Mastering Multi-Zone Cooking: How to Make the Most of Your 4-Burner BBQ

If you've got a 4-burner BBQ sitting in your outdoor kitchen, you're holding more than just a grilling machine — you're holding the key to restaurant-style cooking at home. The secret? Multi-zone cooking.

By dividing your BBQ into zones of direct and indirect heat, you gain complete control over how your food cooks. Whether you're searing steaks, slow-roasting a whole chicken, or simply keeping garlic bread warm, multi-zone cooking transforms your 4-burner BBQ into a full outdoor kitchen.

Here's how to master it.

What Is Multi-Zone Cooking?

Multi-zone cooking is the technique of creating separate temperature zones on your BBQ:

• Direct heat zones: For high-temperature searing and fast cooking.
• Indirect heat zones: For slow roasting or cooking delicate items.
• Warming zones: For resting meat or keeping sides hot without burning.

With four burners at your disposal, you can set up two, three, or even four different cooking zones - giving you ultimate flexibility.

Setting Up Your 4-Burner BBQ for Multi-Zone Cooking

Two-Zone Setup (Direct & Indirect)

• Burners 1 & 2: High heat (direct cooking zone)
• Burners 3 & 4: Off or low (indirect zone)

Perfect for searing meats then finishing them slowly to preserve juices.

Three-Zone Setup

• Burner 1: High heat
• Burner 2: Medium heat
• Burners 3 & 4: Off (or very low)

Ideal for grilling proteins, veggies, and warming bread - each in its ideal temperature range.

Four-Zone Setup (Advanced)

• Each burner set to a different level (high, medium, low, off)
• Great for staggered cooking or prepping multiple courses

What You Can Cook Using Multi-Zone Techniques

Multi-zone cooking isn’t just fancy - it’s practical. Here’s how it helps:

• Sear a steak over high heat, then move to medium to finish
• Slow-roast lamb on the indirect side without flare-ups
• Grill veg and seafood at medium heat while warming sides nearby
• Keep bread warm or rest meat without overcooking

Bonus: Multi-zoning prevents burning and ensures more consistent results - no more blackened sausages and raw chicken!

Example Menu Using Multi-Zone Cooking

• Zone 1 (High heat): Char-grilled porterhouse steaks
• Zone 2 (Medium heat): BBQ zucchini, capsicum, and mushrooms
• Zone 3 (Low heat): Warming flatbread and resting cooked meat
• Zone 4 (Off/Indirect): Roasting a spiced butterflied chicken

Top Tools to Help You Master It

• BBQ-safe thermometer – Essential for indirect roasting
• Grill baskets – Great for delicate items like fish or veg
• Heat-resistant gloves – For safe zone switching
• BBQ mat or tray – Keeps smaller items from falling through grates

Pro Tips for Success

• Preheat all burners first before setting zones
• Keep the hood closed for indirect cooking to retain heat
• Use a drip tray in the indirect zone to catch juices and reduce mess
• Monitor temperature regularly—especially when using multiple zones

Final Thoughts

Your 4-burner BBQ is capable of so much more than a simple sausage sizzle. With multi-zone cooking, you can serve up entire meals with perfect timing, flavour, and finesse. Whether you're cooking for two or hosting a weekend gathering, learning to master your heat zones will take your BBQ game to the next level.

Looking to upgrade your BBQ accessories? Browse our range of thermometers, grill baskets, and tools designed for serious home chefs.