The 10 Best Outdoor Griddles of 2023

Photo: Cuisinart

Whether you want to bring that amazing restaurant cooking flavor to your home or plan to hold regular backyard barbecues for friends and family, you need to invest in the best outdoor griddle.

Although you can make a wide variety of great tasting food on both grills and griddles, the two provide two distinct cooking styles. With a grill, you get a unique smokey flavor on your meats and other dishes which would be impossible to get with a griddle.

Griddles, on the other hand, are designed to provide even heat across a larger surface to allow you to make a lot of food within a short time. Also, you can use them to cook foods that would be impossible to make on the grill such as pancakes, eggs and a variety of vegetable dishes.

However, to open up the larger world of cooking possibilities that comes with a griddle, you need to pick the best one. This piece provides some detailed top 10 reviews and a buying guide to help make it easy for you to choose a good outdoor griddle.

10 Best Outdoor Griddles – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Blackstone 1554 (Best Overall)	Highly durable housing and  burners Independently-controlled heat zones Easy and convenient ignition Bottom and two side shelves for extra storage space
	2. Blackstone 1650 (Best Countertop)	Compact and portable countertop griddle Relatively more affordable Faster and more even heating Quicker and more effortless cleanup
	3. Camp Chef FTG600 (Versatile 2-in-1 Design)	Versatile design is convertible into a grill Seasoned and ready to cook immediately More efficient grease management system Smooth rolling wheels for Easy mobility
	4. Camp Chef FTG900 (Fast Heating Grill with Large Cooking Surface)	Relatively larger cooking surface Faster and more even heating Efficient grill management system Dual bottom and side shelves
	5. Cuisinart CGG-501 (Fast & Efficient Cooking Guaranteed)	Faster and highly efficient cooking Simple twist start ignition and heat control Compact and more portable No assembly required
	6. Royal Gourmet GD401 (More Flexible & Versatile)	Powerful and independently controlled burners for versatile cooking Simple electronic ignition Quick and easy cleanup Industrial strength caster for easy mobility
	7. Lodge LPG13 (Tough Reversible Cast Iron Griddle)	Durable cast iron construction Reversible design for versatile cooking Lightweight and portable Seasoned for immediate cooking
	8. Camp Chef SG100 (Spacious Flat Griddle with True-Seasoned Finish)	Relatively more spacious cooking area Seasoned for immediate use Durable steel construction Convenient high wall design
	9. Little Griddle SQ-180 (Highly Affordable & Long-Lasting)	Relatively more budget-friendly Long-lasting stainless steel construction Lightweight and portable Easy to clean design
	10. Blackstone 1560 (Top Notch Stainless Steel Griddle)	Durable stainless steel construction with a nice finish Larger cooking surface Super easy to assemble griddle Industrial strength wheels for increased portability Independently controlled heat zones

1. Blackstone 1554 – Best Overall

Photo: Blackstone

• Cooking Space: 720 square inches
• Material: Cold rolled steel
• Weight: 120 pounds

With a cooking space of 720 square inches, this Blackstone outdoor griddle will be highly useful whether you are cooking for a small party or one person.

It is a highly durable griddle designed to offer many years of service that features a cold rolled steel plate, stainless steel burners and a powder coated steel frame.

This propane-powered griddle also has four independently controllable heat zones to allow you to cook different foods at the time or have some keeping warm as you make other dishes. And this is a highly convenient feature because in most instances you will need to griddle dishes.

Also, you will not have to struggle trying to fire it up or have to use matches as it uses an easy start push-button ignition. The design includes a bottom shelf and two side shelves for extra storage, and some smooth rolling wheels for easy mobility.

Although the grease drain seems poorly designed, you can easily take care of this shortcoming with a simple and cheap modification. Despite the few assembly challenges that you are likely to experience, setting up this griddle is still quick and easy.

