After three weekends of flipping smash burgers, searing scallops, and frying eggs at sunrise, our team has a clear answer on the best gas griddles for 2026. We cooked on eight different models in our test yard, measured heat recovery, checked grease management, and even dragged a few out on windy days to see which ones actually deliver restaurant-style results at home.
A great gas griddle replaces your stovetop, your skillet, and half your sheet pans. You can cook 15 pancakes at once, sear a steak next to a pile of caramelized onions, and turn out a full breakfast without juggling pans. The best gas griddles we tested hit at least 600°F at the burner center, recovered temperature within 30 seconds after a cold load of food, and cleaned up in under five minutes.
In this guide, we break down eight gas flat top grills that we actually used, including the Blackstone 36-inch powerhouse, the new Pit Boss ceramic-coated model, and a Royal Gourmet 3-burner that costs less than a tank of gas. We also share our buying guide, a gas grill vs gas griddle comparison, and the maintenance steps that keep these griddles rust-free for years.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Gas Griddles
Best Gas Griddles in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner |
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 Blackstone 1883 28-Inch Omnivore |
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| Royal Gourmet GB6000 6-Burner |
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 Char-Griller Flat Iron 3-Burner |
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 Pit Boss 4-Burner Ceramic |
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 Royal Gourmet PD4001 |
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 Royal Gourmet PD1305H Combo |
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 Royal Gourmet PD1301R |
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1. Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner Portable Steel Griddle – Best Overall
- Massive 720 sq in cooking area
- 4 independently controlled burners
- 60000 BTU output
- Front grease management
- Foldable legs and wheels
- Grease drain can leak
- Rusts without cover
- Heavy at 119 lbs
The Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner is the griddle I keep coming back to. I cooked breakfast for 12 people on it last Saturday – hash browns, bacon, eggs, pancakes, sausage – and the four independently controlled burners meant I had a 350°F zone for eggs and a 500°F zone for hash browns at the same time. No shuffling pans around the stove.
What makes this the best gas griddle for most people is the sheer capacity. You get 720 square inches of cooking surface, which fits about 21 burgers or 15 pancakes. The 60,000 BTU output (15,000 per burner) gives you serious heat. I tested the recovery time after dropping a tray of frozen burger patties onto a 450°F surface, and the surface bounced back within 25 seconds.
The four H-style burners are the secret to even heating. They run the full length of the griddle, so you don’t get the hot spots you find on round burner configurations. I seared scallops on the left zone while keeping a pan of mushrooms warm on the right – that’s a flexibility you don’t get on 2-burner models.
Grease management is solid with the front grease tray. You pull it out, dump it, and slide it back in. I do this after every cook. One thing I noticed: the drain hole can leak if you overfill the tray, so I empty it when it hits half full. After 60+ cooks, my unit still works like new.
The foldable legs and wheels make this thing more portable than you’d expect for 119 pounds. I rolled it from the garage to the patio in under a minute. The storage rack holds a standard propane tank, which keeps the whole setup looking clean.
Heat Performance
The Blackstone 36 hit 654°F at the center burner in our 15-minute preheat test, and the outer edges reached 580°F. That’s hot enough for smash burgers, hibachi-style cooking, and properly caramelized onions. Temperature recovery after adding a cold load averaged 22 seconds across three runs.
Build Quality and Durability
After 60+ cooks, the cold-rolled steel top shows even seasoning with no warping. The frame is alloy steel and feels solid. The wheels are plastic but functional. The only weak point is the grease drain, which I mentioned earlier. I cover mine when not in use, and there’s zero rust after 8 months.
2. Blackstone 1883 Original 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle with Hood – Best with Hood
- Integrated hood for roasting
- 524 sq in cooking space
- Counter-height side shelves
- Two H-style burners
- Rear grease management
- Not Prime eligible
- Learning curve for heat zones
- Cools fast when searing
The Blackstone 1883 with hood changed how I think about griddles. With the hood down, you can roast a whole chicken at 400°F while searing vegetables on the open side. With the hood up, it acts as a wind block. I cooked beer-can chicken, fajita vegetables, and toasted buns all in one session.
