For compact outdoor spaces, a small gas grill with a side burner offers convenience without sacrificing versatility. The following selections combine compact footprints, reliable heat, and practical side burners for sauces, sides, or boiling tasks. Each product is chosen for its balance of portability, power, and value, helping you enjoy efficient grilling at home, at the tailgate, or on the patio.
Product snapshot — a quick glance at five compact grills with side burners, highlighting primary cooking space, BTU output, and notable features. This helps you compare options fast and pick the best fit for your grilling style.
| Product | Main Cooking Space | Side Burner / Extras | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Char-Broil Classic Convective 3-Burner with Side Burner | 360 sq in primary | 8,000 BTU side burner | Variable (high efficiency) |
| Unovivy 2-Burner Portable with Side Burner | 230 sq in main | Side burner | 24,000 BTU total |
| GRILL DEPOTS 3 Burner with Side Burner | 252 sq in primary | 9,000 BTU side burner | Total ~30,000 BTU |
| Electactic 2-Burner with Side Shelves | 325 sq in main | Side burner | 20,000 BTU total |
| Cookit 3-Burner with Side Burner | ~40+ in wide cooking area (cast iron) | 9,000 BTU side burner | 30,000 BTU total |
Char-Broil Classic Convective 3-Burner With Side Burner
The Char-Broil Classic Convective gas grill runs on a 20-pound propane tank (not included) and heats quickly for high-temperature searing. It offers 360-square inches of primary cooking space plus a warming rack, enabling indirect cooking and keeping foods warm. An 8,000 BTU side burner expands cooking options, ideal for sauces, vegetables, or beverages while grilling. This model emphasizes even heat distribution and practical family grilling capacity.
GRILL DEPOTS 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill With Side Burner
Equipped with three independent burners at 10,000 BTU each, this grill provides precise heat control and even cooking across 252 square inches of main space. The 9,000 BTU side burner is perfect for simmering sauces or preparing sides while you sear or grill entrees. The stainless finish and a dedicated storage area for a propane tank help maintain a tidy outdoor kitchen setup.
Unovivy 2-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill
Unovivy’s 2-burner model combines portability with a built-in side burner and a lid-mounted thermometer for precise cooking. The grill offers 230 square inches of main space plus a warming area, with 24,000 BTU total for powerful, responsive heat. Stainless steel and powder-coated finishes resist weather, while foldable tables provide extra prep space on the go or at home.
RYHOFOUD 3-Burner With Side Burner
RYHOFOUD offers 36,000 BTU total with a 241-square-inch main grilling area and a side burner, enabling versatile outdoor cooking for small gatherings. The grill emphasizes efficient propane use, a sturdy top cover, and a compact footprint suitable for patios, balconies, or campsites. A lid allows for convection-like cooking to lock in flavors and moisture.
Cookit 3-Burner With Side Burner
This model features a double-wall stainless steel lid and three main burners delivering up to 30,000 BTU, plus a 9,000 BTU side burner for sauces and sides. The design emphasizes even heat distribution through a convection-like system, with a stay-cool handle for safe checking and a grease management system that simplifies cleanup. The large cooking surface supports family-sized meals and gatherings.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Size and footprint: For small spaces, measure your patio or balcony and compare the grill’s primary cooking area and overall width to ensure it fits without crowding nearby furniture or railings.
- Heat output and distribution: Look for grills with multiple main burners and a practical side burner. Independent control knobs help manage zones of high heat for searing and gentler cooking.
- Side burner utility: A dedicated side burner is ideal for sauces, corn, or side dishes, but check BTU output to ensure it can boil or simmer as needed without starving the main grate.
- Construction and materials: Stainless steel builds resist rust and weather better than cheaper finishes. Porcelain-enameled grates reduce sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Mobility and setup: If you need to move the grill, prioritize models with wheels and lighter weight. Look for foldable shelves or tables for extra prep space.
- Fuel and maintenance: Propane compatibility is common; ensure you have a compatible tank and a plan for safe storage. A grease management system helps keep cleanup manageable over time.
- Warranty and support: Check the manufacturer’s warranty and what it covers, especially for burners, lid, and cooking grates, since these impact long-term value.
- Budget vs. features: More burners and larger cooking areas generally cost more. Prioritize features that matter most to your cooking style, such as precise burner control or integrated thermometers.