When it comes to cooking outdoors, nothing beats a BBQ. However, sometimes it’s fun to change things up and try something a bit different. That’s where outdoor gas griddles come in handy. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top five best outdoor gas griddles for your next summer BBQ. Keep reading to learn more!
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How to Choose the Best Outdoor Gas Griddle?
Choosing the best outdoor gas griddle can be confusing because there are a lot of options out there. Don’t worry – we are here to help you pick the best outdoor gas griddle for your needs!
Budget:
Before you start shopping for a griddle, you need to figure out how much you are willing to spend. The best outdoor gas griddles typically cost between $200-$500, but we recommend that you avoid cheap and low-quality models. It is best to save more and buy the best outdoor gas griddle you can afford.
Material:
Outdoor griddles are available in a range of materials, including aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel. Aluminum is the most affordable option, but cast iron and stainless steel are more durable and less likely to burn food. A stainless steel griddle is virtually maintenance-free and may be the best choice if you’ll be using your griddle on a regular basis. Cast iron, on the other hand, requires frequent cleaning but tends to make food taste better.
Size:
Pedal-operated griddles are the most popular option for portable outdoor cooking. They can be folded away and stored when not in use. However, larger griddles are often more convenient for cooking and offer more cooking space. A griddle with adjustable heights is also a great choice.
Features:
Outdoor griddles come with a number of features as well, including adjustable temperature controls, electronic ignition, and a timer. A griddle with a non-stick surface and an integrated drip tray is more convenient to use, especially if you plan to cook outdoors often.
Blackstone 36 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station
Product Overview
The Blackstone griddle is a serious competitor in one of the most crowded categories in outdoor gear. It’s bigger and heavier than the chef, but it has many of the same features, including a 36-inch flat top, four gas burners and yes, stainless steel cooking grids.
The cooking surface is about 1-inch thick and it cooks evenly, so you don’ t have to worry about charring the exterior of your food. It’s also fairly easy to clean, thanks to the large removable drip tray.
The biggest drawback is the griddle itself. It heats up pretty quickly, and when it’s hot, it leaves a sooty residue that can be difficult to remove. If you have light grease or fat, this might not be a problem, but cast iron griddles are meant to be used regularly with little cleaning between uses, so you may not like the Blackstone for this reason.
Pros
– Professional grade griddle station for restaurant use
– Commercial grade quality; suitable for heavy cooking
– Professional cooking experience
– Sturdy construction; steel construction
– Heavy-duty construction
– Great heat distribution
– Easy cleanup after cooking
– 4 burners
– Versatile cooking surface
– Easy storage
– Great grilling experience
Cons
– Heavy
– Difficult to use
– Very expensive
Conclusion
The Blackstone 36inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station is ideal for cafes, food trucks, food trucks, and concession stands, and it packs a lot of cooking power. The griddle station comes with four 20,000 BTU burners that heat up quickly, and they conveniently slide out for easy cleaning.
The griddle surface measures 36 inches by 18 inches, so you can easily feed a crowd. The Blackstone griddle station comes with a cover, and there are two grill grates and two griddle grates. The Blackstone griddle station for cooking outdoors is highly portable, and it sets up easily. It is ideal for outdoor cooking at sporting events, for feeding large crowds, and for caterers who need to cook large quantities of food quickly.
The Blackstone 36-inch grill features residential and commercial grade construction that is designed to last for years. The commercial 304 stainless steel construction combined with cast iron grates, 2 large knobs with temperature gauges, and drip tray make this grill ideal for the backyard barbeque. The burners feature 18,000 BTUs and natural gas pilot, so available from any outdoor gas supply.
The grill also features an integrated 4,000 BTU burner and only uses 1/4 the amount of propane gas than a standard grill. The grill comes with side shelves that can be removed or added, providing lots of cooking space or a nice raised area to have food that doesn’t require direct heat.
