Kitchen

Best Outdoor Griddle for Exciting Cookouts and Family Fun

Tim Parry

Published:

Griddles are such great and versatile cooking equipment that don't get half as much credit as outdoor grills do. Yet, the best outdoor griddle will give you a truly rewarding cooking experience since you can literally cook almost anything on it. These outdoor griddles can be used when cooking eggs, pancakes, great steaks, sliders, fried rice, vegetables, anything; you name it, the griddle plate can take.

Contents

Which griddle grill is best?

If you already have an existing grill, you can change the ball game by adding a griddle attachment for a fantastic griddle combo. A great quality griddle will give you beautiful years of perfect shrimps, seared steaks, and fluffy pancakes that a traditional grill couldn't possibly beat. Additionally, the best outdoor griddles are portable, making them ideal for family dinners and cookouts with friends in your backyard.

That portable griddle will give you a restaurant-like experience at home or outdoors; what better way to catch up and bond. Plus, some meals are better prepared outdoors, especially if you want to throw a backyard party making your meanest pizzas and steaks. With that in mind, all the different options in the market can be a little confusing, so to help smoothen the process, here are some facts that you should have in mind to help you get the best deal.

Is an Outdoor Griddle Worth It?

Here are some benefits the best outdoor griddles have over grills.

1. Larger Cooking Surface

A griddle gives more than ample cooking space to cook food. In addition, a flat-top griddle can cook a great deal more meals simultaneously. This feature comes in handy mostly if you plan to make meals for many people or try out different dishes simultaneously with one griddle.

2. Perfectly Cooks Everything and Anything

A flat-top grill can let you create plenty of different meals; however, an outdoor griddle gives you even more possibilities. Its smooth, even surface, which is like a perfect blend of the flat-top grill and a huge frying pan, gives you masterfully done meats, flavorful breakfasts, quick side dishes, and virtually anything else you'd need that flat-top grills can't.

3. Incredibly Easy to Learn and Simple to Use

A griddle is extremely simple to use and has little to no learning required for use. Unlike charcoal grills and gas grills that may give you flare-ups, have hot spots, or other difficulties, griddles make outdoor cooking fun, safe, and super easy to use.

4. Convenient Temperature Control

Unlike a flat-top grill, an outdoor griddle uses more burners on a sleek, flat cooking surface with efficient temperature controllers. Some outdoor griddles will give different amounts of heat on each burner, so you can conveniently cook different meals simultaneously. In addition, it gives you more control over the temperature for a better outcome.

The Best Outdoor Griddle Reviews

1. Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle With Removable Handles

Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle With Removable Handles, Black,...
  • Premium nonstick surface provides stick-free cooking and easy...
  • Control Master heat control maintains the desired cooking temperature...
  • Griddle is fully immersible with the heat control removed.
  • Simply open latch clips to detach handles from griddle base. No tools...
  • With handles removed, base stores in most standard 18-inch kitchen...

'You get what you pay is a phrase that clearly doesn't apply to the Presto 22-inch electric griddle. Instead, it is extremely simple, good-looking, and streamlined to offer you a lot more value than what it costs.

It’s made with superbly durable cast aluminum that comes with a high-quality non-stick Teflon coating for easy cleaning. The griddle plate can be detached from the handle, foot units, and temperature controls and safely cleaned using a dishwasher.

This griddle also comes with a decent-sized 231 square inch cooking surface that does pretty great French toasts, pancakes, and sandwiches for a good number of people at once. In addition, this non-stick plate budget-friendly griddle saves you on the use of margarine, butter, and other high-calorie oils. However, it still comes with removable drip pans to help you clean up when you decide to use the oils.

The heat control on the griddle automatically maintains the desired heat temperature. However, it can give up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so the unit should only be used to cook foods that don't need much cooking, such as sandwiches, veggies, pancakes, etc.

