For a real foodie, one of the best sounds in the whole world is the sound of a steak or a burger sizzling on a grill. While a grill is an essential piece of equipment, there are some things that you cannot cook on grill grates. That is where a griddle comes into play with its nice big flat surface. But what if you could have the best of both worlds? A grill and griddle combo gives you the option to cook your food in multiple ways, giving you more versatility and options when it comes to your meals.

Best Bang for the Buck

royal gourmet gd401

 Large-capacity, portable propane gas grill and griddle combo, with dual cooking zones, suitable for a range of outdoor cooking needs.

Our Top Choice

Practical and versatile outdoor cooking solution, offering ample cooking area, efficient heat control, and suitability for various cooking styles

Budget Pick

Compact multifunctional appliance suitable for a variety of cooking needs, with independent temperature controls and a decent cooking area.

Best Overall: Royal Gourmet GD401 Propane Grill & Griddle

Royal Gourmet GD401 is a superb unit that will definitely make your outdoor cooking more efficient, fun, and enjoyable. It boasts 4 independent burners that can generate a total of 48000 BTUs. This is more than enough to help you cook anything you want with ease. The griddle plate is also made of thick cold-rolled steel that can retain heat very well. Cast iron grate makes the perfect searing marks.

The Royal Gourmet GD401 is packed with features that make BBQing a feast. It features electronic ignition and flame tamers that distribute heat evenly, protect food from direct fire and channel the oil dripping. Folding side tables accommodate multiple cooking utensils and condiment jars and are equipped with bottle openers. The towel rack at the front is super convenient for hanging towels, tongs, and other grill tools. The built-in grease channel is designed perfectly, with the easy to remove drip-cup. Since they are so easy to remove, we recommend that you clean them after every use to keep the griddle grill in the top condition.

We really liked the Royal Gourmet GD401. It actually looks like it was designed and made by someone that appreciates bbq and a grilling lifestyle. Just be aware, that despite what the manufacturer might state, this unit is not portable. It is pretty heavy, and you have to practically disassemble it in order to fold it down.

Pros:

  • It is a lot cheaper than some of the other griddle/grills with similar features.
  • Legs have wheels, so moving the grill around is easy.
  • Practical additions – from side tables to propane tank hook and base.

Cons:

  • Does not have a lid
  • Does not come with a cover

Best for the Backyard: Blackstone 1819 Charcoal Grill Combo

Blackstone 1819 is a unique combo of griddle and charcoal grill that offers the best of both worlds. It has a huge cooking surface – the griddle plate is 36×20 inches, and the grill area is about 24×16 inches. This gives you plenty of space to cook for a large group of people.

The Blackstone 1819 also features two independently controlled temperature zones, so you can grill and griddle at the same time.

The unit is made of heavy-duty steel and has a powder-coated finish. It features an adjustable grill grate, which can be raised or lowered to control the charcoal fire. The griddle plate is made of cold-rolled steel and has a smooth, non-stick surface. It comes with a grease management system that funnel the grease into a removable cup for easy cleanup.

Pros:

  • Huge cooking surface.
  • Two temperature zones.
  • Adjustable grill grate.
  • Two caster wheels for wheeling around.

Cons:

  • If you damage the paint coat the grill will start rusting quickly.

Best Electric: Cuisinart GR-150 Deluxe Electric Griddler

The Cuisinart GR-150 is a very versatile appliance and a great addition to any kitchen. It’s well-built and designed, with removable plates that make it very easy to clean. It’s also compact enough to store away easily. If you are looking for a heavy-duty indoor grill/griddle that you will use for a long time, you’d want to take a look at this one. Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Griddler has everything you need for perfect grilling at home, and it doubles as a panini press.

The Cuisinart GR-150 has six temperature settings, from ‘Warm’ up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit also comes with a sear function, with two sear buttons, for the top and the bottom plate, that heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It measures 14 inches wide and 15 inches front-to-back, with the 11″ x 12″ grilling plates. The plates are reversible, with one side being a smooth griddle surface, and the other a ribbed grill surface. The plates are removable and dishwasher-safe, making them very easy to clean.

