Imagine this: The sun is shining, your friends are over, and the smell of perfectly cooked bacon and sizzling burgers fills the air. That’s the magic of an outdoor griddle! But let’s be honest, choosing the right one can feel like a big decision. So many brands, sizes, and features to sort through – it’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed.
You want that amazing outdoor cooking experience, but you don’t want to waste time or money on a griddle that doesn’t fit your needs. Maybe you’re worried about finding one that’s easy to clean, durable enough for backyard parties, or just the right size for your family. We get it. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of outside griddles.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear picture of what makes a great outdoor griddle. We’ll break down the important things to look for, helping you avoid common mistakes. Get ready to discover the perfect griddle that will turn your backyard into the ultimate culinary hotspot for seasons to come!
Our Top 5 Outside Griddle Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Outside Griddle Detailed Reviews
1. BLACKSTONE 1883 Original 28” Griddle with Integrated Protective Hood and Counter Height Side Shelves
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to become the ultimate backyard chef with the BLACKSTONE 1883 Original 28” Griddle. This black powder-coated steel griddle is built for fun and flavor, making it easy to whip up delicious meals for any gathering.
What We Like:
- Cook for a Crowd: With 524 square inches of cooking space, you can easily make up to 21 burgers or 15 pancakes at once, so everyone gets fed fast.
- Versatile Cooking: This griddle is perfect for all your meals, from breakfast to barbecue to fancy grilled cheese.
- Dual Burners: Two H-style burners give you 34,000 BTUs of power. You can cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time.
- Easy Cleanup: The patented rear grease management system makes cleaning up a breeze. Just push grease and debris to the back into the grease cup.
- Convenient Shelves: The counter-height side shelves give you extra space for preparing and serving food, and they’re at a comfortable height.
- Handy Features: It comes with an integrated hood to keep it clean, two wheels for easy moving, and electric ignition for quick starts.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 28″ size is great for many, larger families or parties might wish for an even bigger cooking surface.
- The black powder-coated steel is stylish but might show scratches over time with heavy use.
This Blackstone griddle is a fantastic addition to any outdoor kitchen, offering both convenience and a wide range of cooking possibilities. It’s built for delicious results and enjoyable outdoor cooking experiences.
2. Royal Gourmet PD4001 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Removable Standing Cart
Rating: 8.8/10
The Royal Gourmet PD4001 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle is a versatile cooking machine for any outdoor adventure. It’s designed to be used anywhere, from your backyard to a campsite. This griddle can easily switch between a tall standing grill and a smaller tabletop grill. It also comes with a helpful hood to keep your cooking surface clean and protected.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 grill: use it standing up or take it off the cart to use on a table.
- The hood keeps the griddle clean when you’re not using it. It also acts as a wind guard while you cook.
- It heats up evenly across the whole cooking surface. This means your food cooks perfectly every time.
- There are handy side shelves to put your ingredients and tools on. They even have hooks for your spatulas and tongs.
- Moving it is easy thanks to the wheels. It’s also stable when you set it up.
What Could Be Improved:
- The hood should not be closed during cooking as it is a wind deflector.
- It would be helpful if there were more color options available.
This griddle offers great flexibility and performance for all your outdoor cooking needs. It’s a solid choice for anyone who loves to grill.
3. Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle 2 Burner Propane Fuelled Rear Grease Management System
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for amazing outdoor cooking with the Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle 2 Burner Propane Fuelled Rear Grease Management System, 1517, Outdoor Griddle Station. This 28-inch griddle is your new best friend for everything from breakfast to dinner, and it’s perfect for camping trips too!
What We Like:
- It gives you a huge 470 square inches of cooking space. You can make all sorts of food, like eggs, pancakes, grilled cheese, steak, and even Teppanyaki-style meals.
- It’s super easy to use and put together. Forget about messy charcoal or kerosene; this griddle has a simple push-button ignition.
- You can easily move it around your yard or take it camping. It has removable legs, foldable legs, and four strong wheels.
- It comes with extra shelves for holding your food and cooking tools.
- Blackstone offers a satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure they stand behind their product.
What Could Be Improved:
- The rear grease management system, while functional, can sometimes require a bit of cleaning after heavy use.
- While portable, it’s still a substantial piece of equipment, so moving it long distances might require a small vehicle.
This Blackstone griddle makes outdoor cooking fun and simple. It’s a fantastic way to upgrade your backyard meals and enjoy more time outside.
4. Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle with Folding Side Shelves
Rating: 8.6/10
The Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle is your ultimate outdoor cooking companion. This black, powder-coated steel griddle offers a massive 768 square inches of cooking space, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Its innovative Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology ensures even heating and fuel efficiency. With four independently controlled burners, you can cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. Plus, cleanup is a breeze thanks to the smart rear grease management system.
What We Like:
- Huge cooking surface: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks at once.
- Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology: It heats evenly, is more stable, and uses less fuel.
- Independent burners: Control the heat for different foods at the same time.
- Versatile cooking: Great for burgers, stir-fry, pancakes, and more.
- Easy cleanup: The rear grease system makes cleaning simple.
- Folding side shelves: They provide extra prep space and fold down for easy storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- Assembly can take some time.
- The size might be too large for very small spaces.
This Blackstone griddle makes outdoor entertaining easy and delicious. You’ll be cooking up a storm in no time!
