Today, we help you choose the Best Outdoor Griddle to buy in 2026 because cooking on an outdoor griddle offers a very unique cooking experience – most people enjoy the first time they use it
We’ve researched and tested the top ten griddles to help you understand why serious grill enthusiasts add a griddle to their outdoor kitchen – expanding their cooking capabilities.
Many practical griddle options are available, including a full-size gas griddle, a portable propane griddle, or a griddle pan.
An Outdoor Griddle is a handy piece of outdoor cooking equipment used to cook on a Flat-Top surface. Outdoor griddles are available as Full-Size Gas Griddles, Portable Gas Griddles, or Griddle Pans (Used with a Gas grill).
Best Type of Outdoor Griddle To Buy:
What is the best outdoor griddle? It depends on the size of the griddle you need. We recommend the Blackstone 1554 as the best full-size griddle (for a deck or patio).
For tailgating or camping, the best Mid-size Griddle is the Cuisinart CG-501 portable LP gas griddle.
Lastly, the Best Griddle “Pan” for use on a standard outdoor grill is the Sizzle SQ180.
Three (3) Types of Outdoor Griddles:
The “Full-Size” Outdoor Griddle:
A full-size outdoor griddle comes with fixed legs or caster wheels. It is considered non-portable, like a regular outdoor grill, and is ideal for homeowners.
- Similar in size to a Grill, the full-size griddle also has storage for an LP Tank, is made to countertop height, and has wheels for mobility on your patio or deck.
The “Portable” Outdoor Griddle
A Portable Outdoor Griddle allows you to move this cooking appliance as needed, making it perfect for use on a ground surface or a tabletop.
Because of its smaller size, this is probably the best griddle for camping and tailgating.
The“Griddle Pan“
- This handy invention is a grill accessory for your existing grill. It lets you cook on an ordinary heated grill without investing in a stand-alone griddle.
- The Gridle Pan provides quick cleanup and easy maintenance for your use on a traditional grill, with only the pan to clean up afterwards.
This griddle buyers’ guide covers everything you need to know about self-contained LP propane and pan griddles (used on top of an existing outdoor grill).
The 10 Best Outdoor Griddles to Buy
Editor’s Choice: Blackstone 1554 – Omnivore 36″ Outdoor Griddle
Why We Like It
If you want to heat your griddle quickly, this full-size griddle, with four independent burners, is the answer.
With durable construction and a large Blackstone 36″ griddle top, the Not-So-Portable Griddle from Blackstone 1554 stands out as the best griddle grill in our top griddle reviews. It uses an LP gas tank (like a grill – not included in purchase)
Whether you’re looking for a large family breakfast griddle, a versatile grill, or a grill for outdoor parties, the Blackstone Flat Top is the best full-scale griddle option.
Specs
- Four burners
- Caster wheels
- 792 square inch cooking space (22 x 36″)
- Push-button ignition
- Steel construction – 60″ overall (with side shelves)
- 90-Day Warranty on All Parts
Our Takeaway
Overall, the Blackstone 1554 is a great griddle that will more than get the job done for your outdoor grilling. For searing burgers or cooking eggs outside, there are a few options better than this one.
The one downside to this model is that it is a less-than-adequate grease-capture system, sometimes allowing grease to run over.
This can be fixed by replacing it with a more significant grease catch receptacle.
Besides that slight flaw, this is one of the best propane griddles you’ll find on the market today for your patio.
Blackstone – Editor’s Choice Best Griddle
Blackstone 1554
Runner Up: Royal Gourmet – 36″ (4) Burner Outdoor Griddle
Why We Like It
One of the best 4-burner full-size outdoor griddles on the market, the Royal Gourment GB4000, seems to check all the boxes.
Royal Gourmet, once known only for upscale outdoor grills, is making huge strides in the outdoor griddle market and is poised to become one of the best-selling outdoor griddles in the U.S.A.
I own this Outdoor Griddle and highly recommend it after 6 months of use. The four burners operated accurately, and the heat settings on the griddle top ranged from very hot to very low as desired.
With this adjustability, I can cook anywhere on a large flattop surface at high or low heat, which is a chef’s dream.
The unique 22″ diameter Deep Concave cooker provides the ideal cooking surface for grilling meats, vegetables, shrimp, eggs, bacon, and more.
A deep concave cooking bowl with 2″ sides allows for a wide cooking surface without the fear of juices or meals sliding off the sides!
