Imagine this: the smell of sizzling bacon, perfectly seared burgers, and fluffy pancakes all cooking outside on a sunny morning. Sounds delicious, right? But when it comes to choosing the right outdoor griddle, the choices can feel overwhelming. You want that amazing outdoor cooking experience, but figuring out which griddle fits your needs – from size and fuel type to special features – can be a real headache.
Many people dream of easy, delicious outdoor meals, but get stuck before they even start because they don’t know where to begin. This can lead to frustration and missed opportunities for fantastic backyard feasts. We get it! That’s why we’ve put together this guide.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for in an outdoor griddle. We’ll break down the different types, explain important features, and help you find the perfect griddle for your family and your budget. Get ready to transform your outdoor cooking game!
Our Top 5 Outside Griddle Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Outside Griddle Detailed Reviews
1. Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle 2 Burner Propane Fuelled Rear Grease Management System
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to transform your outdoor cooking with the Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle 2 Burner. This 28-inch griddle station offers a massive 470 square inches of cooking space, perfect for whipping up everything from breakfast feasts to delicious dinners. Imagine cooking pancakes, sizzling steaks, and even Teppanyaki-style dishes all in one place. It’s designed for convenience, making outdoor cooking simpler and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Restaurant-style cooking with 470 sq. inches of flat top surface.
- Versatile for cooking a wide variety of foods like eggs, pancakes, burgers, and more.
- Includes a bottom shelf and two side shelves for easy food prep and storage.
- Simple to use and assemble, making outdoor cooking hassle-free.
- Features an easy-start, battery-powered push-button ignition.
- Designed for easy transport with a removable griddle top, fold-up legs, and four caster wheels.
- Blackstone offers a satisfaction guarantee, showing their confidence in the product.
What Could Be Improved:
- The grease management system is located at the rear, which might require a bit of adjustment for some users.
- While it’s portable, the overall size and weight might still be a consideration for very tight spaces or frequent, long-distance travel.
This Blackstone griddle is a fantastic upgrade for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor culinary adventures. It offers a user-friendly experience and impressive cooking capabilities, making it a must-have for your backyard or next camping trip.
2. Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate
Rating: 9.3/10
The Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to cook outdoors. Its compact size makes it super easy to take anywhere, from camping trips to backyard parties. You can cook all sorts of food on it, from breakfast favorites to dinner delights.
What We Like:
- It’s very portable and compact, making it great for camping, tailgating, and BBQs.
- The cooking surface is versatile, perfect for everything from burgers and hot dogs to pancakes and veggies.
- You get a surprising amount of cooking space, enough for 14 burgers or 10 pancakes.
- Two burners give you total heat control, so you can cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time.
- The patented grease management system makes cleanup quick and easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, it might be a bit small for very large gatherings.
- The stainless steel faceplate, while attractive, could potentially scratch over time with heavy use.
This Blackstone griddle truly brings outdoor cooking convenience and versatility to your fingertips. It’s a solid addition to any outdoor adventure.
3. Charbroil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Cart
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to become the king or queen of your backyard with the Charbroil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle. This black griddle, model 463459924, is designed for serious cooks who want great results without a lot of fuss. It’s perfect for everything from breakfast to dinner, and it’s built to handle all your grilling adventures.
What We Like:
- The UNIQUE O-BURNERS give you even heat all over, so your food cooks perfectly.
- It gets hot fast and stays hot, making cooking a breeze.
- The griddle surface is super strong and won’t warp, even with frozen foods.
- You can cook a lot at once – up to 25 smash burgers on its 450-square-inch cooking area.
- Cleaning is easy thanks to the removable grease tray and front grease management.
- Three tool hooks keep your spatulas and tongs right where you need them.
- The towel bar is handy and also works as a handle to move the griddle.
- Two big wheels make moving it around your patio simple.
- The Piezo ignition is built to last.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty on all parts.
What Could Be Improved:
- A 20-pound propane tank is needed but not included.
This Charbroil griddle makes outdoor cooking fun and easy. It’s a great addition to any patio for delicious meals every time.
4. Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle with Cover
Rating: 8.7/10
The Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle is your new best friend for outdoor cooking. It’s a black, 25,500 BTU griddle perfect for camping, tailgating, or just using at home. You can easily connect it to a standard 20 lb. LP tank to get cooking.
What We Like:
- It’s portable and easy to store.
- Sturdy feet keep it stable when you use it.
- A durable PVC cover is included to protect it from weather.
- The cooking surface is 319 square inches, big enough for 15 patties at once.
- Three burners heat up fast and have their own controls.
- It has an easy push-button ignitor.
- Cleanup is simple with a removable grease cup.
- The griddle top comes off, making cleaning even easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20 lb. LP tank is not included.
- While portable, it does have some weight to it.
This Royal Gourmet griddle makes outdoor cooking a breeze. It heats up quickly and is designed for easy cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your food.
5. Gas One Flat Top Grill With 4 Burners – Premium Propane Outdoor Grill Cart – Stainless Steel Auto Ignition Camping Griddle – Easy Cleaning Cooking
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to level up your outdoor cooking game with the Gas One Flat Top Grill With 4 Burners. This premium propane grill cart is built for adventure and backyard feasts alike. Its stainless steel design and auto-ignition make it a breeze to use, even if you’re new to grilling. Plus, cleanup is a snap!
What We Like:
- It’s perfect for anyone who loves cooking outside.
- You can easily take it camping, to picnics, or just use it in your backyard.