Pros:

• Highly durable construction
• Lots of cooking space
• Independently controllable heat zones
• Easy start push button ignition
• Includes bottom and side shelves

Cons:

• Poor grease drain design
• Few assemble challenges

2. Blackstone 1650 – Best Countertop Griddle

Photo: Blackstone

• Cooking Space: 260 square inches
• Material: Cold rolled steel
• Weight: 25 pounds

The compact size and lightweight design of this Blackstone griddle is designed to make it convenient and highly portable as you can use it from almost anywhere.

This top-rated outdoor griddle provides a cooking surface of 260 square inches which might be a fraction of what you get from other larger models but still quite good for such a small and highly affordable griddle.

Also, it is designed to provide fast and even heating so that it will be ready to use in just a few minutes which is just what you need when camping, tailgating or doing any other outdoor activities.

Cleanup is quick and easy as you will only need to wipe it down with paper towels after use, and the storage is also simple and convenient.

The relatively smaller cooking space and drip tray are the few shortcomings of this outdoor griddle. However, they are still more than enough for most users.

Pros:

• Compact and easily portable
• Easy-to-use electric igniter
• Simple wipe down clean up
• Quick and even heating
• Relatively affordable

Cons:

• Relatively smaller cooking space
• Small drip tray

3. Camp Chef FTG600 – Versatile 2-in-1 Design

Photo: Camp Chef

• Cooking Space: 604 square inches
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 139.6 pounds

The 604 square inches of cooking space that you get on the FTG600 should be enough room to ensure efficient cooking.

However, the 2-in-1 design is what will impress most users and also what makes this one of the best propane outdoor griddles as you can easily convert it into a grill.

This outdoor griddle comes with a true seasoned finish that makes it ready to cook immediately. You can also easily fire it up thanks to the matchless ignition system.

With the efficient grease management system that includes a grease tray and catch bucket, clean up is quick and easy.

Also, this griddle will come with some handy roller wheels for easy transportation, griddle levelers and adjustable leg levelers.

The relatively smaller diameter of the grease drain tube makes it more prone to clogging, but unclogging is a simple and almost effortless task.

Pros:

• Works as both grill and griddle
• Seasoned finish is ready to use
• Quick and matchless ignition
• Efficient grease management system
• Handy roller wheel for easy mobility

Cons:

• Drain grease tube clogs easily
• Still quite prone to rust

4. Camp Chef FTG900 – Fast Heating Grill with a Large Cooking Surface

Photo: Camp Chef

• Cooking Space: 877 square inches
• Material: Cold rolled steel
• Weight: 172 pounds

FTG900 by Camp Chef provides an impressive 877 square inches of cooking space which is the largest in our outdoor griddle review. And so this will be great for use when cooking for a large group.

This outdoor griddle uses 6 stainless steel burners with 12,000 BTU’s each that are designed to provide fast and even heating, and they are independently controllable to allow you to get different heat zones.

Also, the griddle has an efficient grease management system that will make cleanups quicker and easier so that you can put more effort into your barbecuing and not griddle maintenance.

Storage space is also well-catered for with two bottom shelves and two side shelves, and the griddle also has some high-quality transportation wheels.

This is a relatively heavier outdoor griddle and so moving it can be a little hectic. However, the wheels will make things much easier, and you can also easily separate it into two for more manageable transportation.

Pros:

• Larger cooking surface
• Fast heating and independently controllable burners
• Pre-seasoned and ready to cook
• Quick matchless ignition
• Multiple storage shelves

Cons:

• Relatively heavier
• Expensive

5. Cuisinart CGG-501 – Fast and Efficient Cooking Guaranteed

Photo: Cuisinart

• Cooking Space: 285 square inches
• Material: Cold rolled steel
• Weight: 25 pounds

With the extra thick cold rolled steel surface on this outdoor griddle, it will hold heat well and for longer to ensure faster and more efficient cooking.

This compact and lightweight griddle is designed for portability as you can easily carry it along for camping or tailgating. Despite the compact design, it still provides a decent size cooking space of 285 square inches.

The portable outdoor griddle also uses two burners to provide better heat control and a simple twist is all it takes to ignite these burners. It will come fully assembled to make it more convenient and readier for immediate use.

