Ever wish your grill could do more than just sear steaks? Imagine flipping perfect pancakes, sautéing delicate veggies, or even cooking breakfast for a crowd, all on the same grill. If you’ve ever felt limited by your grill’s capabilities, or found yourself juggling multiple pans on the side, you’re not alone.
Choosing the right grill griddle insert can feel like a maze. There are so many different materials, sizes, and brands out there. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and worry about picking one that won’t fit, won’t heat evenly, or will be a pain to clean. You want that versatility without the hassle, right?
Well, get ready to unlock a whole new world of outdoor cooking! In this post, we’re going to break down exactly what you need to know to find the perfect grill griddle insert for your needs. We’ll cover the key features to look for, the pros and cons of different types, and give you tips to make your grilling experience even more delicious and enjoyable.
Our Top 5 Grill Griddle Insert Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Grill Griddle Insert Detailed Reviews
1. Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – 9.5 x 16.75 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface – Flat & Ribbed Sides – Use on Stove
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to upgrade your cooking game with the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle! This heavy-duty, black cast iron powerhouse is designed to handle all your culinary adventures, from breakfast pancakes to grilled burgers. Its generous 9.5 x 16.75-inch size fits perfectly over two stovetop burners, giving you plenty of room to cook for the whole family. Plus, it’s pre-seasoned and ready to go right out of the box.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile! You get a smooth griddle side for flipping pancakes and a ribbed grill side for those perfect grill marks on your steaks and chicken.
- This griddle is tough and can be used on almost any heat source – your stovetop (even induction!), oven, outdoor grill, or even a campfire.
- Lodge is a family-owned company that’s been making quality cookware since 1896, and this piece is proudly made in the USA.
- It’s PFAS-free and non-toxic, meaning it’s made with just iron and oil, so you can cook with peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cast iron is heavy, so it might be a bit of a workout to move around.
- It needs proper care to prevent rust and maintain its seasoning, which takes a little effort.
This Lodge grill/griddle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering incredible cooking flexibility and durability. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who loves to cook!
2. Griddle for Gas Grill
Rating: 9.2/10
Transform your outdoor cooking with the Uniflasy Universal Griddle Flat Top Plate! This 17″ x 13″ nonstick griddle insert is designed to fit a wide range of gas, charcoal, and electric grills, bringing the versatility of a flat-top griddle right to your backyard. Whether you’re craving pancakes for breakfast, sizzling fajitas for lunch, or perfectly seared steak for dinner, this griddle makes it easy to cook a variety of foods, from delicate shrimp to hearty burgers, and even teppanyaki-style meals.
What We Like:
- Generous Cooking Space: The 17″ x 13″ surface provides ample room to cook for family and friends.
- Wide Compatibility: It fits many popular grill brands like Weber, Charbroil, Nexgrill, and Camp Chef, making it a versatile addition to your grilling setup.
- Durable & Nonstick: Made from heavy-duty, nonstick material, this griddle is built to last and ensures food doesn’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
- Thoughtful Design: High side walls keep food and grease contained, while the handles offer easy and safe handling. The side panel cutouts help with even heating.
- Versatile Cooking: Perfect for everything from breakfast favorites to small vegetables and meats, it opens up a world of grilling possibilities.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires Seasoning: Like most cast iron, it needs oiling or spraying before each use to maintain its nonstick quality and prevent rust.
- Dimension Check Needed: While broadly compatible, it’s important to confirm the dimensions with your specific grill before purchasing.
This griddle is an excellent investment for any grill enthusiast looking to expand their culinary horizons. Its ease of use and fantastic results make it a standout accessory for your next outdoor feast.
3. Utheer 17″ x 13″ Nonstick Coating Cooking Griddle for Gas Grill
Rating: 9.0/10
Transform your grilling game with the Utheer 17″ x 13″ Nonstick Coating Cooking Griddle! This versatile griddle turns any charcoal or gas grill into a flat-top cooking surface. It’s perfect for cooking up all your favorites, from fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon for breakfast to juicy burgers and grilled veggies for dinner. Take it camping, to tailgates, or use it for backyard parties – it’s designed for any outdoor cooking adventure.
What We Like:
- Nonstick surface makes cooking and cleanup a breeze.
- Thicker metal means it won’t warp easily, even with heavy use.
- Detachable handles make it easy to move and store.
- Grease groove catches grease, preventing messy flare-ups.
- Polished edges prevent scratches.
- Works great on both gas and charcoal grills.
- Perfect for a variety of foods, from breakfast to dinner.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires careful seasoning to prevent rust and sticking initially.
- The “plenty of oil” tip might be a bit much for some cooks.
This griddle is a fantastic addition for anyone who loves outdoor cooking. It offers great versatility and makes preparing a variety of meals much easier.
4. 25＂×16＂ Nonstick Universal Griddle for Gas Grill
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to take your grilling to the next level with the 25＂×16＂ Nonstick Universal Griddle! This griddle is designed to fit most gas grills, making it super versatile for all your outdoor cooking adventures. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or hosting a backyard party, this griddle is your new best friend for cooking up delicious meals.
What We Like:
- It’s made with a special 2025 new upgrade technology that makes it super tough and prevents rust.
- The non-stick surface is healthy because it doesn’t use any harmful coatings.
- It comes with a handy scraper, so cleaning up after cooking is a breeze.
- Raised side walls help you flip food easily, and the grease groove catches extra grease to keep things tidy.
- The polished surface resists scratches, and the design helps heat spread evenly for perfect results every time.
