A heavy-duty outdoor griddle can transform your summer barbecue, taking it far beyond burgers and dogs. Over the course of several months, I cooked dozens of smashburgers, crispy tacos, pancakes, bacon, and more on the top griddles currently available. If you’re looking to up your grilling game, I’ve already put these leading models through their paces, so you don’t have to wonder which one is worth investing in.

Why Choose an Outdoor Griddle?
The simple answer: versatility. Good griddles provide a wide, even cooking surface perfect for classic breakfast fare, steakhouse-worthy sears, or piles of tacos. They can quickly become the backbone of your backyard kitchen, turning every cookout into something special.

The Top Griddles—Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall: Traeger Flatrock 33-Inch 3-Zone Griddle

The Traeger Flatrock takes the crown for best-in-class performance. Its thick carbon steel cooktop and three U-shaped burners deliver shockingly even heat with virtually no hot spots—less than a 20-degree difference across the entire grill. That means you can sear a steak on one side and gently cook veggies on the other, all at the same time. Traeger also nails the build quality: this beast feels rock-solid and luxury-grade. Additional perks include a propane level monitor and locking caster wheels. It may not reach raging-hot temps (topping out just under 600°F), but the consistency and user-friendliness make it a delight for both weeknight grilling and big gatherings.

Easiest to Maintain: Weber Slate Rust-Resistant Griddle

If you hate the thought of rust, the Weber Slate has your back. The griddle arrives pre-seasoned and pressure-treated, so you can skip tedious prep and start cooking straight away. With a spacious surface, fold-down side table, and clever details like a weight-based propane gauge, it’s designed for convenience. The heat distribution is solid (about a 50-degree variance across zones), and there’s plenty of space for accessories and add-ons.

Best Value: LoCo Cookers 36-Inch Three-Burner SmartTemp

The LoCo 36” griddle proves you don’t have to blow your budget for great performance. While it’s lighter in build and the side tables aren’t as sturdy as premium models, the three-burner SmartTemp system uses thermocouple sensors to keep each cooking zone within about 20 degrees of the set temperature—a remarkable feat at this price. The grease management takes some fiddling, but for tacos, pancakes, and breakfast-for-dinner, this griddle is a strong pick.

Best Multi-Function: Blackstone Iron Forged 36” Griddle Airfryer Combo

Blackstone’s Airfryer Combo brings extra functionality for culinary adventurers. Alongside the standard griddle, you get built-in air fryer baskets and a warming drawer, letting you crisp up fries and heat buns right outdoors. It heats up fast, but does have some temperature inconsistencies—so attentive cooking is required. If you want a one-stop shop for burgers and sides, this is your guy.

Best for Smashburgers: Cuisinart 28-Inch Griddler 2-in-1 With Broiler

Pursuing the holy grail of crispy-edged smashburgers? The Cuisinart Griddler nails it, easily reaching over 650°F in the center for that all-important sear. There’s also a broiler for toasty buns. Watch out for hot spots, and use an infrared thermometer to nail your temps.

How I Tested

To give you the real story, I assembled, seasoned, cleaned, and cooked every manner of meal on each griddle—smashburgers for peak heat, pancakes and onions for evenness, pork chops for heat retention, and more. I tracked time-to-temp, temperature stability, and general ease of use. If you want the details, these tests mean every pick has earned its place.

Seasoning and Cleaning Tips

  • Season your griddle regularly. Even pre-seasoned models benefit from an extra coat. Use canola or other high-smoke-point oil—apply a super-thin layer with a paper towel and tongs, then heat until it smokes, repeating as necessary.
  • Clean after each use: Skip soap unless it’s a deep-clean. While the griddle is hot, scrape off residue, use a splash of water to steam away stubborn bits, then wipe and re-oil.

Also Worth Considering

  • Cuisinart Propel+ Four Burner 3-in-1 Gas Grill: Combines grilling, griddling, and pizza oven, making it a creative multitasker for your patio.
  • Nexgrill 4-Burner Daytona: Attractively priced, but heat distribution doesn’t stack up to the best.

A big outdoor griddle can become your most-loved summer cooking weapon—perfect for mastering burgers, batch breakfasts, or showing off at your next barbecue.

See the full review and details at:
Best Griddles and Flat-Top Grills – WIRED