The aroma of perfectly grilled steak, the sizzle of burgers on the grate – these are the hallmarks of summertime cooking. But beyond the main grilling surface, many grills boast an often-overlooked feature: the side burner. Is this seemingly small addition truly useful, or is it just another bell and whistle designed to entice buyers? Let’s delve into the world of the grill side burner and explore its potential to elevate your outdoor cooking experience.
Understanding the Grill Side Burner
The grill side burner is essentially a standalone burner, typically fueled by propane or natural gas, integrated into the side of your grill. It resembles a stovetop burner and functions similarly, providing a focused heat source for pots, pans, and other cookware. They come in various sizes and heat outputs, influencing their versatility.
Different Types of Side Burners
Side burners aren’t all created equal. Some are basic, offering a single, standard burner, while others boast more advanced features:
- Standard Burner: The most common type, suitable for general cooking tasks like boiling, simmering, and sautéing.
- High-Powered Burner: Designed for rapid heating, ideal for wok cooking or searing.
- Infrared Burner: Utilizes infrared technology for intense, focused heat, often used for searing and achieving crispy results.
- Sear Burner: Similar to infrared burners, sear burners provide a concentrated, high-heat zone, perfect for creating a beautiful crust on steaks and other meats.
How Powerful Should Your Side Burner Be?
The power of a side burner is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). A higher BTU rating indicates a more powerful burner that can heat up faster and maintain higher temperatures. For basic tasks, a 10,000-12,000 BTU side burner may suffice. If you plan on doing more intensive cooking, like wok cooking or deep frying, a burner with 15,000 BTU or more is recommended.
The Benefits of Having a Grill Side Burner
The grill side burner offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance your grilling experience. It’s about more than just having an extra burner; it’s about convenience, versatility, and expanding your culinary horizons.
Convenience and Efficiency
One of the most significant advantages is convenience. Imagine grilling burgers while simultaneously warming buns on the side burner. Or preparing a side dish of sautéed vegetables without ever leaving the grill. This eliminates the need to constantly run back and forth to the kitchen, keeping you focused on your outdoor cooking.
Keeping the heat outdoors is another benefit. During hot summer months, using the side burner minimizes heat buildup inside your house, making your indoor environment more comfortable.
Expanding Your Grilling Capabilities
A side burner opens up a world of culinary possibilities. You’re no longer limited to grilling meat and vegetables.
- Sauces and Gravies: Create delectable sauces and gravies to complement your grilled dishes.
- Side Dishes: Prepare side dishes like rice, pasta, or beans without using your indoor stovetop.
- Soups and Stews: Simmer soups and stews outdoors, perfect for cooler evenings.
- Frying and Searing: Certain side burners, especially high-powered and infrared models, are ideal for frying and searing, allowing you to create restaurant-quality dishes.
Keeping Food Warm
Another often-overlooked benefit is the ability to keep food warm. Once your grilled masterpiece is cooked, you can transfer it to a pot or pan on the side burner, set to a low simmer, to keep it warm until you’re ready to serve. This is particularly useful when grilling for a large group.
Potential Drawbacks of Grill Side Burners
While the advantages are compelling, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of a grill side burner. These considerations will help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right addition for your grill.
Added Cost
Grills with side burners typically cost more than those without. This is due to the additional components and complexity of the design. You need to weigh the cost against the benefits to determine if it’s a worthwhile investment for you.
Increased Size and Weight
A grill with a side burner will be larger and heavier than a comparable model without one. This can be a consideration if you have limited space on your patio or deck, or if you need to move the grill frequently.
Maintenance
Like any part of your grill, the side burner requires maintenance. You’ll need to clean it regularly to remove grease and debris, and you may need to replace parts over time. This adds to the overall upkeep of your grill.
Potential for Underutilization
Perhaps the biggest drawback is the potential for underutilization. If you rarely cook sauces, side dishes, or soups outdoors, the side burner may simply become an unused feature. Consider your cooking habits and whether you’ll truly take advantage of its capabilities.
Examples of When a Side Burner Comes in Handy
To illustrate the usefulness of a grill side burner, let’s look at some specific scenarios where it can make a significant difference.
The Ultimate Burger Night
Imagine hosting a burger night for friends and family. While the burgers are grilling, you can use the side burner to:
- Sauté onions and mushrooms for toppings.
- Warm up burger buns.
- Melt cheese for a gooey topping.
- Prepare a quick batch of chili to serve alongside.
Without the side burner, you’d be constantly running back and forth to the kitchen, disrupting the flow of the evening.
The Perfect Steak Dinner
Achieving the perfect steak requires precise cooking. With a side burner, you can:
- Use a high-powered burner to sear the steak to perfection.
- Prepare a pan sauce with red wine and herbs to complement the steak.
- Sauté vegetables like asparagus or mushrooms as a side dish.
The side burner allows you to control every aspect of the meal, from searing to sauce creation, all in one convenient location.
Camping and Tailgating
While not all grills with side burners are portable, some smaller models are ideal for camping or tailgating. The side burner provides a convenient way to:
- Boil water for coffee or tea.
- Cook meals when a campfire isn’t practical.
- Heat up soup or chili on a chilly day.
It offers a taste of home cooking even when you’re on the go.
Choosing the Right Grill with a Side Burner
If you’ve decided that a grill with a side burner is right for you, there are several factors to consider when making your purchase.
Size and Cooking Area
Consider the size of your family and how often you entertain. A larger grill with a larger side burner is ideal for cooking for large groups, while a smaller grill may suffice for smaller families.
BTU Rating
As mentioned earlier, the BTU rating of the side burner is crucial. Choose a burner with sufficient power for your intended cooking tasks.
