You might think adding a side burner to a pellet grill just complicates things, but it actually streamlines your cooking flow. Imagine low‑and‑slow smoking a brisket while searing veggies on the side, all without juggling multiple appliances. The right combo of PID precision, ample cooking space, and portable design can transform your backyard into a chef’s playground. Let’s explore which models deliver that balance and why they could be the upgrade your next cookout needs.
| Z GRILLS 8-in-1 Outdoor BBQ Grill with PID Controller |  | Best Overall | Cooking Area: 572 sq in | Temperature Control: PID 3.0 intelligent controller | Side Burner / Sear Station: No dedicated side burner (sear function only) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Traeger Woodridge Elite Electric Pellet Grill (TFC97XLH) |  | Tech‑Savvy Choice | Cooking Area: 970 sq in | Temperature Control: Digital controller with WiFIRE | Side Burner / Sear Station: Side Sear Station | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Tytus Anaheim 4-Burner Gas Grill Bundle |  | Modular Master | Cooking Area: 721 sq in (grill) + 282 sq in (smoker) + 352 sq in (griddle) | Temperature Control: Manual gas control (no PID) | Side Burner / Sear Station: 12,000 BTU side burner | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Z GRILLS 8-in-1 Wood Pellet Grill with PID Controller |  | Premium Performance | Cooking Area: 572 sq in total (332 sq in main + 240 sq in upper) | Temperature Control: PID microprocessor (±10 °F) | Side Burner / Sear Station: Direct flame searing up to 750 °F (no separate side burner) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Z GRILLS 8-in-1 Outdoor BBQ Grill with PID Controller
If you want a grill that can handle everything from low‑and‑slow smoking to high‑heat searing without juggling separate machines, the Z GRILLS ZPG‑600D+ 8‑in‑1 Outdoor BBQ Grill with PID controller is the perfect pick. Its PID 3.0 technology auto‑tunes fuel and airflow, keeping temperature steady for bake, grill, smoke, roast, braise, BBQ, char‑grill, and even sear for a caramelized crust. The 572 sq in cooking surface gives plenty of room, while side shelves, hooks, and a bottom cabinet keep tools handy. Caster wheels with locks let you move it easily, and the included grease bucket, assembly gloves, and manual round out the package.
- Cooking Area:572 sq in
- Temperature Control:PID 3.0 intelligent controller
- Side Burner / Sear Station:No dedicated side burner (sear function only)
- Mobility:Caster wheels with lock
- Storage Capacity:Bottom cabinet + side shelf
- Warranty / Return:30‑day Amazon return guarantee
- Additional Feature:Auto‑tuning fuel feed
- Additional Feature:Built‑in assembly gloves
- Additional Feature:30‑day return guarantee
Traeger Woodridge Elite Electric Pellet Grill (TFC97XLH)
The Traeger Woodridge Elite Electric Pellet Grill (TFC97XLH) is the perfect pick for serious home chefs who want restaurant‑grade searing alongside authentic wood‑smoked flavor. You’ll enjoy 970 sq in. of cooking space, a side sear station for high‑heat finishes, and WiFIRE that lets you control temperature from your phone. Super Smoke Mode deepens the smoky profile, while the insulated body keeps heat steady year‑round. The digital pellet sensor, Bluetooth thermometer compatibility, and Keep Warm Mode streamline multi‑course meals. Storage cabinet, folding side shelf, EZ‑Clean grease‑and‑ash keg, and pellet evacuation system add convenience. It fits up to seven chickens or nine rib racks, and it backs a 10‑year limited warranty.
- Cooking Area:970 sq in
- Temperature Control:Digital controller with WiFIRE
- Side Burner / Sear Station:Side Sear Station
- Mobility:Fixed legs (no wheels)
- Storage Capacity:Enclosed storage cabinet
- Warranty / Return:10‑year limited warranty
- Additional Feature:WiFIRE remote control
- Additional Feature:Super Smoke Mode
- Additional Feature:10‑year limited warranty
Tytus Anaheim 4-Burner Gas Grill Bundle
You’ll love the Tytus Anaheim 4‑Burner Gas Grill Bundle because its 12,000 BTU side burner lets you sear veggies or simmer sauces while the main grill cooks the main course, delivering true multi‑tasking power for backyard chefs who demand flexibility. The 721 sq. in. porcelain‑enameled cast‑iron grates handle high‑heat searing, and the 8.2 cu. ft. enclosed storage keeps tools and utensils out of the elements. The prep cart adds a spacious work surface, 4.7 cu. ft. of storage, removable cutting boards, and tool hooks, while the modular design lets you attach a pellet smoker or gas griddle. Quick, no‑tool assembly, natural‑gas conversion, and a solid warranty round out the package.
- Cooking Area:721 sq in (grill) + 282 sq in (smoker) + 352 sq in (griddle)
- Temperature Control:Manual gas control (no PID)
- Side Burner / Sear Station:12,000 BTU side burner
- Mobility:Cart with wheels (prep cart)
- Storage Capacity:8.2 cu ft grill storage + 4.7 cu ft prep cart storage
- Warranty / Return:5‑year burners, 3‑year grates, 1‑year other parts
- Additional Feature:Modular outdoor kitchen system
- Additional Feature:Quick no‑tool assembly
- Additional Feature:Convertible to natural gas
Z GRILLS 8-in-1 Wood Pellet Grill with PID Controller
Serious grill masters who demand restaurant‑level searing and flexible smoking will gravitate toward the Z GRILLS 8‑in‑1 Wood Pellet Grill with PID Controller, because its dual‑heating system lets you flip from low‑and‑slow smoke (180‑450°F) to a blistering 750°F flame in seconds. You’ll appreciate the PID microprocessor that holds temperature within ±10°F, so you can set it and forget it while smoking ribs or searing steaks. The two‑tier cooking area—332 sq in on the main grate and 240 sq in on the upper rack—fits four chickens, five rib racks, or twenty‑four burgers at once. A dual‑door cabinet stores pellets and tools, while side hooks keep accessories handy. Bronze‑alloy steel, rust‑resistant coating, and four casters make this 81‑lb unit both sturdy and mobile for any patio or deck.
