No matter how well-equipped your kitchen is, cooking outdoors is a game-changer. If you like to spend time out in nature or make big parties for your whole family, you need one of the best outdoor gas griddles.
Make dinner or breakfast foods for everybody under the open sky with an outdoor griddle. Steaks, corn tortillas, fried eggs, bacon, or pancakes – cook it all (and so much more).
Finding the right model is not always easy – but we’re here to help. Today, I’ll review some of the best outdoor gas griddles available on the market and cover everything you need to know to make your pick with our buyer’s guide below.
Top-Rated Outdoor Griddles
- A huge 748 sq in cooking surface
- Side shelves double as a protective cover
- Cast iron cooking top and stainless steel body
- Best in class 5-year warranty
- 720 sq in cooking surface
- 4 independently adjustable heat zones
- Plenty of space on the side shelves
- Even heat across the cooking surface
- Adjustable height rubber feet
- Super portable - only 20 lbs
Table of Contents
- Top-Rated Outdoor Griddles
- A Brief Introduction
- Outdoor Gas Griddle Reviews
- What Is The Best Outdoor Gas Griddle To Buy?
- Outdoor Gas Griddle Maintenance
- Conclusion
Other Recommendations
- Best Grill & Griddle Combo: Royal Gourmet GD401
- Portable Two-Burner: Blackstone 1666
- Portable Three-Burner: Royal Gourmet PDT1300
- Great Portable Option: Cuisinart CGG-501
- Best Combo Option: Camp Chef Flat Top Grill
- Great Option: Blackstone 1825 36″
If you’re still considering other options outside of an outdoor griddle, be sure to check out our other articles on propane and charcoal grills:
- Best Charcoal Grills
- Best Gas / Charcoal Combo Grills
- Best 2 Burner Gas Grills
- A Buyer’s Guide to Propane Burners
- Portable Pellet Grill Reviews
- Vertical Smoker Expert Reviews
- Best Built-in Grills
A Brief Introduction
There are many different models out there, so it can be tough to choose one.
- Some griddle tops are entirely flat; others are grooved.
- Griddles may be small and portable or weigh over 150 lbs.
- You may get a standalone griddle or opt for a griddle and grill combo.
- The cooking top may consist of cold-rolled steel or cast iron.
- Extra features like side shelves, integrated cutting boards, and adjustable legs can make your cooking experience better.
Griddles come in many shapes and sizes – and their heating power differs. So a good starting point is deciding what kind of griddle you want in advance.
The first thing to consider is where you want to place your outdoor griddle. It could be out in your yard, on your patio, or in your summer kitchen. The amount of space you have will be a critical factor.
Of course, budget is a significant concern too – the best outdoor griddle needs to be well-made and last a long time, so they’re not cheap.
We’ll dive deeper into these (and more) griddle features in the buying guide a bit further down. But now, let’s jump right into my reviews and find the best outdoor gas griddle out there!
Outdoor Gas Griddle Reviews
To best overall gas griddle needs to provide a great price to quality ratio - and the Blackstone 1554 does just that.
This classic griddle has everything you need. With a 720-square inch cooking area and four heat zones, you can make several dishes at once and prepare a full-course dinner for your friends.
This benefit comes with a caveat - this large griddle is not very portable. Though it has caster wheels and handles on the sides, the 120-pounder is difficult to haul. The Blackstone 1554 is a perfect choice if you want to make barbecue parties in your backyard.
The cold-rolled steel flat-top cooking surface heats up quickly and efficiently with four independently adjustable stainless steel burners (with a total of 60,000 BTUs). The top is removable, so it's easier to clean. You can use the side tables to prepare food for cooking and the bottom shelf to store your supplies. Additionally, this griddle has a holder for a 5-pound propane tank.
With a powder-coated steel frame, this powerful griddle will last for years to come. However, take the proper precautions, as it’s still vulnerable to rusting.
What We Like:
- 720 sq in cooking surface - big enough for parties
- Four independently adjustable heat zones
- Plenty of space on the side shelves
Needs Improvement:
- The rear-positioned grease trap is not great
- Customer service takes a long time to reply
Specs:
- Cooking Surface: 720 sq in
- Weight: 120 lbs
- Output Power (total BTUs): 60,000
- Burners: 4
- Cooking Surface Material: Cold rolled steel
- Frame Material: Powder-coated steel
If your budget isn't tight, throw in a bit more and treat yourself with this impressive model that rightfully bears the "Premium Choice" award. Made by Pit Boss, this 4-burner gas griddle is an excellent pick for any yard.