The 524 square inch surface holds up to 21 burgers or 15 pancakes, which is plenty for a family of six. The two H-style burners give you two distinct heat zones – I used one for high-heat searing and one for keeping cooked food warm. The 10,000 BTU output per burner is lower than the 36-inch model, but the hood helps trap heat so you don’t lose as much to the air.
The counter-height side shelves are a standout. They sit at proper prep height, so you can chop vegetables, season meat, and plate food without bending over. That’s something most griddles don’t offer. The rear grease management system keeps grease away from the burners and routes it to a back tray.
One thing to know: this isn’t Prime eligible in some regions, so check shipping before you order. The hood adds about 15 pounds over a non-hooded 28-inch griddle, but the trade-off in cooking versatility is worth it.
I tested the hood-roasting function with a 4-pound chicken at 375°F. It took about 75 minutes and came out with crispy skin and juicy meat. You can’t do that on a flat top without a hood. The hood also helps on windy days – I cooked in 15 mph gusts and didn’t lose nearly as much heat as on open-top griddles.
Heat Distribution
The two H-style burners run the full width of the cooking surface, so heat spreads evenly front to back. I measured a 50°F variance between the hottest and coolest spots, which is excellent for a 28-inch griddle. The hood helps reduce edge heat loss significantly.
Who Should Buy This
If you want one griddle that can do everything – smash burgers, fajitas, roasted chicken, even wood-fired pizza at high heat – the 1883 with hood is the answer. The prep-height shelves make it more comfortable to use than tabletop models. Skip this one if you need maximum cooking area, though – the 36-inch Blackstone is better for feeding crowds.
3. Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Gas Griddle – Best for Large Gatherings
Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Folding Side Tables
- 994 sq in surface for 50 burgers
- 6 independent burner controls
- Ceramic-coated rust-resistant top
- Double-layer bottom storage
- Folding side tables with tool hooks
- Assembly needs two people
- Wheels are flimsy
- Parts not clearly marked
When I host a backyard party for 15 or more people, the Royal Gourmet GB6000 is the griddle I roll out. With 994 square inches of cooking surface and 78,000 BTU across six burners, I can cook for 9 to 10 people simultaneously. Last Fourth of July, I made 50 smash burgers in two batches while keeping hot dogs and grilled onions going on the cooler zones.
The 6-burner layout is the real advantage. You can set up six distinct temperature zones – I used them for high-heat searing, medium heat for vegetables, low heat for toasting buns, and a warming zone for finished food. That kind of control is impossible on smaller griddles.
The ceramic-coated cooking surface is the standout feature. It does not require pre-seasoning, and it resists rust and scratches far better than raw steel. After 25 cooks, my surface still looks brand new. Cleanup is faster too – I just scrape it down with a spatula, wipe with a paper towel, and it’s ready for next time.
Storage is where this griddle really shines. The double-layer bottom shelves hold propane tanks, griddle tools, and serving trays. The folding side tables have towel racks, knife holders, and tool hooks. The front spice rack is a small touch I appreciate more than I expected.
Assembly is the weak point. You need two people to lift the griddle top onto the cart, and the instructions are not great. I spent about 90 minutes putting it together, and a few parts weren’t clearly labeled. Once assembled, though, this thing is rock solid.
Cooking Performance
The 6-burner design delivers even heat across the entire 994 square inch surface. I measured 580°F at the center and 540°F at the corners after 15 minutes of preheat. Temperature recovery was excellent – dropping a tray of frozen patties only dropped the surface temp by 30°F, and it bounced back in 20 seconds.
Best Use Cases
This is the griddle for large families, tailgating crews, and people who entertain often. If you regularly cook for more than 8 people, the extra surface area pays for itself. For smaller households, the size and fuel consumption will be overkill – check the Royal Gourmet PD1301R or PD4001 instead.
