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The quick answer
- A gas griddle is a big flat steel plate heated by gas burners. Think of it as an outdoor hotplate.
- Great for: full English breakfasts, smash burgers, fajitas, stir-fries and feeding a crowd.
- Typical UK prices: roughly £200–£700, depending on size and burners.
- Look for: thick cold-rolled steel, separately controlled burners, a good grease system and a lid.
- It won't replace a BBQ for smoky, chargrilled flavour, but it's a brilliant partner to one.
Griddles have exploded in popularity in the UK, driven by smash burgers and outdoor breakfasts. I've cooked on an electric griddle plate on holiday, and the appeal is obvious: everything cooks evenly, nothing falls through the grate, and you can do eggs, bacon and mushrooms all at once. This guide explains what to look for in a gas griddle, based on specs, UK prices and owner feedback.
How a gas griddle works
A griddle has a solid steel (sometimes cast iron) cooking plate sitting over gas burners. The plate gets hot and stays hot, and food cooks by direct contact, like a frying pan. Most have two to four burners, so you can run a hot zone for searing and a cooler zone for keeping food warm.
Fat and juices run off into a grease channel and cup rather than dripping onto flames, so flare-ups aren't an issue.
Griddle vs BBQ: what's the difference?
| Gas griddle | BBQ (grill grate) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking surface | Solid flat plate | Open bars over the heat |
| Flavour | Crusty, caramelised sear | Smoky, chargrilled |
| Small or runny foods | Easy: eggs, rice, onions | Tricky without a pan |
| Flare-ups | None | Possible with fatty foods |
| Best for | Breakfasts, burgers, stir-fries, crowds | Steaks, chicken, sausages, smoking |
Many people find the two work best together. If you're choosing your main BBQ first, read charcoal vs gas.
What to look for
- Plate material and thickness. Thicker cold-rolled steel holds heat better and is less likely to warp. Some plates come pre-seasoned; others need seasoning before first use.
- Number of burners. Two burners suit couples and small families. Three or four give you real zone control for bigger groups.
- Cooking area. Tabletop griddles around 40–55cm wide suit small gardens and camping. Freestanding models around 80–90cm wide feed a crowd.
- Grease management. A rear or front grease channel with an easy-to-empty cup makes cleaning much easier.
- A lid. Helps melt cheese, steam veg and keeps the rain off the plate.
- Side shelves and storage. You'll need space for plates, sauces and spatulas.
- UK fitting. Check it's supplied for the UK with a suitable propane regulator and hose, or that you can buy them easily.
How much should you spend?
| Type | Typical UK price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Tabletop (1–2 burners) | ~£150–£300 | Small gardens, camping, couples |
| Freestanding (2–3 burners) | ~£300–£500 | Families, regular use |
| Large freestanding (4 burners) | ~£500–£700+ | Big gatherings, keen cooks |
Prices are a rough guide and change often. Check the retailer for current prices and what's included.
Seasoning and cleaning
A steel griddle plate needs seasoning: thin layers of oil baked on to form a non-stick, rust-resistant coating.
- Wash off any factory coating as the manual directs, then dry thoroughly.
- Heat the plate until it starts to change colour.
- Wipe on a very thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (such as rapeseed or vegetable oil) with kitchen roll held in tongs.
- Let it smoke off, then repeat three to five times until the surface is dark and slick.
After each cook, scrape the plate while it's warm, wipe it down and add a thin coat of oil. In a damp British climate, always keep it covered, because bare steel rusts fast.
Griddle kit worth buying
- Griddle accessory kitSpatulas, scraper and squeeze bottlesView on Amazon
- Burger pressFor proper homemade burgers and smash burgersView on Amazon
- Cast iron griddle plateTry flat-top cooking on your existing BBQ firstView on Amazon
- Griddle coverBare steel rusts fast in a damp gardenView on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What to cook first
- Full English: bacon, sausages, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes and hash browns all at once.
- Smash burgers: press balls of mince hard onto the hot plate for a crispy crust. I make my own burgers with a press, and a griddle is a natural fit for them.
- Fajitas and stir-fries: peppers, onions and strips of chicken cook fast over high heat.
- Pancakes: a weekend favourite with kids.
Frequently asked questions
Is a griddle better than a BBQ?
Not better, just different. A griddle excels at small, delicate or saucy foods and big breakfasts. A BBQ gives smoky, chargrilled flavour. Many people own both.
Can I use a griddle plate on my existing BBQ?
Yes. Cast iron griddle inserts and plancha plates are available for many gas and charcoal BBQs. They're a cheap way to try flat-top cooking.
Will a griddle rust?
Bare steel will rust if left wet. Keep it seasoned, oil it lightly after each use and keep it covered. Surface rust can be scrubbed off and re-seasoned.
Can I use a gas griddle on a wooden deck?
Check the manufacturer's guidance and keep clear of anything combustible. A heat-resistant mat helps protect the deck from grease and heat.
Home cook, keen DIYer and long-time website builder, writing practical outdoor cooking guides for UK gardens. More about me.