Royal Gourmet GD401C 4-Burner Portable Propane Flat Top Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
Product Overview
The Royal Gourmet GD401C combines two essential outdoor cooking tools: a gas grill and a griddle. The grill has four burners, each of which puts out about 48,000 BTUs, making it impressively powerful.
The 63-inch griddle has a simple setup: The frame locks into place, and the burners and grids are attached, so everything can be removed and wiped clean without a lot of hassle. The burners are also adjustable, so there’s even some room for cooking flexibility.
The griddle has a 1.5-inch-deep grilling surface, which is bigger than the 1.0-inch depth of most griddles, but the size of the burners means that this griddle can only sustain a relatively thin cooking surface, something that you’ll quickly notice if you try to grill thick steaks.
The griddle itself has some heft to it, and the stainless steel seems to have withstood some use, so it’s not flimsy, but it could use some extra protection from weather, so consider getting something like the Outdoor 3-in-1 BBQ Grill Cover for it. The grill itself has a relatively long 30-inch height, and it’s heavy enough that while it’s sure not to tip over, it’s not exactly going to be easy to pick up and carry.
For portability, consider something like the Royal Gourmet BBQ grill cart. The griddle features a 1.5-inch-deep grill surface, a reversible cooking surface, and a solid lid. These are all features you’d expect to find on a high-end griddle, and the griddle does very well in terms of performance.
If you’re looking for something smaller, consider the George Foreman 5-in-1 Griddle Grill & Sandwich Maker, which has a smaller cooking surface, but is easy to use and clean, and comes in at a lower price.
Pros
– Easy to transport with wheels
– Lightweight
– Fast ignition
– Easy to cook with
– Versatile
– 4 burners for 1-2 people
– 20,000 BTU
Cons
– Not ideal for cooking burgers, steaks, or fish
– No rotisserie
– Small burners
Takeaway
The Royal Gourmet GD401C comes with a 12-month warranty. Royal Gourmet states that it will replace the burners within one year if you experience a gas leak, but the best way to keep safe is to read the operating manual before you attempt to use the unit. The grill, however, is only covered by a one-year warranty, which can be refunded if the grill is faulty within six months.
Although the Royal Gourmet GD401C has no adjustable heat setting, the burners are very powerful, and it heats up very quickly. For the heat output, the plate burner was superb. Thanks to its flat-top design, I was able to cook more food for my group than with any other plate burner.
The Royal Gourmet GD401C ($249.99) is a reasonably portable propane grill and griddle combo, and it’s a good, solid choice with 1,000 reviews on Amazon. Its 4 burners have 48,000 BTUs each, and it puts out enough heat to keep food warm, but not scorching. The burners have a removable drip tray underneath, which you empty periodically, but the removable griddle surface can be wiped down pretty easily after each use. As it is a propane grill, it runs for 2-3 hours per fill (there are two fill ports), so you need to be a little more careful when transporting it. We didn’t like the handle, which is on the griddle side, and you have to lean over the grill to pick it up, which isn’t ideal. Overall, though, this is a solid budget option that works well.
Camplux Propane Gas Outdoor Grill Griddle Cooking Station
Product Overview
This griddle is our favorite propane grill in our roundup. It’s the best combination of quality and price, and it’s perfect for cooking everything from eggs to steaks to bacon to different breakfast foods. As is true of portable grills, this griddle does not reach as high temperatures as a gas or charcoal grill, but its relatively even heat makes it easy to cook a variety of foods. It also cooks faster and more consistently than a griddle, and it’s designed so you can remove the grill and griddle top for easy transport. In addition, this propane griddle comes with a griddle cover that doubles as a cutting board.
Pros
– Lightweight
– Portable
– Folds flat for storage
– Has storage on each side that can hold small items
Cons
– Not ideal for large cooking space
– Propane gas may not be readily available
Takeaway
The Camplux Propane Griddle provides the essential features that an outdoor grill aficionado would want, including a very even heating surface, plenty of grill grates, and a set of detachable grill tools to make cleaning a snap. It comes in two sizes (large and small), and we think the difference between the two is minor.
The small version is ideal for backpacking or car camping, whereas the large version is big enough for a family cookout. You just have to be careful about resting your grill tray on your burner, as it’s not very secure.
Also, make sure you use a solvent or soapy water to clean the grill, as all the grease cups are stainless steel and can be fairly tough to get off otherwise. The Camplux Propane Grill Griddle is an inexpensive way to enjoy high quality outdoor cooking.
Cuisinart CGG-888 Outdoor Stainless Steel Lid
Product Overview
The Cuisinart CGG-888 is a portable, double-duty griddle that can be used as a grill or a griddle. That versatility is thanks in part to the fact that it has a lid, letting you roast, steam, smoke, or bake items on top of the griddle surface.
The 360-degree top is removable, so you can flip foods over to cook on all sides, and it has a vent to let you crisp up meats, poultry, and fish. The griddle surface has a nonstick coating that doesn’t require seasoning or chemicals.
The surface is also large enough to cook a decent-sized meal, and it has an over-sized grease collector for easy clean-up. Like several other portable griddles, the CGG-888’s design incorporates a folding prep table, which comes in handy for serving or for when you need a little extra space for prepping food.
The set up is pretty easy, and it only takes 30 minutes to assemble. If you tacos aren’t ready when the grill is set, you can let it heat while you cook the rest of your meal. The CGG-888 is priced a little higher than similar griddles, but it’s the only 360-degree griddle we tested, and it’s also the only griddle with a vent.
I’m not a big fan of electric griddles, but Cuisinart’s unusual CGG-888 has me reconsidering. It doesn’t have much of a market; not many griddle owners are likely to be interested in the lid, and the steam chamber seems primarily aimed at smokers.
But enthusiasts who are often limited in their cooking space will appreciate the steam tray and lid. The griddle itself is incredibly solid, and the lid is perfectly useable. Heat control is robust. The lid is designed to cook pizza, but it’s a versatile, solid cooking surface, and works well for all kinds of foods.
The CGG-888 isn’t cheap, but neither is the competition. Next to the best electric griddles, this griddle is cheap, but very clearly excellent. First impressions aren’t great; the CGG-888 isn’t the prettiest, and it doesn’t include everything you need. The detachable drip tray is quite small, and needs to be stored elsewhere. The lid doesn’t stay put without a couple of screws, and the set screws to hold it in place are tiny.
Pros
– Very easy to use
– Excellent heat retention
– Large cooking surface
– 360 deg turning angle
– Stainless steel material
Cons
– Not suitable for smaller hands & fingertip grip
– Expensive
Takeaway
If you want to cook things that can’t fit on the flat lid, the Cuisinart CGG-888 outdoor griddle with lid is an excellent choice. You can sear something quickly on one side and then brown or keep warm something on the other. The griddle is incredibly versatile for cooking everything from breakfast to dinner. We found that it easily sets and maintains heat, and it’s easy to clean.
Razor Griddle GGC2030M 25 Inch Outdoor 2 Burner Portable LP Propane Gas Grill Griddle
Product Overview
The razor griddle GGC2030M is an affordable, versatile propane grill that’s well-designed and simple to use. The griddle’s 25-inch cast-iron cooking surface is large enough to cook and eat a whole meal, but it’s also small enough to serve two people at once.
The griddle’s top design is both sturdy and attractive, and it folds up easily to provide storage, transportation, or to protect the griddle while it’s not in use. The grill’s 5,000 BTU burners provide plenty of power to cook a wide range of food. This grill is best suited for overnight camping or for backyard cookouts, but it’s pretty versatile, too.
An adjustable propane tank adapter is included with the package. The griddle needs a little assembly, and there are two hardware screws missing, which can be frustrating if you’ve already got the grill set up. The griddle has a threaded plug to secure the lid to the cart, which bolts on with a hex key.
A threaded plug to secure the lid would have been more convenient. The griddle’s grease management system is well-designed. The handle makes grease removal easy and the cup’s angled design makes for easy clean-up. The biggest issue we had with the griddle was in the assembly process.
The only way to assemble the griddle is by screwing the cart legs onto the frame, and there’s some assembly required before the cart can be folded. If you’re in a hurry to get cooking or hauling the grill in and out isn’t a priority, however, the GGC2030M is well-built, well designed, and one of the most affordable grills we tested.
Pros
– Portable; easy to fold and store
– Sturdy, well-made construction
– 2 burners; enough for a small family
– Built-in grease management system
– Dishwasher-safe grease tray
– Safe, certified LP gas
– Wheels and handle for easy transport
– Powerful burners
– Perfect for outdoor cooking.
Cons
– Not ideal for small families; limited cooking area
– No temperature control
– Wheels, handles, and lid are made of plastic
Takeaway
The Razor Griddle GGC2030M is a solid griddle for outdoor cooking, but lacks some features that would make it truly outstanding. At $250, it’s more expensive than most similar units, and its 20-pound propane tanks make it less portable.
It also lacks a heat shield and splash guard, and its grease management system isn’t as well designed as some of the other outdoor griddles we’ve tested. Nevertheless, the Griddle GGC2030M still has a lot going for it, including a powerful 20,000-BTU burner, a heavy-duty, versatile design, and a wide cooking surface, and it’s our top pick in the outdoor griddle category.
What Makes Gas Griddles Different?
This griddle can cook more than just pancakes. You can use it for bacon, eggs, steak, burgers, and more. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to store after you are done cooking.
Gas griddles cook food faster than other cooking options. This makes them a great option for busy households that are always on the go.
Because gas griddles cook food faster than other cooking options, they are also a great option for families who want to eat hot meals after a stressful day. With one or more people wearing aprons, a family can prepare and serve healthy meals in a matter of minutes.
Another benefit of gas griddles is that food cooks evenly. No matter what type of food you and your family choose, you can rest assured knowing that it will come out looking the way that you intended it to.
Many people have concerns about indoor air pollution. No one understands these risks better than a cook. However, this griddle eliminates these risks. How? With the fact that it uses gas.
Flat Top Griddle vs. A Standard Gas Grill
Investing in an outdoor griddle could be one of the best things you do for your outdoor cooking needs.
A griddle is a flat cooking surface that is usually made from cast iron or ceramic materials. They are usually larger than your average grill and allow you to cook a variety of foods at once.
Griddles can be charcoal or gas-fired. However, gas-fired griddles are better for outdoor cooking because they offer the right amount of heat control. Gas griddles are easier to manage, and they offer more consistent results.
Unlike a gas grill, outdoor griddles allow you to cook a variety of foods at once. You don’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking foods.
Different Types of Gas Griddle
These griddles allow you to cook a variety of foods, including paninis, sandwiches, quesadillas, eggs, bacon, ham, vegetables, and whatever else you can imagine. Unlike traditional griddles, gas griddles have the added advantage of a little extra versatility.
Some models feature adjustable burners that can be controlled with a knob. This allows you to control the temperature more precisely, allowing you to cook a variety of foods at different temperatures.
These griddles feature a flat, non-stick surface that makes cleanup easy. They also heat up quickly, allowing you to cook a variety of foods quickly and efficiently.
Buying Factors to Consider
When you are buying an outdoor gas griddle, there are a few factors and considerations you will need to make. If you have never purchased an outdoor griddle before, the good news is that in today’s marketplace, you can find hundreds of models to choose from. The bad news is that it can be a little overwhelming at the same time.
The first thing you will need to do before you start shopping, is to determine what type of grill you are looking for. Some of the most common types are grills:
- Charcoal grill
- Electric grill
- Griddle grill
- Gas grill
Once you determine what type of grill you are looking for, you will want to start looking at prices and features. Since each type of grill has its own set of pros and cons, you will want to compare the different types of product and determine which one fits your needs best.
