The Top 5 Stainless Steel Griddles You Need to Upgrade Your Outdoor Cooking
The sizzle of a perfectly seared steak. The aroma of fresh vegetables charring to perfection. The joy of creating restaurant-quality meals right in your backyard. A stainless steel griddle revolutionizes regular outdoor cooking into a culinary adventure.
Deciding between premium brands like Le Griddle and Blackstone presents a challenge. Each stainless steel flat top grill offers unique features, temperature control systems, and price points that might leave you wondering which to choose.
We tested and compared the top 5 best stainless steel griddles on the market. Our detailed analysis covers everything from professional-grade temperature control to durability and value. This piece helps you pick the perfect griddle that matches your outdoor cooking dreams.
L Griddle Professional Series
Image Source: Amazon.com
The L Griddle Professional Series takes outdoor cooking to new heights with its premium build quality and smart design features. This top-tier model turns a regular grill into a cooking powerhouse that handles everything from delicate breakfast items to perfectly seared steaks.
L Griddle Features and Specifications
This professional-grade griddle is built from heavy-gauge 100% stainless steel. The unit measures 25″ W x 16.0″ D x 6.5″ H with attached handles. The griddle’s key features make it stand out:
- 4-inch sidewall height (2 inches above cooking surface)
- Full-width grease well that promotes healthier cooking
- Handles you can remove for easy cleaning
- Cross-bracing underneath for added stability
- A solid build weighing 16.0 lbs
L Griddle Temperature Control and Heat Distribution
The Professional Series shines when it comes to heat management. Its welded cross-bracing system ensures even heating throughout the cooking surface. You can prepare complete meals on the 400-square-inch cooking area while keeping different temperature zones consistent.
L Griddle Pricing and Warranty
The Professional Series warranty package gives you lifetime protection against rust for all stainless steel parts. The manufacturer backs their product against manufacturing defects, though they don’t cover normal wear and cosmetic changes. Prices start at $119.06, and qualified buyers can access special financing options.
Blackstone Stainless Steel Pro
Image Source: Blackstone Products
Blackstone leads the outdoor cooking industry with their Stainless Steel Pro series that brings professional-grade capabilities to home chefs. This premium griddle pairs solid construction with precise temperature controls to enhance outdoor cooking.
Blackstone Pro Features and Specifications
The Blackstone Pro stands out with its spacious cooking surface and smart design. Here are the main features:
- Four independent stainless steel burners that deliver 60,000 BTUs of total heat output
- 720 square inches of rolled steel cooking surface
- Advanced grease management system that makes cleanup simple
- Built-in storage with paper towel holder and prep shelves
Blackstone Pro Temperature Control and Heat Distribution
The Blackstone Pro shines when it comes to temperature management. Under ideal conditions, the griddle reaches temperatures above 650°F, though most dishes cook best between 300°F and 400°F. The four separate burner controls create distinct cooking zones. This lets you sear steaks on high heat while your vegetables stay warm at lower temperatures.
Blackstone Pro Pricing and Warranty
Blackstone backs their products with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers parts, workmanship, and finishes. The original purchaser can claim warranty benefits with their sales receipt. Extended warranty options through Extend protection plans provide extra coverage. The standard 36-inch model with cabinet storage costs priced at $499.99. This price point makes professional-grade features accessible to home cooks.
Camp Chef Flat Top Stainless
Image Source: Camp Chef
The Camp Chef Flat Top Stainless stands out with its durable build and steady performance. This griddle combines solid construction with smart features that outdoor cooking enthusiasts will love.
Camp Chef Features and Specifications
The griddle arrives pre-seasoned with Camp Chef’s True Seasoned Finish, which creates a natural cooking surface you can use right away. Key features make this griddle special:
- 90° sidewalls that keep grease contained
- Steel construction built to last
- A front grease trough that includes a drain system
- Heat diffuser plates that spread heat evenly
Camp Chef Temperature Control and Heat Distribution
Heat diffuser plates strategically placed throughout the cooking surface minimize hot spots. The surface heats evenly and matches the burner control settings. Cooks can manage multiple temperature zones at once – they can keep tortillas warm on low heat while their steaks sear at higher temperatures.
Camp Chef Pricing and Warranty
Camp Chef offers a detailed No-Hassle Limited Warranty with their griddles. This warranty includes:
- Protection against defects in materials and workmanship
- Free replacement of defective parts
- Coverage for the original buyer only
The warranty doesn’t cover normal part wear, paint damage, or finish deterioration. Camp Chef suggests cleaning the griddle after each use. Protecting it from moisture and extreme temperature changes helps maintain its quality.
Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle
Image Source: Pit Boss Grills
The Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle brings a breakthrough in outdoor cooking with its proprietary non-stick armored ceramic cooking surface that makes it unique in the stainless steel griddle market.
Pit Boss Features and Specifications
The Ultimate Griddle series delivers advanced design elements in multiple configurations. The cooking surface spans 536 square inches in the 3-burner model and extends to 748 square inches in the premium version. The griddle’s key features include:
- Proprietary non-stick armored ceramic cooking surface
- Chrome handles and knobs for durability
- Removeable grease tray system
- Built-in paper towel and trash bag holders
Pit Boss Temperature Control and Heat Distribution
Each model offers different temperature management capabilities. BTU outputs range from 36,000 in the 3-burner configuration to 62,000 in the larger models. Stainless steel burners provide precise control across multiple cooking zones. The ceramic coating distributes heat consistently and needs no initial seasoning.