You can use the Cuisinart GR-150 to grill meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables. You can also use it as a panini press or as a full griddle. It has a floating hinge that has six preset heights and adjusts to the thickness of the food.

Pros:

  • Can be used as a grill, griddle, or panini press.
  • Separate temperature settings for top and bottom plate.
  • Stainless steel exterior

Cons:

  • The plate heat distribution is not even, the middle of the plate gets much hotter than the edges.

For Camping: Blackstone Tailgater

Blackstone Tailgater stainless steel grill griddle combo is a versatile outdoor cooker that can be used for tailgating, camping, picnics, and more.

It features a heavy-duty steel frame and two independently controlled burners – the 20000 BTUs cast-iron burner under the grill, and the stainless steel H tube burner under the grill plate that can put out up to 15000 BTUs. In addition to grilling and griddling, you can remove either side gaining access to each burner. This allows you to use your favorite cast iron pot or pan to cook meals for the whole family.

The Blackstone Tailgater Combo measures 36 inches across the cooking surface, with the griddle plate and the grill each being 16×16 inches. The legs fold up and snap into place, so the whole unit can be easily transported in the trunk of your car or the bed of your pickup.

Pros:

  • Versatile – it can be used as a grill, griddle, or gas stove.
  • Very easy to assemble.
  • Legs can be adjusted individually so you can keep the grill leveled even on uneven terrain.
  • It comes in a quality-made bag

Cons:

  • It is pretty heavy, one person might not be enough for assembling

Budget Pick: Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill

The Hamilton Beach 3 in 1 is the smallest unit on our list and it is also the only electric one. Unlike the Royal Gourmet and Blackstone, which are designed for outdoor use, this unit is meant to be used inside your house. This doesn’t make it any less capable though. Thanks to the removable double-sided plates it can be used only as a grill, only as a griddle, or as a half-and-half combo.

The plates are non-stick coated and together make up 180 square inches of cooking surface. The grill can generate up to 1500 watts of power and gets pretty hot, pretty fast. The temperature is regulated by a simple knob on the front of the unit and it goes from 200 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Each side can be adjusted individually.

The Hamilton Beach 3 in 1 electric indoor grill is a great unit for those who want the versatility of a grill/griddle combo, but don’t want to deal with gas or charcoal. It is also very affordable, which makes it a great budget option.

Pros:

  • Heats up quickly and evenly
  • Non-stick plates are easy to clean – they are dishwasher safe
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • The power cord is only 24 inches long, which might be an inconvenience.
  • Some people may find the cooking surface too small.

Pit Boss KC Combo Platinum Series 4-in-1

The Pit Boss KC Combo is a great all-around unit that will satisfy most people’s needs. It is a 4-in-1 grill that can be used as a gas grill, charcoal grill, smoker, or even an oven. It comes with two side shelves that provide additional prep and storage space.

The main cooking chamber is made of stainless steel and it has a porcelain-coated grilling surface. It also comes with a removable ash pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. The unit is fueled by propane and it has a push-button ignition system.

Pit Boss Platinum KC Combo, Wifi and Bluetooth Wood Pellet and Gas Grill

The Pit Boss KC Combo is a great choice for those who want a grill/smoker combo that can do it all. It is also a great value for the money, as it comes with all the accessories you need to get started.

Pros:

  • 4-in-1 design – grill, smoker, oven, and charcoal grill
  • Push-button ignition system
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Very well built and durable

Cons:

  • Large and heavy
  • Expensive

Expert Grill Combo 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill & Griddle

The Expert 5-Burner gas grill/griddle combo is a Walmart product, though you can find it online on different websites. It is one of the most affordable grill/griddle combos on the market, and it offers a lot of features for the price.

The unit has 5 main burners that can generate up to 65000 BTUs. The side burner can generate up to 12000 BTUs. The Grill/Griddle combo also features a searing burner that can go up to 500F. The griddle plate is made of cold-rolled steel and has a smooth, non-stick surface. It measures 24×16 inches, which gives you plenty of space to cook for a large group of people.

