Imagine the sizzle of bacon hitting a hot, flat surface under the open sky. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect morning? Outdoor griddles unlock amazing backyard cooking possibilities. You can make pancakes for the whole family, sear juicy smash burgers, or even host a huge breakfast cookout!
But let’s be honest: picking the perfect outdoor griddle can feel overwhelming. Should you go for propane or natural gas? How big does it need to be? Many people buy the wrong size or type and end up frustrated. You want even heat and easy cleanup, not a headache!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about outdoor griddles. You will learn the key features that matter most, helping you find the ideal cooktop for your patio adventures. Get ready to upgrade your outdoor meals!
Top Outdoor Griddle Recommendations
- Cook for a Crowd: Whether you are cooking for a large or small group this griddle is equipped to handle the load. This 28” griddle has 524 square inches of cooking space and can hold up to 21 burgers or 15 pancakes so you can get to eating faster.
- Versatile Cooking Space: Make a variety of foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on this griddle top. Whether you are in the mood for traditional barbecue, breakfast foods, or gourmet grilled cheese you can make it on your griddle.
- Two H-Style Burners: This griddle features two independently controlled H-style burners with a combined 34,000 BTUs so you can cook on lower heat on one side of the griddle while another part of your meal cooks on a higher heat on the other side.
- Hassle-Free Cleanup: Make grease disposal easy by using the Blackstone-patented rear grease management system. Push any food debris or grease to the back of your griddle to collect in the rear grease cup for easy cleanup and disposal.
- Counter-Height Side Shelves: Enjoy the extra meal prep and serving room provided by the dual side shelves on this griddle and work on them more comfortably at their taller counter height.
- Free-standing Cart to Tabletop Design: This griddle adapts effortlessly to any outdoor setting, shifting from a stand grill to a tabletop grill when removed from the cart, offering flexible cooking wherever you want with ease and convenience
- Griddle Hood: The black heat-resistant hood keeps the cooking surface clean and shields it from unwanted elements, extending the griddle's lifespan when not in use. During cooking, keep the hood open to serve as a wind deflector and DO NOT CLOSE IT
- Consistent Even Heating: With a 389 sq. in. Sanding steel cooking surface and 34,000 BTU generated by four stainless steel burners, the grill caters to you with uniform heat distribution for perfectly cooked meals every time
- Handy Side Shelves: Side shelves on both sides provide extra preparation space for cooking, with room for items such as cooking ingredients, spices and plates. Each shelf also features 3 hooks for hanging tools
- Effortless Mobility and Solid Stability: Equipped with two wheels and two sturdy legs, this griddle offers easy mobility and exceptional stability when stationed, allowing you to move it effortlessly to your preferred cooking location
- Spacious Size: Our griddle offers a generous cooking surface, allowing you to prepare multiple servings of your favorite dishes at once, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a perfectly cooked meal.
- Convenient Grip Handle Design: The griddle features ergonomically designed handles that provide a safe and secure grip, making it easy to maneuver from stovetop to table, enhancing your cooking experience.
- Easy to Clean: The non-stick surface of the griddle ensures that food releases easily, while the smooth material allows for quick and hassle-free cleanup after use, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect for a variety of cooking methods, our griddle is ideal for frying, searing, and grilling, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen; whether you’re making pancakes, stir-frying vegetables, or searing meats.
- Usage Tip: For best results, preheat your griddle iron skillet before adding oil to create a perfect nonstick surface.
- Griddle on the Go: This griddle is compact and portable so you can take it to the beach, on a picnic, camping, to a tailgate, etc.
- Surprisingly Spacious Cooking Area: This compact griddle is more spacious than you would think. Cook up to 14 burgers at a time on the 22” griddle top with 361 square inches of cooking space.
- Versatile Cooking Space: A griddle top is a versatile cooking surface that can handle a variety of foods such as bacon, pancakes, veggies, burgers, and more.
- Two Evenly Heated Zones: Cook a few different items at different temperatures on the same griddle top thanks to two independently heated burners that put out a combined 24,000 BTUs and evenly heat the whole griddle top.
- Quick Cleanup: Guide any food debris and grease to the back of your griddle to be collected in the Blackstone-patented rear grease management system for easy grease disposal.