The 4.7 mm thick pre-seasoned griddle surface will heat up quickly. Use the Pit Boss' four stainless steel burners to get four different heat zones on the 748 square inch cooking surface. Just realize that weighing almost 120 pounds, you shouldn't plan on moving this griddle.
The shelves of this griddle also act as a protective cover and Pit Boss gives customers the best warranty in its class - this will cover your griddle for five years.
What We Like:
- Massive - feed everybody with a 748 sq in cooking surface
- Side shelves double as a protective cover
- Cast iron cooking top and stainless steel body
- Best in class - 5-year warranty
Needs Improvement:
- The ignition switch can be a bit unreliable
Specs:
- Cooking Surface: 748 sq in.
- Weight: 119 lbs
- Output Power (total BTUs): 62,000
- Burners: 4
- Cooking Surface Material: Cast iron
- Frame Material: Stainless steel
Want to make burgers or pancakes somewhere in the wilderness, under the open sky? This portable Blackstone tabletop griddle is the way to go.
This griddle is quite simple, but it's very well-made and very affordable. The 17" grill provides you with 268 square inches of cooking area, heated up by one H-shaped burner that can create up to 12,000 BTUs worth of heat. The cooking top is cold-rolled steel, so it heats up quickly, and it's easier to clean. Maintenance is made even simpler with a removable griddle top.
This small model weighs only 20 pounds, and with a 1 lb propane bottle, you will make fantastic food anywhere you go!
What We Like:
- The H-style burner provides even heat across the cooking surface
- Adjustable height rubber feet keep your griddle leveled on any terrain
- Perfect for camping because it's super portable - only 20 lbs
Needs Improvement:
- Customer service takes a while to respond
- No additional features - pretty basic
Specs:
- Cooking Surface: 268 sq in
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Output Power (total BTUs): 12,000
- Burners: 1
- Cooking Surface Material: Cold rolled steel
- Frame Material: Black powder-coated & stainless steel
If you're having trouble choosing between a flat-top griddle and a grill, then meet the Royal Gourmet GD401: the grill and griddle combo unit that will make your next family gathering taste amazing!
This combo model has it all. The cooking surfaces are big - 292 square inches each, which leaves you with a total of 584 square inches for griddling and grilling food. Two side tables to make food prep easier. A bar with hooks for utensils. The entire design of this Royal Gourmet combo unit revolves around maximum convenience.
It's powered by four stainless steel burners, each controlled individually to create four heating zones over the two cooking surfaces.
If you need to save space, you can fold the legs up when moving your griddle to storage. Though it's large and heavy, it still rolls nicely on all four wheels.
What We Like:
- Grill and griddle combo - use both sides at the same time
- Four individually controlled heat zones
- Ample space - side shelves and a bar with hooks
Needs Improvement:
- You need to get the cover separately
Specs:
- Cooking Surface: 584 sq in
- Weight: 103 lbs
- Output Power (total BTUs): 48,000
- Burners: 4
- Cooking Surface Material: Steel
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
Camping can be so much tastier with a portable tabletop griddle to prepare your food - why not this dual-burner Blackstone?
If you need more space for cooking than our Best Budget pick, consider this slightly larger and twice as powerful model. This portable Blackstone is also quite simple in terms of accessories and extra features. Still, it rocks a 339 square inch cold rolled steel cooking area. It's warmed up by two H-shaped stainless steel burners that give you a total of 24,000 BTUs of evenly distributed heat.
This small model uses a 1 lb propane bottle. At 34 lbs, it's easy to carry anywhere. Though it's a good idea to keep it covered when not in use, the frame is stainless steel so it's more rust resistant than other models.
What We Like:
- Even heat distribution with 2 H-style stainless steel burners
- Small and portable at 34 lbs
- Two independently adjustable heat zones
Needs Improvement:
- Some customers reported the frame paint peeling
Specs:
- Cooking Surface: 339 sq in
- Weight: 34 lbs
- Output Power (total BTUs): 24,000
- Burners: 2
- Cooking Surface Material: Cold rolled steel
- Frame Material: Stainless steel
If you are looking for a great portable griddle for camping but want more power or simply don't want a Blackstone, I recommend checking out this powerful mobile model made by Royal Gourmet. With three burners, this porcelain-enameled griddle top will bring super-delicious food to the table, completely stick-free.
