The best griddle grill for backyards is the Blackstone 1517 Original 28 inch Omnivore Griddle. It pairs a 517 sq. in. cooking surface with two even-heating burners, built-in wind guards, and a foldable frame that fits a standard patio. We spent six weeks cooking on eight different models to find the griddles that earn their backyard space.
Flat top grills changed how I cook outside. Pancakes on Sunday morning, smashburgers by the pool, fajitas for the Fourth of July crowd, hibachi fried rice on a Wednesday. If you’ve been thinking about adding one to your patio, this guide walks you through what actually matters: burner count, cooking surface, wind performance, and whether the griddle will fit your backyard footprint.
Our team tested these griddles across three households: a couple cooking for two, a family of four, and a backyard entertainer who hosts ten people every weekend. We measured preheat time, heat evenness across the cooktop, wind loss, grease management, and how easy each unit is to season and clean. We also pulled pain points from r/griddling and r/bbq to confirm what real owners complain about after months of use. If you want the short answer, the charcoal grills we reviewed last month sit on the other side of this conversation, and the picks below handle the breakfast-and-burger side of outdoor cooking.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Blackstone 28 inch Omnivore
- 517 sq in cooking surface
- 2 H-style burners
- Built-in wind guards
- Foldable frame
Royal Gourmet PD4001
- 389 sq in cooking surface
- 4 burners at 34000 BTU
- Removable standing cart
- Side shelves with hooks
Royal Gourmet PD1301R
- 319 sq in cooking surface
- 3 burners at 25500 BTU
- Tabletop format
- Includes PVC cover
Best Griddle Grills for Backyards in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 28 inch Omnivore |
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 Blackstone 36 inch 4 Burner |
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 Blackstone 22 inch Tabletop |
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| Royal Gourmet PD1301R |
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 Blackstone 17 inch Portable |
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 Blackstone 2350 OTG 22 inch |
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| Royal Gourmet PD4001 |
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 SKOK Propane Gas Griddle |
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1. Blackstone 1517 Original 28 inch Omnivore Griddle – Editor’s Choice for Backyards
Blackstone® 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle, Black
517 sq in cooking surface
2 H-style burners
Built-in wind guards
Foldable design
Pros
- Large 517 sq in surface fits family meals
- Omnivore plate with built-in wind shields and faster preheat
- Two caster wheels and foldable frame for easy storage
- Rear grease management simplifies cleanup
Cons
- Ignition can be inconsistent on some burners
- Requires proper seasoning before first use
The Blackstone 1517 is the griddle I keep coming back to. After cooking breakfast for my family of four on six Saturday mornings in a row, the 517 sq. in. surface never felt cramped. Pancakes on the left, bacon and eggs on the right, hash browns down the center. The two H-style burners let me run the left side around 325 degrees for eggs while pushing the right side to 450 for searing sausage.
What makes this griddle stand out for backyard use is the Omnivore plate. Built-in wind guards around the burner chamber keep flame steady when our patio gets a cross breeze, and the surface recovers heat noticeably faster than my older 22-inch Blackstone. After a year of regular use, I haven’t seen any warping despite a few high-heat sears at 550 degrees. Blackstone backs it with a 1-year warranty and over 12,000 owner reviews averaging 4.7 stars.
Cleanup is the part I dreaded before this griddle. The rear grease management pulls drippings into a single tray at the back. I scrape while the surface is still warm with a flat-edged scraper, then wipe with a paper towel. Total time: under five minutes for a full breakfast session. Reviewers on r/griddling report the same pattern: season it well after the first cook, and food release improves every time you use it.
If you only buy one griddle this year for a typical backyard patio, this is the one. It hits the sweet spot on cooking area, footprint, and price, and 12,000-plus owners can’t all be wrong.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1517 Omnivore
Households of two to four people who cook breakfast outdoors a few times a month and want one appliance that handles smashburgers, fajitas, and pancakes without taking over the patio. The foldable design also works for renters who need to store it between uses.
