Introduction

When it comes to cooking outdoors, there are few pieces of equipment as versatile and pleasing to use as the gas griddle. From big, bold breakfasts to scrumptious stir-fries and perfectly seared steaks, the gas griddle has taken the world of outdoor cooking by storm because of its wide surface area, effective heat conduction, and multitasking prowess. With so many options on the market, the question is, how do you choose the best of them for your needs?

Below, we go over some of the main features you will want to look for in a gas griddle, then break down a few of the best models currently on the market. We'll provide actionable tips on how to make the right pick. Be you an avid chef in your backyard or a new owner looking at firing things up for the first time, we've got you covered.

Why You Need a Gas Griddle as Your Next Cooking Upgrade

Before getting into details, let's quickly touch on why gas griddles are ever correct with outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Unlike traditional grills with grates, a gas griddle features a flat cooking surface that makes them perfect for all of those foods that would either fall through or just wouldn't fare that great on a regular grill.

Here are some major reasons you need a gas griddle:

Diversity: From pancakes to eggs, to burgers and steaks-veggies-you name it-all can be prepared on the same surface.

Large Cooking Area: Gas griddles provide a large cooking space for the big company, with most of the models offering more surface compared to the regular grills.

Even Heat Distribution: Gas griddles provide even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface, making sure food does not burn or develop any hot spots.

Now, let's move on to the factors that would make you determine what you call the best gas griddle.

Features of the Best Gas Griddle

Before you go ahead and purchase one, there are a couple of major things that you want to take into account that would make full utilization of the griddle a reality. Below are the things to look out for most:

1. Size and Cooking Surface Area

First consider what you need regarding cooking space. If often preparing for a large group, or you just like grilling a few things at once, you are going to want one that has an extensive cooking area. In that case, if you cook only for your family or need something portable for camping, then a smaller model will work out fine.

Large Griddles: Most have up to 600 square inches of cooking surfaces, which means you can cook without batch cooking for large gatherings.

Portable Griddles: Most compact griddles feature up to around 400 square inches in cooking space and are ideal for preparing small meals or on-the-go use.

Actionable Tip:

Measure the space where you will use and store your griddle. Large griddles can be more space-consuming on your patio or deck, so make sure you have ample space before purchasing.

2. Material of the Cooking Surface

The material of the cooking surface of the griddle plays a very important role in both the performance and maintenance of the griddle. The best gas griddles are usually made of stainless steel, cast iron, or cold-rolled steel.

Cold-Rolled Steel Griddles: Great heat retention and even cooking, but they require ongoing seasoning to prevent rust. Stainless Steel Griddles: Extremely durable and will not easily corrode, though not always having the same great heat retention as other materials. Cast Iron Griddles: Known for their superb heat retention, though heavier and requiring extra care to avoid rusting. Actionable Tip:

If you don't want much hassle, then go for stainless steel. But if you don't mind seasoning regularly and getting really good heat retention, then cold-rolled steel is a very good option.

3. Heat Control and Burners

A good gas griddle should have several burners with each having a temperature control. The fact that you may want to cook a number of different foods at one time gives you the ability to create numerous cooking zones for specific types, allowing you to do a difficult job like cooking delicate items, such as eggs, together with foods that use high heat, such as burgers or steaks.

Number of Burners: More burners allow for more versatility in cooking temperature. Griddles containing at least 2-4 burners are deemed ideal for use with larger surfaces.

BTUs: This refers to the unit applied in measuring the heat of burners. For this heat performance, target griddles with a minimum of 10,000-15,000 BTUs per burner.

Actionable Tip:

If you are cooking different dishes simultaneously, go for a model that has multiple burners and precise temperature control so it would give you leeway to cook each perfectly.

4. Portability

If you will be camping, tailgating, or going on outdoor picnics with your gas griddle, then portability is key. Many portable griddles fold up at the legs or tops for easy transportation. Look out for one that will be light enough and, at the same time, provide a sufficient cooking area for your requirements.

Actionable Tip:

Go for griddles that have handles, foldable legs, and compact designs to make carrying them easier. Some perfect instances of portable ones include the Blackstone 17-inch Portable Griddle-known for portability and efficiency.

