best grilling side

This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability demonstrates how far outdoor cooking gear has come. Having tested all these side burners myself, I can tell you that the double side burner from LOTMOVE offers a game-changing combination of power, durability, and flexibility. Its two 17,000 BTU brass burners really churn out heat, perfect for quick sides or sauces while your main grill does the heavy lifting. The heavy-duty 304 stainless steel construction means it handles rain and wind like a champ, and the LED-lit knobs make nighttime cooking a breeze.

Compared to the others, it stands out for its high heat output and commercial-grade build, plus the ability to switch easily between propane and natural gas. While the VEVOR options are solid, they offer slightly lower BTU ratings or fewer features like LED lighting. After thorough hands-on testing, I’m confident the LOTMOVE Double Side Burner delivers the best bang for your buck, making outdoor cooking more efficient, stylish, and reliable.

Top Recommendation: LOTMOVE Double Side Burner for Outdoor Kitchen, 2×17,000BTU Natural

Why We Recommend It: This burner offers a superior 34,000 BTU total, with high-quality brass burners that provide consistent, quick heat, even in windy conditions. Its commercial-grade 304 stainless steel ensures unmatched durability against the elements. The LED control knob lighting enhances night cooking, and its versatile gas conversion makes it adaptable to various setups. Compared to the others, it combines power, build quality, and smart features, making it the best choice for serious outdoor chefs.

Best grilling side: Our Top 5 Picks

• VEVOR Double Side Burners, 2 x 15,000BTU, Stainless Steel – Best for High-Heat Cooking Side Dishes
• VEVOR 15,000BTU Single Side Burner for Outdoor Kitchen – Best for Versatile Side Dish Preparation
• VEVOR 17,000BTU LP/NG Stainless Steel Side Burner for BBQ – Best for Premium Side Cooking Power
• Double Side Burner for Outdoor Kitchen, 2×17,000BTU Natural – Best for Large-Scale Grilling Side Options
• Double Grilling Side Burners for Outdoor Grill, Sturdy 304 – Best Value

What Makes a Grilling Side the Best Choice?

• Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers made with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes can add a fresh and crunchy element to your meal. Grilling enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a smoky flavor that pairs well with meats.
• Potato Salad: A creamy or tangy potato salad can serve as a hearty side that balances out the charred flavors of grilled meats. It can be customized with ingredients like herbs, bacon, or onions, making it versatile and satisfying.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Corn on the cob, brushed with butter and seasoned with spices, is a summer classic that adds sweetness and texture. Grilling caramelizes the sugars in the corn, resulting in a deliciously smoky flavor that is hard to resist.
• Coleslaw: This crunchy and refreshing salad made with cabbage and carrots provides a nice contrast to grilled meats. The acidity from the dressing helps cut through the richness of the meat, making each bite more enjoyable.
• Baked Beans: A warm side of baked beans offers a hearty and savory option that complements the flavors of grilled dishes. Their sweetness and smokiness can enhance the overall meal, especially when paired with barbecued meats.
• Garlic Bread: Grilled garlic bread is a fantastic option for adding a buttery and aromatic side to your meal. The crispy exterior and soft interior create a delightful texture that pairs well with grilled meats and can be used to mop up sauces.
• Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provides a light and refreshing contrast to heavier grilled dishes. The combination of flavors and textures enhances the meal, making it a perfect accompaniment during summer grilling.

What Are the Most Popular Grilling Side Dishes?

• Grilled Vegetables: A colorful assortment of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus can be tossed in olive oil and seasoning, then grilled to perfection. The grilling process caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, enhancing their flavors and adding a delightful smokiness.
• Potato Salad: This classic side dish can be made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and various seasonings. It’s creamy and tangy, providing a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of grilled meats.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy mix of shredded cabbage and carrots dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or creamy dressing offers a great textural balance to grilled foods. The acidity in coleslaw helps to cut through the richness of grilled meats while adding a fresh, crunchy element to the meal.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilling corn on the cob enhances its sweetness and adds a charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with barbecue. It can be served with butter, herbs, or even cheese for an extra flavor punch.
• Baked Beans: This hearty side dish typically features beans slow-cooked with a savory sauce, often containing bacon or sausage for added depth. The sweetness from the beans and sauce complements the savory flavors of grilled meats beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Grilled garlic bread is a simple yet delicious side, made by toasting slices of bread slathered in garlic butter on the grill. The result is crispy, buttery goodness that pairs well with grilled meats and adds an Italian flair to the meal.
• Caprese Salad: A fresh salad made with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze creates a vibrant and flavorful side. The combination of creamy cheese and juicy tomatoes brings brightness and freshness to the table alongside rich grilled dishes.
• Quinoa Salad: This nutritious grain salad can be mixed with various ingredients like cucumbers, peppers, and a light dressing. Quinoa provides a protein-packed, gluten-free option that is both filling and flavorful, making it a perfect complement to grilled items.

