Complete Your Outdoor Kitchen
Anyone can have a portable Weber grill or backyard grill, but true grill masters know when they need the full outdoor kitchen set up. Flat top grills and flat top griddles help to complete any home chef's master BBQ patio. These multi-purpose cookers will have you frying up foods that wouldn't otherwise fit between grill grates. Grill onions, peppers, and other vegetables out here to top your turkey burgers. Make triple-stacked grilled cheeses with bacon in between. Or at breakfast time, start churning out sugary-sweet pancakes in mass numbers. All the versatility of a cooktop, outside next to your grill.
Flat Top Grills & Griddles: Location, Location
You might be thinking, "Why would I need a cooktop outside next to my grill if I've got perfectly good range and cookware in the house?" That's a good question with a multi-pronged answer. One: you'll want a flat top grill in your outdoor kitchen for ease of use. No one wants to run back and forth between the house and the patio balancing dishes and ingredients. Instead, keep everything organized in one place beside your grill or griddle. It's a good idea to have some nearby counter space or a separate table, too. Stash ingredients here while you're working between courses. For more info on what you'll need to have in your fully-fledged outdoor kitchen, check out our guide to the 16 Must-Have Outdoor Kitchen Accessories and Appliances.
Reason two why you need a flat top grill or flat top griddle outside: they're designed to create hot food, efficiently. There's no clamoring around looking for the correct cookware or switching between pans. Ignite, cook, done. Plus, the sheer amount of griddle space available means you can cook large amounts of ingredients in a jiffy, making this the perfect spot to fry up sides like potatoes, shrimp, and veggies. Reason three, easy cleanup. Instead of adding multiple pots or pans to the indoor dishwasher, all you need to do is clean your cooktop. Look for a flat top griddle with a removable grease tray and grilling surface. Once the seafood extravaganza or brunch session is over, all you'll need to do is drain the grease and clean off the removable surface. Once you're finished scrubbing, bring your gear back outside and cover it up with the lid until it's time for your next outdoor soiree.
Outdoor Cooking: Natural Gas vs. Liquid Propane
Anyone who's dipped their spatula into the world of grilling knows of the longest-standing debate between grill masters: Which fuel reigns supreme? Many prefer wood pellet smokers to classic charcoal, and others still prefer propane to natural gas. but the question is reduced to a simple choice with flat top grills. These outdoor cookers generally come in only two forms, with a natural gas version and a liquid propane version. And your choice should actually depend more on your environment than anything. Natural gas griddles require an outdoor gas line. If you've already got an outdoor kitchen with a gas line, you're in luck; natural gas costs less and can be easier to use than liquid propane. However, if you don't have a natural gas line, liquid propane is easy to come by at gas stations, grocery stores, and hardware stores everywhere.
Service and Support
If you're still not sure that flat top grills and griddles are for you, explore our helpful guides and tips on grilling, like this outdoor grill buying guide. You'll learn lots about the art of burger flipping and kebob-making, and find the outdoor kitchen appliances that are right for your household. If you're in search of an expert opinion, give our professionals a call at 800-860-3577. We've got the expertise and product knowledge to help you complete your dream outdoor kitchen.
