If you’re serious about griddle cooking, finding the right one can elevate your outdoor or indoor cooking experience. Whether you’re flipping pancakes for breakfast, searing steaks for dinner, or cooking up a feast for a crowd, choosing the best griddle depends on size, material, fuel type, and additional features.
This buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing a griddle. Additionally, we’ll provide product reviews of top-rated options to help you make an informed choice!
Why Choose a Griddle?
Unlike traditional grills or stovetops, griddles provide a flat, spacious cooking surface that allows for even heat distribution and versatile cooking. Here’s why they’re a great investment:
✔ Large Cooking Surface – Perfect for making multiple items at once.
✔ Even Heat Distribution – Prevents hot spots and ensures consistent cooking.
✔ Versatility – Great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—from eggs and bacon to burgers and stir-fry.
✔ Easy Cleanup – Most griddles come with grease management systems, making cleaning a breeze.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Griddle
Before you buy, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Below are the most crucial aspects to evaluate.
1. Griddle Type: Gas, Electric, or Stovetop
First, determine whether you need a gas, electric, or stovetop griddle. Each type has its own advantages:
- Gas Griddles – Ideal for outdoor cooking with powerful, even heat. Great for grilling enthusiasts.
- Electric Griddles – Best for indoor use, offering plug-and-play convenience and precise temperature control.
- Stovetop Griddles – A budget-friendly option that sits over burners for quick and easy griddle cooking.
2. Cooking Surface Material
Next, consider the material. The surface affects durability, heat retention, and maintenance:
- Cast Iron – Retains heat well and develops a natural non-stick coating over time. Requires regular seasoning.
- Stainless Steel – Durable, easy to clean, and rust-resistant. Perfect for long-term use.
- Non-Stick Coated Griddles – Easy to cook on and clean, but the coating may wear off over time.
3. Size & Cooking Space
Furthermore, the size of your griddle matters based on how much food you typically cook.
- Small (Up to 200 sq. in.) – Best for small families and compact kitchens.
- Medium (200-400 sq. in.) – Great for regular household cooking.
- Large (400+ sq. in.) – Ideal for big families, gatherings, or meal prepping.
4. Heat Control & Distribution
To cook efficiently, you’ll need a griddle that distributes heat evenly and allows temperature adjustments.
- Adjustable Temperature Control – Essential for precise cooking of different foods.
- Number of Burners – More burners mean better heat control across the surface.
5. Portability & Storage
If you need an outdoor griddle for camping, look for foldable legs and lightweight construction. For indoor use, compact electric griddles are easier to store.
Top 5 Griddles: Product Reviews & Recommendations
1. Best Overall: Blackstone 36-Inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle
🔥 Why We Love It:
✔ 4 powerful burners for heat control
✔ 720 sq. in. cooking surface for large meals
✔ Grease management system for easy cleanup
💡 Best For: Outdoor cooking, big gatherings, and meal prepping.
- NEW FEATURES – This unit comes equipped with Blackstone’s new and improved side shelf giving the user a removable cuttin…
- RESTAURANT STYLE COOKING – With 720sq inches of flat top grilling, this griddle is perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinn…
- REPLACE YOUR STANDARD GRILL – Replace your grill or BBQ with a Blackstone griddle and never look back! This grill is sim…
2. Best Indoor Griddle: Presto 22-Inch Electric Griddle
🔥 Why We Love It:
✔ Non-stick surface for easy cooking
✔ Removable drip tray for simple cleaning
✔ Compact and lightweight
💡 Best For: Small kitchens, quick meals, and indoor griddle enthusiasts.
- EXTRA-LARGE COOKING SURFACE: This 22-inch electric griddle offers an expansive cooking area, perfect for preparing meals…
- NONSTICK CERAMIC COATING: The nonstick electric griddle features a PFAS-free ceramic coating with a textured surface, pr…
- REMOVABLE HANDLES FOR EASY STORAGE: The innovative design includes detachable handles, allowing the XL griddle to fit in…
3. Best Budget-Friendly: Lodge Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle
🔥 Why We Love It:
✔ Affordable and versatile
✔ Reversible design with grill and griddle sides
✔ Compatible with all heat sources
💡 Best For: Budget-conscious buyers and cast-iron lovers.
- 20 x 10.5 cooking area
- Use on all cooking surfaces, grills and campfires
- Oven safe
4. Best Portable Griddle: Blackstone 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle
🔥 Why We Love It:
✔ Compact and easy to transport
✔ Dual burners for heat control
✔ Perfect for camping and tailgating
💡 Best For: RV travel, camping, and outdoor adventures.
- GRIDDLE ON THE GO with Blackstone stainless steel griddle. Whether you are entertaining the guests in the backyard or wa…
- COOKING FOR A CROWD? Our gas griddle features a spacious 22″ (339 sq. inch) cooking surface, which can fit up to 12 burg…
- HASSLE-FREE CLEANUP: When you are done cooking, simply wipe the surface with a paper towel, empty the built-in grease ca…
5. Best Stainless Steel Griddle: Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600
🔥 Why We Love It:
✔ Professional-grade stainless steel surface
✔ Four burners for heat control
✔ Large 604 sq. in. cooking area
💡 Best For: Serious outdoor cooks looking for durability and performance.
- Item may ship in more than one box and may arrive separately
- Includes flat top griddle & grill grate
- True seasoned cooking surface, non-stick & ready to cook
Griddle Maintenance & Care Tips
Once you’ve chosen your griddle, maintaining it properly is essential to ensure longevity. Here are some quick maintenance tips:
✔ Season your griddle regularly (for cast iron and steel surfaces).
✔ Clean after every use by scraping off food residue and applying a light layer of oil.
✔ Avoid using harsh detergents on cast iron to prevent rust.
✔ Store properly – Use a cover for outdoor griddles to prevent damage.
Check Out This Post – Griddle & Grill Maintenance: Keep Your Cooking Gear Like New
Final Thoughts: Which Griddle Should You Buy?
Choosing the right griddle depends on your cooking style and needs. If you love outdoor cooking, go for a Blackstone or Camp Chef gas griddle. For indoor use, a Presto electric griddle is a great pick. If you want versatility and affordability, a Lodge cast iron griddle is a solid choice.
No matter which griddle you choose, proper care and maintenance will ensure it lasts for years! Which griddle is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 🔥
