Best Outdoor Griddles of 2021 – Top Picks

| Last Updated: January 10, 2022

Willy Smoke is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you are inspired by outdoor cooking, an outdoor griddle would be a perfect choice. 

There is no doubt that it helps you cook delicious food that a conventional grill can’t deliver.

In this article, we will review some of the best outdoor griddles you can choose for an ultimate cooking experience.

Our Top Picks for Outdoor Griddles

  • Easy assembly
  • Industrial strength wheels
  • Independent burners
View Latest Price →
  • Best for the Money
  • Keeps flat shape
  • Easy to clean
View Latest Price →
  • Best Outdoor Gas Griddle
  • Push-button ignition
  • Extra shelves
View Latest Price →

Comparison of the Best Outdoor Griddles

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Very easy to assemble
  • Industrial strength caster wheels
  • Independently controlled burners
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Best for the Money
  • Designed to maintain flat shape
  • Easy to clean and maintain
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Best Outdoor Gas Griddle
  • Battery-powered push-button ignition
  • Extra shelves for better storage
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Best Outdoor Flat Top Griddle
  • Very big 360-degree grease pan
  • Assembles in half an hour
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Best Portable Outdoor Griddle
  • Comes with two side-shelves
  • Easy-to-use electric ignition
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Best Blackstone Outdoor Griddle
  • Convenient and easy to use design
  • Equipped with electric igniter
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Best Natural Gas Outdoor Griddle
  • Very big ceramic surface
  • Hidden fan extracts smoke
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews
  • Best Outdoor Electric Griddle
  • Grill is non-stick
  • No propane tank
View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews

How Does an Outdoor Griddle Compare to an Indoor Griddle?

Tired of cooking indoors? Well, it is time that you look forward to an outdoor griddle. An outdoor griddle is like a compact kitchen that allows you to cook delicious food. Miss those hash browns and egg breakfast? Well, an outdoor griddle can make it all come true without dealing with smoke and waste.

Here are some perks of using an outdoor griddle as compared to an indoor griddle.

Flat-Cooking Surface

An outdoor griddle features a flat-cooking surface that makes it ideal for cooking multiple foods. Whether it is steak, bacon, hash browns, eggs, or pancakes, it can handle all with ease. The flat surface provides adequate heat and surface area for food to be cooked properly. As a result, you can enjoy a good breakfast along with a beautiful sunrise.

Large Surface Area

This is the area where an outdoor griddle surpasses an indoor griddle: a large surface area. With a flat and large surface area, you can cook multiple foods all at once. It not only reduces your cooking time but also ensures a great taste.

Minimum Smoke

The biggest problem with an indoor griddle is the smoke that is generated while cooking. This is negated if you have an outdoor griddle. The smoke quickly disperses in the atmosphere without any hassle.

Willy's Top Picks - Best Outdoor Griddles

Review of the Best Outdoor Griddles

Buying the perfect outdoor grill for your cooking needs is not easy by any means. Especially, choosing from a sea of products that advertise similar properties can be time-consuming. To help you with this, we have compiled some of the best outdoor griddles you can purchase. These are not only reliable but also ensure the best taste.

Best Overall:
Blackstone 1554

Blackstone 36 Inch Gas Griddle Cooking Station 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill Propane Fuelled Restaurant Grade Professional 36” Outdoor Griddle Station with Side Shelf (1554)

Pros

  • Top is easily removable
  • Has four strong caster wheels for mobility
  • Easy to assemble with a quick ignition button
  • Comes with four different separately controlled burners
  • Stainless-steel burners and steel surface for perfect heat distribution

Cons

  • Location of the grease trap is not ideal
  • Customer service is not very competent

What Recent Buyers Report

A high percentage of positive reviews is what we get for this product. Users seem quite satisfied with the purchase and admire the quality and performance of this outdoor griddle. They believe that it is a great way to cook delicious food effectively without any hassle. They also highly recommend it to other people.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What we like about this outdoor griddle is the multitude of features that it delivers. It promises an easy assembly, unlike most conventional griddles. In addition, it has a quick ignition button that facilitates the ignition process. The top is quite easily removable, and it has four separately controlled burners.