Material and Construction
Look for a grill with a durable construction and high-quality materials. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its resistance to rust and corrosion.
Features
Consider additional features such as:
- Ignition System: A reliable ignition system makes starting the burner easy.
- Temperature Control: Precise temperature control allows you to simmer, sauté, and sear with confidence.
- Warranty: A good warranty provides peace of mind in case of any defects or malfunctions.
Price
Grills with side burners range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Set a budget and find a grill that offers the best value for your money.
Alternatives to a Grill Side Burner
If you’re not convinced that a grill side burner is right for you, there are several alternatives to consider.
- Portable Burner: A portable burner can be used on your patio or deck and offers similar functionality to a side burner.
- Outdoor Kitchen: If you’re serious about outdoor cooking, consider building an outdoor kitchen with a built-in stovetop.
- Using Your Indoor Stovetop: Of course, you can always use your indoor stovetop for preparing sauces and side dishes.
These alternatives offer varying levels of convenience and cost, so choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Maintaining Your Grill Side Burner
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your grill side burner in good working condition.
Cleaning
Clean the burner regularly with a brush and mild detergent to remove grease and debris.
Inspection
Inspect the burner for any signs of damage or corrosion.
Storage
When not in use, cover the burner to protect it from the elements.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your grill side burner and ensure that it performs optimally for years to come.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not a grill side burner is useful depends on your individual cooking habits and preferences. If you enjoy cooking sauces, side dishes, and soups outdoors, or if you simply want the convenience of having an extra burner, a side burner can be a valuable addition to your grill. However, if you rarely use these features, it may not be worth the added cost and maintenance. Consider your needs carefully and choose a grill that best fits your lifestyle.
What exactly is a grill side burner and how does it work?
A grill side burner is essentially a standalone burner, typically fueled by propane or natural gas, that’s attached to the side of a grill. It functions much like a stovetop burner, providing a concentrated heat source ideal for tasks that require precise temperature control or wouldn’t be suitable directly on the grill grates. These burners usually have an adjustable knob to regulate the flame intensity, offering a range from a low simmer to a high boil.
The fuel line connects to the same propane tank or natural gas line as the main grill burners. When ignited, the gas flows to the burner head, where it mixes with oxygen and burns, creating a flame. The burner head is typically made of cast iron or stainless steel, designed to distribute heat evenly and withstand high temperatures.
What are the primary benefits of having a grill side burner?
The most significant advantage of a side burner is its versatility. It allows you to prepare side dishes, sauces, and soups simultaneously while grilling, keeping everything hot and ready at the same time. This eliminates the need to constantly run back and forth to the kitchen stove, streamlining the cooking process and keeping you engaged with your guests outdoors.
Furthermore, side burners can be incredibly useful for dishes that require more delicate cooking or precise temperature control than the main grill can offer. For example, simmering a delicate sauce, sautéing vegetables, or even deep-frying can be done safely and effectively on a side burner, minimizing the risk of burning or uneven cooking.
What types of foods can be cooked effectively on a grill side burner?
Grill side burners excel at cooking a wide array of foods that complement grilled meals. Think of sides like sautéed vegetables (onions, peppers, mushrooms), simmered sauces (BBQ, béarnaise), or even creamy polenta. They’re also ideal for making quick pan sauces after searing meats on the grill.
Beyond sides, you can use them to prepare entire meals. Cooking pasta, boiling corn on the cob, or even frying eggs for breakfast is possible with a side burner. It essentially extends the functionality of your outdoor cooking space, turning your grill into a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.
Is a side burner difficult to clean and maintain?
Cleaning a side burner is generally a straightforward process. Most models feature removable grates or burner covers that can be easily washed with soap and water. For stubborn stains or spills, a grill brush or a mild degreaser can be used to remove residue.
Regular maintenance involves checking the burner for clogs or debris, ensuring proper gas flow, and inspecting the fuel line for any leaks. With proper care and occasional cleaning, a side burner can provide years of reliable service.
What are some potential drawbacks to consider before buying a grill with a side burner?
One potential drawback is the additional cost. Grills with side burners tend to be more expensive than those without, so it’s important to consider whether you’ll actually use the feature frequently enough to justify the added expense. Space is also a factor; grills with side burners are often larger, requiring more patio or deck space.
Another consideration is the added cleaning involved. While not overly difficult, the side burner adds another component to your grill that requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Also, some cheaper side burners may not offer as precise temperature control as a kitchen stovetop, potentially affecting the quality of certain dishes.
How much power (BTUs) should a good grill side burner have?
The ideal BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating for a side burner depends on your cooking needs. For basic simmering and warming tasks, a lower BTU rating (around 10,000-12,000) may suffice. However, for tasks like boiling water quickly or deep-frying, a higher BTU rating (15,000 or more) is recommended.
Generally, a side burner with a BTU rating between 12,000 and 15,000 offers a good balance of power and versatility for most cooking applications. This range allows for efficient simmering, boiling, and sautéing, making it a suitable choice for a wide variety of recipes.
Are there different types of side burners available, and how do they differ?
Yes, there are several different types of side burners available, each with its own unique features and functionalities. Standard side burners typically consist of a single burner head with adjustable flame control, suitable for basic cooking tasks like simmering and sautéing. There are also sear burners, which are high-intensity burners designed specifically for searing meats at very high temperatures.
Another type is the infrared side burner, which uses infrared heat to cook food quickly and evenly. These burners are often used for searing and are known for their high heat output and efficiency. Finally, some grills offer enclosed side burners with lids, which can be used as a warming drawer or a place to keep cooked food hot until serving.