Can I Use a Griddle on My Gas Grill? Exploring the Possibilities

Griddle cooking and gas grilling – two cooking options that at first glance might seem miles apart. But what if I told you they’re a match made in BBQ heaven?

Thinking of adding a flat-top griddle to your grilling arsenal? A griddle can change how you cook outside, making it easier and more fun.

But, do you need a separate griddle when you already have a gas grill? Not really.

You can just add a flat-top griddle plate accessory to your current gas grill.

The griddle’s flat surface means no more food dropping through grill grates.

It turns your grill into a big cooking area, great for breakfast, steaks, seafood, and veggies.

In this guide, we’ll show you the cool things about using griddle plates and how to pick one.

Making your grill do more with a griddle attachment is easy and won’t break the bank!

Quick Overview

Can You Use a Griddle on a Gas Grill?

Absolutely! Adding a griddle to your gas grill setup lets you cook more than just meats. It allows you to whip up dishes that are extremely tricky or impossible on traditional grill grates.

With a griddle’s flat surface, you’re no longer limited to just burgers or steaks. Now, delicate items like eggs, pancakes, or thinly sliced vegetables can be cooked right alongside your BBQ favorites.

The key is to choose a griddle that fits snugly onto your grill. This will help with consistent heat distribution and retention.

Whether you’re in the mood for a weekend brunch or a grilled cheese sandwich, a griddle added to your gas grill has got you covered.

What’s a Griddle Anyway?

A griddle is a flat, smooth cooking surface, often made of metal or cast iron that is heated from underneath.

Instead of relying on open grates, a griddle provides a solid surface, making it perfect for cooking foods that might otherwise fall through grill gaps.

They heat up uniformly so that everything from the center to the edges cooks evenly.

The Advantages of Using a Griddle on Your Gas Grill

Unlock a World of New Recipes | Avoid the Great Disappearing Veggie Act | Juicy Burgers Every Time | Cooking Versatility | Even Heating | They Are an Affordable Addition

Adding a griddle plate to your gas grill can open up a whole new world of cooking possibilities.

Moving beyond the traditional grill marks and charred edges, a griddle offers a host of benefits that might just make you wonder why you hadn’t tried one sooner.

From perfectly crisped bacon to evenly cooked pancakes, not to mention, smash burgers (our favorite), the possibilities are endless.

Here are some of the top perks of griddle-grilling on your gas grill set-up.

Unlock a World of New Recipes

A flat-top griddle plate for gas grills can drastically transform your outdoor cooking experience. It’s like adding a bunch of new recipes to your BBQ list.

Here’s how it unlocks a world of new recipes compared to a standard gas grill:

The flat surface is perfect for achieving a quick sear on meats and sautéing vegetables.

Stir-fries or Philly cheesesteaks are easy to make on a flat-top griddle because the large cooking surface area allows you to cook all of the ingredients at the same time.

Using the griddle to cook multiple ingredients together, also creates a more complex flavor profile.

Everything from breakfast foods, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, veggies, and desserts is easy when using a griddle.

Griddles really do have some serious cooking power and can be a great addition to your outdoor grilling toolkit.

Avoid the Great Disappearing Veggie Act

We’ve all been there: those beautifully sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers, all prepped for a grill session, tragically falling through the grill grates into the fiery abyss below.

It’s not just a waste of good food, but it’s also a heartbreaking moment for the backyard chef.

Enter the griddle. With its flat, even surface, it acts as a protective stage for those delicate veggies, so that they get cooked to perfection without pulling any disappearing acts.

It’s super simple to grill up your favorite veggies on a griddle minus the casualties. Seasoned asparagus or garlic sautéed mushrooms, anyone?

Juicy Burgers Every Time

Everyone craves that perfectly juicy burger, with every bite bursting with flavor. But on a traditional grill, those delicious juices often drip away, leaving you with a drier patty.

Here’s where the griddle shines. Its flat surface captures and retains the burger’s natural juices, allowing it to cook in its own moisture all while creating an awesome browned exterior.

Because the entire surface of the burger is in contact with the flat, hot surface, you get a mouthwatering charred crust.

The result? A consistently mouthwatering burger that’s cooked evenly, holding onto all its tasty goodness. It’s the secret weapon for serving up the juiciest burgers on the block.

Cooking Versatility

Adding a flat-top griddle plate to your gas grill greatly increases your cooking options outdoors.

You instantly gain a versatile tool for grilling, searing, frying, sautéing, and much more.

