Sear & Side Burner?

[Fiery Kev]

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.

[Pappymn]

I have never understood or wanted a side burner. I would save the bucks

[teesquare]

Save some money. Get GrillGrates for your new grill, and forget about the sear burner - or side burner.

[GusRobin]

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.

[Tenpoint5]

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

[pz]

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

[muebe]

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.

[Ka Honu]

... 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).

[muebe]

... 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?  

[old sarge]

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.

[Smokin Don]

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

[sliding_billy]

Never had one, so I guess I have never used one.

[Scallywag]

I haven't had a gasser for almost 5 years now..

[Guido1964]

I se Charcoal Burners so I really don't have a dog in this fight

[drholly]

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.