These burners provide a lot of versatility with various temperature tweaks to ensure a reliable cooking experience. In addition, they are made of durable stainless steel for longevity. The cooking surface itself has a steel surface, which promises ideal heat distribution. Also, it comes with four caster wheels for transport.

Bottom Line

All in all, it is a great outdoor griddle to have. It is quite effective at cooking food with adequate heating and easy cleaning in the end. The quality design and the performance also add up to ensure a great experience.

Runner-up:
OT QOMOTOP 23-inch Gas Griddle

Pros

  • Quite easy to use
  • Also comes with a gas hose, ignition clamp, manual, and service card
  • Comes with an Integrated Grease Management System for quick cleaning
  • 355sq-inches of large surface area with three independently controlled burners
  • Made with durable cold-rolled steel for anti-deformation properties while heating

Cons

  • Cooking surface is not Teflon
  • Some users reported difficulty while cleaning

What Recent Buyers Report

Nearly all positive reviews propose the superb build quality and cooking performance of this product. Users say that it is one of the best outdoor grills you can purchase right now. It has all the necessary features and the ideal design to cook food with ease and comfort. Users also shared their cooking experiences with this model that suggests its outstanding reliability.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What impresses us about this griddle is the affordable price backed with a number of useful features. It features a massive 335 square inches of cooking area that is heated by three adjustable burners. The burners can be controlled separately and provide adequate heat while cooking. Talking about construction, the griddle is made of cold-rolled steel that promotes anti-deformation properties while heating.

In addition, an integrated grease management system is present, which allows you to clean quickly afterward. It is quite easy and simple to use. Lastly, it comes with a gas hose, ignition clamp, manual, and service card.

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, this is an amazing model available at a reasonable price. If you are on a limited budget, yet you desire a quality outdoor griddle, consider this one. It has all the features and qualities of a high-end unit but at an affordable price.

Best Outdoor Gas Griddle:
Blackstone 1517

Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle 2 Burner Propane Fuelled Rear Grease Management System, 1517, Outdoor Griddle Station for Camping, 28 inch

Pros

  • Quite simple to use and easy to assemble
  • Easy to move with its durable caster wheels and removable top
  • Features a 470sq inches of flat cooking surface for versatile cooking
  • Very durable with powder-coated black steel frame and steel burners
  • Comes with two independently controlled burners for versatile cooking options

Cons

  • Some users received a defective product
  • Has no level adjustment system for waste removal

What Recent Buyers Report

A large number of users highly recommend this product to other buyers. They say that this outdoor griddle works like a charm. It has great cooking capabilities while being easy to use and clean. Users believe that it is very durable and is designed perfectly to last longer. It is highly recommended by many.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Blackstone 1517 stands out to us because it is an amazing outdoor griddle that offers stunning quality and cooking performance when used. This is a premium-quality model that is designed to perfection.

It features an enormous 470 square inches of flat cooking surface, which allows you to cook multiple foods all at once. The usage is quite simple and assembling it is very easy too.

Furthermore, the top is easily removable. The unit is also portable due to its durable caster wheels. The construction itself is quite sturdy as it is made of powder-coated black steel frame and features steel burners. Two separately adjustable burners are also present for versatile cooking options.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that this outdoor griddle is an all-in-one solution to your outdoor cooking needs. It provides an ample surface for cooking while being highly effective. It is also quite simple and easy to use, which makes it a desirable purchase.

