Best 6-Burner Grills With Side Burners for Backyard Barbecues
For serious outdoor cooks, a 6-burner gas grill with a side burner delivers the power and versatility needed to feed crowds. This guide highlights five top options, focusing on total BTUs, cooking area, and practical features like warming racks and storage. Whether you’re hosting a family cookout or a weekend BBQ with neighbors, these picks are best for frequent grilling, searing, and multitasking sides and sauces.
Buying quick-start table (selected products):
| Product | Cooking Area | BTU (approx.) | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRILL DEPOTS 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill | 446 sq in main + 174 sq in warming | Not specified | Griddle combo; cabinet storage |
| Royal Gourmet GA6402S 6-Burner | 835 sq in | 74,000 | Sear burner; side burner |
| MELLCOM 6 Burner Gas Grill | 650 sq in | 48,000 | Stainless steel burners; side stove |
| Bestfire 6-Burner With Side Burner | 447 sq in + 200 sq in warming | 68,000 | Removable grease tray; integrated knobs |
| Endark 6-Burner With Side Burner | 580 sq in + warming rack | 68,500 | Lockable storage; side tables |
GRILL DEPOTS 6 Burner Propane Gas Grill
This unit combines a 6-burner setup with a reversible cast iron griddle. The porcelain-enamel cast iron grates promote even heating and durability, while the griddle adds flexibility for breakfasts or quick searing. Total cooking area combines 446 sq in main grilling space with a 174 sq in warming rack, plus a stainless steel cabinet for propane storage and tools. Best for cooks who want a built-in grill-and-griddle option in one unit.
Best for: backyard chefs who want a grill-griddle combo and organized storage. Why selected: strong heat distribution, nonstick grates, and a cabinet design reduce clutter during big cooks. Caution: data does not specify precise BTU output, so plan heat management around larger crowds.
Royal Gourmet GA6402S 6-Burner With Side Burner
This model emphasizes high-output cooking with five standard burners (10,000 BTU each), a powerful sear burner (14,000 BTU), and a dedicated 10,000 BTU side burner, totaling up to 74,000 BTU. The expansive 835 square inches of cooking area accommodates large groups, making it ideal for gatherings of 8–10 people. Best for: hosts who need fast heating and a dedicated side burner for sauces. Caution: sear burner intensity may require careful flame control for delicate foods.
MELLCOM Upgraded 6 Burner Grill
With 60,000 BTU total from six burners and a 12,000 BTU side stove burner, this grill focuses on robust heating alongside practical cooking space. The main area totals 650 sq in, plus a warming rack, and the construction uses stainless steel burners with porcelain-coated grates. Best for: cooks who want strong all-around performance with a reliable side-stove for sauces or sides. Caution: BTU figures are approximate and can vary with setup and fuel supply.
Bestfire 6-Burner With Side Burner
Bestfire stacks 68,000 BTU across six burners plus a 10–20 lb gas-tank-ready design, including a dedicated side burner for sauces and sides. Its 447 sq in main grilling space plus a 200 sq in warming rack offers ample room for multiple dishes. Best for: those who value a big grilling area with practical storage and a focused side-burner workflow. Caution: the grease tray is removable but may require regular cleaning to avoid flare-ups during heavy use.
Endark Upgraded 6-Burner With Side Burner
This model offers a large 580 sq in cooking area with a 8,500 BTU side burner, plus six stainless steel burners for steady high-heat performance. Built-in storage with lockable propane slot and ample cabinet space supports long cookouts. Best for: backyard setups where storage and organization are priorities. Caution: overall BTU output is high, but wind and weather can affect heat distribution; proper lid placement helps retention.
Buying Guide
- Cooking area versus crowd size: Larger groups benefit from 650–835 sq in primary space and a sizable warming rack to keep food ready while others finish grilling.
- BTU balance: Total BTU matters, but even more helpful is how evenly heat distributes across grates. Look for a dedicated sear burner and separate side burner for sauces.
- Grates and materials: Porcelain-enameled cast iron provides durability and nonstick performance; stainless steel components offer corrosion resistance for outdoor use.
- Storage and organization: Cabinets, doors, and tool hooks reduce clutter and keep tanks or accessories accessible during long cooks.
- Ignition and controls: Piezoelectric ignition and precise knobs help with reliable startups and flame control, especially for multi-dish meals.
- Maintenance: Removable grease trays and easy-clean surfaces reduce cleanup time after big grilling sessions.
- Assembly and mobility: Consider cabinet weight, wheel setup, and whether a grill fits your outdoor space and enclosure.
- Fuel and safety: Propane compatibility is common; verify hose length and tank storage space in your outdoor kitchen plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a typical benefit of a side burner? It allows you to simmer sauces or boil sides without leaving the grill area, saving meal time.
- Are 6-burner grills suitable for small patios? Yes, but ensure you have enough outdoor space for safe clearance and proper ventilation.
- Which feature most improves searing? A dedicated sear burner provides intense, consistent heat for faster, professional-looking sears.
- Do BTU numbers guarantee better cooking? Not alone; heat distribution and grate construction matter equally for even cooking.
- How important is a warming rack? Very helpful to stage cooked items and keep them warm while other foods finish cooking.
- Is stainless steel more durable than porcelain enamel? Both have durability benefits; stainless resists rust, while enamel-coated grates resist sticking and are easier to clean.