A Guide to Selecting the Best Grilling Side Burners
When you're ready to take your grilling to the next level, it's time to add a side burner to your BBQ island. A side burner is a great way to simmer sauces, boil corn, or even cook a pot of beans to go with your grilled steak. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your outdoor kitchen? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for a side burner.
First, think about the type of fuel you want to use. Gas is the most popular choice, but there are also electric and infrared side burners available. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best fits your needs.
Next, consider the size of the burner. Some side burners are small enough to fit on a countertop, while others are larger and require their own dedicated space. If you're short on square footage, opt for a smaller model. But if you entertain often or cook for large groups, a larger burner will come in handy.
Finally, pay attention to the BTU rating. This measure of heat output will determine how quickly your food cooks. Side burners with higher BTU ratings will cost more, but they'll also heat up faster and do a better job of searing meat. Choose the highest BTU rating you can afford for the best results.
With these factors in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect side burner for your grilling needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are grill side burners worth it?
Yes, grill side burners are worth it. They provide the convenience of cooking outdoors while allowing you to prepare a variety of dishes that you would typically cook in your indoor kitchen. This helps keep the smoke and odors out of your home.
2. What can you cook on a side burner on a BBQ?
Side burners on BBQs are mainly used for cooking side dishes. You can use them to grill corn or hot dogs, heat up sides, make sauces, pan-fry, char vegetables, and even blacken fish fillets. The possibilities are endless, and it adds versatility to your outdoor cooking experience.
3. How far should a side burner be from the grill?
It is recommended to keep at least 9-12 inches of space between any hot appliances, such as grills, ovens, or cooktops. This distance helps prevent any heat-related accidents and ensures safe operation.
4. What is the advantage of a side burner on a grill?
The advantage of having a side burner on a grill is that it increases the versatility of your cooking. You can cook multiple courses simultaneously, keep cooked meals hot, simmer sauces and soups, and prepare other dishes. It provides additional cooking space and options for a more convenient and efficient grilling experience.
5. What is the difference between infrared and regular side burners?
The main difference between infrared and regular side burners is the temperature they generate. Infrared burners can reach much higher temperatures than regular burners and heat up faster. They can often reach surface cooking temperatures over 370 degrees C in as little as 7 minutes.
6. Do I need to use all 4 burners on a grill?
No, you don't need to use all 4 burners on a grill. It is recommended to keep one or two burners on high, and one or two off or on low. This allows for a safe space to cook different cuts of meat or vegetables that may cook at different rates. You can always adjust the heat as needed during the grilling process.
7. What is the difference between a side burner and a power burner?
A side burner is great for finishing sauces and providing additional cooking surface for pots, pans, and skillets. On the other hand, a power burner offers a larger surface area and higher BTUs, making it suitable for tasks like woks, shrimp or fish boils, and more. The power burner provides increased heat and cooking capabilities compared to a regular side burner.
Editor's Notes
During our grilling side burner research, we found 24 grilling side burner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,803 customer reviews through our big data system to write the grilling side burners list. We found that most customers choose grilling side burners with an average price of $466.16.
The grilling side burners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of grilling side burners, including Spire, Bull Outdoor Products, VEPURLT, Blaze Grills, Stanbroil. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.
