Outdoor Side Burners for Outdoor Kitchens | Best of Backyard
Outdoor side burners are the perfect complement to a grill, expanding what you can cook in your outdoor kitchen without running back inside. From sautéing vegetables and simmering sauces to boiling water or frying, outdoor side burners give you the flexibility of a stovetop right in your backyard. At Best of Backyard, we offer a curated selection of premium side burners designed for performance, durability, and seamless outdoor kitchen integration.
Whether you’re building a new outdoor kitchen or upgrading an existing setup, our team is here to help. When you contact Best of Backyard, you’ll always speak with a real, knowledgeable expert—never a call center or automated system. We provide 100% human support, 6 days a week, so you can choose with confidence.
Are Outdoor Side Burners Right for Your Backyard?
Side burners are ideal for anyone who wants more cooking versatility outdoors. They allow you to prepare side dishes, sauces, and boiling tasks while your grill handles the main course.
An outdoor side burner may be right for you if you:
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Want to cook full meals outside without going indoors
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Need extra cooking space while entertaining
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Want to keep strong smells or splatter out of the house
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Plan to build or upgrade an outdoor kitchen
Side burners make your outdoor kitchen more functional and efficient.
Types of Outdoor Side Burners
Outdoor side burners are available in different configurations depending on your layout and cooking needs.
Built-In Side Burners (Most Common)
Built-in side burners are designed to:
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Install directly into outdoor kitchen islands
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Create a clean, seamless look
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Match built-in grills and outdoor kitchen components
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Offer single or double burner configurations
These are the most popular option for custom outdoor kitchens.
Freestanding Side Burners
Freestanding side burners are ideal for:
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Flexible placement on patios or decks
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Backyard setups without built-in islands
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Easier installation and mobility
They offer the same functionality with added flexibility.
Propane vs. Natural Gas Side Burners
Choosing the right fuel type is important for performance and installation.
Propane Side Burners
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Easy setup with no gas line required
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High heat output
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Portable with tank storage options
Natural Gas Side Burners
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Continuous fuel supply
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No tank refills
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Ideal for permanent outdoor kitchens
Our experts help ensure your side burner choice aligns with your fuel availability, safety requirements, and local codes.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Side Burner
When selecting a side burner, consider these key features:
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BTU Output: Higher BTUs for boiling and searing
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Burner Configuration: Single or double burners
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Stainless Steel Construction: Weather resistance and durability
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Ignition System: Reliable and easy to use
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Lid Design: Helps protect burners when not in use
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Compatibility: Matches your grill and outdoor kitchen components
We focus on real-world performance—not just specs—so you get the right side burner the first time.
Popular Uses for Outdoor Side Burners
Side burners are perfect for:
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Simmering sauces and soups
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Boiling water for pasta or seafood
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Sautéing vegetables
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Frying foods
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Preparing side dishes while grilling
They help keep your entire meal outdoors.
Buy Outdoor Side Burners with Confidence at Best of Backyard
At Best of Backyard, we don’t just sell side burners—we help you choose the right one for your outdoor kitchen and cooking style. From compact single burners to powerful double burner setups, you’ll receive honest advice backed by real experience.
You’ll always receive 100% human support, 6 days a week, from outdoor kitchen experts who understand outdoor side burners inside and out.
Visit our showroom or contact Best of Backyard today to find the perfect outdoor side burner for your backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a side burner used for?
Side burners are commonly used for boiling, simmering, sautéing, frying, and heating sauces. They’re ideal for foods that don’t belong on the grill, such as pasta, rice, soups, seafood boils, and delicate items that require precise temperature control.
Do I need a side burner in my outdoor kitchen?
If you plan to cook full meals outdoors, a side burner is highly recommended. It adds convenience, keeps heat and mess outside, and allows you to prepare complete dishes without running back and forth between your indoor kitchen and grill.
What size side burner is best for an outdoor kitchen?
Most outdoor kitchen side burners range from 12 to 15 inches wide. Single side burners are great for basic cooking, while double side burners provide more flexibility and allow you to cook multiple items at once. The best size depends on your available island space and cooking needs.
How many BTUs should a side burner have?
A quality side burner typically produces 12,000 to 15,000 BTUs for standard cooking. High-output power burners can exceed 25,000 BTUs and are ideal for boiling large pots of water, seafood boils, or wok cooking.
What’s the difference between a side burner and a power burner?
A standard side burner is designed for everyday cooking tasks like simmering and sautéing. A power burner delivers much higher BTU output and is intended for high-heat cooking such as rapid boiling, frying, and wok-style cooking.
Are side burners gas or electric?
Most outdoor side burners are natural gas or propane fueled. Gas side burners heat quickly, offer better temperature control, and are preferred for outdoor kitchens. Electric side burners are less common and typically used where gas is not available.
Do side burners require ventilation?
Side burners installed in outdoor kitchen islands require proper ventilation to allow heat and gas to dissipate safely. Vent panels are often required when installing gas appliances in enclosed or semi-enclosed islands.
Can I install a side burner next to my grill?
Yes, side burners are commonly installed next to grills for convenience. Proper clearance between appliances is important to ensure safe operation and comfortable cooking space.
Can I convert a side burner from propane to natural gas?
Some side burners can be converted using a manufacturer-approved conversion kit, while others are gas-specific. Always verify compatibility before converting to avoid safety issues and warranty problems.
Are side burners easy to clean?
Yes, side burners are easy to maintain. Regular cleaning includes wiping down stainless steel surfaces, cleaning burner ports, and removing grease buildup to ensure proper ignition and consistent performance.
Is a side burner worth it for an outdoor kitchen?
A side burner adds versatility, convenience, and functionality to your outdoor kitchen. For homeowners who cook outdoors often, a side burner is one of the most useful and practical upgrades you can add especially if you have the space for it.
