The side burner is one of the most debated outdoor kitchen appliances in the Tulsa market — some homeowners swear by them, others install them and rarely use them. VistaScapes & Design helps homeowners make an informed decision about side burner inclusion based on how they actually cook outdoors rather than defaulting to including one because it seems like a standard feature.
What a Side Burner Actually Does
An outdoor kitchen side burner is a single or double-ring gas burner — essentially an outdoor range burner — installed in a cutout in the outdoor kitchen counter adjacent to the grill. It heats pots and pans directly over a gas flame, allowing stovetop cooking at the outdoor kitchen without using the house’s indoor range. Practical uses include: sautéing vegetables to go alongside grilled proteins, warming sauces and sides, cooking pasta, and making deep-fried dishes outdoors. The side burner’s value depends entirely on how the homeowner cooks — a cook who grills proteins exclusively and relies on pre-made sides has little use for a side burner; a cook who makes complete meals outdoors will use it on every cooking session.
Single vs Double Burner and BTU Ratings
Single-burner side burners are the most common outdoor kitchen specification — a single 15,000 to 18,000 BTU burner covers most stovetop outdoor cooking tasks. Double-burner configurations provide two independent burners, which adds versatility for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously but requires a larger masonry cutout (typically 24 inches versus 14 inches for a single burner) and more counter real estate. For homeowners who intend to regularly cook complete meals outdoors, a double burner or a single high-BTU burner is worthwhile. For homeowners who use the side burner primarily for sauce warming and occasional side cooking, a standard single burner is adequate. We discuss side burner inclusion and configuration at the outdoor kitchen design phase as part of the complete appliance layout conversation.
Side Burner Covers and Counter Space
A side burner with its lid closed functions as additional counter space — a practical consideration for outdoor kitchens where counter workspace is at a premium during food preparation and serving. Built-in side burners typically include a stainless steel hinged cover that closes over the burner grate and provides a flat working surface when the burner is not in use. This convertible counter/burner configuration is part of why including a side burner even when it’s used infrequently can still add value — the counter space it provides when covered is available daily, while the burner capability is available when the cooking occasion calls for it.
Call VistaScapes & Design at (918) 779-1317 for a free outdoor kitchen consultation in Tulsa. We’ll help you decide whether a side burner belongs in your outdoor kitchen based on how you actually cook outdoors.