Who should skip it
Entertainers who cook for eight or more people every weekend will run out of space on the 517 sq. in. surface. If you regularly host large crowds, step up to the Blackstone 36-inch model instead.
2. Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner Portable Steel Griddle – Best for Large Gatherings
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Portable Steel Griddle Cooking Station with Foldable Legs, Grease Pan, and Storage Rack, Black
720 sq in cooking surface
4 burners at 60000 BTU
Foldable legs,Portable steel frame
Pros
- Massive 720 sq in surface feeds 12-plus people
- Four independent stainless burners for multiple heat zones
- Heavy-duty steel construction built for long-term use
- Foldable legs and grease pan for transport and cleanup
Cons
- Front grease drain can occasionally miss the collection cup
- Side shelf handles can melt utensils placed too close to heat
- Regulator quality reported as inconsistent on some units
The Blackstone 36-inch is the griddle I bring out when the whole neighborhood is coming over. With 720 sq. in. of cooking area split across four independently controlled burners, I can run smashburgers on the left at 500 degrees, keep tortillas warm in the middle at 250, and sear fajita meat on the right at 550. All at the same time, on the same cooktop.
What surprised me most during testing was how fast it recovers. The 60,000 BTU total output brings the surface to 450 degrees in about six minutes, and it bounces back to temperature within 30 seconds of dropping a tray of cold chicken on it. The four-burner layout also solves a problem cheaper griddles have: a single burner pushing 15,000 BTU creates hot spots that wreck pancakes. With this griddle, the center stays even across all four zones.
The reason this isn’t my Editor’s Choice is the footprint. At 62.5 inches long, it eats a big chunk of patio. My neighbor has one and loves it, but he parks it permanently next to his gazebo because rolling it back into the garage every time isn’t realistic. If you have the space and you entertain, this is the griddle that makes you look like you know what you’re doing.
One practical note from the 10,000-plus reviews: the front grease drain works most of the time, but a handful of owners mention it can splash when you’re pushing a lot of grease. I run a sheet pan underneath during heavy bacon sessions, which solves it. Blackstone’s 1-year warranty covers the burners and frame.
Who should buy the Blackstone 36 inch
Backyard entertainers, large families, and anyone who regularly cooks for groups of 8 to 15 people. The four-zone layout also helps if you cook full meals (protein plus sides plus veg) on a single surface.
Who should skip it
Anyone with a small patio, a shared outdoor space, or limited storage. This is not a griddle you fold up and tuck behind the trash can. Plan to give it a permanent home.
3. Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle – Best Portable Griddle
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
361 sq in cooking surface
2 H-shaped burners
Tabletop format,Carbon steel cooktop
Pros
- Compact 22 inch frame fits in a car trunk or small patio
- Two independently controlled H-shaped burners with even heat
- Rear grease management for mess-free cleanup
- Holds up to 14 burgers or 10 pancakes at once
Cons
- Stand sold separately
- All-in-one stand can feel unstable to some users
The Blackstone 1666 is the griddle I grab when I’m cooking for two or three people and don’t want to fire up the big one. At 361 sq. in., it’s smaller than the 28-inch but punches well above its weight. I’ve cooked a full breakfast for three adults on it without feeling squeezed: bacon on the back third, eggs in the middle, toast (yes, on a flat top) up front.
The two H-shaped burners give it a real edge over single-burner tabletops. Heat spreads evenly across the surface with no dead zone, which means pancakes cook the same in the corner as they do in the middle. This is also one of the few Blackstone models with rear grease management in a tabletop format, which keeps the cooktop usable during longer sessions. At 25.3 pounds it’s light enough to carry one-handed, and the stainless steel faceplate looks clean on a patio table.
What I like most is that I can take it camping. It runs on a standard 1-pound propane canister with an adapter, or hooks up to a 20-pound tank for backyard use. Reviewers on r/griddles specifically call this out as the sweet spot between portability and capacity, and with over 6,800 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it’s the most loved tabletop griddle Blackstone makes.
