Cooking Components

Cooking components like drop-in side burners and griddles expand your backyard island into a complete culinary range. Explore our grills and outdoor kitchen catalog to build a setup that handles any meal entirely outside. 

The Buyer's Guide to Outdoor Cooking Components

Beyond the Main Grill: Why Specialized Components Matter

Most outdoor kitchens use more than a single heat source. Dedicated cooking components expand your menu possibilities and keep you from running back to your indoor stove.

Maximizing Versatility 

While built in-grills handle the heavy searing and direct grilling, secondary burners manage delicate tasks. They provide precise temperature control for sauces, side dishes, and boils.

True Kitchen Performance 

Adding these specialized units turns a basic backyard BBQ island into a fully functional culinary range. They ensure your entire meal finishes cooking at the exact same time.

Side Burners vs. Power Burners: Sizing Your Output

Choosing the right secondary burner depends on your cooking style and the size of your cookware.

  • Standard Side Burners: Deliver 10,000 to 15,000 BTUs of heat. They are ideal for simmering delicate sauces, sautéing vegetables, or warming up side dishes.
  • High-Output Power Burners: Range from 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs. They feature oversized grate surfaces and concentrated flame rings. These are mandatory for boiling large seafood pots, using heavy cast-iron woks, or frying outside.

Fuel Coordination and Island Design

Integrating multiple gas appliances into luxury Outdoor Kitchens requires careful planning around your fuel infrastructure.

Matching Fuel Types 

All your cooking components must share the exact same fuel source as your main grill. Never attempt to mix a natural gas grill with a liquid propane side burner on the same manifold line.

Managing Gas Pressure 

High-output burners draw significant fuel. Ensure your main gas line and regulators have enough capacity to feed all appliances simultaneously without dropping flame heights.

Layout Planning: Storage and Access Infrastructure

Every drop-in component requires a secure cutout and proper clearance within your island framework.

Protecting Your Investments 



Select high-quality Outdoor Kitchen Components built from 304-grade stainless steel. This matching material standard ensures your appliances age uniformly and resist rust over time.

Utility Access 



Always install dedicated outdoor doors and drawers directly beneath your built-in side burners and griddles. This structural layout provides clean, code-compliant access to gas shut-off valves and electrical connections.

Completing the Workspace Ecosystem

A high-performance cooking zone requires surrounding utility infrastructure to remain truly efficient.

Strategic Placement 

Keep your boiling and simmering stations slightly offset from your high-heat searing zones. This gives you adequate countertop space for food preparation and plating.

Full Utility Integration

Balance your cooking appliances with proper refrigeration, sinks, and vents. Adding weatherized cooling units and prep sinks keeps raw ingredients fresh and maintains optimal food hygiene right at your island.

Let’s Spec Your Perfect Outdoor Island Components 

The right cooking components turn a basic outdoor grill station into a complete culinary system capable of handling every course of a meal without a single trip to the indoor kitchen. Whether you are adding a power burner for large-batch cooking, a griddle for breakfast service, or a side burner to round out a new build, our NFI certified experts are ready to help you spec the right units for your island. Call us today for technical guidance, and enjoy free shipping on all qualifying orders over $99.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best griddle for an outdoor kitchen?

    The best outdoor griddle is one constructed from thick, premium stainless steel or heavy-duty cast iron to prevent warping over time. It should feature multiple independently controlled burners to create distinct heat zones for cooking different foods simultaneously. A front or rear grease management system is also essential for quick and easy cleanup.

  • Which is better, an outdoor griddle or a grill?

    Choosing between the two depends entirely on your cooking style and menu preferences. A traditional grill excels at high-heat searing and imparting a distinct smoky, charred flavor to meats. A flat-top griddle offers a solid cooking surface that provides exceptional versatility for preparing breakfast items, stir-fries, and smash burgers.

  • How to properly maintain a griddle?

    After every cooking session, use a metal scraper to push food residue and excess grease into the collection trap while the surface is warm. Wipe the flat-top down with a paper towel and apply a thin coat of high-smoke-point oil to maintain its non-stick seasoning. Always protect the unit with a breathable, weatherproof cover once it has cooled completely to prevent rust.

  • How to clean outdoor grill burners?

    Start by turning off the gas supply and removing the cooking grates and flame defectors to expose the burner tubes. Use a small wire or a dedicated burner brush to carefully clear out debris or insect nests from the gas ports. Wipe down the exterior of the tubes with a damp cloth and ensure everything is dry before turning the gas back on.

  • How to maintain an outdoor kitchen?

    Regularly wipe down all stainless steel cabinets and stone countertops using a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive soap. You should empty the appliance drip trays frequently to prevent grease buildup, unpleasant odors, and pests. Finally, protect your investment by covering appliances during harsh weather and winterizing the plumbing lines before freezing temperatures arrive.