Answering your search for reliable ceramic searing side burners, this guide highlights five compatible options that deliver restaurant-level searing on many gas grills. These burners are ideal for grillers who want intense, consistent heat on the side burner to lock in juices and develop rich crusts. The buyer profiles range from DIY homeowners replacing worn parts to enthusiasts upgrading to infrared searing for chef-style results. The following table summarizes each selection to help you compare key fit notes, heat output, and compatibility at a glance.
| Product | Brand | BTU / Heat | Length / Fit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KB1 Searing Burner (NXG20001486A0) – Side Sear Zone | GRILLJOB Store | Unknown; ceramic infrared style | 14 5/8 x 6 3/8 in; mounting holes 6.6″ center-to-center |
| Blaze/Large-Cast Infrared 16″ Burner Replacement | GRILLJOB Store | 15,000 BTU | 16″ length; fits many 16″ cast iron / stainless burners |
| Blaze Blaze BLZ-IRN Left Side Burner | Beendou Store | 14,000 BTU | 16″ length; fits Blaze, Lion Premium, and similar sizes |
| Blaze LTE / Lion Premium Replacements | Beendou Store | 15,000 BTU | 16″–16.25″ length; cast iron or stainless burner replacements |
| Napoleon Sear Infrared Side Burner (S81005) | Beurbcikue Store | Infrared high heat (unspecified BTU) | Designed for Napoleon Prestige/LEX series |
GRILLJOB Ceramic Infrared Side Sear Burner (Kitchenaid/Nex Compatibility)
Best for replacement on NXG20001486A0/Nex1406239 models. This side sear burner is specifically sized to fit Kitchenaid-related configurations and multiple older Jenn Air models. It’s a practical choice for homeowners who want a direct-fit ceramic infrared option to restore searing performance on a known burner footprint. A key consideration is drilling new holes if the mounting pattern differs from your existing burner, so measure carefully before ordering.
Who it’s best for: owners of Kitchenaid and select Jenn Air/Nex grills needing a compatible ceramic infrared sear burner. Why selected: it offers a direct replacement path with a proven infrared sear capability for high-heat searing on the side burner.
Caution: mounting hole spacing and overall dimensions may require minor modification; verify bracket width and firebox fit before purchase.
Ceramic Infrared Searing Burner For 16″ Cast Iron & Stainless Burners
Best for replacing 16″ system burners in Blaze and similar brands. This unit offers 15,000 BTU ceramic infrared heat, designed to deliver restaurant-grade searing while retaining moisture. It fits most 16″ to 16.25″ long cast iron or stainless burners. It’s a solid upgrade for grillers who want faster preheat and more consistent high heat on the side burner.
Who it’s best for: barbecue enthusiasts upgrading a 16″ side burner. Why selected: strong infrared performance and broad compatibility with 16″ burners.
Caution: confirm overall length and mounting pattern to ensure a clean fit; some models may require minor alignment work.
Blaze Blaze BLZ-IRN 14,000 BTU Infrared Side Burner
Best for Blaze and Lion Premium replacements seeking an upgraded infrared option. This 14,000 BTU burner is designed to fit 16″ left-side positions, improving sear quality while providing robust durability with 304 stainless steel and aluminized components. It offers high heat with corrosion resistance. A potential limitation is gauge compatibility with non-Blaze/Lion models, so check the exact burner length before ordering.
Who it’s best for: Blaze or Lion Premium grill owners needing a dependable infrared upgrade. Why selected: durable materials and strong searing capability at a compact 14,000 BTU output.
Caution: ensure compatibility with your grill’s left-side burner footprint and mounting holes.
Blaze LTE / Lion Premium Replacements – 15,000 BTU
Best for replacing 16″ cast-iron or stainless burners in Blaze LTE and Lion Premium grills. This 15,000 BTU infrared burner delivers strong searing performance while remaining compatible with a range of 16″ burner footprints. It’s a versatile upgrade for people wanting a uniform infrared sear across multiple Blaze/Lion models.
Who it’s best for: grill owners with Blaze LTE or Lion Premium systems wanting a straightforward infrared upgrade. Why selected: broad compatibility within the Blaze/Lion ecosystem and a solid sear profile.
Caution: verify exact model year compatibility; older configurations may have different mounting patterns.
Napoleon Sear Infrared Side Burner (S81005) for Prestige/LEX
Best for Napoleon Prestige 500/665/450 series grills seeking a professional-grade infrared side burner. The S81005 design focuses on intense high heat to lock in flavors while delivering reliable performance across Napoleon’s high-end lines. It’s a targeted upgrade that emphasizes searing intensity for steaks and chops. A limitation is model-specific fit; verify the exact Napoleon model compatibility prior to purchase.
Who it’s best for: Napoleon grill owners aiming to upgrade to a premium infrared side burner. Why selected: proven infrared sear capability tailored to Napoleon’s Prestige and LEX series.
Caution: match to your specific Napoleon model to avoid fit issues or mounting conflicts.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Ceramic Infrared Side Burners
- Compatibility: Confirm burner length (commonly 14″–16″), mounting hole spacing, and side-burner placement with your grill model before buying.
- BTU and Heat Profile: Higher BTU usually means hotter searing, but infrared technology enhances surface searing efficiency beyond input BTU alone.
- Material Quality: Look for 304 stainless steel components and corrosion-resistant constructions to maximize longevity in outdoor conditions.
- Installation: Some burners require drilling or minor firebox adjustments. Measure carefully and review mounting instructions before purchasing.
- Brand Ecosystem: Staying within the same brand family (Blaze/Lion/Napoleon) can simplify compatibility and future replacements.
- Maintenance: Check for ease of cleaning and whether the burner has a sealed design to minimize flare-ups and residue buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a ceramic infrared side burner, and how does it differ from a traditional burner?
It uses ceramic infrared elements to reach higher surface temperatures quickly, producing intense searing while preserving juices. Traditional burners rely on direct flame and radiant heat, which can be less efficient for high-heat searing.
- Can I replace my side burner with any brand?
Compatibility depends on length, mounting holes, and connection type. Check the product’s fit notes and compare to your grill’s side burner footprint.
- Is 15,000 BTU enough for searing steak?
Yes, when paired with infrared technology, 15,000 BTU can deliver restaurant-like searing. The infrared element concentrates heat for quick crust formation.
- Do these burners require professional installation?
Most replacements are DIY-friendly if you are comfortable with basic gas grill maintenance, but some mounting patterns may require drilling or professional assistance.
- Which burner is best for Blaze vs Napoleon grills?
Blaze and Napoleon have distinct mounting patterns; choose a model listed as compatible with your grill line to ensure a proper fit and performance.
- Can I mix non-infrared burners with infrared burners on the same grill?
Yes, but you may observe uneven heat distribution. For consistent searing, use infrared side burners for searing tasks and non-infrared burners for general cooking.