Imagine the perfect breakfast spread: fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and perfectly seared eggs, all cooked at once. Sounds amazing, right? But when it comes to bringing that dream to your backyard, choosing the right 36-inch griddle can feel like a puzzle. So many brands, so many features – it’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder if you’re making the best choice for your outdoor cooking adventures.
You want a griddle that’s big enough for family gatherings but also easy to manage. You’re probably wondering about heat distribution, cleaning, and whether it’s worth the investment. We get it! That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what really matters in a 36-inch griddle.
We’ll break down the key features, explore different types, and help you spot the hidden gems. Get ready to ditch the indecision and find the perfect flat-top for your next cookout. Let’s dive in and discover the griddle that will make your outdoor meals legendary!
Our Top 5 36 Inch Griddle Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Propane Griddle on Cart | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle with Folding Side Shelves | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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COSTWAY 35″ Electric Griddle Teppanyaki Grill | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Cuisinart CGG-0036 | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Kratos 29Y-005 36″ Commercial Restaurant Gas Countertop Griddle | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 36 Inch Griddle Detailed Reviews
1. Propane Griddle on Cart
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game with this massive 36-inch Propane Griddle! This heavy-duty flat-top griddle is designed for serious outdoor chefs, offering a restaurant-style cooking experience right in your backyard. With four powerful burners and a huge cooking surface, you can whip up a feast for friends and family with ease.
What We Like:
- The folding tabletop is a smart feature. It protects the griddle and doubles as extra space for food prep or serving.
- Moving this grill is a breeze thanks to the built-in wheels. You can even drag it when it’s folded, making it super portable.
- It’s built tough with a hot-rolled steel griddle that’s coated to prevent rust. The stainless steel burners are also built to last.
- The large 36-inch cooking area and four independent burners let you cook different foods at different temperatures all at once.
- Cleaning up is less of a chore. Drip holes guide grease to a collection cup, and the one-touch ignition makes starting it simple and safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for portability, its large size might still be a bit cumbersome for some to move frequently.
- The 60,000 BTU output is powerful, but for very small gatherings, it might be more than you need.
This griddle is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves outdoor cooking and wants a versatile, durable, and easy-to-use station. It truly transforms your backyard into a culinary hotspot.
2. Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle with Folding Side Shelves
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to take your outdoor cooking to the next level with the Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle. This black, powder-coated steel griddle is built for serious cooks and gatherings. It’s large enough to feed a crowd and designed with smart features to make cooking easy and fun.
What We Like:
- Cook for a crowd: The 768 square inch griddle surface lets you make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks at once. It’s perfect for parties and family get-togethers.
- Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology: This special plate heats evenly, reduces fuel use, and is built tough to handle temperature changes. It also has built-in wind guards to keep your cooking steady.
- Optimal Heat Control: Four separate burners let you cook different foods at different temperatures all at the same time. You can have sizzling bacon on one side and perfectly cooked pancakes on the other.
- Increased Cooking Versatility: This griddle isn’t just for burgers and steaks. You can stir-fry veggies, make hashbrowns, cook pancakes, or create amazing smash burgers. It handles all kinds of food with ease.
- Easy Grease Cleanup: Blackstone’s patented Rear Grease Management System makes cleaning a breeze. Just push food scraps and grease to the back into the grease cup.
- Folding Side Shelves: These shelves give you extra space for prepping food or holding ingredients, and they fold down for easy storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- Assembly Required: While not overly complicated, some assembly is needed when you first get the griddle.
- Propane Tank Not Included: You’ll need to purchase a propane tank separately to power your griddle.
This Blackstone griddle is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to cook outdoors and entertain. It makes cooking for many people simple and enjoyable.
3. COSTWAY 35″ Electric Griddle Teppanyaki Grill
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready for delicious meals with the COSTWAY 35″ Electric Griddle Teppanyaki Grill. This large, non-stick grill is perfect for cooking pancakes, barbecues, and more, both inside and outside. It heats up quickly and has easy-to-use temperature controls.
What We Like:
- The extra-large 35″ x 9″ cooking surface feeds 6-8 people, making it great for family meals and parties.