Best Outdoor Flat Top Griddle:
Cuisinart CGG-888

Cuisinart CGG-888 Outdoor Stainless Steel Lid, 360° Griddle Cooking Center

Pros

  • Very easy to assemble and takes less than 30 minutes
  • Comes with a prep table and a towel holder for convenience
  • Grease pan directs the grease to the grease cup for easy cleaning
  • Has two independently controlled burners providing 30,000 BTUs
  • Lid is made of durable stainless steel with vents for roasting or baking

Cons

  • Some users reported the rusting of the lid
  • Gap at the back of the lid promotes heat loss

What Recent Buyers Report

A number of users regard this outdoor griddle as one of the best. Most users believe that it is quite effective at cooking almost everything without a sweat! They find it to be quite remarkable, considering the build quality and features it possesses. Users highly urge others to invest in this quality model.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What impresses us about this outdoor griddle is its cooking performance and build quality. It has two separately controlled burners that generate an impressive 30,000 BTUs of energy. It is enough to cook any food quite reliably. There exists a grease pan as well, which directs the grease to the grease cup for cleaning purposes.

In addition, the lid is made of sturdy stainless steel with vents that help during steaming, smoking, baking, or roasting. A prep table is also provided with a towel holder at the bottom to further enhance your cooking experience. Also, it is very easy to assemble and takes less than 30 minutes.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a quality outdoor griddle, then look no further. This one is phenomenal, considering its cooking capacity and various features. It is not only durable but also offers a great cooking experience. It is truly worth an investment.

Best Portable Outdoor Griddle:
Royal Gourmet GD401

Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Side Table | 4-Burner, Folding Legs,Versatile, Outdoor | Black 66 Inch

Pros

  • Electronic ignition keeps things easy and simple 
  • Folding frame and caster wheels enable easy transport
  • Comes with four stainless-steel burners, two side tables, and a cart
  • Offers easy assembly with a large 584 square inches of cooking area
  • Has a grease channel with detachable drip pans for convenient cleaning

Cons

  • Known to be quite heavy 

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers who purchased this product refer to it as one of the best. They believe it works perfectly and offers much more than traditional units. Users also praise the various functions and versatile nature. They think that it is a great purchase, considering the value it brings to its users.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What strikes us about this outdoor griddle is its build quality and user-friendly nature. It hosts a massive 584 square inches of cooking surface that is enough to cook multiple foods, all at once. It is also easy to assemble.

It comes with four stainless steel burners as well. In addition, two side tables and a cart are provided for high convenience.

Additionally, the folding frame and caster wheels enhance its portability despite being a bit heavy. It features an electronic ignition that uses a button. A grease channel with detachable drip pans is also present for reliable cleaning experience.

Bottom Line

If quality is what you seek, then nothing gets better than this outdoor griddle. It offers an amazing cooking experience, durable build quality, and user-friendly nature. It comes with a number of other perks as well, which greatly enhances the overall experience.

Best Blackstone Outdoor Griddle:
Blackstone 1650

Blackstone 1650 Tabletop Grill Without Hood Propane Fuelled Portable Stovetop Gas Rear Grease Trap for Kitchen, Outdoor, Camping, Tailgating or Picnicking, 17 Inch Griddle, Black

Pros

  • Offers 260 square inches of cooking space
  • Very easy to clean; just requires a mere wipe
  • Easy to store; you can just topple it upside down
  • Has an H-shaped burner that provides fast heating
  • Easy-to-use electric ignition and grease catcher for cleaning

Cons

  • Might be prone to corrosion
  • Ignitor doesn’t work very well

What Recent Buyers Report

We witnessed a lot of positive reports regarding this product. Users highly recommend purchasing this outdoor griddle for outdoor cooking. They say that it is a great addition to your backyard, as it allows you to cook food quite reliably. It is not only perfect for cooking outdoors, but it also provides a unique taste and touch to the cooked food.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Most of the users refer to this as a value-for-money outdoor griddle. However, we think a bit differently. What pleases us more is the unique design and reliable cooking experience that it delivers. It uses an easy-to-use electric ignition along with a grease catcher that provides convenient cooking. It is also quite easy to store, as you can just turn it upside down.

Moreover, the cleaning process is very easy. You only need a dry cloth or towel to wipe the sticky contaminants off its surface. With a large cooking area of 260 square inches and an efficient H-shaped burner, it provides quick heating as well.

Bottom Line

We assure you that nothing gets better than this outdoor griddle. It has all the features and qualities of a high-end model but at a fairly low price. It is also quite durable and is designed ideally to last a while. Therefore, it makes for a great investment. 