Even though it comes with three independently adjustable heat zones, this flat top griddle's cooking area is only 316 square inches. This set-up is large enough to prepare food for three people at once, so your family won't go hungry on that tailgating event. The top is detachable for easy clean-up.
This tabletop model is small, yet you can hook it up to a 20 lb propane tank thanks to the regulator, which comes included in the package. Together, the three burners in this model can create up to 27,000 BTUs of heat. The burners are ring-shaped, designed for quick ignition and even heat distribution.
What We Like:
- Porcelain-enameled steel cooking top
- Three independently controlled stainless steel burners
- Includes a regulator for a 20 lb propane tank
Needs Improvement:
- This model does not allow for a 1 lb propane tank.
Specs:
- Cooking Surface: 316 sq in
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Output Power (total BTUs): 27,000
- Burners: 3
- Cooking Surface Material: Porcelain-enameled steel
- Frame Material: Stainless steel
Next up, we have another high-quality, portable model, this time made by Cuisinart. At 30 lbs and measuring 20 x 20 inches, this griddle is an excellent pick for all camping, picnic, and tailgating lovers.
Cook amazing pancakes, burgers, or veggies on 285 square inches of flat, cold-rolled steel. The surface utilizes two powerful burners that, combined, produce 20,000 BTUs of heat. Each burner operates independently, giving you two individual heat zones for cooking.
You can run this griddle with a regular 20 lb liquid propane tank. With a frame made of powder-coated steel, this griddle is durable.
What We Like:
- Small but powerful with two burners
- Reliable, quick customer service
Needs Improvement:
- It doesn't feature adjustable feet, so you need to use it on a level surface
Specs:
- Cooking Surface: 285 sq in
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Output Power (total BTUs): 20,000
- Burners: 2
- Cooking Surface Material: Cold rolled steel
- Frame Material: Powder-coated steel
Sometimes you want to make hash browns on a griddle, and other times you'd prefer to grill steak on a barbecue? Camp Chef has a gourmet gas griddle that will make your yard your favorite place for family gatherings and parties with friends.
This Camp Chef model seems like a regular flat top griddle, but underneath the removable flat griddle surface, there's a whole set-up with grill grates. The cooking area is quite big at 500 square inches. With a composition of thick cold-rolled steel, the surface heats up quickly, lasts a long time, and it's easy to clean up. Four burners warm up the cooking area with a total of 48,000 BTUs of heat.
This griddle is stationary since it's quite big and weighs 140 pounds. You can roll it around on two wheels and adjust the height of the legs. It features two bottom shelves and two side tables to give you ample space for food prep.
What We Like:
- Use it as a griddle or as a grill
- Plenty of space - two side tables and two bottom shelves
- Sturdy and well-built
Needs Improvement:
- Caps behind burner knobs are plastic - may get warped
Specs:
- Cooking Surface: 500 sq in
- Weight: 140 lbs
- Output Power (total BTUs): 48,000
- Burners: 4
- Cooking Surface Material: Cold-rolled steel
- Frame Material: Stainless steel
If you're simply after a classic, well-made griddle with ample cooking space and a practical design, I recommend this sturdy Blackstone.
This flat top griddle rocks an extra-big cooking area: at 720 square inches, the cold-rolled steel surface heats evenly and is ideal for eggs, pancakes, grilled cheese, or steak. The heat comes from four independently controlled stainless steel burners, totaling 60,000 BTUs spreading across four heat zones.
You get some extra space for food prep on the sides with two side tables; one of these features a cutting board, a trash bag hook, and a paper towel holder for maximum convenience.
Blackstone griddles have a unique rear grease management system with a grease tray attached right under the hole. This system works well for the most part, but some food may fall in and block your grease drainage system, so watch out for that.
What We Like:
- Extra-big cooking space at 720 square inches
- Four powerful burners reach up to 60,000 BTUs in 4 independent heat zones
- Paper towel holder, cutting board, and trash bag clips are helpful features
Needs Improvement:
- The rear grease trap is not a popular solution
Specs:
- Cooking Surface: 720 sq in
- Weight: 134 lbs
- Output Power (total BTUs): 60,000
- Burners: 4
- Cooking Surface Material: Cold rolled steel
- Frame Material: Powder-coated steel
What Is The Best Outdoor Gas Griddle To Buy?