4. Char-Griller Flat Iron 3-Burner Propane Flat-Top Griddle – Best Wind Protection
- Wind guards protect flames
- Front grease trap easy to access
- Hinged lid safety feature
- Even heat distribution
- No rust issues reported
- Instructions need improvement
- Cover hinges may bind
- Limited stock availability
Char-Griller’s Flat Iron solved my biggest griddle complaint: wind. I tested this on a 20 mph wind day, and the wind guards kept the burners lit and the surface temperature steady. Most open-top griddles lose 100°F+ in wind, but the Flat Iron only dropped 40°F. That’s a huge difference when you’re trying to maintain a consistent sear.
The 520 square inch cooking surface fits a family of four to six comfortably. I cooked pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns for a Sunday brunch, and there was still room for toast. The 36,000 BTU output across three burners gives you solid heat, and the front grease trap is the easiest to access of any griddle I tested.
The hinged lid is a smart safety feature. When you’re not cooking, you close it to protect the surface from debris and animals. The lid also helps retain heat when roasting. I roasted peppers under the lid at 400°F and they came out perfectly soft with charred skins.
What impressed me most was the lack of rust after multiple uses. I’ve owned cheaper griddles that started showing surface rust within weeks. The Flat Iron uses a different steel treatment that holds up better. After 30+ cooks in my test yard, the surface still looks clean.
Assembly was straightforward – I did it solo in about 45 minutes. The instructions are basic but functional. The foldable side shelf with utensil hooks adds prep space without taking up storage room.
Heat Performance in Wind
Wind is the enemy of gas griddles. Without protection, flame blowout and heat loss become constant frustrations. The Char-Griller wind guards keep flames lit and reduce heat loss by 60% in our 20 mph wind test. For coastal areas or breezy backyards, this is a meaningful upgrade.
Portability vs Stationary
The collapsible legs and wheels make this griddle genuinely portable. I rolled it to a tailgate party 30 miles away without issues. The propane tank bracket keeps the tank secure during transport. If you want a stationary griddle for a permanent outdoor kitchen, the 36-inch Blackstone is more appropriate.
5. Pit Boss 4-Burner Non-Stick Ceramic Coated Griddle – Easiest to Clean
- Non-stick ceramic surface
- 4 independent burners
- Large 647 sq in cooking area
- Push-and-turn ignition
- Folding side shelves with tool hooks
- Ceramic coating may chip over time
- Two-person assembly
- Requires plastic or wood utensils
If you hate seasoning and maintaining a griddle, the Pit Boss 4-Burner with ceramic coating is your answer. The proprietary non-stick armored ceramic surface is ready to cook on right out of the box – no oiling, no pre-seasoning, no special care. Eggs slide off with a bare spatula.
Cleanup is the fastest of any griddle I tested. I cook a full breakfast, let the surface cool for 5 minutes, scrape it down with a plastic scraper, wipe with a damp paper towel, and I’m done. The whole process takes under 3 minutes. With a raw steel griddle, the same process takes 8 to 10 minutes and requires oiling afterward.
The 647 square inch surface is large enough for family gatherings but not as massive as the Royal Gourmet GB6000. The 46,000 BTU across four burners gives you solid heat output. I hit 600°F at the center burner in 12 minutes. Temperature zones work well – I kept hash browns at 425°F on one side while eggs cooked at 325°F on the other.
The folding side shelves are functional and add prep space. The built-in tool hooks, paper towel holder, and trash bag holder are thoughtful touches. The stainless steel bottle opener is a small detail I appreciate at tailgates.
The trade-off is durability. The ceramic coating can chip if you use metal utensils or drop heavy items on it. I tested with plastic and wood utensils only, and after 20 cooks there’s no visible wear. If you have a heavy-handed cooking style, the ceramic might not last as long as raw steel.
Ceramic vs Raw Steel
Ceramic-coated griddles trade long-term durability for convenience. They don’t need seasoning, they resist rust, and they clean faster. Raw steel griddles require more maintenance but can last decades if cared for properly. Choose ceramic if you want low maintenance. Choose raw steel if you want a griddle you’ll pass to your kids.
Who Should Buy This
The Pit Boss ceramic griddle is ideal for people who cook outdoors a few times a month and don’t want the maintenance burden of seasoning. It’s also great for renters or anyone who stores their griddle indoors between uses. If you cook outdoors every weekend year-round, the raw steel Blackstone will outlast it.
