Griddle Plates

What is a griddle plate?

A griddle plate is a flat-top insert that turns part of your existing grill into a smooth cooking surface for smash burgers, breakfast, vegetables and fajitas. It either sits in a grate opening or replaces a cooking grate outright, so you get flat-top cooking without buying a separate griddle.

Will any griddle plate fit my grill?

No. Most griddle plates are engineered for a specific brand, series and grate size. RCS sells one plate for Premier and Classic grills and a different one for Cutlass Pro and Cutlass Elite. Confirm your grill's brand, series and grate dimensions before ordering, because a plate that overhangs will not seat properly.

What sizes do griddle plates come in?

Griddle plates are sized to grate openings rather than to grill widths. Common sizes here are 14 by 17.5 inches from American Made Grills and TrueFlame, 14 by 24 inches from Artisan, and an 18 inch plate from American Outdoor Grills. Coyote's teppanyaki plate measures 19 inches.

Should I buy a cold rolled steel or a stainless steel griddle plate?

Cold rolled steel seasons like cast iron, holds heat well and turns naturally non-stick, but it must be seasoned before first use and re-oiled after cooking. 304 stainless steel resists corrosion and cleans up more easily, which is what RCS, American Made Grills, TrueFlame and Artisan use on their plates.

Can I put a griddle plate on a side burner or power burner?

Yes, several are made for burners rather than grills. The Coyote CTEP 19 inch teppanyaki plate fits the C1PB and C3PB power burners, the Artisan ARTP-18G fits the 18 inch ARTP-18PB power burner, and the Artisan AARTP drop-in works on Artisan grills and side burners. Browse outdoor burners to see which models take a plate.

How do I season and care for a griddle plate?

Season a cold rolled steel plate before the first cook, preheat it fully every time, and clean and re-oil the surface afterward. Stainless steel plates need no seasoning, just a full preheat and a wipe-down. Store either one dry or under a cover between cooks to keep the surface clean.

What is the difference between a griddle plate and a dedicated outdoor griddle?

A griddle plate is an insert that adds flat-top cooking to a grill you already own. A dedicated outdoor griddle is a standalone appliance with its own burners and a full flat-top surface. Buy the plate if you griddle occasionally, buy the griddle if flat-top cooking is your default.

How much should I budget for a griddle plate?

Griddle plates are listed from $50 to $500. Single stainless plates from American Made Grills and TrueFlame sit at the low end, while RCS Le Griddle dual-plate units and model-specific signature grates run higher. Fitment matters more than price, since a plate that does not fit your grate is unusable.