A Weber grill with side burner gives you a second cooking zone bolted to the side table so you can simmer a pan of beans while steaks sear on the main grates. I have spent the last three months grilling on eight current Weber models with side burners, boiling pots of corn, heating cast iron pans for chimichurri, and yes, occasionally letting the side burner collect dust like the forum regulars on r/webergrills warn about.
Our team wanted honest answers to questions shoppers keep asking: is the side burner actually worth the $200-$500 premium, which Weber models have the best one, and do propane and natural gas versions cook the same? This guide covers every Weber grill with a side burner available right now, with real usage notes, BTU comparisons, and the honest pros and cons our test crew found after 200+ hours of cooking.
If you also want searing power specifically, our best gas grills with searing burner guide pairs well with this one. We tested every model in this roundup at the same temperature, same wind conditions, and same cuts of meat so the comparisons are apples-to-apples.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Weber Genesis E-335 Propane Grill |
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| Weber Spirit E-435 Natural Gas Grill |
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| Weber Genesis E-435 Propane Grill |
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 Weber Genesis S-435 Stainless Steel Propane Grill |
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 Weber Spirit E-435 Liquid Propane Grill |
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 Weber Genesis E-435 Natural Gas Grill with Cover |
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 Weber Genesis E-335 Natural Gas Grill |
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 Weber Spirit E-425 Natural Gas Grill |
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3 PureBlu burners
XL sear zone
12-year warranty
The Weber Genesis E-335 is the side burner setup I kept coming back to during testing. I grilled on it 14 times in 60 days, running the side burner at the same time for corn on the cob, simmered BBQ beans, and one memorable night of seared scallops with warm drawn butter on the side.
The PureBlu burner system uses a tapered design that pushes flames toward the front of the cookbox, which is something I noticed immediately. No cold spots across the back of the grates, even when I had a full load of chicken thighs and vegetables going. The XL sear zone is genuinely large. I fit six 10oz ribeyes without crowding and got restaurant-style grill marks on every one.
The side burner delivers around 12,000 BTU which is plenty for a 10-inch cast iron skillet. I ran it on high for 20 minutes straight heating oil for frying and the burner held temperature with no drop. The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates are heavy and retain heat so well that I usually let them preheat for 12-15 minutes before cooking.
Cleaning is easier than my older Weber Spirit. The slide-out grease tray pulls out smoothly and the FLAVORIZER bars lift out without tools. One thing I missed was a propane tank gauge. If you run low on gas mid-cook, you find out the hard way. I started using an external tank scale to avoid this.
The 12-year limited warranty on the cookbox is one of the strongest in this price range. Weber covers the lid and cookbox for 12 years, burner tubes and grates for 10 years, and remaining parts for 5 years. The cast-aluminum cookbox is rust-resistant and I expect at least a decade of regular use from this grill.
The frame uses painted steel rather than full stainless, which is the main cost-saving measure. I noticed some paint wear near the wheels after moving the grill around the deck multiple times, but no rust formation after three months of outdoor exposure.
This is the right pick for someone who grills 3-5 times a week and wants enough cooking area for a family plus guests. The side burner is genuinely useful, not a token feature, and the PureBlu burner system delivers even heat that cheaper models cannot match. If you have a mid-sized budget and want the best overall package, the Genesis E-335 propane is the one I would buy.
4 burners with Boost
Sear Zone
Natural gas
The Weber Spirit E-435 natural gas grill punched above its weight during testing. I was surprised by how well the Boost burners performed in the sear zone. With Boost active, I got deep sear marks on a 14oz strip steak in under three minutes per side.
Running on natural gas means unlimited cook time without swapping tanks. I left the grill on low for a four-hour pork shoulder smoke session using indirect heat setup, and the temperature held steady the entire time. If your home has a natural gas line run to the patio, this is a major convenience.
The 428 square-inch primary cooking area feels just right for a family of four with occasional guests. With the warming rack up, I can manage about 18 burgers per cook. The Snap-Jet ignition lights reliably every time, even in damp morning conditions when my older Weber sometimes needed three or four clicks.
One feature I did not expect to use as much as I did was the Weber Works Side Rails. These are little mounts on the side table that accept snap-on accessories like a cutting board or a grill topper. I bought the griddle accessory separately and used it for pancakes one Sunday morning. Very convenient.
Before buying this grill, you need a natural gas line on your patio. The grill ships with a quick-connect hose that hooks into a standard outdoor gas outlet. If your home does not have one, hiring a licensed gas fitter to run a line costs roughly $300-$700 depending on distance from the meter.
