Designing an outdoor kitchen often starts with the grill, but many backyard chefs quickly realize that a grill alone cannot handle every part of a meal. That is where an outdoor kitchen side burner becomes a valuable addition.
A side burner works much like a traditional stove burner, giving you the ability to cook in pots and pans while the grill handles the main course. This setup keeps everything in one place so you do not have to run inside to finish sauces, boil pasta or sauté vegetables.
If you enjoy preparing complete meals outdoors, adding a side burner can expand what your outdoor kitchen can do.
What an Outdoor Kitchen Side Burner Is Designed For
A standard outdoor kitchen side burner typically produces around 10,000 to 17,000 BTUs of heat, similar to a burner on a household range. That makes it ideal for everyday cooking tasks that require steady heat and precise control.
Common capabilities include:
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Cooking in pots and pans while the grill is in use
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Preparing sauces and side dishes outdoors
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Boiling pasta, potatoes or corn
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Sautéing vegetables or onions
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Keeping food warm while the main course finishes
Many outdoor kitchens include a side burner specifically so cooks can handle the “stovetop” parts of a meal without leaving the grill area.
Best Side Burner Uses in an Outdoor Kitchen
A side burner shines when you need versatility. Instead of relying only on grill grates, you can prepare multiple components of a meal at the same time.
Some of the best side burner uses include:
Sauces and reductions
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Simmer barbecue sauce while ribs cook on the grill
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Prepare marinades or pan sauces for steaks
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Heat queso, gravy or glazes
Side dishes
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Sauté peppers and onions for fajitas
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Cook baked beans or chili in a pot
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Prepare rice, pasta or vegetables
Breakfast cooking
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Fry bacon or eggs in a skillet
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Cook breakfast potatoes or pancakes with a griddle pan
Food warming
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Keep soups, sauces or side dishes warm
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Hold melted butter for seafood or lobster
Because side burners allow controlled heat levels, they are especially useful for simmering and sautéing tasks that are difficult to manage on a grill alone.
Boil, Sear, Sauce, and Simmer: Real Cooking Scenarios
When planning an outdoor kitchen layout, it helps to think about the meals you enjoy cooking most. Many recipes benefit from having a side burner available.
Here are some common cooking scenarios where a side burner makes a difference.
Boil
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Boil corn on the cob while steaks grill
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Cook pasta for grilled shrimp dishes
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Prepare potatoes or vegetables for barbecue plates
Sear
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Heat a cast iron pan to sear scallops or steak
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Finish a sous vide steak with a hot skillet
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Quickly caramelize onions for burgers
Sauce
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Simmer barbecue sauce or glaze
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Warm butter and garlic for seafood
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Prepare dipping sauces or reductions
Simmer
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Cook chili or beans during a long cookout
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Prepare soups or chowders outdoors
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Slowly reduce sauces without burning
These tasks help round out a meal so everything is ready at the same time.
Power Burner vs Side Burner: What’s the Difference?
When planning your outdoor kitchen, you may also hear the comparison of power burner vs side burner. While they look similar, they are designed for different levels of heat and cooking styles.
A standard side burner focuses on everyday cooking tasks such as sauces, sautéing and simmering. A power burner is built for extreme heat and large cookware.
Key differences include:
Side burner
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Usually around 10,000 to 17,000 BTUs
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Best for sauces, sautéing and side dishes
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Designed for regular pots and pans
Power burner
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Often 40,000 to 70,000+ BTUs
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Ideal for seafood boils, wok cooking and deep frying
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Handles large stock pots and high heat cooking
Many outdoor kitchens include both. A side burner handles everyday cooking while a power burner tackles high-heat tasks like boiling crawfish or stir-frying.
When a Side Burner Makes the Most Sense
Not every outdoor kitchen requires a side burner, but it can significantly improve cooking flexibility if you regularly prepare full meals outside.
Consider adding an outdoor kitchen side burner if you:
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Want to cook sauces or sides while grilling
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Frequently host backyard gatherings or cookouts
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Prefer keeping heat and cooking mess outdoors
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Enjoy preparing complete meals in one space
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Need more cooking capacity during large gatherings
A well-designed outdoor kitchen should allow you to grill, boil, simmer and sauté without leaving the patio.
Expanding the Capabilities of Your Outdoor Kitchen
A grill is the centerpiece of most outdoor kitchens, but accessories like side burners transform the space into a complete cooking station. By adding a dedicated burner for pots and pans, you gain the ability to prepare entire meals outdoors from start to finish.
Whether you are simmering barbecue sauce, sautéing vegetables or boiling corn for a summer cookout, an outdoor kitchen side burner adds flexibility and convenience to your setup.
For many backyard chefs, it quickly becomes one of the most useful features in the outdoor kitchen.