Buying Guide for the Best Outdoor Griddles
Choosing the right outdoor griddle can make your outdoor cooking experience much more enjoyable and versatile. When selecting a griddle, you'll want to consider how you plan to use it, the kinds of food you like to cook, and the frequency of use. Griddles come in various sizes and with different features, so taking the time to match the product to your needs will help you get the most value and fun out of your purchase. Focus on the specifications that affect capacity, heat, ease of cleaning, portability, and durability, as these will shape your cooking experience.Cooking Surface AreaThe cooking surface area tells you how much food you can cook at one time; this is usually measured in square inches. Smaller griddles offer around 200-350 square inches, suitable for couples or small groups. Medium surfaces between 350-600 square inches can handle family-sized meals. If you often cook for large groups or events, look for options above 600 square inches. Think about whether you'll cook just breakfast for a few people or full meals for gatherings to decide on the right size.
Heat Output (BTUs)Heat output is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and reflects how powerful the burners are. Lower BTU griddles (10,000-20,000 BTUs) are usually slower to heat but can be more fuel-efficient, good for simple or infrequent grilling. Middle-range griddles (20,000-40,000 BTUs) provide faster heating and more control, making them great for most home cooks. High BTU griddles (40,000+ BTUs) deliver maximum power and are ideal if you want to sear, cook quickly, or use the griddle in colder conditions. Your cooking style and patience level can help guide you here.
Material and Build QualityGriddles are typically made from rolled steel, stainless steel, or cast iron. Rolled steel heats quickly and is lighter, making it common for portable models, while stainless steel resists rust and is easier to maintain. Cast iron offers superior heat retention and flavor development but requires more care to prevent rust. Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do and whether you’ll leave the griddle outside; those wanting minimal upkeep may prefer stainless steel, while flavor enthusiasts might lean toward cast iron.
Number of BurnersThe number of burners controls how many heat zones you have; more burners mean you can cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time. Small griddles often have one or two burners, great for simple meals. Three or four burners give you much more flexibility, ideal for complex dishes or when cooking for several people. Think about whether you like to cook full breakfasts or diverse meals together, or just burgers and pancakes, and choose based on the variety and volume of food you’ll prepare.
PortabilityPortability matters depending on where you plan to use your griddle. Tabletop and foldable models are lighter and easier to transport, making them perfect for camping or tailgating. Full-sized freestanding models with wheels are practical for backyard use but harder to move. If you’ll leave it in one place, weight and compactness don’t matter as much. But if you want to take your griddle on trips, look for one that’s easy to pack and carry.
Grease ManagementA griddle’s grease management system affects how easy it is to clean and maintain after cooking. Some griddles feature rear or front-mounted grease traps and channels that direct drippings away for simple disposal. Efficient grease management is especially important if you cook foods with a lot of fat or want hassle-free cleanups. If you dislike scrubbing or plan to cook greasy foods, a well-designed system will save you effort.
Lid and AccessoriesSome outdoor griddles come with lids, wind guards, or shelves, which can make cooking easier and expand your options. A lid helps with steaming or retaining heat, while shelves offer prep space and organization. Accessories like interchangeable plates or stands add to versatility and convenience. Think about which extras could save time or make cooking more enjoyable, and look for models that come with or support these features.