- Cooking Area:572 sq in total (332 sq in main + 240 sq in upper)
- Temperature Control:PID microprocessor (±10 °F)
- Side Burner / Sear Station:Direct flame searing up to 750 °F (no separate side burner)
- Mobility:4 heavy‑duty casters with lock
- Storage Capacity:Dual‑door cabinet + side hooks
- Warranty / Return:Not specified (manufacturer warranty implied)
- Additional Feature:Dual‑door pellet cabinet
- Additional Feature:750°F direct‑flame searing
- Additional Feature:Bronze alloy steel construction
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pellet Grill With Side Burner
You’ll want to compare the temperature control options, especially whether the grill offers a reliable PID for precise heat. Check the side‑burner power and cooking surface size to make sure they match your typical meals and crowd size. Finally, consider portability—wheels and overall weight—so you can move the grill easily without sacrificing performance.
Temperature Control Options
What temperature range do you need for your cooking style, and how precisely can the grill maintain it? You’ll want a unit that offers both a wide range—typically 150 °F up to 500 °F—and tight tolerance, ideally within ±5 °F. Look for digital controllers with PID algorithms; they adjust pellet feed in real time, preventing spikes. Some models provide manual dial controls for quick tweaks, while others feature Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi apps that let you set and monitor temperature from your phone. Consider whether you need pre‑set cooking modes (smoke, bake, sear) that lock in suitable temps automatically. Finally, check if the grill’s sensor is placed near the cooking chamber, not just the hopper, to confirm accurate readings across the entire cooking surface.
Side Burner Power
A side burner’s BTU rating tells you how much heat it can deliver, and that directly shapes what you can do on the grill’s auxiliary surface. Higher BTUs—typically 10,000‑15,000—give you the firepower for searing steaks, boiling water, or stir‑frying, while a modest 8,000‑BTU burner works for simmering sauces or keeping side dishes warm. Match the burner’s output to your main grill’s heat capacity so the system stays balanced and efficient. Remember that a larger burner surface can spread those BTUs more evenly, and sturdy material construction (cast iron or stainless steel) helps retain and distribute heat. Design features such as removable grates or precise flame controls also influence usability and overall performance.
Cooking Surface Size
The power of your side burner sets the stage, but the real bottleneck often lies in the cooking surface area. You need enough room to cook a full spread without juggling pans. A larger grill lets you sear steaks, grill veggies, and smoke ribs all at once, which is vital when feeding a crowd. Measure the flat grate in square inches and compare it to your typical meal size; a 500‑sq‑in surface easily handles a family‑size feast, while 300‑sq‑in may suit a smaller gathering. Also, look for vertical cooking space—multiple grates or a second rack can double capacity without expanding the footprint. Choose a size that matches your usual guest count and cooking style, so you never feel cramped during a backyard cookout.
Portability and Wheels
When you need to shift your grill from the patio to the deck, sturdy caster wheels with lockable brakes become essential. Choose wheels that can handle the grill’s weight; heavier models benefit from larger, thicker tires that won’t sink into grass or sand. Check that each wheel locks securely so the grill stays put while you cook. Also consider the total assembled weight—if it’s too heavy, even the best wheels won’t make moving easy. Look for side shelves that fold or collapse, cutting the footprint for storage or transport. A grill with a compact, lockable design and robust wheels lets you reposition it quickly, keeping your backyard setup flexible without sacrificing stability.
PID Temperature Accuracy
Mobility matters, but once your grill’s in place, temperature stability takes over. A PID controller keeps your grill within 10 °F of the set point, so you won’t guess whether you’re at 225 °F or 235 °F. It constantly tweaks fuel feed and airflow, automatically correcting any drift. That precision means your low‑and‑slow smoke stays steady, and your high‑heat sear hits the target temperature without overshooting. You’ll get repeatable results, whether you’re smoking brisket or grilling steak, and the wood‑fire flavor stays consistent across techniques. Look for models that advertise a wide temperature range and PID‑driven regulation; they’ll deliver the performance and reliability you need for every backyard cookout.
Durable Construction Materials
A solid grill starts with rust‑resistant coatings and reinforced steel that can weather rain, wind, and frequent use without corroding. You’ll want an all‑metal body and lid forged from bronze alloy or a similar corrosion‑resistant metal, because those materials stay strong season after season. Look for thick, porcelain‑enameled cast‑iron grates and racks—they spread heat evenly, clean up easily, and won’t warp under high temperatures. Heavy‑duty casters keep the unit stable and mobile, while insulated walls lock in heat, delivering consistent cooking even when the weather shifts. Finally, choose a model that pairs these rugged components with a reliable microprocessor controller and precise digital sensors; together they guarantee the grill remains durable and dependable for years of side‑burner action.