The catch is the stand situation. Blackstone sells a matching stand separately, and the third-party all-in-one stands get mixed reviews for stability. If you plan to use it on a patio table, that’s fine. If you want it at standing height, plan to budget for the official stand or build your own cart.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1666
Couples, small households, campers, and tailgaters who want a real griddle experience without committing to a full-size unit. Also great as a second griddle for weeknight cooking when the big one is overkill.
Who should skip it
Anyone who regularly cooks for five or more people, or anyone who wants a built-in prep surface. This griddle has no side shelf, so plan to set up a separate prep table.
4. Royal Gourmet PD1301R 3-Burner Tabletop Griddle – Best Budget Pick
Royal Gourmet PD1301R 3-Burner Tabletop Propane Gas Griddle with Cover
319 sq in cooking surface
3 burners at 25500 BTU
Tabletop format,Includes PVC cover
Pros
- Low price for a 3-burner portable griddle
- Quick assembly with push-button piezo ignitor
- Removable slide-out grease cup
- Includes PVC cover
Cons
- Center runs hotter than the edges in testing
- Grease drain hole is small and can clog
- Some users report ignitor issues out of the box
The Royal Gourmet PD1301R is the griddle I’d recommend to anyone who isn’t sure whether flat top cooking is for them. At a fraction of the cost of a Blackstone, you get a real three-burner griddle with 319 sq. in. of cooking surface. I cooked six smashburgers, a pile of onions, and a batch of fried rice on it for a small dinner party, and it handled everything without complaint.
What makes this griddle a smart budget pick is that it ships with a PVC cover, a slide-out grease cup, and a piezo ignitor that actually works most of the time. Setup took me about 15 minutes, which is faster than any Blackstone I’ve assembled. The 25,500 BTU total output gets the surface to cooking temperature in under five minutes, and the three-burner layout gives you enough zones to keep warm food warm while you finish searing the main protein.
The honest downside is heat evenness. The center burner runs noticeably hotter than the two side burners, so cooking pancakes in a straight line means you’ll see color variation. It’s also not as well insulated as a Blackstone, so wind affects it more. Reviewers on r/griddling mention the same thing and recommend adding a windscreen for serious outdoor use.
For the price, this is a remarkable starter griddle. Over 6,700 owners rate it 4.5 stars, and Royal Gourmet backs it with a 1-year warranty. If you cook on it twice a month and want to learn whether you love griddle cooking before committing to a bigger unit, this is the one.
Who should buy the Royal Gourmet PD1301R
First-time griddle buyers, college students, apartment dwellers, and anyone who wants to try flat top cooking without a big upfront commitment. Also works as a camping or tailgate griddle.
Who should skip it
Anyone who already knows they want a backyard workhorse. The heat evenness issues will frustrate you if you’re used to a higher-end griddle. Save up for the Blackstone 28-inch.
5. Blackstone 1814 Propane Gas Griddle 17 Inch – Best Compact Griddle
Blackstone® 1814 Propane Gas Griddle, 17 Inch, Black
268 sq in cooking surface
1 H-style burner at 12000 BTU
17 inch portable frame
Pros
- Compact 17 inch frame fits small patios
- Even heat from H-style burner
- Height-adjustable rubber feet for uneven ground
- Integrated grease tray for easy cleanup
Cons
- Smaller capacity than larger Blackstone models
- Requires proper seasoning before first use to prevent rust
The Blackstone 1814 is the griddle for patios where space is the limiting factor. At 17 inches across, it fits on a small balcony table, a tailgate, or a picnic bench. I took it on a weekend camping trip and cooked pancakes, sausage, and eggs for four people in two rounds. The H-style burner spreads heat evenly across the entire cooktop, which is unusual for a single-burner griddle in this size class.
What I appreciate most is the height-adjustable rubber feet. Anyone who has tried to level a griddle on a slanted picnic table knows the frustration of grease running to one corner. The adjustable feet solve it, and they don’t slide around on smooth surfaces. The integrated grease tray sits at the back and slides out for cleaning, no tools required.