While a full width or larger grease drip tray would have been better, the smaller one that you get on this griddle will still do a good job and make cleanups easy.

Pros:

• Extra thick surface for efficient cooking
• Compact and highly portable
• Simple twist to start ignition
• Two burners for better heat control
• Comes fully assembled

Cons:

• Small grease catch pan

6. Royal Gourmet GD401 – More Flexible and Versatile Griddle

Photo: Royal Gourmet

• Cooking Space: 292 square inches
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 103.6 pounds

A grill and griddle combo like this one by Royal Gourmet offers more versatile and flexible cooking, and there is almost nothing that you cannot use it cook.

The griddle is designed to be easy to assemble and use and with 4 burners that can be independently controlled to create different heat zones for even more versatile cooking.

Ignition is also made simple by an electronic system that will only require you to push a button and the griddle will be ready to cook.

Cleaning should be a quick and easy task thanks to the built-in grease channel and removable drip pans. Also, you can easily move this griddle around as it comes with four industrial strength casters.

Although the side tables are relatively smaller when compared to what you get from other top griddles, they will still provide adequate food preparation space.

Pros:

• Versatile with both grill and griddle
• Independent heat zones for flexible cooking
• Easy to assemble/us
• Convenient electronic ignition
• Simple grease management and cleanup

Cons:

• Smaller side tables
• Does not get as hot as other top models

7. Lodge LPG13 – Tough Reversible Cast Iron Griddle

Photo: Lodge

• Cooking Space: 163 square inches
• Material: Cast iron
• Weight: 3.35 pounds

Cast iron is a tough and highly durable material, and it is what will ensure that this reversible griddle that also works as a grill will serve you well for many years.

It is the lightest item on our outdoor griddle reviews which means that it will be easy to carry around. And it includes easy-grip handles for more convenient transportation.

This griddle is seasoned to make it ideal for immediate use and the seasoning will also improve as it ages to ensure you always get great tasting foods. And you can use it over the stove, on the oven or on a grill.

The 163-square inch cooking space that you get with this griddle is the smallest on our list, but it is still spacious enough for making large quantities of food and is also bigger than what you get with many others in its class.

Pros:

• Tough and durable for long lasting service
• Reversible grill/griddle design
• Excellent heat retention and distribution
• Lightweight and highly portable
• Seasoned and ready to use

Cons:

• Relatively smaller cooking space
• Not entirely non-stick

8. Camp Chef SG100 – Spacious Flat Door Griddle with True-Seasoned Finish

Photo: Camp Chef

• Cooking Space: 608 square inches
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 42 pounds

If you are on the hunt for the best outdoor flat top griddle for cooking for a larger group, this one will be a good buy as it will provide 608 square inches of cooking space.

It features a heavy-duty steel construction that is designed to offer many years of great service and to withstand the abuse that comes with regular use.

With the true-seasoned finish, this griddle is designed to be ready for immediate use. The design of this portable griddle also includes high sides for easy cooking, grease drain for easy cleaning and heat diffuser plates to ensure a more even heat distribution.

Although the diffuser plates do a great job in eliminating the hot spots, this griddle might still develop a few hot spots when using it for extended periods. But, this should not be a dealbreaker as it is typical of most of this style of griddles, and it will still cook well and evenly.

Pros:

• Relatively large cooking area
• Pre-seasoned to make it ready for use
• High wall design for easy cooking
• Convenient grease drain
• Even heat distribution

Cons:

• Still has a few hot spots

9. Little Griddle SQ-180 – Highly Affordable and Long-Lasting Griddle

Photo: Little Griddle

• Material: Stainless steel
• Weight: 9 pounds

Little Griddle SQ-180 is our cheapest outdoor griddle, and despite the highly affordable price tag, it is still designed to offer long-lasting service and great cooking.

This griddle is lightweight and highly portable to ensure that you can use it from almost anywhere. With its built-in full-width grease well, managing the grease and clean up should also be quicker and easier.