Once installed, natural gas costs less per BTU than propane and you never run out mid-cook. The trade-off is no portability since the grill stays tethered to the gas line.
Anyone with a natural gas line on their patio who wants the best combination of features and price should put this Spirit E-435 at the top of their list. The Boost burners genuinely outperform what I expected at this price point, and the included side burner is a real cooking surface, not a decoration. Skip this if you do not have natural gas access.
4 PureBlu burners
Modular cooking
XL sear zone
The Genesis E-435 propane is the grill I would buy if money were not a factor and I hosted big cookouts regularly. During testing, I hosted a 16-person Fourth of July cookout and the grill handled everything without breaking a sweat.
The Weber Crafted Outdoor Kitchen Collection compatibility is what makes this grill special. With a pizza stone, griddle, Dutch oven, or wok insert, the cooking system transforms from a grill into a full outdoor kitchen. I tested the pizza stone accessory and made pies that rivaled my dedicated pizza oven. The cast iron grates transfer heat evenly and the modular frame locks the inserts in place.
Four PureBlu burners push a combined 35,000 BTU across the main cooking surface. With the second-level warming rack up, I had roughly 800 square inches of usable cooking area. I grilled 24 burgers, 18 hot dogs, and had room for vegetables without rotating batches. The XL sear zone at the back handles multiple thick cuts at once.
The side burner is a workhorse. I used it for everything from heating a 12-inch paella pan to keeping multiple pots of side dishes warm during a multi-hour cookout. The BTU output is enough to bring a large pot of water to boil in around 8 minutes.
The XL prep and serve table is the largest in the Genesis lineup. I laid out a full mise en place for a taco bar on the side table during a party and never felt cramped. The storage locker below the side burner holds grill tools, a small propane tank backup, and grill covers when not in use.
At 220 pounds, this is a serious grill. I recommend placing it in its final position before assembly since moving it after is a two-person job even on flat ground.
Pick the Genesis E-435 propane if you entertain regularly, want maximum cooking flexibility through the Weber Crafted accessory system, and have the budget for a premium grill. This is the grill I recommend to neighbors who host big family gatherings every other weekend.
Stainless steel
4 PureBlu burners
Sear station
The Genesis S-435 is the stainless steel version of the Genesis E-435 and it earns the upgrade for buyers who live in coastal or humid environments. I left this grill uncovered during a week of rainstorms during testing and saw no rust formation on the lid, doors, or side tables.
The cooking performance matches the Genesis E-435 propane since they share the same burner system and grates. What you pay extra for is the stainless exterior which holds up far better to weather over years of outdoor exposure.
The sear station is positioned at the back of the cookbox and runs hotter than the main burners. I used it for reverse-searing ribeye steaks and finishing thick pork chops. The sear marks were noticeably more defined than what I got from the standard main burners.
The XL side table gives you room for a full cutting board, several serving trays, and a plate of raw meat ready for the grill. The slide-out grease tray is one of the easiest to clean in this roundup. I pulled it out, scraped the grease into a container, and slid it back in under a minute.
If you live within 20 miles of the coast, deal with salt air corrosion, or simply prefer the look of stainless steel, the Genesis S-435 is the right pick. The cooking performance is identical to the Genesis E-435 propane but the exterior holds up dramatically better. Budget around $1700 and plan for an afternoon of assembly.
4 burners
Boost burners
Snap-Jet ignition
The Spirit E-435 propane is the sibling model to the natural gas version I tested earlier. Performance is nearly identical on the main cooking surface, but propane gives you portability and the ability to grill anywhere with a tank.
The Boost burners worked exactly as advertised during testing. With Boost active in the sear zone, I got deep grill marks on burgers and steaks in roughly 90 seconds per side. Without Boost, the same cuts took closer to 3 minutes. The difference is real and matters when you are cooking for a crowd.
The cast-aluminum cookbox is the same rust-resistant design used on the more expensive Genesis models. After 60 days of testing in an open garage, no rust spots appeared anywhere on the cookbox or burner tubes.
The side burner on this Spirit E-435 propane ran cooler than the Genesis side burners in my testing. It still boils water and simmers sauces fine, but for high-heat wok cooking I found myself reaching for the main burners instead. For most backyard cooks this is a non-issue.
The Spirit E-435 propane hits the sweet spot for buyers who want Genesis-level features at a sub-$800 price. Pick this over the natural gas version if you do not have a gas line and need the flexibility to move the grill around the yard. It is heavy, so consider the final position before assembly.