- Cook for a Crowd: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks on this spacious 768 square inch griddle. Invite family and friends over for a delicious outdoor meal and enjoy efficiently cooking for a large gathering
- Cook for a Crowd: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks on this spacious 768 square inch griddle. Invite family and friends over for a delicious outdoor meal and enjoy efficiently cooking for a large gathering
- Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology: This griddle was designed with built-in wind guards, heats more evenly across the griddle top, has better thermal shock stability, and uses less fuel per cook
- Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology: This griddle was designed with built-in wind guards, heats more evenly across the griddle top, has better thermal shock stability, and uses less fuel per cook
- Optimal Heat Control: Cook multiple items on the griddle top at different temperatures thanks to four independently controlled burners
- UNIQUE O-BURNERS: The specially designed high-powered, fuel-efficient burner system minimizes cold spots and delivers even heat across the cooking surface to prepare all types of food.
- HIGH-TEMPS GAS GRIDDLE: Powered by liquid propane gas, this griddle runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat. The wind blockers ensure efficient cooking so your fuel goes further.
- ANTI-WARPING GRIDDLE: Heavy-duty, cold-rolled steel griddle surface delivers even heat and optimum cooking performance. With its superior construction and design, the surface won't warp, even when cooking frozen food. Grease management in the front makes cooking and cleanup easy and intuitive from start to finish.
- COOKING AREA: Make up to 25 smash burgers at a time on the 450-square-inch cooking surface.
- REMOVABLE GREASE TRAY: The easy-to-access grease tray is compatible with aluminum liners and slides out for effortless cleaning
- 【Perfect 35pcs BBQ Accessories】This griddle accessories kit includes: 1* long griddle spatula, 1* long slotted spatula, 1* large burger turner, 1* slant edge scraper, 1* small spatula, 1* griddle flipper, 1* slotted turner, 1* griddle press, 1* grill tongs, 1* sauce brush, 1* chopper, 2* spice shakers, 2* squeeze bottles, 4* egg rings, 1* cleaning brush, 10* hooks, 1* meat knife, 2* basting cover, 1* storage bag, 1* gift box.
- 【Premium Stainless Steel】Compared with other stainless steel on the market, Our metal flat top grill is made of high quality stainless steel, heat-resistant and rust-proof, safer and more durable. So you can easy enjoy your grilling, camping or cooking without worry about your tools bending, breaking or rusting again, which is BPA free you can use it with confidence.
- 【Easy to Clean & Storage & Carry】Our griddle tool kit is dishwasher safe, or easily wash by hand with water and soap, so you can enjoy a delicious barbecue with your family without hassle. Each tool can be placed in an orderly manner and better protected in the compact storage bag. Convenient hangers are provided for easy storage and food grade grill tools are easily cleaned with warm, soapy water. Note: After washing the spatula and scraper, please make sure to dry them to avoid rust.
- 【Chef's Choice griddle accessories kit】This grill tools set with griddle scraper, spatulas and oil bottles helps you to grill as easily as a restaurant chef. Great for flipping burgers, pancakes, veggies, cutting bread,meat and sausage, scraper & chopper to dice food and scrape griddles clean. The Long Griddle Spatula can move large amounts of food quickly and accurately. Egg rings and pepper shakers to enhance your griddle cooking experience.
- 【Great Gift Choice】This practical barbecue tools set with beautifully designed gift box is ideal gift choice for Fathers Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas. It includes all the tools needed for yard, outdoor, and camping barbecues an ideal gift for friends, lovers, or family members who love cooking or barbecue and camping enthusiast.
- Space-saving Storage: Aside from outstanding portability, the collapsible stand design also effectively saves storage space. You can fold it down in seconds for easy storage, no more worrying about your griddle taking up too much space
- Spacious Cooking Area: With a spacious 314 sq. in. cooking area, you can cook up to 8 burgers at once. High-quality ceramic-coated griddle top delivers high temps and maintains even heat for impressive and consistent cooking results
- Ceramic-coated Griddle Top: Engineered with state-of-the-art technology, our ceramic-coated griddle top boasts better high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and scratch resistance. Note that the griddle top should be seasoned before use
- Safety Features: The griddle top can pass FDA and PFAS testing for safer and healthier cooking. During transportation of this griddle, two lid latch buckles ensure firm closure for enhanced security, avoiding the risk of accidentally popping open
- Extra Prep Space: A side shelf on the right side provides a perfect solution for positioning plates or ingredients, while two built-in hooks are ideal for hanging rags, thus keeping your cooking essentials within arm's reach
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Griddle
An outdoor griddle is a fantastic tool for cooking outside. It lets you cook things like pancakes, smash burgers, and stir-fries right on your patio. Choosing the right one means better meals and easier cleanup. Here is what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a griddle, several features make a big difference in how well it cooks and how long it lasts.
Size and Cooking Area
- Surface Area: Think about how many people you usually cook for. A small griddle is fine for two people. A large one is needed for family gatherings or big breakfasts.