Best Natural Gas Outdoor Griddle:
Cook Rite ATMG-24

ATMG-24 Commercial Griddle Heavy Duty Manual Flat Top Restaurant Griddle Stainless Steel Portable Grill Natural Gas 24' Countertop - 60,000 BTU c

Pros

  • Ideal for cooking steak, burgers, and more
  • Features a countertop design that saves space
  • Elegant modern design that blends with most kitchen interiors
  • Comes with adjustable legs, burners, and waste tray for convenience
  • Sturdy stainless-steel construction that offers corrosion-resistance and easy cleaning

Cons

  • Not very reliable for outdoor use
  • Bulky and heavy which affects its portability

What Recent Buyers Report

It is the reviews that give you an honest opinion about any product. In the case of this unit, the reviews are very positive. Most recent buyers recommend using this outdoor griddle for cooking food other than in the kitchen. It is because of its stunning durability, quality, and reliability that it provides to its users.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We believe this outdoor griddle needs no introduction. It is one of the best models available that offer a lot of versatility. It is just perfect for cooking steak, burgers, and a lot of other food as well. The durable stainless steel construction provides resistance to corrosion and tends to last longer.

It is also fairly easy to clean, while the countertop design makes it look highly attractive. It also saves a lot of space and offers an elegant modern look that blends with most kitchen interiors. Furthermore, it comes with adjustable legs, burners, and a waste tray for a convenient cooking experience.

Bottom Line

Overall, this is an outdoor griddle that is packed with features and great quality. The cooking performance is exceptional, which provides you with a unique taste and flavor. It is quite simple and easy to use and offers a lot of versatility.

Best Outdoor Electric Griddle:
VonShef Smokeless Electric Griddle

VonShef Smokeless Grill BBQ Electric 1500W - Portable, Healthy Indoor & Outdoor Barbecue, Smoke Extraction Fan, Adjustable Temperature Control, Easy Clean Non Stick Removable Ceramic Plate & Drip Tray

Pros

  • Easy to clean with removable drip tray
  • Doesn’t require charcoal or propane for cooking
  • Has a fan inside the grill for effective smoke extraction
  • Features a ceramic grill surface for non-stick and easy cleaning
  • Comes with an LED control panel to tweak between various temperatures

Cons

  • Doesn’t get hot enough
  • Cooking surface is not large enough

What Recent Buyers Report

This product is highly rated by its users and recent buyers thanks to its stunning build quality and the cooking experience it provides. Users say that it works like a charm for them. It is capable of cooking different types of food that, too, in a large enough quantity. They also highly recommend buying this griddle for a soothing experience.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you are looking for a modern and effective outdoor griddle, then look no further. This one features modern technology to facilitate your outdoor cooking needs. It has a fan inside its grill that keeps the smoke at bay while using it indoors. Yes, it can be used both indoors and outdoors. In addition, it has a ceramic grill surface that offers non-stick properties and is easy to clean.

There is an LED control panel available which allows you to switch between various temperature ranges. Besides, it doesn’t require charcoal or propane for cooking, as this is an electric unit. Also, it is very easy to clean, thanks to its removable drip tray.

Bottom Line

All in all, this is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a quality outdoor griddle. It comes with a handful of features, quality design, and reliable cooking performance. If you want quality and performance in the same product, don’t hesitate to buy this unit.

9. Cuisinart CGG-999

Cuisinart CGG-999 30-Inch Round Flat Top Surface 360° XL Griddle Outdoor Cooking Station

Pros

  • Has two side tables for food preparation
  • Highly versatile for cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner
  • Includes three burners that can be controlled separately
  • Lid is made of durable stainless steel with vents for steaming
  • Comes with an oversized grease pan for convenient grease management

Cons

  • Hose is comparatively short
  • Control knobs are not very reliable

What Recent Buyers Report

A majority of the reviews were positive about the performance and quality of this product. Users believe that this outdoor griddle is just perfect for cooking food without any hassle. There are a number of features that it offers which enhance your cooking experience. Users also praise the overall build quality and user-friendly design of the product.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are a lot of amazing things about this griddle that make it superior to most units. It features a durable stainless-steel lid with vents designed to promote the steaming or smoking process. In addition, it has two different side tables for convenience. These come in handy for quick food preparation before the food can be placed on the cooking surface.