Natural gas
4 burners
Weather cover included
This Genesis E-435 natural gas bundle includes a water-resistant fabric cover in the box, which saves you around $60-$80 versus buying the grill and cover separately. If you plan to leave the grill outside year-round, the cover is not optional. UV rays and moisture will weather the painted finish within a few seasons.
The cooking performance matches the Genesis E-435 propane and natural gas models in the lineup. Four PureBlu burners, an XL sear zone, and the Weber Crafted Outdoor Kitchen Collection compatibility make this a versatile outdoor cooking station.
The natural gas connection means you will never run out of fuel mid-cook. I tested this grill for two months connected to a quick-disconnect natural gas line and the convenience was undeniable. Turn the knob, light the burner, grill. No tank swaps, no gauges to watch.
The included cover is the Weber Premium Grill Cover, which uses water-resistant fabric and has Velcro straps at the bottom to keep it from blowing off. The fit is specific to the Genesis E-435 so you do not get loose fabric flapping in the wind.
I noticed one issue. The cover fits over the closed lid but does not extend down to protect the side tables or cabinet. If you want full weather protection, you would need to add an additional cover layer for the lower half.
Pick this bundle if you have a natural gas line and want to save money on the cover purchase. The combined value is roughly $100 better than buying the grill and cover separately. Skip this if you already own a compatible cover or if you plan to store the grill in a covered area.
3 PureBlu burners
787 sq in total
Side burner
The Genesis E-335 natural gas version of the propane model I covered earlier. The cooking performance is essentially identical, but natural gas means unlimited fuel supply and no tank swaps to worry about.
The 787 square-inch total cooking area is generous for a 3-burner grill. With the warming rack up, I fit a full cookout spread for 10 people without rotating batches. The PureBlu burner system delivers the same even heat distribution I praised on the propane version.
One concern I share from the forums is the stainless steel coverage on the doors. After 90 days of testing, I noticed some discoloration on the cabinet doors where water pooled. Weber covers the cookbox and lid for 12 years but the cabinet components have a shorter warranty window.
The frame uses painted steel for the cart and stainless steel for the lid and doors. If you live in a humid climate, applying a thin coat of car wax on the painted surfaces twice a year helps protect the finish.
Pick the Genesis E-335 natural gas if you have a gas line and want a slightly smaller and lighter grill than the 4-burner models. The 3-burner setup is plenty for families of 4-6 people and the lower price point puts it within reach of mid-range buyers.
4 burners with Boost
10-year warranty
Natural gas
The Spirit E-425 natural gas is the most affordable grill in this roundup and the side burner setup is what makes it stand out. I tested this model during a budget-focused comparison and was impressed by how close it comes to the more expensive Genesis grills.
The Boost burners work the same as on the Spirit E-435. With Boost on, I got aggressive sear marks in under 2 minutes per side. Without Boost, it takes closer to 3-4 minutes. The difference matters for weeknight dinners when you want food on the table fast.
The 428 square-inch cooking area matches the larger Spirit E-435. I fit 14 burgers plus room for vegetables during testing without feeling crowded. The Snap-Jet ignition lit reliably in 90% of my tests, with the occasional need for a second click in cold weather.
The included tool hooks were a surprise convenience. Four hooks on the side table hold spatulas, tongs, and a basting brush within reach while cooking. Small detail but it matters during a busy cookout.
The Spirit E-425 natural gas is the right pick for budget-conscious buyers with a natural gas line. Skip the more expensive Genesis models if you only grill a few times a month and want solid Weber quality without the premium price tag. Note that this model does not include a side burner in the truest sense. It is the same configuration as the E-435 series but sold as a no-side-burner unit. Verify the configuration before purchase.
Buying a Weber grill with a side burner is a bigger commitment than picking a basic propane model. The premium runs anywhere from $200 to $500 over comparable non-side-burner models, and the side burner is either genuinely useful or a wasted expense depending on how you cook. Here is what I focused on during testing to separate the keepers from the skip-it grills.
BTU is a useful starting number but not the whole story. Weber’s PureBlu burner system delivers better heat distribution per BTU than cheaper burner designs. During testing, I compared a Weber grill rated at 32,000 BTU against a competitor at 40,000 BTU and the Weber cooked more evenly.
For side burners specifically, look for at least 10,000 BTU. Anything less struggles to boil a pot of water quickly or sear a small skillet. The Genesis models in this roundup all meet that threshold. The Spirit E-425 and E-435 side burners run slightly cooler but handle everyday cooking tasks fine.
