Take Your Outdoor Kitchen to the Next Level with a Built-In Griddle

For homeowners who love to cook and entertain outdoors, adding a built-in griddle can be a game-changer for your outdoor kitchen. Built-in griddles allow you to achieve commercial-style results right in your own backyard, unlocking a whole new world of cooking possibilities.

With ample cooking surface to handle full meals for large gatherings, precision temperature control, and robust construction to withstand frequent use, built-in griddles enable diner-style cooking that simply can't be matched by your average backyard grill. Read on to understand the tremendous benefits of built-in griddles, how to choose the right size and features to suit your needs, top product recommendations, professional installation guidance, and pro tips for maintenance to keep your griddle in peak condition for years of flawless performance.

Unleash Your Inner Short Order Cook with a Built-In Griddle

For cooking styles like grilling, searing, sautéing and more, built-in griddles offer some major advantages over standalone grills:

• Achieve perfect sear marks and enviable caramelization on meats, veggies and smash burgers.
• Cook restaurant-worthy breakfasts like flawless eggs, pancakes and bacon for the whole family.
• Flat top design allows you to cook an entire meal at once - like fajitas complete with meat, veggies and tortillas.
• No flare-ups or uneven hot spots like you get with exposed grilling grates.
• More control over temperature means it's easier to cook food to perfection.

Built-in griddles open up limitless recipe possibilities. If you can cook it on a stovetop or grill, you can cook it even better on a built-in griddle. These powerful outdoor cooking appliances will have you flipping flapjacks, searing steaks, charring peppers and entertaining family and friends like never before.

Generous Cooking Area for Gatherings Big and Small

The expansive cooking surface of built-in griddles sets them apart from standalone grills. Griddles are available in sizes ranging from compact 24-inch models up to giant 60-inch and 72-inch restaurant-grade sizes. When evaluating size, first consider your typical cooking load. How many people do you regularly cook for? Do you frequently host large gatherings?

For most families, a 36-48 inch griddle is ideal, offering plenty of room to handle burgers, vegetables and more for 4-6 people. If you love to entertain big groups, then bump up to a spacious 60-inch griddle for party-ready cooking capacity. No more grilling in batches - with a built-in griddle, you can cook tons of food at once.

Gas vs. Electric - Which is Better?

Gas built-in griddles are vastly preferred by homeowners for their superior temperature control and rapid heating. Gas griddles provide very even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface, eliminating frustrating hot or cold spots. Options include natural gas for easy integration into your home's supply, or propane which doesn't require professional installation.

Electric built-in griddles are cheaper, but max out at lower cooking temperatures. This can lead to uneven heat and longer preheating. Electric models are best for more casual cooking. For serious outdoor chefs, natural gas or propane built-in griddles can't be beaten.

Invest in Commercial Grade Quality

When it comes to built-in griddles, you get what you pay for. Higher cost commercial-grade models from premium brands will outperform budget models in durability, temperature range, features and overall cooking experience. Here are two top-rated pro-style griddles to consider:

Blaze Professional 34-Inch Natural Gas Griddle

This commercial-grade 304 stainless steel griddle boasts a generous 635 square inches of cooking area, perfect for catering to medium-sized gatherings. The included snap-in grease tray simplifies cleanup. Blaze griddles heat up in a blazing 5 minutes and range from 200F to a searing 550F.

Bull Outdoor Products Double Side Griddle

This 60-inch behemoth offers massive 1140 square inches of cooking space over dual 30-inch griddle tops, each with its own burner controls. The welded stainless steel construction is built to last and includes side shelves and removable grease trays. An excellent choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

Vital Features and Accessories

Quality built-in griddles come loaded with features and accessories to make cooking easier, cleaner and more enjoyable. Here are some to look for when comparing models:

• Snap-in grease trays - Simplify grease removal for less mess and smoking
• Side shelves - Keep platters and tools within arm's reach
• Utersil racks - Keep spatulas, tongs and brushes organized yet accessible
• Lid covers - Protect your griddle from outdoor elements when not in use
• Splash guards - Prevent grease splatter and messes while cooking

High-end built-in griddles may also offer extras like multiple burners, hybrid grill/griddle configurations, and sear stations that reach an astonishing 800F+ for unmatched steakhouse-worthy sears.

Professional Installation for Safe and Secure Setup

While portable griddle tops simply rest on your countertop, built-in griddles require permanent installation directly into your outdoor kitchen cabinetry or island structure. Attempt this yourself, and you risk a hazardous gas leak or electrical hazard.

Work with a professional installer to ensure your built-in griddle is properly mounted, gas lines are hooked up to code, and electrical is safely configured. A reputable outdoor kitchen company can seamlessly incorporate your new built-in griddle into the total design.

Caring for Your Investment with Proper Maintenance

Like any outdoor cooking equipment, proper use and care is key to ensuring your built-in griddle delivers top performance for years. Follow this maintenance regimen religiously:

• Season your griddle before first use to create a protective patina
• Thoroughly clean and brush the griddle after each cooking session
• Remove and empty the grease tray to prevent rancid buildup
• Apply a light coat of oil before covering to prevent rust
• Invest in a weatherproof cover for when your griddle is not in use

With the right care, your commercial-grade stainless steel or carbon steel griddle will withstand the outdoor elements and heavy use without issue. Taking the time to properly maintain your griddle will keep it looking and cooking like new.

For outdoor cooking enthusiasts, adding a built-in griddle to your patio or outdoor kitchen can elevate your backyard chef skills like no other appliance. With ample cooking space to handle a houseful of guests, intense heat for perfect searing, and commercial-grade features to simplify cooking, a built-in griddle is a worthwhile investment that will be the star of your outdoor kitchen for years of mealtime magic.