An oversized 360-degree grease pan is also available that allows you to conveniently manage grease and other impurities. Moreover, it has three different burners that are adjustable independently for high versatility. All these features make it ideal for cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Bottom Line

In short, this is an outstanding outdoor griddle to have in your backyard. Packed with a number of features and hosting a quality build, this unit is designed to last long. It also offers great convenience as compared to a traditional indoor grill.

Best Stainless-Steel Outdoor Griddle:
Happybuy Double Burner Stove Griddle

Happybuy Double Burner Stove Flat Top Griddle,32x17 inches 2 Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle Stainless Steel,with 2 Turner for Home Outdoor Use

Pros

  • Features two adjustable burners with a 150,000 BTU output
  • Comes with side handles and detachable legs for easy movement
  • Provides a multifunctional cookware functionality for high versatility
  • Has a large cooking surface for cooking multiple foods at the same time
  • Quite durable with stainless-steel griddle, cast-iron burners, and steel stands

Cons

  • No food prep table available
  • Doesn’t look quite attractive on the outside

What Recent Buyers Report

The product speaks for itself. An overwhelming response in favor of this outdoor griddle suggests its fine quality. Users report the flawless operation and reliable cooking experience that they enjoy while using this product. They believe that it is one of the best outdoor griddles available in the market.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This outdoor griddle stands out to us due to its great cooking capabilities. It features durable stainless steel construction. The burners are made of cast iron while it has steel stands for additional durability. There are side handles and detachable legs available that allow easy transport.

In addition, it comes with two adjustable burners that deliver a whopping 150,000 BTU energy output. The cooking surface is large enough to cook multiple foods at the same time. Also, it comes with a multifunctional cookware functionality that delivers high versatility.

Bottom Line

You are looking for the best outdoor griddle, right? Well, here is one to take care of all your cooking needs and desires. With an efficient cooking mechanism and reliable quality, this unit is second to none. It is perfect for cooking most foods outdoors without any hassle.

Comparison Overview

When it comes to cooking outdoors, there are a number of utensils that one can use. For instance, one can either use a grill or a griddle. Similarly, when it comes to the griddle, there are again multiple options available. How do they fare against each other? Let’s find out. 

Outdoor Griddle vs. Grill

An outdoor griddle is similar to a grill since both serve the same purpose of cooking. However, both of them share some similarities as well as some differences. Here is a brief overview of some of their major similarities and differences they share amongst themselves.

Similarities

Here are some aspects in which they are similar to one another.

Purpose

Both of them are used for cooking food. They have a similar purpose and deliver almost identical taste and color.

Design

An outdoor griddle and a grill feature a similar design, which includes a cooking area with controllable burners.

Differences

Some of the major differences between the two are as follows.

Cooking Surface

An outdoor griddle features a flat cooking surface, unlike a grill. Instead, the latter has a vented cooking surface.

Usage

As the name suggests, outdoor griddles are used for outdoor cooking. Meanwhile, a grill is used indoors for cooking various meals.

Stainless-Steel vs. Cast Iron Outdoor Griddle

A lot of you might be confused about whether to buy a stainless steel or cast-iron outdoor griddle. To help you pick the right one for yourself, we have listed some of the similarities and differences they share.

Similarities

The following are certain aspects that they share in common.

Quality

Both materials will provide you with a near-identical cooking experience. This means you will get similar cooking quality and taste.

Durability

Both of them offer great durability. They tend to last longer and prevent any rust or corrosion.

Differences

Both of them are quite different in the following ways.

Functionality

Unlike stainless steel, a cast iron griddle provides better heat retention and non-stick properties. The former heats up quicker; however, it is hard to clean.

How to Clean an Outdoor Griddle

Cleaning an outdoor griddle is pretty simple. With some guidance, you will be able to clean yours quite effectively. Outdoor griddles come with various cleaning mechanisms as well. As a result, it makes cleaning swifter and reliable.

