Outdoor gas griddles are becoming a popular purchase commonly sought after by many.
They are super versatile with a flat cooking surface that makes them suitable for cooking a range of foods.
Whether you're cooking breakfast for a few or lunch for a gathering a gas griddle provides the perfect cooking surface.
Outdoor gas griddles are available in many different sizes, while some are larger and better suited to garden settings, others are smaller and a convenient option for outdoor activities and picnics, etc.
If you are uncertain as to which grill is best for your needs, not to worry as we have you covered. We have done the hard work and reviewed our top five picks of the best outdoor gas griddles available.
Below, we have highlighted different features of gas griddles along with our top tips for selecting the best product that is going to cater to all of your cooking needs.
OUR TOP PICK
Are you looking for a substantial sized griddle that will allow you to cater to a generously sized crowd at once? If so the Blackstone Outdoor Griddle Station could be the perfect choice for you.
This grill features 4 burners that allow for multiple adjustable heat zones depending on the food cooking.
If you are cooking foods that take different amounts of time, this helps to eliminate the risk of your food burning, instead, keeping it warm until the rest of the food is ready too.
With an expansive cooking surface, this griddle is perfect for cooking lots of food, that said, if you choose, you can choose to use one or two of the burners rather than all 4, to accommodate the cooking needs of an individual.
Durably constructed, this griddle has been made from thick steel to create a hardy cooking surface that can retain heat well whilst ensuring that it is distributed evenly.
All four caster wheels are made from industrial strength materials for efficiency when moving the griddle. Two of these wheels are also lockable so you can secure the griddle in place as you cook.
Pros
- This griddle can be ignited easily using the quick ignition button.
- The griddle top can be removed for easy cleaning.
- Four independently controlled burners allow you to alter the heat according to the food cooking.
- It boasts a generously sized 32” cooking surface - ideal for catering to large groups.
- It features two side shelves that are useful for holding your utensils or condiments.
Cons
- The grease trap is a little narrow which may cause a build-up of mess.
EDITORS CHOICE
With a 36” cooking surface that is 4.5mm thick, this sturdy griddle is great for accommodating large groups of people.
Equipped with 4 independently controlled steel tube burners, the heat of the grill can be adjusted to suit the food that is cooking.
The ability to create four adjustable cooking zones helps to ensure that your food is cooked to perfection and food that consumes less time isn't going to burn, instead, it can be left to warm.
This griddle has been made from stainless steel for enhanced durability. It also features two shelves that can be found on both sides of the griddle.
This provides a convenient place for storing your utensils and seasonings as you cook.
Thanks to the 4 locking caster wheels, you can move this griddle with ease to different locations. It is also easy to use and ignite courtesy of the electronic ignition system.
Simply press the button and then you are good to go. Impressively, this griddle has a detachable cup that catches the grease and juices from your food as they cook.
Ultimately, this makes it much easier to clean after use.
Pros
- The griddle surface can be removed for easy cleaning.
- The caster wheels are designed with brakes to secure the griddle in place as you cook.
- The detachable oil cup catches the grease for mess-free cooking.
- It has a spacious cooking surface that is ideal for catering to larger groups.
- The 4 burners allow for effective heat distribution.
Cons
- The build quality of this griddle could be improved.
BEST VALUE
Another pick from the brand Blackstone is the Portable Outdoor Table Top Gas Griddle.
Unlike our previous pick, this griddle is smaller in size measuring 17.5” x 18” x 8.5” and has a 17” cooking surface; ideal for camping, road trips, and outdoor activities.
This griddle has been designed with convenience and ease of use in mind. It is fueled by a small amount of propane and functions via an easy to use electric igniter system.
The built-in grease tray ensures that you are not faced with a build-up of mess following cooking.
Thanks to its smaller size, this griddle is super portable. When not in use, the surface can be folded neatly on top of the base making it more compact and easier to transport.
Impressively, this griddle has a 12,000 BTU heat output and a H style burner that allows for fast and effective heat distribution.
Pros
- Durably constructed this grill has been made using cast iron.
- The size makes it a perfect accompaniment to outdoor activities and vacations.
- The grease tray catches the juices from the food as it cooks.
- This griddle is easy to use.
- It’s easy to clean as the surface simply needs to be wiped over following use.
Cons
- The quality of this grill could be improved as some customers have reported issues with warping.
RUNNER UP
Featuring a slightly more unique design, this CUISINART Outdoor Flat Top Griddle Cooking Center has a circular cooking surface that is 22” in size.
This generously sized surface is perfect for allowing you to cook and enjoy restaurant standard food from the comfort of your own home.
This griddle is equipped with two burners with a temperature range of 200° to 550°. Combined, these burners have a total 30,000 BTU rating.
Each of the burners can be controlled independently so that you can alter the temperature of the zones to suit the food that is being cooked.
Courtesy of the stainless steel lid, you can enjoy cooking in multiple ways. Choose from roasting, steaming, baking, or smoking your food thanks to the versatile design.
A convenient feature is the folding side table that provides a useful space for keeping your utensils and seasonings safe as you cook. It also allows you to prepare the food with ease.
Pros
- The grease cup catches the juices from the food for easy cleaning after use.
- The wheels make it easy to maneuver to different locations.
- It is equipped with a useful paper towel holder that helps to tackle any messes quickly.
- The stainless steel lid allows you to use this griddle in multiple ways.
- The side table provides a convenient place for preparing food and keeping utensils.
Cons
- Some may find this grill a little difficult to assemble.
