Ever wondered what makes some Big Green Egg meals truly sing? Often, it’s not just the smoky flavor, but the perfect sear, the crispy edges, and the versatility to cook more than just burgers. If you’ve ever dreamed of creating diner-style pancakes, perfectly seared scallops, or even a whole breakfast feast on your beloved Egg, then you know the power of a griddle.
But here’s the thing: picking the *right* griddle for your Big Green Egg can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many choices, materials, and sizes! You want something that heats evenly, is easy to clean, and fits your Egg perfectly, but the sheer number of options can leave you feeling a bit lost. We get it – the struggle is real when you’re trying to elevate your grilling game.
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the key features to look for, discover the best griddle options available, and feel confident choosing the one that will transform your Big Green Egg cooking. Get ready to unlock a whole new world of delicious possibilities!
Our Top 5 Griddle For Big Green Egg Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Griddle For Big Green Egg Detailed Reviews
1. Plancha Griddle – Dual-Sided Cast Iron
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to cook like a pro with the Plancha Griddle – Dual-Sided Cast Iron, 10.5 inch! This handy kitchen tool is made of strong cast iron, which means it heats up evenly and holds its temperature really well. It’s perfect for searing steaks, cooking pancakes, or even making grilled cheese sandwiches. The dual-sided design gives you more cooking options. One side is smooth for delicate foods, and the other has ridges for those nice grill marks.
What We Like:
- It heats up super fast and cooks food evenly.
- The cast iron is built to last a long time.
- It’s easy to clean after you’re done cooking.
- The dual-sided feature offers great cooking versatility.
What Could Be Improved:
- It can be a little heavy to move around.
- It needs to be seasoned to prevent rust.
This griddle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. You’ll be making delicious meals with ease.
2. 2-in-1 Cast Iron Griddle for Oklahoma Joe’s 7577447P04 Charcoal Grill
Rating: 9.3/10
Level up your backyard barbecues with this fantastic 2-in-1 Cast Iron Griddle. It’s designed to fit a wide range of popular charcoal grills, including Oklahoma Joe’s, Weber, Nexgrill, Kamado, and Big Green Egg models in both 18-inch and 22-inch sizes. This means you can easily expand your grilling game and cook more than just burgers and steaks.
What We Like:
- Fits Many Grills: This griddle is super versatile and works with many 18-inch and 22-inch charcoal grills, giving you more cooking options.
- Even Heating: Made from strong cast iron, it heats up evenly, so your food cooks perfectly every time.
- Cook Anything: You can grill juicy steaks, delicate fish, or tasty veggies on its large surface.
- Easy Cleanup: The non-stick coating makes cleaning up a cinch. Plus, the grease channel helps keep things tidy.
- Great Gift Idea: It makes a thoughtful and practical gift for anyone who loves to grill.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Seasoning: Like most cast iron, it might need a little extra seasoning before its first use for the best non-stick performance.
- Weight: Cast iron can be heavy, so moving it around might require a little effort.
This cast iron griddle is a fantastic addition for any grill master looking to broaden their culinary horizons. Its durable construction and easy-to-use features make outdoor cooking more enjoyable and less of a chore.
3. GDLF Outdoor Grill Cart for Big Green Egg& Blackstone Griddle
Rating: 8.8/10
The GDLF Outdoor Grill Cart is a game-changer for any serious outdoor cook. This sturdy metal table is designed to hold your Large Big Green Egg and either a 28″ or 36″ Blackstone Griddle, creating a super-organized cooking station. It even includes a special spot to keep your Blackstone lid tidy. Built with a tough iron frame and a sleek stainless steel top, this cart is ready for all your grilling adventures. Plus, it has plenty of storage, including cabinets and a spot for your propane tank, making it super practical.
What We Like:
- It holds both a Large Big Green Egg and a Blackstone Griddle (one at a time), which is awesome for versatility.
- The built-in storage for the Blackstone lid keeps things neat and prevents it from getting lost.
- The heavy-duty iron frame and stainless steel worktop are super strong and look great.