PROS
  • Durable aluminum cast construction
  • High-quality non-stick Teflon coating for easy cleaning
  • Advanced heat-control for better cooks
  • Decent sized 231 square inch cooking surface
  • The griddle plate can be detached and safely cleaned using a dishwasher
  • Affordable price
CONS
  • Doesn't go past 400 degrees Fahrenheit

2. Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill

Sale
Blackstone 36 Inch Gas Griddle Cooking Station 4 Burner Flat Top Gas...
  • Rear grease - Blackstone has updated the grease Management on this...
  • Replace your standard grill - replace your grill or BBQ with a...
  • Restaurant style cooking - with 720sq inches of flat top grilling,...
  • Controllable heat zones - four independently controlled 15, 000 BTU...
  • Durability and longevity - this Blackstone grill is built to last with...

This Blackstone griddle model comes with a composite stainless steel dispenser, a black steel construction framework, and a cold-rolled steel cooktop. It weighs 120 lbs and measures 62.5 x 22 x 36 inches to give you a 720 square inch horizontal grilling surface. This cooking surface covers four independently controlled burners with a stainless steel build and an impressive 60,000 BTUs for different heat zones.

This thick, cold-rolled 7-gauge stainless steel cook surface has excellent heat retention and even cooking across the griddle surface.

PROS
  • A newly improved rear grease drain
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Easy assembly
  • Huge 720sq inches flat top grilling surface that is great for large multitudes
  • 4 independently controlled 15 000 BTU burners for 60 000 BTUs
  • Durably built to last with steel frame, stainless steel burners, and thick steel cooktop
CONS
  • Large in size and not ideal for small cars

3. Blackstone 1650 17-inch Tabletop Gas Griddle

Blackstone 1650 Tabletop Grill without Hood Propane Fuelled – 17...
  • Convenient and portable - this portable grill is built with an easy to...
  • Easy to store - simply store the griddle top upside down on top of the...
  • No hassle cleanup - Blackstone makes cleanup a breeze with this table...
  • Spacious cooking surface - This premium Blackstone griddle offers 260...
  • Fast and even heating - this grill has a stainless Steel "H" Burner...

It is a portable griddle with 260 square inches of cooking area. The Blackstone tabletop griddle is perfect for small families or groups of tourists who just need to feed a few people. It runs on 1-pound propane bottles and has an electric igniter, so it's easy to get the griddle going.

It's made of stainless steel, with a removable griddle cooking space for easy cleaning and storing. It's been coated with black powder to boost its overall rust resistance and longevity. A single knob in the control panel operates this single burner. It uses a propane tank(not included) with a propane adapter hose. The dimensions are 17.5 x 18 x 8.5 in.

PROS
  • It is a portable griddle with a cooking surface area of 260 square inches
  • Perfect for small families or parties of tourists who only need to cook for a few people
  • Starting the griddle is simple, thanks to the use of 1-pound propane bottles and an electric igniter
  • The griddle's ample cooking space may be removed for easy cleaning and storing
  • A single knob in the control panel is used to operate the burner
  • The stainless steel griddle cooking surface is corrosion-resistant
CONS
  • This griddle uses an "H"-shaped heating device beneath the surface; the edges don't become as hot as the center, limiting the amount of food you can cook at once

4. Blackstone 1666 22 inch Flat Top Griddle Grill Station

Sale
Blackstone Tabletop Griddle, 1666, Heavy Duty Flat Top Griddle Grill...
  • Make your outdoor adventures a delicious affair with Blackstone 22"...
  • Portable convenience: Whether you are cooking in your backyard or out...
  • Cook for one, cook for all: 339 Sq. Inch cooking surface and 24,000...
  • Powerful "H" burners for even heat: This heavy duty griddle is...
  • Innovative grease management system: If you plan on cooking bacon or...

This outdoor griddle from Blackstone explains why this company has such a monopoly on this market sector. This tabletop outdoor griddle can be set up on the patio or deck and camping or in the RV. With dimensions of 26 x 9 x 22 inches and a total cooking surface size of 339 square inches, this portable outdoor grill is one of the most spacious you'll discover.

You won't cater to large events with this, but you'll be fine cooking for a small family or a few friends. The griddle top is composed of cold-rolled steel, so you can grill without worrying about food debris splattering all over the place.

You can use a small 1-pound container of liquid propane or a huge 20-pound propane tank. If you want to use a large propane tank, you'll need to build a separate provision for an adaptor. It is not included in the griddle package.

The griddle has two burners, each controlled at a different temperature for increased versatility. These H gas burners uniformly spread heat while grilling, ensuring top-notch results using high-quality products.

PROS
  • Griddle made of cold-rolled steel
  • Use with a propane bottle weighing 1 pound or 20 pounds
  • Heat controls and built-in igniters
  • It has a hood that traps heat and maintains a steady temperature
  • The handle has a heat-resistant grip
  • It attaches and detaches effortlessly to suit your needs
CONS
  • Some customers have reported issues of quality control

5. Little Griddle Sizzle-Q SQ180 Stainless Steel Universal Griddle

Sale
LITTLE GRIDDLE Sizzle-Q SQ180 100% Stainless Steel Universal Griddle...
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Sidewalls keep food on griddle
  • Grease trough prevents flare-ups
  • Cleans up right on the grill
  • Welded cross bracing for stability

Plates are a cost-effective way to convert any gas or charcoal grill into a griddle. The Sizzle-Q Stainless Steel Universal Griddle is a great choice. It is simple to install and remove since the stainless steel griddle plate lays on top of an existing grill. It has 234 square inches of cooking space.

A high lip extends around three sides of the griddle, and a grease trough in the front collects grease to prevent runoff and flare-ups. This griddle plate prevents rust and corrosion thanks to its stainless steel structure. In addition, welded cross-bracing on the underbody prevents warping.

PROS
  • It has a 234 square inch cooking surface
  • The stainless steel structure is extremely durable
  • Flare-ups are prevented by using a grease drain
  • The reinforced body prevents warping
CONS
  • There are no handles, making it difficult to take up with gloved hands

6. Blackstone 36" Professional Outdoor Flat-Top Griddle

Sale
Blackstone 36" Cooking Station 4 Burner Propane Fuelled Restaurant...
  • NEW FEATURES - This unit comes equipped with Blackstone's new and...
  • RESTAURANT STYLE COOKING - With 720sq inches of flat top grilling,...
  • REPLACE YOUR STANDARD GRILL - Replace your grill or BBQ with a...
  • HEAT RESISTANT HANDLE - The durable plastic handle is heat resistant...
  • TRANSPORT WITH EASE - Easily wheel around your yard or transport from...

This is a 36-Inch flat-top gas griddle with four stainless steel burners, and solid stainless steel construction ranks high as the best outdoor gas griddle currently in the market. It gives you a 720 sq. inches cooking area that is also large enough to use in commercial cooking. You can cook anything on it, including eggs, meats, burgers, veggies, and others.

This propane griddle also comes with multiple storing shelves for accessories that you need nearby. It also comes with a new sliding shelf feature: a cutting board, kitchen paper towel holder, and hooks for trash bags. With these extra features, you have everything you need as you cook right there close to you.

This professional-grade outdoor griddle has a powder-coated steel frame for protection from dust and moisture. In addition, it has a simple and easy assembly that you can take apart and put back together really fast at any time.

It has four burners underneath that are very distinct and can give you different temperatures, essentially allowing you to cook different food which needs different amounts of heat at the same time. The burners can give heat up to 15,000 BTU, so cumulatively it goes down to 60,000 BTU. To light the burners, all you need is to push an ignition button powered by batteries that eliminate the need to carry around oil or lighters.

It weighs 134 pounds and comes on four caster wheels that make it easy to move around. Also, it has folding legs making it easier to store. The griddle top can easily be removed to clean, dry, and store separately.

