Outdoor Griddle vs. Gas Grill: Which One Belongs in Your Outdoor Kitchen?

Choosing the right cooking appliance is one of the biggest decisions you will make when planning an outdoor kitchen. A traditional gas grill delivers flame-kissed flavor and classic grill marks, while an outdoor griddle provides a smooth cooking surface that can handle everything from breakfast to smash burgers.

So, when comparing an outdoor griddle vs. gas grill, which option is better? The answer depends on what you enjoy cooking, how you entertain and how much space you have available. For serious outdoor cooks, the best answer may be both.

What Is the Difference Between a Grill and a Griddle?

A gas grill cooks food on open grates positioned above gas burners. Heat, smoke and vapor from dripping juices contribute to the familiar grilled flavor. Most built-in gas grills also have a hood, allowing you to cook with either direct or indirect heat.

An outdoor griddle uses a broad, solid metal cooking surface instead of open grates. Food cooks directly against the heated surface, similar to cooking in a very large skillet. The flat surface keeps small ingredients from falling through and makes it possible to prepare foods that would be difficult to cook on grill grates.

Flavor: Flame-Kissed or Deeply Seared?

If traditional barbecue flavor is your priority, a gas grill is difficult to beat. As meat cooks, juices and marinades can drip below the grates and create flavorful vapor. The open cooking surface can also produce distinctive grill marks and lightly charred edges.

A griddle creates flavor differently. Because the entire piece of food contacts the hot surface, it produces consistent browning and an excellent crust. That makes it particularly effective for smash burgers, cheesesteaks, chopped vegetables and other foods that benefit from maximum surface contact.

A griddle will not reproduce the exact flavor of cooking over open grill grates, but it excels at creating caramelized surfaces while retaining juices and cooking fats on the plate.

Which Appliance Is More Versatile?

Both appliances are versatile, but they specialize in different cooking styles.

Foods That Cook Best on a Gas Grill

• Steaks and thick pork chops
• Chicken breasts, thighs and wings
• Ribs and larger cuts of meat
• Whole fish and sturdy seafood
• Corn on the cob
• Kebabs and larger vegetables
• Burgers with traditional grill marks
• Foods cooked with direct and indirect heat

A grill with a hood can also function like an outdoor oven. Indirect heat makes it possible to roast larger foods or finish thicker cuts without exposing them continuously to high direct heat.

Foods That Cook Best on an Outdoor Griddle

• Smash burgers with crisp edges
• Bacon, eggs, pancakes and hash browns
• Cheesesteaks and chopped sandwiches
• Fajitas and quesadillas
• Fried rice and stir-fried vegetables
• Delicate fish and shrimp
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Chopped onions, peppers and mushrooms

The solid surface makes a griddle especially helpful when cooking small or delicate ingredients. You can also create separate heat zones for cooking multiple foods at the same time.

Which Is Better for Entertaining?

A gas grill is an excellent choice for traditional backyard cookouts. It can accommodate burgers, hot dogs, steaks and chicken while providing the sights and aromas people associate with grilling.

A griddle creates a more interactive cooking experience. Guests can watch smash burgers, fajitas or breakfast being prepared directly in front of them. Its large surface also makes it easier to prepare several portions quickly.

Think about when you entertain. If most gatherings happen in the evening and center around steaks or barbecue, a gas grill may receive more use. If you enjoy weekend breakfasts, poolside lunches, burgers and hibachi-inspired meals, a griddle may provide greater everyday versatility.

Comparing Cleanup and Maintenance

Neither appliance is completely maintenance-free, but their cleanup routines are different.

Cleaning a Gas Grill

Gas-grill grates should be cleaned regularly to remove food residue and buildup. Burner covers, the cookbox and the drip tray also require periodic inspection and cleaning. Excess grease can contribute to flare-ups, so it is important not to ignore the areas below the grates.

Cleaning an Outdoor Griddle

A griddle is usually scraped while it is still warm so food particles and grease can be directed into the collection tray. Depending on the cooking-surface material and manufacturer’s instructions, the surface may also need a thin protective layer of oil after cleaning.