The market is full of impressive models, but it’s not easy to find the absolute best outdoor gas griddle. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ll explore many different options to include side tables, griddle size, grease management system, the number of burners, and the top surface.
Flat vs Grooved Griddles
So should you choose a flat surface or stick to the traditional grooved surface? Which one makes for the best outdoor griddle? That depends on what you’re looking for.
A flat-top griddle is better for pancakes, hash browns, fried eggs, fish, and poultry. After a few minutes of cooking on a flat surface, a thin layer of fat emerges on the bottom, protecting the food from burning and keeping all the juices, flavor, and freshness. Additionally, a flat top griddle is easier to clean due to its shape.
A grooved griddle top resembles a grill. Large pieces of fat meat are simpler to grill on a grooved top. Your food doesn’t cook in fat with a grooved surface, and you create a signature BBQ pattern on steaks.
If you can’t choose one, you can get a combo gas grill and griddle with dual surfaces! I like the Royal Gourmet GD401.
Cooking Top Materials
Outdoor gas griddle cooking tops will typically feature cold-rolled steel or cast iron. The former is easier to maintain and more durable; the latter is more efficient and gives food a unique flavor.
If you have cold-rolled steel or a cast iron griddle, clean it while it’s still hot. However, a porcelain griddle will crack if you try to clean it right away. Wait for the surface to cool before you clean porcelain-coated griddle tops.
Grease Management System
If you’ve ever grilled bacon, you know how much grease it produces. Make sure that your gas griddle has borders and a tray for collecting grease. A grease catcher can attach to the side, to the front, or at the griddle’s center rear. Some models have a drain valve as well – this will save you time on cleanup.
How Many Burners?
The number of burners should be proportional to the size of the appliance. More burners come with a bigger cooking surface. That doesn’t mean that some of the best small gas grills can’t help you with your cooking adventures – it mainly means they are more compact at the cost of some BTUs.
For a family of four, 2 or 3 burners are enough. Suppose the family is larger, or maybe you’re the friendly host who often throws large parties. In that case, we recommend models with four stainless steel burners or more for intensive cooking of large portions of food and grilling various meals at the same time.
Keep in mind that for proper, tasty cooking, the cooking surface’s size does not matter. What’s important is that heat is evenly distributed across the surface.
Some high-quality gas grills will let you set up burners independently, letting you create heat zones on your cooking station. This is a great feature.
Regulator knobs
Regulator handles are a vital nuance that affects the accuracy of temperature control during cooking. The knobs on most appliances are plastic.
Regulators can be fixed or infinitely adjustable. The second option is preferable since it allows you to choose the temperature with an accuracy of 5-10 degrees.
Ensure they have smooth, adjustable settings, not only “high”, “medium”, and “low” temperatures; you’ll have situations where you want to reduce the heat just a little. You will not be able to do this with three-position knobs.
Cast or Assembled Griddle
This choice directly affects maintenance. A cast griddle is easier to clean because no food particles can get clogged in the joints and corners, and no grease or soot accumulates. Taking care of a gas griddle, constructed of several parts, especially if there is no self-cleaning system, requires more effort and time. The best outdoor griddle models will have a removable griddle top for more straightforward maintenance.
Portability
If you want to take your griddle with you to your next camping trip, tailgating event, or picnic, you need it to be portable. Small models are perfect for those who like exploring the great outdoors.
Even if your griddle never leaves your yard, you still need it to be somewhat portable. The main reason is that griddles rust easily, so it’s a good idea to move them to storage under a roof during the rainy season. Caster wheels and side handles can be a lot of help!
Rust Protection
Rust is any griddle’s enemy. High-quality griddles will include a stainless steel hood that covers the top. However, if you live close to the coast or your climate is very humid – even this protection will only last so long.
If your griddle is at all portable, keep it under a roof when not in use. I also recommend a fabric covering.
Accessories
Accessories extend the functionality of griddles. Side shelves, storage compartments, low tables, bars, hooks, bottle openers, cutting boards – all of it lets you increase the range of dishes you can make.
Side shelves are added to most outdoor gas griddles these days. Shelves are almost always a part of heavy stationary models, but they’re also good to have on your portable gas griddle at your next tailgating event. When located on the sides of the cooking area, the shelves can be used as a cutting surface and serving food.
Tables equipped with bars and hooks for kitchen utensils are incredibly convenient.