- It has smart storage solutions like cabinets, open shelves, and a propane tank cutout, showing it was made with grillers in mind.
- The eight lockable 4″ wheels make it easy to move your entire grilling setup around your patio or deck.
- A waterproof cover is included to protect your investment.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cart only accommodates one griddle at a time, so you can’t use both your Big Green Egg and Blackstone simultaneously.
- The product ships in two boxes, so you need to wait for both to arrive before you can start building it.
This grill cart is a fantastic addition for anyone who loves to grill and wants a well-organized, mobile outdoor cooking space. It truly brings together your favorite cooking tools into one convenient setup.
4. BGE C.I. PLANCHA GRID XXL
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to cook like a pro with the BGE C.I. PLANCHA GRID XXL,XL,X! This cast iron griddle is super versatile and makes cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- The dual-sided design is awesome. You can use the flat side for fluffy pancakes and perfect eggs. The ridged side is great for getting those delicious grill marks on sausages and bacon.
- It’s perfect for searing steaks and seafood. You’ll get an amazing, flavorful crust every time.
- You can also sauté veggies and grill sandwiches or paninis. It really does it all!
- It has four handles, which makes lifting it safe and easy.
- You can achieve that authentic, high-temperature “steak house” grilling right at home. It’s quick, simple, and tastes fantastic.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for many things, it might be a bit heavy for some users.
- Cleaning cast iron can sometimes take a little extra effort compared to other materials.
The BGE C.I. PLANCHA GRID XXL,XL,X is a fantastic addition to any kitchen for anyone who loves to grill and cook. It makes preparing a variety of meals both easy and delicious.
5. Outspark 18″ Cast Iron Plate Setter for Large Big Green Egg or other 18″kamado grill
Rating: 9.2/10
The Outspark 18″ Cast Iron Plate Setter is a heavy-duty accessory designed for your large Big Green Egg or any other 18-inch kamado grill. It acts as a heat deflector, helping you achieve perfect indirect cooking. This plate setter has three sturdy legs that keep it stable inside your grill. It’s built to last and is considered the best choice for indirect cooking, making it ideal for searing your favorite meats and vegetables.
What We Like:
- It’s the best plate setter for indirect cooking, giving you even heat.
- It fits large Big Green Eggs and other 18-inch kamado grills perfectly.
- It’s perfect for searing meats and vegetables, giving them a great crust.
- This cast iron plate setter is virtually indestructible, meaning it will last a very long time.
- It’s a great tool for expanding your grilling possibilities.
What Could Be Improved:
- Being cast iron, it can be quite heavy to lift and move.
- It requires proper seasoning and care to prevent rust, just like other cast iron items.
- The initial cost might be higher than some other plate setter materials.
This Outspark plate setter is a robust and reliable addition to any kamado grill owner’s setup. It truly elevates your cooking game for delicious, evenly cooked food.
Choosing the Best Griddle for Your Big Green Egg
Why a Griddle for Your Big Green Egg?
Your Big Green Egg (BGE) is a fantastic cooking machine. It can grill, smoke, and bake. Adding a griddle unlocks even more cooking possibilities. Think breakfast favorites like pancakes and bacon. Imagine perfectly seared smash burgers or crispy quesadillas. A griddle turns your BGE into a versatile outdoor flat-top griddle. This guide will help you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
Even Heat Distribution
Good griddles spread heat evenly. This means your food cooks uniformly. No more hot spots where food burns and cool spots where it doesn’t cook. Look for griddles made of thick, solid metal. These materials hold heat well and spread it out.
Surface Area
How much food do you plan to cook at once? If you cook for a crowd, you need a larger griddle. A bigger surface lets you cook more items at the same time. This saves you time and makes cooking for many people easier.
Ease of Cleaning
Nobody likes cleaning. A good griddle is easy to clean. Look for griddles with smooth surfaces. They should also have features that help with grease management, like grease traps or channels. This makes post-cook cleanup a breeze.
Durability and Build Quality
You want a griddle that lasts. It should be made from strong materials. Check for sturdy construction. A well-built griddle can handle high heat and frequent use without warping or cracking.