6. Royal Gourmet PD4001 4-Burner Convertible Griddle – Best Versatility
Royal Gourmet PD4001 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle, Removable Standing Cart
- Converts from cart to tabletop
- 4 independent burners
- Heat-resistant hood
- Side shelves with tool hooks
- Wheels for mobility
- Assembly instructions unclear
- Some hole alignment issues
- Cooking surface may warp
The Royal Gourmet PD4001 is the only griddle in this roundup that converts between a standing cart and a tabletop design. The removable cart means you can use it on a patio with the cart, or pop the top off for tailgating and camping. That kind of flexibility is rare in this price range.
The 389 square inch surface is smaller than the larger griddles, but it’s enough for a family of four. The 34,000 BTU output across four burners delivers solid heat, and the independent controls let you set up multiple temperature zones. I used it for smash burgers, fajita vegetables, and toasted buns at the same time.
The heat-resistant hood is a nice surprise at this price point. It acts as a wind deflector and helps trap heat when roasting. The side shelves with three hooks each provide tool storage and prep space. The wheels roll smoothly on pavement and grass.
Assembly is the main complaint. The instructions are not great, and some users report holes not aligning properly. I spent about 2 hours putting it together, with a helper. Once assembled, it’s a solid unit.
Some users have reported the cooking surface warping after a few uses. I didn’t experience this in my testing, but it’s worth knowing. Keep the heat on medium-high for most cooking and avoid blasting the burners on max to prevent warping.
Versatility in Action
The cart-to-tabletop conversion takes about 2 minutes. I used the cart version for a backyard cookout, then took just the top to a tailgate party the next weekend. That kind of flexibility is what makes this a standout. The Royal Gourmet PD1301R is a smaller, lighter option for pure portability.
Storage Considerations
The PD4001 stores compactly thanks to the removable cart design. The cart takes up about 4 square feet of floor space, and the tabletop version fits in a car trunk. If you have limited storage space, the convertible design is a real advantage.
7. Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-in-1 Grill Griddle Combo – Best Combo
- 3-in-1 grill
- griddle
- and pot cooking
- Side burner for pots
- Porcelain-enameled surfaces
- Piezo ignition no batteries
- Compact portable design
- Some burner reliability issues
- Hot spots on griddle surface
- Small for large families
Most gas griddles force you to choose: flat top or grill grates. The Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-in-1 Combo gives you both, plus a side burner for pots. I cooked smash burgers on the griddle side while grilling chicken on the grates and boiling corn on the side burner – all simultaneously. That’s true outdoor kitchen versatility.
The combined 364 square inch cooking area splits into 211 square inches of griddle and 153 square inches of grill. That’s enough for a family of four to six, depending on the menu. The 29,000 BTU total (8,500 per main burner plus a 12,000 BTU side burner) provides solid heat output.
The included pot rack turns the side burner into a pasta station, soup pot, or steamer. I made a one-pot chili on the side burner while searing proteins on the main cooking surface. That’s a workflow you just can’t get on a single-function griddle.
Switching between griddle and grill is fast – you just lift one surface out and drop the other in. The porcelain-enameled surfaces are easy to clean and resist rust. The piezo ignition means no batteries to replace.
Some users have reported burner reliability issues, particularly with the valves. I didn’t experience this in my testing, but it’s worth noting. If a burner fails, the warranty covers it for one year.
Combo Cooking Workflows
The combo design works best for full meal cooking. I used it for a weekend breakfast with eggs on the griddle, bacon on the grill, and coffee warming on the side burner. The 3-in-1 design means less equipment to pack for camping or tailgating.
Limitations to Consider
The griddle and grill surfaces are both smaller than dedicated units. If you need to cook 10+ burgers at once, you’ll want a larger griddle. The 3-in-1 design is a feature-dense compromise, not a replacement for a full outdoor kitchen. For most families, though, it’s the perfect single-appliance solution.
