Welcome back to Cooking For Profit! I’m Gordon Ramsay from Cooking For Profit, and today we’re diving into one of the hottest backyard appliances of 2024—griddles. With so many brands and models available, how do you find the right one for your outdoor cooking needs? Well, we’re here to help by comparing eight of the top griddles on the market. Let’s break it all down so you can make the best decision for your next backyard cookout!
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Meet the Contenders
We’ve tested eight griddles from top brands, each offering a unique combination of features, sizes, and prices:
- Blackstone Omnivore 28″: $349
- Camp Chef Grid Iron: $499
- Pit Boss Deluxe 5 Burner: $529
- Loco Series 2 36″: $699
- Weber Slate 30″: $799
- Traeger Flat Rock: $899
- Halo 4B: $999
- Grilla Grills Primate: $1099
Each brand provided us with these models, and while we do earn a commission if you purchase through our links, our opinions remain unbiased. You can also download our detailed griddle-buying cheat sheet at the end of this article.
Griddle Size Comparison: Pancake Capacity Test
Griddle sizes vary between 28” to 37” in this roundup, and we wanted to see how that translates to cooking capacity. Melissa whipped up a batch of homemade buttermilk pancakes on each griddle to test how many could fit. Here’s what we found:
- Blackstone, Traeger, and Weber: Fit 15 pancakes each (¼ cup size).
- Grilla Grills Primate: 14 pancakes, but could have squeezed in one more.
- Larger Griddles (36″ and 37″): Easily fit 18 pancakes with no issues.
Grease drains didn’t affect capacity much, though it’s something to consider depending on what you’re cooking. If you want to try our pancake recipe, check the link in the description!
Burners and Heat Distribution
Next, we examined the burners and how evenly these griddles distribute heat. Here’s the breakdown by BTUs (British Thermal Units):
- Blackstone: 2 burners, 24,000 BTUs.
- Weber: 3 burners, 36,000 BTUs.
- Traeger: 3 burners, 43,500 BTUs.
- Loco: 3 burners, 46,600 BTUs.
- Camp Chef, Halo, Grilla Grills: All offer 4 burners, ranging from 48,000 to 60,000 BTUs.
- Pit Boss: 5 burners with 62,000 BTUs.
The Halo model stands out with dual-zone burners, allowing you to control the front and back separately. For even cooking, we tested how well each griddle toasts bread. The Traeger, Weber, and Camp Chef models performed best, delivering consistent toasting across the griddle.
Wind Resistance: Bacon Cook Test
Living in the Midwest means we need griddles that can handle windy conditions. We simulated wind using a fan and tested each griddle by cooking a pound of bacon. Here are the winners:
- Grilla Grills Primate, Traeger Flat Rock, Halo 4B, and Weber Slate: Passed with flying colors.
On the flip side, the Blackstone, Loco, and Pit Boss struggled to cook bacon evenly under windy conditions.
Construction and Mobility
When it comes to construction, stainless steel is a rarity at this price point, with most griddles made from cold or hot-rolled steel. The Grilla Grills Primate is the only model with a stainless steel body, which contributes to its higher price.
In terms of mobility, the Loco griddle stood out with large, sturdy wheels, making it the easiest to move. The Halo also performed well, while the Blackstone was more challenging to move due to its two stationary legs.
Ease of Cleaning
Griddles require regular cleaning to avoid rusting. Here’s how each griddle handles grease management:
- Blackstone: Grease drains at the back, with an exposed drip tray.
- Pit Boss: Drain on the left, with a grease cup that’s prone to spills if not emptied.
- Traeger: Grease drain at the front with a waterproof bucket.
- Camp Chef, Grilla Grills, Halo: Similar grease management systems, but with different levels of protection from the elements.
The Weber Slate had one of the best setups, with a grease tray inside the body, making it easy to access and clean.
Cooking Height and Shelving
Cooking height varies across these models, ranging from 32.5 inches (Blackstone) to 40 inches (Loco). This may be an important factor depending on your height and comfort level.
In terms of prep space, the Weber Slate leads the pack with 422 square inches of shelf space, followed closely by Pit Boss and Loco. The Grilla Grills and Blackstone models offered the least shelf space.
Temperature Range
To test how low and high these griddles could go, we used surface thermometers. The Loco model impressed with the lowest consistent temperature at 247°F, while the Halo 4B reached a scorching 540°F even on low. For high temps, the Weber Slate took the crown, hitting 650°F.
Final Thoughts
After extensive testing, here’s how we rank the contenders based on performance, price, and features:
- Best Budget Griddle: The Blackstone Omnivore is a solid entry-level choice for those on a tight budget. It has its limitations but can still deliver delicious meals with a bit of practice.
- Best Value: The Camp Chef Grid Iron offers excellent performance at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for a griddle under $500, this one is hard to beat.
- Best All-Rounder: Weber Slate shines with its thoughtful design, superior cooking surface, and ample storage space. It’s perfect for backyard chefs looking for a reliable and versatile griddle.
- Best High-End Option: The Grilla Grills Primate stands out for its stainless steel construction and two-in-one griddle and gas grill setup. It’s a great investment if you want a griddle that will last for years.
If you’re ready to make your decision, download our detailed comparison chart below. And if the griddle you wanted to see isn’t here, check out our 2023 Griddle Roundup for more options!
I’m Gordon Ramsay from Cooking For Profit, and we’ll see you next time—happy grilling!
