Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.11 Best BBQ Grill With Side Burner | 71,000 BTU Performance

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The Genesis E-325 defines the premium tier for a reason — its PureBlu burner system produces an even flame profile across the entire cooking surface, and the extra-large sear zone concentrates enough heat to lock in crust on multiple steaks at once. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold heat tenaciously, and the FLAVORIZER bars vaporize drippings to create that smoke-kissed flavor without flare-ups.

Assembly time runs about ninety minutes with the BILT app guiding each step, and component fitment is notably tighter than mid-range grills — no misaligned screw holes or bent panels. The grease management system slides out from beneath the cookbox, making disposal a two-second task rather than a disassembly project. The side tables provide stable prep space, though the warming rack sits shallow and can feel cramped when loaded with multiple buns.

Long-term durability reports are strong: owners note even heat retention after years of regular use, and the porcelain coating on the grates resists rust better than bare cast iron. The main downside is the lack of a dedicated side burner on this specific model — you get a sear zone integrated into the main chamber rather than an auxiliary cooking station, which matters if you regularly boil sides outside.

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This Charbroil model breaks the standard grill mold with a modular cooking system that swaps between gas grates, a cold-rolled steel griddle, and a charcoal tray (sold separately) in under ninety seconds. The Amplifire infrared technology runs hot — reaching 500°F in under ten minutes — while preventing the flare-ups that plague traditional burner designs. The 802-square-inch total cooking area gives you real estate for twenty-five burgers or eighteen chicken breasts simultaneously.

The side burner sits under a lidded shelf that folds down to create a flat prep surface when not in use, and the 328-square-inch griddle plate fits over the main burners for breakfast spreads. Assembly requires roughly two hours, and the instructions can be vague about the electronic igniter battery pack, so expect to pause once or twice. Some units arrive with broken plastic end caps on the side shelves, though the manufacturer’s warranty and Amazon’s return policy cover replacements.

Built with an alloy steel frame and painted finish rather than full stainless steel, this grill prioritizes cooking flexibility over premium materials. The 45,000 BTU rating is modest compared to competitors, but the infrared system cooks more efficiently — lower BTU here does not mean lower heat. If you want one appliance that handles steaks, pancakes, and charcoal-grilled chicken without pulling out a second unit, this is the most functional choice.

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Monument’s 4+2 configuration — four main burners, one side burner, and one side sear burner — delivers 72,000 BTU across 723 square inches, with the sear burner acting as a dedicated high-heat zone for finishing steaks. The stainless steel flame tamers spread heat evenly across the porcelain-coated cast iron grates, and the knob lights add visibility during evening cooking without being distracting.

Assembly typically takes around two hours, though the flex tubes connecting the side burners require careful routing to avoid kinks that restrict gas flow. The large storage cabinet fits a 20-pound propane tank plus tools, and the locking casters keep the unit planted on deck boards. Owners consistently note that the side sear burner outperforms standard side burners for achieving a proper crust, making this a strong pick for steak-focused cooks.

The brushed stainless steel finish looks premium but is lighter gauge than high-end models — the cart feels solid, not tank-like. Casters are functional rather than rugged and may need replacement after a few seasons on rough concrete. Heats quickly and cooks evenly across all burners, with minimal cold spots even when running all six at once.

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If your home has a natural gas line, this Monument model saves you from refilling propane tanks: it runs on liquid propane out of the box, but the Monument conversion kit (sold separately) switches it to natural gas in about twenty minutes. The four 304 stainless steel burners deliver 60,000 BTU across 700 square inches, with porcelain-coated cast iron grates that clean up easily and resist chipping.

The ClearView lid includes a large glass panel that lets you monitor food without opening the lid and losing heat. Assembly is straightforward for a handy person, though the side burner instructions can be confusing if you encounter them for the first time. The cabinet is made from cold-rolled sheet steel rather than full stainless, but the brushed finish on the front panel hides fingerprints well.

Users report the grill reaches nearly 700°F, providing solid heat for searing. The grease pan slides out for cleaning, and the warming rack offers 190 square inches of space for toasting buns or keeping sides warm. The panel-mounted LED controls look sharp but add a potential failure point over time.

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The GA5403C packs seven burners — four main (10,000 BTU each), a 14,000 BTU sear burner, a 10,000 BTU rear rotisserie burner, and a 10,000 BTU lidded side burner — into a 738-square-inch cooking area. The rear burner supports a rotisserie spit (sold separately), allowing you to slow-roast whole chickens or roasts while using the main grates for sides. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold temperature well, and the lid’s powder-coated finish resists the elements better than painted steel.

Assembly takes four to five hours for most users, partly because parts come unlabeled and the instruction manual groups similar-looking bolts without clear differentiation. The side burner lid folds down into a shelf, and the right-side prep table provides ample space for seasonings and platters. The electronic ignition lights reliably even in breezy conditions, and the built-in thermometer reads accurately after a quick calibration.

Some units arrive with minor cosmetic dents from shipping, which can usually be bent back without affecting function. The sear burner is a high-heat zone rather than true infrared, but it still reaches temperatures that produce a solid crust. Over time, the diffusion plates may need replacement as they warp from repeated high-heat cycles.

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NutriChef’s NCGRIL2 sits at a price point that often surprises buyers with its solid feel — the powder-coated body and stainless steel control panel give it a heft that belies its mid-range positioning. Four main stainless steel tube burners produce 52,000 BTU total, plus a 10,000 BTU side burner for sauces or sautés. The heavy-duty cast iron cooking grid covers 443 square inches of primary space, adequate for four to six people.