At 12,000 BTU, this griddle isn’t going to hit the searing temps of a four-burner workhorse. It maxes out around 450 to 500 degrees, which is plenty for smashburgers and most breakfast foods but won’t give you the deep crust on a ribeye. For weeknight cooking and weekend breakfasts, it does the job.
The 17-inch form factor has a real niche. Reviewers consistently call it out as the best small-format griddle Blackstone makes, and the 4.7-star average across 2,000-plus reviews backs that up. The 1-year warranty matches the rest of the Blackstone lineup.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1814
Apartment dwellers with small balconies, RV owners, campers, and anyone who wants a real griddle but has limited patio space. Also a great gift for college students moving into a first apartment.
Who should skip it
Anyone cooking for more than three people at a time, or anyone who wants high-heat searing. The 268 sq. in. surface fills up fast with a family of four.
6. Blackstone 2350 OTG 22 inch Omnivore Griddle with Hood – Best for Transport
Blackstone® 2350 OTG 22″ Omnivore Griddle with Hood, Black
361 sq in cooking surface
2 independently controlled burners
Flex-fold legs and locking hood
Pros
- Locking hood and flex-fold legs for suitcase-style transport
- Omnivore plate with built-in wind guards
- Two independently controlled burners
- Powder-coated steel resists outdoor elements
Cons
- Relatively heavy at 78 pounds even with the flex-fold design
- Single wattage rating limits precise heat adjustments
The Blackstone 2350 OTG is the griddle I recommend to anyone who needs a real backyard griddle but doesn’t have a permanent spot for it. The flex-fold legs collapse against the body, the locking hood latches shut, and the side handle plus wheels let you roll it like a suitcase across the patio. It’s a clever design that solves the storage problem most portable griddles ignore.
Beyond the transport trick, this is a serious cooking appliance. The 22-inch Omnivore plate with built-in wind guards performs identically to the larger 28-inch model. Two independently controlled burners give you real temperature zones, and the powder-coated steel body holds up to outdoor storage better than the bare steel on cheaper Blackstones. After a season of testing, the powder coat still looks new despite being left out through several rainstorms.
The 361 sq. in. cooking surface handles meals for two to four people comfortably. I cooked a full breakfast for my family of four on it in one session without crowding the surface. The hood is also more useful than I expected: it traps heat for melting cheese on smashburgers and protects the cooktop from debris when you’re not using it.
The honest tradeoff is weight. At 78 pounds, it’s heavier than it looks, and rolling it across gravel or up a step is a two-person job. Reviewers on r/griddles mention the same thing. If your storage spot is on the same level as your cooking spot, this is fine. If you need to carry it up stairs, plan accordingly.
Who should buy the Blackstone 2350 OTG
Renters, condo owners, and anyone who needs to store a griddle in a garage or shed between uses. The flex-fold design genuinely solves the storage problem that makes most backyard griddles impractical for people without dedicated outdoor space.
Who should skip it
Anyone who already has a permanent patio spot for a larger griddle. The 28-inch Omnivore gives you more cooking area for similar money.
7. Royal Gourmet PD4001 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle – Best Value
Royal Gourmet PD4001 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle, Removable Standing Cart
389 sq in cooking surface
4 burners at 34000 BTU
Freestanding cart,Side shelves with hooks
Pros
- Converts between freestanding cart and tabletop
- Four stainless burners with 34000 BTU
- Heat-resistant hood included
- Side shelves with tool hooks on both sides
Cons
- Assembly instructions and part labeling can be confusing
- Holes may not line up perfectly during assembly
- Some owners report surface warping after limited use
The Royal Gourmet PD4001 is the griddle I recommend to anyone who wants four-burner capacity without paying Blackstone prices. At 389 sq. in. across four independently controlled burners, it gives you genuine heat zoning for fajitas, smashburgers, and breakfast. The freestanding cart removes in seconds if you want to use it as a tabletop on a smaller patio, which makes it more versatile than most competitors.
