The 8 Best Outdoor Griddle for Your BBQ and Camping Needs
Outdoor cooking brings your dining experience to the next level, but this dream only comes true if you have a powerful griddle. Our guide to the 8 best outdoor griddle models has everything you need to turn your outdoor food into masterpieces. Let’s read on, choose the best griddle for your needs, and grab your apron! Tasty food is on the way!
Why Outdoor Griddles Are a Must-Have for BBQ Enthusiasts and Campers?
Cooking outside allows you to enjoy the most fun when smoke doesn’t surround you and ruin the atmosphere. But you can’t just bring the whole kitchen outside. That’s when outdoor griddles come into play!
Outdoor griddles work as mobile kitchens. They come in various shapes, materials, and types, giving you tons of choices for your BBQ parties and camping trips.
The Benefits of Using an Outdoor Griddle
Outdoor griddles offer tons of benefits to enhance your cooking experience, such as:
- Versatility in Cooking: The griddles allow you to try different recipes, from steak to pancakes. Grilling is the most common method, but you can sear, steam, or even smoke your food using griddles.
- Easy Cleanup and Maintenance: After grilling, just wait for the griddle to cool down and scrub off the debris. Many outdoor griddles these days have grease management systems for easier cleanup.
- Ideal for Large Gatherings: The large cooking surface lets you cook many dishes simultaneously. So, don’t mind asking your friends to join the fun!
What to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Griddle?
Outdoor griddles are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous benefits. You can find a lot of brands on the market. Here is how to select the best:
- Size and Portability: If you intend to use your griddle for camping or on the go, choose a lightweight model with portable features, such as a foldable design.
- Cooking Surface Material: Steel griddles are common because they can reach high temperatures. The durability is another plus.
- Heat Distribution and Temperature Control: You will cook different types of food on the griddle. Thus, ensure it can distribute heat evenly. Besides, choose a product that allows temperature control to cook safely and give your food the best flavor.
- Fuel Type: You can choose between gas and electric griddles. Gas griddles burn faster, but electric models are more accurate.
- Ease of Assembly and Storage: It would be best to use an easy-to-assemble and store griddle to save time.
- Additional Features to Look For: Some models have side tables, storage compartments, built-in thermometers, and temperature controls to enhance your cooking process.
The 8 Best Outdoor Griddle for Your BBQ and Camping Needs
We have gathered the best outdoor griddles right here. Let’s see which one can bring you the best cooking experience under the open key!
1. Traeger Grills 33-inch Flatrock Flat Top Gas Griddle
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This Traeger griddle is perfect for outdoor cooking. Why? First, it features FlameLock construction, which detects wind and keeps heat where you want it to be. Thus, you will get consistent cooking results no matter the weather conditions.
The triple-U burner is the next highlight. This feature aims to double the burner coverage, ensuring even heat distribution. There are also three different cooking zones, each having precise temperature control across the surface. So, when you cook multiple items at the same time, the grill can handle everything perfectly.
Users also love the fuel gauge. They know how much gas is left in the tank by checking the gauge. Then, you can plan their cooking sessions without worrying about running out of fuel.
Another exciting feature of this outdoor electric griddle to consider is the Pop-and-Lock accessories that connect to the rail along the outside of the griddle. You can then customize your griddle with different tools until the setup fits your cooking style and specific needs.
Even so, the accessories don’t satisfy all users. Some say that the utensil holder and rack become useless once they fold down the shelves. The clips are too huge, so only grill tools with a big ring can work with them.
| Specifications | |
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| Dimensions | 27 x 74 x 42 inches |
| Weight | 203 pounds |
| Fuel type | Gas and electric |
| Material | Metal |
2. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600
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Outdoor cooking becomes easier than ever with the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill. It has a portable design, including collapsible legs and foldable shelves. So, feel free to pack it up for your next camping trip!
Portable products are often small and weak, but this rule doesn’t apply to Camp Chef griddles. With burners that range from 12,000 to 18,000 BTUs, the grill can heat up your pre-seasoned griddle in no time.
The flat-top griddle is 609-square-inch large. Users claimed that the griddle was big enough to feed breakfast for up to 10 eaters. Such a portable big griddle!
