Best Gas Griddle With Side Burner for Backyard Cooking
Finding the right gas grill with a built-in griddle and side burner can simplify outdoor cooking. The following selections balance grill power, griddle versatility, and practical storage. Each model below combines broader cooking options with a dedicated griddle surface, helping you sear, sauté, and simmer without swapping equipment. Below you’ll find five top picks, highlighted features, and a practical buying guide to help you compare performance, cleanup, and maintenance.
| Product | Cooking Space | BTU / Power | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRILL DEPOTS 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner | ~620 sq in | Not listed (6 burners) | Cast iron grates with griddle combo and cabinet storage |
| Royal Gourmet GD401C 4-Burner Grill & Griddle Combo | 584 sq in | 48,000 BTUs | Two zones plus griddle insert, portable foldable design |
| Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-Burner Grill & Griddle Combo | 364 sq in | 29,000 BTUs | 3-in-1 cooking: griddle, grill, and pot rack |
| Grills House PD1305H-SC 3-Burner Portable Grill | 200 sq in + 205 sq in | 29,000 BTU | 3-in-1 on-the-go cooking with side burner |
| MAISON BACKYARDS 4-Burner with Side Burner | ~720 sq in (480 + warming rack) | 50,000 BTU | Two-in-one cast iron grates and griddle, clear viewing window |
GRILL DEPOTS 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill With Side Burner
The GRILL DEPOTS model combines a large 620 square inch cooking area with a side burner, offering a versatile grilling and sautéing option for backyard cooking. Its porcelain-enameled cast iron grates deliver durable heat distribution and easy cleanup, while the design integrates a cabinet for storing propane and tools. A built-in griddle adds flat-top versatility, making it suitable for burgers, vegetables, and breakfast-style dishes in one session.
Royal Gourmet GD401C 4-Burner Gas Grill And Griddle Combo
This combo grill features two distinct cooking zones totaling 584 square inches, powered by four burners and a robust 48,000 BTU output. The built-in griddle insert expands cooking options beyond the standard grill, enabling searing and quick stir-frying alongside traditional grilling. It’s designed for portability with fold-down legs and casters, and it includes an automatic ignition system for fast starts, making it suitable for camping, tailgating, or backyard use.
Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-Burner Grill & Griddle Combo
The PD1305H offers a compact 364 square inch cooking area with a 29,000 BTU output and a true 3-in-1 setup: griddle, grill grate, and a pot rack. Its portable design makes it ideal for patio spaces, balconies, or travel. Users will appreciate the flexibility of switching between flat-top griddle cooking and traditional grilling, especially for breakfast-to-dinner meal planning on outdoor outings.
Grills House 3-Burner Portable Propane Grill And Griddle Combo
Designed for portability, this 3-burner unit provides a total cooking area of 200 square inches on the griddle plus 205 square inches for grilling, totaling a generous space for compact outdoor meals. The porcelain-enameled griddle surface distributes heat evenly, and the side burner supports multitasking, making it a practical choice for small gatherings and on-the-go cooks who want a reliable griddle-grill combination.
MAISON BACKYARDS 4-Burner Propane Grill With Side Burner
This heavy-duty four-burner grill delivers up to 50,000 BTUs and features a 480 square inch primary cooking area plus an additional 220 square inch warming rack. The included griddle and cast iron cooking grates offer versatile cooking surfaces, and the clear viewing window with a built-in thermometer helps monitor doneness without frequent lid lifting. The stainless construction helps resist corrosion and supports long-term outdoor use.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Griddle and grill surface balance: Look for a model that provides a dedicated griddle surface alongside traditional grates for simultaneous cooking styles (eggs and pancakes on the griddle, burgers on the grill).
- BTU and heat distribution: Higher BTUs can improve searing and speed, but even heat distribution across both grill and griddle surfaces matters for consistent results.
- Build quality and materials: Stainless steel construction resists rust and weather, while porcelain-enameled cast iron grates offer durability and good heat retention.
- Storage and portability: Cabinets, shelves, and caster wheels influence convenience for backyard use or frequent relocation.
- Side burner usefulness: A reliable side burner enables sauces, soups, or veggies to simmer while grilling, expanding meal possibilities.
- Maintenance considerations: Removable grease pans, easy-clean grates, and enamel coatings simplify cleanup after cookouts.
- Size and footprint: Consider available outdoor space and the number of guests you typically serve to select an appropriate cooking area footprint.
- Ignition system: An automatic ignition or reliable push-button start reduces hassle during grill sessions.
Additional Perspectives
For larger families or frequent entertaining, models with multiple burners and a sizable total cooking area provide flexibility for prep work and high-heat searing. Portable options are well-suited for campers or apartment patios, offering lighter weight and easier storage but often at the expense of total cooking surface. Griddle inserts extend versatility for breakfast-style meals or hibachi-style cooking, while side burners enable sauce reductions without opening the main grill lid. When evaluating these units, weigh the balance between portability, surface area, and long-term durability.