Your outdoor gas griddle may have a propane tank fastener or mounting system. A tank like this is convenient, no matter if you use small or big gas tanks.
It’s important to understand that enhanced functionality (or lack of it) affects the griddle’s final price. When you choose your set, remember that the price will rise with extra features.
Warranty
When buying a gas griddle, pay attention to the warranty period from the manufacturer. The warranty period for high-quality products is a few years, while mid-range griddles typically come with a 1-year warranty.
Outdoor Gas Griddle Maintenance
How do you remove rust from a griddle?
Rust only forms on the top layer of iron, and it doesn’t affect the construction of your griddle on the inside. If you scrape off the top layer of your flat top, this will help.
You will need:
- Metal scraper,
- Grill stone / orbital polisher / steel wool / medium-grit sandpaper
- Cooking oil,
- Damp cloth / paper towels
- Heat-resistant gloves.
Rust Removal Instructions:
- Turn the griddle on high and leave for 20 minutes. Doing this will make the rust easier to remove.
- After the griddle cools down a bit, get your metal scraper and scrape down the entire top layer. Get rid of any gunk, soot, and rust.
- Wait for the griddle to cool completely. If your griddle has a removable cooking top, take it off and lay it on a flat surface.
- Use steel wool, sandpaper, or an orbital polisher to scrub down the rust thoroughly. Apply 3-4 tbsps of oil across the rusty area if you use a grill stone to remove lightly affected spots.
- Wipe the griddle clean with a damp cloth or with paper towels.
- Apply another 3-4 tablespoons of oil and wipe the griddle down again. Continue pouring oil and wiping down until all signs of rust are gone.
- Finally, season the griddle surface to create a protective coating that avoids rust. Any cooking oil will do, but if you can grab yourself some flaxseed oil or olive oil, that’s even better, as they bound more to the metal. When you’ve finished seasoning, drip another 3-4 tablespoons of cooking oil for an additional protective layer.
Keep your griddle safe in a cool and dry place. Use a griddle cover to protect the unit from humidity. And remember – seasoning is as important as cleaning. Here’s a quick step-by-step on how to season a Blackstone griddle to get you started. Also, cleaning your Blackstone griddle is as important, if not more important.
How do you clean an outdoor griddle?
You will need:
- Griddle scraper
- Grill brick
- Cleaning rag
- Soda water (or club soda)
- Vinegar
- Cooking oil
Cleaning Instructions:
Clean your griddle at the end of each cooking session. Techniques abound but here’s what we recommend:
- Mix 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water in a spray bottle to clean your griddle.
- Pour some water onto your griddle to cover the whole surface and leave it for about 5 minutes.
- Use a griddle scraper to remove all food leftovers, sliding the debris into the drip pan.
- Take your spray bottle and spray the vinegar mixture all over the gas griddle top.
- Using a rag, rub the top clean with a circular motion.
- Wipe off the solution with water, a dish towel, and your griddle scraper.
- Finally, use a paper towel to wipe down the surface and let it dry completely.
- Now it’s time to season your griddle!
How do you season an outdoor gas griddle?
You will need:
- Damp cloth
- Griddle scraper
- Cooking oil
- Paper towels
- Cooking tongs / heat-resistant gloves
Seasoning Instructions
Seasoning your outdoor griddle will not only preserve your cooktop, but more importantly, it will significantly enhance the taste of your food. We highly recommend taking these important steps as soon as you set up your new griddle.
- Clean the cooking area with a scraper and wipe it down thoroughly with a damp cloth.
- Fire up your burners high and leave them on for 10-15 minutes.
- Pour some oil on top of the cooking area, keeping the burners on high.
- Using a ball made of a paper towel, spread the oil across the surface. Be careful not to burn your fingers. You can use tongs or heat-resistant gloves if you have them.
- Make sure to lubricate all of the edges, corners, and sides.
- The oil will soon start to smoke. Wait until the smoke stops, add more oil, and repeat the process.
- You can do that as many times as you want; however, 2-3 times are quite enough.
What kind of oil do you use on a griddle?
Any kind of cooking oil. Canola oil is considered the best. Olive oil and butter are also perfect for medium-heat cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking out in the yard with your family, tailgating with friends, or on a gaming trip, a gas griddle is a great way to prepare tasty food anywhere. Finding the best outdoor gas griddle for you can truly step up your BBQs.
If you feel that a griddle is not what you’re looking for, a gas and charcoal combo grill may be just what you need for your next cookout!
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