There are also some generous size side walls that are designed to ensure the food remains on the griddle when cooking, and its unique ventilation design will always ensure an even airflow.

This easy to clean griddle is also backed by a lifetime warranty to give users some assurances that it will last long enough.

While some handles would have been a great addition, this is still an easy griddle to handle once it cools down. And emptying the grease catcher will also not be hectic if you allow it to cool and once you get used to it.

Pros:

• Highly affordable
• Lightweight and portable
• Generous side walls
• Built-in full-width grease well
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Needs some handles
• Emptying grease catcher can be a little hectic

10. Blackstone 1560 – Top Notch Stainless Steel Griddle

Photo: Blackstone

• Cooking Space: 720 square inches
• Material: Stainless steel
• Weight: 118 pounds

Whether you are cooking for your small family or having a few friends over, the 720 square inches of flat cooking space that you get on this outdoor griddle should be more than enough.

This stainless steel griddle is designed to be super easy to assemble and use. And it also uses an easy start push button for quick start-ups.

With the independently controlled heat zones on this griddle, it is easy to cook different types of foods at a go without undercooking or burning any of it.

The easy portability also helps to make this one the best propane outdoor griddles out there. It stems from the fact that this griddle not only comes with industrial strength wheels but also because it has a removable griddle top and foldable legs.

Although the grease trough needs a design improvement for more efficient draining, you can fix it with a little innovation. And the relatively higher price tag of this griddle is only a reflection of its quality and the service that it offers.

Pros:

• Sturdy stainless steel construction
• Relatively large cooking surface
• Easy to assemble and simple to use
• Independently controlled heat zones
• Industrial strength wheels

Cons:

• Relatively pricier
• Grease trough design needs improvement

​How to Buy the Best Outdoor Griddle

Photo: Camp Chef

When it comes to picking one griddle from the many models, there are some factors that you need to keep in mind and they include the following.

1. Cooking Surface

The cooking surface is probably the most important part of the outdoor grill as it is where you will place the food. Hence, it should be one of the first factors to consider.

When it comes to the cooking surface, the size is the most important factor to watch out for when shopping. And here the right cooking surface for you will depend on your needs. If you cook for many people often the 720 square inches, you get on the Blackstone 1554 will be highly useful.

The cooking surface will be measured in square inches and the larger the better as it means you will have a lot of space for cooking a lot of food.

If you are shopping for something to use from your back porch to cook for an average family size, something with a cooking surface of at least 200 square inches should be enough. Hence, in such instances the 260 square inches you get on the Blackstone 1650 is fantastic. 

2. Material

Just like with a traditional grill, the material also matters a lot when it comes to the griddle as it will determine both the performance and durability.

When it comes to the griddle material you will need to consider both the top or plate material and the frame material.

For the plate, there are many options to choose from which include, cast iron, cold rolled steel, and chrome. Cold rolled steel is the most common and popular option thanks to its durability and heat retention capability while chrome griddles are the easiest to clean.

There are also various frame material options but something strong and durable that can withstand the elements and regular abuse like solid steel is the best option.

3. Temperature Range

The best outdoor griddles are the ones that will provide a wide temperature range as they will be ideal for cooking most kinds of foods.

Being able to control the temperature minimizes the risk of burning or undercooking your food. Depending on the types of food you intend to be griddling, you should consider both the maximum and minimum temperature the griddle can attain to determine whether it will be ideal for you or not.

Also, make sure that the griddle makes the temperature adjustment easy by having some good control knobs.

4. Portability

If you do not want to be confined to using your griddle from your backyard only, you also need to consider the portability.

When it comes to portability there are many factors that come into play. The first one is the size and weight of the griddle, and here the smaller and lighter it is the more portable it will be.

Also, the ease of taking it apart and assembling it will determine how convenient it will be to carry around.

The best portable outdoor griddle will also include wheels or casters to it easy to move around without having to lift it.

5. Ease of Maintenance

Because your outdoor griddle will be handling food regularly, it is important to make sure that you keep it clean and in good shape.