The Expert Grill Combo also features a side table with integrated tool hooks and we loved the fact that this grill has lids both for the grill and the griddle, unlike many others on this list. This means that you will be able to grill even the thicker steaks and you will get the smokey flavor that you are looking for. That being said, this unit has a lot of pain points, from the flimsy side table to the cheap plastic wheels.

Pros:

  • 5 main burners + searing burner + side burner.
  • Integrated tool hooks.
  • Lids for both grill and griddle.

Cons:

  • Some parts are made cheaply.
  • The assembly can be challenging.

Top Commercial Griddle Grills

Commercial grills and griddles are made from durable, heat-conducting materials and are built to withstand heavy-duty use in restaurant kitchens. There are both countertop griddles and countertop grills for commercial use, but when it comes to the combination of the two it is most commonly found as a full commercial range with a griddle on one side and a grill on the other. This is ideal for restaurants that want to offer a variety of menu items, as it allows them to cook multiple items at once. Here are a couple of examples of the commercial griddle grill combos:

Wolf GR484CG 48″ Range

Wolf Equipment has a line of multifunction versatile chef stations that feature various combinations of commercial kitchen appliances – ranges, burners, griddles, charbroilers, even convection ovens. This 48″ range with signature red knobs has everything that a busy restaurant kitchen needs.

Wolf GR484CG has an all-stainless steel exterior, stainless steel knob bezels, and a spring-and-damper hinge for always-smooth door closure. Burner output highs range from 9200 to 15000 BTUs. Between the burners is a 12″, 16000BTU charbroiler and a 15000BTU griddle with removable grease catch.

wolf 48 inch combo range

Comstock-Castle 24″ Countertop Gas Griddle / CharBroiler

The Comstock-Castle is a brand known for its quality commercial kitchen equipment. This particular model is a 24″ countertop gas griddle/char broiler (rather than a griddle/grill) combo that runs on natural gas. It has a stainless steel construction with an aluminized steel back and bottom, and it includes a griddle and lava rock charbroiler for multiple cooking options in one compact countertop unit. The FHP24-12-1LB griddle & char broiler model features cast iron “H” pattern burners, one for each 12˝ increment; the griddle one is rated at 20000 BTU, and the char broiler at 25000, or 45000 BTU total.

This countertop combo is perfect for establishments that are short on space, as it offers two cooking options in one compact unit. It would be ideal for a breakfast diner that wants to offer both pancakes and bacon, or a small lunch spot that wants to offer burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches.

comstock castle grill griddle

What is a Griddle and What is a Grill?

A griddle is a piece of cookware that has a large, flat cooking surface. Griddles are usually made from ceramic, nonstick aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron. They use many different types of heat sources, including gas burners, electric heating elements, BBQ grills, and open fires.

A grill is a piece of cookware that has a series of raised metal bars on the cooking surface. These bars create a searing effect when heat is applied, and they also help to drain away excess fat and grease. Grills are usually made from cast iron or stainless steel. There are many different types of grills: gas, charcoal, electric, wood pellet grills, smokers, infrared grills, open grill, char broilers…

What is the difference between Griddle and Grill?

The obvious difference between a griddle and a grill is their cooking surface. A griddle has a flat surface, while a grill has a series of raised metal bars. Grills are typically used to cook meat, while griddles can be used to cook a variety of foods like eggs, pancakes, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Many homes have some type of grill, while the griddle is an essential appliance in almost every restaurant kitchen.

Grill Griddle Combo Outdoor Stations

A grill-griddle combo is a piece of cookware that has both a flat griddle surface and raised grill bars. This type of cookware gives you the ability to cook your food in multiple ways, giving you more versatility and options when it comes to your meals. You can sear your food on the grill bars, or cook it indirectly on the griddle surface. You also have the option to use both the grill and the griddle at the same time, giving you even more cooking options.