With the help of the right accessories, you can use just about any cooking style you can dream up using a grilled plate on a gas grill.

Even Heating

An undeniable perk of cooking on a griddle is the consistent heat distribution it provides.

Traditional grills can often have unpredictable hot and cold zones, leading to uneven cooking.

This is generally not a problem with griddles.

Their flat surface ensures that heat is spread evenly, eliminating the guesswork and constant shuffling of food to find the “right spot.”

This translates to food that is more uniformly cooked from edge to edge.

As an added bonus, the consistency in heat reduces the chances of overcooking or undercooking.

They Are an Affordable Addition

Updating your cooking game doesn’t always mean putting a big dent in your wallet.

Griddle plates are a prime example of that.

Instead of shelling out big money on a stand-alone flat-top griddle, a griddle plate can fit seamlessly into most standard gas grills for a fraction of the cost.

And given how versatile they are, you’re going to get excellent value for the cost.

What Can You Cook on a Griddle?

The magic of a griddle comes from its versatility.

From breakfast favorites like pancakes, bacon, and eggs to lunch and dinner go-tos such as steaks, burgers, and sautéed veggies, the possibilities are endless.

Dreaming of crispy quesadillas, mouth-watering paninis, or even a delightful sear on fresh fish?

A griddle has got you covered.

And for those with a sweet tooth, try griddled fruits for a caramelized treat.

In short, if you can dream it, chances are, you can cook it on a griddle!

The Right Way to Use a Griddle on a Gas Grill

Preheat Like a Pro! | Use Cooking Zones | Don’t Be Shy With the Cooking Oil | Dealing With Excess Grease

This flat, usually rectangular plate is like a Swiss Army knife for your gas grill, offering a world of cooking possibilities.

But before you slap on those juicy steaks or that pancake batter, it helps to know the ins and outs of griddling to help you achieve that perfect sear or golden-brown finish.

Using a griddle on a gas grill isn’t as hard as it might seem, but a few key techniques can make all the difference.

Continue on and learn the best way to use that griddle on your gas grill!

Preheat Like a Pro!

One of the secrets to achieving that perfect sizzle and sear is mastering the art of preheating your griddle.

A well-preheated griddle makes for even cooking, reducing the chance of some parts of your food being overdone while others remain undercooked.

Start by setting your gas grill to medium heat and let the griddle heat up slowly for about 5-10 minutes. Once it’s evenly hot, you’re ready to introduce your food.

Remember, patience is key; rushing this step will make a big difference in the final outcome!

Use Cooking Zones

Setting up and managing heat zones will make your life much easier when using a griddle.

Much like when using a standard grill, setting up a griddle with a hot side and a cooler side can let you cook different types of food at different temperatures.

Foods like steak can be seared hot and fast on the hot side. More delicate foods like seafood and veggies can be cooked a lower temperatures more slowly on the cooler side. You can also use the cooler side as a safe zone when things get too hot and you want to slow everything down a bit.

Setting your griddle up with two temperature zones is easy. Simply place the griddle plate over multiple burners and set different temperatures for each.

Don’t Be Shy With the Cooking Oil

When using a griddle, you need to cook with oil, butter, or cooking spray to keep everything from sticking.

A good layer of oil not only prevents food from sticking but also helps in achieving that golden, crispy texture we all love.

Plus, it can add an extra layer of flavor, especially if you experiment with oils or fats like beef tallow, sesame, or olive oil.

Dealing With Excess Grease

Many griddle plates come with built-in grease channels or traps. These designs help funnel away the excess grease from the cooking surface, making it safer and easier to manage.

Here are some tips to help you deal with excess grease when griddling.

• A spatula can be handy not only for flipping food but also for guiding grease towards the griddle’s channels.
• Don’t overcrowd the griddle. When there’s too much food on the griddle, it becomes challenging to manage the grease, and it can pool around the food.
• For fattier foods, start with a small amount of oil and add more as needed. This will reduce the amount of excess grease produced during cooking.

The big key here is to clean as you go. Scraping grease and food bits into the grease trap as you cook, will make managing the grease much easier. It will also make cleanup much easier when you are done.

Techniques to Griddle Like a Pro

The “Smash” Technique | The Proper Way to Flip | The Chopping Technique

Taking your griddling to the next level requires more than just some basic know-how.

A griddle offers a unique cooking experience distinct from the traditional grill grates, opening up avenues for experimentation and innovation.

