A side burner is a gas burner installed alongside your grill, typically built into an outdoor kitchen island or a cart configuration. It's designed for pots and pans, letting you cook or heat dishes that aren’t ideal for the grill itself, like sauces, stir-fries, soups, or pasta.
These burners bring the functionality of an indoor kitchen outdoors, streamlining your cooking experience. Whether you’re simmering teriyaki sauce or boiling a pot of corn, a side burner gives you control and flexibility.
Main benefits:
Adds stove-top versatility to your grilling area
Lets you prepare full meals outside
Saves time by multitasking
Keeps the mess and smell outdoors
Want options?
👉 Browse all side burners at Zen Grilling
Let’s break it down so you can pick the right tool for the job.
Side Burner:
Single burner
Best for light tasks like sauces, vegetables, or small skillets
BTU range: 12,000–17,000
Compact and budget-friendly
Double Side Burner:
Two burners, each independently controlled
Cook two dishes at once — like veggies and rice, or eggs and hash
BTU range: ~25,000–35,000 combined
More versatile for families or frequent hosts
Power Burner:
One heavy-duty burner with very high heat
BTU range: 40,000–70,000+
Perfect for large pots, woks, frying, boiling seafood, and fast searing
Takes up more space and usually sits deeper than standard burners
| Feature | Side Burner | Double Side Burner | Power Burner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burners | 1 | 2 | 1 (High Output) |
| BTUs | 12K–17K | 25K–35K total | 40K–70K+ |
| Best For | Sauces, sides | Multi-dish cooking | Boiling, wok, fry |
| Footprint | Compact | Medium | Larger, deeper |
| Price Range | $400–$800 | $600–$1,200 | $1,000–$2,000+ |
Still unsure? Reach out via our contact page and we’ll help you choose.
Side and power burners do more than just give you extra heat. They transform your patio into a full kitchen, so you're not stuck running inside every five minutes.
Here’s what adding one to your setup unlocks:
Total outdoor meal prep: No more back-and-forth to your indoor stove
More cooking space: Free up grill grates for proteins
Perfect heat zones: Use precise temperature control for delicate items
Speed & efficiency: Grill burgers and sauté veggies at the same time
Cleaner indoor kitchen: Keep smells, grease, and messes outdoors
Planning for your space? Consider one of our complete BBQ Islands - many include cutouts for burners.
1. Kokomo Grills Built-In Double Side Burner
This is a best-seller for a reason. It’s built to last and gives you true dual-burner functionality.
24,000 BTUs total
Stainless steel housing
Independent knobs
Removable stainless lid
Built-in design fits most islands
👉 View the Kokomo Double Side Burner
2. Kokomo Power Burner
Looking for serious firepower? This one handles massive stock pots, lobster boils, and deep frying without flinching.
60,000 BTUs
Removable center grate for larger cookware
Full LED backlit knobs for nighttime use
Flame control from low simmer to high sear
👉 View the Kokomo Power Burner
3. AOG Single Side Burner
A sleek, compact solution for smaller spaces or casual cooks.
15,000 BTUs
Stainless steel cover included
Electronic or match-lit ignition
Simple and effective
👉 View the AOG Single Side Burner
Built-In Burners
These integrate into your outdoor kitchen structure. Perfect if you’re building a permanent or semi-permanent cooking area.
Cart-Style Burners
Freestanding and portable. Ideal if you rent, move frequently, or want a more modular cooking station.
Zen Grilling focuses on built-in solutions that complement premium outdoor kitchens. If you're looking for something portable, reach out and we can recommend alternatives.
Most burners come in both natural gas (NG) and liquid propane (LP) configurations. Here’s how to decide:
Natural Gas (NG):
Connects to your home’s gas line
Never run out of fuel
Lower cost over time
Requires professional installation
Propane (LP):
Uses portable tanks
Easier to install and move
Higher BTUs in some models
You’ll need to replace or refill tanks
Be sure to select the correct option at checkout; gas type is not interchangeable without a conversion kit.
Installing a side burner isn’t overly complicated, but here’s what to keep in mind:
Follow the cutout specs exactly — each burner model has its own
Allow for ventilation if installing into masonry or stone
Use a weather cover when not in use
Coordinate your gas line ahead of time (especially for built-in islands)
Check BTU compatibility with your gas regulator and supply
If you’re unsure, we can help guide your setup or connect you with a local installer.
A power burner is not for every setup; but if you love big cooking tasks, it’s a must-have. You’ll want one if you:
Boil seafood or pasta in large batches
Wok stir-fry with high heat
Deep fry outdoors (safely)
Sear meats or large cast iron pans
Cook for big groups or events
Think of it like this: a side burner is your stove, and a power burner is your outdoor blast furnace.
Here’s what you can cook using your burner(s) - and why it’s better outside.
Breakfast:
Scrambled eggs, hash browns, breakfast skillets
Bonus: No lingering grease smells in the house
Seafood Night:
Steam mussels, boil crab legs or shrimp, cook clam chowder
Use your power burner to finish it all quickly
Family Dinners:
Sauté veggies, warm up tortillas, simmer sauces
Your grill handles the protein, the burner does the rest
Tailgates or Parties:
Chili, queso, baked beans
Keep dishes hot without relying on crockpots
Holiday Meals:
Gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing
Save stovetop space and keep the heat outside
Can I retrofit a burner into my existing island?
Yes, as long as your island can accommodate the cutout dimensions and provide proper ventilation.
Are burners safe in rain or snow?
Yes - just make sure to use a proper weatherproof cover and wipe them dry before use.
Do I need separate gas lines?
Not always. You can often “tee” off your grill’s line if pressure and flow allow.
Can power burners be turned down for simmering?
Yes. Most quality models allow excellent flame control from low to high.
Is stainless steel really necessary?
Absolutely - especially for durability, corrosion resistance, and easy cleaning outdoors.
If you're serious about outdoor cooking, a burner isn’t optional; it’s essential. Whether it’s a compact side burner for sauces or a beast of a power burner for crawfish boils, the right setup helps you cook more, clean less, and enjoy your patio year-round.
Need help choosing?
📞 Reach out via our contact page - we’ll match you to the right burner.
Ready to upgrade?
🔥 Browse all burners at Zen Grilling