Griddle vs. Grill: Which One Is Better?

By
Jeremy Bivens
Jeremy Bivens
Research Writer
Jeremy Bivens is a passionate writer and grilling enthusiast. He's been working as a freelance journalist for over 15 years now and has a particular interest in food writing read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Claims that grilling is the art that he has been learning all his life long and is not planning to stop. Has been grilling for as long as he can remember. Author of numerous read more
Last updated: August 12, 2023
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When it comes to spending some quality time with your friends and loved ones, you can cook some tasty food. So many times, the kind of tools you use to prepare your products plays an essential role in its results. Indeed, the tools and utensils can make or break the quality of your meals. Choosing the right tool means that you know the stakes at risk when it comes to the quality of food that you will be eating, especially if you are a barbecue lover or enthusiast.

So which one is better in this griddle vs. grill competition? Although it is not a life or death issue, it determines the meals you will enjoy with your loved ones. And since both of these have similar functions (they help prepare the same types of foods), it can be pretty confusing to choose the adequate one that meets your needs. In this article, we came up with a complete guide or comparison between a griddle vs. grill. This way, you will have a better idea of each piece of chefs’ equipment and will know which one best suits you. To know more, continue the reading!

What is a griddle?

Do you want to purchase the best griddle for your barbecue parties? Before getting into that, you must first what it is and how to distinguish between a griddle vs. grill. The former pretty looks like a hotplate with a smooth and flat surface. Unlike a grill, it does not have grates. Also, it has the source of heat directly located underneath the hotplate. For the food, this means that it is directly cooked on it, and you don’t have to place something on top.

You can use a griddle for cooking almost all types of food. However, it is perfect for meals such as home fries, sausages, bacon, grilled cheese sandwiches, steaks, burgers, and many more. You will love them because they provide you with enough space to cook prepare your meals. Additionally, they are very convenient for indoor cooking, as they do not emit smoke like grills.


Griddle types

There are many types of griddles available on the market. The right choice for you will solely depend on your preferences. To help you, we have put together the different types that you can find, as well as their characteristics.

Freestanding

As its name suggests, the freestanding griddle is an independent model. It already comes with everything that it requires for its setting up and standing. You will find that it has its cart and stand. Additionally, its construction makes it stable and sturdy.

You can perfectly use it indoors and outdoors, depending on the configuration of the event you are organizing. You must also know that the majority of freestanding griddles functions with gas grills. Like we said earlier, they have the source of heat directly underneath, which means that the burners are mounted on it.

Besides, it can come with other accessories, depending on the model that you have chosen. Don’t be surprised if your model has folding side tables as well as casters. You will love freestanding griddles because they provide you with a unique cooking experience.

Tabletop

Griddle vs. Grill: Which One Is Better?

When it comes to tabletop griddles, you have to know that they are a little bit smaller than freestanding ones. They will be perfect for you if you are looking for a portable, easy to set, and easy to use model. This simply means that you can go anywhere with it. Whether you are organizing a camping outing or a small barbecue reception in your garden, this equipment has got you all covered!

It is also lightweight, and its portability makes it an excellent choice for the kitchen. Preparing pancakes and all breakfast foods have never been easier. Additionally, it does not take enough space on your cupboard, and it is perfect for small kitchens or houses. It will not clutter your cooking area.

Insert

As its name suggests, the insert griddle is a tool that is fitted on a firepit, so that it turns into a griddle. It does not have heating surfaces underneath, although it has all the other characteristics of a griddle.

Generally, insert griddles have a flat square form. They are perfect for you if you are looking for an affordable product. We recommend them if you are already in possession of a flat top grill or a gas grill and if you don’t want to spend money on purchasing a freestanding griddle. Also, you will love the fact that it represents a good compromise. Not only are you saving money, but you are also preventing waste and taking advantage of the utilities that you already possess.

If you are looking for a highly-durable cast iron griddle, our experts’ recommendation is the Lodge LPG13 model.

Dishes to cook on a griddle?

