Grill Master's Guide: Best Outdoor Griddles for Backyard Feasts
The best ranked outdoor griddle
Blackstone 28” Griddle with Hood and Side Shelves
Key Features:
- 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.
- Extra Features: This griddle has an integrated hood to protect the griddle top when not in use, two wheels to make maneuvering the griddle easier, and electric ignition for easy starting.
Royal Gourmet 4 Burner Propane Griddle with Cart
Key Features:
- 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
Blackstone 28 Inch Omnivore Griddle
Key Features:
- Omnivore Griddle - The 28 inch Blackstone griddle features Blackstone's patented Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology, engineered for enhanced even heating across the surface, preventing warping, and reducing fuel usage while maintaining high temperatures.
- This feature allows for efficient cooking and ensures that food is cooked to perfection.
- Two Independently Controlled Cooking Zones - This griddle grill is designed to enhance your cooking experience by featuring two distinct cooking zones, enabling you to simultaneously prepare a variety of items without any hassle.
- This Blackstone flat top grill boasts a generous 527 square inch cooking surface, providing ample space for you to cook for a large group of people or for preparing multiple dishes at once.
- Side Shelf - This outdoor griddle comes equipped with a side shelf, which includes integrated tool hooks.
- This addition not only offers generous space for preparation but also serves as an excellent area for serving, enhancing the overall cooking experience.
- No Grease Mess - The Blackstone 28 inch griddle contains a superb grease management system.
- An opening in the rear allows you to shoot the extra grease from the 2 burner Blackstone griddle into the grease cup hooked onto the back, sparing you the mess.
- Portable Grill- This outdoor gas griddle is designed with convenience in mind.
- It features a pair of smoothly rolling wheels and a sturdy handle, ensuring that it can be easily transported to wherever your culinary adventures may take you.
- This Blackstone grill also comes equipped with two wheels and an attached handle, making it easy to move the griddle to the best spot in your outdoor kitchen.
Blackstone 22” Tabletop Griddle
Gas One 4 Burner Outdoor Grill Cart
Charbroil 28" 2-Burner Gas Griddle
Broil King 4-Burner Natural Gas Grill
Blackstone 36” Omnivore Griddle
Utheer 25" Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle
Blackstone 36” Omnivore Griddle with Hood
Royal Gourmet 4 Burner Gas Griddle
Royal Gourmet 3-Burner Gas Griddle
Royal Gourmet 3 Burner Grill and Griddle Combo
WARMOUNTS 3 Burner Gas Grill with Lid
35PCS Griddle Accessories Kit
18PCS Griddle Accessories Kit
Why an Outdoor Griddle Deserves a Spot in Your Backyard
By the way, There's something almost magical about cooking on a flat top under open skies. Imagine sizzling bacon first thing in the morning, or flipping pancakes while the sun peeks over the fence. Later, you shift to fajitas, stir-fries or lobster rolls when guests drop by. Griddles aren't just for weekend warriors, anyone can join this party.
Honestly, it's not just about the food. It's the vibe: friends leaning on the counter, sharing stories, kids dancing to summer tunes. A griddle invites casual chatter and keeps you in the mix. No one's trapped at the stove, isolated from good company. And that's why choosing the right outdoor griddle matters.
What to Look for When Picking Your Backyard Sidekick
Okay, let's break it down. What features actually make a real difference? I've seen experienced cooks fuss over BTUs, size debates rage online and novices scratch their heads at material choices. Here's the lowdown:
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Size and Cooking Surface
Think about how many mouths you're feeding. A 300 to 450 square-inch plate handles a small gathering, while tailgaters or block parties need 500-plus. Keep in mind storage space, some griddles fold up or tuck under a covered patio without hogging room.
Heat Power and Control
BTUs, yeah that acronym gets thrown around like confetti. Rough guide: 12,000 BTUs per burner yields even heat. Multiple burners let you create zones for searing, simmering or gentle warming. Dial knobs should be easy to twist, even with greasy mitts.
Material and Durability
Cold-rolled steel, cast iron or stainless? Each has its fans. Cast iron holds heat like a champ but needs regular seasoning. Cold-rolled steel heats up fast and gives those classic griddle marks; it also requires a quick oil rub after cleaning. Stainless steel resists rust but can heat unevenly. Think about how much TLC you're willing to give.
Benefits That Go Beyond Burgers
- Versatility: From breakfast classics to stir-fried veggies, griddles handle it all.
- Easy Clean-Up: A quick scrape and wipe, and you're almost done, no grill grates to scrub.
- Even Heat: No hot spots mean everything cooks at the same pace, hallelujah.
- Social Cooking: Guests gather around, chat, sip a drink. You stay part of the fun.
Maintenance Made Simple
Here's the thing: a griddle isn't zero maintenance. But it's straightforward. Right after cooking, while the plate's still warm (not scalding), scrape off debris with a sturdy spatula. Wipe down with a paper towel and a splash of water if needed. Dry thoroughly, then rub on a light coat of cooking oil. Store covered or under a roofed patio to keep rain at bay.
Rust can sneak in. Don't panic, just sand gently with steel wool, re-season, and you're back in business. Think of it like caring for a cast iron skillet; the ritual keeps the surface and flavors happy.
Tips and Tricks for Griddle Greatness
- Preheat Properly: Give it 10 minutes on high, then dial down to your target temp. Builds that perfect crust.
- Use a Seasoning Cycle: Cook fatty foods first, bacon or burgers, and let the rendered fat coat the surface.
- Tame Flare-Ups: Keep a spray bottle of water handy for small sparks, no drama.
- Play with Marinades: Let chicken or beef soak for at least an hour. The griddle's even heat caramelizes sugars beautifully.
- Master the Scrap: Invest in a quality spatula. A firm edge gets under stuck bits without gouging the plate.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing the best outdoor griddle isn't just about picking the biggest burner or the fanciest finish. It's about matching your cooking style, space constraints and how much elbow grease you're willing to put in. Maybe you're a weekend pancake champ looking for simplicity. Or perhaps you're a flavour fanatic eager to host epic backyard feasts.
Either way, the right griddle transforms your gatherings. Every flip, sizzle and char carries an invitation to slow down, chat with pals and enjoy a meal that feels effortless. So take a moment, measure that patio, daydream about smoky carnitas, weigh up materials and BTUs. When you land on the model that clicks, you'll know.
You're not just buying a cooking tool. You're investing in memories, in laughter by the edge of a flat top as the sun sets. And honestly, that's what makes a griddle truly priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions
