Griddles are extremely versatile cooking tools, but they often don’t receive the same accolades as grills. The best outdoor griddle can provide a genuinely satisfying cooking experience, thanks to its ability to manage a wide variety of foods such as meat, eggs, pancakes, sliders, and vegetables, to name just a few.
Within this, in-depth purchasing guide we proceed through comprehensive what you should search for when searching for the best outdoor griddle to fit on your current gas or charcoal grill. To assist you straighten the procedure, we have assembled the best goods around, while contemplating their main cooking area, the addition of a warming rack, the griddle’s measurements, along the BTU. Evidently, the main cooking area determines the potential for a griddle whereas the BTU affects its own power.
We have a look at the features and specs to look for, and things to avoid, pros and cons of these goods, as well including a roundup of the 15 best outdoor griddles, such as 5 it is possible to slide in addition to your current grill, to take advantage of gear you already have.
Benefits of Outdoor Griddle
- Incredibly simple to learn: Griddles are super beginner-friendly! Unlike gas or charcoal grills that come with flare-ups, hot spots, and other tricky issues, griddles have a minimal learning curve. You don’t need to memorize a bunch of rules or techniques—just fire it up, and you’re good to go. Griddles simplify the cooking process and take a lot of the guesswork out of outdoor grilling.
- Easy temperature controller: Outdoor griddles use burners just like traditional grills, but their flat, smooth cooking surface gives you much better temperature control. You won’t have to deal with unpredictable flames affecting how your food cooks. Instead, you get an even, consistent heat across the entire surface, so you can manage the temperature more precisely and achieve the perfect results every time.
- Large cooking surface: One of the best things about griddles is their spacious cooking area. These flat-top grills can handle a lot more food at once, making them perfect for cooking for a crowd or preparing multiple dishes simultaneously. Whether you’re hosting a big family barbecue or juggling a variety of meals, a griddle gives you the space to cook it all in one go.
- Cook everything and anything: Sure, you can cook a lot on a traditional grill, but an outdoor griddle opens up even more possibilities. With its smooth, flat surface, it’s like having a giant pan and a grill combined. You can sear meats, whip up delicious breakfasts, make side dishes, and pretty much cook anything you can think of. The versatility is amazing!
List Of the Best Outdoor Griddle Reviews
1. Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill
We’ve been using the Blackstone 1554 for a little while now, and it’s seriously taken our outdoor cooking to the next level. With 720 square inches of cooking space, we’ve got more than enough room to handle a big meal. The four burners allow us to cook different foods at different temperatures—ideal when we want to make burgers on one side, veggies on the other, and breakfast at the same time. It heats up fast and evenly, which makes grilling a breeze.
While this griddle isn’t exactly portable due to its size, it’s absolutely perfect for cooking for larger groups or hosting backyard parties. The sturdiness and spacious cooking area make it worth the space it takes up. Cleanup is easy thanks to the grease management system, which we love after a big cookout. If you’ve got room for it, this griddle is a winner.
Pros
Cons
2. Blackstone 1825 36″ Accessory Griddle with Side Shelf
The Blackstone 1825 has definitely become one of our go-to outdoor cooking tools. The 720 square inches of cooking surface are more than enough to cook everything we need. We love the side shelf—it adds a lot of extra space for prepping ingredients or storing condiments while we’re cooking. The built-in holders for things like trash bags and paper towels are surprisingly handy, making cleanup much easier.
The only downside we’ve found is that it’s a bit bulky, so it requires more storage space. But if you’ve got room for it, this griddle does a fantastic job of simplifying our outdoor cooking routine. It’s perfect for family meals or when we’re hosting friends for a cookout.
Pros
Cons
3. Sizzle-Q SQ180 100% Stainless Steel Universal Griddle
We’ve really enjoyed using the Sizzle-Q SQ180. It works with almost any grill, which is a huge bonus for us since we didn’t have to buy another appliance. The even heat distribution makes cooking things like pancakes and bacon a breeze, and the stainless steel construction feels really durable. Cleanup is easy with the grease collection system, which we appreciate after every cookout.
While it’s not huge, it’s perfect for smaller meals. We love how convenient it is—just place it on the grill, and we’re good to go. It’s an affordable way to add griddling to our routine without taking up extra space. If you already have a grill, this is a great way to switch things up.
Pros
Cons
4. Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle
We’ve been using the Royal Gourmet GD401 for a few cookouts now, and it’s definitely one of our favorites. It combines both a griddle and a grill, so we don’t have to switch appliances when we’re cooking different things. The 584 square inches of cooking space is perfect for cooking a variety of meals, and the three burners give us enough heat to cook everything evenly. Whether we’re grilling burgers or making scrambled eggs, it handles it all.
Another great feature is how portable it is. The folding frame and wheels make it easy to move, so it’s perfect for camping trips, tailgating, or any outdoor event. While it’s a little bulky, the versatility and powerful burners make it worth it. If you’re someone who loves outdoor cooking, this griddle is definitely a solid choice.
Pros
Cons
5. Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle
We’ve had the Royal Gourmet PD1300 for a few smaller cookouts, and it’s been perfect for quick meals. With 325 square inches of cooking surface, it’s just the right size for grilling burgers or making breakfast for a few people. The three burners offer plenty of heat, and the porcelain enamel surface ensures even cooking every time. Plus, the removable grease cup makes cleanup a breeze.
It’s also incredibly portable, which makes it ideal for camping or tailgating. While it’s not as large as some of the other griddles, it’s the perfect size for smaller gatherings. We’ve been super happy with how easy it is to use and clean.
Pros
Cons
6. Little Griddle GQ230 100% Stainless Steel Professional Quality Griddle with Cross Bracing
No products found.
We’ve been using the Little Griddle GQ230 for a while now, and it’s been an awesome addition to our grill setup. It fits perfectly on most gas grills, so we didn’t have to invest in a separate appliance. The stainless steel construction feels really solid, and the even heat distribution makes cooking a lot easier. The grease well is a nice touch, helping to keep things neat and clean.
Though it’s smaller than some standalone griddles, it’s perfect for quick meals. We love how convenient it is to just place it on the grill and start cooking. If you’re looking for a griddle that doesn’t take up extra space but still delivers great results, we highly recommend this one.
Pros
Cons
7. Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle
We’ve tried the Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle, and it’s been great for small outdoor meals. The 20,000 BTUs across the two burners are perfect for cooking up everything from breakfast to burgers. The cold-rolled steel surface gives us even heat distribution, and the push-button ignition makes starting it up super easy. It heats up quickly, which is always a plus when we want to get cooking fast.
Cleaning it is easy too, thanks to the removable grease tray. The compact design makes it a great option for smaller outdoor spaces, and it’s portable enough to take on the go. If you’re looking for a reliable, compact griddle, this one is definitely worth considering.
Pros
Cons
8. Onlyfire Universal Stainless Steel Griddle
We’ve been using the Onlyfire Universal Stainless Steel Griddle for a while now, and it’s a great way to add griddling to our existing grill setup. It fits most grills, so we didn’t have to buy a separate appliance. The stainless steel construction feels durable, and the even heat distribution makes cooking a lot easier. The grease well makes cleanup super simple.
It’s not the largest griddle, but it works perfectly for smaller meals. We’ve made everything from breakfast to stir-fry on it, and it does a great job every time. If you’re looking for a way to add griddling to your grill without taking up extra space, this one’s a great choice.
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide for the Best Outdoor Griddle
When it comes to buying an outdoor griddle, think of it as a long-term investment. You’re not going to be shopping for one every day, so it’s important to know exactly what you want before handing over your money. You don’t want to end up with a griddle that leaves you frustrated. So, let’s take a look at the key things that can make all the difference between a griddle that’s perfect for you and one that just doesn’t do the job:
Size
Size is one of those things that doesn’t directly affect the quality of the griddle, but it can still make a big difference in your experience. If you get one that’s too small, you’ll find yourself spending forever cooking just a little bit of food. On the other hand, if you go for a bigger griddle than you really need, you’ll be wasting money on extra space you don’t use. Bigger griddles are more expensive, and they take up more room, so if you don’t need the extra cooking area, it’s better to stick with something smaller.
As a general rule of thumb, a 300-square-inch griddle should work for smaller families, while larger ones will probably need a griddle around 500 square inches.
Number of Burners
Every outdoor griddle comes with a set number of burners, and those burners are the heat source underneath the cooking surface. The more burners a griddle has, the better—it means the cooking surface heats up faster and more evenly. This is especially useful when you’re trying to cook a bunch of things at once. More burners also give you better control over the temperature, so you can cook different items at the right heat at the same time.
A griddle with more burners means you can get the most out of the cooking space, so you’re not wasting time and energy trying to heat it all up.
Structure and Materials
The materials used to make the griddle play a big role in how long it lasts and how well it performs. The best griddles are made from chrome or stainless steel because they’re durable and resistant to rust—perfect for outdoor use. They’re the priciest options, though, so if you’re on a tighter budget, there are alternatives like aluminum or regular steel. Just make sure they have some sort of protective coating to help them handle the heat and last longer.
Storage Space
It’s always a good idea to look for a griddle with extra storage space—it can make cooking so much easier. Even something as simple as an expandable side shelf can be a lifesaver when you need to keep things within reach. Some griddles also have hooks for your utensils, which can help keep your cooking area organized. Any extra storage is a win in our book!
Cost
Finally, let’s talk about price. It’s easy to get carried away and spend way more than you planned when you see all the amazing options out there. But don’t forget to keep your budget in mind. Larger griddles can cost up to $500, so think about how often you’ll be using it and how many people you’ll be cooking for. If you’ve got a big family or you plan to use it all the time, it’s worth investing in a quality model.
Conclusion
An outdoor griddle is more than just a cooking tool—it can totally elevate your grilling game. With features like easy ignition and a healthier way to cook, it’s perfect for making meals with less oil and fat. Plus, many griddles come with handy storage options like side racks and bottom shelves to keep everything organized while you cook.
We hope this guide helps you find the right griddle for you, so you can start grilling without any second thoughts!