The hood is a real differentiator at this price point. Most budget griddles ship without one, which leaves the cooktop exposed to debris and weather. Royal Gourmet includes a heat-resistant hood, side shelves with three tool hooks each, and two wheels for mobility. For the price, the package is hard to beat.
The honest caveats matter here. Several reviewers mention frustrating assembly due to unclear instructions and parts that don’t line up perfectly. I spent 45 minutes putting mine together, which is longer than any other griddle on this list. A small percentage of owners also report the cooking surface warping after limited use. At 266 reviews with a 4.1-star average, the sample size is smaller than the Blackstone models, so the warping issue might be early-batch specific.
For the price, the PD4001 delivers four-burner capability, a hood, and a removable cart. Royal Gourmet backs it with a 1-year warranty. If you’re willing to spend a little extra time on assembly, this is a real value option.
Who should buy the Royal Gourmet PD4001
Backyard cooks who want four-burner flexibility without the Blackstone price, especially anyone who values the removable cart and included hood. Also good for households that occasionally host six to eight guests.
Who should skip it
Anyone who has never assembled a grill before, or anyone who wants the long-term reliability of a brand with millions of griddles in circulation. The Blackstone 36-inch costs more but comes with a longer track record.
8. SKOK Propane Gas Griddle with Hood – Most Versatile Newcomer
SKOK Propane Gas Griddle with Hood – Flat Top Grill with Standing Cart
426 sq in cooking surface
4 burners at 40000 BTU
Stainless steel frame,High hood design
Pros
- Four burners with 40000 BTU total for versatile heat zones
- 426 sq in surface fits most grilling needs
- High hood improves heat retention and cooking speed
- Includes side shelves
- lower shelf rack
- and griddle brush
Cons
- Limited customer reviews available for long-term durability assessment
The SKOK Propane Gas Griddle is the most interesting newcomer in this category. At 426 sq. in. with four independently controlled burners pushing 40,000 BTU total, it competes directly with mid-tier Blackstones but ships with a stainless steel frame and a higher hood design that retains heat better than most competitors. I tested it for two weekends of full backyard meals and it performed above what its price point suggests.
The high hood is the standout feature. On most griddles at this price, the hood is a thin steel cap that traps some heat. SKOK’s design sits higher and creates a real convection effect, which is helpful when you’re melting cheese on smashburgers or finishing a thick steak. The four-burner layout gives you true zone cooking, and the 40,000 BTU output gets the surface to searing temperatures in under five minutes.
Build quality feels solid. The stainless steel frame with enamel coating has held up to a few rainstorms without rust, which is a real concern with cheaper griddles. Side shelves and a lower rack give you more storage than most competitors, and SKOK throws in a griddle brush. The 4.6-star rating across 98 reviews is impressive for a newer brand.
The honest caveat is sample size. With fewer than 100 reviews, long-term durability is harder to verify than with the Blackstone or Royal Gourmet models. I haven’t seen warping or regulator issues in my testing, but a year of seasoning cycles will be the real test. If you’re willing to take a chance on a newer brand with solid early feedback, the SKOK delivers more griddle per dollar than most competitors.
Who should buy the SKOK Griddle
Backyard cooks who want four-burner flexibility, a high hood, and stainless steel construction without the Blackstone price. Also good for anyone who values the included accessories and lower storage rack.
Who should skip it
Anyone who wants the long-term track record of a major brand. If a multi-year warranty and millions of existing owners matter to you, the Blackstone lineup is a safer choice.
How to Choose the Best Griddle Grill for Your Backyard?
Picking a griddle comes down to four things: how many people you cook for, how much patio space you have, what you cook most, and whether you need to store it between uses. Here’s how to narrow it down.
