Power Burners for Outdoor Kitchens | Best of Backyard
Power burners are built for serious, high-heat outdoor cooking. Designed to deliver significantly more power than standard side burners, outdoor power burners are ideal for seafood boils, deep frying, wok cooking, and boiling large stock pots. At Best of Backyard, we offer premium built-in power burners engineered for performance, safety, and seamless integration into custom outdoor kitchen islands.
Many power burners are intentionally designed to be installed in a drop-down or recessed section of the outdoor kitchen, allowing larger and taller pots to sit lower and more securely. This design improves stability, safety, and ease of cooking—especially when working with heavy cookware and high heat.
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.
Is a Power Burner Right for Your Outdoor Kitchen?
Power burners are ideal for homeowners who need commercial-style heat outdoors and regularly cook with large pots or specialty cookware.
A power burner may be right for you if you:
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Cook seafood boils or large batches of food
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Use tall stock pots, woks, or fryers
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Need significantly higher BTU output than a side burner
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Want safer, more stable cooking for heavy cookware
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Are building a full-featured outdoor kitchen
Power burners are most often included in larger or more advanced outdoor kitchen designs.
Built-In Power Burners with Drop-Down Installation
Power burners are built-in outdoor kitchen components, most commonly designed as slide-in units with front-mounted control knobs, similar to built-in grills. What sets many power burners apart is how they are installed within the island.
Drop-Down / Recessed Power Burner Design
Many outdoor kitchen designs include a lowered or recessed cutout specifically for the power burner. This allows:
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Taller pots to sit lower for easier access
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Improved stability for heavy cookware
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Safer handling when boiling or frying
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Better heat management around the cooking surface
This design is especially popular for seafood boils, frying, and wok cooking, where large pots are common.
Our Best of Backyard design team plans these drop-down sections during the layout phase to ensure proper clearances, ventilation, and structural support.
Propane vs. Natural Gas Power Burners
Choosing the correct fuel type is critical due to the high heat output of power burners.
Propane Power Burners
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Extremely high heat output
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Requires proper ventilation and propane storage
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Ideal when natural gas is not available
Natural Gas Power Burners
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Continuous fuel supply
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No propane tank refills
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Preferred for permanent outdoor kitchens
We ensure your power burner is matched correctly to your fuel source, island design, and local code requirements.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Power Burner
Because power burners operate at much higher temperatures, build quality and design matter.
Key features to consider:
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High BTU Output: Designed for boiling, frying, and wok cooking
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Heavy-Duty Grates: Supports large and tall pots
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Front-Mounted Controls: Safe and convenient operation
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Stainless Steel Construction: Outdoor durability and corrosion resistance
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Protective Lid: Helps shield the burner when not in use
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Drop-Down Compatibility: Designed for recessed island installations
We focus on real-world use—not just specs—so your power burner performs safely and efficiently.
Popular Uses for Power Burners
Power burners are commonly used for:
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Seafood boils and crawfish boils
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Deep frying outdoors
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Wok cooking and stir-fry
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Boiling large stock pots
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High-heat specialty cooking
Their recessed installation makes these tasks easier, safer, and more comfortable.
Power Burner vs. Side Burner
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Side Burners: Everyday tasks like sauces and sautéing
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Power Burners: Extreme heat and large cookware
Many outdoor kitchens include both—a side burner for daily use and a power burner for heavy-duty cooking.
Buy Power Burners with Confidence at Best of Backyard
At Best of Backyard, we don’t just sell power burners—we help design your outdoor kitchen the right way. From choosing the correct burner to planning a drop-down island layout for tall pots, our guidance is based on real installation experience.
You’ll always receive 100% human support, 6 days a week, from outdoor kitchen experts who understand power burners and outdoor kitchen design inside and out.
Visit our showroom or contact Best of Backyard today to find the perfect power burner for your outdoor kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Power Burner different from a double side burner?
Power Burners use oversize cast brass or stainless rings for higher BTU output (often 2–3× more) and hold stockpots up to 20 qt or larger.
Which fuel type should I order—propane or natural gas?
Match your grill’s fuel. Propane offers portability; natural gas provides endless fuel if you have a hard line. Many units include an approved conversion kit.
Are BTUs everything?
Heat plate mass, wind guards, and pot support design matter as much as raw BTUs—premium brands spread heat more evenly across large cookware.
Can a Power Burner replace an indoor range for outdoor cooks?
Yes—sauté, simmer, boil, or flash-fry without heating the house. It’s a game-changer for seafood boils, woks, and cast-iron breakfasts.
Do I need extra ventilation in my island?
Absolutely—install stainless vents low (fuel heavier than air) and high (heat rises). This meets code and prevents heat buildup.
Will the high flame damage my countertop?
No—when mounted per the cutout guide, the burner’s flange and wind guard keep heat away from stone or tile surfaces.
What cookware fits a Power Burner?
8″ saucepans to 36 cm woks and 20-qt pots. Look for models with removable center rings for small pans and heavy spider grates for big stockpots.
How do I ignite a Power Burner?
Most use battery-free piezo or hot-surface ignition—push, turn, click. Manual match-light backup is standard.
Can wind blow out the flame?
Three-sided wind guards and recessed burners shield the flame; some premium units add raised pot supports so air can flow under the pan.
Is simmer control possible on such a hot burner?
Yes—dual concentric rings let you run the inner ring alone for 5 K–15 K BTUs, perfect for a gentle sauce.
What materials last longest outdoors?
304- or 316-grade stainless housings, cast-brass burners, and stainless pot grates resist rust and discoloration even in coastal climates.
Do Power Burners need a cover?
A fitted vinyl or canvas cover keeps out debris and extends ignition life. We bundle discounted covers at checkout.
Can I add a wok ring or griddle?
Yes—universal carbon-steel wok rings and drop-in griddle plates fit most 14″–15″ burner openings; check our accessories tab.
How do I clean a Power Burner?
Let it cool, lift the grate, wipe the stainless top and drip pan, clear burner ports with a paper clip, and polish with chloride-free cleaner.
Is installation DIY-friendly?
Skilled homeowners can do it with gas-safe tools, but licensed installers ensure leak-free connections and code compliance—especially for NG hook-ups.
How fast will my Power Burner ship?
In-stock units leave our Riverside, CA warehouse in 1–2 business days; most U.S. addresses receive delivery within a week.