From the even heat distribution to the glorious sear marks, griddling is a game-changer for any BBQ enthusiast.

With these helpful techniques, you can wow your friends and enjoy cooking outside even more.

The “Smash” Technique

Ever heard of the famous “smash burger”? That’s the magic of the “smash” technique.

When you’re using a griddle on your gas grill, this method lets you press down your burger patties, sandwiches, or other foods firmly onto the hot surface.

It creates an incredible crust and locks in flavors. Not only do you get a perfect, all-over sear sear, but the insides stay juicy and tender.

Just make sure you’ve got a sturdy spatula and a dash of confidence — give it a good press, hear that sizzle, and watch as your food transforms into a mouth-watering masterpiece!

The Proper Way to Flip

When it comes to flipping your food on the griddle, the technique lies in the approach.

Always slide your spatula in from the side, where its surface is the longest. This way, you get more surface coverage, making it easier to handle and flip bigger items.

Use one smooth, quick motion from the side to ensure your food gets flipped, not flopped!

The Chopping Technique

Mastering the griddle isn’t just about flipping and smashing; sometimes, it’s all about the chop!

The chopping technique comes in handy, especially when you’re cooking up things like breakfast hash or stir-fry.

Using the flat edge of your spatula, you can quickly and easily break down larger ingredients into bite-sized pieces.

It’s not only about getting the right size but also about making sure that everything cooks evenly.

With a swift chopping motion, you can spread the heat, mix ingredients, and give your dish that perfect griddled touch.

How to Select a Griddle for Your Gas Grill

Choosing Your Griddle – Material Matters | Choosing the Right Griddle Size | Griddle Thickness Makes a Difference Too

Now that you know that it’s possible to use a griddle on a gas grill, I bet you’re eager to get cooking.

But first, you need to find the griddle that is right for you and your grill.

From material to size, design, and compatibility, there’s a lot to consider.

Here are some tips for selecting the perfect griddle for your gas grill setup to get you going.

Choosing Your Griddle – Material Matters

When choosing a griddle plate for your gas grill, the material it’s made from is one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make.

The material influences heat retention, distribution, and the flavor of your cooked foods.

Below are the best options to choose from, why they are a good choice, and their limitations.

• Cast Iron: Cast iron griddles retain heat superbly and impart a unique flavor to dishes, but they can be heavy and require regular maintenance to prevent rust.
• Stainless Steel: On the other hand, stainless steel griddles are lightweight and less demanding in upkeep but might not hold heat as evenly.
• Carbon Steel: Carbon steel heats up quickly but needs regular seasoning and care to keep its cooking surface right, and it can warp or change shape if it gets super hot.
• Non-stick Variants: Then there are the non-stick variants that make cooking and cleanup a breeze but can sometimes wear out faster.

Each material has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s a good idea to weigh them according to your cooking preferences and maintenance comfort level.

Choosing the Right Griddle Size

Make sure to measure the inside dimensions of your grill from side to side and from front to back.

Compare these measurements with the dimensions of the flat top options to make sure the plate will fit inside your grill model without hanging over the edges.

You also need to leave a little room for the flat top to slide in and out of the grill easily and for air circulation. I suggest trying to get the largest surface area possible based on your cooking needs.

If possible, try to get a griddle plate that covers at least two of the burners. You can get griddle plate models that have a big broad surface which takes up multiple burners.

The sizes of flat tops can range from 200 square inches for smaller grills to over 800 square inches for larger ones.

Griddle Thickness Makes a Difference Too

The thickness of a griddle is also something to consider as this affects heat distribution and retention.

Thicker griddles will retain heat better, providing a more consistent cooking surface. This is especially important for cooking foods that require a steady temperature.

On the flip side, thicker griddles will take longer to heat up initially and are generally heavier.

Thinner griddles will heat up quickly, but they may not distribute the heat as evenly and can be prone to warping over time.

Now that you have the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about purchasing the perfect griddle plate for your gas grill, check out the best options here: Flat Top Griddle Plates for Gas Grills

Proper Tools for a Griddle on a Grill

Since a griddle has a flat surface, you’ll need different tools than you would use on a regular grill.

Here are the basics to get you started.

• Griddle Spatula: A long, flat spatula is a must-have for flipping and moving food around. A set of grill tongs will also come in handy for handling ingredients.
• Scraper/Chopper: A scraper or chopper is a must-have for keeping the griddle surface clean and for chopping food right on the griddle.
• Squirt Bottles: Lastly, don’t forget a good set of squirt bottles for oiling the griddle surface and for cleaning it after you’re done cooking.

