5 Different Types of Griddles for Outdoor Cooking

Summary: Explore the five types of outdoor griddles to elevate your cooking experience. From versatile flat top gas griddles to portable camping options, find the best fit for your needs and master outdoor entertaining.



From gooey omelets and pancakes to a complete surf and turf feast, a versatile outdoor griddle does it all!

Outdoor griddles provide a large, flat cooking surface. They allow outdoor cooks to whip up multiple dishes, prep multiple ingredients, and keep large groups entertained.

Imagine cooking up pungent onions and peppers and heating soft tortillas. Meanwhile, you can flip the steak for your flavorful fajitas! Without question, an outdoor griddle makes entertaining tastier, more efficient, and a lot more fun!

In this guide, we’ll share the different types of griddles that you can choose from. We’re focusing specifically on outdoor griddles, which vary from compact countertop griddles. Keep reading to find the best griddle for outdoor cooking and transform your next gathering!

1. Flat Top Griddles

Flat top gas griddles, like those in our Elite Outdoor Griddle Range, are the most popular and versatile option on the market. A series of propane burners heat the large, flat surface in a range of zones. You can control the heat level in every zone independently. This control allows you to easily prepare multiple dishes or ingredients at once.

You can achieve temperatures as high as 750°F to achieve an unmatched seared flavor. The stunning char will transform the way you enjoy your favorite proteins.

You’ll love the built-in grease management system, which makes cleanup a breeze. It helps boost cleanliness, safety, and optimal performance, so your food will taste incredible every time you cook. Plus, it increases the life of your griddle, so you can cook for friends and family for years to come.

While large, the best outdoor gas griddles are portable, with wheeling casters that make transporting it a breeze. Find the perfect spot on the patio, or wheel it into the shade on sunny days.

2. Electric Griddles

If you have a power source handy, you can use electric griddles outdoors. These smaller, table-top style griddles don’t have a broad cooking surface but tend to be smaller and more lightweight than other options. They are consistent and easy to use but don’t have the same versatility as their larger, flat-top counterparts.

3. Charcoal Griddles

Charcoal griddles are cooking surfaces that sit on top of a charcoal grill. They’re excellent for those craving the flavor of charcoal grilling.

However, charcoal griddles only have as many features as the grill you use them with. The grill, not the griddle, determines your griddle’s features, temperature control, and portability.

Overall, they tend to take considerably longer to heat up than flat-top gas griddles or electric griddles. Unfortunately, that makes them less efficient. Even so, they are a durable option for grill owners looking to get the most out of their grill.

Burgers cooking on a portable outdoor griddle

4. Portable Griddles

Those seeking the ultimate in portability should consider portable griddles, perfect for camping and tailgating. These are ideal for rugged adventures and cooking over an open flame. Some people even use them for tailgating because they are so lightweight and portable. They utilize small canisters of propane as a heat source.

With that said, their small size comes with some drawbacks, too. It’s hard to feed a crowd on such a small, portable griddle. With that said, if you’re traveling, camping griddles are easy to pack and transport. They’re lots of fun for a weekend getaway or scouting trip.

Be aware that these aren’t the same as campfire griddles, which are heavy-duty, rustic cooking surfaces.

5. Built-in Griddles

Those committed to outdoor cooking might install a built-in griddle in their outdoor kitchen. Like portable flat-tops, they are usually powered by propane or natural gas. They share most of the same features as the top gas-powered griddles. However, these are permanent structures and not ideal for those who crave portability.

Choosing the Best Type of Griddle

Choosing the best outdoor griddle depends on the number of people you typically cook for, plus portability needs.

Ultimately, flat-top gas griddles stand out as the most versatile option on the market. You’ll achieve portability and control. Experience unmatched features like independent cooking zones, grease management systems, and even natural gas compatibility.

The Elite range of outdoor griddles from HALO is one top-of-the-line option to consider. They’re ideal for those looking to entertain, experiment with recipes, and enjoy outdoor cooking for years to come. 

Are you ready to upgrade your griddle game? Shop our Elite outdoor griddles today!

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