Griddles

What can you cook on an outdoor griddle?

Outdoor griddles handle smash burgers, pancakes and breakfast, fajitas, stir fry and hibachi-style cooking, plus anything that falls through grill grates or needs a continuous flat surface. The wide flat top also cooks high volume at once, which is why griddles suit game-day cooking and large family breakfasts.

What size outdoor griddle do I need?

Outdoor griddles here run from 16 to 42 inches. A 17 to 22 inch griddle suits couples, small patios and tailgating, 28 to 36 inches is where most families land, and 42 inch surfaces are for entertaining and high-volume cooking. Match the width to your island cutout if you are buying a built-in model.

Should I buy a built-in or freestanding outdoor griddle?

Buy a built-in griddle if it drops into an outdoor kitchen island for a finished, flush look, and a freestanding griddle cart if you want to roll it around the patio or take it to a tailgate. Both use the same burners and plate materials. Browse built-in griddles to compare models.

Cold rolled steel or stainless steel griddle plate, which is better?

Cold rolled steel seasons like cast iron, holds heat exceptionally well and builds a naturally nonstick surface, but it needs seasoning and care. 304 stainless steel resists corrosion and takes far less maintenance, at some cost in heat retention. Choose cold rolled steel for searing performance and stainless for low upkeep.

How do I get even heat on an outdoor griddle?

Preheat the griddle for 10 to 15 minutes before food touches it, since flat tops heat unevenly when cold. Then use the independently controlled burners to set distinct heat zones, a hot zone for searing and a cooler zone for holding. An infrared thermometer shows you where the hot spots actually sit.

How many burners does an outdoor griddle have?

Outdoor griddles here carry two to four burners, and more independently controlled burners mean more distinct heat zones. A one or two burner griddle is fine for a couple, while three and four burner models let you run eggs, bacon and pancakes at different temperatures at the same time.

What fuel do outdoor griddles use?

Outdoor griddles run on natural gas or propane, plus a few electric models. Natural gas needs a dedicated line, which suits built-in installations. Propane and electric give freestanding setups more portability. Electric griddles in this collection include dual-plate and multi-zone models for indoor and outdoor use.

How much should I budget for an outdoor griddle?

Outdoor griddles here span roughly $300 to $3,000, with the largest commercial-grade multi-burner units above that. The low end covers portable and tabletop models and replacement griddle plates, the middle covers 28 to 30 inch built-in gas griddles, and the top covers thick-plate units with interior lights.

Which brands of outdoor griddles do you carry?

Griddles here come from Le Griddle, Coyote, Blackstone, TrueFlame, Bonfire and Alfresco. Le Griddle covers the Pro Series, Commercial, Ranch Hand and Wee Griddle lines in gas and electric. Browse Le Griddle or Blackstone built-in griddles.

What is the difference between a 3mm and a 6mm griddle plate?

Le Griddle offers its Pro Series and Commercial griddles with 3mm or 6mm plate thickness. The 6mm plate holds more heat, so it recovers faster when cold food hits it and holds temperature through a big cook. The 3mm plate heats up faster and is the lighter-duty option.

Can I add a griddle to my existing grill?

Yes, in two ways. A drop-in griddle plate fits inside the grill in place of the grates and turns part of the cooking surface flat. Alternatively, a built-in griddle installs as its own head beside the grill in an outdoor kitchen island. Browse griddle plates for drop-in and replacement cooktops.

Do outdoor griddles need a hood or a cover?

A hood or cover protects the griddle plate between cooks, which matters most for cold rolled steel plates that rely on seasoning to stay protected. Several models include a built-in hood, and for the rest a fitted cover does the job. Built-in griddles set into combustible islands also need an insulating liner.