As much as I hate it, we are heading into the final few weeks of summer; Memorial Day has come and gone, and Labor Day is quickly closing in. This does not mean, though, that the grilling stops. In our household, grilling is a year-round activity!
Just recently, my husband and I upgraded our tiny little two-burner Weber Spirit (bought almost seven years ago when we were house poor) to a Weber Genesis E-435. Besides the expanded cooking space and higher BTUs, my favorite part is the side burner.
The Weber side burner is an extra gas burner on the side shelf of your grill, allowing you to simmer sauces, boil water, or sauté vegetables without having to step back into the kitchen. And when not in use, it doubles as a shelf. Honestly, it’s been a game changer for us, and I hope this post inspires you to consider a Weber with a side burner if you’re in the market for a new grill!
Why Choose a Grill with a Side Burner?
Imagine hosting a BBQ. Everyone’s outside on the patio playing games or enjoying apps while you’re stuck inside stirring a pot of sauce. With a side burner, you get to be outside with your guests instead of running back and forth between your stove and grill.
You can:
- Grill steaks while keeping sauce warm.
- Cook beans, potatoes, or pasta without heating up your kitchen.
- Handle every dish in one place.
A side burner makes grilling more convenient, efficient, and social! No juggling pots and pans, no running indoors, and no missing your own party!
If you’re looking for recipe inspiration, check out Serious Eats’ outdoor cooking section or Hey Grill Hey’s guide to sides to get ideas for what to whip up on your burner.
How Weber Integrates Side Burners
Weber puts the same care into designing their side burners as they do their main grills. A Weber side burner typically features:
- Stainless steel construction for durability.
- Easy-to-use controls for precision.
- Lids that double as prep space when not in use.
Some lower-end models have a standard open-flame design, while higher-end models may include a sear station or infrared burner for quick heating. Best of all, side burners are fueled by the same propane or natural gas line as your grill so no extra setup required.
Which Weber Grills Include Side Burners?
If you’re shopping for a Weber with a side burner, here’s a quick overview of the most popular lines:
Weber Genesis Series
A step up from the Spirit series, the Genesis grills provide more cooking space, higher BTUs, and sleek design upgrades—perfect for backyard grill enthusiasts who want extra flexibility.
- Genesis E-335 3-Burner Black – View product here
- Genesis E-435 4-Burner Stainless Steel – View product here
Weber Summit Series
The Summit series takes things even further, stepping up from Genesis with a premium build, advanced features, and the ultimate outdoor cooking versatility.
- Summit FS38 S-5 Burner Stainless Steel – View product here
Tips and Tricks: Getting the Most From Your Side Burner
Not sure what to do with your side burner? Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Simmer sauces: Keep your basting sauce warm and ready right beside your grill. Try something new like this bourbon BBQ sauce recipe.
- Boil pasta or potatoes: No need to run inside, make the whole meal outside.
- Sauté veggies: Perfect for peppers, onions, and mushrooms to top your burgers or steaks.
- Use cast-iron skillets or woks: Side burners are strong enough for heavy cookware.
Pro tip: Since you’re cooking outside, keep an eye on the wind…it can affect your flame!
Maintenance and Care for Weber Side Burners
Just like your main grill, your side burner needs a little love to stay in top shape:
- Clean the burner cap and ports: Use a soft brush to remove food residue.
- Check gas connections: Inspect hoses for leaks or wear at the start of each season.
- Wipe down stainless steel: Prevent discoloration or rust with mild soap and a microfiber cloth.
Is a Side Burner Worth It?
If you enjoy cooking outdoors, a side burner isn’t just a luxury, it’s a game-changer! Instead of running inside to boil water or keep sauces warm, you can stay with your guests and finish an entire meal in one place.
For my family, it’s been 100% worth it. We love eating dinner outside, and the less mess we make of the kitchen, the better! Honestly, being able to cook everything we want outside in one spot has been such a joy.
Kelly Esposito
Shore Appliances
11 East Main Street
Clinton, CT 06413 | 860.669.8007