- The powerful 2000W heating system cooks food fast and evenly.
- You can easily set the temperature from 212℉ to 464℉ with 5 adjustable levels, perfect for all sorts of foods like eggs, meats, and vegetables.
- The non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning super simple. Food slides right off!
- It cooks healthier meals with less oil, and excess grease drains away into a drip tray.
- The cool-touch handles make it safe to move around.
- It comes with 2 egg rings and 6 wooden spatulas to get everyone involved.
- The grill is built with quality aluminum and has non-slip feet for stability.
What Could Be Improved:
- The drip tray is removable for easy cleaning, but it’s the only part that is dishwasher safe.
This grill is a fantastic addition to any kitchen or outdoor space. It makes cooking fun and easy for everyone!
4. Cuisinart CGG-0036
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for some serious outdoor cooking with the Cuisinart CGG-0036, a 36″ Four Burner Gas Griddle. This griddle is built for backyard chefs who love to cook for a crowd. Its spacious design and powerful burners make it a fantastic addition to any outdoor kitchen.
What We Like:
- Massive 760 square inches of cooking space lets you cook burgers, pancakes, or veggies for everyone at once.
- The cold-rolled steel cooking surface heats up evenly and is perfect for all your favorite griddle recipes.
- Four burners, each pumping out 15,000 BTUs, give you a total of 60,000 BTUs of cooking power. This means you can control the heat perfectly for different foods.
- The dual grease management system with two front grease cups makes cleaning up a breeze. No more messy drips!
- It folds down easily, making it simple to store in your garage or transport to your next tailgating event.
What Could Be Improved:
- Remember, this griddle does not come with a propane tank, so you’ll need to buy one separately.
The Cuisinart CGG-0036 is a powerhouse for outdoor cooking. Its large cooking area and impressive heat output make it a top choice for entertaining.
5. Kratos 29Y-005 36″ Commercial Restaurant Gas Countertop Griddle
Rating: 9.0/10
The Kratos 29Y-005 36″ Commercial Restaurant Gas Countertop Griddle is a powerful and versatile cooking station designed for busy kitchens. Its robust stainless steel build ensures it can handle the demands of commercial use, while the thick griddle plate cooks everything from juicy burgers to crispy bacon perfectly. With independent burner controls and a high BTU output, this griddle offers efficiency and flexibility for any restaurant, food truck, or diner.
What We Like:
- It has a really strong stainless steel body that lasts a long time.
- The 3/4″ thick griddle plate is great for cooking many different foods.
- Each of the three burners is super powerful, giving a total of 90,000 BTU.
- You can cook different foods at the same time because the burners have their own controls.
- It’s made for natural gas but can be changed to propane by a professional.
- Using it is simple with manual controls and easy cleanup thanks to the removable drip tray and splash guards.
- It’s approved for commercial kitchens and works well in restaurants, food trucks, and diners.
What Could Be Improved:
- It runs on natural gas, so you might need to buy a separate kit to use propane.
- The conversion to propane requires a qualified service technician.
This Kratos griddle is a solid investment for any commercial kitchen needing reliable and powerful cooking. It offers excellent performance and durability for its price point.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best 36-Inch Griddle
A 36-inch griddle is a fantastic addition to any outdoor cooking setup. It gives you a huge surface to cook all your favorite foods. Whether you’re flipping pancakes for a crowd or searing burgers for a backyard party, a griddle makes it easy. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important things:
Heat Control
Good heat control is super important. You want to be able to adjust the heat in different spots. This lets you cook different foods at the same time. Some griddles have multiple burners. Each burner can be controlled separately. This is a big plus.
Surface Area
A 36-inch griddle already gives you a lot of space. But check the exact cooking surface size. Some might have a bit more usable space than others. More space means you can cook more food at once. It’s great for feeding many people.
Durability and Build Quality
You want a griddle that lasts. Look for sturdy construction. A strong frame and thick cooking surface are good signs. This means it can handle high heat and lots of cooking.
Ease of Cleaning
Nobody likes a tough cleanup. Many griddles have grease traps or drip pans. These catch grease and make cleaning much simpler. A non-stick surface can also help a lot.
