An outdoor griddle is the ultimate upgrade for your backyard culinary adventures. Moving beyond the traditional grill, a flat top griddle offers a versatile, expansive cooking surface perfect for everything from breakfast pancakes and bacon to a full hibachi-style dinner for the whole family. The even heat distribution and lack of flare-ups make it an excellent choice for cooking a wide variety of foods with ease.
Whether you’re building a permanent outdoor kitchen or need a portable station for tailgating, there’s a model designed to fit your needs. From powerful built-in units to versatile combo grills and compact tabletop options, the right griddle can become the centerpiece of your outdoor entertaining. This roundup features ten of the best options to help you find the perfect match for your cooking style and space.
Our Top Picks for Outdoor Griddles
- Stanbroil 28-Inch Premium Built-In Liquid Propane Griddle
- Stanbroil 28-Inch Premium Built-In Natural Gas Griddle
- Griller’s Choice Gas Griddle with Hinged Hood
- Propane Griddle on Cart, 36″ Heavy Duty Manual Flat Top
- Captiva Designs Propane Gas Griddle Grill Combo
- Brand-Man Griddle Grill Combo 6-Burner
- MFSTUDIO 4 Burners Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
- Cuisinart Griddler Indoor Grill, Panini Press
- Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Griddle
- Blackstone 36-inch Griddle Cooking Station
Stanbroil 28-Inch Premium Built-In Liquid Propane Griddle
Designed for a seamless integration into your outdoor kitchen, this Stanbroil griddle is constructed from professional-grade 304 stainless steel. This material is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to rust and corrosion, ensuring the unit will look great and perform for years. Its sleek, modern design adds a stylish touch to any patio or backyard BBQ island.
With two H-shaped steel tube burners producing a total of 34,000 BTUs, this griddle heats up quickly and provides consistent power across its 412 square inch cooking surface. This allows you to cook for a crowd with confidence. The built-in design requires a cutout dimension of 26”L x 21.72”W x 7.16”H, creating a clean, custom look for your outdoor cooking space.
Stanbroil 28-Inch Premium Built-In Natural Gas Griddle
This model offers the same high-quality build and performance as its propane counterpart but is configured for a permanent natural gas hookup. For homeowners with an existing natural gas line, this provides the convenience of never running out of fuel during a cookout. It features the same durable 304 stainless steel construction for long-lasting use.
The griddle delivers powerful and efficient cooking with 34,000 BTUs distributed across the 412 square inch surface. The two-burner system allows for potential dual-zone cooking, giving you flexibility for different types of food. As a built-in unit, it provides a professional and integrated appearance for any custom outdoor kitchen setup.
Griller’s Choice Gas Griddle with Hinged Hood
This freestanding griddle is packed with features designed for a superior outdoor cooking experience. The hinged hood helps retain heat for more efficient cooking and can be used to melt cheese or gently warm food. Integrated wind guards are a crucial addition, ensuring consistent performance and temperature control even on breezy days.
Organization and cleanup are made simple with this model. It includes four spacious shelves for holding ingredients, plates, and utensils, along with three tool hooks and a dedicated paper towel holder. The front grease management system efficiently channels waste away from the burners, making post-meal cleanup much more straightforward.
Propane Griddle on Cart, 36″ Heavy Duty Manual Flat Top
Built for power and portability, this 36-inch griddle cart delivers a substantial 60,000 BTUs from its four burners, making it suitable for large gatherings. The cart is designed with convenience in mind, featuring built-in wheels that allow you to easily move it around your patio or pack it for an event. The entire unit can even be transported in its folded state.
The cooking surface is made from durable hot-rolled steel, pre-seasoned with a vegetable oil coating to prevent rust and promote a natural non-stick surface. A unique feature is the multifunctional folding tabletop that acts as both a cover to protect the griddle plate and an extra storage shelf when open, maximizing its utility.
Captiva Designs Propane Gas Griddle Grill Combo
Why choose between a grill and a griddle when you can have both? This versatile combo unit features a 442 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast iron grill grate alongside a 253 sq. in. cast iron griddle plate. This gives you the flexibility to sear steaks with classic grill marks and cook pancakes on the same appliance, with each side having independent temperature control.
Cleaning up after a barbecue is often the least enjoyable part, but this design simplifies the process. The grill section features a tilted grease tray that flows into a removable grease box, while the griddle side has a dedicated waste oil cup. These systems help keep the burners clean and make maintenance much easier.
Brand-Man Griddle Grill Combo 6-Burner
This 2-in-1 grill and griddle combo is built to handle large parties with its six independent burners and a total of 678 square inches of cooking space. The double stainless steel lids allow you to use the grill and griddle separately or simultaneously, providing immense flexibility depending on your menu and the number of guests.
The cooking area includes durable cast iron grates for the grill section and a porcelain-enameled warming rack to keep food hot. With independent controls for the different cooking zones, you can manage multiple dishes at their ideal temperatures, making it an efficient centerpiece for any significant backyard barbecue.
MFSTUDIO 4 Burners Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
This versatile outdoor cooking station offers multiple options with its two porcelain-enameled cast iron grill grates and one porcelain-enameled cast iron griddle plate. The inclusion of a separate side burner is a significant advantage, providing an extra heat source for simmering sauces, boiling corn, or cooking in a separate pan without占用 the main cooking surface.
The unit is equipped with four main stainless steel burners and one side burner, generating a total of 46,700 BTUs for powerful performance. Each burner has its own control knob and features a push-in ignition system for easy lighting. The porcelain-enameled cast iron construction is designed to be heavy-duty, non-stick, and resistant to rust.
Cuisinart Griddler Indoor Grill
For those who want the benefits of griddle cooking regardless of the weather, the Cuisinart Griddler is a perfect indoor solution. This compact appliance functions in five different ways: as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle. Its versatility makes it suitable for a quick breakfast, a pressed sandwich for lunch, or grilled chicken for dinner.
The removable cooking plates are dishwasher-safe, which drastically simplifies cleanup. Dual adjustable temperature controls give you precise command over the cooking process, with settings from “warm” to “sear” in grill mode and a temperature range from 200°F to 425°F in griddle mode.
Royal Gourmet Portable 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Griddle
Ideal for campers, tailgaters, and those with limited patio space, this Royal Gourmet griddle is designed for portability without sacrificing performance. Its compact size and sturdy feet make it stable yet easy to store in a car trunk. Despite its smaller footprint, it offers a generous 304 square inch steel cooking surface, thick enough to ensure even heat distribution.
With three independently controlled burners generating 25,500 BTUs, this tabletop griddle provides excellent control over your cooking zones. You can cook different items at their ideal temperatures simultaneously. This makes it a powerful and efficient option for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on meal quality while on the go.
Blackstone 36-inch Griddle Cooking Station
As one of the most recognized names in outdoor flat top cooking, Blackstone’s 36-inch model is a favorite for its reliability and thoughtful design. This griddle station typically comes on a sturdy cart with wheels for mobility and features ample side shelves for food preparation and storage. Its high BTU output ensures it can heat up quickly and handle large volumes of food.
The design often includes a rear grease management system to keep the cooking area clean and a built-in paper towel holder and tool hooks for convenience. The large cooking surface is perfect for cooking an entire meal at once, from proteins and vegetables to breakfast items, making it a versatile workhorse for any backyard chef.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Outdoor Griddle
Choosing the right outdoor griddle can feel like a big decision, and I get it. You want something that will last for years and make your backyard cooking easy and fun. After spending a lot of time with different models, I’ve found that focusing on a few key areas makes the choice much clearer.
First, let’s talk about size and cooking surface. This is probably the most important factor. Think about how many people you usually cook for. If it’s just you and a couple of others, a smaller 2-burner model with around 300 square inches might be perfect. But if you have a big family or love hosting parties, you’ll want a larger 3 or 4-burner griddle. These can offer over 600 square inches, giving you the space to cook entire meals at once—pancakes, bacon, and hash browns all side-by-side. The material of the cooking surface is also key. Most are made of cold-rolled steel, which is excellent for even heat distribution and developing a good seasoning. A thicker steel plate is better as it holds heat more consistently and reduces hot spots.
Next, consider the construction and fuel type. The frame and body should feel sturdy. Look for a cart made from powder-coated steel to resist rust, and check that the shelves are strong enough to hold your ingredients and tools. Almost all outdoor griddles run on propane, which is convenient and easy to control. Make sure the grill has a built-in regulator and a standard propane tank hookup. Some higher-end models might offer natural gas conversion kits, which is a great option if you have a permanent gas line on your patio.
Finally, don’t overlook the extra features that make life easier. Side shelves are a must for prep space, and having a paper towel holder or tool hooks is surprisingly useful. Check how the grease management system works; a large, easy-to-remove grease tray or cup is much simpler to clean. Also, look at how easy it is to move. Heavy-duty wheels, at least one of which locks, are essential for stability on uneven ground. When you’re looking for the 10 best outdoor griddles for your backyard, balancing these factors—size, build quality, and convenient features—will lead you to the perfect model for your needs.
FAQ
What is the difference between a griddle and a flat top grill?
This is a common point of confusion. In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, especially when talking about outdoor cooking. Technically, a griddle is a flat cooking surface, while a “flat top grill” often refers to a commercial-style unit. But for your backyard, when you’re looking at the 10 best outdoor griddles for your backyard, you’re essentially looking at a freestanding appliance with a large, flat steel top. It’s designed for the same kind of cooking you’d do on a skillet, but on a much larger scale.
How do I clean and maintain my outdoor griddle?
Proper cleaning is what makes your griddle last. I always clean mine while it’s still warm. After cooking, I scrape off any food debris with a metal scraper. Then, I pour a little water onto the surface—it will sizzle and steam—and use my scraper to loosen any remaining bits. I wipe it down with a paper towel or cloth, and then apply a very thin layer of cooking oil with a paper towel to protect the surface from rust. This process builds up a non-stick seasoning over time, just like a cast-iron skillet.
Can I use my outdoor griddle in the rain or snow?
While these griddles are built for the outdoors, it’s best to protect them from the elements when not in use. The steel cooking surface can rust if left wet for long periods. I highly recommend using a fitted waterproof cover. If you get caught in a light rain while cooking, it’s usually not a problem, but you should dry the griddle thoroughly afterward. For snow, just make sure to clear it off before you fire it up.
Are outdoor griddles easy to move around?
Most full-size models are on carts with two wheels, making them relatively easy to roll across a patio or deck. However, they can be quite heavy, especially the larger ones with a thick steel top. Always check the product weight if you plan on moving it frequently. Look for models with large, sturdy wheels and a locking mechanism on at least one wheel to keep it stable while you’re cooking.
What can I actually cook on an outdoor griddle?
The real question is what can’t you cook? I use mine for everything. Breakfast is a dream—you can cook a dozen pancakes, a whole pack of bacon, and eggs all at the same time. For lunch and dinner, it’s perfect for smash burgers, fajitas, stir-fry, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even searing steaks. You can also cook vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and onions directly on the surface. It’s incredibly versatile.