The flat top griddle is the fastest-growing thing in backyard cooking, and for good reason: smash burgers, fajitas, fried rice, and a full diner breakfast all happen on a surface a grill grate can't offer. Independently controlled burner zones mean you sear on one side while holding pancakes warm on the other.
Blackstone built this category, but it is not the only option anymore. We evaluated cooking area, heat output and zoning, grease management, portability, and price to find the best outdoor griddles.
What to Look For
- Cooking area: A 36-inch griddle (about 760 sq in) feeds a crowd and gives you true multi-zone cooking. 22-28 inch models suit families of four and tailgates.
- Burner zones: Independent burners are the whole point — high heat for searing, low for eggs, off for resting. Four zones beat two; two beat one.
- Grease management: A rear or side grease channel with a removable cup is what separates an easy cleanup from a paper-towel marathon. Check the system before buying.
- Surface material: Cold-rolled steel needs seasoning like cast iron and rewards it with a slick, durable surface. Ceramic-coated tops skip seasoning but are less repairable.
- Portability: Tabletop 22-inch models run on 1-pound propane bottles for camping and tailgating. Full carts need a 20-pound tank and a permanent patio spot.
Our Top Picks
Blackstone 36" Griddle Cooking Station
Four independent 15,000 BTU burners under 760 square inches of cold-rolled steel, with a rear grease system, side shelf, and folding legs. The griddle that built the category and still leads it.
Blackstone 22" Tabletop Griddle
Two burners and 24,000 BTUs in a tabletop unit that runs on 1-pound propane bottles. The same cooking experience as the big Blackstone, sized for camping, tailgates, and small patios.
Royal Gourmet GB4000 36" Flat Top
Four burners, 52,000 BTUs, and 784 square inches of ceramic-coated cooking surface for noticeably less than the equivalent Blackstone. The smart pick if you want maximum griddle per dollar.
Cuisinart CGG-501 Two-Burner
A 285-square-inch, 20,000 BTU two-burner that sets up in minutes with no assembly and weighs just 30 pounds. Right-sized for decks, balconies, and couples who griddle.
Bottom line: The Blackstone 36-inch is the best outdoor griddle for most backyards — four zones, proven design, huge community of cooks. Take the 22-inch tabletop version if you cook for four or fewer or want one griddle for home and camping.
