Natural Gas Griddle Buying Tips

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Natural Gas Griddle Buying Tips

Picture this. It's Saturday morning. Friends are coming over. You're flipping pancakes, sizzling bacon, and grilling up smash burgers: all at once, without breaking a sweat.

That's the magic of a natural gas griddle.

If you've been eyeing an upgrade to your outdoor cooking setup, you're in the right place. Choosing a griddle can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. But don't worry: we're breaking it all down so you can find the best outdoor griddle for your backyard.

Let's dig in.

Why Go With a Natural Gas Griddle?

Before we dive into the griddle comparison, let's talk about why natural gas makes sense.

Consistent fuel supply. Your griddle connects directly to your home's gas line. No more running out of propane mid-cookout. No more last-minute tank swaps. Just turn it on and cook.

Lower operating costs. Natural gas is generally cheaper than propane over time. Your wallet will thank you after a summer of weekend cookouts.

Convenience factor. There's something liberating about not worrying whether you have enough fuel. Hook it up once, and you're set.

If you're building out a permanent outdoor kitchen or simply want hassle-free cooking, a natural gas griddle is hard to beat.

Key Features to Look For When Choosing a Griddle

Not all griddles are created equal. Here's what separates a solid performer from a frustrating purchase.

Heat Output (BTU)

BTU stands for British Thermal Units. In simple terms? It measures how much heat your griddle pumps out.

Natural gas griddles range from around 30,000 BTU for smaller units to over 180,000 BTU for commercial-grade beasts. More BTUs mean faster preheating and quicker recovery when you toss cold food on the surface.

Why it matters: Ever thrown a bunch of frozen hash browns on a griddle and watched the temperature plummet? Higher BTU output gets you back to cooking temp faster. No soggy food. No waiting around.

For most backyard cooks, something in the 40,000–60,000 BTU range hits the sweet spot.

Build Quality & Materials

You want your outdoor griddle to last through years of cookouts, rain, and whatever else nature throws at it.

Look for:

• Thick steel cooking surfaces : Distributes heat evenly and eliminates frustrating hot spots
• Stainless steel construction : Rust-resistant and easy to clean
• Smart grease management systems : Nobody wants a grease fire or a messy cleanup

Dual-plate systems (cast iron under stainless steel) are becoming popular for even better heat distribution. Worth considering if you're serious about performance.

Wind Resistance

Here's something most people overlook until it's too late.

Wind absolutely wrecks griddle performance. Cold gusts steal heat right off your cooking surface, leaving you with uneven temps and longer cook times.

In recent testing, the temperature difference between sheltered and windy conditions varied wildly between models:

• Traeger Flatrock — 71° (wind impact)
• Grilla Primate — 74° (wind impact)
• Solo Stove Steelfire — 75° (wind impact)
• Blackstone 36-Inch — 134° (wind impact)
• Weber Summit S-670 — 170° (wind impact)

Lower numbers = better wind resistance.

If your backyard gets breezy, prioritize griddles with built-in wind guards or excellent wind resistance ratings. It makes a bigger difference than you'd think.

Cooking Surface Size

How much food are you actually cooking at once?

Here's a general guide:

• Small (under 400 sq in): Perfect for couples or small families. Quick breakfasts, simple dinners.
• Medium (400–500 sq in): The sweet spot for most backyard cooks. Handle 4–6 people comfortably.
• Large (500+ sq in): Built for entertaining. Cooking for a crowd? This is your zone.

Larger units typically run 34–42 inches wide with 6 burners. Medium models sit around 27–33 inches with 4 burners.

Don't overbuy if you don't need the space: but don't underbuy either. Nothing worse than cooking in batches when everyone's hungry.

Popular Natural Gas Griddles Compared

Let's look at some top performers in the outdoor griddle space.

Traeger Flatrock

• Cooking Surface: 594 sq in
• BTU Output: 43,500
• Burners: 3
• Wind Resistance: Best in class (71°)
• Warranty: 5 years

The Flatrock shines in wind resistance testing. Great for exposed patios or breezy backyards. Solid build quality and a generous cooking surface make it a crowd favorite.

Grilla Primate

• Cooking Surface: 490 sq in
• BTU Output: 60,000
• Burners: 4
• Wind Resistance: Excellent (74°)
• Warranty: 4 years

A hybrid unit that works as both griddle and grill. Stainless steel construction. High heat output. If you want versatility without sacrificing performance, the Primate delivers serious value.

Solo Stove Steelfire

• Wind Resistance: Excellent (75°)
• Overall Test Score: Top performer (3.3 average across all categories)

The Steelfire earned the best overall average test score in recent comparisons. If pure performance matters most, this one's worth a serious look.

Le Griddle "Ranch Hand"

• Cooking Surface: 464 sq in
• BTU Output: 18,000
• Burners: 2
• Warranty: 5 years

Lower BTU output means slower heat recovery, but the Ranch Hand is built like a tank. Great for smaller gatherings where durability matters more than speed.

How to Choose the Right Griddle for You

Still not sure? Ask yourself these questions:

How many people do you typically cook for?
If it's usually just family dinners, a medium-sized griddle works great. Hosting parties regularly? Go bigger.

How windy is your cooking area?
Exposed deck or open patio? Prioritize wind resistance. Sheltered spot? You've got more flexibility.

Do you want a dedicated griddle or a hybrid?
Some units: like the Encore 36 Built-In Hybrid Grill: give you both griddle and grill functionality. Perfect if you don't want separate appliances.

What's your budget?
Higher-end models offer better wind resistance, thicker cooking surfaces, and longer warranties. But mid-range options can absolutely get the job done for casual backyard cooks.

A Note on Flexibility

Already own a propane griddle? Some brands like Blackstone offer natural gas conversion kits. Handy if you're integrating into a permanent outdoor kitchen setup and want to switch fuel types without buying new equipment.

That said, purpose-built natural gas griddles typically perform better than converted units. If you're starting fresh, go natural gas from the start.

Quick Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Griddle

Once you've got your outdoor griddle, here's how to make it shine:

• Season it properly. A well-seasoned surface = better flavor and easier cleanup.
• Preheat fully. Give it time to reach temp before cooking. Patience pays off.
• Use a wind guard. Even great griddles benefit from extra protection on gusty days.
• Clean while warm. Scrape the surface after cooking while it's still warm: way easier than scrubbing cold grease.
• Cover it up. A quality cover extends the life of your griddle dramatically.

Ready to Upgrade Your Outdoor Cooking Game?

A natural gas griddle transforms your backyard into a legitimate cooking station. Breakfast, lunch, dinner: and everything in between.

Focus on heat output, build quality, wind resistance, and the right size for your needs. Do that, and you'll end up with a griddle that serves you well for years.

Looking for curated options? Browse our collection to find high-quality outdoor cooking equipment backed by solid warranties and expert support. We're here to help you find exactly what fits your setup.

Now get out there and start cooking.