Types of Griddle Grill Combos

There are so many different types of grill-griddle combos, so we divided them all in three categories, based on the way they are designed, the fuel type they use and the material that they are made of.

By Design

Outdoor

Outdoor grill-griddle combos are usually large and made of stainless steel. These models are built to withstand the elements and can be used year-round, making them a great choice for those who love to entertain outdoors. Many of them come with a cover to protect the cooking surface when not in use. There are many different models of outdoor griddle grills, from small portable units to large ones that look like spaceships with tons of features like side burners, rotisseries, and searing zones.

indoor griddle grill

Indoor

Indoor grill-griddle combos are usually smaller and made of ceramic or nonstick aluminum. These models are designed for use on the stovetop, making them a great choice for those who want the versatility of a griddle but don’t want to deal with the hassle of setting up an outdoor grill. Some indoor models come with a lid to help contain the heat when cooking and prevent splatters.

Flat Top

Griddles are commonly confused with flat top grills, but they do have their fair share of differences, mainly considering the heating element and temperature. Flat top grill-griddle combos have a large, flat cooking surface that is perfect for cooking multiple items at once. These models usually have a built-in heating element that helps to evenly distribute heat across the entire cooking surface. This type of grill is a great choice for those who want the versatility of a griddle but also want the searing power of a grill.

Countertop

Countertop griddle grills are small and compact, making them a great choice for those who have limited counter space. These models either have two or three burners and two different plates, or they have removable plates that can be used interchangeably. Countertop griddle grill combos are usually made of ceramic or nonstick aluminum and the models range from small affordable electric units for home use to very powerful and heavy-duty commercial countertop griddle grills.

Portable

Portable griddle grills are small and compact, making them a great choice for those who want to take their grill on the go. These models usually have two or three burners and come with legs that fold up for easy storage. They are perfect to take on a camping trip, tailgating, or to the beach.

By Fuel Type

Liquid propane and natural gas

Gas Griddle Grills are fueled by propane gas. They come in a variety of sizes, from small countertop models to large outdoor griddles that can accommodate multiple burgers or steaks at one time. Propane gas grill griddles are very convenient, quick, and easy to clean. The temperature and flame size are easily controlled by the knobs on the front and do not emit as much smoke as wood or charcoal griddle grills.

The natural gas models are similar to the propane models, but they require a permanent connection to a natural gas line. These models are usually larger and more expensive than the propane models.

Charcoal

For those that like the true smokey flavor, there are wood-fired and charcoal griddle grills. These types of grill griddles use wood or charcoal as their fuel source. The wood or charcoal is placed in a firebox under the griddle surface, where it burns and emits heat. This method of heating takes a bit longer to heat up than propane or electric models, but it is worth the wait for the flavor it imparts on your food.

Be wary of the type of charcoal you use, as some types (such as briquettes) can contain chemicals that can be dangerous when heated and emitted into the air.

gas propane griddle grill

Electric

Electric Griddle Grills run on electricity. They are quick and easy to use, with adjustable temperature controls that make it simple to get the perfect sear on your food. Electric grills can safely be used indoors, as there is no open flame. Also, you don’t have to think about hauling around propane tanks, keeping charcoal stocked, or worrying you’ll run out of fuel. As long as there’s a power outlet nearby, you can grill and griddle!

Pellet-Fired

Pellet-fired grill griddles use small, compressed pellets of wood as their fuel source. The pellets are placed in a hopper on the side of the grill, and an auger feeds them into the firebox where they are combusted. Pellet-fired griddles are not as convenient as propane or electric models, but they offer the flavor of a wood-fired grill.

What are Griddle Grills made of?