The manufacturer prioritizes convenience when designing this griddle. Thus, it comes with a grease management system for easy cleanup. Thanks to the grease drain and catch cup, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Unfortunately, this product is not perfect. As a portable griddle, it should be more lightweight. Yet, some users didn’t like the heavy griddle plate.
| Specifications | |
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| Dimensions | 35 x 24 x 20.5 inches |
| Weight | 122 pounds |
| Fuel type | Gas |
| Material | Stainless steel |
3. Weber 28-Inch Gas Griddle, 3 Burner
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The Weber 28-inch Gas Griddle is all about durability and efficiency. The cookbox is made from durable aluminized steel, which prevents corrosion. Hence, you can use this griddle for years to come.
The griddle can burn fast, too. If you are a big fan of salmon filets and burgers, don’t miss it! Put your food there, and the burner can generate up to 60,000 BTUs to serve you quickly.
The best part? The Weber has two side tables and four hooks to keep your spatulas. A shelf below can hold anything you need for cooking. As you can see, this griddle aims to work as a mini kitchen that you can set up right in your lovely garden. The large wheels make transportation a breeze!
You will love the high-capacity grease tray, too. You don’t need to stop your fun just to get rid of the grease because the tray can handle it. It can also prevent splatter and spills.
The griddle has a nice design. However, some customers complained that there were weld marks. If you encounter the same issue, contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
| Specifications | |
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| Dimensions | 63 x 25 x 43 inches |
| Weight | 93 pounds |
| Fuel type | Gas |
| Material | Cast iron |
4. Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4 Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
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Char-Broil puts a lot of effort into the design step to refine the griddle. They use the stainless steel tray to shield delicate food from the heat and prevent small items from falling out. You can easily find some small holes on the tray, too, which help the chargrilled flavor reach your food.
The side burner is a smart decision. It’s where you keep your sauce and sides while grilling other items. You can also boil water and brew coffee there. If you don’t have any plan for it, flip the lid down. The lid then works as an additional working space.
For more convenience, the manufacturer introduces a Gear Trax system to give you more workspace with accessories like cup holders, tool hooks, and condiment baskets. This way, you don’t need to run in and out of your kitchen to look for the necessary tools. Designed to resist sticking, the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates can help you save time as well.
The back of the grill is open for ventilation. However, when mice or other wildlife look for food there, it will turn into a nightmare. So, cover the grill when it’s not in use.
| Specifications | |
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| Dimensions | 20.1 x 50.3 x 45.4 inches |
| Weight | 69 pounds |
| Fuel type | Gas |
| Material | Stainless steel |
5. Blackstone 36-Inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle
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The best selling point of this Blackstone griddle is its omnivore plate technology. The wind guards extend below to keep the burners working. This technology also deals well with thermal shock, too. This issue happens when you throw frozen or cold food on your burning grill. In such a scenario, the omnivore technology protects your griddle from warping and helps it recover quickly.
There are up to four burners in the grill. Hence, you can separate different dishes, allowing you to cook the entire meal without struggling with pans and pots.
Want more convenience? Check out the rear grease management system. It guides food debris to the back. The grease cup there is in charge of collecting the grease. So, all you need to do is clean it. However, the cup can’t catch all the grease. Some users wrap foil around the end of the drain to direct the grease flow. Blackstone should work more on its grease drain problem.
The long list of accessories may compensate for the weak grease management system. This griddle comes with two folding side shelves, tool hooks, four wheels, and paper holders to simplify your cooking process.
| Specifications | |
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| Dimensions | 62.5 x 22 x 36 inches |
| Weight | 120 pounds |
| Fuel type | Gas |
| Material | Steel and stainless steel |
6. Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill
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The materials of this outdoor gas griddle deserve recognition. Made of heavy stainless steel, the grill is super sturdy. It also has a durable control panel, a double-layer lid, and a heat-resistant handle. Thus, you can cook safely.
Speaking of heat, this Royal Gourmet griddle has a sear burner that can generate 14,000 BTUs. Its lidded side burner offers 10,000 BTUs. There are also four main burners, each producing 10,000 BTU. The best thing is that all the burners can cook quickly and evenly.
Let’s move to the cooking area! This griddle has porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates, known for excellent thermal conductivity. This feature aims to distribute heat evenly across the griddle.
You may like the built-in thermometer gauge, too. Placed on the top lid, the gauge helps you monitor the temperature in real time. So, no worries about overcooking!
One complaint about this product is that the griddle pieces don’t align perfectly together in some cases. Hence, they may shake a little bit when you clean them.
| Specifications | |
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| Dimensions | 52.95 x 25.2 x 45.67 inches |
| Weight | 80.9 pounds |
| Fuel type | Gas |
| Material | Stainless steel |
7. Cuisinart Flat Top CGG-0028 Two Burner Gas Griddle
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The dual grease management system with two front access grease cups of this griddle is a real game-changer for cleanup. Just guide the grease towards the cups. When you’re done, simply remove and clean them. No more messy drips, then!
