The Best Gas Griddle

Grilling delicious food outdoors has never been easier, thanks to the wide range of storage-friendly grills now on the market. You can get the same great quality in a grill that folds down for easy storage. Some grills are even portable, sizing down to make transporting to tailgating events and picnics easy.

It all comes down to taste, though, regardless of other factors. Newer grills are built to pack a great deal of flavor into the burgers, steaks, chicken and other meats you make. Grill designers understand the elements that prevent meat from drying out and build their burners and grates to match that.

Newer grills have two options when it comes to grates: stainless steel and cast iron. The latter types are often coated in porcelain for easy cleanup and better heat distribution. Both grate designs provide durability to ensure you get years of use out of your grill, even if you’re a frequent outdoor chef.

Before you buy, consider the surface area you’ll need for cooking. If you only cook for yourself or your small family, it may never be an issue. However, the first time you have a cookout, you’ll notice the size of your grill’s surface. If you plan to cook dozens of burgers, hot dogs or even a few large steaks at once, consider a grill with a larger surface area. Most manufacturers list the square inches of grill surface among their specs.

You’ll want a grill that provides the same level of heat on every square inch of the surface to ensure you don’t have to spend your time moving food around to make sure it cooks. This is especially important if you regularly cook for groups, as it will allow you to maximize the cooking space you have.

Monitoring the temperature of your items can be tough, particularly when cooking thicker meats, like burgers or steaks. Some grills have thermometers built in so you can monitor the heat on an ongoing basis. But you may also want to look into a meat thermometer that will allow you to test the temperature of your meats for doneness.

Warming centers can be lifesavers if you’re trying to balance multiple items at once. If you don’t have enough room on your grill to cook numerous items at one time, you’ll want to be able to slide some items into an area where you can keep them warm while you grill the rest of your meal.

• A good gas griddle starts with its design.  A high-performance grilling system includes multiple burners and cooking grates.
• Cast-iron grates coated with porcelain improve performance. Grates that are rust-resistant increase durability.
• If you’ve ever tried to start a grill that doesn’t have a more advanced ignition system, you know how frustrating it can be. Look for a quality ignition system, which is known for providing reliable starts. Some gas grills feature matchless ignition, which lights with just one touch.
• For those who regularly cook for groups, it’s important to pay close attention to cooking space. Consider the square inches of grilling area when comparing grills.
• Temperature control is also essential to delicious results. You’ll want to make sure your grill’s surface cooks evenly to avoid inconsistency.
• Putting your grill together can be complicated, so it’s important to keep that in mind when searching for a gas griddle, particularly if you plan to routinely take it on the go.
• Cleanup is also a consideration when choosing a grill. A grease management system that can be easily removed for cleanup keeps messes to a minimum. Porcelain-coated grates can be wiped off with a paper towel.
• Look for a grill that’s sturdy and built to last.
• Accessories included with a grill can be significant when shopping. A built-in thermometer monitors your food’s status. A light attached to the lid comes in especially handy while cooking at night. A warming area is great for keeping items heated if everything isn’t finished at once.
• Even if your grill stays home, it can come in handy to be able to fold it up and store it. Wheels make it easier to move, as well.