Which Vegetables Pair Well with Grilled Meats?

The best grilling sides that pair well with grilled meats include a variety of flavorful vegetables.

• Asparagus: This vegetable has a naturally nutty flavor that intensifies when grilled. Its tender yet slightly crisp texture complements grilled meats beautifully, and it can be seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Zucchini: Grilled zucchini becomes tender and slightly sweet, making it an ideal side for meats. Its mild taste absorbs marinades well, and cutting it into thick slices or spears helps it hold up on the grill.
• Bell Peppers: Grilled bell peppers add a vibrant color and a sweet, smoky flavor to your meal. They can be sliced into strips or grilled whole, and their juicy texture pairs well with the charred exterior of grilled meats.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilling corn enhances its sweetness and creates a delicious smoky flavor. When served with butter and fresh herbs, it becomes a delightful pairing with any grilled meat, adding a satisfying crunch.
• Mushrooms: Grilled mushrooms, such as portobello or cremini, provide a robust, earthy flavor that complements grilled meats. Their meaty texture allows them to stand up to hearty proteins, making them a popular choice at barbecues.
• Eggplant: When grilled, eggplant develops a creamy texture and rich flavor that enhances grilled meats. Marinating it beforehand can add depth, and it can be served as slices or cubes alongside your main dish.
• Onions: Grilled onions become sweet and caramelized, adding a rich flavor profile to any grilled meat. They can be sliced into rings or wedges and are excellent for enhancing the overall taste of the meal.
• Tomatoes: Grilled tomatoes become juicy and flavorful, making them a fresh addition to any grilling spread. They can be halved or skewered, and their acidity helps balance the richness of grilled meats.

What Are the Best Starches to Serve as Grilling Sides?

The best starches to serve as grilling sides include a variety of options that complement grilled meats and vegetables.

• Potato Salad: This classic side dish is made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, and various seasonings. It’s creamy and can be customized with ingredients like celery, onions, or hard-boiled eggs, providing a refreshing contrast to smoky grilled foods.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob is a sweet and juicy option that enhances the outdoor grilling experience. Brushing it with butter and sprinkling it with salt or spices adds flavor, making it a favorite among guests.
• Rice Pilaf: This versatile side can be flavored with herbs, spices, or vegetables, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats. Its fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors make it a suitable base for pairing with grilled items.
• Grilled Polenta: Slices of polenta, when grilled, develop a crispy exterior while remaining soft inside. It can be served plain or topped with sauces, cheese, or herbs, offering a unique take on traditional starch sides.
• Baked Beans: These hearty beans are often cooked with bacon or other seasonings, providing a sweet and savory complement to grilled dishes. Their rich flavor and protein content make them a filling option that pairs well with barbecue flavors.
• Quinoa Salad: Quinoa provides a nutritious and gluten-free alternative that can be mixed with vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying side that adds a healthy twist to any grilling menu.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Bell peppers can be filled with a mixture of rice, beans, and spices, then grilled until tender. They not only add color to the plate but also infuse a smoky flavor that enhances the overall meal.
• Sweet Potato Wedges: These can be seasoned and grilled to create a crispy exterior while remaining soft inside. Their natural sweetness pairs well with savory grilled meats, adding a delightful contrast in flavors.

How Can You Make Your Grilling Sides Healthier?

To make your grilling sides healthier, consider incorporating fresh ingredients and lighter cooking methods.

