Upgrading your outdoor living space with a built-in griddle is one of the best investments you can make if you love cooking and entertaining outdoors. Built-in griddles designed for outdoor kitchens offer incredible versatility, letting you cook everything from scrambled eggs and pancakes for weekend brunch to sizzling fajitas and seared steaks for festive barbecues. With generous cooking space, powerful heating, and durable construction, a built-in griddle becomes the centerpiece of your patio kitchen.
You’ll discover the benefits of adding a built-in griddle to your outdoor cooking arsenal along with top brands and must-have accessories. Get ready to take your outdoor cooking game to sensational new heights!
Types of Built-In Griddles for Outdoor Kitchens
Built-in griddles designed for outdoor use come in several styles to suit different cooking preferences. Here are some of the most popular types to enhance your outdoor kitchen.
Classic Flat Top Grills
These traditional flat top griddles offer excellent even heating across their large stainless steel or cast iron surface area. The spacious flattened cooking area allows you to cook foods like eggs, pancakes, vegetables, and meat simultaneously. Flat top grills have no grates or grooves so food makes full contact with the cooking surface for fast, uniform heating. Models with multiple burners give you the flexibility to create different heat zones. Look for a minimum 300 square inches of cooking space, but larger 36″ and 40″ sizes are available for the ambitious outdoor chef.
Teppanyaki Griddles
Inspired by the flat top cooking experience of hibachi grills, these griddles have built-in grease channels that slope down to a collection tray or cup at the front for easy cleanup. Teppanyaki griddles may have a flat surface or incorporate griddle rings for authentic restaurant-style Japanese cuisine. The integrated grease management system reduces the risk of flare-ups from fatty foods like bacon or burgers. Built-in teppanyaki griddles range from 15″ portable sizes up to 36″ models.
Hybrid Griddle and Grill Combos
Can’t decide between a griddle and grill? Hybrid models give you the best of both worlds in one built-in unit. Typically, one side features a spacious flat top griddle while the other side has a traditional grated grill surface. This flexibility allows you to fry eggs and bacon on the griddle while grilling steaks and veggie skewers on the other. Hybrid models take up more room but are great for the outdoor chef who wants maximum cooking versatility without needing two separate appliances.
Key Features and Considerations for Built-In Griddles
With so many built-in griddle options available, it’s important to understand the key features and functionality you should look for based on your cooking needs and preferences.
Heating Power
The heating capability of your built-in griddle is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher the total BTU rating, the more powerful the heating output for fast cooking times. Standard residential models range from 25,000 to 30,000 BTUs while pro-style griddles can exceed 70,000 BTUs. Make sure to account for your typical cooking load – a larger griddle with higher BTU output will maintain its temperature better when cooking for a crowd.
Temperature Zones
Many built-in griddles include multiple independently controlled burners, usually 2 or 3. Separate temperature knobs allow you to create distinct heat zones so you can cook pancakes on low, eggs on medium and sear meat on high all on the same griddle. Flexible temperature control ensures food is cooked perfectly without over or undercooking.
Ignition System
Look for built-in griddles with a push button ignition system powered by AA or AAA batteries. This provides a quick and reliable spark with the simple push of a button rather than needing matches or a wand lighter to start your griddle every time. Quick ignition saves time and effort when firing up your griddle.
Materials
Heavy-gauge 304 stainless steel is the most common material used in built-in griddle construction. It holds up well to outdoor use and delivers excellent heat distribution across the cooking surface. Cast iron and ceramic coated steel are other material options to consider. Pay attention to the metal thickness or gauge rating when comparing models. Griddles with a porcelain enamel coating help prevent hot or cold spots during cooking.
Grease Management
A quality grease management system is essential to minimize flare-ups when cooking fatty foods like bacon or burgers. Look for built-in channels, troughs or slopes that direct grease run-off during cooking towards a removable grease tray. Large capacity grease trays prevent overflow and the need for frequent cleaning during longer cooking sessions. Proper grease management makes cleanup much easier.
Top Brands of Built-In Griddles
When investing in a built-in griddle for your outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to choose a model from a leading brand known for performance, durability and innovative features. Here are some of our top griddle brand recommendations.
Blaze
Known for their specialty in high-end grills and griddles, Blaze offers an excellent line of built-in flat top griddles. Their commercial grade 304 stainless steel delivers even heat distribution across the cooking surface. Blaze griddles feature thick 14-gauge stainless construction and come in 30″, 32″ and 40″ sizes. They offer a lifetime warranty on parts like cook boxes and valves.
Delta Heat
Delta Heat is a premium maker of American-made grills and griddles for discerning buyers. Their commercial-grade built-in flat top griddles feature heavy-duty 304 stainless steel construction and unique patented arched hoods. Delta Heat offers up to a 25 year warranty on some models. They are known for extremely durable, high-performance outdoor cooking appliances.
Twin Eagles
Specializing in artisan-made grills and griddles, Twin Eagles is trusted by design experts like Bobby Flay. Their built-in flat top griddles are crafted from welded and hand-finished 304 stainless steel with polished edges. Unique features include a built-in holder for a trash receptacle. Their pro-style Deluxe model boasts a mighty 98,000 BTUs of cooking power.
Other Notable Brands
Other reputable brands to consider for built-in griddles include Lynx, Kalamazoo, Coyote and Viking. DCS is a good option for luxury appliances at a more budget-friendly price point. Affordable brands like Nexgrill and Dyna-Glo allow you to get the built-in griddle experience on a tighter budget.
Griddle Accessories and Add-Ons
Embellish your outdoor griddle setup with handy accessories and add-ons to amplify convenience. Here are some recommended extras for your built-in flat top griddle station.
- A griddle lid or cover protects your investment when not cooking.
- Side prep shelves create added workspace next to the griddle.
- Cutting boards designed to fit over the griddle make prep easy.
- Attachable shelving units hold spices, sauces and essential grilling tools.
- Cleaning brushes and griddle scrapers make post-meal cleanup easier.
Add-ons like these help streamline your BBQ process while contributing to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor kitchen. Choose accessories in coordinating finishes and materials.
Tips for Using Your Built-In Griddle
Once you have your dream built-in griddle installed in your outdoor kitchen, it’s time to fire it up! Here are our top tips for getting the most our of your outdoor flat top appliance.
- Season it regularly as you would a cast iron skillet using vegetable oil.
- Use metal spatulas and utensils to avoid scratching the cooking surface.
- Let the griddle adequately preheat before adding food for best results.
- Keep the surface lightly oiled between ingredients to prevent sticking.
- Allow the griddle to cool down and clean thoroughly after each use.
A well-seasoned and cared for griddle will deliver years of sensational outdoor cooking. Refer to your user manual for brand-specific maintenance tips. With an outdoor kitchen built-in griddle, weekday meals and weekend entertaining become that much more amazing.
Investing in a built-in griddle is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your outdoor living space. With generous cooking room, powerful heating performance and versatile functionality, a built-in griddle expands your outdoor menu possibilities exponentially. From scrambled eggs to fajitas, pancakes to seared steaks and everything in between, you’ll take your patio cooking skills to the next level with this outdoor cooking essential. Just be prepared for some seriously mouthwatering meals!
When shopping for your dream built-in flat top griddle, keep in mind the types of griddles available, key features, top brands, and must-have accessories. Consider your personal cooking needs and preferences to choose the right size, power and functionality. Built-in griddles designed specifically for outdoor kitchens represent the pinnacle of durable backyard luxury. Turn your patio into an entertainer’s paradise with the addition of a high-performance outdoor flat top griddle – your new go-to for incredible meals under the stars.