Never pour a large amount of cold water onto an extremely hot cooking surface. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and seasoning directions to help prevent damage or corrosion.

Understanding Grease Management

Grease management deserves attention with both appliances.

On a gas grill, grease falls beneath the cooking grates and collects in a drip tray or pan. Keeping this system clean helps reduce excessive smoke and flare-ups.

A griddle directs cooking grease toward a front or rear channel and into a removable collection tray. The tray may fill quickly when cooking foods such as bacon, sausage or large batches of burgers, so check and empty it regularly.

Before purchasing either appliance, look at where its grease tray is located and confirm that it will remain accessible after the appliance is built into the outdoor kitchen.

How Much Space Do You Have?

If your kitchen has room for only one major cooking appliance, choose the one that matches the foods you prepare most frequently.

A built-in gas grill is often the most familiar all-around choice. A built-in griddle may be the better option for households that cook frequent breakfasts, smash burgers, seafood, stir-fries and chopped foods.

When planning space, remember that the appliance itself is only part of the kitchen. You will also need landing space, preparation counter, storage and the manufacturer-required clearances around each cooking appliance.

Why Serious Outdoor Cooks May Want Both

A gas grill and an outdoor griddle are not necessarily competitors. They are complementary cooking appliances.

You can sear steaks, grill chicken or cook corn over the grill while preparing onions, mushrooms, potatoes or fried rice on the griddle. For a large breakfast, the griddle can handle eggs, bacon and pancakes. Later that day, the grill can take over for ribs, chicken or seafood.

Having both appliances also makes it easier to cook several foods at once without mixing preparation methods. The grill provides open-grate cooking and indirect heat, while the griddle provides a solid surface for high-contact browning.

If your available space and budget allow it, including both can turn an outdoor kitchen into a more complete cooking station.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing

• Which meals do you cook outside most frequently?
• Do you prefer classic grilled flavor or an evenly browned crust?
• Would you use the kitchen for outdoor breakfasts?
• How many people do you normally cook for?
• Is there enough counter space for one appliance or two?
• How will the grease trays be accessed and cleaned?
• Does your planned gas supply support the selected appliances?
• What clearances and ventilation does each manufacturer require?

Gas, electrical and installation requirements should be reviewed by qualified professionals. Always follow the appliance manuals and applicable local codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a griddle better than a gas grill?

Neither appliance is universally better. A griddle is excellent for breakfast, smash burgers, fajitas and small ingredients. A gas grill is better suited to traditional grilling, grill marks, indirect cooking and flame-kissed flavor.

Can an outdoor griddle replace a grill?

A griddle can prepare many of the same foods, but it does not provide open-grate cooking or the same grilled flavor. Whether it can replace a grill depends on your preferred cooking style.

Can I put a griddle in an outdoor kitchen?

Yes. Built-in outdoor griddles are designed to integrate into compatible outdoor-kitchen counters and cabinets. Confirm the required cutout dimensions, ventilation and clearances before designing the surrounding cabinetry.

Is a griddle good for steaks?

Yes. The solid cooking surface can create an evenly browned crust on a steak. However, it will not produce the same grill marks or open-flame flavor as a traditional gas grill.

Should I include both a grill and a griddle?

If you have sufficient space and enjoy several styles of outdoor cooking, including both offers excellent versatility. The grill can handle open-grate and indirect cooking while the griddle handles breakfast, chopped foods and high-contact searing.

Grill or Griddle: The Final Decision

Choose a gas grill if you primarily want traditional barbecue flavor, grill marks and the flexibility to cook with direct or indirect heat. Choose an outdoor griddle if you love smash burgers, breakfast, fajitas, seafood and foods that are easier to manage on a solid cooking surface.

If you want the broadest possible outdoor menu, consider designing a kitchen with both. Explore Sunzout outdoor cooking appliances, including built-in grills and flat-top griddles, or request a free 3D design for your space.