Griddle vs Grill: Do You Need Both in Your Outdoor Kitchen?
A grill cooks over open flame on grates, which is perfect for steaks, chicken and vegetables with char. A griddle is a solid steel cooking surface, which is perfect for anything that would fall through grates or needs even contact heat.
What a griddle does best
- Smash burgers with a full crust.
- Pancakes, eggs and bacon for a crowd, all at once.
- Fried rice, stir-fries, fajitas and teppanyaki-style cooking.
- Delicate fish and small vegetables.
Three ways to add one
- A built-in griddle beside your grill, like the Blaze LTE PRO 40 (three zones, 3 x 15,000 BTU, a digital temperature screen with three meat probes) or the Napoleon Built-In 700 Series 32 griddle (a 5 mm stainless surface with two independent zones).
- A griddle on a cart, like the Blaze LTE+ 30, if you aren't building an island.
- A griddle insert for a grill you already own: Napoleon's full-size stainless insert fits the Prestige and Prestige PRO.
Favorite griddles
Frequently asked questions
Can a griddle replace a grill?
For some cooks, yes, but most people who grill steaks want both. A griddle insert is an easy way to try flat-top cooking first.
Do griddles need seasoning?
Follow the manufacturer's care guide for your griddle. Stainless surfaces mainly need cleaning and a light coat of oil after use.
How do I clean an outdoor griddle?
Scrape it while warm, wipe it down and push grease into the drip tray or trough, then empty the tray once it cools.
What size griddle do I need?
A 30 inch griddle handles most families; a 40 inch gives room for a crowd and multiple heat zones.
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