Primo Large Griddle

Does the Primo Large Griddle fit any other Primo size?

No, it is the Oval Large griddle. Primo makes a separate griddle for each grill in the range, and they are not interchangeable, so buying by size word is the whole trick. If you own more than one Primo you need the plate that names each one.

Why cook on a griddle instead of the standard grate?

Because a grate is mostly holes. Anything smaller than the gaps falls through, anything soft breaks up when you turn it, and anything liquid is out of the question. A solid plate holds all of it, keeps the rendered fat where the food is, and browns the full underside rather than striping it.

Can I sear a steak on the griddle?

Yes, and a solid surface gives you more crust than bars do because the whole face of the steak touches hot metal. What you give up is the grate mark. If those dark lines matter to you, the cast iron searing grate for the Oval Large is the tool built for that job.

What is the difference between this griddle and the searing grate?

One is solid, the other is ribbed. The griddle is a closed surface that cooks everything touching it and keeps fat in play. The searing grate is cast iron bars that concentrate heat into narrow lines and let fat fall away. Different results, and most people who cook a lot end up owning both.

Can I use the griddle and the searing grate at the same time?

Not on one level. Both want the cooking space directly over the fire, so you use one, take it off with gloves and put the other down. If you want them back to back, sear first while the fire is at its hottest, then swap to the griddle as it settles.

Do I need to oil it before cooking?

A light film helps, particularly with eggs and fish. Let the plate come up to heat with the grill rather than dropping it onto an already roaring fire, then wipe on a thin layer of a high-smoke-point oil just before the food goes down. Too much oil and you are frying, not griddling.