Let's Talk BBQ

General => General Discussion & Topics => Polls => Topic started by: Fiery Kev on July 02, 2014, 10:01:57 PM

Title: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: Fiery Kev on July 02, 2014, 10:01:57 PM
I'm a thrifty...ok cheap guy trying to decide between two tiers of the same grill, and I am torn as to whether or not I should "splurge" for the sear and side burner. I can definitely think of many uses for them, but I wonder how often I will actually use them, so I figured I'd see what other peoples feelings are about theirs or their lack thereof.
Title: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: Pappymn on July 02, 2014, 10:08:16 PM
I have never understood or wanted a side burner. I would save the bucks
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: teesquare on July 02, 2014, 10:25:04 PM
Save some money. Get GrillGrates for your new grill, and forget about the sear burner - or side burner.
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: GusRobin on July 02, 2014, 10:30:29 PM
I have both -in the 3 years I had the grill I think I used the side burner once when we lost power (electric stove in the kitchen). The sear I use but more like an extra burner. If I sear I use the griddle. I agree with Tee and say skip them and get some grill grates.
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: Tenpoint5 on July 02, 2014, 11:01:46 PM
I have both. I use the side burner for making sauces and for cooking ANYTHING that involves vinegar. Make hot sauce inside the house just once and it makes the side burner worth every penny! Even if you only use it once in a while. The sear burner is great for steaks. 700 degrees 1 1/2-2 inch thick ribeye steak 3-3-2 minutes and it is the perfect medium rare. Warmed all the way through and a nice sear on it. I like my grill grates as much as the next guy but when it comes to steaks Stripes don't make it taste any better, and at 700 degrees cast Iron will leave them as well
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: pz on July 02, 2014, 11:19:05 PM
I have both, and use them frequently.  The infrared sear is perfect to finish sous vide meats, and the two side burners fit a Lodge cast iron griddle perfectly for morning eggs and hash browns (or anything else you like to use a griddle for).  However, you could also use your main burners for the cast iron, so I would say that the only essential for me in addition to the main burners is the infrared sear unit
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: muebe on July 02, 2014, 11:30:10 PM
I used to have a side burner and did not use it that often but as Chris stated anything that might create bad odor or fumes inside the house they sure come in handy.

Also the side burner can be used to get a charcoal starter started instead of using newspaper ;)

Never had experience with a sear burner. They are infrared and get very hot but I heard the burner can get clogged up pretty easily.
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: Ka Honu on July 02, 2014, 11:41:44 PM
... Also the side burner can be used to get a charcoal starter started instead of using newspaper...

Never thought of that but sounds like a Helluva good idea (except for having to uncover two grills at the same time - but the lack of newspaper ash flying around probably makes it well worth the effort).
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: muebe on July 02, 2014, 11:50:01 PM
... Also the side burner can be used to get a charcoal starter started instead of using newspaper...

Never thought of that but sounds like a Helluva good idea (except for having to uncover two grills at the same time - but the lack of newspaper ash flying around probably makes it well worth the effort).

You cover your grill Turtle? ::)  :D
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: old sarge on July 03, 2014, 12:38:40 AM
I have a Ducane Meridian 42 (made by Twin Eagles) and it has dual side burners. And they do get used, not very often, but they are used.  The only down side is space between the burners limits the size of the pots or pans used. They are handy, but not a must have.
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: Smokin Don on July 03, 2014, 12:45:32 AM
I do not have a side burner so can't vote. I always thought I would use one and if I could afford this grill it has one.
http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=9976.0
I di have a separate gas burner that is handy and gets used at least once every summer for a shrimp boil and if I put up fresh corn I use it. Don
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: sliding_billy on July 03, 2014, 01:39:36 AM
Never had one, so I guess I have never used one.
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: Scallywag on July 03, 2014, 08:28:36 AM
I haven't had a gasser for almost 5 years now..
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: Guido1964 on July 03, 2014, 12:22:40 PM
I se Charcoal Burners so I really don't have a dog in this fight
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: drholly on July 03, 2014, 12:33:12 PM
Gave up on using gassers awhile back. But found I did not use the side burner - just put the cast iron pan or pot on the main grill. And that's what I do on my charcoal grills. So, for me - save the money and put it towards some grill grates or another tool.
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: Northshore on July 03, 2014, 02:05:39 PM
I had grill with side burner and used it all the time.  Burned that grill up a couple of years ago , new grill no side burner so added camp chef two burner to collection. 
Used side burner, now camp chef, for cooking corn, bacon, deep frying anything, pressure cooker etc. 
would love a searing burner.
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: teesquare on July 03, 2014, 02:08:43 PM
Well...One thing this thread has revealed: We ALL use our grills in different ways. That is great to now and share. I see several ideas just from the discussion that may give rise to me using my side burner!

Good thread!
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: Las Vegan Cajun on July 03, 2014, 02:23:36 PM
... Also the side burner can be used to get a charcoal starter started instead of using newspaper...

Never thought of that but sounds like a Helluva good idea (except for having to uncover two grills at the same time - but the lack of newspaper ash flying around probably makes it well worth the effort).

I use Weber lighter cubes to get my chimney going, no flying ash and far less of that ugly smoke that burning newspaper creates.
Title: Re: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: Fiery Kev on July 03, 2014, 03:59:41 PM
Well...One thing this thread has revealed: We ALL use our grills in different ways. That is great to now and share. I see several ideas just from the discussion that may give rise to me using my side burner!

Good thread!

Indeed. Lots of great feedback. I never even thought of using a side burner to light charcoal in a chimney starter. That and having somewhere to fry outdoors may tip the scales LOL. Funny because when I made the post I figured if anything would sell me on splurging it'd be the sear burner.

Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: tlg4942 on July 03, 2014, 05:12:29 PM
 I use my side burner pretty often. Keep the heat out of the house this time of year. Plus, with mainly just Kerry and I anything I'm cooking on it is small most of the time.
  I voted neutral on this because once I get more room I will add a couple burners and not need the grill burner.
 The grill burners are kind of weak in my opinion.  With poor control. 
As for sear I have a CB IR grill so it does that part.  And many times I sear on the Hibachi over wood and finish slow on the grill as the veggies finish.   
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: Cinredman on July 03, 2014, 06:45:03 PM
My Weber has a side burner and I frequently use it, especially during the summer when I don't want to heat the kitchen up.

Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: spuds on July 04, 2014, 02:05:50 AM
Agree,great discussion,learning a lot.Thank you.
Title: Re: Sear & Side Burner?
Post by: drholly on July 04, 2014, 08:33:57 AM
Agree,great discussion,learning a lot.Thank you.
x2!