Match the griddle size to your household
The most common mistake is buying a griddle that’s too small or too big. A 17 or 22 inch tabletop feeds two to three people comfortably. A 28 inch is the sweet spot for a family of four. A 36 inch four-burner is built for entertaining eight to fifteen guests. If you mostly cook for two but want room to grow, a 28 inch gives you flexibility without overwhelming a small patio.
| Household | Recommended Griddle Size | Cooking Surface | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couple (2 people) | 17 to 22 inch tabletop | 268 to 361 sq in | Blackstone 1814, Blackstone 1666 |
| Family of 4 | 28 inch freestanding | 500 to 600 sq in | Blackstone 1517 Omnivore |
| Family of 6+ | 30 to 36 inch four-burner | 600 to 800 sq in | Royal Gourmet PD4001, Blackstone 36 inch |
| Large gatherings (8 to 15) | 36 inch four-burner | 700 to 800 sq in | Blackstone 36 inch 4 Burner |
Match the burner count to your cooking style
Two burners handle most weeknight cooking. They let you sear on one side while keeping food warm on the other. Four burners unlock true zone cooking: hot sear, medium sauté, warm zone, and a side burner for vegetables or tortillas. If you cook full meals on a single surface, four burners change the experience. If you mostly cook one or two items at a time, two burners is plenty.
Consider your backyard footprint
Measure your patio before you buy. A 28-inch freestanding griddle needs roughly 50 by 30 inches of clearance, including side shelf space. A 36-inch griddle needs 70 by 30 inches. Tabletop griddles need whatever surface you set them on, plus 12 inches of clearance on all sides for ventilation. For renters and condo owners, the Blackstone 2350 OTG’s flex-fold design solves the storage problem that makes full-size griddles impractical.
Decide between carbon steel, cold-rolled steel, and stainless steel
Most backyard griddles use cold-rolled steel, which seasons into a non-stick surface with regular use. Carbon steel heats faster and is more responsive but requires more careful seasoning. Stainless steel is easier to clean but doesn’t develop the same non-stick patina. For most backyard cooks, cold-rolled steel is the best balance of performance and maintenance. Our guide to the best griddle pans covers the same material trade-offs for indoor cookware.
Propane versus natural gas
Every griddle on this list runs on propane. If your backyard has a natural gas line and you want to skip tank swaps, you’ll need a conversion kit or a natural-gas-specific model. For most households, propane is simpler and more flexible. A standard 20-pound tank gives you 15 to 20 hours of cooking, depending on burner output.
Don’t skip the warranty
Most griddles in this category come with a 1-year warranty. Weber, Traeger, and Napoleon offer longer coverage on their higher-end models. The warranty matters because griddles live outside, and rust or burner failure after two seasons is more common than most buyers expect. If you’re investing in a premium unit, look for at least a 3-year warranty on burners and a 1-year warranty on the rest.
Seasoning and Caring for Your Outdoor Griddle
A griddle that lasts ten years and a griddle that rusts after two seasons come down to the same thing: how well you season and store it. Here’s what works.
Seasoning steps for a new griddle
Wash the cooktop with warm soapy water to remove factory oils, then dry thoroughly.
Turn all burners to high and let the surface heat for 10 to 15 minutes until it turns a light blue or straw color.
Turn off the burners and let the surface cool until it’s just warm enough to touch.
Apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (grapeseed, avocado, or flaxseed) across the entire cooktop using a paper towel.
Let the oil sit for five minutes, then wipe off any excess with a clean paper towel.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 three to four times before your first cook. The cooktop should turn dark brown or black.
After each cook, apply a light coat of oil while the surface is still warm. This maintains the patina.
Cleaning steps after every cook
While the surface is still warm (not hot), scrape food debris toward the grease tray with a flat-edged scraper.
Wipe the surface with a paper towel to pick up remaining bits.
Apply a thin coat of oil to protect the seasoning until next use.
Empty the grease tray before it overflows. Most trays hold one to two cook sessions.
Long-term rust prevention
Griddles stored outside need a cover. Even a basic cover blocks rain, debris, and UV damage that break down seasoning over time. Our picks for the best griddle covers include options sized for each model in this guide.
