Best Natural Gas Grills With Side Sear Burners: Top Picks
Lead Gas Grill Technician & Senior BBQ Equipment Editor at OutdoorGasGrills · NFI Certified Gas Specialist · KCBS Certified Pitmaster · 14+ Years Grill Diagnostics · 14+ years in gas grill mechanical repair, propane/natural gas flow calibration, and hands-on outdoor cooking equipment testing
The best Best Natural Gas Grill With Side Sear Burner is the Weber® Genesis E-325, the only model here that combines true natural gas plumbing with a dedicated side burner for searing steaks without heating up your main grates. It’s built for homeowners who want premium heat control and long-term durability over cheap upfront costs.
Want maximum BTU output on a budget instead? The Electactic Stainless Steel 4-Burner gets you there, as long as you’re okay with propane-only operation and less refined temperature management on the side burner.
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This guide tells you exactly which side burners actually reach searing temperatures versus those that are just decorative add-ons. We also identify buyers who should skip this category entirely because their patio setup or fuel availability makes these grills impractical.
Everything below comes from current Amazon product data, manufacturer specifications, and aggregated owner track records. Our editorial team analyzes verified buyer feedback and spec sheets rather than performing hands-on lab testing of each unit.
Quick Answer: The Best Natural Gas Grill with Side Sear Burner
Our top pick remains the Weber® Genesis E-325 for its balance of build quality and functional searing capability.
- Weber® Genesis E-325 Gas Grill Outdoor (Best Overall): Premium construction with reliable natural gas integration.
- Electactic Stainless Steel 4-Burner Gas Grill (Best High BTU Value): Massive power output for aggressive searing tasks.
- LAUDLIFE 5-Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo (Best Versatility): Includes flat-top cooking alongside traditional grilling zones.
- Royal Gourmet SG6002R 6-Burner Propane Gas (Best Large Capacity): Six burners provide immense surface area for crowds.
- Weber® Spirit E-425 Gas Grill Outdoor (Best Compact Natural Gas): Efficient footprint for smaller patios with NG hookups.
Thinking about charcoal purists or apartment dwellers instead? Jump to Who Should NOT Buy below before you spend anything.
Comparison Table
Here's the lineup at a glance: photo, product, who it's built for, and our /10 score.
| Photo | Product | Best for | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Weber® Genesis E-325 Gas Grill Outdoor | Premium Natural Gas Integration | 8.9/10 | Check price → |
 | Electactic Stainless Steel 4-Burner Gas Grill | High BTU Power on a Budget | 8.2/10 | Check price → |
 | LAUDLIFE 5-Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo | Versatile Griddle and Grill Zones | 8.5/10 | Check price → |
 | Royal Gourmet SG6002R 6-Burner Propane Gas | Large Family Cooking Capacity | 7.8/10 | Check price → |
 | Weber® Spirit E-425 Gas Grill Outdoor | Compact Natural Gas Efficiency | 8.4/10 | Check price → |
Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.
Weber® Genesis E-325 Gas Grill Outdoor: Best Overall for Serious Cooks
Electactic Stainless Steel 4-Burner Gas Grill: Best High BTU Value
LAUDLIFE 5-Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo: Best Versatility
Royal Gourmet SG6002R 6-Burner Propane Gas: Best Large Capacity
Weber® Spirit E-425 Gas Grill Outdoor: Best Compact Natural Gas
Buying Guide: Fuel Source, Heat Output, and Space Requirements
Choosing the right grill isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about matching infrastructure to intent. Here are the three critical factors you must evaluate before clicking buy.
Is Natural Gas Always Better Than Propane?
Not necessarily, but it offers distinct advantages for permanent installations. Natural gas connects directly to your home’s utility line, meaning you never run out of fuel mid-party. This convenience comes with a caveat: installation costs.
If you don’t have a stub-out ready, hiring a licensed plumber to install a shut-off valve and regulator can add hundreds to the bill. Propane, conversely, uses portable tanks. While swapping empty 20-pound cylinders is annoying, it requires zero plumbing work.
For renters or those in HOAs restricting underground lines, propane remains the flexible winner. As of 2026, many municipalities still favor propane for safety compliance in dense housing. Consider your long-term residency plans before committing to hard-piped gas.
How Many BTUs Do You Actually Need for Searing?
More isn’t always better, but context matters. A side burner rated at 10,000, 12,000 BTUs suffices for simmering sauces or warming vegetables. However, achieving a proper Maillard reaction on steak requires intense, focused heat.
Look for side burners exceeding 15,000 BTUs if searing is your primary goal. The Electactic Stainless Steel 4-Burner boasts high aggregate output, ensuring rapid recovery times after opening the lid. Beware of marketing hype claiming “total system” BTUs without specifying individual burner ratings.