Additionally, it has a rear grease management system as an additional useful feature that makes it easy to clean the surface after cooking. All the grease used collects in a small tray located at the back through a grease channel. Overall, this propane griddle is packed with useful features that come in handy in family functions, parties, and picnics.

PROS
  • Sturdy stainless steel construction
  • Multiple storing shelves for accessories
  • New sliding shelf feature with a cutting board, kitchen paper towel holder, and hooks for trash bags
  • Rear grease management system
  • Comes with folding legs for easy storage
  • Detachable griddle top
  • Easy to clean and store
  • 4 burners that give different amounts of heat at the same time
  • Cumulatively gives 60,000 BTU for powerful heating
CONS
  • Relatively pricey
  • Can rust over time if not well seasoned

7. Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle

Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle,Black
  • Adjustable Burner: 3 separately controlled burners with 9,000 BTU...
  • 316 Square Inches: Detachable porcelain enameled flat top offers 316...
  • Piezo Ignition: Durable stainless steel control panel with piezo...
  • Oil Disposal: Removable oil cup collects grease residue while cooking,...
  • Perfect Size: Including regulator for 20 lb. tank, portable design...

The Royal Gourmet PD1300 is a portable griddle equipped with 3 stainless steel burners that collectively give a total output of 27,000 BTU. The burners on the Royal Gourmet are separately controlled for efficiency and flexibility in temperature adjustments as you cook.

The top of this portable gas griddle has a porcelain enamel coating that gives you a decent 316 square inches of cooking surface. What's more, it has a stainless steel control panel that features a Piezo ignition system that only needs the push of a button to start so that you won't be needing any matches.

The top of this Royal Gourmet portable gas griddle equally retains heat throughout to help simmer in the juices as you cook your meals. In addition, you will find a drip cup at each side, which typically helps you cook for a long time and also easily clean the unit. Lastly, this tabletop griddle is portable means that you can carry it wherever you want.

PROS
  • Very simple to use
  • Burners evenly distribute heat
  • Burners are separately controlled for flexibility in temperature adjustments
  • Flexible temperature adjustments
  • A decently large cooking surface
  • Powerful BTU heat output
CONS
  • It's not dishwasher safe

8. PB336GS Pit Boss 2 Burner Table Top LP Gas Griddle

Sale
PIT BOSS PB336GS Two Burner Portable Flat Top Griddle - Cover Included
  • Pit Boss 336GS Tabletop Gas Griddle with cover included
  • 289 sq in cooking area
  • 3 mm thick griddle surface pre-seasoned with organic oil
  • Two independently controlled 9,000 btu stainless steel burners
  • Portable size is perfect for outdoor camping, tailgating, or at home...

Pit Boss is a well-known brand in the industry, and this 4-burner outdoor griddle demonstrates why people from all over the world flock to these gas grills. This large but lightweight unit is made of robust stainless steel and cast iron combination. Lockable casters on the bottom make it simple to move the griddle about the yard as needed.

The side shelves are collapsible. When you're outdoor cooking, you'll have all the prep and serving room you need, but if you're short on space, you can tuck the shelves away. There are four heating zones, each with its own set of controls for the burners. It enables you to prepare a wide range of recipes in a single sitting. The total heat output is listed at 62,000 BTU, which is impressive.

This griddle's cooking surface is pre-seasoned, making it an excellent choice for beginners to the art of outdoor grilling. In addition, the electric ignition delivers a rapid and consistent start every time.

PROS
  • Portability as the design is foldable
  • It has a stainless steel construction
  • It has a large cooking surface
  • It has a 4. 7mm thick pre-seasoned griddle surface
  • The small size makes it ideal for cooking outdoors or at home
  • For standing stability, there are four black non-slip legs
  • It has two independently controlled burners with simple push-button for activation
CONS
  • Quality control difficulties have been reported

9. Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo

Sale
Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with...
  • Combination of gas grill and griddle with two individual cooking zones...
  • Product dimensions – 66.1" L x 21.8" W x 43.7" H | Clearance space...
  • Automatic ignition system delivers fast and easy start-up with four...
  • Two fixed side tables provide ample space for food preparation. Lower...
  • With fold-down legs for compact storage and four locking casters for...