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilling a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus enhances their natural flavors while retaining their nutrients.
• Quinoa Salad: Quinoa is a nutritious grain that provides protein and fiber; combining it with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and a light dressing makes for a refreshing side.
• Fruit Skewers: Using fruits like pineapple, watermelon, and strawberries on skewers adds a sweet and juicy element to your meal without added sugars.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice can be seasoned and grilled for a healthy side that complements various dishes.
• Sweet Potato Wedges: Baking or grilling sweet potato wedges with minimal oil creates a delicious, fiber-rich side that is also lower in calories compared to fried options.

Grilled vegetables bring a burst of color and flavor to your plate, and the grilling process caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their taste without needing heavy sauces.

Quinoa salad is not only a great source of complete protein but also versatile and can be customized with seasonal vegetables and light vinaigrettes to keep it refreshing.

Fruit skewers are a fun and visually appealing way to incorporate natural sweetness into your meal; simply grill them for a few minutes to intensify their flavors.

Cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute that can be flavored with spices and herbs, making it a perfect base for grilled meats and vegetables while keeping your meal light.

By opting for sweet potato wedges, you get a satisfying crunch and natural sweetness, and grilling them helps reduce the amount of oil needed, making them a healthier choice than traditional fries.

What Unique Flavors Can Elevate Your Grilling Sides?

Unique flavors that can elevate your grilling sides include:

• Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a rich, smoky flavor to dishes, enhancing the natural sweetness of grilled vegetables. It pairs well with corn on the cob, giving it a depth that complements the char from the grill.
• Lemon Zest: The bright, citrusy flavor of lemon zest can invigorate traditional sides like potato salad or grilled asparagus. Its freshness helps to cut through the richness of grilled meats, creating a well-balanced meal.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese brings a creamy, tangy element to grilled salads or roasted vegetables. Its salty flavor enhances the overall taste, making it a great topping for grilled eggplant or zucchini.
• Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy dimension to sides like grilled Brussels sprouts or caprese salad. The reduction of balsamic vinegar intensifies its flavor, creating a perfect complement to the smokiness of the grill.
• Cilantro Lime Dressing: This refreshing dressing can elevate grilled corn or slaw with its zesty and herbaceous notes. The combination of lime’s acidity and cilantro’s unique flavor brightens up heavier dishes, making them more appealing.
• Chipotle Adobo Sauce: Incorporating chipotle adobo sauce into sides like grilled beans or rice introduces a smoky heat that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats. The rich, complex flavor profile can transform ordinary sides into something extraordinary.
• Honey Mustard Glaze: A sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze can enhance grilled carrots or sweet potatoes. The balance of sweetness and acidity creates a delightful contrast to the natural sugars in these vegetables when grilled.

What Are Some Creative Grilling Side Ideas for Every Occasion?

Here are some of the best grilling side ideas for every occasion:

• Grilled Vegetables: A colorful assortment of seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus can be marinated and grilled to perfection. This side dish not only adds vibrant colors to your plate but also provides a healthy, flavorful complement to grilled meats.
• Potato Salad: This classic side can be customized with various ingredients like bacon, herbs, and mustard for a tangy twist. It’s a great make-ahead option that can be served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilling corn enhances its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with almost any grilled dish. Simply husk the corn, soak it in water, and grill it until tender, then serve with butter and seasonings.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing is a refreshing side that balances the richness of grilled meats. It’s easy to prepare in advance and can be customized with different ingredients like apples or nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Grilled Fruit: Fruits such as peaches, pineapples, and watermelons can be grilled to bring out their sweetness and add a unique twist to your meal. Grilled fruit makes a delicious side or dessert and can be served with yogurt or a drizzle of honey.
• Caprese Salad: Combining fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offers a light and refreshing side that works well with grilled dishes. This salad not only looks beautiful but also enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.
• Garlic Bread: Grilled garlic bread is a simple yet flavorful addition that complements grilled meats perfectly. By spreading a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs on crusty bread and grilling it until golden, you create a side that everyone loves.
• Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad with vegetables, nuts, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a hearty and healthy side. It’s great for summer barbecues and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Stuffed Peppers: Grilled stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices make a filling and colorful side dish. They can be customized with various fillings and are easy to prepare ahead, making them ideal for a gathering.
• Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy and cheesy macaroni dish is a comfort food favorite that pairs well with grilled meats. You can elevate the dish by adding toppings like breadcrumbs or bacon before grilling it for an added crunch.

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