5. Royal Gourmet PD3001 3-Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Collapsible Stand
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for delicious outdoor cooking with the Royal Gourmet PD3001 3-Burner Propane Gas Griddle. This portable griddle is perfect for camping trips, tailgating parties, or just enjoying a meal in your backyard. It offers a generous cooking space and smart features to make your grilling experience easy and fun.
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Design: The griddle folds down easily, so it doesn’t take up much room when you store it.
- Plenty of Cooking Room: You can cook up to 8 burgers at once on the 314 square inch cooking surface.
- Great Heat Control: The ceramic-coated griddle top gets very hot and cooks food evenly for tasty results.
- Safe and Healthy: The griddle top meets safety standards and is made with good quality materials for healthy cooking.
- Extra Convenience: A side table holds your plates and ingredients, and hooks keep your tools handy.
What Could Be Improved:
- Seasoning Required: You need to season the ceramic-coated griddle top before you use it for the first time.
This Royal Gourmet griddle is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to cook outdoors. It’s easy to use, transport, and store, making it your new go-to for all your grilling adventures.
Your Guide to the Perfect Outside Griddle
Are you ready to take your outdoor cooking to the next level? An outside griddle can be your new best friend for making everything from fluffy pancakes to perfectly seared burgers. This guide will help you choose the right one.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an outside griddle, keep these important features in mind:
- Cooking Surface Size: How much food do you usually cook? Griddles come in different sizes. A bigger surface lets you cook more at once. This is great for parties or big families. Smaller griddles are good for couples or smaller meals.
- Number of Burners: Most griddles have burners. More burners give you more control over heat. You can cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time. Some griddles have one, two, or even four burners.
- Heat Control: Good heat control is super important. Look for griddles with knobs that let you adjust the heat easily. This helps you cook food just right. You don’t want burnt edges and a raw middle!
- Ignition System: How easy is it to start the griddle? Many have an electric igniter. This means you just push a button. Others might need a lighter or match. An easy ignition system makes cooking simpler.
- Portability: Do you plan to move your griddle around? Some are built on sturdy carts with wheels. These are easier to move. Others are tabletop models that are lighter and can be taken camping.
- Grease Management System: Cooking can get messy. A good grease management system helps catch drippings. This makes cleanup much easier. Look for a tray or a drip hole.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a griddle affect how well it cooks and how long it lasts.
- Cooking Surface:
- Steel: Many griddles use cold-rolled steel. This heats up well and is great for searing. It can rust if not cared for properly.
- Cast Iron: Cast iron holds heat very well. It also sears food nicely. It needs seasoning and care to prevent rust.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. It might not heat as evenly as steel or cast iron.
- Body and Frame:
- Stainless Steel: This is strong and resists rust. It looks good, too.
- Powder-Coated Steel: This is a common and durable finish. It protects the steel from rust and adds color.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a griddle better or worse.
- Thickness of the Cooking Surface: A thicker surface heats more evenly. It also holds heat better. Thin surfaces can get hot spots. This means some parts cook faster than others.
- Burner Quality: Good burners deliver consistent heat. They should be made of strong materials that won’t rust easily.
- Build Quality: How well is the griddle put together? Sturdy welds and strong parts mean it will last longer. Wobbly legs or loose parts can be a sign of lower quality.
- Ease of Cleaning: A griddle that is hard to clean will become a chore to use. Look for smooth surfaces and removable parts that make cleaning simple.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you want to use your griddle.
- Backyard BBQs: A large griddle is perfect for feeding a crowd burgers, hot dogs, and veggies.
- Camping Trips: A portable tabletop griddle lets you cook breakfast or dinner outdoors.
- Tailgating: Bring your griddle to the game and make delicious sandwiches or stir-fries.
- Everyday Cooking: Even for a few people, a griddle is great for quick and tasty meals. You can make pancakes, eggs, bacon, and quesadillas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Outside Griddles
Q: What is the best material for an outside griddle surface?
A: Steel and cast iron are popular choices. Steel heats up fast and is good for searing. Cast iron holds heat for a long time. Both need proper care to avoid rust.
Q: How many burners do I need on an outside griddle?
A: This depends on how much you cook. Two or four burners give you more control to cook different foods at different temperatures. One burner is fine for simple meals.
Q: Are outside griddles hard to clean?
A: Some are easier to clean than others. Look for griddles with good grease management systems. Removable grease trays make cleanup much simpler.
Q: Can I use my outside griddle in the rain?
A: It’s best to avoid using most outside griddles in heavy rain. Water can damage the burners or cause rust. Some griddles come with covers for protection.
Q: How do I season a new steel or cast iron griddle?
A: Seasoning involves heating oil on the surface several times. This creates a non-stick layer and protects it from rust. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Are outside griddles expensive?
A: Prices vary a lot. Simple tabletop griddles can be affordable. Larger, feature-rich griddles on carts can cost more. You can find good options at different price points.
Q: What is a good size for a family of four?
A: A griddle with a surface of around 200-300 square inches is usually good for a family of four. This lets you cook several items at once.
Q: Can I cook breakfast foods on an outside griddle?
A: Yes! Outside griddles are fantastic for breakfast. You can make pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns all at the same time.
Q: Do outside griddles use propane or natural gas?
A: Most outside griddles use propane tanks. Some larger, built-in models might connect to natural gas lines.
Q: How do I store my outside griddle when I’m not using it?
A: It’s best to store your griddle in a dry place. Cover it with a waterproof cover to protect it from the elements. Clean it before storing.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.