Is a Side Burner on a Gas Grill Worth It?

For seasoned grill enthusiasts, a side burner on a gas grill might not seem like an essential addition at first glance. My own experience has been no different; I’ve been grilling for years without the need for a side burner. However, the convenience and versatility that a side burner can offer have made some aficionados counter my initial skepticism. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of adding a side burner to your gas grill, ultimately helping you decide if it’s worth the investment.

The Purpose of a Side Burner

A side burner on a gas grill serves much the same purpose as a regular burner found at the kitchen stove—but right on the grill. This allows you to keep your cooking pork ribs and grilled fish on the grill while preparing a side dish or sautéing vegetables on the side burner. It’s a feature that can greatly streamline your grilling process and enhance your cooking experience.

Why You Might Want a Side Burner

1. Enhanced Cooking Flexibility: Not all dishes benefit from direct heat. A side burner allows you to cook delicate foods such as eggs, vegetables, or sauces without fear of them being overly charred. This feature can vastly extend the range of dishes you can prepare while grilling.

2. Time-Saving and Effortless: When meal planning for an outdoor gathering, managing a hot grill and kitchen stove simultaneously can be a challenge. A side burner on your grill means you can cook essentials like pasta or sauce while keeping an eye on the main grill, reducing both prep time and effort. Imagine being able to sauté vegetables or keep a grill pan hot with just a turn of a dial.

3. Perfecting Essentials: Think about the perfect eggs, freshly sautéed greens, or quick-cooking sides. A side burner enables you to craft these culinary delights closer to perfection, just as you would in the kitchen, but in the perfect outdoor ambiance.

When a Side Burner Might Not Be Necessary

1. Close Proximity to Kitchen: If your grill is located close to your kitchen and connected by a high-speed gas line, you might already have the necessary cooking tools within an arm’s reach. My own grill is conveniently located near my kitchen, ensuring I can easily access the stove for additional cooking needs.

2. Grill-Pan Sufficient: Some grill enthusiasts find that a well-maintained grill pan or a vertical grill can meet their needs without additional equipment. A grill pan can hold a variety of foods and can also be used for broiling or using a direct heat source.

3. Personal Grilling Style: Individual cooking preferences and techniques can vary greatly. If you prefer to entertain with a simpler, more hands-off grilling style, you might not find yourself hankering for a side burner.

Conclusion: Cost-Benefit Analysis

Adding a side burner to your gas grill is a decision best made after considering your specific needs and how you use your grill. If you require the flexibility and convenience to cook a variety of dishes simultaneously, a side burner might be an excellent investment. However, if your grill is already close to your kitchen and you prefer a more straightforward grilling approach, it might not be worth the cost. The key is to weigh your preferences and needs to make an informed decision.

By delving into the benefits and drawbacks of a side burner and considering your personal style of grilling, you can determine if it’s a feature that will enrich your outdoor cooking experience.

Keywords: side burner, gas grill, grilling convenience