-handed. The propane setup means you can wheel the cart to any flat outdoor surface.
Compared with the Monument Grills 35633 above, this Weber runs a smaller cabinet and skips the infrared flair, but it earns points for the proven Weber cooking system. The trade-off is a more modest total BTU output, so recovery after lid opening is slightly slower on a cold day. Owners commonly note that routine grate brushing and a yearly deep clean keep the flavor consistent across seasons.
Real-World Strengths
- Four main burners give independent zone control for mixed meals
- Sear Zone with Boost Burner knobs produces fast, visible grill marks
- Propane cart is portable around a patio without a fixed gas line
- Snap-Jet Ignition lights each burner individually with one hand
Points To Note
- Modest total BTU means a longer preheat on cold or windy days
- Cast-iron grates benefit from a yearly deep clean to maintain nonstick behavior
Right Fit For
Families who cook a mix of proteins, sides, and sauces at once and want a propane grill that travels around the patio.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Large-party hosts feeding a crowd of a dozen or more should consider the Monument Grills 35633 Propane Grill, which offers more burners and a larger cook area.
The two-burner Spirit E-210 fits where bigger carts cannot, making it a friendly option for apartment patios, small balconies, and townhouse courtyards. Snap-Jet Ignition keeps the startup simple, and the smaller grate area still handles a family dinner of burgers, dogs, and vegetables without crowding. The propane tank tucks into the cart beneath the cookbox, so the whole unit reads as one tidy package.
It runs on propane only, so you’ll go through standard tanks and need a spare ready for longer cookouts. The two-burner layout limits what you can sear and simmer at the same time, since one side typically handles the protein and the other handles a side dish. For shoppers who want Weber build quality in a smaller box, this one delivers without demanding patio square footage.
Strengths Worth Knowing
- Compact footprint suits balconies and small patios
- Snap-Jet Ignition lights each burner with one hand for quick startup
- Propane cart rolls easily to reposition the grill on a small surface
- Weber build quality in a smaller two-burner package
Small Caveats
- Two-burner layout restricts simultaneous searing and simmering for bigger meals
- Standard propane tank runs out faster under heavy grilling sessions
Feature Card
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Apartment and condo dwellers who want a real Weber grill on a balcony or tight patio without sacrificing build quality.
Reach For A Different Pick When
You host larger cookouts and want a side burner for pots, in which case the Weber Spirit E-325 Propane Gas Grill adds the third burner and Sear Zone capacity.
Three main burners and the Sear Zone give this Spirit E-325 a balanced footprint that handles most family meals without dominating the patio. Boost Burner knobs deliver the same 40% extra heat to the center of the grate as the natural gas sibling above, so steaks and chops get the same sear treatment on propane. Snap-Jet Ignition lights each burner individually, helpful when the cook is holding tongs and a serving tray.
Three burners run slightly hotter than the two-burner E-210 but cooler than the four-burner E-425, so it sits squarely in the middle of the Spirit line. For shoppers who rarely need a fourth burner but want a real Sear Zone, this model is the practical sweet spot. Routine grate brushing and an annual burner-tube inspection keep the gas flow steady across seasons.
What It Does Well
- Sear Zone with Boost Burner knobs produces visible marks on steak and fish
- Three main burners balance cooking capacity and patio footprint
- Propane tank compatibility removes the gas line requirement
- Snap-Jet Ignition simplifies startup when hands are full
A Few Limitations
- Three burners limit simultaneous cooking compared to a four-burner setup
- Cast-iron grates need regular brushing to prevent rust at the edges
Built With In Mind
Mid-size households that cook for four to six people most weekends and want a Sear Zone without stepping up to four burners.
Swap It Out When
You regularly need four independent cooking zones for big meals, in which case the Weber Spirit E-425 Propane Gas Grill offers an extra burner for sides and sauces.
Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates top this Sophia & William four-burner, the kind of grates that hold heat well and brush clean without much fuss. Stainless steel burners and porcelain flame tamers work together to spread heat evenly across the cook surface, which matters when you’re juggling chicken thighs and asparagus at the same time. The silver finish reads neutral against most patio furniture, so it blends into a wide range of outdoor setups.
Side burner capacity handles a small pot or pan for warming buns, melting butter, or simmering a side. Owners report that the enameled grates resist rust when wiped down after each cook, though the cast iron still benefits from occasional oiling. Compared with the Weber Spirit E-325 Propane Gas Grill above, this model trades the established Weber reputation for a noticeably friendlier price tag.
Positive Takeaways
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist rust and brush clean easily
- Stainless burners and porcelain flame tamers distribute heat evenly
- Side burner handles a small pot for sauces or warm sides
- Silver finish blends into a wide range of patio setups
Honest Caveats
- Brand recognition is thinner than Weber or Monument, so long-term parts support is harder to predict
- Enameled cast iron grates benefit from a light oiling after cleaning to keep the nonstick surface
Who Should Grab It
Shoppers who want a four-burner propane layout and a real side burner at a friendlier price than the big-name brands.
Another Choice May Suit
Cooks who grill several times a week and want long-term brand support should consider the Weber Spirit E-425 Propane Gas Grill, which has a more established service network.
The blue Sophia & William variant keeps the same cooking system as the silver version above but trades the neutral finish for a brighter color that pops on the patio. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and stainless burners spread heat evenly, and the flame tamers help prevent flare-ups during fatty cuts. It is the same practical four-burner, side-burner layout with a visual twist for shoppers who care about the look of the cook area.
Color-dominant finishes show scuffs and water spots more easily than silver or black, so owners report wiping the lid down after rain. The enameled grates still need a light oiling occasionally to keep the nonstick surface. For shoppers who care as much about how the grill looks on the patio as how it cooks, this blue finish is the trade that earns its place.
The Practical Payoff
- Blue finish gives the patio a brighter, more styled focal point
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist rust with basic care
- Stainless burners and flame tamers spread heat to reduce hot spots
- Side burner handles pots and pans alongside the main cooktop
What To Weigh
- Blue finish shows water spots and smudges more than silver or black
- Enameled grates benefit from a light oil rub after cleaning to stay nonstick
Who It Suits Best
Style-conscious backyard cooks who want a colorful focal point on the patio without giving up the four-burner-plus-side layout.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
If you want a finish that hides smudges and water marks better, the Sophia & William 4 Burner Propane Grill (Silver) keeps the same cooking system in a more forgiving color.
Six burners and 665 square inches of cooking surface give this Sophia & William enough real estate for full cookout spreads, the kind where burgers, ribs, veggies, and a pot of corn all need attention at once. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and porcelain flame tamers work together with the stainless burners to spread heat across the wide surface, which matters more on a grill this size. Side burner capacity supports a saucepan for sauces or a small pot for warming tortillas next to the main grate.
Compared with the four-burner Sophia & William above, the extra burners add weight and footprint, so make sure the patio surface can handle the cart. Owners report that the larger surface takes longer to preheat on a cold morning, so plan accordingly. For shoppers who host large gatherings regularly, the extra capacity pays off, but smaller households may leave two burners dark.
Why It Works Well
- 665 square inches handles full cookout spreads across multiple proteins
- Six burners allow simultaneous searing, simmering, and warming
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold heat for even cooking
- Side burner supports a saucepan for sauces alongside the main cooktop
Practical Considerations
- Full-size cabinet needs a generous patio footprint and stable base
- Larger surface takes longer to preheat on cold mornings, so plan ahead
Right Fit For
Entertainers who host large gatherings of ten or more and want enough burner zones to run a full meal without batches.
Not Your Match When
Smaller households that rarely use more than three burners should consider the Weber Spirit E-325 Propane Gas Grill, which handles most family meals in a more compact footprint.