This Royal Gourmet propane combo model divides its cooking surface into a griddle and a grill, allowing outdoor chefs to use both cooking zones simultaneously. Each cooking zone has two 12,000-BTU burners and 292 square inches of cooking space.

Four hooks under the grill provide storage for cooking equipment, and two big side tables provide additional prep room. Another innovative feature is a bottle opener connected to one of the side tables. The four robust casters make moving this outdoor griddle about a deck or patio a breeze. This griddle is easily transportable despite its large size, thanks to legs that fold under the grill.

PROS
  • Plenty of cooking space as it has 292 square inches of cooking surface
  • There are four 12,000 BTU separately regulated burners
  • The combination of a grill and a griddle increases versatility
  • The legs fold up for easy storage and transportation
  • The two fixed side tables provide additional prep and workspace
  • The automatic ignition system provides a quick and easy start with four large control knobs
  • Cleanup is a breeze with the grease cup and tray that are removable
  • Four lockable caster wheels provide flexibility and stability
  • There is a bottle opener on the side table
CONS
  • There is no storage tray beneath the grill, just hooks

10. Royal Gourmet PD1202S 18-Inch Portable Gas Grill

Sale
Royal Gourmet PD1202S 18-Inch Portable Table Top Propane Gas Grill...
  • SPACIOUS COOKING SURFACE AND PORCELAIN ENAMELED TOP: Tabletop grill...
  • PORTABLE AND CONVENIENT: Portable and easy to store. With sturdy feet...
  • NO FUSSY CLEANUP: Removable, slide-out stainless-steel grease tray...
  • FAST AND EVEN HEATING: Start cooking instantly with just the simple...
  • QUICK ASSEMBLY: No more worries about complex assembly procedure...

This Royal Gourmet tabletop gas grill and griddle weighs only 24 pounds and measures 23 inches long by 14 inches deep. Nevertheless, it is easy to transport for a weekend of camping. A single 12,000-BTU gas burner fuels it. It runs on a 1-pound propane gas canister that fits neatly beneath the control panel. The grill has a porcelain-enameled surface supported by four robust feet with non-slip bottoms.

A piezo lighter is used to light the griddle, and a simple control knob changes the flame size. A grease dish that slides out gathers drippings and makes disposal simple. Despite its modest size, the griddle has a cooking area of 221 square inches, which is adequate to cook eight hamburger patties.

PROS
  • It only weighs 24 pounds
  • Despite being tiny, it has plenty of cooking area
  • Easy to start and control
  • Removable and Slide-out Stainless-Steel Grease Tray
  • The griddle top is detachable for washing
  • It has sturdy feet for enhanced stability
CONS
  • There is only one burner
  • Porcelain cooking surfaces are not as long-lasting as other materials

11. Blackstone 28 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station

Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle 2 Burner Propane Fuelled Rear...
  • RESTAURANT STYLE COOKING - With 470sq inches of flat top grilling,...
  • REPLACE YOUR STANDARD GRILL - Replace your grill or BBQ with a...
  • TRANSPORT WITH EASE - Easily wheel around your yard or transport from...
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - If you are not completely satisfied at any...

The high-quality Blackstone griddle 28-inch cooking station features a large 470 square inch cooking area that's perfect for all types of meals. It has features that are ideal for both personal use and professional-grade cookouts. With this outdoor griddle, you can make pancakes, grilled cheese, eggs, quesadillas, teppanyaki food, potatoes, and so much more.

It comes with an in-built bottom and 2 side shelves to store food, ingredients, and accessories. It also uses a battery-powered, push-button ignition that's easy to start, so it's ready to cook any time.

What's more, it has foldable legs, 4 industrial-strength caster wheels, and a detachable griddle top for easy transport and storage. All these features make it portable and easy to fit in your car.