One of the other things to consider is size. You will want to make sure that the grill you purchase is large enough to serve the number of people that you plan to cook for. The other consideration that you should keep in mind is your budget. There are many affordable portable grills on the market today, and many of them will meet all of your cooking needs.
With all of the options on the market, finding the right griddle for your needs can be a little overwhelming. However, once you narrow down the types of griddle you are interested in and determine what features and options you need, you will be ready to make your purchase.
Griddle Size
The griddle size is usually measured by the width of it. The size can vary from one product to another.
The size can range from 12 inches to 22 inches. This size can be ideal for smaller families. The larger sizes are usually meant for large families.
The size is usually determined by the type of griddle that you need. If you are cooking for a large family, then you may need a large griddle.
Number of Burners
When buying an outdoor gas griddle, you should make sure to buy one with as many burners as possible. This will allow you to cook more food at once and cut down on cooking time.
There are many large models of outdoor gas griddles, which come with four burners. However, most models come with only two burners. Depending on the number of people that you expect to feed, it might be a good idea to buy one with as many burners as possible.
Material
One of the common concerns among most buyers is the material. In fact, this is the number one thing they consider when buying. Sure, there are lots of materials to choose from, but most of the griddles are made of cast iron or stainless steel.
So, which of them is better?
Cast iron: Cast iron griddles are the most durable ones you can find in the market. This material is very versatile and probably the best one to use outdoors. cast iron griddles are extremely heavy and can easily scratch. If you have a very tight budget, cast iron griddles are the cheapest ones you can find. However, if you have the budget, consider getting stainless steel or ceramic.
Price
The price of a griddle is an important consideration. However, you should not base your decision solely on price. Instead, you should compare the features, materials, and warranty of the griddles you are interested in. This will ensure that you purchase a griddle that meets your needs and budget.
Consider the cost of the materials used to construct your griddle.
Aluminum and steel griddles are usually less expensive. However, these metals will rust if you do not properly clean your griddle after each use. Stainless steel and cast iron griddles are more durable and able to withstand excessive wear and tear. However, these griddles are much heavier and more difficult to move around.
If you want a very durable griddle, you may want to invest in a ceramic griddle. These models are heavy but extremely strong. They are also easier to clean than metal griddles.
Consider the features you want.
Most griddles will at least have a non-stick surface. However, some griddles offer additional features, including:
- Griddle plates that tell you when the griddle is preheated.
- Digital scales that measure the weight of the food on the griddle.
- Cooktop lights that illuminate the area beneath the cooking surface.
Care and Maintenance
The Outdoor Gas Griddle is very easy to clean. Simply wash the grids and pans with warm soapy water and a sponge. Always rinse thoroughly to remove all of the soap residue.
If your Outdoor Gas Griddle has removable grease trays, you can empty them after each use. If your Outdoor Gas Griddle doesn’t have removable grease trays, you can wipe the grease out of the grids and pans with paper towels after each use.
To prevent cross-contamination, do not wash the trays in the sink.
Do not use harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive pads to clean the griddle.
Conclusion
When it comes to outdoor cooking, there’s nothing quite like the taste of food cooked on a gas griddle. And, when it comes to gas griddles, there’s nothing quite like an outdoor gas griddle.
The great thing about an outdoor gas griddle is that it can be used for so many different things. You can use it to cook pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage for breakfast, or you can use it to cook hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken breasts for lunch or dinner.
An outdoor gas griddle is also a great way to cook side dishes. You can use it to cook potatoes, onions, and other vegetables, or you can use it to cook corn on the cob.
An outdoor gas griddle is a great addition to any outdoor kitchen, and it’s perfect for cooking large quantities of food. If you’re looking for a way to take your outdoor cooking to the next level, an outdoor gas griddle is the perfect way to do it.