Griddle vs Grill: Both Are Winners for Your Outdoor Kitchen

You're ready to upgrade your outdoor cooking space and buy a new grill…just maybe you need a griddle instead? Many people are enlightened of the dissimilar types of grills and maybe even smokers, but they haven't even heard about outdoor griddles. This is actually a shame because some may end up using a griddle only every bit much or more than an outdoor grill.

Griddle vs Grill – What's the divergence?

It'south probably condom to say that most all consumers are familiar with the concept of a grill: It'southward essentially a metal grate that sits over an open flame estrus source where nutrient is cooked. From that bones definition, the types, styles and prices vary widely.

Grills are great for adding the sought-later smoky taste to foods cooked outdoors. They are the acme selection for cooking meats and poultry because fats and liquids fall through the grate and help sear the surface of the meat for optimum browning. Grills are likewise very versatile because they can be heated to very high temperatures and so they mark meats with the iconic seared stripes and are hot enough to cook pizza. At the aforementioned time, they tin can be used at lower temperatures for roasting and smoking.

A griddle, on the other hand, is a large flat metal surface that sits over a heat source, with no slats or gaps. It's basically similar a giant frying pan outdoors, and, just equally in your regular kitchen, you can cook almost anything on a griddle.

Which 1 Do I Need?

Opting for an outdoor griddle comes downward to what you similar to cook. With their large, apartment cooking surface, griddles are most ofttimes used to ready things you lot tin can't cook on a traditional grill: Breakfast foods like eggs and pancakes, dishes similar stir-frys, fried rice, vegetables and Mexican dishes are only a few examples. That said, yous can notwithstanding cook burgers, hot dogs and steaks and got sandwiches on a griddle. Merely think nearly diners – they cook everything on one.

Then which one should you choose? Really, most consumers buy a griddle to go with a grill and so that they can cook all sort of meals outside and enjoy the outdoors at breakfast, dejeuner and dinner time.

Types of Griddles

Just as with grills, there are several different types and ranges of toll points that work for all types of budgets.

Dedicated griddles

Dedicated griddles are much like grills: They can be built-in, but the most common types are free-standing, come up with their own cart and ordinarily take wheels. These are typically the largest in size with the biggest cooking surface, making them platonic for those who regularly cook for a oversupply. Have a big family unit? Imagine being able to practice breakfast for the entire crew out on the deck or patio every weekend instead of messing upwardly the kitchen. For entertaining, griddles can be platonic considering you can easily grill meats and set up other dishes on the griddle at the same time. Of the types of griddles bachelor on the market, these will be the virtually expensive because of their size and construction – and whatever bells and whistles you may choose to have.

Portable gas griddles

For more modest cooking needs or a tighter budget, a smaller portable gas griddle is a great choice. These are perfect for people who don't use a griddle very often or want to be able to take information technology along on camping trips, or picnic outings or use them for tailgating. A portable gas griddle is besides a good choice for a couple or small family unit. Some gas griddles are small enough to use on a table meridian and many models are fueled by pocket-size propane tanks.

Griddle insert

The most cheap and space-conscious option is a griddle insert. This is actually a griddle surface that is purchased separately and used atop an existing grill. An insert may be the best choice for a pocket-size space where storage is an effect or for a limited budget. It'due south besides a good selection for cooks who want the choice but probably won't utilise it very often. The insert tin can exist used on a gas grill or a charcoal/wood fire.

Griddle Features to Consider

Size

Size was already mentioned with regard to the types of griddles bachelor, just this factor should be a major commuter of what type of griddle you purchase. If you regularly cook for a crowd and buy a small portable griddle or an insert, you'll likely exist unhappy with how long it takes you to melt enough food. ON the other manus, if you're empty nesters who regularly melt for just two or 4 people, a big congenital-in or freestanding griddle may exist overkill and cost more than you lot need to spend. Big families or people who entertain large groups will want to choose a griddle with well-nigh 5oo inches of cooking surface while minor families can do with a more small-scale 300 square inches.

Number of burners

Only similar grills, dedicated and portable griddles will have a number of burners under the cooking surface that create the heat. In general, the larger the cooking surface, the more burners you want to have to give you more even temperature control and help avoid cold spots. A higher number of burners also means that the griddle volition heat upwardly faster. The bottom line is that y'all want every bit much of the griddle's cooking surface to oestrus as possible.

Quality construction

With regard to choosing a griddle, the material and construction considerations will be similar to those in choosing a grill: The improve the quality of the materials, the longer the griddle will final. In general, chrome and stainless steel are the optimum choices for durability considering they're rust-resistant. Of form, these are likewise the most expensive types of griddle materials. More than budget-friendly options may exist coated aluminum or steel.

Extra Add together-ons

 Some of the add together-ons y'all'll want to consider for a dedicated of are, again, similar to those you find on a gas grill: A shelf in the cart for added storage and hooks for hanging utensils are common and helpful extras. A encompass will exist key in helping to keep your griddle in good condition and last longer. Finally, at that place are griddle accessories for cooking that you might want to consider such as larger spatulas, grill or bacon printing or a basting dome for meats.

