Designing a custom outdoor kitchen involves a lot of decisions. What kind of grill do you want? What material should you use for the countertops? Do you need an outdoor fridge? One question that shouldn't get lost in the shuffle is whether your outdoor kitchen needs a side burner. These handy outdoor kitchen island accessories can really open up some new doors for a serious backyard chef and transform your grill station into a full-featured kitchen suite.
Finding the right built-in side burner for your outdoor kitchen can be a bit of a challenge, given the wide variety of options on the market. There are some key considerations you'll need to account for before buying, but to make the process easier, we've compiled this helpful guide to make sure you can find the perfect side burner for your needs.
What does an Outdoor Kitchen Side Burner Offer?
One of the biggest limiting factors when designing and building an outdoor kitchen is the amount of available space. This means that every item you include in your island design has to earn its keep, so to speak. No other outdoor kitchen accessory packs as much value into so small a space as a high-quality side burner. Customers who choose to add one of these accessory burners to their kitchen island enjoy the following benefits:
Versatility
While grilling is great, and grills can do more than the basics when used right, adding a side burner to your outdoor kitchen greatly increases your cooking options. A traditional range-style burner can do everything your stovetop can, creating a huge number of possibilities for your backyard barbecues.
Conveinence
A corollary to the first point, having that side burner at the ready while you're grilling can seriously simplify the cooking process. You won't have to be running back and forth from your grill to your kitchen, running the risk of burning your dinner because your attention is divided. With everything in one place, you can relax and enjoy the grilling process, the way it should be.
Power
If you're hosting guests frequently or cooking food en masse for other reasons, having the added heat output of that side burner can make a huge difference. Additionally, we carry a variety of sear burners that are designed to reach exceptionally high temps that most grills can't quite match, making them the perfect platform for high-heat searing.
What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Kitchen Side Burner
With the variety of available options when it comes to side burners, making sure you find the right fit for your needs takes a bit of careful planning. Each and every side burner you'll find here at Kickass Grills is going to get the job done, but they all have their own particular strengths and use cases. To find the right built-in side burner for your needs, make sure to consider the following factors before buying:
Size
As mentioned above, one of the major limiting factors when designing an outdoor kitchen is space considerations. While we're all tempted to include the largest and best of everything, it's important to remember that you need counter space as well. Be sure to plan the layout of your outdoor kitchen island before making any purchases to ensure you have enough space and that your selected accessories will fit well.
Product Type
Side burners come in three types, each with their own applications. If you're looking for a traditional stovetop experience, you'll want a range burner. If you need something that can put out a lot of warmth for things like large stock pots, you should consider a power burner. Finally, if you're most interested in searing meat, you'll want to take a look at our selection of sear burners.
Fuel Supply
Most outdoor kitchens are powered with natural gas, but propane is also a possibility. You'll want to ensure that all gas appliances and accessories are designed for the same fuel type. If you're at all uncertain about fuel sources, we recommend working with a licensed gas plumber while planning your project to protect your home.
Is an Outdoor Kitchen Side Burner Right for You?
Now that you've read this helpful guide, you know everything you need to find the right side burner to complete your outdoor kitchen. They're just the thing for serious grill masters who are looking to make a backyard grill oasis that can't be beat. Do you love to cook outside and wow your family and friends with delicious food? Then adding a side burner to your outdoor kitchen may just be the way to go.