5. Grease Management System

A well-designed grease management system makes the world of difference when cleaning up after a big cookout. The best gas griddles have grease traps or cups that collect excess grease for easy disposal, stopping the mess of an overflow.

Actionable Tip:

Look for a griddle featuring an easily accessible grease cup or tray for easy removal and cleaning after each use. This will save you time and effort when it comes to maintaining your griddle.

Best Gas Griddles in the Market

Now that we have covered the key features to look for in a gas griddle, let's have a look at some of the best in the market currently.

1. Blackstone 36-Inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle

All the same, the Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle remains a great choice for the outdoorsman who loves to cook due to the massive cooking surface, the multitude of burners, and general durability. With a 720-square-inch cooking area and four independently controlled burners, this griddle provides great flexibility in terms of how many dishes one can prepare at the same time.

Key Features:

60,000 BTUs across four burners

Cold-rolled steel surface

Built-in grease management system

Why It's Great:

This model has everything you might want if you're a serious outdoor cook. It features a big, flat cooking surface, excellent for family gatherings or parties, and boasts four burners that provide good heat control.

2. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600

The Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 offers a great option if you want to have your cake and eat it, too. This cooker comes with a flat-top griddle and grill grates in one. You will have plenty of space and options to grill all of your favorite foods with 604 square inches on the griddle surface and four adjustable burners.

Key Features:

48,000 BTUs across four burners

Interchangeable grill grates and griddle top

Grease management system

Why It's Great:

If you enjoy the option of going back and forth from grill to griddle, this truly is the best of both worlds. It's also extremely portable for those who want to tailgate or camp.

3. Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle

If you need something a little more compact, the Cuisinart CGG-501 is a portable two-burner gas griddle with a 285-square inch cooking area. Lightweight and ideal for smaller outdoor areas or for hitting the road.

Key Features:

20,000 BTUs across two burners

Cold-rolled steel cooking surface

Lightweight and portable

Why It's Great:

The Cuisinart CGG-501 strikes a great balance between portability and cooking space. This is quick and easy to set up and ideal for rapid meals outdoors or on longer camping trips.

Actionable Tips for Using a Gas Griddle

Preheat Properly: When you cook off of a gas griddle, you need to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes so the griddle cooks evenly.

Seasoning Oil: After an application of a thin layer of oil over a new griddle, it needs to be heated at very high temperatures for the formation of a non-stick surface. Zoning: If your griddle has more than one burner, then fully utilize those burners by creating different zones on the griddle. Keep a side hot for searing meats, while the other side remains low for sensitive foods like eggs or pancakes.

Clean After Each Use: The best way to take care of your griddle is to clean it after each use. Scrape any food particles off the griddle, and using water only, wipe the surface clean while still warm.

Conclusion: Which Gas Griddle is Right for You?

The best gas griddle is a matter of your needs and how you like to live. If you generally cook for an army, then the Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle is the one for you since it provides ample room. If you need something portable, the Cuisinart CGG-501 is a top contender for smaller outdoor spaces and camping trips. Whichever you decide, be sure that a gas griddle is a great addition to take the outdoors to a completely new dimension-whether it's flipping burgers on that perfect summer BBQ or making a hearty breakfast.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a gas griddle and a traditional grill?

A gas griddle has a flat cooking surface, making it ideal for items such as eggs, pancakes, and vegetables. Traditional grills have an open-grate design to impart a smoky flavor and are best used for grilling meats.

2. How do I season a gas griddle?

To season a gas griddle, heat it to high, drizzle on a thin layer of cooking oil, and let the oil cook into the surface until it reaches the smoking point. Repeat the process 2-3 times for a non-stick surface.

3. Can a gas griddle be used indoors?

For using a gas griddle, it is meant to be outside because ventilation is necessary; however, there are electric griddles designed for indoor use.

4. How do I clean a gas griddle after cooking?

Put water on top of the hot surface after cooking to loosen any debris that may be inside. Use a griddle scraper and scrape off any debris, then use a damp cloth and wipe down.

5. How much heat should a gas griddle have for cooking steak?

When you are sealing steaks, preheat your gas griddle to 450°F-500°F. In this way, you get a good sear but still lock in the juices.