Understanding side burners, rotisserie kits, and other gas grill add-ons

What’s a gas grill rotisserie kit, and why would you want one?

If you’ve ever dreamed of roasting a golden, juicy chicken that spins like it’s in a food commercial, a gas grill rotisserie kit is how you make it happen. Most kits include a few key parts: a spit rod to hold the food, forks to secure it in place, a motor to power the spin, and brackets to mount it to your grill.

Why go rotisserie? Two words: even cooking. As the food turns slowly over the burners, it bastes in its own juices, delivering that crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside magic. Plus, it frees up grill space and lets you roast without flipping or fussing.

Rotisserie cooking isn’t just for chicken (though it excels at that). Pork loins, whole fish, lamb legs, and even stuffed vegetables do great with the slow spin treatment. And if you’re into hosting, it’s a showstopper that gets people talking.

Heads-up: If your rotisserie motor stops spinning, don’t panic. The issue may be something simple like a dead battery, poor connection, or motor fatigue. Check your kit’s manual for troubleshooting tips or consider swapping out the motor if needed.

What can you do with a gas grill side burner?

Think of a gas grill side burner as your outdoor sous chef. It’s the little extra flame on the side of your grill that lets you simmer, sauté, boil, or reduce, without making constant trips back to the kitchen.

Hosting a crowd? Fire up the side burner to boil corn while the ribs slow-cook on the main grate. Need to warm up BBQ sauce or whip up a quick marinade? The side burner’s got it handled. It’s also perfect for sautéing onions, cooking beans, or keeping side dishes warm without hogging grill space.

Basically, it turns your backyard grill setup into a full-blown cook station. And when everything’s cooking in one spot, you’re less likely to burn the burgers while checking on the stovetop.

Having trouble getting that side burner to light? Our gas grill repair help page has tips for troubleshooting burners, ignition problems, and more.

Other handy grill add-ons worth considering

Rotisserie kits and side burners might get the spotlight, but there’s a whole world of grill add-ons designed to make outdoor cooking easier, cleaner, and way more fun.

Smoker box

Craving that low-and-slow barbecue flavor? A smoker box lets you add wood chips to your gas grill, infusing meat with smoky goodness without needing a full-size smoker. Great for ribs, brisket, or anything that benefits from a bit of bold flavor.

Warming rack extensions

These give you a little extra real estate above the grates to keep cooked food warm while you finish grilling the rest. Ideal for buns, veggies, or anything you don’t want to overcook.

Tool hooks and built-in storage

No more searching for your spatula or meat thermometer. Built-in hooks, drawers, and side shelves keep your go-to tools organized and within arm’s reach.

Grill lights

For the after-dark grillers, a good light is a must. Clip-on or built-in lights let you see exactly what’s going on under the lid, even when the sun’s long gone.

Looking to upgrade your setup? Browse our popular grill accessories collection to find the gear that matches your grilling style.

Do you need all the extras? Here’s how to decide

Not every grill needs to look like a backyard spaceship. Whether you go all-in on accessories or keep it simple depends on how (and how often) you grill.

Think about your cooking style

If your grill gets fired up every weekend for everything from burgers to brisket, extras like a side burner or rotisserie kit can make a big difference. Hosting big family barbecues? Tool storage and warming racks help keep the chaos under control. But if you're mostly grilling hot dogs on Saturday afternoons, a basic setup may be all you need.

Consider your space

Add-ons can take up room, physically and visually. Built-in grills often have more flexibility for storage and burners, while cart-style models might need a more thoughtful layout. If your grilling area is compact, pick the upgrades that’ll give you the most function without feeling cluttered.

Use what you already have

A solid base grill is a great starting point. Accessories let you grow your setup gradually with no need to replace the whole grill. Start with something simple like a smoker box or warming rack, then build from there as your skills (and your guest list) expand.

Ultimately, the best grill is the one that fits your life. Extras aren’t required, but they can turn a good cookout into a great one.

Make this grilling season your best yet

When it comes down to it, grilling isn’t just about gear; it’s about good food, great company, and that perfect sizzle under the summer sky. Add-ons like rotisserie kits, side burners, and smoker boxes aren’t just fancy extras; they’re tools to help you grill the way you want, whether that’s slow-roasting a chicken or sautéing sides without missing the action.

Want to level up your grilling game even more? We'll let you in on the secret to great grilling so your every cookout will be a win.

And if your grill needs a little TLC before the next backyard feast, we’ve got you covered with gas grill repair help, from part replacements to step-by-step guides. Because when everything’s working right, all you have to do is flip, sizzle, and serve.