Kinds of side burners
There are a few styles. Grill-mounted side burners are attached to the side shelf of a freestanding grill and share its gas supply. Built-in side burners are separate drop-in units in an outdoor kitchen island, with their own gas connection. Single and double burners are common, and many premium brands also make power burners, high-output units for woks and big pots.
They all work like a stovetop: a valve, an orifice, a burner head and cap, and spark ignition. Some have flame safety valves; many don't.
Common problems, most frequent first
Won't light
Spiders and debris in the burner tube or orifice, a dirty or misaligned igniter, or a dead battery in the ignition module.
Learn moreYellow, lazy flame
Blocked air intake or burner ports, or a misadjusted air shutter. Leaves soot on pots.
Learn moreUneven flame around the ring
Burner cap sitting crooked, ports clogged on one side, or a cracked burner head.
Weak flame
Shared supply with the grill can't keep up, regulator issue, or partial blockage.
Learn moreLights then goes out
On burners with flame safety, a thermocouple issue.
Learn moreRusted burner or grate
Side burners often sit under a lid that traps moisture. Burners and grates rust.
What you can safely check
- With the burner off and cool, lift off the grate and burner cap.
- Make sure the cap is seated flat and centered on the burner head. A crooked cap is a common cause of uneven flame.
- Clean the burner ports with a soft brush or a paper clip, gently.
- Replace the ignition battery and watch for a spark at the electrode.
- On propane, reset the regulator if the side burner and grill are both weak.
- Light it with the lid fully open, and keep your face back.
How we repair side burners
- 1
Diagnose
We check ignition, gas flow and flame quality to pinpoint the problem.
- 2
Clear and clean
Burner, orifice and venturi are cleared of spiders and debris, and the burner head and cap cleaned.
- 3
Adjust air
Where the burner has an air shutter, we adjust it for a clean blue flame.
- 4
Replace parts
Rusted burner heads, caps, grates, igniters, valves or thermocouples get replaced with matched parts.
- 5
Leak test and light
Any gas connection we touched is leak tested. Then we light it and check the flame across the full range.
Keeping them working
The biggest thing is use. A side burner fired up every couple of weeks rarely becomes a home for spiders. If yours sits idle, turn it on for a few minutes now and then. Keep the lid closed when not in use, but make sure the burner is dry first. If your outdoor kitchen has several appliances, our outdoor kitchen maintenance checklist covers them all, and our outdoor kitchen service can take care of everything in one visit.
Side burner questions
Why won't my side burner light when the grill does?
The side burner usually has its own igniter and burner tube. Spiders and debris in that tube are the most common cause, especially if it hasn't been used in a while.
Is a yellow flame on a side burner dangerous?
A yellow flame burns incompletely, makes soot, and can produce more carbon monoxide. It usually means a blockage or air adjustment issue, and should be fixed.
Can a side burner be converted to natural gas?
Usually, with the right orifice and sometimes a different valve. It should be done along with the grill if you're converting both.
Can you replace a built-in side burner?
Yes, if it's beyond repair. We can supply and install a new unit in the existing island opening if a matching size is available.
How much does side burner repair cost?
It depends on the brand and what needs replacing. Send a photo and your model number for a quote.
Related guides
Outdoor Kitchen Service
Service for the whole outdoor kitchen, not just the grill: side and power burners, griddles, warming drawers, outdoor refrigerators, vent hoods and island gas.
TroubleshootingSpiders in Burner Tubes
Spider webs in burner venturi tubes are a common cause of weak flames and flashback fires. Here's how to spot it, clean it and prevent it.
TroubleshootingYellow Flame on a Gas Grill
What a yellow flame on a gas grill means, when a little yellow is normal, and how to clear the blockages that usually cause it.
Care & how-toOutdoor Kitchen Maintenance Checklist
A practical maintenance checklist for the whole outdoor kitchen: grill, side burners, fridge, sink, countertops, cabinets, lighting and gas, organized by how often.
Side burner acting up?
Call or text us, or send a photo. We can look at the grill and the rest of your outdoor kitchen on the same visit.