Specs
- Large 36″ x 22″ (792 sq. Inch) Cooking surface
- Gloss Ceramic
- Four 13,000 Btu Stainless Steel Burners
- Stainless Steel Control Panel
- Electronic Ignition
- Efficient Grease Management System
- Two-fold-up side shelves, Heavy Duty Bottom Shelf
- Cleans with water and oil – No soap required.
- Fully Mobile Caster Wheels
Our Takeaway
The super portable design features a simple 3-piece assembly and a stainless steel pan with a powder-coat finish in your choice of black or red.
Also adding to the convenience and portability is the option to use a 16.4 oz green propane screw-on tank or a traditional, but a little bulkier, 20 lb. propane tank when camping.
Royal Gourmet Griddle Video
Watch this quick griddle video from Royal Gourmet – and see why we place this versatile outdoor cooker at the top of our outdoor griddle reviews.
ROYAL GOURMET – 4 Burner Outdoor Griddle
ROYAL GOURMET
Best Value Blackstone Portable: Blackstone 22″ Griddle – Model 1666
Why We Like It
With a little more surface area than the 17-inch Blackstone model, this 22-inch portable griddle is the perfect option for a tabletop griddle. It offers excellent balance, mobility, and cooking space. At the same time, it still offers all the high-quality features we’ve come to expect from a Blackstone brand griddle.
Specs
- 330 square inch cooking surface
- Two H-shaped burners
- Built-in grease channel
- Steel construction
Our Takeaway
In our opinion, the Blackstone 22″ griddle is the perfect size for a portable model. It allows you to cook larger meals without sacrificing mobility. The H-shaped burners are a nice touch, providing even heating across the griddle’s surface.
Blackstone – Best “Blackstone Portable Griddle”
Blackstone 22″
Best Upgrade: Pit Boss “Ultimate 3-Burner” Portable Griddle
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a fully portable outdoor griddle (it lifts off), the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle offers an exceptional mix of quality and value.
It has three stainless-steel burners, an impressive 36,000 BTUs, the features you want—and a few more.
Specs
- 3 Stainless Steel Burners
- 600 square inch “proprietary ceramic” cooking griddle surface
- Lift-Off Portable Griddle (use on a tabletop or stand)
- Lid with Chrome Handles
- Folding Shelves
- Stand with High Wheels for Uneven Ground
- 36,000 BTU’s
- Stainless Steel Burners
- Matchless – Push button ignition
Our Takeaway
Overall, the PIT BOSS “Ultimate” griddle revolutionizes the outdoor griddle market. Its griddle surface is the best one for cooking, and its portability is off the charts!
Imagine a large griddle that you can close the lid, disconnect the LP tank, load in your trunk, and go.
Sometimes, you only need the griddle as you will set it up for cooking at a picnic (table) site. You don’t need the stand or the shelves, leave them at home!
However, the griddle stand has some great features: Extra-tall rubber (skateboard) wheels that work excellently over rough terrain, built-in foldable shelves with chrome handles, and six utensil hooks.
Add to that a Paper Towel Roll Holder and, for all you beer fans, an attached “bottle opener” :)
Pit Boss – “Ultimate Outdoor Griddle”
PIT BOSS GRIDDLE
Best “5-Burner” Outdoor Griddle: Pit Boss 10762
Why We Like It
The Pit Boss, 10762, is a Five-Burner Full-Size Griddle with a whopping 753 sq. inches. It can accommodate a small family dinner or the largest outdoor gatherings or groups you might be cooking for.
Compared to the Blackstone 4-burner, the extra burner provides more even heat across the same-sized surface.
In addition, the fold-up shelves also double as a protective cover for the griddle surface when not in use.
Specs
- 750 square inch cooking surface
- 62,000 Btu’s
- LP gas Built-In Hose included (LP tank not included)
- Five stainless steel burners
- Ignition start and 5- controls
- Steel construction
Our Takeaway
Most people understand the notoriety of the Pit Boss brand regarding their “smokers”, but Pit Boss brings the same “A-Game” to the Outdoor Griddle market. In this griddle, they also provide what we consider great value.
Suppose you’re looking for a dependable, sizable outdoor griddle with 5 burners, fold-up shelves to keep outdoor critters off your griddle, and something large enough to handle large groups.
In that case, the Pit Boss Griddle is the top-rated griddle to consider.
PIT BOSS – Best Large 5-Burner Griddle
PIT BOSS
Best Value Griddle Pan: “Sizzle-Q” – SQ180
Why We Like It
Our first pick is the handy, high—quality Sizzle-Q griddle pan for standard gas or charcoal grills.