Cost

It's of import to know what you want and demand earlier you lot purchase a gas griddle considering prices can range from affordable to expensive. For a general ballpark idea of price ranges, a small portable gas griddle typically runs most $100 to $200. Big freestanding dedicated models can toll as much as $500. And, at the summit of the range, larger and built-in style griddles can cost into the thousands.

Set up to store for a griddle? Here are a couple of options – i that'due south a Cadillac version and a second that gives you lots of outdoor griddling bang for your buck.

Camp Chef 600 4-Burner Flat Summit Propane Gas Grill – FTG600

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This is an ideal upkeep-friendly option for the outdoor cooking enthusiast with a proficient-sized family or who loves to entertain. Army camp Chef's 600 modes has a very large cooking surface of 604 square inches – enough to tackle a big family unit breakfast or a lawn party. Information technology'southward made from seasoned cold-rolled steel featuring a splash guard around the border to aid keep food on the surface.

The griddle heat evenly thanks to the four 12,000-BTU stainless steel burners, all independent in a powder-coated steel burner box. Each. Burners are individually controlled by a knob on the front end, providing complete control of temperature regulation and throughout the cooking process. The edge of the griddle top has a grease tray, which funnels the drippings from food into the grease catch saucepan. Moreover, the griddle surface will always be perfectly level because it has micro-adjust griddle levelers and the legs of the chiffonier accept levels that can be adjusted too.

In addition to the main griddle surface, the cart includes two folding side shelves that are also made from powder-coated steel and give you plenty of extra room for prep or to concur items you need while cooking.

Last but certainly not to the lowest degree, the Camp Chef 600 comes with a full fix of grill grates below the griddle plate and so that you tin switch to grilling up meats with those gorgeous grill marks that many people hunger for. A hose, regulator, and holding bracket are included for a twenty-pound propane tank, which is non included. This griddle can also be inverse to use natural gas past a licensed professional

Pros:

• With 80+ percent v star reviews, buyers love the versatility of this griddle and praise how well the food comes out.
• Many say this is the ideal companion to a smoker or kettle-manner grill.

Cons:

• The griddle must be removed in order to use the grill grates beneath. They cannot be used at the aforementioned fourth dimension.
• The griddle has no lid merely a cover can exist purchased separately.
• A few people mentioned it would be nice if the grease drain pigsty was large enough to accept scrapings from the griddle top

Bonfire Premium LTE 30-Inch Propane Gas Griddle With Lights

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With a lifetime warranty, y'all can't go wrong with the Blaze Premium LTE 30-Inch Propane Gas Griddle With Lights. This freestanding griddle is versatile enough that you tin cook just well-nigh anything for your family, from veggies to meats and everything in between.

The size is just right for a family, with its 495 square inches of cooking surface crafted from stainless steel. Underneath, the oestrus is powered by two commercial quality, U-shaped stainless steel burners, each of which puts out 18,000 BTUs. Starting up is a breeze too, because the griddle has a push and plough flame-thrower primary ignition with a backup flash tube secondary ignition. The congenital-in grease trough has a center hole that channels all the grease to the drip tray. And, when the sun goes down, Blaze's signature SRL LED control knob illumination looks stylish and makes it easy to run across the controls.

Fabricated entirely from heavy-duty 304-grade stainless steel, the durable griddle comes on a cart that has ii drawers for storing accessories and one large door to hide away a xx-pound propane tank. To help keep everything handy, the bottom drawer has a tray with 7 removable containers for veggies or condiments. The drawer'due south too insulated, so you can fill it with water ice to keep food chilled and at the ready. When yous're finished, the drawer has a built-in drain for piece of cake removal. Finally, the cart has heavy-duty casters that allow you lot move the griddle at will.

Pros:

• A heavy-duty lid makes it like shooting fish in a barrel to protect the griddle.
• Stainless steel construction means durability and many years of use.
• Extras similar the insulated drawer with drain and LED lighted knobs are dainty.

Cons:

• This grill is a high-end model.
• At only nether 500 square inches of cooking surface, it'due south enough for a family merely not as large equally some other models.

Outdoor Built-in Grills

If yous want to have a fully functional outdoor kitchen, a built-in grill is something to consider, specially if you desire to have a griddle too. A born model is typically a bigger investment considering they need to exist installed into the proper type of outdoor counter – typically fabricated from stone or physical.

Why Cull a Built-in Grill?

Besides existence the most stylish option for an outdoor kitchen, a built-in grill takes up less infinite than a freestanding grill. The more compact pattern means that y'all can probably fit i into a thousand or patio that is too modest for a full-size freestanding model. Congenital-in grills are made using the same loftier-quality materials as good, freestanding grills considering they need to terminal. Finally, with built-in grills, there'due south no cart to worry nearly or need to wheel anything effectually.

How to Choose an Outdoor Built-In Grill

A built-in gas grill is integrated into your outdoor kitchen whether it'due south a modest size space or a large, pinnacle-of-the-line set-up. The nicest matter near a congenital-in outdoor kitchen is that it is very aesthetically pleasing and adds a luxurious element to your outdoor living space. Of class, this requires a larger budget and in that location are some things to consider when choosing a congenital-in grill for your new outdoor kitchen.