Compatibility with Your BGE Size
Griddles come in different sizes. Make sure the griddle you choose fits your specific Big Green Egg model. A griddle that’s too big won’t fit properly. One that’s too small might not cover the heat source effectively.
Important Materials
Cast Iron
Cast iron is a popular choice. It heats up slowly but holds heat very well. This provides consistent cooking temperatures. Cast iron griddles develop a natural non-stick surface over time with seasoning. However, they can rust if not cared for properly.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is durable and resists rust. It heats up faster than cast iron. Some stainless steel griddles have aluminum cores for better heat distribution. They are generally easier to clean than cast iron.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is lighter than cast iron. It heats up quickly and responds well to temperature changes. Like cast iron, it needs to be seasoned to prevent rust and create a non-stick surface. It’s a good balance between cast iron and stainless steel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Thickness of the Metal
Thicker metal griddles heat more evenly. They also tend to be more durable. Thin metal can warp under high heat, leading to uneven cooking.
Surface Finish
A smooth, well-seasoned surface is crucial. This prevents food from sticking. Some griddles come pre-seasoned. Others require you to season them yourself. A rough or uneven surface will make cooking and cleaning difficult.
Grease Management System
A good grease management system directs grease away from your food. This prevents flare-ups and makes cleaning easier. Look for griddles with built-in channels or collection trays.
Weight
While heavier griddles often indicate thicker metal, they can be harder to handle. Consider how easy it will be to place and remove the griddle from your BGE.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a griddle on your Big Green Egg is a game-changer for certain foods. Breakfast lovers will enjoy cooking bacon, eggs, and pancakes outdoors. Burger enthusiasts can create perfectly smashed burgers with a great sear. It’s also ideal for stir-fries, fajitas, and even delicate seafood. The BGE provides consistent heat, and the griddle gives you a flat surface to cook on. This combination creates delicious results. Many users find that a griddle expands their BGE’s capabilities significantly. Cleaning is generally straightforward, especially with good grease management. The key is to season and maintain your griddle properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best material for a Big Green Egg griddle?
A: Cast iron is excellent for heat retention and developing a non-stick surface. Carbon steel offers good heat response and is lighter. Stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant.
Q: How do I clean my Big Green Egg griddle?
A: After cooking, while the griddle is still warm, scrape off food bits with a spatula. For tougher residue, use a griddle scraper or a stiff brush. You can then wipe it down with a paper towel and a bit of cooking oil to season it.
Q: Do I need to season my griddle?
A: Yes, most cast iron and carbon steel griddles need to be seasoned. This process involves applying thin layers of cooking oil and heating the griddle to create a protective, non-stick coating.
Q: Can I use any griddle on my Big Green Egg?
A: No, you need a griddle that is designed to fit your specific Big Green Egg size. Check the dimensions and compatibility before purchasing.
Q: Will a griddle make my Big Green Egg smoke more?
A: A griddle itself doesn’t cause more smoke. However, cooking fatty foods on the griddle can produce smoke, just like cooking them directly on the grill grates.
Q: How does a griddle affect the temperature control of my Big Green Egg?
A: A griddle can help stabilize the temperature because the thick metal holds heat well. It might take slightly longer to reach your target temperature, but the heat will be more consistent.
Q: Can I use metal utensils on my griddle?
A: It’s best to use metal spatulas or scrapers designed for griddles. Avoid sharp or pointed metal tools that could scratch or damage the seasoning, especially on cast iron and carbon steel.
Q: How do I prevent my griddle from rusting?
A: After cleaning and drying your griddle thoroughly, always apply a thin coat of cooking oil. Store it in a dry place, ideally with a cover to protect it from moisture.
Q: What are some popular foods to cook on a Big Green Egg griddle?
A: Popular foods include pancakes, bacon, eggs, smash burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, stir-fries, and seared vegetables.
Q: Is a griddle worth buying for a Big Green Egg?
A: If you enjoy cooking breakfast foods, smash burgers, or other flat-top style meals, a griddle can significantly enhance your Big Green Egg cooking experience and is often considered a worthwhile investment.
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.