Best Outdoor Kitchen Burners: Side Burners, Power Burners & What to Know Before You Buy

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling a pan of veggies inside while trying not to overcook steaks outside, you already know the value of a good burner.

Side and power burners might not be the flashiest part of your outdoor kitchen, but they seriously upgrade your cooking flow. They give you the firepower to sear, simmer, sauté, or deep-fry without leaving the grill.

In this guide, we’re diving into the best outdoor kitchen burners, the difference between side and power burners, and how to choose the right fit for your space and cooking style.

When you're planning your dream outdoor kitchen, it’s easy to focus on the main grill. 

But ask any seasoned backyard chef, the real magic happens when you have the right burners by your side.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of outdoor kitchen burners and what they’re good for:

Best for: Sauces, sides, boiling, reheating

BTUs: 10,000–15,000 (single burner)

Think of this like your stove’s burner, just built into your outdoor setup. It’s perfect for simmering sauces, boiling pasta, or heating up baked beans while the main grill handles the heavy lifting.

Best for: Multi-tasking sides, sauces, small pan meals

BTUs: ~30,000 total

Same idea as the standard version, but with two independently controlled burners. This gives you more flexibility when cooking multiple side dishes at once, or keeping one pot warm while the other is going hard.

Best for: Wok cooking, boiling large pots, frying, searing

BTUs: 60,000–70,000+

Need to boil a huge pot of water for seafood, deep fry outside, or sear like a steakhouse? Power burners are made for serious heat and serious cookware.

Best for: Searing meats fast

BTUs: Varies, typically high-heat focused

These are typically integrated into grills, but some brands offer separate sear burners. They use infrared technology for ultra-high direct heat, great for steak crusts.

You’ve got your grill. You’ve got your counter space. Now you’re staring at your options thinking… Do I need a side burner or a power burner, or both?

Side burners are built for convenience. They’re the perfect match for cooking tasks that don’t require insane amounts of heat, like simmering sauces, boiling corn, sautéing veggies, or warming up beans while the steaks sizzle nearby.

You’ll usually find these with 10,000–15,000 BTUs per burner. That’s enough for most home chefs, especially if you’re used to indoor cooking and just want the option to prep full meals outside.

The key advantage? Integration. These burners sit flush with your countertop, are easy to use, and keep your outdoor space looking seamless.

But if you’re trying to do a seafood boil or stir-fry for a crowd? You’ll want to level up.

Power burners aren’t just “bigger side burners.” They’re in a whole other league.

With BTU outputs often hitting 60,000 or more (Fire Magic’s Echelon and Coyote’s drop-in power burners are good examples), these burners are designed to handle oversized pots, cast iron skillets, and high-heat cooking techniques that most side burners simply can’t support.

Where a side burner might struggle to boil a large stock pot efficiently, a power burner will have it bubbling in minutes. 

They often include dual-ring burners with independent controls, letting you fine-tune the heat for delicate simmering or full-throttle searing.

Some models, like Alfresco’s VersaPower burner, even come with recessed platforms to handle big cookware without tipping, plus solid brass components for heat retention and corrosion resistance.

So if you’re into serious cooking, we’re talking wok stir-fry, deep frying, or pasta for 10, a power burner makes a world of difference.

Whether you’re shopping for a compact side burner or a heavy-duty power burner, the core principles are the same. 

Here’s what matters most:

Yes, BTUs matter. But more isn’t always better.

If you're planning to boil water or stir-fry with a wok, a high-BTU power burner (like Blaze’s 60,000 BTU model) is ideal. 

But for simmering sauces or sautéing sides, a 12,000–20,000 BTU side burner gets the job done without overkill.

Pro tip: It’s not just about raw heat. Burner efficiency and heat control are just as important, sometimes a lower BTU burner with better design outperforms the “big” ones.

Single burners are compact and budget-friendly, great for quick tasks.

Double burners give you more flexibility. Want to boil pasta and sauté shrimp at the same time? Go double. It’s like having a mini stovetop outside.

Outdoor burners take a beating, sun, rain, salty air, especially in coastal areas.

Always go for 304 stainless steel if possible. It resists rust, handles high heat, and blends with your other grill gear. 

Try to stay away from “stainless-look” or thin-gauge metal. They won’t last.

Push-and-turn flame thrower ignition is the standard, but what happens when it fails?

Look for models with backup ignition (like flash tubes) or safety shut-offs (like thermocouples). 

They’re not flashy, but they’ll save you from frustrating (and dangerous) moments when the flame goes out unexpectedly.

A great burner isn’t so great if it doesn’t sit flush with your countertop or match your grill.

Sticking to the same brand across your setup (Blaze, Summerset, Coyote, etc.) ensures:

• Matching height and design

• Seamless integration

• Compatible accessories (like lids or insulated liners)

You’ve seen the options. Now here’s who’s making the best burners in the game, from dependable mid-range picks to chef-level powerhouses.

304 Stainless Steel | Modern look with LED knob lighting | Lifetime Warranty

Top Picks: 

• Blaze LTE Power Burner: 60,000 BTUs across dual rings for precise high-to-low control. Great for boiling, wok cooking, or cast-iron sears. Flame-thrower ignition + LED knobs.

• Blaze Double Side Burner: 24,000 BTUs total (12,000 x 2). Perfect for sauces, sautés, or keeping sides warm. Comes with a stainless lid and signature Blaze durability.

304 Stainless Steel | Sleek blue LED knobs | Lifetime Gold Standard Warranty

Top Picks:

• Summerset TRL Power Burner: Cranks up to 60,000 BTUs, dual-ring brass burner, stainless cooking grates, and protective wind guards. Great for large pots and bold flavor moves.

• Summerset Double Side Burner: 30,000 BTUs total, built to match TRL or Sizzler grill lines. Seamless integration and reliable day-to-day use for any cook.

304 Stainless Steel + Cast Brass Burners | Ultra-premium with chef-grade performance

Top Picks:

• Echelon Power Burner: Delivers a whopping 65,000 BTUs with a dual-ring solid brass burner. Includes a stainless cover, LED backlit knobs, and pro-style looks.

• Aurora Double Side Burner: 30,000 BTUs. Sleek, reliable, and built to the same specs as Fire Magic’s elite grills. Works seamlessly for sauces or second dishes.

304 Stainless Steel | Rugged builds + optional insulated jackets

Top Picks:

• Coyote Power Burner: Up to 60,000 BTUs, dual-valve control, wok ring compatible. Reliable flame performance in a clean, functional design.

• Coyote Double Side Burner: 30,000 BTUs total, sealed burners and stainless knobs. Solid choice for multitaskers who cook everything at once.

304 Stainless Steel + Brass Burners | Restaurant-caliber cooking systems 

Top Picks:

• Versa Power™ Burner: One of the most powerful burners available, up to 65,000 BTUs. Insane temperature control, removable center grate, wok-ready.

• Alfresco Dual Side Burner: 30,000 BTUs tota l , brass burners with full stainless housing. Clean lines, intuitive controls, and seamless design with Alfresco systems.

The right burner isn’t just an add-on, it’s what turns your outdoor kitchen into a true cooking station. 

Whether you’re simmering sauce on a side burner or blasting BTUs on a power burner, having the right setup means more flavor, less back-and-forth to your indoor range, and a smoother cooking flow overall.

If you’re building a mid-range outdoor kitchen, brands like Blaze and Summerset offer excellent side burners that match both your grill and your budget. 

Going high-end? Alfresco and Fire Magic give you chef-grade control and serious power, built to last a lifetime.

Bottom line: choose a burner that fits how you cook.