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Blaze, Summerset, or Le Griddle? Best Gas Griddles for Serious Outdoor Cooks
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Blaze, Summerset, or Le Griddle? Best Gas Griddles for Serious Outdoor Cooks

Blaze, Summerset, or Le Griddle? Best Gas Griddles for Serious Outdoor Cooks

Grills get all the love, but if you’ve never cooked on a gas griddle, you’re missing out.


There’s something incredibly satisfying about tossing breakfast, lunch, or dinner onto a wide, sizzling surface and cooking it all at once. No grill grates, no juggling flare-ups. 


Just fast, even heat and enough room to feed a crowd.


Whether you're building your dream backyard setup or just tired of cramming six burgers onto a crowded grill, a flat top changes everything.


In this guide, we’re diving into the best gas griddles for your outdoor kitchen, from premium models to more budget-friendly favorites.


Let’s help you find the one that fits your space, your style, and your weekend cooking goals.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Performance

Le Griddle Ranch Hand GEE75 – ~$2,300

Dual-layer steel + cast iron plate delivers unrivaled heat distribution and retention, durable design, & made in USA .

Best Burner Performance

Blaze Premium LTE 30-Inch Gas Griddle – ~$1,999

Commercial-grade heat, sleek LED-lit controls, and a lifetime warranty make this the most well-rounded option for serious outdoor cooks.

Best for Versatility

Summerset 30-Inch Gas Griddle – ~$2,800

Built-in cabinet storage, dual-zone burners, and sleek controls make it a smart choice for everyday grilling needs.

Best Large-Capacity Griddle Under $500

Blackstone 1554 36-Inch Omnivore Griddle – ~$400

Huge 768 sq. in. surface for family feasts, with solid burner control, just skip it if you need premium materials or built-in flexibility.

1. Le Griddle Ranch Hand Gas Griddle (GFE75)

Pros

✔Dual-layer cooktop: 304 stainless steel + cast iron base

✔Incredibly even heat, no hot/cold zones

✔Two U-burners with built-in safety valves

✔Compatible with both propane and natural gas


Cons
✖ Lower BTU output than competitors

✖ Lid, cart, and insulated liner sold separately

The Ranch Hand isn’t about max heat, it’s about precise control and ultra-consistent even surface temps with its patented cast iron griddle plate. 


That’s thanks to Le Griddle’s signature dual-plate system: a sleek 304 stainless steel surface fused with a thick cast iron base.


The result? Even cooking across the entire griddle and fewer flare-ups or temp swings.


Although its 18,000 total BTUs are lower than those of Blaze or Summerset, it compensates with superior heat retention, holding onto heat longer and requiring less gas to stay sizzling. 


That’s especially great for long brunches, batch cooking, or hosting sessions where consistency matters more than sheer firepower.


Real-world users praise its professional-grade feel, quiet performance, and easy cleanup. 


The removable grease tray keeps things tidy, and the built-in safety valves cut off gas automatically if a flame goes out, a premium safety feature most brands skip.


This is the griddle you get when you care more about precision and polish than flashy extras.

Specs at a Glance

  • Burners : 2 U-shaped stainless steel

  • Cooking Area : 465 sq. in. (~18 burgers)

  • Material : 304 Stainless Steel + ½" Cast Iron Base

  • BTU Output : 9,000 per burner (18,000 total)

  • Fuel : Propane or Natural Gas

2. Blaze Premium LTE Gas Griddle

Pros

✔½-inch thick stainless steel cooktop for even heat and serious durability

✔Two U-burners (18,000 BTUs each) deliver strong, balanced power

✔Full-width front grease trough makes cleanup way easier

✔Red LED-lit knobs look great and help with nighttime cooking

✔304-grade stainless steel build with included lid and lifetime warranty


Cons
âś–No built-in hood limits steaming or multi-zone indirect cooking

âś–Two-burner layout offers less precision than 3+ burner setups

The Blaze Premium LTE griddle hits the sweet spot between pro-level performance and outdoor kitchen elegance. 