  • Cast Iron: Cast iron is a material that has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes. It is known for its durability, as well as its ability to evenly distribute heat. When it comes to grill griddles, cast iron is a popular choice because it can hold up to high temperatures and provides excellent heat retention.
  • Aluminum: Aluminum is another popular choice for grill griddles. It is a lightweight metal that heats up quickly and evenly. Aluminum grill griddles are also very easy to clean.
  • Stainless Steel: Commercial kitchen appliances are usually made of stainless steel, and it is also a great choice for outdoor grill griddles. Stainless steel is durable and resists corrosion.
  • Ceramic: Ceramic is a material that is becoming increasingly popular in cookware, and for good reason. Ceramic-coated grill griddles are non-stick, so your food won’t stick to the surface. They also heat up quickly and evenly, and they are very easy to clean.
  • Other nonstick coatings: Nonstick coatings are applied to grill griddles to prevent food from sticking to the surface. Nonstick coatings can be made from a variety of materials, including Teflon. These are lower in quality compared to other options, but they are the cheapest.

Grill and Griddle Combo – Key Considerations

If you have made it his far, you probably already know which is the best griddle grill combo for you, but here are a couple of important considerations that can decide whether our purchase will be a success or not:

Size

The size of the grill and griddle combo is an important consideration, as you want to make sure that it will fit in the space that you have available. If you are limited on space, then you may want to consider a countertop unit that can be easily moved around or stored away when not in use.

Have in mind that both the grill and griddle plate have to be big enough to accommodate the food you want to cook. For example, the Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Griddle+Grill is only 23 inches wide and takes up very little space, but it is enough only for two people.

BTUs

BTU or British Thermal Units is a measure of heat output for gas grills, griddles and other appliances. The higher the BTU, the more powerful the burner and the faster it can heat up. For grilling, you want a high BTU rating to be able to quickly sear meat and lock in juices. For griddling, a lower BTU is better so that you can cook at a lower temperature for a longer period of time without burning the food.

When choosing a grill/griddle combo, you’ll want to consider the size of the unit and the BTU rating of the burners. If you’re looking for a compact unit for a small kitchen or apartment, then a smaller unit with lower BTUs will be fine. But if you’re looking for a unit that can do it all, then you’ll want a larger unit with higher BTUs.

Build quality and materials used

The build quality of the grill and griddle combo is important, as you want something that is built to last. The materials used will also affect the performance of the unit, as some materials are better at conducting heat than others.

For example, cast iron is a material that is often used for both grills and griddles. It is very durable and conducts heat well, so it is ideal for cooking at high temperatures. Stainless steel is another popular material that is used for commercial kitchen equipment. It is also very durable and conducts heat well, but it is not as good at holding heat like cast iron.

If you’re looking for a grill/griddle combo that will last a long time, then you’ll want to choose one that is made with quality materials. Of course, this affects the price, as higher-quality appliances are generally more expensive, but it is worth it in the long run.

Portability

If you are looking for the best griddle grill combo for camping, then portability should be one of your main considerations. A portable grill and griddle combo can be easily transported from one campsite to another, and it can be used on a picnic table or even on the ground. Some units come with legs that can be adjusted to different heights, so you can cook at the perfect level no matter where you are.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining your grill and griddle combo is important to prolong its life and keep it in good working condition. Some units come with removable plates that can be washed in the dishwasher, while others have to be cleaned by hand.

For units that have to be cleaned by hand, it is important to use the right cleaning products and techniques. Using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers can damage the surface of the unit, so it is best to stick with mild soap and water, steam cleaner, and a specialized scraper. Seasoning the unit is also important, as it prevents food from sticking to the surface and makes cleanup easier. Seasoning the unit is simple: just rub some oil into the surface of the unit before cooking.

Advantaged of a combined griddle and grill

A grill and griddle combo offers the versatility of being able to cook both pancakes and bacon for breakfast and a grilled steak with perfect grill marks for lunch. You can even use it to make stir-fry or fajitas, or grilled cheese sandwiches and French fries

Cooking on the griddle or on a flattop grill is a great way to prepare quick and healthy meals. Cooking “a la plancha” allows food to be cooked evenly and is also great for foods that are delicate and may fall apart if flipped, such as fish or vegetables.

Which Griddle Grill combo to buy?

The best grill and griddle combo will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the size, BTUs, material type, portability, ease of cleaning, and ease of use when making your decision. With so many options on the market, you are sure to find the perfect grill and griddle combo for your home or business.

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