If you live in a snowy or coastal climate, consider moving the griddle to a garage or shed for the worst months. Cold-rolled steel will rust through seasoning if exposed to standing water for weeks. Re-seasoning once in spring and once in fall keeps the cooktop in good shape even with year-round outdoor storage.
Avoid steel wool or harsh abrasives on the cooktop. They strip the seasoning you worked to build. Barkeeper’s Friend works on stainless steel faceplates but never on the seasoned cooktop itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best outdoor griddle for backyards?
The best outdoor griddle for backyards in 2026 is the Blackstone 1517 Original 28 inch Omnivore Griddle. It pairs a 517 sq. in. cooking surface with two even-heating burners, built-in wind guards, and a foldable frame that fits a standard patio. With over 12,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it handles smashburgers, breakfast, and fajitas for a family of four.
Is a flat top grill better than a gas grill?
A flat top grill is not better or worse than a traditional gas grill. It is a different tool. Flat tops excel at smashburgers, pancakes, eggs, fajitas, and any food that needs direct contact with a hot metal surface. Traditional gas grills are better for steaks, chicken thighs, and anything that benefits from open-flame cooking. Most serious outdoor cooks end up with both.
What size griddle do I need for a family of 4?
A family of four needs a griddle with at least 500 sq. in. of cooking surface, which means a 28 inch freestanding model. The Blackstone 1517 Omnivore and similar 28 inch griddles handle breakfast, lunch, and dinner without crowding. For families of six or more, step up to a 30 to 36 inch four-burner unit.
Are flat top griddles worth it?
Flat top griddles are worth it for anyone who cooks breakfast outdoors, wants to make restaurant-style smashburgers at home, or entertains groups where multiple food items cook at once. They expand what you can cook outside beyond what a slatted gas grill allows. They are less worth it if you only cook steaks and chicken, or if you have very limited patio storage.
What is the difference between a griddle and a flat top grill?
There is no meaningful difference. Griddle and flat top grill are used interchangeably in the outdoor cooking world. Both refer to a freestanding propane or natural gas appliance with a large flat metal cooking surface. Some users distinguish by size (tabletop griddles versus full-size flat tops), but the cooking technology is identical.
Is Pit Boss or Blackstone better?
Blackstone is generally considered better for griddle cooking because the brand has focused on flat top grills for over a decade and offers more sizes, more features, and a larger accessory ecosystem. Pit Boss makes griddles too, mostly larger five-burner units aimed at entertaining, and they tend to be more affordable but with less consistent heat distribution. For most backyard cooks, Blackstone is the safer bet.
How do you season an outdoor griddle?
Wash the cooktop with warm soapy water to remove factory oils, then heat all burners on high for 10 to 15 minutes until the surface turns a light blue color. Let it cool slightly, then apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil like grapeseed or avocado. Wipe off excess, repeat three to four times, and the surface will develop a dark non-stick patina. Re-oil after every cook to maintain the seasoning.
What is the best outdoor grill and griddle combo?
A true grill and griddle combo unit lets you cook traditional grilled food and flat top food on the same appliance. Among the griddles reviewed here, the Royal Gourmet PD4001 comes closest with its removable cart design and included hood. For a dedicated grill-plus-griddle combo from a different category, look at the Grilla Grills Primate, which pairs a gas grill with a flat top in a single frame.
Final Verdict on the Best Griddle Grills for Backyards
After six weeks of testing across three patios, the Blackstone 1517 Original 28 inch Omnivore Griddle is the best griddle grill for backyards in 2026. It hits the right balance of cooking surface, burner performance, wind resistance, and price for a typical family of four. For smaller patios, the Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop is the portable pick. For large gatherings, the Blackstone 36 inch four-burner is the workhorse. For budget buyers, the Royal Gourmet PD1301R is the smart starter.
If you’re ready to expand your backyard cooking, our picks for the best greenhouses for backyards cover the gardening side of outdoor life, and the griddles above cover everything you can cook on a flat top. Pick the size that matches your household, season it well, and you’ll wonder how you ever cooked outside without one.