You probably know the benefits of a grill, but do you know the benefits of a side burner? A side burner offers an additional cooking surface that helps control a different temperature. 

Compared to the main grill which cooks at a high temperature, a side burner cooks to a separate temperature. This makes a side burner suitable for cooking vegetables and sauces. 

Also, a grill side burner will save a lot of time because it will help you cook other foods at the same time. 

Side burners help you to prepare other side meals to cook. Another benefit of a side burner is that it helps to conserve energy. 

When you are not cooking indoors, it means that you will not have to crank the A/C down which helps you save monthly energy bills.

Searing Burner vs Side Burner

A searing burner can be found on a gas grill and is usually hotter than the main grill. This allows you to cook food at a high temperature until a brown crust is formed. 

Cooks can use a searing burner to sear food for a certain duration before finishing cooking at a lower temperature on a grill. 

On the other hand, a side burner is placed next to the grill burner. Compared to a grill that cooks at a high temperature to grill beef, chicken, or ribs, a side burner works at a controlled temperature which allows you to cook small meals such as sauces or vegetables besides the grill.

What To Cook On Grill Side Burner

Side burners are used to cook side dishes and this ranges from sautéing peppers and onions to grilling Italian sausages. If you are wondering what to cook on a side burner, here are a few examples that will inspire your cooking.

• Char peppers: You can use a side burner to char peppers or veggies by placing them directly to the flame.

• Steam oysters: A side burner can be used to steam oysters and grill the rest. If you want to steam the oysters, start by boiling 1 cup of water and a half glass of beer for aroma and flavor. Place a colander insider the pot and ensure that you arrange the oysters. Bring the mixture to boil then let the oyster steam for 10 minutes.

• Pan fry: You can use the side burner to pan fry and keep the smoke and smell out of the house. The heated cast iron can be used to cook blackened fish. If you want to pan-fry fish, first coat the fish using melted butter then use blackening seasonings and place it inside the skillet for a couple of minutes.

• Cook glazes and sauces: A grill with a side burner allows you to cook delicious glazes and sauces which complement a grilled main meal. Because glazes and sauces require a low temperature than other foods, a side burner is suitable thanks to its temperature control. To cook sauces and ingredients, put them inside the pan then place them on a side burner.

Helpful Tips To Know If You Need A Side Burner On Your Grill

It goes without saying that outdoor grills, as well as a side burner, complement each other just like a microwave and stove do in your indoor kitchen. Each of these have multiple purposes, but one can do things the other cannot.

• If you frequently experience power outages, then you need to use a side burner. The benefit of a side burner on a grill is that it helps you enjoy the flexibility of a gas cooktop without needing electricity.

• You want to save time for outdoor cooking. If you are grilling other food such as meat, a side burner may come in handy if you want to save cooking time by multi-tasking then preparing side dishes like vegetables and sauces.

• Other than the main food, you may need a side burner to cook other side dishes. This includes boiling vegetables, including fresh corn as you wait for the main food to be ready on the grill. In addition to boiled vegetables, you may need a side burner to cook glazes and sauces that complement the main dish.

Final Thoughts

Good side burners are convenient for those who love using a grill to cook food outdoors. Not only will it save you time, but you can use it to efficiently cook other meals. 

When you are selecting a side burner, the question you need to ask yourself is do I need a side burner on my grill? While it is true that a side burner may not be mandatory, it is very helpful. 

You may need a side burner not only to prepare side meals but also to warm other foods as you wait for the main dish to finish cooking.