Size Matters

Whether your grill is a built-in style or non, size is the get-go consideration. When discussing size, this is the grill'south actual cooking surface area. You'll never be happy with a grill that's too minor to conform the amount of food you typically cook.

Typically, the standard size of a gas grill – non the modest portable kind —  volition exist somewhere between 400 and 500 square inches. This should serve the needs of the average size family and be fine for modest get-togethers, Large families or people who entertain guests often will probably want to opt for something larger — at least 600 square inches.

In the instance of a built-in grill, the overall size is likewise very important because it has to fit into a defined space. If you already take an outdoor kitchen and are just replacing the grill, the size dimensions will be predetermined. If y'all're but designing your outdoor kitchen, ideally you want to have counter space on at least one side of the grill to gear up down nutrient, platters and grilling necessities. Some other particular to keep in listen is the weight of the grill you will exist installing: The island construction. Has to be strong plenty to support it safely.

Number of Burners

How many burners a grill has is of import for any style, built-in or not. Because the burners provide all the heat, the BTU's they put out will determine how high it can heat and the number of burners will determine how much control you lot have over the heat and how evenly the grill will cook. A large area with few burners means that yous will accept common cold spots where the heat volition non exist high enough. More burners also mean that if you have a big grill simply just want to cook a couple of things, you can utilise just a couple of the burners and non heat the entire huge grill.

Bells and Whistles

Today's grills have loads of extras that are either automatically included in a particular model or that can be purchased as add-ons. Here, the simply limitation is your budget. Some extras make cooking more fun while others are designed to make grilling easier and error-free. Some grills have LED-lighted control knobs or integrated lighting then that you can more easily grill afterward dark. Large, piece of cake-to-see external temperature gauges make information technology simple to proceed an eye on the cooking temperature, while smart probes that you control from your smart phone can free yous up from hovering around the grill. Once again, these aren't necessities, but they sure are prissy to have.

King of beasts Stainless Steel Built-In Natural Gas Grill

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With 647 foursquare inches of cooking area, the Lion L75000 natural gas grill offers up a gourmet grilling experience that'due south easy and reliable. This built-in grill is constructed from commercial form stainless steel and will provide years of grilling pleasure. Its super-durable double layer, seamless welded steel grill head features polished edges for good looks also as longevity.

Five Lion Quick Lite valves mean that you lot'll take a fast, steady flame to outset up, which is unproblematic to exercise with the push-to-plough knob design. Inside, the grill has four cast stainless steel burners that create 60,000 BTUs of heat on the grilling surface. There's also a xv,000-BTU infrared rotisserie burner. No matter what you're cooking, you lot can easily monitor the temperature with a large external temperature estimate. This Panthera leo grill includes plenty of nice extras too, such as the two interior lights that let you cook well subsequently dark. It also includes rotisserie, comprehend, smoker box, griddle and griddle remover. With this one, you'll accept absolutely everything you need to lavishly feed family unit and friends.

Pros:

• Buyers beloved the ease of use.
• The grill includes some nice extras and even more than upgrades are available for purchase separately.

Cons:

• The grill starter is electric and needs wiring.
• It's very heavy and requires two people to put it in place.

Napoleon Prestige 500 Built-in Natural Gas Grill with Infrared Rear Burner

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For consistently exceptional cooking, the Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 has what y'all need. This built-in grill boasts 500 square inches of cooking expanse and an boosted 260 square inches in the warming area, totaling 760 square inches of cooking surface area. The heat of the grill comes from the four stainless steel burners that put out upwardly to 48,000 BTUs. All that power can be had at the touch of a button cheers to the flame ignition that chop-chop and easily starts it up.

All the grates are stainless steel and the dual-level self-cleaning sear plates vaporize the drippings, assistance control flare-ups and go on food moist. This particular grill likewise has an 18,000 BTU infrared burner in the back and then that you tin cook slowly using the rotisserie kit. Within the hood, in that location'south an Accu-Probe temperature approximate, and the stainless steel end caps retain rut and so it can perform like an oven as well. Little extras that enhance your grilling feel include LED Spectrum Dark Light control knobs that have color options and glow scarlet when a burner is being used. 2 interior lights illuminate the cooking surface making after-dark cooking much easier. Finally, in that location's a full-width drip pan that makes clean up easy.

Pros:

• The chapeau is hinged near the middle and when open it adds hardly any depth to the back of the grill
• The stainless steel sear plates also help protect the burners and reduce flare-ups
• Major components have a lifetime guarantee and other parts are warranted for 15 years.

Cons

• Not entirely made from stainless steel.
• Cannot be converted to natural gas.

When it comes to griddle versus grill, information technology'southward difficult to say which one wins out but it's likely that you might want some course of both. If you're planning the ultimate backyard kitchen consider complementing your choice grill with a griddle and so you can savor all your meals in the slap-up outdoors.

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Source: https://www.homedit.com/griddle-vs-grill/

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