Assembly runs about two to three hours, and the instructions are clearer than many competitors in this tier. The igniter wire must route along the designated path to avoid pinching against the tank bracket — a detail the manual covers if read carefully. The removable drip tray is a genuine plus: it slides out from the front rather than requiring you to reach under the hot grill, making post-cook cleanup significantly easier.

Heat distribution across the grates is even, and the burners respond quickly to knob adjustments. The side shelves fold for more compact storage. The painted finish on the lower cabinet is less durable than full stainless steel but holds up well when stored under a cover between uses.

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This 71,000 BTU grill features five main burners at 10,000 BTU each, plus a 12,000 BTU sear burner and a 9,000 BTU side burner, spanning 714 square inches of total cooking space. The sear burner sits between the main burners and the side burner, creating a dedicated high-heat zone that reaches temperatures capable of crusting a ribeye in under three minutes per side. The side shelves include tool hooks and a knife holder, keeping utensils within arm’s reach.

Assembly is a half-day project for most — the instructions are mostly clear, but some screw holes may not align perfectly on the steel frame, occasionally requiring you to enlarge them slightly. The stainless steel lid and cabinet doors look attractive out of the box, but the steel gauge is thinner than premium models, and some owners report rust spots forming on the cabinet after two years in humid climates. The heat spreaders may also begin to disintegrate over extended use.

For the cooking performance alone, this grill delivers serious output for large gatherings. The sear burner makes a noticeable difference in steak quality, and the warming rack keeps finishing sides hot without overcooking. A copper grill mat is a common accessory recommendation to simplify cleanup on the main grates.

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This model differentiates itself with a reversible cast iron griddle plate — smooth side for pancakes, eggs, and bacon; ridged side for steaks and chicken with the grease channeling away for leaner results. Six main burners (10,000 BTU each) power the 620-square-inch total cooking area, plus a 9,000 BTU side burner for sides. The cabinet doors offer enclosed storage for the propane tank and accessories.

Assembly requires a few hours and benefits from having a second person hold panels while bolts align. The brushed stainless steel body looks polished, but buyer feedback indicates the construction leans toward economy-grade rather than heavy-duty — fine for weekend cooks but likely not built for daily commercial use. The pull-out oil drip tray works effectively, catching grease from both the griddle and main burners in one central pan.

Cooking versatility is this unit’s strongest argument. You can sear burgers on the cast iron grates, then swap to the griddle for breakfast sides, all while simmering baked beans on the side burner. The four wheels make it easy to reposition, and the compact layout fits smaller patios better than extra-wide models.

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The Sophia & William grill stands out visually with a blue powder-coated lid and stainless steel accents, but the real story lies in the double-layer lid design that traps heat more effectively than single-wall lids in this price range. Four stainless steel burners generate 42,000 BTU total (32,000 BTU main, 10,000 BTU side burner), covering 542 square inches of cooking space. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates distribute heat evenly and resist rust better than uncoated iron.

Assembly is straightforward with clear instructions, taking most users about two hours. The four galvanized casters roll smoothly, and the side burner functions well for simmering or boiling. The built-in thermometer reads accurately, and the control knobs give reliable flame adjustment from low simmer to high sear. The unit feels solid when fully assembled, with no wobble even on slightly uneven ground.

Long-term durability reports are mixed: some owners report the flame disperser supports rusting through after eighteen months, and the temperature control can jump from 300°F to 600°F without a stable middle range. For weekend use under a quality cover, this grill performs well, but it may not withstand year-round exposure in wet climates without accelerated corrosion.

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MASTER COOK’s entry-level model delivers a balanced 52,000 BTU across four main burners (40,000 BTU) and a lidded side burner (12,000 BTU), with a 518-square-inch total cooking area. The piezo ignition system lights reliably on the first or second click, and the porcelain-coated warming rack keeps finished food hot without additional burner power. The cabinet hides the propane tank, creating a cleaner look than exposed-tank models.

Assembly takes about two hours, though the packaging is thin for a grill of this weight — some units arrive with bent panels or scuffed paint, though the grill itself usually remains functional. The instructions can be confusing in spots, and the drip tray is riveted into place, requiring you to remove rivets if you want to clean it thoroughly. Four wheels provide easy mobility, and the side burner lid folds into an extra shelf when not in use.

Cooking performance is decent for the price point: the main burners reach a maximum temperature around 525°F, which is sufficient for standard grilling but won’t deliver the heavy char some steak enthusiasts want. The temperature controls are smooth and precise within that range, and the automatic start makes lighting effortless. A solid introduction to gas grilling that leaves room for a future upgrade.

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The Bestfire 68,000 BTU grill packs five main burners plus a side burner into a 647-square-inch cooking area, with a 304 stainless steel body that resists rust better than the painted cabinets found on many budget grills. The 447-square-inch primary area uses porcelain-enameled cast iron grates that hold heat well, plus a 200-square-inch warming rack. Four heavy-duty wheels (two locking) make repositioning manageable despite the 88-pound weight.

Assembly is the most challenging part of ownership — expect about three hours, and start by watching the manufacturer’s video tutorial before opening any hardware bags. The instructions contain confusing steps, and some screw holes may not align perfectly. The cabinet doors are stainless steel on the front but painted steel on the sides, which can lead to surface rust if the grill lives outdoors uncovered. Some users report the metal discoloring from high-fat drippings that cause flare-ups, so keeping the flame tamers clean is important.

When properly assembled and maintained, this grill heats up fast and cooks evenly across the full surface. The side burner is genuinely useful for keeping sauces warm or boiling corn. At this price point, you get a lot of cooking real estate and decent build materials, though the overall fit and finish reflect a budget production economy rather than precision manufacturing.