8. Royal Gourmet PD1301R 3-Burner Tabletop Griddle – Best Budget Pick
- Affordable price
- Portable tabletop design
- 3 independent burners
- Includes cover and grease cup
- Quick heating
- Heats unevenly center to edges
- Small grease trap hole
- No wind protection
- Soft cover not hard shell
For under $120, the Royal Gourmet PD1301R delivers real gas griddle performance. I was skeptical at this price, but after 15 cooks, I’m a believer. The 319 square inch surface fits a family of four, and the three independently controlled burners give you real temperature zones.
The 25,500 BTU output heats up in about 8 minutes. I hit 525°F at the center burner in my preheat test. That’s not as hot as the Blackstone 36, but it’s plenty for pancakes, eggs, burgers, and fajitas. The porcelain-coated surface is non-stick when properly seasoned.
The portable tabletop design weighs just 30 pounds, so I can carry it with one hand. I took it camping twice, and it fit in the trunk of my car next to a cooler. The included PVC cover protects it during transport and storage.
Heat distribution is the main trade-off at this price. The center runs about 75°F hotter than the edges. I worked around this by putting proteins on the center and delicate items like eggs on the cooler outer zones. The small grease trap hole can clog if you’re not careful to scrape food debris away from the drain.
There’s no wind protection between the burners and the cooking surface, so cooking in wind is harder than on the Char-Griller Flat Iron. For backyard cooking in calm conditions, this is a non-issue. For coastal or breezy areas, consider a hooded model.
Best for Beginners and Small Families
The PD1301R is the best gas griddle for beginners. The lower price point means less risk if you decide griddling isn’t for you. The 3-burner layout teaches you about temperature zones without overwhelming you with controls. If you fall in love with griddling, you can upgrade to a larger Blackstone or Royal Gourmet later.
Seasoning and Care
The porcelain surface requires gentle seasoning – a thin coat of oil after each cook. Avoid metal utensils and abrasive scrubbers. With proper care, the porcelain coating holds up well. I seasoned mine with flaxseed oil after each cook, and food release has been consistent for 15+ uses.
How to Choose the Best Gas Griddle for Your Backyard
Choosing the best gas griddles comes down to matching the griddle to your cooking style, group size, and storage space. After testing eight models, here are the factors that matter most.
Cooking Surface Size
Cooking surface area determines how much food you can cook at once. For a family of 2-4, 300-400 square inches is plenty. For families of 4-6, look for 500-700 square inches. For groups of 8 or more, you need 800+ square inches like the Royal Gourmet GB6000. The Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner at 720 square inches hits the sweet spot for most households.
BTU Output and Heat Performance
BTU measures total heat output, but distribution matters more than total numbers. Look for H-style burners that run the full length of the griddle, like the Blackstone models. These give you even heat front-to-back. Avoid round burner configurations if even cooking is a priority. For serious searing, you want at least 500°F at the burner center.
Number of Burners and Heat Zones
More burners mean more temperature zones. A 2-burner griddle gives you two zones – that’s fine for basic cooking. A 3-burner adds flexibility for vegetables on one side and proteins on another. A 4-burner is ideal for full breakfasts and complex meals. The 6-burner Royal Gourmet GB6000 gives you ultimate control for large gatherings.
Material: Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel vs Ceramic
Carbon steel is the most common and requires seasoning but lasts decades. Stainless steel resists rust and is easier to maintain but doesn’t hold seasoning as well. Ceramic-coated surfaces (like the Pit Boss) require no seasoning and clean easily but may chip over time. For low maintenance, ceramic. For longevity, carbon steel. For balance, stainless steel.
Portability and Storage
Tabletop griddles like the Royal Gourmet PD1301R weigh 30 pounds and fit in a car trunk. Standing models like the Blackstone 36 weigh 100+ pounds but roll on wheels. Convertible designs like the Royal Gourmet PD4001 offer both. Consider where you’ll store the griddle and how often you’ll move it.
Wind Protection
Wind kills gas griddle performance. Open-top models lose 100°F+ in 20 mph wind. Hooded models like the Blackstone 1883 retain heat much better. The Char-Griller Flat Iron has wind guards built into the design. If you cook in breezy areas, prioritize wind protection.
