Griddles have been all the rage lately, and it’s not just a passing fad—there’s a sizzle to their story that I just had to investigate. So, buckle up, because today’s blog post is going to be a smorgasbord of personal insights, delicious anecdotes, and, of course, the ultimate question: “Are outdoor griddles really worth it?”
A griddle is not the same as a grill and is a better choice for many types of food. Which is better depends on what food you want to cook and whether you prefer the taste of grilled food. A griddle is not one-sidedly better – if you know the differences, you might go with a grill after all.
Don’t Have Time?Yes! An outdoor griddle is definitely worth it. Between cooking surface real-estate, heat zones, and versatility of food options, an outdoor griddle is worth your time and money as it delivers excellent value to the backyard chef.
The Versatility of the Outdoor Griddle
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – You Name It
One of the key selling points for me was the promise of versatility. Griddles aren’t just for breakfast foods—although they excel in that department. They’re a triple threat: breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all on the table (or should I say, on the griddle).
Cooking For A Crowd
When you’ve got a crowd to feed, a griddle can be a powerhouse. It’s got the space to handle multiple food items simultaneously, and that’s a game-changer. I’ve cooked for family reunions, neighborhood block parties, and even a casual backyard wedding. The griddle has never let me down.
A Flatter, Friendlier Cooking Surface
Not to knock traditional grills, but delicate foods can be a challenge. Fish, small veggies—they can stick or fall through the grates. On a griddle? No worries. Those prawns and asparagus spears aren’t going anywhere but on your guests’ plates.
The Flavors & Techniques Unique to Griddling
The Art of the Sear
Griddling isn’t just about the flat surface; it’s about the technique. It’s about achieving a perfect sear on burgers, embracing the ability to use finer ingredients without them slipping through the grates, and playing with temperatures across different zones on the griddle surface.
Mastering New Recipes
The learning curve was steep, but it also meant new recipes. I’ve tried everything from Japanese yakisoba to Mexican street corn. My griddle has been a gateway to international cuisine right in my backyard.
Griddle Seasoning
Seasoning the griddle is an art in itself. A well-seasoned griddle surface imparts a depth of flavor you just can’t get with a grill. And over time, it only gets better. My griddle has a patina that tells the story of every meal I’ve cooked on it—a badge of honor in my book.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean-up is a hot topic among us outdoor cooking aficionados. The griddle is surprisingly easy to clean with the right tools—a good scraper, some water, maybe a squirt of lemon juice. Sure, it needs regular maintenance, but so does any piece of quality cooking equipment.
The Downsides? Sure, There Are a Few
The Initial Investment
Quality comes at a price, and outdoor griddles are no exception. It’s not just the griddle itself; it’s the cover, the cleaning supplies, and maybe some griddle-specific accessories. It’s an investment, but one I’ve found to be worth every penny.
Storage and Space Considerations
Consider your space. Griddles can be hefty and take up a fair amount of room. I had to do some rearranging in my shed to accommodate mine. But seeing how often I use it, I’d say it’s earned its place among the lawn mower and garden tools.
Learning Curve
As I mentioned earlier, there’s a learning curve. The first few times you use a griddle, chances are you’ll burn something or undercook something else. Not to mention the seasoning process and don’t get me started on rust! But don’t despair; practice makes perfect.
My Final Verdict on the Value of Outdoor Griddles
So, after countless meals and memories, if you ask me, “Are outdoor griddles really worth it?” I say, yes—a resounding yes. Sure, they require investment, both financially and in terms of time spent learning the ropes, but they’ve revolutionized the way I cook outdoors.
The versatility, the flavors, the sheer joy of cooking almost anything on a spacious flat top—it’s been a game-changer for me and my backyard gatherings. You could even say it’s rekindled my passion for outdoor cooking.
If your on the fence, check out the folks over at Steelmade USA who make 100% American Made Griddle Inserts custom fit for your grill, effectively converting your grill to griddle in 5 seconds!
A Piece of Advice
If you’re considering taking the griddle plunge, my advice is simple: do your research, pick the right model for your needs, and dive in. Be prepared to experiment, to taste the difference, and to wonder, as I have, how you ever got by without it.
So, grab your spatula, fire up that griddle, and let the good times and good food roll! It’s not just an outdoor griddle, it’s a ticket to an endless carnival of culinary delights. And to me, that’s worth every penny—and every square inch of patio space.