For durability, the griddle comes equipped in a black stainless steel frame with powder coating; thick steel rolled cooktop, and extra-durable steel burners that feature a controllable heat zone to control 15,000 BTU and a total of 30,000 BTUs.

PROS
  • Two burners that are extremely powerful 30,000 BTU heat capacity
  • Comes with a large 470 square inch cooking area
  • An in-built bottom and 2 side shelves to store food, ingredients, and accessories
  • Durable steel construction
  • Foldable legs, 4 industrial-strength caster wheels, and a detachable griddle top for easy transport and storage
  • Portable griddle
  • Short and perfect for medium to short people
CONS
  • Relatively difficult to assemble
  • The short height that is difficult for tall people to use

Factors to Consider for the Best Outdoor Griddle

A) Type of Griddle

Outdoor griddles come in two types based on their heat source; an outdoor gas griddle and an electric griddle. The gas griddle is most common since propane and natural gas as the heat source are readily available. Besides, the best outdoor gas griddles will heat up quickly at even temperatures. Gas burners tend to evenly heat the plate and cover the whole bottom surface on your outdoor gas griddle.

On the other hand, electric griddles are usually more affordable than outdoor gas griddles, largely due to decreased plate thickness and lower construction costs. Additionally, most electric griddle control systems are quite simple. As a result, electric grills are fairly simple. They have a relatively lower productive capacity than their gas counterparts, which also reduces failure rates and leads to higher durability.

B) Cooking Space Area

Some outdoor griddles come with small cooking surfaces that can only be used for family meals, while others are large enough for up to 30 individuals. A portable griddle is often square-shaped, making it easy to store away when not in use. In addition, portable griddles are ideal for a camping trip since they're easy to lug around.

The rectangular outdoor cooking models belong outside your yard and are great when you're holding a party or barbecue. If you are having a party, get a model that gives you more than 500 square inches of cooking space. However, if all you need is one for family use, you can always go with one that gives you at least 300 square inches of cooking area. So it all depends on how much food you're planning to cook.

C) Number of Burners

There are a certain number of burners on each outdoor gas griddle. These burners provide the heat source beneath the cooking surface. The location of the burners will determine cold and hot areas on the griddle's surface. The size of the cooking area determines the number of burners on a gas grill.

A great griddle needs burners that can heat up as much of the cooking area as possible. Because there are more leftovers, the cooking surface will heat up faster and more evenly, allowing you to prepare multiple meals simultaneously. You'll also have more control over the cooking surface temperature with additional burners.

D) Material

Surface areas of gas griddles can be built of several materials. Stainless steel or chrome griddles are excellent choices because they are rust-resistant. However, they are frequently more expensive. Regular steel or aluminum are less expensive possibilities. Check to see if the surface has been coated with a heat-resistant substance to ensure that it will perform well for a long time.

E) BTUs

BTU (British Thermal Units) is a vital measurement that determines the heat that either your dedicated gas griddle, stove, or burner produces. Most importantly, note that 1 BTU conversely increases the heat of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. A regular domestic stove produces roughly 7,000 BTUs on each burner.

It is only an average but a great way to compare the performance of an outdoor griddle. To get the best outdoor gas griddle, look for a burner that can give at least 25,000 BTUs which is excellent. There are many outdoor gas griddles in the market, but a general rule of thumb to keep in mind is that the more the BTU amount, the better the gas griddle.

F) Dimensions

The dimensions of your outdoor griddle are also important. Some small electric models can even be stored in one of your kitchen cabinets, so the size determines where you can put it. However, for the best outdoor griddles, you'll need to know whether their dimensions are okay. For example, can it fit in your car when you need to transport it or whether you'll just keep it in your backyard at all times?

G) Extra Features

Depending on your budget, you can also consider other extra features like wheels, side shelves, and adjustable leg levelers that come in handy. Overall, the best outdoor griddles with these features add convenience and likely come at a slightly higher price.