- The grill has four burners that spread heat evenly, so your food cooks just right.
- Cleaning is simple because it’s made of stainless steel and has a drip tray to catch grease.
- Starting it up is easy with the automatic ignition.
- Everything you need, like the gas stove, regulator, and hose, comes in the box.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cart is detachable, which is great for moving, but some might want it to be more permanently attached for stability.
- While easy to clean, the pre-seasoned griddle might require specific care to maintain its non-stick qualities over time.
This grill is a fantastic addition for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. It makes preparing delicious meals outdoors simple and enjoyable.
Your Guide to the Best Outside Griddle
Are you ready to take your outdoor cooking to the next level? An outside griddle can transform your backyard into a culinary playground. Whether you’re flipping pancakes for a crowd or searing burgers for family night, a good griddle makes it easy. Let’s dive into what you need to know to pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an outside griddle, keep these important features in mind:
- Size of the Cooking Surface: How many people do you usually cook for? Griddles come in different sizes. A small one might be great for a couple, but a larger one is better for parties. You want enough space to cook different foods at once without them touching.
- Number of Burners: Most griddles have multiple burners. This lets you control the heat in different zones. You can cook delicate items on lower heat and sear meat on high heat at the same time.
- Ignition System: Easy startup is a must. Look for an electronic ignition that sparks the burners quickly and reliably.
- Grease Management System: Cooking can get messy. A good grease trap or collection system makes cleanup much simpler.
- Portability: Do you plan to move your griddle around? Some are on wheels, making them easy to roll. Others are designed to stay put.
- Lid: A lid helps with cooking and keeps your griddle clean when not in use. It can also help steam food or keep things warm.
Important Materials
The materials used in your griddle affect its durability and how well it cooks.
- Cooking Surface:
- Cast Iron: This is a classic choice. Cast iron heats evenly and holds heat well. It needs to be seasoned and cared for to prevent rust.
- Steel: Many griddles use cold-rolled steel. It’s a good conductor of heat and can be seasoned like cast iron.
- Stainless Steel: This is durable and easy to clean. It might not hold heat quite as well as cast iron.
- Body and Frame: Look for sturdy materials like powder-coated steel. This helps resist rust and weather.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a griddle great, while others can make it less desirable.
- Good Quality:
- Even Heat Distribution: A griddle that heats up evenly cooks your food perfectly. You won’t have hot spots where food burns and cool spots where it doesn’t cook.
- Durable Construction: A well-built griddle lasts for years. Check for solid welds and robust materials.
- Easy Cleanup: A good grease trap and a smooth cooking surface make cleaning a breeze.
- Things That Reduce Quality:
- Warping Cooking Surface: A thin cooking surface can warp over time, leading to uneven cooking.
- Flimsy Frame: A wobbly frame makes the griddle feel unsafe and less durable.
- Poor Ignition: If the igniter struggles to light the burners, it’s a frustrating experience.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an outside griddle is a fun and versatile way to cook.
- User Experience:
- Simple to Use: Most griddles are designed for straightforward operation. You turn a knob to light a burner and adjust the heat.
- Versatile Cooking: You can cook almost anything on a griddle. Breakfast foods like pancakes and bacon are a hit. Burgers, steaks, and stir-fries are also fantastic. You can even make grilled cheese sandwiches or quesadillas.
- Easy Cleanup: With the right grease management, cleanup is usually quick. A scraper and some paper towels often do the trick.
- Use Cases:
- Family Gatherings: Feed a crowd with ease. Cook up a big batch of pancakes or burgers for everyone.
- Weekend Breakfasts: Make breakfast outdoors a special event. Enjoy fresh eggs, bacon, and pancakes without filling your kitchen with smoke.
- Tailgating and Camping: Portable griddles are great for cooking on the go. Enjoy a hot meal at a sports game or campsite.
- Dinner Parties: Impress your guests with perfectly seared steaks or a delicious stir-fry cooked right in your backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outside Griddles
Q: What’s the best material for an outside griddle’s cooking surface?
A: Cast iron and seasoned steel are popular choices because they heat evenly and hold heat well. Stainless steel is also good and easier to clean.
Q: How do I clean my outside griddle?
A: Most griddles have a grease trap. You can scrape off food bits with a spatula and then wipe it down with a damp cloth once it’s cooled.
Q: Can I cook breakfast on an outside griddle?
A: Absolutely! Griddles are perfect for pancakes, bacon, eggs, and hash browns.
Q: How many burners do I need?
A: Two to four burners are common. More burners let you control heat better and cook more food at once.
Q: Is an outside griddle hard to assemble?
A: Most griddles come mostly assembled. You usually just need to attach legs or side shelves, which is pretty simple.
Q: Do I need a lid for my outside griddle?
A: A lid is helpful. It keeps your griddle clean and can help with certain cooking methods like steaming.
Q: Can I use metal spatulas on a seasoned griddle?
A: Yes, you can usually use metal spatulas on seasoned cast iron or steel griddles. Avoid using sharp metal tools that might scratch.
Q: How much space do I need for an outside griddle?
A: Check the dimensions of the griddle you’re interested in. Make sure you have enough space in your backyard or patio area.
Q: Are outside griddles good for searing steaks?
A: Yes, they are excellent for searing steaks. The high heat creates a beautiful crust on the meat.
Q: How do I protect my griddle from the weather?
A: Many griddles come with covers. You can also buy a separate weather-resistant cover to keep it clean and protected from rain and sun.
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.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!