Outdoor kitchen side burner selection in Tulsa is a smaller decision than grill or refrigerator selection, but it affects daily outdoor kitchen usability more than most homeowners expect. A side burner opens up outdoor cooking to anything that requires a pot, pan, or wok — not just grilling. Here is how VistaScapes & Design advises Tulsa homeowners on side burner selection.
Outdoor Kitchen Side Burner Options for Tulsa
- Single side burner – The most common side burner specification in Tulsa outdoor kitchens; a single high-BTU burner (15,000-18,000 BTU) in a drop-in or built-in format; 12×12 to 14×14 inch footprint; the burner for boiling, sauteing, and sauce work while the grill handles proteins; lid-covered when not in use to prevent water intrusion; $300-$600 for a quality single side burner; appropriate for outdoor kitchens where one burner handles 95% of side burner use
- Double side burner – Two burners in a 22-30 inch combined width; allows two items cooking simultaneously (boiling water while a sauce reduces, for example); appropriate for homeowners who cook elaborate multi-course outdoor meals regularly; $450-$900; requires more counter space in the masonry kitchen layout — ensure adequate counter length before specifying double burner
- High-BTU wok burner – A specialized single burner with 30,000-60,000 BTU output and a concave wok ring; the specialty burner for outdoor kitchen owners who wok-cook regularly; requires more masonry cutout depth than standard burners; $600-$1,200; the side burner for serious outdoor cooks who want to recreate restaurant-quality wok cooking outdoors
- Side burner with griddle combination – Some side burner units include a removable griddle plate that converts from a grill-style cooking surface to a flat griddle; the burner-griddle combination that adds breakfast cooking capability to the outdoor kitchen; appropriate for homeowners who do outdoor brunch entertaining; $400-$800 for quality combo units
- Do you actually need a side burner? – Honest answer: many Tulsa outdoor kitchen owners use the side burner infrequently; if outdoor cooking is primarily grilling, the side burner stays covered most of the time; include a side burner if outdoor cooking regularly involves boiling, braising, sauteing, or sauce work; skip or downgrade the side burner if grilling is essentially all you do — the counter space may be more valuable than a rarely-used burner; VistaScapes designs side burner placement and quantity around how the homeowner actually describes their outdoor cooking habits
Call VistaScapes & Design at (918) 779-1317 for a free outdoor kitchen appliance consultation in Tulsa. We select appliances based on how you actually cook, not just what looks complete on paper. Free on-site visit, no obligation.
