Griddle Buying Guide
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Time to read 7 min
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Time to read 7 min
Table of Contents
Grilling and BBQ enthusiasts, listen up! We may be called the Masters of Grilling, but we appreciate a good cooker when we see one. And let us tell you, flat top grills and griddles are the ultimate cooking appliances. They offer endless cooking possibilities, make your guests flock to the sizzling action, and fit into tight spaces where regular gas grills can't. Plus, when paired with a built-in gas grill, you'll have the ultimate culinary flexibility at your fingertips.
Now, we know that not everyone is familiar with griddles. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Our team of flat top grill experts will guide you through everything you need to know when buying a flat top gas grill or griddle. We've covered all the important factors to consider and even included some insider tips. Get ready to solve the griddle riddle and elevate your outdoor cooking game!
Choose the perfect flat top gas grill for your needs: built-in, freestanding, or portable. Each option serves a specific purpose for outdoor entertainers, so weigh the benefits before deciding. Also, consider adding a flat top griddle as a companion cooker to your gas grill for added versatility.
Upgrade your outdoor space with a built-in griddle! Whether you're planning an outdoor kitchen or expanding your BBQ island, a built-in griddle is the perfect addition. Not only do built-in flat top grills and gas grills work great together, but a griddle behind an island bar adds a stylish touch while allowing guests to watch you cook up a hibachi-style meal with flair. Cleaning a built-in gas griddle may be a bit challenging, but the visual appeal is well worth it. Imagine a Blaze gas griddle next to a Blaze gas grill - now that's perfection! Inesert more text here to push the article down one line
Elevate your outdoor cooking with a freestanding gas griddle. These versatile grills provide flexibility in your outdoor space, thanks to their wheeled carts for easy mobility. Whether it's your deck or patio, you can move them effortlessly. In winter, store them in a covered area for protection. Cleaning is a breeze as their mobility allows access from different angles. Fueling is simple too, with propane as the standard option, and natural gas alternatives available. Enhance your outdoor culinary adventures with a freestanding gas griddle for mobility, convenience, and delectable results.
Expand your grilling horizons with portable flat top grills that offer unparalleled versatility and mobility. No longer confined to the backyard, these griddles are perfect for tailgates, camping trips, and road adventures where you want to be in control of your sizzling bacon. Experience the freedom and convenience of Cuisinart's 28-inch portable griddle - a prime example of the cooking flexibility and lightweight design that makes portable griddles a game-changer for on-the-go grillers.
Choose the perfect fuel type for your gas griddle: propane or natural gas. Discover the practical differences that make one fuel better suited to your needs. Portability, installation, and refueling are crucial factors in this discussion. Let's explore what sets propane flat top griddles apart from natural gas models.
Save money and eliminate the hassle of propane with a natural gas flat top griddle. If you already have natural gas piped onto your property, this is the way to go. All you need is a licensed plumber to set up the connections, and you'll never have to worry about running out of fuel or making trips to exchange propane tanks. While you may sacrifice some maneuverability, natural gas is the most practical choice for built-in griddles.
Discover the convenience and affordability of propane flat top grills as an alternative to installing costly gas lines in your yard. Enjoy easy mobility with 20-pound propane tanks, without the need for a fixed gas line. Plus, you can safely connect portable tanks on your own, unlike natural gas models that require professional installation. The only small downside? You'll need to exchange or refill standard tanks at hardware stores, but bulk tanks can be conveniently refilled by your local propane dealer. Upgrade your grilling experience today!
Electric griddles offer several conveniences over gas griddles. First, they are incredibly easy to start and control with the simple turn of a knob, eliminating the need for propane tanks or natural gas lines. They also heat up quickly and evenly, ensuring consistent cooking temperatures across the entire surface. Additionally, electric griddles are more versatile as they can be used both indoors and outdoors, providing flexibility in cooking locations. Cleanup is a breeze, thanks to the flat, non-stick surface that is easy to wipe clean. Moreover, electric griddles are often more compact and portable, making them suitable for smaller spaces and easy to transport. Overall, the convenience of electric griddles lies in their simplicity, precision, versatility, and ease of maintenance, making them a popular choice for many home cooks and outdoor enthusiasts.
Size matters when it comes to your gas griddle. It determines how much food you can cook and the number of cooking zones you have. While flat top griddles have fewer zones than traditional gas grills, size still impacts versatility. So, it's crucial to choose a size that you're comfortable with because once you buy it, you can't make it bigger. To find the right size for your outdoor space, consider how many people you usually cook for, the maximum number you'd cook for, and how often you cook for that many people. Then, use the information below to make your decision.
Opting for a small-sized flat top griddle is a smart decision when space is at a premium or when mobility matters. This compact griddle is a practical choice for those with limited kitchen real estate, such as apartment dwellers or outdoor cooking aficionados. Its small footprint ensures easy storage and hassle-free transport, ensuring that you can whip up delicious meals without sacrificing valuable space.
For those seeking versatility and efficiency without overwhelming their kitchen, a medium-sized griddle is the way to go. With a balance between size and functionality, it caters to small families or intimate gatherings, providing sufficient cooking space for a variety of dishes. This mid-sized griddle strikes the right chord, allowing you to prepare ample portions without crowding your kitchen countertops.
If you're an enthusiastic home chef or often host large gatherings, a large-sized griddle is the ultimate choice. Its expansive cooking surface can handle substantial quantities of food, making it perfect for grand parties, extensive family dinners, or even commercial use. With a large griddle, you can effortlessly prepare generous servings of your favorite griddled delights to delight a crowd. The size of your griddle should align with your specific cooking needs and available space, ensuring a seamless culinary experience.
When investing in a griddle, don't forget to consider the range of accessories available to enhance your cooking experience. These accessories can transform your griddle into a versatile cooking tool. One essential accessory is the grill cover, which helps protect your griddle from the elements and prolong its lifespan. Additionally, a quality spatula set with various sizes and materials, like stainless steel and wooden, is crucial for flipping and handling different types of foods. If you're into making breakfast, an egg ring or pancake ring can help you achieve perfectly shaped, uniform pancakes and eggs. For those who love the smoky flavor of barbecue, a smoker box or wood chip tray is a must-have accessory to infuse your griddled dishes with rich, smoky aromas. You can also consider getting a grease management system or a drip tray to keep your cooking surface clean and safe. Lastly, a digital thermometer ensures accurate temperature control for perfect grilling results. These griddle accessories can elevate your cooking game and make your griddling adventures even more enjoyable.
As you embark on your journey to griddle greatness, it's essential to consider some key factors that will ensure you pick the gas griddle that suits your culinary aspirations. Here are the critical elements to keep in mind when purchasing a gas griddle:
Size Matters: Assess your cooking needs and available space. From compact tabletop models for intimate gatherings to large, restaurant-grade griddles for feeding a crowd, choose the size that fits your lifestyle.
Fuel Source: Gas griddles offer the convenience of propane or natural gas. Evaluate your access to gas sources and determine which option aligns with your setup.
Material Magic: Quality matters. Look for griddles crafted from durable materials like stainless steel or cast iron, ensuring longevity and even heat distribution.
Temperature Control: Precise temperature control is crucial for perfect sears and delicate flips. Opt for models with adjustable burners or thermostatic controls to fine-tune your cooking.
Cleanup Convenience: Easy maintenance is a must. Seek griddles with removable grease trays or grates for hassle-free cleaning.
Mobility Matters: If you plan to move your griddle around, consider built-in wheels or portability features.
Now, armed with this knowledge, you're ready to sizzle, sear, and delight with your new gas griddle. Happy griddling, and may your culinary adventures be filled with sizzling success!