It’s not the cheapest, but you’re getting real value: thick stainless steel, even heat across the whole surface, and a grease system that actually works. 


The red-lit knobs are more than just a design flex, they’re super useful after sunset.

Some owners mention the ignition takes a try or two when the weather’s rough, but the flame thrower system with flash tube backup makes lighting simple overall. 


And while you don’t get a hinged hood, the included flat lid keeps things protected when not in use.


This griddle plays especially well if you’re already in the Blaze ecosystem; it pairs cleanly with their grills, side burners, and storage lines. 


If you're building a sleek, cohesive outdoor setup, this one just fits.

Specs at a Glance

  • Burners: 2 U-shaped stainless steel

  • Cooking Area: 495 sq. in. (Fits ~18–22 burgers)

  • Material: 304 Stainless Steel (cooktop + housing)

  • Install Type: Built-in & freestanding

  • BTU Output: 18,000 per burner (36,000 total)

3. Summerset Gas Griddle

Pros

✔Solid 304 stainless steel build with protective lid

✔Two powerful U-burners with 36,000 BTUs

✔Blue LED control lighting for evening ambiance

✔Generous 495 sq. in. of griddle space

Cons

âś–Lacks a rear grease trap (grease tray is front-mounted)

âś–Not as customizable as higher-end brands

Summerset’s 30-inch gas griddle is an underrated gem for serious outdoor cooks.


The ½-inch stainless steel plate holds heat well and distributes it evenly, thanks to two independent U-burners offering 18,000 BTUs each. 


You can create dual zones for eggs on one side and seared sausage on the other.


It performs great across breakfast staples and lunch items alike, with users praising the even sear and how quickly it comes back to temp after flipping or scraping.


The grease tray runs the full width, so while it’s not rear-mounted like some pro models, it still makes cleanup straightforward. 


The LED-lit knobs aren’t just a nice touch, they’re actually practical for evening grilling. And the included stainless steel lid is a standout at this price point.


Whether you build it in or pair it with the freestanding cart (which adds shelves, storage, and mobility), the core griddle itself holds its own. 


It’s not as flashy as Le Griddle or as bulletproof as Blaze, but it nails the essentials for most backyard chefs.

Specs at a Glance

  • Burners : 2 U-shaped stainless steel

  • Cooking Area : 495 sq. in. (Fits ~18 burgers)

  • Material : 304 Stainless Steel (including cooktop)

  • Install Type : Built-in or freestanding

  • BTU Output : 18,000 per burner (36,000 total)

4. Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Gas Griddle

Pros

✔Huge 768 sq. in. cooking space

✔Four independently controlled burners for zone cooking

✔Omnivore Plate Technology = better heat retention + fuel efficiency

✔Blackstone’s rear grease trap makes cleaning easier (with hacks)

Cons

âś–Still prone to occasional grease runoff issues

âś–Rolled steel surface requires regular seasoning and maintenance

âś–Freestanding only, no built-in option

If you're cooking for a big family or hosting BBQs, the Blackstone 1554 Omnivore delivers. 


The four-burner setup gives you solid zone control, while the Omnivore Plate tech helps heat evenly and reduces fuel use, great for weekend griddling marathons.


Real users love the generous space and value-for-money feel. It’s consistently rated as a workhorse, and even praised by those who’ve used commercial griddles. 


That said, the grease trap design is still not perfect; it sometimes misses the cup and drips down the leg.


It's not flashy, and it’s not stainless, but it doesn’t need to be. Blackstone is a backyard favorite for casual cooks who want lots of space without the premium price tag.

Specs at a Glance

  • Burners : 4 Independently Controlled Burners

  • Cooking Area : 768 sq. in. (~30 burgers)

  • Material : Rolled Steel Cooktop, Powder-Coated Steel Frame

  • BTU Output : 15,000 per burner (60,000 total)

  • Fuel : Propane

  • Install Type : Freestanding only

Choosing the Right Gas Griddle: What Actually Matters

Photo by Ron Lach

All griddles can sizzle a steak. But not all of them will make your outdoor kitchen feel like a pro chef’s playground. Here’s how to cut through the fluff and find the one that fits your cooking style.

