Best Side Burners for Outdoor Kitchens in 2026

At ECOLIT, we manufacture outdoor kitchen structures from durable 18-gauge galvanized steel. Our systems are designed to accommodate built-in grills, side burners, refrigeration, storage, and other outdoor cooking equipment.

A side burner expands the functionality of an outdoor kitchen by allowing homeowners to prepare sauces, vegetables, pasta, seafood, and other dishes without returning indoors. Depending on the cooking style and available space, an outdoor kitchen may include a compact single burner, a double side burner, a high-output power burner, or an infrared searing station.

Below are four notable built-in burner options for outdoor kitchens in 2026.

What to Look for in an Outdoor Kitchen Side Burner

Quality

Outdoor appliances must withstand heat, moisture, grease, and changing weather conditions. Stainless steel construction, durable burner components, reliable ignition, and a protective cover are important factors when comparing models.

Performance

BTU output indicates the maximum heat produced by a burner, but cooking performance also depends on burner design, grate configuration, wind protection, and temperature control. Standard side burners are suitable for everyday cookware, while power burners are intended for large pots and high-temperature cooking.

Features

Practical features may include illuminated control knobs, independent cooking zones, removable covers, drip trays, and grates designed for different cookware. These elements can improve safety, maintenance, and everyday usability.

Value

The most expensive or powerful burner is not necessarily the best choice for every project. The appliance should match the homeowner’s cooking habits, available counter space, fuel supply, and outdoor kitchen layout.

Best Double Side Burner

Blaze Premium LTE+ Built-In Double Side Burner

The Blaze Premium LTE+ Built-In Double Side Burner provides two independent cooking zones for preparing multiple dishes at the same time. It is well suited for sauces, side dishes, skillets, and standard-size pots.

The unit features heavy-duty brass-plated burners designed for heat retention and long-term durability. Push-and-turn ignition provides a simple startup process, while the raised stainless steel cooking grate allows airflow around the burners.

LED-illuminated control knobs provide a visible indication when the burners are operating. A removable stainless steel cover protects the cooking surface when the appliance is not in use.

This model is appropriate for outdoor kitchens that require more flexibility than a single burner but do not need the output or footprint of a dedicated power burner.

Best Single Side Burner

Coyote Built-In Single Side Burner

The Coyote Built-In Single Side Burner is a compact option for outdoor kitchens with limited counter space. Its single cooking zone provides additional functionality without occupying the space required by a double burner.

The appliance includes a 15,000-BTU brass burner suitable for sauces, vegetables, side dishes, and moderate-size cookware. Its continuously welded 304-grade stainless steel body provides a durable exterior for outdoor installation.

Push-and-turn ignition allows the burner to be started without a separate lighter. A stainless steel cover protects the burner and creates a cleaner appearance when the appliance is closed.

This model works best when the grill remains the primary cooking appliance and only one additional stovetop-style burner is needed.

Best Power Burner

Blaze Professional LUX Built-In High Performance Power Burner

The Blaze Professional LUX Built-In Power Burner is designed for cooking tasks that require substantially more heat than a standard side burner. Its dual-ring burner system produces up to 60,000 BTUs.

The inner and outer burner rings can be controlled independently, allowing the heat output to be adjusted for different cookware sizes. This makes the appliance suitable for large stockpots, seafood boils, frying, and wok cooking.

Cast stainless steel dual-ring grates support conventional cookware and provide additional flexibility for round-bottom woks. The burner also includes illuminated control knobs, push-and-turn ignition, a removable cover, and a full-width drip tray.

Because of its high output, this model is most appropriate for homeowners who regularly use large cookware or high-temperature cooking methods.

Best Infrared Searing Station

Napoleon Built-In 700 Series Dual Infrared Burner

The Napoleon Built-In 700 Series Dual Infrared Burner is a dedicated high-temperature cooking station rather than a conventional side burner. Its primary function is searing meat and other foods using concentrated infrared heat.

The unit contains two infrared burners with a combined output of up to 30,000 BTUs. Its wide cooking area allows multiple portions to be seared at the same time.

Heavy stainless steel cooking grids feature Napoleon’s distinctive WAVE pattern. The Night Light control knobs use SafetyGlow illumination to indicate when the burners are operating.

Marine-grade stainless steel construction is designed for outdoor exposure, while the integrated cover protects the cooking surface when it is not being used. This model is best suited for outdoor kitchens that require a separate searing zone beside the main grill.