Want to buy new grill do I really need a side burner?

[Aggie91]

I am in the minority on this too. I have a Weber Gen 330 & I use the side burner all the time. Chicken fry steak, bacon, patty n link sausage, rice, etc. We are living in an RV while we build our house, and a place to cook bacon/sausage with out smelling it for 30 hrs, or cleaning grease splatters from that or CF steak is nice. Howsomever, for saving money, an adjustable flame stand alone burner just may be the ticket.

I have this: https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic...outdoor+cooker

Although it is a high pressure unit, the flame is regulator adjustable & the burner is so big, it needs the pressure. I have cooked fish & chicken fried steaks in a 20" discada, and used the same burner for a shrimp / bug boil in a 60 qt pot. not cheap, but worth it. In my mind, it is a really flexible burner.

[jfmorris]

This is a good argument for one - when you want a more complete "outdoor kitchen" alternative, the burner makes a lot of sense.

[FireMan]

Late to this party, I have a Napolean Rogue and the answer to your question, Yeah baby. I use mine almost all the time & sometimes exclusively.

[gabulldog]

The side sear burner on those Napoleon gassers is awesome. Beats the Webers for that reason alone in my book...

[smokenoob]

My Napoleon has an IR side sear, use that baby ALL the time! It gets hot.

[T-bone]

Same for me with the Napoleon IR side sear. I had a Weber gasser with a side burner for 20 years and rarely used it. I've had my Napoleon for less than a year and have already used the side sear more than I ever used the Weber's side burner.

[barelfly]

smokenoob - if the napoloean did not have the side sear but offered the option of replacing one of the main burners with the IR sear burner, would you find that worth it? I have a Bull built in that offers this sear burner, says it gets to 900*. Only draw back is having 3 burners vs 4 and the price. I feel it’s a bit pricey at $230.

[smokenoob]

barelfly I like having the sear burner outside the main cook chamber, that way I can be cooking something different on each grill.
I can also fit a big cast iron pan or griddle on the exterior griddle for blackening

I would not elect for an internal sear burner, but thats just how I cook, everyone's different

[bten]

If you like to fry fish, I would recommend getting an electric fryer. They are easy to use, and the smell stays outside. I use mine whenever I fry seafood and/or french fries. search electric fryer on amazon. Mine holds about 1 gallon of oil, and is a great fryer.

[Spinaker]

I found on past grills that it never really gets used. I have two portable burners that I can use, if need be. Very similar to what Attjack has.

[PJBowmaster]

I use an old turkey frier burner that I modified. I removed the high pressure burner and replaced it with a 6 inch low pressure cast burner. I then added a new regulator with needle valve. It's highly adjustable and works great with cast iron....

[radshop]

I don't care what y'all say - I'm sticking with my side burner.
Next you'll be saying I don't need an 8 track player in my truck and I should cancel my CompuServe account!

[dshaffes]

I've got a side burner on my Weber Summit gasser and use it every now and then. If cost is a problem and you have your grill close to your kitchen, then don't get it.

[Droptine]

thank you for all the input. I do have a portable turkey fryer setup. I think ill get the grill without the side burner and get one of those smaller portable side burners that were mentioned. now to decide between the spirit or genisis 3 burner...

[SmokingSteve]

I like my Spirit II E-310, still getting to know it but I haven't burned anything yet! (except the white bread when trying to figure out the hot and cold spots, LOL!)

[SmokeyGator]

I’m looking to replace my gasser. Right now I’m flirting with a Napoleon pro500RSIB, which has a very high temp searing side burner. I also have a separate side table with a sink, 2 more burners, and a small griddle - but really I don’t use them very often. Honestly I want to reconfigure everything so the sink is not where it is now (between the grill and extra burners). But that is a longer term project, first replace the grill then plan a build in setup for everything else.

Anyhow I don’t think it is a big deal. I agree that with Weber anything that includes a side burner is just too much of a price jump. You can get that three burner and a separate side burner. I have two butane burners as part of my hurricane kit, and occasionally used for fundue. Those would work. So would a Coleman camp stove.

[Joetee]

I used gas for about 35 years. Switched to charcoal and will never go back. If I need a burner, I'd go into the house or get a portable.