What Matters Most Before Choosing 4 Burner Gas Grills With Side Burner
Burner Layout and Heat Zones
A four-burner cooktop with a side burner gives you five independent heat sources: four across the main grate, one dedicated to pots and pans. The real question is how those burners are arranged and how much extra heat the center or one end delivers for searing. Sear Zone, Boost Burner knobs, and infrared emitters all push extra heat to a specific spot on the grate, which matters when you want dark marks on steak without overcooking the rest of the meal.
Fuel Type and Patio Logistics
Natural gas grills run on a permanent gas line, which removes tank swaps but requires professional installation if your patio is not already plumbed. Propane grills run on standard tanks, which makes them portable but introduces tank refills and the need to keep a spare on hand. Cart size and weight also matter, since full-size cabinets need a stable base, while compact models roll around a small patio with no trouble.
Grate Material and Care
Cast iron grates hold heat well and produce a reliable sear, though they need occasional oiling to keep the nonstick surface. Porcelain-enameled cast iron resists rust and brushes clean more easily, which suits shoppers who do not want to baby their grates. Stainless steel grates heat up fast but lose temperature quickly when cold food hits the surface, so plan for more frequent reheating during a cookout.
Side Burner Use Cases
Side burners range from small simmer plates to full-power burners that handle a stockpot. Smaller side burners suit butter, sauces, and warming buns, while larger units can boil pasta water or simmer chili during a long cookout. Match the side burner size to how you actually cook, rather than sizing up for capacity you may not use.
Mistakes Worth Dodging and What The Upgrade Buys
Common Shopping Slip Ups
A frequent slip is buying a full-size cabinet for a balcony or small patio, then finding out the cart does not fit or blocks the door. Another is choosing the biggest BTU number on the spec sheet without checking how evenly the burners spread heat, since raw output without even distribution leads to hot spots and uneven cooking. A third is ignoring the side burner size, then realizing that a small simmer plate cannot handle the stockpot or cast-iron skillet you actually want to use.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier grills earn the price with thicker grates, stainless burner tubes, and infrared or Sear Zone technology that delivers a more consistent sear. Cabinet construction, enclosed propane tank storage, and better lid seals also show up in the upper price range, and each contributes to longer service life and a tidier patio. For shoppers who grill several times a week, the upgrade often pays off in fewer replacement parts and more even cooking across seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all four burner gas grills come with a side burner?
No. Many four-burner grills use the fourth burner as part of the main cooktop, so the side burner is a separate feature. When comparing models, check whether a dedicated side burner is listed, since it adds pot-and-pan capacity next to the main grate.
What size side burner is enough for a family?
A small side burner handles butter, sauces, and warming buns for most family meals. If you plan to simmer chili, boil pasta water, or run a cast-iron skillet alongside the main grate, look for a higher BTU side burner with enough capacity for a stockpot or 10-inch pan.
How often should grates be cleaned?
Brush the grates after each cook while they are still warm, and do a deeper clean every few months. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates brush clean easily, while bare cast iron benefits from a light oil rub after cleaning to keep the nonstick surface.
Is natural gas cheaper to run than propane?
Natural gas costs less per BTU in many regions, and the convenience of a permanent line removes tank swaps. The trade-off is the upfront cost of running a gas line if your patio is not already plumbed, which can offset the fuel savings.
Can a side burner replace a stovetop for basic side dishes?
Yes, for warming, simmering, and pan-frying. A side burner handles most stovetop tasks, though the cooking surface is smaller, so you may need to work in batches for larger families or multi-component meals.
Closing Remarks
The right four-burner gas grill with a side burner comes down to how you actually cook, not just the spec sheet. Match the fuel type to your patio setup, the grate material to your cleaning habits, and the side burner size to the pots you reach for most often. From the compact Weber Spirit E-210 to the wide Sophia & William 6-burner, the lineup above covers small patios, family dinners, and full cookout spreads, so pick the one that fits your routine and your space.