Various Types of Gas Griddles

1. Dedicated/Full Size

It is the largest form of gas griddle available, and it may even be used alongside your ordinary outdoor barbecue. For easier transportation and storage, these are frequently equipped with wheels. Due to its larger surface area, they can cook more food at once than smaller griddles.

These griddles are also the most expensive, but they can be a wonderful investment if you manage a small restaurant or frequently cook for a large group of people.

2. Tabletop/Portable

Due to their smaller size, these offer less cooking surface area and are cheaper. These outdoor griddles are tiny enough to fit on a tabletop or counter, while smaller stand-alone versions are also available. These standing griddles are portable and may be moved around a kitchen or outdoors.

1 pound disposable propane tanks or canisters are commonly used in portable griddles. They are ideal choices for cooking when camping due to their tiny size.

3. Griddle Pans

These are cutting-edge plates that go on top of your existing grill. The heat of the grill then warms these griddle covers. These have all of the advantages of a griddle, but they heat up quickly because the grill is the heat source.

They're generally extremely lightweight and economical because they're so little and compact. Griddle pans are perfect accessories if you enjoy grilling but want to add eggs or other similar foods to your backyard cookouts.

Standard Grill vs. Flat Top Griddle

A) Taste and Texture

Grills provide cooked food with a slightly charred texture that gives meats a smoky flavor. Likewise, griddles impart a more fried flavor to cooked foods. Due to the smooth cooking surface, many dishes may taste "fried."

B) Time

Because grills can reach higher cooking temperatures, they cook faster than griddles. As a result, most food products will receive more heat from open flames than griddle burners. On the other hand, Griddles can cook food quickly in most situations.

C) Portability

Grills are more difficult to move or carry around since they rely on their narrow legs or wheels for mobility. On the other hand, griddles are usually smaller and more portable, and some types may even fit on top of table tables or onto your existing grill.

Care and Maintenance of a Griddle

Seasoning your new griddle and purchasing a cover are the two most crucial things to accomplish. Even when you have a rust-resistant surface like stainless steel, you must clean your griddle after cooking to protect its surface and avoid rust growth. Scrape away any hard debris or larger lumps of grease with your barbecue spatula after the grill has cooled down.

Then, using a paper towel and a little water, wipe away the remaining residue. After using a paper towel, a nylon scouring pad is a terrific way to clean even more grease and dirt off the cooking surface. After that, properly rinse the cooking surface and dry the griddle with a soft cloth. Finally, apply a little oil coating to the surface and rub it evenly with a paper towel to prevent rusting.

When storing your gas griddle, make sure it's somewhere dry and cold, so your propane tanks don't end up with their tops blown off and leaking propane. Before each cooking session, use a propane tank gauge to make sure you have adequate fuel in the tank.

A garage is a good choice, as long as you have a griddle cover to prevent dust and other debris from falling onto the cooking surface and scratching or damaging it. Stacking items on top of your griddle will damage the cooking surface and the griddle as a whole, reducing the tool's overall lifespan.

What Foods are Suitable to Cook on a Griddle?

Most people think of griddle when they think of breakfast, eggs, or pancakes. Sure, they prepare delicious dishes to perfection, but they are capable of so much more. From mixed kebabs and tapas to gorgeous paellas, you can cook practically everything on them.

Griddles are ideal for making hot sandwiches or burgers since the buns are toasted simultaneously. If you wish to steam some veggies, a metal dome dish with some water underneath it can be used. A similar dome is used to aid in the melting of cheese on burgers. A flat-top solid surface is an excellent technique to cook kebabs since there are no openings for smaller bits of food to fall through.

However, you won't get the sear marks that a regular grill produces, though some versions turn over for a ridged surface. In addition, a griddle's temperature is rarely high enough for a decent sear, so it's not ideal for larger, more substantial portions of meat.

What are the Advantages of a Grill and Griddle Combo?

