Updated: July 2025

Looking to buy the perfect griddle? You’ve come to the right place! Our comprehensive griddle buying guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Griddles are versatile cooking appliances that can transform your culinary experience. Whether you’re seeking an outdoor gas griddle for backyard entertaining or a compact electric model for indoor use, understanding your options is crucial for making the right choice.

This detailed guide covers all griddle types, essential features to consider, and our top recommendations based on extensive testing and research.

Discover the differences between gas griddles, electric griddles, stovetop models, and specialty options like panini presses to find your ideal cooking companion.

What Is a Griddle?

A griddle is a flat cooking surface that provides even heat distribution for preparing a wide variety of foods. Unlike traditional frying pans, griddles offer expansive cooking areas perfect for batch cooking.

Modern griddles have evolved significantly from their ancient predecessors – flat stones or metal plates placed over fires. Today’s models use electricity, gas, or stovetop burners to heat durable metal surfaces made from materials like cast iron, stainless steel, or aluminum.

While griddles excel at breakfast foods like pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns, their versatility extends far beyond morning meals. You can cook burgers, sandwiches, vegetables, and virtually anything that works in a frying pan.

Key advantages of griddle cooking include:

• Large flat surface makes flipping and maneuvering food effortless
• Open cooking area prevents moisture buildup for crispier results
• Even heat distribution eliminates hot spots common in pans
• Batch cooking capability saves time when preparing multiple servings

The spacious surface allows easy access with spatulas and cooking utensils. The open design lets steam escape naturally, resulting in better browning and crisping – especially important for foods like bacon and potatoes.

Unlike traditional pans that may have uneven heating, quality griddles feature heating elements designed to distribute heat uniformly across the entire cooking surface, ensuring consistent results.

Main Types of Griddles

Understanding the different griddle types helps you choose the best option for your cooking style, space, and budget. Each type offers unique benefits and limitations.

• Gas griddles – Propane or natural gas powered outdoor models
• Electric griddles – Plug-in countertop or outdoor electric units
• Panini griddles – Dual-surface press-style griddles
• Griddle plates – Simple flat pans for stovetop use
• Stovetop griddles – Rectangular plates spanning multiple burners
• Griddle combos – Multi-function units with grills or air fryers

Let’s explore each category in detail to help you identify the perfect match for your needs.

Flat-Top Grill Versus Griddle – What’s the Difference?

The terms “flat-top grill” and “griddle” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle distinctions worth understanding when shopping.

Flat-top grills typically feature thick stainless steel cooking surfaces heated by circular burner elements underneath. These commercial-style units often have multiple independently controlled heat zones, allowing different temperature settings across the cooking surface.

Heat sources can include gas, electricity, wood, or charcoal. Larger models may have 2-8 separate heating elements, each functioning as an individual burner for precise temperature control.

Traditional griddles historically refer to cooking plates made from materials like:

• Cast iron – Superior heat retention and durability
• Aluminum – Quick, even heat distribution
• Carbon steel – Professional-grade heat responsiveness
• Chrome steel – Easy cleaning and maintenance

Basic griddle plates are rectangular trays with raised edges to contain grease. They sit directly on stovetop burners rather than having built-in heating elements.

Electric residential griddles usually feature H-shaped or linear heating elements running beneath the cooking surface, providing consistent heat distribution across the entire plate.

Pro tip: Despite rumors, Blackstone doesn’t manufacture stainless steel griddles – their signature cold-rolled steel surface is actually superior for most cooking applications.

Gas Griddles

Gas griddles represent the most popular choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, offering restaurant-quality performance in residential settings.

Most gas models function as flat-top grills with multiple independent burners featuring circular heating elements rather than single linear elements. This design provides exceptional temperature control and cooking versatility.

Fuel options include:

• Propane: Most common for residential use, portable tanks
• Natural gas: Permanent installations with direct gas line connections

Safety note: Gas griddles must be used outdoors only. Indoor use of gas appliances can create dangerous carbon monoxide buildup and violates safety codes in most areas.

Gas griddles come in two main configurations:

Tabletop models are compact and portable, perfect for camping, tailgating, or small patios. They require a separate table or surface but offer maximum portability.

Cart-style griddles include integrated stands with wheels, shelving, and storage. Many feature side prep areas, lower storage cabinets, and tool hooks for a complete outdoor cooking station.

Curious about performance capabilities? We tested maximum temperatures on popular Blackstone griddles – the results might surprise you!

What Is the Best Gas Griddle?

The Blackstone 36-Inch Cooking Station consistently ranks as our top gas griddle recommendation for its exceptional combination of cooking space, build quality, and value.

Key features:

• 720 square inches of cooking space (fits up to 28 burgers)
• Four independent burners with separate heat controls
• Rolling cart with locking wheels for easy positioning
• Dual side shelves plus lower storage shelf
• Integrated cutting board and trash bag holder

The massive cooking surface handles large gatherings effortlessly, while independent heat zones let you cook different foods simultaneously at optimal temperatures. The cart design provides a complete outdoor cooking station with ample prep and storage space.

Electric Griddles

Electric griddles offer convenient indoor cooking with consistent results and easy cleanup. These plug-in appliances are perfect for countertop use and don’t require outdoor ventilation.

Most electric models feature aluminum or steel bases with nonstick cooking surfaces for easy food release and cleanup. The built-in heating elements provide even temperature distribution across the entire cooking area.

Design characteristics:

• Rectangular shape maximizes cooking area
• Linear or H-shaped heating elements for even heat
• Temperature control dials or preset settings
• Compact size for easy storage

Electric griddles excel in kitchen environments where outdoor cooking isn’t practical. While not ideal for camping without electrical hookups, they’re perfect for apartment living, indoor meal prep, and consistent year-round use.

What Is the Best Electric Griddle?

The Presto 22-Inch Electric Griddle stands out for its practical design and reliable performance in home kitchens.

Standout features:

• 231 square inches of nonstick cooking surface
• Removable handles and controls for easy cleanup
• Fully immersible design when components are removed
• Integrated grease tray for healthier cooking
• 400°F maximum temperature with variable control

The removable component design sets this griddle apart – you can completely submerge the cooking surface for thorough cleaning. The built-in grease management system is uncommon in this price range but invaluable for cooking bacon and other fatty foods.

Panini Griddles

Panini griddles (also called panini presses) feature dual cooking surfaces that press food from both sides simultaneously. This design dramatically reduces cooking times while creating attractive grill marks and evenly heated sandwiches.

Key benefits:

• Dual-sided cooking cuts cooking time in half
• Even pressure distribution ensures uniform heating
• Versatile plates – many include interchangeable