Firepower Counts (But It’s Not Everything)

It’s tempting to chase the biggest BTU number, but what you really want is smart burner layout. 


Look for at least 2 burners, ideally 18,000 BTUs each, and make sure you can control them independently.


Dual-zone cooking = breakfast on one side, seared ribeyes on the other.

Not All Metals Are Equal

Here’s the deal:

  • 304 stainless steel = built to survive rain, rust, and years of abuse.

  • Carbon steel = great heat, but it needs babying (like cast iron).

  • Hybrid plates (Le Griddle) = insane heat retention + a slick surface.

Bonus points if it’s ½-inch thick, that’s the sweet spot for even heat and warp resistance.

Cleaning Shouldn’t Suck

You want a full-width grease tray, not some tiny cup that overflows during burger duty. Rear grease systems (like Blackstone’s) are cleaner, but watch out for drainage quirks.

Build Like a Tank, Not a Toy

Griddles live outside. If it’s not 304-grade stainless, it’s going to rust. Fast. Powder-coated steel? Cool for tailgates, not so much for built-ins.


Look for heavy-duty welds, reinforced lids, and zero rattling when you press the knobs.

Features You’ll Actually Use

LED-lit knobs? Slick at night.

Removable lid? Saves your cooktop from Florida rain.

Modular install options? Means you can start freestanding and go built-in later.

Skip the Bluetooth speaker burners. This is a griddle, not a Vegas pool party.

Warranties = Confidence

High-end brands like Blaze, Summerset, and Le Griddle back their gear with lifetime warranties on key components. 


Cheaper options like Blackstone usually come with 1-year limited warranties.

Which Griddle Deserves Your Backyard?

Photo by Dalila Dalprat

A gas griddle is your secret weapon for flipping flapjacks at sunrise and searing smashburgers at sunset.


If you want a lifetime companion, Blaze and Summerset bring durability, power, and that polished outdoor kitchen vibe. Le Griddle brings dual-plate magic which is a game-changer for heat lovers. 


And if you're just testing the waters or want something simple and satisfying, Blackstone’s got your back without draining your wallet.


Bottom line? Know your cooking style, your budget, and how serious you are about this whole outdoor chef thing.

FAQs

If you're building a serious setup, the Blaze Premium LTE 30-Inch Griddle is hard to beat. It delivers high BTUs, full 304 stainless steel, and pro-grade features like LED-lit knobs and thick steel griddle plates. It’s a top-tier built-in gas griddle made for long-term performance.
Some of the best flat top grills right now include:

Blaze Premium LTE Griddle – for luxury builds
Summerset 30-Inch Griddle – great versatility with excellent zone control
Le Griddle Ranch Hand – French-made precision with dual-layer plate
Blackstone 1554 – best bang-for-buck, high-rated by real users
For most patio kitchens, look for durability (304 stainless), at least two burners, and a cooking surface over 450 sq. in. The Le Griddle Ranch Hand and Summerset 30-Inch strike a perfect balance of size, style, and cooking power for mid-to-large outdoor spaces.
Not necessarily, it depends on your space and cooking needs. Built-in models look cleaner and integrate seamlessly into outdoor kitchens, while freestanding options offer mobility and storage. Most premium griddles (like Blaze or Summerset) offer both options with identical cooking performance.
If you’re going all-in with an outdoor kitchen, aim for $1,200–$2,500 for a high-end griddle that’ll last 10+ years. Budget options like Blackstone fall closer to $400–$600 and are great for casual backyard cooks.
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Matthew Jackson

Matthew Jackson

At the heart of our business is Matthew Jackson, the founder and owner of BBQ Kitchen Pros. With an impressive 20 years in design, construction, and implementation of outdoor kitchen spaces, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and a deep-seated passion to the table. It's not just about selling products; it's about crafting a lifestyle. Outdoor cooking isn't just our business; it's our way of life, ingrained in every recommendation we make and every product we offer.

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