The beauty of a griddle pan like this is that you just set it on your current grill without spending the price of a dedicated outdoor flat grill.
Specs
- Stainless steel construction
- 18″x13″
- Cross-bracing for extra support
- Even heat distribution
Our Takeaway
This griddle grill top is perfect for the person who wants the cooking convenience of a griddle without buying a new appliance.
“Sizzle-Q” Griddle Pan Video:
The Sizzle-Q – griddle pan also does an excellent job of cooking a wide variety of foods, proving that you don’t necessarily need a dedicated griddle to enjoy the benefits of griddle cooking.
Best Value “Griddle Pan”
Sizzle-Q
Best Portable 3-Burner Griddle: Royal Gourmet PD1300
Why We Like It
With three burners and more cooking surface than the 22-inch Blackstone, this Royal Gourmet griddle is at the upper end of what could be considered portable.
The upshot is that this model makes cooking for larger groups possible and gives you more independent temperature control for both high- and low-temperature foods.
Specs
- Three independent burners
- 325 square inch cooking surface
- Steel construction
- Porcelain coating for better heat distribution
- Push-button ignition
Our Takeaway
If you’re looking for something portable that offers more cooking flexibility and plenty of workspace, the Royal Gourmet is a great option.
The porcelain coating is especially nice. It helps with even heating and makes the griddle easier to clean. This is easily one of the best propane griddle models for “portable use.”
Royal Gourmet – Best 3-Burner Portable Griddle
Royal Gourmet
Best Priced Blackstone Griddle: The 17″ Table Top Portable Griddle
Why We Like It
Another portable griddle option we love is this 17-inch tabletop model from Blackstone. Much more compact than the Blackstone 1554, this griddle offers Blackstone’s outstanding quality in a small, accessible package and at a great price.
Specs
- 260 square inch cooking surface
- 1 H-shaped burner
- Push-button ignition
- Fast heating
Our Takeaway
This portable griddle top is exceptionally well-made and excellent for mobile grilling. It also seems to do well with a wide range of foods, thanks to its single H-shaped burner’s fast, even heat distribution.
As with the Cuisinart, this Blackstone griddle is great for taking to parties, camping, or any other on-the-fly excuse to cook food on the go.
Blackstone – Best Price for Portable Griddle
Blackstone
Best Griddle Pan With “Handles”: Griddle Q – Griddle Pan
Why We Like It
This griddle pan is similar to the Sizzle-Q model, but it has one vital difference: The Griddle GQ features “removable handles” that make it easy to turn the grill on and off.
This minor feature is beneficial if you want to make room on your grill – and set the Griddle Pan aside.
Specs
- Stainless steel construction
- Removable handles
- 14″x16″
- Cross bracing is used on the underside
Our Takeaway
The “Griddle Q” griddle pan is an excellent addition to any standard grill toolkit, even if you don’t use a griddle often.
This griddle pan will help you accomplish more with your regular grill than ever before.
Best Griddle Pan With “Handles”
Griddle Q
Best Grill and Griddle “Combo”: “Blackstone Tailgater”
Why We Like It
While a dedicated griddle is excellent, there are times when you’ll want to use a FLAT TOP griddle and an ordinary GRILL simultaneously. For this reason, we love this Blackstone combination model, which delivers the best of both worlds.
While it is on legs, this model is still considered a portable option, as its legs quickly fold down for easy carrying.
Specs
- Two burners
- 512 square inches of total cooking space
- Grill box and griddle included
- Grill Size 16 x 16″
- Adjustable legs
- Griddle size: 17″ x 16″
Our Takeaway
If you’re looking for a functional, versatile outdoor griddle, the Blackstone Tailgater is undoubtedly the best option.
This grill can cook practically anything, from a large cut of meat to a large batch of eggs for a weekend family breakfast.
Another great option with this model is that the four legs adjust independently, allowing you to set it up in spots where the ground is not entirely even without any difficulties.
Best Grill & Griddle Combo – Blackstone Tailgater Griddle
Blackstone
Best “Accessories” for Outdoor Griddles
Because a griddle has a flat cooking surface, you can’t use the same accessories as you would with a standard grill. Ideally, you would have a flat spatula and a scraper for managing food on the griddle.
But if you’re just starting to cook on a griddle, Blackstone offers a griddle accessory kit that includes all the essential tools you need to start using your griddle like a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have a few questions if you’re buying a griddle for the first time. This FAQ section will examine some of the most common questions to help you make an informed buying decision.