Besides, Cuisinart focuses on portability. The griddle can fold flat for easy transportation and compact storage. You can also use the two wheels and handle to move it around your backyard or campsite. Convenience doesn’t stop there! The removable side table is a secure place for spices, tools, and plates.
Plus, the griddle allows you to create different cooking zones ranging from 200°F to 450°F. This high flexibility level means you can cook everything without worrying about uneven heating.
Yet, since the manufacturer pays attention to portability, they sacrifice the cooking surface. It may be too small for a large gathering.
| Specifications | |
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| Dimensions | 46.22 x 25 x 32 inches |
| Weight | 50 pounds |
| Fuel type | Gas |
| Material | Alloy steel |
8. Pit Boss Grills 75275 Stainless Steel Two-Burner Portable Grill
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Seek a lightweight and portable outdoor kitchen griddle? Go for this Pit Boss grill! Then, you are ready to celebrate any party anywhere! The grill only weighs 11.33 pounds with a small design, ensuring you can carry it easily.
Despite the tiny size, this product has a high-quality construction due to the material. Stainless steel is long-lasting and durable. Choose it, and it can accompany you to many parties!
Another great thing about the Pit Boss grill is that you don’t have to assemble it. Just take it out of the box, and it’s ready to work. Cleaning is easy, too. Using this grill, you can focus simply on cooking because other tasks don’t take a lot of time or effort.
When grilling your food, pay attention to the temperature to avoid overcooking. Some users say that this product doesn’t have good temperature control.
| Specifications | |
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| Dimensions | 23 x 19.5 x 16 inches |
| Weight | 11.33 pounds |
| Fuel type | Gas |
| Material | Stainless steel |
Comparison of the Top 8 Outdoor Griddle
Each model in our top list has its pros and cons. You need to consider the following factors to determine the best-suited option:
- Size and Cooking Area: Weber 24-inch and Blackstone 36-inch griddles offer the most spacious cooking area.
- Portability and Storage: Pit Boss Grills 75275 stands out with its ultra-lightweight design at just 11.33 pounds, making it an excellent choice for portability and storage.
- Heat Output and Control: The total 64,000 BTUs of Royal Gourmet GA5401T stands out in this regard. When it comes to heat control, the Traeger griddle shines more.
- Price Range: Pit Boss Grills 75275 is the most budget-friendly model, costing only $128, while Traeger is the most expensive at $899.
Tips for Maintaining Your Outdoor Griddle
Once you have a high-quality outdoor griddle grill, learn how to maintain it properly to maximize its lifespan. Here is how to do it:
- Cleaning After Each Use: Debris accumulation over time will ruin your griddle. Thus, clean it after every use with hot water to remove residue.
- Seasoning Your Griddle for Longevity: Seasoning the griddle means adding oil to protect it from rust. This treatment also helps it distribute heat evenly. Canola, vegetable, or avocado oil can all work.
- Proper Storage to Prevent Rust and Damage: Cover the griddle when not used. Remember to keep it off the ground to avoid moisture damage.
FAQs
How do I season my outdoor griddle?
Follow these steps to season your outdoor griddle:
- Clean the griddle and level it out
- Turn on the burners
- Apply oil to the high smoke points
- Reapply the oil until the cooking surface achieves your required seasoning and coloration level
- Cool down the griddle
Can I use a griddle for both BBQ and breakfast foods?
Yes. The griddle can prepare many types of food and deal with different cooking methods.
What fuel type is best for an outdoor griddle?
It depends on your preferences. For example, natural gas and liquid propane are easy to use but may affect taste. Meanwhile, charcoal offers a smoky flavor. Yet, it’s less consistent.
How portable are outdoor griddles?
The outdoor griddles’ weight, dimensions, material, and structure determine their portability. You should also choose a foldable model for easier transportation and storage.
How do I prevent food from sticking to the griddle?
You can add oil before food to prevent it from sticking to your griddle. The amount of oil depends on the type of food. For example, some food, like eggs, can be more prone to sticking, requiring more oil.
Conclusion
There you have it! The 8 best outdoor griddle models we mentioned above are the top-rated on the market. Each brings something special to the table. You need to consider your specific needs and preferences to opt for the most suitable one. Then, fire up the chosen griddle and impress your loved ones!