The most important thing that you need to do to maintain your griddle is to clean it, and so it is important to make sure that whatever you buy is quick and easy to clean up. A model with an efficient grease management system like Camp Chef FTG600 will give you an easier time when it comes to clean up.

The best and easiest to maintain outdoor griddle models are the ones that will only require a simple wipe down after use.

FAQs

Q: What Food Can I Cook on the Outdoor Griddle?

A: Basically, you can use your griddle to cook almost anything. All you need to do is to set the right temperature for the particular food, clean the surface and start cooking.

You can make breakfast foods like eggs, bacon, sausages and French toast on your griddle or cook sandwiches like grilled cheese, avocado melts or cheesesteaks.

A griddle is also great for stir-frying, preparing traditional foods like teppanyaki, fried rice, and Mongolian BBQ, making burgers and for seafood like shrimp and flaky fish, the list is endless.

Q: Which Oil Should I Use on My Outdoor Griddle?

A: There are many options when it comes to choosing oil for cooking on your outdoor griddle. However, it is always a wise idea to use oils that are ideal for high-heat sautéing. These oils include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, and coconut oil.

The temperature that you are cooking at is the main determinant of the oil to use when griddling because butter and olive oil will still be excellent for low heat and medium-heat cooking.

Q: How do I Season the Outdoor Griddle?

A: Seasoning is what gives your griddle that thick blackened non-stick coating that ensures it will last the test of time as it will not scratch easily and will also add a nice flavor to everything you cook.

To season your outdoor griddle, you will need the following things

• Bucket of water
• Cooking oil
• Cooking gloves/tongs
• Salt
• Paper Towel
• Soap

Here is how to season the griddle in 5 easy steps.

Step 1: Cleanse the Griddle

Cleaning your griddle is easy as you will only need to fill a bucket with water, add soap powder and gently pour the soapy water on the griddle before rinsing with the paper towels.

Step 2: Darken It

Once the griddle is clean and dry the next step is to darken it which is what gives it the blackened and non-stick surface. Here you will only need to turn the burners to the maximum level and let the heat do its job for at least 10 minutes or until the griddle turns brown.

Step 3: Dub Some Oil

As you season the griddle you will be creating a non-stick surface for adding flavor to your dishes, and so you need oil that is rich in fatty acids that will bond to the griddle plate. Some of the best oils to use here are canola, coconut, vegetable and flax oil.

Once you pick your preferred oil, pour it on the plate and spread it with paper towels, and make sure there are no dry spots or thick puddles of oil.

Step 4: Fire Up the Griddle

Turn the burners to maximum and leave the griddle to blacken for about 30 minutes. The griddle will typically billow with smoke and you will know it is ready once all the smoke is gone.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

For the best results, you have to repeat steps 3 and 4 above for a few more rounds, and so you need to be patient. In most cases, 2 to 3 rounds should be enough to get the griddle to that dark brown color you want. And once this is done, you only need to wipe it down with paper towels and it will be ready for use.

Q: How do I Clean My Outdoor Griddle?

A: Once cooking is done, you need to turn off the burner and while the plate is still warm use a stainless steel scraper to scrape off food residues. Then sprinkle some oil or pour half a cup of water to loosen any remaining food residue before scrubbing the surface. And once the griddle has cooled off you should finish by wiping the grease trough with paper towels.

Q: How do I Maintain My Outdoor Griddle?

A: Cleaning your outdoor griddle is the most important and main aspect of maintaining it. However, you need to prevent rust by seasoning it with oil before and after cooking. Also make sure that you store it in a cool and dry place so that it does not get damp, and keep it covered to prevent scratches, dust, and other damages.

Conclusion

When it comes to buy an outdoor griddle, our top 10 reviews above provide more than enough recommendation, and you can be confident you will have a high-quality unit regardless of what you choose.

However, if you are looking for something highly durable that offer many other features like independent heat zones, effortless ignition and spacious storage space, the Blackstone 1554 is our top recommendation.