Always check the spec sheet for the side burner’s isolated power. Inadequate wattage leads to steamed meat rather than seared crusts, frustrating even experienced chefs. Balance total grill power with specific zone intensity for optimal results.
Does Your Patio Fit the Footprint?
Measure twice, buy once. These grills vary wildly in width. A compact unit like the Weber® Spirit E-425 fits snug corners, whereas six-burner monsters demand expansive decking.
Don’t forget clearance codes. Most manufacturers recommend at least 24 inches of ventilation space above and behind the hood to prevent fire hazards. Local building regulations enforced by agencies like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) dictate minimum distances from combustible structures.
Ignoring these rules risks voiding insurance claims or triggering fines. Visualize the workflow too. Can you walk around the front comfortably while holding platters?
Cramped layouts turn cooking into a chore. Ensure your chosen model leaves room for prep tables or seating nearby.
Who Should NOT Buy Best Natural Gas Grill with Side Sear Burner
This category is the wrong purchase for three kinds of buyers. Here's who they are, and what to look at instead.
You Live in an Apartment or Condo
Most multi-unit dwellings prohibit open flames on balconies due to strict fire codes. Even electric grills face restrictions regarding smoke detectors and noise ordinances. Natural gas hookups are virtually nonexistent outside single-family homes.
Instead, invest in a high-quality indoor electric skillet or countertop oven capable of broiling. Brands like Breville or Cuisinart offer sealed environments that satisfy flavor cravings without violating lease agreements or endangering neighbors. Safety first always.
You Want Authentic Charcoal Flavor
Gas grills, even with sear burners, cannot replicate the smoky complexity of wood-fired cooking. The Maillard reaction happens differently over live coals. If you crave that distinct campfire taste, skip this category entirely.
Look into ceramic kamado-style cookers like Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe. They retain heat better and infuse food with genuine smoke profiles that gas simply mimics poorly. A side burner helps with temperature control, but it won’t fix the fundamental lack of combustion byproducts that create true barbecue essence.
Purists will feel disappointed regardless of how expensive the unit is.
Your Budget Is Under $500
Quality side burners require robust valves and thick metal to handle high heat safely. Cheap units often suffer from uneven heating and premature rusting. Spending less usually means compromising on safety features like automatic shut-offs or durable igniters.
If funds are tight, stick to a basic two-burner propane grill and use a separate cast-iron skillet indoors for searing. This hybrid approach saves money while delivering better results than a subpar integrated system. Don’t let marketing promises lure you into buying a fragile appliance that fails within one season.
Final Verdict
The Weber® Genesis E-325 stands out as the best overall choice for homeowners with natural gas access. Its combination of durable construction, precise heat management, and reliable performance justifies the premium investment for long-term use.
Want maximum BTU power on a budget? Get the Electactic Stainless Steel 4-Burner. It delivers aggressive searing capability that rivals far more expensive models, provided you accept the trade-off of propane-only fueling and slightly lighter build materials.
Need versatile cooking zones for diverse menus? The LAUDLIFE 5-Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo offers unique flexibility with its built-in flat-top surface, perfect for entertainers who cook breakfast alongside dinner.
Still unsure if any of these fit your lifestyle? Revisit the Who Should NOT Buy section above to ensure you aren’t forcing a square peg into a round hole before committing to the purchase.
FAQ
What's the best Natural Gas Grill with Side Sear Burner overall?
The Weber® Genesis E-325 is our top recommendation due to its superior build quality and seamless natural gas integration. It balances professional-grade searing capabilities with everyday usability for family cooks.
Do I need a plumber to install a natural gas grill?
Yes, connecting any appliance to a home’s natural gas line requires a licensed professional. DIY installations violate most local codes and void manufacturer warranties immediately. Always hire certified technicians for safe hookup and pressure testing.
Can I convert a propane grill to natural gas?
Some manufacturers sell official conversion kits, but doing so often voids the warranty and poses significant safety risks if improperly installed. We strongly advise against converting unless explicitly supported by the brand with included hardware and instructions.
How hot should a side burner get for searing steak?
Effective searing requires temperatures between 500°F and 700°F. Ensure your chosen model’s side burner has sufficient BTUs (at least 15,000) to reach and maintain this range quickly after placing cold meat on the grate.
Are stainless steel grills worth the extra cost?
Stainless steel resists corrosion better than painted finishes, especially in coastal or humid climates. However, cheaper grades may still pit or discolor over time. Invest in 304-grade stainless if longevity is your primary concern beyond initial aesthetics.
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