- You can cook tons of different foods on it, like veggies, bacon, eggs, burgers, and even pancakes!
- It’s made of thick, pure iron, which means it’s strong and won’t bend, plus it’s easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed to fit “most” gas grills, it’s always a good idea to double-check the dimensions to ensure a perfect fit for your specific grill.
This griddle is a fantastic addition to any outdoor cook’s toolkit. It makes cooking and cleaning easy, so you can spend more time enjoying your food and your guests.
5. Weber Rust-Resistant Griddle Insert
Rating: 9.4/10
Transform your Weber Genesis grill into a versatile griddle with the Weber Rust-Resistant Griddle Insert, Genesis 300 Series. This insert lets you cook up pancakes, burgers, and more right on your grill. It’s built to last and easy to use.
What We Like:
- Easily converts your Weber grill into a griddle.
- Rust-resistant carbon steel is treated to prevent rust.
- Comes pre-seasoned for a non-stick surface right away.
- You can use metal spatulas and tools without worry.
- Cleans up easily with a grease slot that directs grease away.
- Heats evenly for perfect cooking from edge to edge.
- Thick steel resists warping, keeping it flat.
- Fits 3-burner Genesis grills from 2016 and newer, and Summit grills from 2024.
What Could Be Improved:
- Only fits specific Weber grill models, limiting compatibility.
This griddle insert is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to expand their outdoor cooking options. It offers great performance and simple cleanup for all your griddling needs.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Grill Griddle Insert
A grill griddle insert is a fantastic way to add versatility to your outdoor cooking. It lets you cook more than just burgers and steaks on your grill. You can make pancakes, eggs, stir-fries, and so much more. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a grill griddle insert, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Fit: Make sure the insert fits your grill. Most inserts are made to fit specific grill models or sizes. Measure your grill grates before you buy. A good fit means it won’t move around while you’re cooking.
- Drainage and Grease Management: A good griddle insert has a way to handle grease. Look for a grease trap or a slight slope to guide grease away from your food. This keeps your food from getting too greasy and makes cleanup easier.
- Even Heating: You want your griddle to heat up evenly. This means your food will cook at the same rate all over. Some griddles have raised edges to help with this.
- Durability: You want an insert that will last. Think about how often you’ll use it. A sturdy build means it can handle high heat and frequent use.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody likes a tough cleanup. Look for inserts with smooth surfaces. Removable grease trays are a big plus.
Important Materials
The material of your grill griddle insert is very important. It affects how it heats, how it cooks, and how long it lasts.
- Cast Iron: This is a popular choice. Cast iron heats up evenly and retains heat very well. It can give your food a great sear. Cast iron needs to be seasoned to prevent rust.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. It’s also rust-resistant. However, it might not heat as evenly as cast iron.
- Chrome-Plated Steel: This is often found on less expensive inserts. It’s shiny and easy to clean. But, the chrome can chip or wear off over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a grill griddle insert better or worse.
- Thickness of the Material: Thicker metal heats more evenly. It also makes the griddle more durable. Thin metal can warp easily.
- Weight: A heavier griddle usually means thicker metal. This is good for even heating and stability.
- Surface Finish: A smooth, non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning much easier. Some griddles have a seasoned finish, while others are raw metal.
- Design: Features like raised edges or a grease channel improve the cooking experience. A poorly designed griddle can lead to uneven cooking or messy grease spills.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a grill griddle insert opens up a world of cooking possibilities.
- Breakfast: You can cook pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns right on your grill. Imagine a full breakfast cooked outdoors!
- Lunch and Dinner: Burgers get a fantastic crust. You can also cook vegetables, shrimp, and even delicate fish without them falling through the grates. Stir-fries are a breeze.
- Smash Burgers: The flat surface is perfect for pressing burgers thin for that classic smash burger experience.
- Cleanup: While most are easy to clean, some materials require more care. Cast iron needs to be cleaned and re-seasoned after each use. Stainless steel is generally the easiest to wipe down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a grill griddle insert?
A: It’s a flat cooking surface that you place on top of your grill grates. It lets you cook foods that might fall through regular grill grates.
Q: Can I use any grill griddle insert on my grill?
A: No, you need to make sure the insert fits your grill. Check the dimensions before buying.
Q: Is cast iron better than stainless steel for a grill griddle?
A: Cast iron heats very evenly and retains heat well. Stainless steel is easier to clean and rust-resistant. Both are good, but they have different pros and cons.
Q: How do I clean my grill griddle insert?
A: Clean it after it cools down. For cast iron, scrape off food bits, wash with soap and water, dry thoroughly, and apply a thin layer of oil. For stainless steel, soap and water are usually enough.
Q: Will a grill griddle insert rust?
A: Cast iron can rust if not cared for properly. Stainless steel and chrome-plated steel are less likely to rust.
Q: Can I cook delicate foods like fish on a griddle insert?
A: Yes! The flat surface is perfect for cooking fish and other delicate items without them breaking apart.
Q: How long does it take for a griddle insert to heat up?
A: This depends on your grill and the material of the griddle. Cast iron usually takes a little longer but heats more evenly.
Q: Can I use a griddle insert to make pancakes?
A: Absolutely! It’s one of the best ways to cook pancakes outdoors.
Q: Do I need to season my grill griddle insert?
A: If it’s cast iron, yes. Seasoning creates a natural non-stick surface and protects it from rust.
Q: What kind of cooking tools should I use with a griddle insert?
A: Metal spatulas are generally safe for most griddle inserts. Avoid sharp metal tools that could scratch non-stick coatings or damage seasoned cast iron.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!