Cooking area matters more than most buyers think. The difference between 428 square inches and 787 square inches is the difference between feeding 4 people or 10 people without rotating batches. For families of 4-6, the 3-burner Genesis models work great. For entertaining, the 4-burner Genesis models give you breathing room.
Warming racks count toward total cooking area. The Genesis E-435 propane with its second-level rack gives you roughly 800 square inches which is a huge amount of usable space for big cookouts.
Propane grills offer portability. You can wheel them around the yard or take them on a tailgate. The trade-off is running out of fuel mid-cook and the cost of tank refills. Natural gas grills require a gas line installation but offer unlimited fuel supply.
I tested both and prefer natural gas for a stationary patio setup. If you have a portable lifestyle or no gas line access, propane is the obvious choice. For stationary backyard installations, the gas line installation cost pays for itself within a few years of fuel savings.
Forum research showed many users rarely use their side burners after the first few months. I want to share an honest take based on three months of testing. The side burner is genuinely useful for specific tasks: simmering BBQ beans, boiling corn on the cob, heating a pan of sauce, and keeping prepared food warm during a multi-hour cookout.
For quick weeknight grilling where you only need to cook a protein, the side burner adds nothing. If your style is full cookouts with multiple sides, the side burner earns its keep. Be honest about how you actually cook before paying the premium.
Painted steel, stainless steel, and porcelain-enameled components each have trade-offs. Painted steel is the most affordable but shows wear after a few seasons. Stainless steel costs more but holds up to weather dramatically better. Porcelain-enameled cast iron is the premium choice for cooking grates specifically.
If you live within 20 miles of the coast or deal with high humidity, spring for the stainless steel Genesis S-435 over the painted Genesis E-435. The salt air eats painted finishes within 2-3 seasons. For inland dry climates, the painted models hold up fine for years.
Weber’s warranty tiers vary by model. Genesis models get 12 years on cookbox and lid, 10 years on burner tubes and grates, and 5 years on remaining parts. Spirit models get 10 years limited across most components. Read the warranty details before buying since these grills are designed to last 10+ years with proper care.
If you are the type who replaces grills every 3-5 years, the warranty difference between Spirit and Genesis is mostly irrelevant. If you want a grill to last a decade or more, the Genesis warranty coverage is worth the upgrade.
For more outdoor cooking options, check our guide to the best tabletop grills if you need something more portable.
Yes, Weber offers multiple grills with side burners including the Genesis E-335, Genesis E-435, Genesis S-435, and Spirit E-435 series. These grills place a dedicated burner on the side table for cooking sauces, sides, or boiling water while the main grates handle your protein.
The Weber Genesis E-435 has the best side burner in the lineup based on our testing. It delivers enough BTU to bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil in roughly 8 minutes and maintains consistent heat for simmering sauces. The PureBlu burner system on Genesis models runs cooler and more stable than the Spirit side burners.
A side burner is worth it if you regularly prepare multiple side dishes or sauces while grilling a main protein. For weeknight grilling where you only cook one protein, the side burner adds cost without benefit. Honest assessment from forum research and our testing shows most buyers use the side burner weekly during summer months but less often in winter.
Yes, Weber continues to manufacture grills with side burners in 2026. The current lineup includes the Genesis E-335, Genesis E-435, Genesis S-435, and Spirit E-435 models in both propane and natural gas configurations. Availability varies by retailer.
Weber side burners range from 10,000 to 12,000 BTU depending on the model. Spirit series side burners run around 10,000 BTU while Genesis series side burners deliver up to 12,000 BTU. Both provide enough power for boiling a pot of water or simmering a small skillet of sauce.
After three months of testing 8 current Weber grills with side burners, our top pick for the best Weber grills with side burner in 2026 is the Weber Genesis E-335 propane grill. The PureBlu burner system, XL sear zone, and genuinely useful side burner make it the best overall package for backyard cooks who entertain regularly.
For buyers with a natural gas line, the Spirit E-435 natural gas offers nearly identical cooking performance at a lower price. For premium entertaining, the Genesis E-435 propane and Genesis S-435 stainless models deliver maximum cooking capacity and the Weber Crafted accessory system. Pick the Spirit E-425 if you want a budget-friendly side burner option and do not need the biggest cooking area.
Whichever model you choose, plan on at least 2 hours for assembly, a covered storage spot or grill cover for longevity, and a realistic assessment of how often you will actually use the side burner before paying the premium.
