Best Outdoor Gas Griddles of 2026 — Top Picks

Best Outdoor Gas Griddles: A Buyer's Guide

An outdoor gas griddle suits people who cook breakfast, smash burgers, fried rice, or fish for a crowd and want a wide flat surface instead of grates. It also fits anyone tired of food slipping through the grill. If your cooking is mostly steaks and char marks, a standard grill may serve you better.

Built-In vs Freestanding

Built-in griddles drop into a masonry or modular island and suit a planned outdoor kitchen. Freestanding models sit on a cart or cabinet and can be moved or replaced without remodeling. Our built-in vs freestanding comparison covers the tradeoffs in detail. You can also browse built-in gas grills for outdoor kitchens or the freestanding gas grill guide for related options.

Built-in cutouts are specific to each model, so measure your island before ordering. A freestanding unit only needs a level spot with clearance from walls and railings.

Size and Burner Count

Product names in our catalog list widths in inches, from 28 to 42 on the griddles below, and burner counts from 2 to 5. More burners generally mean more separate heat zones, so you can sear on one side and keep food warm on the other. A two-burner unit is easier to fit on a small patio and uses less fuel for small meals.

Pick the size based on how many people you usually cook for, then check the cooking surface dimensions on the product page. Width on the box does not always equal usable cooking area.

Griddle vs Grill

A griddle gives you a continuous flat plate. Small foods, eggs, and sauces stay put, and grease stays on the surface instead of dripping into flames. A grill gives you open-flame flavor and char. If you want both, some listings are combination packages, such as the Crown Verity dome and griddle package or the TYTUS modular set that pairs a grill, griddle, and charcoal unit.

Fuel Type

Most griddles here run on propane or natural gas, and the product name usually says which. Propane works with a portable tank and suits freestanding setups. Natural gas needs a gas line and fits a permanent outdoor kitchen. Check the exact fuel version before buying, and confirm with the manufacturer whether conversion is possible.

What to Check Before Buying

• Fit: Measure your island cutout or patio space, and allow clearance around the unit.
• Fuel: Match the model to your gas supply.
• Cooking surface: Look at the plate material and thickness listed on the product page, since these affect heat retention and care.
• Cover or hood: A lid or cabinet helps protect the unit between uses, and some models include one.
• Care: Griddle plates generally need cleaning and oiling after use, and rust resistance varies by model.

How Price Relates to What You Get

Our griddle picks run from about $800 to over $6,000. Brands such as Pit Boss and Blackstone Products sit at the lower end of the catalog. Weber and Napoleon span broad ranges, which you can explore in our Weber vs Napoleon comparison. Higher prices usually reflect built-in installation, larger plates, or outdoor-kitchen-oriented construction. If you are also weighing luxury lines, our Fire Magic vs Lynx comparison shows how those brands differ. For a wider look, see all brands.

Top Picks

• Best Budget: Pit Boss Ultimate Lift Off 5 Burner Propane Griddle — at $799, it has the lowest price in this shortlist and offers five burners on propane.
• Best Natural Gas Value: Weber Slate 36-in 4 Burner Griddle — a 36-inch, four-burner natural gas model with a closed cabinet for $1,049.
• Best Built-In Mid-Range: Napoleon Built-In 700 Series 32 Inch Propane Griddle — a built-in propane griddle priced at $2,219 for outdoor kitchen installs.
• Best Large Built-In: Le Griddle Pro Series 105 42-in Built-In Flat Top — a 42-inch, three-burner natural gas model at $6,087, suited to larger outdoor kitchens.

Common Questions

Is a griddle better than a grill?

It depends on what you cook. Griddles handle small and delicate foods well, while grills give open-flame char. Combination packages cover both.

Should I choose propane or natural gas?

Choose natural gas if you have a gas line at your cooking area. Choose propane if you want portability or have no line. Confirm the fuel type on the listing.

How many burners do I need?

Two burners are enough for small households. Three to five give more heat zones for larger plates and bigger groups.