Alright guys, let’s talk backyard cooking. You’ve got your beer, your buddies, and a nice patch of grass to set up on.
But one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when it comes to backyard cooking is whether to go with a grill or a griddle. Both are great options, but they each have their own unique set of pros and cons.
Let’s start with grills. Grills are a classic choice for backyard cooking. They’re great for cooking up burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and chicken. The high heat and flame allow for that delicious char and smoky flavor that everyone loves.
Plus, with a grill, you have the option of using different types of fuel like charcoal or propane, which can also impact the flavor of your food. And let’s be real, there’s just something about cooking over an open flame that makes it feel manly.
Now, the added benefit of a lid which can trap smoke and infuse your food with even more flavor is a nice plus.
But, keep in mind grills tend to take up more space than griddles and also often taller. If you have limited space in your backyard, a griddle might be the more practical option.
And if you’re looking for a piece of equipment with some fancy features like multiple burners or rotisserie, it can get pricey.
But don’t count out griddles just yet, they have their own set of perks. For one, griddles are flat cooking surfaces with no lid.
They’re great for cooking up pancakes, bacon, eggs, and sandwiches. Because it’s flat, it’s also great for cooking up large quantities of food at once. And if you’re looking to cook healthier with little to no oil, griddles are a great option.
The Health Concerns
Now, when it comes to health considerations, griddles have an edge over grills. Because they’re a flat cooking surface with no lid, you can cook with little to no oil.
That means less grease and less fat in your food. Plus, because the cooking surface is flat, there’s less chance of food falling through the cracks and getting burned. So if you’re looking to cook healthier or keep an eye on your diet, a griddle might be the way to go.
But, if you’re the type of guy who’s all about that delicious char and smoky flavor and you’re not too worried about the extra grease, then a grill is probably the way to go.
Just keep in mind that excess exposure to the smoke and fire can cause cancer and other health problems, as well as it can be a fire hazard. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure you’re using it safely and properly.
And if you’re cooking with a propane grill, don’t forget to keep a close eye on the tanks and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and what you’re comfortable with. If you’re looking to cook healthier, a griddle might be the way to go.
But if you’re all about that classic grilled flavor and you’re willing to overlook a little extra grease, then a grill is probably the better choice.
Versatility
When it comes to versatility, both grills and griddles have a lot to offer. Grills are great for cooking up all sorts of meats, from burgers and hot dogs to steaks and chicken. They’re also great for fish, vegetables and even pizzas.
Plus, with the option to use different types of fuel like charcoal or propane, you can change up the flavor of your food. And let’s not forget about that delicious smoky flavor that can only be achieved with a grill.
Griddles, on the other hand, are great for cooking up all sorts of breakfast foods like pancakes, bacon, eggs, and sandwiches. They’re also great for cooking up large quantities of food at once, making them a great option for parties and gatherings.
And because they’re a flat cooking surface, they’re also great for cooking up things like quesadillas, omelets and stir fry. Some griddles come with extra features like ridges for grilling or even a flat side for cooking pancakes, offering even more versatility.
So, if you’re the type of guy who likes to switch things up and cook a variety of different foods, then both a grill and a griddle might be worth considering. A grill offers great versatility for cooking meats and vegetables, and a griddle offers great versatility for cooking breakfast foods and large quantities of food.
Another thing to consider is the way you will use these appliances in the future, if you are planning on having a big family or hosting parties, a grill might be the better option since it can cook larger portions of food.
On the other hand, if you’re cooking for a smaller group or mostly just for yourself, a griddle might be the way to go.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, both grills and griddles have their own unique set of requirements.
Grills require a bit more maintenance than griddles. After each use, it’s important to clean the grates with a wire brush to remove any food debris and to prevent rust.
You’ll also want to give the interior of the grill a good cleaning every few uses. If you’re using a charcoal grill, you’ll need to dispose of the ashes and replace the charcoal periodically. And if you’re using a propane grill, you’ll need to make sure the tanks are full and in good condition.
Griddles, on the other hand, are a bit easier to maintain. After each use, simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any food debris. You can also use a mild detergent if needed.
It’s important to note that if you use your griddle frequently and cook with a lot of oil, you may need to season it periodically to prevent rust and prolong the life of the griddle.
Another thing to consider is the material, a cast iron griddle is more durable but it requires more maintenance in terms of seasoning, while stainless steel griddles require less.
Overall, both grills and griddles require some level of maintenance, but the amount and frequency of maintenance will vary depending on the type and model of the grill or griddle.
If you’re someone who doesn’t mind spending a bit of time maintaining your equipment, then either a grill or a griddle might be a great option for you. But if you’re looking for something that requires less maintenance, then a griddle might be the way to go.
What’s My Choice?
I think I’ve already made it pretty clear, but just in case you haven’t got it yet – I would choose a griddle. There is no better option than a griddle. If you’re comparing them to a grill, you might as well have already made up your mind.
However, I understand that standalone griddles can be pretty expensive as a first-time purchase, and that’s fair enough! But what if I told you I have a solution to that problem for all you novice griddlers out there looking to get involved?
The Steelmade USA griddle tops are the perfect tool for you if you’re looking to get your feet wet in the world of griddles. Basically, they’re flat tops designed to be placed on top of your existing stovetops or grills.
Whatever you currently have installed in your home, a Steelmade USA top is the perfect addition to turn it into a griddle. It saves you from purchasing a standalone one and gives you the taste you’re probably desperate for to see whether they work for you.
I highly recommend them and encourage you to search around for them if you haven’t heard of them before. You really cannot go wrong with a Steelmade USA griddle top. They can be attached to pretty much anything, so you’ll find a place for it in your home.
Summary
Not to sound too biased, but I think I made it pretty clear what my final decision would be when choosing between a griddle and a grill. It’s a griddle if you haven’t quite got it yet!
They’re safer, they’re more versatile, and they’re easier to clean. Cleaning is a huge thing for me. I’ve been agitated by cleaning a grill one too many times to give them a second chance anymore! There isn’t any competition in my mind.
Hopefully, I’ve managed to convince you, even if my arguments were a little too one-sided. The griddle is the answer for you, especially if you try out the Steelmade USA griddle tops.
They’re the perfect installation for you to try a griddle out ASAP.