What is a Griddle?
A griddle is a flat cooking surface, heated from below, much like a frying pan – only larger. Anything you can cook in a frying pan can be cooked on an Outdoor Griddle.
Which is better: cooking on a Griddle or a Grill?
Many people prefer the multiple uses of cooking on a griddle vs. a grill. A griddle lets you cook breakfast items like eggs, bacon, pancakes, vegetables, and potatoes while also cooking burgers or steaks.
Cooking on a Grill allows you to “char” meat, which some people prefer. Griddles don’t allow direct contact with a flame, so they don’t let you char meat the way a grill would.
Users can choose the cooking style that best suits their outdoor cooking preferences.
What is the Best Type of Outdoor Griddle To Buy?
The best outdoor griddle to buy has a cooking surface made from carbon steel or cast iron. These griddles heat up the fastest and retain heat the best.
What is the Most Rust-Resistant Outdoor Griddle to Buy?
Stainless steel griddle tops are the most rust-resistant but also the most expensive to buy. Stainless steel can also be more challenging to clean up.
What is the Best Way to keep an outdoor griddle from Rusting?
Covering your outdoor griddle is the best way to prevent rust. Most manufacturers offer waterproof covers, but there are also many generic outdoor grill/griddle covers for sale, like these from Amazon.
Is an Outdoor Griddle Better Than a Grill?
Not necessarily, but it is different. Griddles let you cook food differently than on a grill, such as sautéed vegetables and the perfect “sear” on meat. They also prevent common flare-ups that often occur when grilling.
The Outdoor Kitchen Griddle is a viral cooking tool, as evidenced by its frequent use in restaurants. According to Restaurant Business Online, griddles have quickly become a staple in commercial kitchens and food trucks.
Do Griddles Need to Be Seasoned?
Yes, Griddles do need to be seasoned. Think of your griddle like a giant, cast-iron skillet. It will require some good initial seasoning to prevent food from sticking, followed by occasional re-seasoning to keep it in top cooking condition.
Why Would I Want a Griddle?
Griddles give you outdoor cooking versatility that’s hard to achieve with any other tool. For instance, if you want to make pancakes, eggs, and bacon for a large group, neither your grill nor smoker will do the trick. Heck, you can even toast your bread on a griddle!
An outdoor griddle, though, will provide precisely what you need in both instances and give you one more excuse to get outside when it’s hot inside!
Should I Get a “Portable Griddle, Non-portable Griddle, or a Griddle Pan”?
The answer to “Which type of griddle should I buy?” depends on “How” you plan to use your griddle.
A freestanding “non-portable griddle” is likely the best option for cooking large meals at home.
For camping, tailgating, or other mobile uses, a “portable griddle” is the only practical way for propane gas griddle cooking. As many have witnessed, the camping griddle is the most practical carry item for regular campers.
If you already own a grill and only need a griddle for occasional use, a “griddle pan” will probably meet your needs quite well. Check out the #1 model from Sizzle-Q – Above.
Conclusion
Depending on your outdoor cooking needs and Grilling Skills, we recommend the Blackstone 1554 Griddle as the best propane griddle to buy. Its four-burner set-up, large cooking surface, and fixed legs with caster wheels make it a terrific addition to cooking on any patio or deck.
If you’re looking for a more “portable griddle”—one you can take to a tailgate or camping—we suggest the Cuisinart CGG-501 propane griddle.
If you’re looking for the ultimate flexibility in griddle cooking, our choice is the revolutionary PIT BOSS Ultimate Griddle. Hands down, you will use it everywhere.
Finally, for those who prefer to use their Grill and add a “griddle pan” to one side – allowing them to grill and use a griddle simultaneously, our favorite is the “Sizzle Q – 18 x 13 x 3” griddle pan.
This little wonder will surely please the crowd as you sharpen your knives, saute vegetables, and prepare side dishes while grilling your favorite meats.
Whichever model you choose, we hope you’ve enjoyed the article and learned a lot more about Outdoor Griddles!
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Additional Reading & Resources:
- “Recipe Guide” for Griddles From Blackstone.com
- The Best Gas Fire Pit Tables You Can Buy – Besthomegear.com
- The Proper Way to Store a Propane Tank from “WikiHow.”
- Best Leaf Blower Trimmer Combo To Buy – Besthomegear.com
- 5 Tips for Healthy Grilling – From Harvard University
- Best Infrared Heaters on the Market – Besthomegear.com