Portability and Storage
Some griddles are very heavy. Others have wheels, making them easier to move. If you don’t have a dedicated spot for it, consider how easy it is to store. Some have foldable legs or side tables.
Important Materials
The materials used in a griddle affect how well it cooks and how long it lasts.
Cooking Surface Material
- Cast Iron: This is a classic choice. Cast iron heats evenly and holds heat well. It needs seasoning to prevent rust and sticking.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is very durable and easy to clean. It might not heat as evenly as cast iron.
- Carbon Steel: Carbon steel is a good balance. It heats quickly and evenly. It also needs seasoning, like cast iron.
- Chrome-Plated Steel: Chrome plating makes the surface very smooth and non-stick. It’s also easy to clean. However, it can scratch.
Griddle Body and Frame
Most griddle bodies and frames are made from stainless steel or powder-coated steel. Stainless steel is strong and resists rust. Powder-coated steel offers good protection and looks nice. A thicker gauge metal usually means better quality.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain design choices make a griddle better or worse.
Heat Distribution
A good griddle spreads heat evenly across the entire surface. Uneven heating means some spots get too hot, while others don’t cook enough. Look for griddles with well-designed burners that cover the whole surface.
Burner Power
More powerful burners heat up faster. They also allow for better temperature control. Check the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of the burners. Higher BTUs usually mean more heat.
Grease Management System
A well-designed grease trap is a lifesaver. It keeps your cooking surface clean and prevents flare-ups. Some systems are better than others at collecting and disposing of grease.
Ignition System
An easy and reliable ignition system makes starting your griddle a breeze. Piezo igniters are common and work well. You want it to light up quickly every time.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you’ll use your griddle matters.
For Families and Parties
A 36-inch griddle is perfect for cooking for a crowd. You can make pancakes, bacon, eggs, and sausage for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, you can cook burgers, hot dogs, stir-fries, and fajitas. Everyone gets their food hot and ready at the same time.
For Outdoor Chefs
If you love to cook outside, this griddle is a game-changer. It gives you the versatility to try many different recipes. You can sear steaks or grill vegetables. It’s also great for making smash burgers. The large surface is ideal for experimenting with new dishes.
Ease of Use
Most 36-inch griddles are pretty straightforward to use. Once you get the hang of heat control, cooking becomes simple. Cleaning is usually the part that takes the most effort, but good grease management helps a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 36-Inch Griddles
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a 36-inch griddle?
A: You should look for good heat control with separate burner adjustments, a generous cooking surface area, durable construction, easy cleaning features like grease traps, and consider its portability and storage options.
Q: What are the best materials for a griddle’s cooking surface?
A: The best materials include cast iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel. Chrome-plated steel is also a good option for its non-stick qualities.
Q: How does the burner power affect the griddle’s quality?
A: Higher BTU burner power means faster heating and better temperature control, which improves the overall cooking experience and quality.
Q: Is a grease trap important for a 36-inch griddle?
A: Yes, a well-designed grease trap is very important. It makes cleaning much easier and helps prevent messy flare-ups while cooking.
Q: Can I cook different foods at the same time on a 36-inch griddle?
A: Yes, with good heat control and separate burners, you can cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously.
Q: How do I clean a 36-inch griddle?
A: Cleaning usually involves scraping off food debris, wiping with oil, and then cleaning with soap and water. A grease trap makes this process much simpler.
Q: Are 36-inch griddles good for beginners?
A: Yes, they are quite beginner-friendly, especially those with easy ignition and simple heat controls. The large surface can be forgiving.
Q: What kind of accessories might I need for a 36-inch griddle?
A: You might need spatulas, scrapers, a grease trap liner, a cover, and possibly a Blackstone griddle cleaning kit.
Q: How much space does a 36-inch griddle take up?
A: A 36-inch griddle typically measures around 36 inches wide, but the overall footprint can be larger with side tables and legs. Check the product dimensions.
Q: Can I use a 36-inch griddle in rainy weather?
A: It’s best to use it in dry weather. If you need to protect it, a good griddle cover is essential. It’s not designed for cooking in heavy rain.
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!