We have bought Weber grills over the years-- our previous one lived a lone life - but parts began to rust out. This time we wanted a bigger grill for summer grilling-- so having three burners and the charring grill was perfect. We really not need the side burner, but they all came with one. We try to find reasons to use it-- I also bough the igrill3-- and that has worked really well-- no more opening and closing the grill to check the temperature -