Pit Boss Pricing and Warranty
A best-in-class two-year warranty backs these griddles against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty gives complete protection against manufacturing defects, though normal wear and cosmetic changes are not covered. Market prices start at $489.00, offering great value for a professional-grade outdoor stainless steel griddle with advanced features.
Weber Outdoor Griddle
Image Source: Weber
Weber brings 70 years of grilling expertise to the premium outdoor cooking market with their stainless steel griddle series. Their design combines innovative engineering with practical functionality.
Weber Features and Specifications
The Weber griddle delivers exceptional performance with its 504 square inches of cooking surface. The reliable build has:
- Aluminized steel cookbox for corrosion resistance
- Hot rolled steel griddle top
- Four integrated tool hooks for convenience
- Two side tables that provide ample workspace
Weber Temperature Control and Heat Distribution
The three-burner system stands out with 36,000 BTUs of power. This griddle retains heat well and reaches searing temperatures above 500°F. Thermal imaging confirms that heat spreads evenly across the surface with minimal cool spots in the corners.
Weber Pricing and Warranty
Weber protects their griddles with a 5-year warranty that covers:
- Cookbox and hard cover assembly
- Stainless steel burner tubes
- Carbon steel cooktop
- <citation index=”21″ link=”https://www.weber.com/US/en/warranties.html” similar_text=”### WEBER GRIDDLE
- 5 years – Cookbox: no rust through/burn through (2 years paint excluding fading or discoloration)
- 5 years – Hard cover assembly: no rust through/burn through (2 years paint excluding fading or discoloration)
- 5 years – Stainless steel burner tubes: no rust through/burn through
- 5 years – Carbon Steel Cooktop (excluding rust)
- 5 years – All remaining parts (excluding normal wear and tear)”>All remaining parts (excluding normal wear)
The warranty package substantially exceeds the industry-standard one-year coverage. The pricing starts at $399.00 for the 28-inch model. This positions Weber competitively in the premium griddle segment while offering professional-grade features and their renowned build quality.
Comparison Table
Model | Cooking Surface Area | BTU Output | Key Features | Warranty | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
L Griddle Professional Series | 400 sq. inches | Not mentioned | • 4-inch sidewall height • Full-width grease well • Removable handles • Underside cross-bracing | Lifetime warranty against rust | $119.06 |
Blackstone Stainless Steel Pro | 720 sq. inches | 60,000 BTUs | • Four independent burners • Integrated storage • Paper towel holder • Prep shelves | One-year manufacturer’s warranty | $499.99 |
Camp Chef Flat Top Stainless | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | • High 90° sidewalls • Pre-seasoned surface • Front grease trough • Heat diffuser plates | No-Hassle Limited Warranty | Not mentioned |
Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle | 536-748 sq. inches | 36,000-62,000 BTUs | • Non-stick ceramic surface • Chrome handles/knobs • Removeable grease tray • Built-in paper towel holder | Two-year warranty | $489.00 |
Weber Outdoor Griddle | 504 sq. inches | 36,000 BTUs | • Aluminized steel cookbox • Hot rolled steel top • Four tool hooks • Two side tables | 5-year warranty | $399.00 |
Conclusion
Outdoor cooking enthusiasts can choose from a variety of stainless steel griddles. Models range from L Griddle’s compact professional series to Blackstone’s spacious 720-square-inch cooking surface. Different models shine in unique ways. Weber stands out with its impressive 5-year warranty, while Pit Boss features advanced ceramic coating that makes cleanup easier.
Quality outdoor griddles are available at prices ranging from $119 to $500. Your specific cooking needs will determine the best choice. Professional chefs might prefer L Griddle’s precise temperature control. Families could find Blackstone’s larger cooking area and storage solutions more practical.
Temperature management depends heavily on BTU output. Blackstone Pro leads the pack with up to 60,000 BTUs across multiple cooking zones. Camp Chef and Weber have engineered their heat distribution technology to maintain steady cooking temperatures across their surfaces.
These high-end griddles elevate outdoor cooking to restaurant-quality meal preparation. Manufacturer warranties reflect their exceptional build quality and durability. Smart buyers should look for features that match their cooking style – whether they need more workspace, precise temperature control, or better heat retention.
FAQs
Q1. What are the advantages of stainless steel griddles for outdoor cooking?
Stainless steel griddles offer excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and even heat distribution. They’re easy to clean, maintain their appearance over time, and can withstand high cooking temperatures without warping.
Q2. How do stainless steel griddles compare to other materials like carbon steel or chrome-plated surfaces?
While carbon steel is lightweight and offers good heat retention, stainless steel is more durable and easier to maintain. Stainless steel doesn’t require seasoning like carbon steel and is less prone to rusting compared to chrome-plated surfaces, making it a versatile choice for outdoor cooking.
Q3. What features should I look for when choosing a stainless steel griddle?
Key features to consider include cooking surface area, BTU output, temperature control systems, grease management, and additional amenities like side shelves or storage. Also, pay attention to the warranty coverage and overall build quality.
Q4. How do I maintain a stainless steel griddle to prevent rusting?
While stainless steel is highly resistant to rust, it’s important to clean the griddle after each use, dry it thoroughly, and store it properly. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool, which can leave iron particles on the surface that may lead to rust-like discoloration.
Q5. Are stainless steel griddles worth the investment for outdoor cooking?
Stainless steel griddles are generally considered a worthwhile investment due to their durability, versatility, and ease of maintenance. They offer excellent cooking performance and longevity, making them suitable for both casual backyard cooks and outdoor cooking enthusiasts who frequently prepare meals for larger groups.