If you're going to use a grill and a griddle separately, consider how you'll utilize them for different foods. Alternatively, you may only have a grill that you use every summer for grilling BBQ steaks, and you use the stove for cooking sausages in the meantime. That sounds like a lot of work.

A grill/griddle combo, on the other hand, allows you to prepare a variety of dishes in one location. It enables you to cook meals at various temperatures without sacrificing flavor. It also helps to save space in the backyard. If it's an electric appliance, you'll be able to use it both inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Outdoor Griddle

1. Can You Cook a Steak on the Griddle?

Yes. Steps to cook include:

  • Preheat the griddle cooking surface to 300° F
  • Place the steaks on the griddle surface and cook it for about 3 minutes on either side
  • Continue to flip while it cooks until you get to your desired level of doneness
  • Then let it rest for 5-10 minutes
  • Pat yourself on the back and enjoy

2. What is the Best Oil to Use to Season the Griddle?

Seasoning is an age-old simple maintenance technique that'll help keep your griddle in good shape for years to come. Seasoning the griddle surface is simply baking oil onto the griddle so the oils undergo a polymerization process while the griddle surface heats up.

In the polymerization process, the oil gets carbonized and transforms from the wet runny liquid into a thick coating on the griddle. Proper seasoning will give you not only a longer-lasting griddle but also a non-stick griddle. To properly season your griddle, you also need to use the right type of oil, which include:

  • Flaxseed oil - is the perfect seasoning oil for the very first round on your griddle
  • Avocado oil
  • Grapeseed oil
  • Canola oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Peanut oil
  • Olive oil
  • Sunflower oil

3. Can You put a Griddle on Your Existing Grill?

Absolutely! A flat griddle gives you a great cooking surface area on the gas grill because of the flat, solid surface on top of the gas grill. Hence food won't fall through the grill grate. In addition, the best outdoor gas griddles will evenly distribute heat from the grill across the entire gas griddle surface to avoid hot spots that char the food.

4. How Should You Clean an Outdoor Griddle?

Even the best outdoor griddle station needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained. To start, you only need the metal spatula you've been using to cook food, nylon cooking utensils scouring pad (never use steel or wire wool), a couple of paper towels, some hot water, and cooking oil.

  • First, allow the unit to cool down after cooking for safety
  • Use the paint scrape or metal spatula to scrape off the griddle plate to remove any excess grease or food
  • Use the paper towel or dishcloth to wipe it off
  • If it's still greasy, pour some hot water on it but don't use soap. The hot water should soften any of the hardened deposits
  • Gently rub the surface using a nylon scouring pad
  • After scrubbing, use water and paper towels to rinse the softened dirt off the griddle plate
  • Always remember to regularly empty the grease cup or the grease tray to prevent spills
  • When done cleaning, use the soft cloth to dry the griddle gently
  • Once dry, season it across the cooking surface to prevent rust

5. How can I prevent My Outdoor Griddle from Rusting?

  • Every time after preparing food, brush an extra layer of high heat vegetable oil on the cooking surface
  • Like all outdoor cooking equipment, always store your griddle someplace that's dry and cool
  • Get your Griddle a heavy-duty canvas cover that's made of thick fabric to help keep away humidity and protect it from wear and tear

6. Do Griddles Rust?

It will naturally corrode when working with a griddle, turning reddish-brown due to the rust. Most griddles are generally made of cast iron that naturally rusts. It happens where the moisture and oxygen come into contact with the cast iron griddle. As a result, the cast iron slowly develops rust. To stop this, you are advised to regularly and properly season your griddle. In addition, polymerization on the cast iron prevents further rust and develops natural non-stick features.

7. How Often Should I Season the Griddle?

Generally, the griddle should be properly seasoned once a week, depending on how often you use it. Then, when the food you're cooking starts to stick, it's a clear sign that you need to re-season it using high-heat-resistant vegetable cooking oil, which includes flaxseed oil and others. 

About Author

Tim Parry

Leave a Comment