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to useful griddle accessories. Investing in the right tools will make cooking on a griddle easier.

Griddle Safety Tips

A griddle involves high temperatures, oil, and sometimes, flare-ups, which can all pose risks if not handled correctly.

Here are some griddling tips for staying safe on your next cookout.

• Preheat Properly: Before cooking, make sure the griddle is properly preheated. This helps to kill any bacteria on the surface and ensures even cooking.
• Use Heat-Resistant Tools: Use heat-resistant utensils to avoid melting or damaging your tools.
• Keep a Safe Distance: Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the griddle, as the entire surface gets hot.
• Manage Grease: Regularly manage the grease to prevent flare-ups or fires. Most griddles have a grease tray or a hole for grease to escape. Make sure it is properly placed and emptied regularly.
• Avoid Water: Never throw water on a hot griddle, as this can cause a steam burn or even warp the griddle surface.
• Use Proper Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, to avoid creating smoke and a burnt taste on your food.
• Handle Food Safely: Make sure to use clean utensils for placing food on the griddle and for removing it. Avoid cross-contamination by not using the same utensils for raw and cooked food.
• Use Gloves: Use heat-resistant gloves or mitts when touching the griddle or surrounding areas to avoid burns.
• Turn Off Properly: Turn off the gas and make sure that the griddle is cool before covering or storing it.
• Clean Regularly: Regularly clean the griddle to remove grease and food particles that could cause a fire. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly clean your griddle.
• Stay Attentive: Never leave the griddle unattended while it is in use.

Safety should always be a priority when grilling, and using a griddle is no exception.

Griddle Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep your griddle plate in top condition so you get even cooking for years, it’s important to clean and care for it properly.

This will also help build up a good seasoning layer over time.

Here are some key tips:

• Wait until the griddle plate is completely cool before cleaning to prevent damaging cast iron.
• Use a griddle scraper or a flat spatula to scrape off grease and leftover food once the plate is cool.
• Dampen a cloth with vegetable oil and wipe the surface to remove any remaining debris and condition it.
• If there’s burnt residue, scrub the surface with coarse salt and then wipe it down with oil.
• Occasionally, re-season the surface by applying a thin layer of oil all over it and then pre-heating it until the oil begins to smoke slightly and it’s slick. For cast iron, season after each cleaning.
• Avoid using soap and never use abrasive cleaners as they will remove the protective seasoning layer.
• Make sure the griddle is completely dry before storing it to prevent rust. If you’re storing it for a long time, rub it with oil.
• Make sure the griddle plate is level and securely positioned in the grill to avoid warping from uneven heat.
• Store the griddle in a dry place to avoid rust. If the griddle is cast iron, consider covering it with a cloth or a griddle cover to protect it from dust and moisture.

It’s important to follow these tips after each use to keep your griddle plate performing well and lasting a long time.

Using a Griddle on a Gas Grill FAQs

Still have questions about using a griddle on a gas grill?

You’re just a few FAQs away from cooking up some griddled deliciousness of your own!

Below you’ll get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about using griddle plates on gas grills.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for, leave your question in the comments below or send me an email and I will get back to you.

Who knows, I might even add your question to this guide.

For a more in-depth frequently asked question guide, check out this article: The Ultimate Gas Grill FAQ.

Final Thoughts on Our Can I Use a Griddle on My Gas Grill Guide

Using a griddle on your gas grill is not only possible but also comes with a host of benefits.

It opens up a world of new possibilities, from perfectly cooked breakfasts to juicy burgers and crispy vegetables.

I hope this guide has provided you with everything you need to know about using a griddle on a gas grill. We covered everything from choosing the right griddle for your cooking needs, and the proper tools to use, to griddle cooking techniques and safety tips.

Remember, the key to perfect griddling lies in practice and experimentation. With a griddle attachment on your gas grill, you are not just a grill master, but a versatile outdoor chef.

If you’ve had any experiences with using a griddle on a gas grill, positive or negative, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Cheers,

Pat G.

Next Steps:

Disclosure – At The Grilling Life, I am committed to researching and writing thoughtful, informative and editorially independent reviews of the best products for your outdoor cooking needs.  If you like what I do, you can support me through my chosen links, which earn me a commission.  This allows me to continue sharing with you my love for all things barbecue.  Your support is truly appreciated.