RUNNER UP
The Camp Chef Flat Top Grill is a versatile cooking station that can be used in two ways. Courtesy of the interchangeable surfaces you can use this station as a grill or a griddle.
When used as a griddle the cooking surface measures 604 square inches and when used as a grill, the surface measures 501 square inches.
Larger in size, this griddle is equipped with 4 stainless steel burners that have a 12,000 BTU rating. This allows you to alter the temperature for specific areas of the cooking surface so that you can create a heat zone that suits the food being cooked.
This griddle is also easy to use and can simply be ignited using the control knobs rather than matches or charcoal.
Impressively, this cooking station boasts plenty of storage. At either end of the griddle, 2 large folding shelves provide a convenient place for preparing the food before cooking and also storing your utensils and seasonings, etc.
Underneath the surface, there are a further two shelves that provide plenty more room for storing your cooking essentials.
Pros
- The height of the griddle can be altered thanks to the adjustable leg levelers.
- The two wheels allow you to move this griddle with ease.
- It comes with 472 square inches of storage space.
- This griddle has been durably constructed from stainless steel.
- It’s very versatile and can be used as a griddle or a grill.
Cons
- Unfortunately, the cooking surface can be difficult to clean and is prone to rusting shortly after use.
Best Outdoor Gas Griddles Buying Guide
Before making your purchase there are several factors that we recommend you consider.
This will ensure that you select the griddle that is best suited to all of your cooking needs.
From the size of the cooking surface to the build quality and price, there are many different things to consider before making your purchase.
The Size of the Grill
It is important to consider the size of the griddle so that you select the best option for your needs. Some are larger which makes them better suited to catering to large groups of people at once.
Other grills are smaller in size which makes them a more convenient and portable option for taking with you on the go if you plan to use it for vacations etc.
The Cooking Surface
The cooking surface of a griddle is typically measured in square inches. The size of the cooking surface that you require is going to depend on the number of people that you are cooking for.
If you often find yourself hosting get-togethers then of course opting for a griddle with a larger surface is going to be preferable as it will accommodate the volume of food. This also helps to avoid delays with cooking food as it can all be ready at the same time.
If you are likely to be cooking for a smaller group of people or using this griddle for cooking on the go, a smaller cooking surface will be sufficient in accommodating your cooking needs.
The Materials
The materials that are used to construct your griddle are going to influence its efficiency and durability. The majority tend to be made using stainless steel as it is strong and robust and more resistant to damage. The materials that are used to make your griddle should also be resistant to rusting as this is going to help prolong the quality so that you can enjoy long-lasting use.
The Burners
All grills come with a certain amount of burners and it is likely to differ depending on the size of your griddle. The burners are the source that distributes heat to the cooking surface. Many large griddles will have 4 burners.
A griddle with more burners is going to heat the cooking surface quicker. You will also find that the majority of these burners can be independently controlled so that you can create different temperatures cooking areas to cater to the food that is being cooked.
The BTU
BTU stands for British Thermal Units and is a measurement of how much fuel your griddle is going to consume within a specific amount of time.
The higher the BTU rating of your griddle the faster is it going to burn fuel. Ultimately, this means that the griddle is going to heat up much faster.
Portability
The portability of your griddle is important if you are likely to be moving it to different locations. A griddle that has been designed with wheels is going to be much easier to move around your garden.
When you are expecting adverse weather, you may choose to move your griddle to a more sheltered area of your outdoor space and the addition of caster wheels is going to make this task much easier.
It is also beneficial to opt for wheels that lock into place as this keeps your griddle securely in place as you cook.
The Storage
Many griddles are designed with foldable side tables that are convenient for preparing your food before cooking it on the griddle. These tables can also come in handy for storing your utensils so that you don’t have to keep holding them for the duration of the cooking process.
Additionally, you may choose to store any seasonings or condiments on these storage tables. Some griddles will even have storage shelves underneath the cooking surface providing you with plenty of additional space to keep any other of your cooking necessities.
The Durability
Your griddle is likely to be stored outside throughout the year, particularly if the cooking station is larger. It is important to ensure that your grill has been constructed using durable, high-quality materials.
There are many weather conditions that your griddle is likely to endure. Not only does this include wind and rain that can cause damage but also strong sun and high temperatures too.
If your grill is exposed to high temperatures it may result in fading at a faster pace which is, of course, going to affect the longevity and quality of the griddle.
It is preferable to opt for a grill that comes with a cover as this will help to protect it during exposure to harsh weather and strong winds.
The Price
The price of a griddle can vary between different brands. It can also be influenced by a variety of factors.
For example, a smaller griddle is likely to be cheaper than one that is larger.
The quality is also going to affect the price. While there are many affordable griddles available it is important to ensure that you don't compromise on the performance and the build quality of your grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Difference Between a Griddle And a Grill?
The most noticeable difference between a griddle and a grill is the design.
A griddle is flat with a smooth cooking surface while a grill has a more textured surface with raised ridges.
Are Gas Griddles Good?
Gas griddles are a great choice for accommodating large gatherings where you are likely to be cooking a lot of food at once.
However, you can also get models that are small enough to take with you on the go and use at vacation sites. Using a gas griddle can have many benefits. They tend to be much more powerful than most other models.
They are also much easier to use as they don't use charcoal and so they are easier to ignite.
Is it Better to Use a Griddle Than a Grill?
There are many benefits of using a griddle rather than a grill.
They tend to be much more effective in containing the food as they aren't designed with gaps that present a risk of the food falling through the grates.
Food that is cooked on a griddle also tends to brown food faster than it would on a grill would and this is due to the flatter cooking surface.
Last update on 2024-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API