Single vs Double Side Burner: Which Should You Buy?

Choose a single side burner when you usually cook one pot outdoors. Choose a double when two separate dishes regularly need heat at the same time. The useful upgrade is a second independently controlled cooking position, not simply a larger total BTU number.

Northwoods Grills prices checked October 8, 2026. Check the selected fuel variant for current price and availability. Installation and optional accessories are additional.

Match the burner to a real meal

Your cooking routine Starting point Reason
One saucepan of barbecue sauce or butter Single side burner One position does the job without buying a second.
Vegetables in one pan and sauce in another Double side burner Separate controls let dishes cook at different settings.
One large stockpot for seafood boils Power burner shortlist Support and heat beneath one pot matter more than two positions.
Occasional sides, limited prep space Compare a single with keeping the counter An appliance must earn the space it occupies.

Two burners do not double the heat under one pot

A double side burner typically has two separate cooking positions. The TrueFlame TFSB2 and Summerset SB2-PRO are rated at 24,000 BTUs total, with two 12,000 BTU burners. Each position has its own output. A dual-ring power burner instead concentrates its rings beneath one cooking station.

Do not bridge a large pan across two positions unless the manufacturer approves that arrangement. For a stockpot or round-bottom wok, compare an appliance designed to support it.

Four affordable models to compare

Model Checked price Buying reason
Bonfire CBASSB single $389 One pot; 12,000 BTUs and 304 stainless construction.
RCS CDB1EL double $799 Two positions below $800 equipment cost.
TrueFlame TFSB2 double $999 Two positions with 304 stainless construction and lighting.
Summerset SB2-PRO double $999 Independent controls, 443 stainless construction and lighting.

These are feature-based shortlists, not rankings from a cooking test. Check the fuel variant and installation before choosing solely on price.

Will two of your pans fit at once?

Measure your pans, including handles. Compare the usable grate layout and spacing between positions, not just appliance width. A front-to-back double burner can be narrow but still need meaningful counter depth. Check access to the rear pot and whether the larger pan crowds the controls.

A single and double may have different openings even within one brand. Use the burner replacement and fit guide before deciding an existing hole can accept the upgrade.

When paying for a double makes sense

Think about your last three outdoor meals. If each involved two pots you wanted to keep outside, a double solves a recurring problem. If the second position would rarely be used, a single plus working counter may suit you better. If you need one position but very large cookware, investigate a power burner instead.

Buying questions

Is a double side burner better than a single?

It is better for two separate dishes simultaneously. It is not automatically better for one saucepan or one large stockpot.

Can I replace a single with a double?

Only after confirming the exact opening, enclosure, clearances and gas supply. Brand and nominal width do not establish a fit.

Get help choosing a single or double burner

Tell Northwoods Grills your fuel type, budget, cooking plans and any existing opening dimensions. Speak with a product expert or call 843-212-7209.

Related: side burners under $1,000 · power burner buying guide · all burner buying guides.