Do you want to  prepare the best food on your griddle Trusted Source How to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich on a Griddle: 6 Steps A grilled cheese sandwich is quick and easy using a griddle. It takes only a few minutes to cook and it is delicious! Heat the griddle to 325 degrees. www.wikihow.com ? Fortunately, this tool is super versatile and permits the cooking of different types of meals. That is possible due to its consistency in providing the right amount of heat on the large cooking surface. The food is prepared easily and evenly. Depending on what you want, you can use it for:

  • Breakfast – this includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausages, etc. As you know, these types of food can only be cooked on even, flat surfaces that have no holes.
  • Meats and veggies– you can also use it to prepare steaks, chicken, hot dogs, and even tomato, beans, etc.

This ability is what makes it the perfect tool for you! It lets you give room to your cravings and creativity.

What is a grill?

Griddle vs. Grill: Which One Is Better?

Flat top grill vs. regular grill, which one must you choose? Before purchasing your best charcoal grill, let’s take a closer look at them. Unlike griddles, a grill does not have a flat surface. It possesses several grates that are slatted. How do they function? The heat is generated below the food, depending on the heat source you are using (charcoal, gas, and wood). You have to place the food on the grates, light up the fire below, and close the cover of the grill to create the adequate cooking heat or environment necessary to cook your food.

During the process, it separates your food from fat. In a way, it helps you consume healthier food. If you are looking for a highly-durable grill for your outdoor events, our experts’ recommendation is the Masterbuilt MB20040220 model.

What to cook on a grill?

To succeed in grilling your food, you must choose between one of the two methods available: direct and indirect grilling. When it comes to direct grilling, the food is cooked directly over the heat source, or where it is most intense. This type of cooking via the grill is perfect for food such as thin steaks, kebabs, whole fish, burgers, and all other meals that require high-temperature cooking.

Concerning indirect grilling, you can use it to prepare your meals on your cooking surface, where the heat is gentler. We recommend it for food such as thick-cut steaks, bone-in chicken, and all the dishes that require low-temperature cooking.

Main differences between griddle and grill

Knowing the main differences between griddle and grill will help you make the right choice that fits your needs.

Materials

The differences between a griddle vs grill are obvious and one of those is the quality of the materials used in their conception. Griddles are generally made from cast iron or steel, and these are recommended for personal use. It is, however, possible to purchase griddles made from stainless steel. These are usually used for commercial purposes.

When it comes to grill and their grates, they are varied and come in a multitude of materials:

  • Cast iron
  • Aluminum
  • Stainless steel
  • Nickel-plated steel
  • Porcelain-enameled (steel and cast iron)

Most grill grates are solid, anti-corrosive, and are durable. You can use them for years. When it comes to griddles, they are particular in that they can be used indoors and outdoors.

Cooking temperature

Another difference between a griddle vs. grill is their cooking temperature. When it comes to griddles, they are very effective at around 177°C. Although they are not hotter than grills, this is sufficient enough to provide you with quality cooked food. It is also important to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed among the cooking surface of a griddle. This way, some parts of your food does not burn as well as does not remain raw.

Concerning grills, they are working best at 204°C. As you can see, the temperature is hotter, as the grates require more heat to be perfectly hot. That is why grills are best recommended for food that requires high-temperature cooking.

Ease of cleaning

Like many other persons, you may find cleaning tedious. That is why when purchasing a griddle or grill, you must consider the ease of cleaning factor.

Griddles are known for being very easy to clean and maintain. Their flat surface facilitates the job. All you will need is dish soap, some warm water, and a sponge to remove the food residues.

When it comes to grills, their cleaning is more profound or intense than that of griddles. You generally have to scrub everything. Also, you have to remove the grates so that you can clean underneath if there is grease.

Footprint

When we talk of footprint, we reference the overall assemblage of the product. Grills are generally more challenging to assemble than griddles. As you know, they have separate parts like a cover, lid, stand, legs, and grates. All of these make them bulky. Additionally, they occupy a lot of space.

When it comes to griddles, it is best to say that they are compact, take less space, and usually come already assembled. Some models are even portable.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has been a huge help for you and that it has shed some light on the griddle vs. grill difference. Each of these has its pros and cons, and they are used to prepare almost similar types of foods. The choice between the two will therefore be determined by your preferences and what criteria you have used to establish what is the best option for you!

References

1.
How to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich on a Griddle: 6 Steps
A grilled cheese sandwich is quick and easy using a griddle. It takes only a few minutes to cook and it is delicious! Heat the griddle to 325 degrees.

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