To clean your unit, here is what you need to do:

  1. The first thing you need to do is accumulate all the grease in one place. You can do this using a flat-surface tool. Direct the grease and other impurities into the grease cup so that they can be removed easily.

  2. Now, apply some water on the cooking surface. Make sure the surface is warm so that the impurities can be cleaned effectively. 

  3. Use a dry towel to wipe the water off the cooking surface until it is completely dry.

  4. In case the impurities are hard to wipe, use a scraper to wipe off all the sticky impurities.

  5. Apply some oil of your choice and spread it evenly across the cooking surface. Use a dry towel to spread it evenly throughout the surface.

  6. Now, you are ready to cook your next meal.

If you are still unsure of the process, refer to the video below for a complete demonstration.

Conclusion

In this article, we have displayed some of the best outdoor griddles for your convenience. They not only provide you with extra quality and cooking performance but also offer great durability. Finding the right one for yourself is difficult, considering the number of brands offering similar products. However, we have made this task easy for you by listing some of the best outdoor griddles. We hope this makes it easy to buy the ideal unit!

People Also Ask

Buyers might have a lot of questions in their minds while purchasing any product that needs to be addressed adequately to ensure the correct purchase. 

Here is a list of some frequently asked questions. We hope you find the answer to yours.

What to Cook on an Outdoor Griddle?

Outdoor griddles usually have a flat cooking surface. It enables you to cook a wide range of food quite effectively. Griddles offer a reliable cooking operation when it comes to cooking delicious food. These include hash browns, eggs, pancakes, burgers, steak, and much more!

Why Did My Outdoor Griddle Warp?

You might have witnessed your outdoor griddle getting out of shape with usage. This is because they tend to warp or deform as heat is applied to them. Most high-quality units tend to warp less often than conventional units. They retain their shape and operate effectively for a much longer time period.

How to Season an Outdoor Griddle

Seasoning an outdoor griddle is a quick and easy process. First, you need to apply some water while the cooking surface is warm. Use a scraper to remove all the sticky contaminants along with water by funneling them into the grease cup. Now, apply oil evenly across the cooking surface with a towel, and you are good to go.

What Can You Cook on an Outdoor Griddle?

Unlike indoor grills, outdoor griddles offer a wide range of foods that can be cooked effectively thanks to their flat cooking surface that is large enough to accommodate multiple foods at the same time. You can use a griddle for steak, hash browns, pancakes, sandwiches, eggs, and much more!

How to Remove Rust From an Outdoor Griddle

Removing rust from an outdoor griddle is quite simple and easy. Most high-quality units feature a durable cast iron or stainless steel construction and are highly resistant to rust or corrosion. However, if yours is rusting, try an electric scraper to remove the rust quickly and effectively.

What Oils to Use For an Outdoor Griddle?

Cooking on outdoor griddles can be a fun thing to do. However, to make sure they stick around a bit longer, they require some maintenance. If you are looking for an oil to season your outdoor griddle, try coconut or olive oil. They are quite cheap as well as effective for seasoning and can be used for cooking purposes.

What Size Propane Regulator is Needed For an Outdoor Griddle?

Finding the right size of the propane regulator is essential for a reliable cooking experience. If you are using an outdoor griddle for residential applications, you will need a low-pressure regulator. Typically, a regulator that can reduce the gas pressure to six ounces would be ideal.

What Type of Gas Does an Outdoor Griddle Use?

Most high-quality outdoor griddles use propane as a fuel to cook food. These reliable cooking stations release a lot of smoke if you are using natural gas. To counter this, modern units have propane tanks that use propane as fuel while cooking. This is not only more convenient but also generates less smoke.

Hey there, I’m Will, and I’ve been smoking and grilling for as long as I can remember. I made this blog to help others who are looking for honest and reliable info from someone they can trust. In my own efforts to try to perfect my smoking and grilling skills, I’ve done a lot of research and would like to have it compiled as a resource for others to use. Happy smoking!