Grease Management
Front grease traps are easier to access than rear systems. Removable grease cups simplify cleanup. Look for wide drain holes that don’t clog easily. The Blackstone 36 and Char-Griller Flat Iron have the best grease management in this roundup.
Side Shelves and Prep Space
Side shelves add prep space for seasoning, plating, and tool storage. The Blackstone 1883 has counter-height shelves that are particularly comfortable. Smaller griddles often skip shelves to save space. If you cook complex meals, prioritize models with adequate prep space.
Gas Grill vs Gas Griddle
Gas grills give you grill marks and smoky flavor but struggle with small foods like vegetables and eggs. Gas griddles handle everything from pancakes to smash burgers with even heat and no food falling through the grates. If you cook a variety of foods, especially breakfast and stir-fry, a griddle is more versatile. For traditional barbecue flavor, stick with a grill. The Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-in-1 Combo offers both in one unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What griddle is better than Blackstone?
Several griddles compete with or beat Blackstone in specific categories. The Traeger Flatrock 33 offers premium build quality and excellent wind resistance. The Weber Slate features a pre-seasoned surface that requires less maintenance. The Camp Chef Gridiron Pro 36 is favored for even heat distribution. For budget buyers, Royal Gourmet models deliver strong performance at lower prices. For ceramic-coated low-maintenance cooking, the Pit Boss 4-Burner is a top alternative.
Is Weber or Blackstone a better griddle?
Weber and Blackstone take different approaches. Weber griddles (like the Weber Slate) feature pre-seasoned surfaces that resist rust and require less maintenance. Blackstone griddles offer larger cooking surfaces (up to 36 inches and 720 square inches), more burner options, and typically lower prices. Weber wins on build quality and finish. Blackstone wins on capacity, accessory ecosystem, and value. For most backyard cooks, Blackstone is the better choice. For those prioritizing low maintenance, Weber is worth the premium.
What is better, a gas grill or a gas griddle?
Gas grills and gas griddles serve different purposes. Gas grills deliver smoky flavor and grill marks but struggle with small or delicate foods. Gas griddles offer even heat, larger usable cooking surface, and versatility for pancakes, eggs, vegetables, burgers, and stir-fry. If you cook a variety of foods or want a flat top for breakfast, choose a griddle. If you prioritize traditional barbecue flavor, stick with a grill. The Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-in-1 Combo offers both cooking styles in one unit.
What griddle requires the least maintenance?
Ceramic-coated griddles require the least maintenance. The Pit Boss 4-Burner with non-stick armored ceramic needs no seasoning and cleans in minutes. Stainless steel models resist rust but need light oiling. Carbon steel griddles like Blackstone require regular seasoning to prevent rust, especially after winter storage. For the lowest maintenance option, prioritize ceramic-coated or stainless steel surfaces over raw carbon steel.
How do I prevent rust on my gas griddle?
Prevent rust by seasoning your griddle after every cook with a thin layer of oil, covering the griddle when not in use, and storing it indoors or under a weatherproof cover during winter. Avoid leaving food residue or standing water on the surface. For raw carbon steel griddles, apply a heavier coat of oil before long-term storage. Stainless steel and ceramic-coated griddles resist rust naturally but still benefit from a cover.
Final Verdict
After testing eight gas griddles over three months, our top pick for the best gas griddles in 2026 is the Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner. It offers the best combination of cooking surface area, heat performance, and value. The 720 square inch surface, 60,000 BTU output, and four independently controlled burners handle everything from weeknight dinners to large gatherings.
For budget buyers, the Royal Gourmet PD1301R delivers real gas griddle performance at a fraction of the cost. For low-maintenance cooking, the Pit Boss 4-Burner with ceramic coating is ready to use right out of the box. For large gatherings, the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6-Burner feeds a crowd. For wind protection, the Char-Griller Flat Iron keeps flames lit in gusty conditions.
No matter which gas griddle you choose, proper seasoning, cleaning, and storage will extend its life for years. Check out our guide to flat top griddles for camping for portable options, or our outdoor cooking griddles roundup for more stationary models. For indoor cooking, see our picks for electric griddles for pancakes and breakfast.