- Portability: Do you want to take it camping? Look for foldable legs or lighter materials. If it stays on your deck, size is less important than power.
Heat Control
- Burner Count: More burners mean you can create different heat zones. You can sear steaks on high heat on one side and keep vegetables warm on low heat on the other.
- BTU Output: This measures the heat power. Higher BTUs heat up faster and maintain heat better, especially when you put cold food on the surface.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grease Management: Look for a good grease trap or channel. This catches oil and drips, making cleanup simple. A removable tray is best.
- Ignition System: An easy-to-use ignition (like an electric push-button) saves frustration when starting up.
Important Materials: What Your Griddle Is Made Of
The material of the cooking surface affects how evenly food cooks and how long the griddle lasts.
Cooking Surface Materials
- Cold-Rolled Steel: This is very common. It heats up quickly and holds heat well. This surface needs to be seasoned (oiled and heated) before first use to prevent rust and create a non-stick layer.
- Stainless Steel: This material is durable and resists rust very well. It might take slightly longer to heat up than steel, but it is easier to maintain.
Frame and Body Materials
- Powder-Coated Steel: This protects the main body from rust and weather damage. It keeps your griddle looking good season after season.
- Thicker Metal: Thicker metal components usually mean the griddle is more sturdy and will not warp under high heat. Quality is often tied to weight.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all griddles are made the same. Some small details really boost the cooking quality.
Quality Boosters
- Even Heat Distribution: Good burners and thick steel spread heat evenly across the surface. This prevents hot spots where food burns.
- Sturdy Shelves: Strong side shelves give you a place to put tools, spices, and plates.
Quality Reducers (Watch Outs)
- Thin Metal: If the metal feels flimsy, it will likely warp when hot. Warping causes uneven cooking.
- Cheap Burners: Low-quality burners might fail over time or produce uneven flames. Always read reviews about burner performance.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your griddle. This helps you match the features to your needs.
The Weekend Warrior
If you cook big weekend breakfasts (pancakes, eggs, bacon) for the whole family, you need a large surface area (at least 400 square inches) and multiple burners for temperature control. Easy cleanup is a must because you will use it often.
The Tailgater or Camper
For outdoor events or trips, prioritize portability. Look for models with folding legs and lighter weight. Propane tank compatibility (small 1lb tanks vs. large 20lb tanks) is important for mobility.
The Dinner Master
If you plan to cook full meals, like searing steaks and sautéing vegetables simultaneously, focus on high BTU output. This ensures fast recovery when you add cold food, keeping your cooking times consistent.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Outdoor Griddles
Q: Do I need to season my new griddle?
A: Yes, if the cooking surface is cold-rolled steel. Seasoning protects the metal from rust and creates a natural non-stick surface. Stainless steel usually does not require heavy seasoning.
Q: How hot do outdoor griddles get?
A: Most good griddles can reach temperatures between 500°F and 600°F on the hottest parts. This is hot enough for a perfect smash burger crust.
Q: Can I use my griddle in the rain?
A: You should cover your griddle when not in use. While the frame is often weather-resistant, standing water can damage the burners and cause the steel top to rust quickly.
Q: What is the difference between a griddle and a flat-top grill?
A: They are essentially the same thing! “Griddle” is often used for portable units, while “flat-top grill” is used for larger, cart-style units, but both refer to a solid, flat cooking surface.
Q: How do I clean grease off the surface?
A: While the griddle is still warm (but not blazing hot), use a bench scraper or a specialized griddle scraper to push the excess grease toward the grease trap. Wipe down with a damp paper towel afterward.
Q: Are electric outdoor griddles available?
A: Yes, some smaller versions plug into an outdoor outlet. However, most powerful outdoor models use propane tanks because they offer higher, more consistent heat outdoors.
Q: What is the best fuel source?
A: Propane tanks (the large 20lb tanks) are the most common and provide the best power for outdoor cooking. Smaller 1lb tanks are great for camping.
Q: How do I store my griddle in the winter?
A: Clean it thoroughly, apply a light coat of cooking oil to the surface, and cover it with a high-quality, weatherproof cover. Store it in a dry location if possible.
Q: Can I cook delicate items like fish on a griddle?
A: Yes, a well-seasoned griddle works great for fish. The solid surface prevents delicate items from falling through the grates, which happens on traditional grills.
Q: Are flat griddles healthier than charcoal grilling?
A: Griddles are often considered healthier because the solid surface prevents fat and grease from dripping directly onto the heat source and causing flare-ups that create smoke and char.