Add a Built-In Griddle to Your Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens have become incredibly popular additions to backyards and patios. They provide a dedicated space for grillmasters to cook up delicious meals. Adding a built-in griddle expands the cooking capabilities, allows for cooking smaller items, and provides versatility beyond just grilling.

Types of Built-In Griddles

Built-in griddles are available in a few different materials including:

• Stainless steel - More durable and rust-resistant than other options.
• Cast iron - Requires extra seasoning and maintenance to prevent rust.
• Non-stick surfaces - Make cooking and cleanup easier but can lose effectiveness over time.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular choices because it stands up well to outdoor weather and resists rust better than other materials. Grades 304 and 316 stainless steel contain more nickel and are more corrosion resistant. Higher-end built-in griddle options from vendors like Coyote often use 304 or 316 stainless steel.

Cast Iron

Cast iron distributes heat evenly but requires extra maintenance like seasoning to prevent rust. While you can season and care for cast iron to prevent rust, it will likely need more attention than stainless in an outdoor environment.

Non-Stick Surfaces

Some griddles feature a non-stick coating on the cooking surface. This helps prevent food from sticking and makes cleanup easier. However, non-stick coatings can lose effectiveness over time, especially when exposed to high heat on a consistent basis.

Features to Consider

There are several important features and specifications to evaluate when selecting your built-in griddle:

• Size and dimensions - Consider the size of your existing grill and outdoor kitchen layout.
• Number of burners - More burners allow for zoned cooking.
• Manual vs electronic controls - Determine whether knob or push-button is preferred.
• Portability - Some built-in griddle tops can be removed.

Size and Dimensions

First, measure the existing available space in your outdoor kitchen setup. Standard built-in griddles range from about 30 inches up to 60 inches or more. Optimal size depends on your existing appliances, number of burners desired, and cooking needs.

Burners

The number of burners on your built-in griddle determines how well you can cook different foods at varying temperatures. Consider how many burners you need for your typical cooking.

Controls

Most built-in griddles feature manual control knobs to adjust each burner's temperature. However, some include convenient push-button or even WiFi app controls. This allows you to precisely set and monitor temperatures.

Portability

Some built-in griddle tops can be removed from the base and used like a regular countertop griddle. While this reduces overall capacity, it adds functionality and makes storing the unit easier during winter or inactive periods.

Installation Factors

Properly installing a built-in griddle requires considering a few key factors:

• Built-in vs freestanding
• Electrical and gas requirements
• Weight load capacity
• Clearances for ventilation

Built-in vs Freestanding

Built-in griddles are either integrated into an existing grill setup or installed into a dedicated space in an outdoor kitchen island or countertop. Freestanding griddles are standalone units that can be transported and don't require permanent installation.

Electrical and Gas

Ensure proper electrical connections if your unit has electronic ignition systems and temperature controls. Built-in natural gas or propane hookups need to be appropriately connected and tested for leaks by professionals.

Weight Considerations

Some commercial built-in griddle units can weigh 200+ lbs. Ensure countertops or stands can handle the load without flexing or collapsing. Consider adding structural reinforcement during construction if needed.

Ventilation

Proper overhead ventilation hoods above the cooking surface are critical for safety and performance. Make sure to account for clearance requirements specified by the manufacturer.

Using Your Built-In Griddle

Once installed, follow these tips for the best cooking experience:

• Seasoning - Apply a thin layer of oil to condition the cooking surface.
• Cooking techniques - Use metal spatulas to avoid damaging the surface.
• Cleaning - Scrub gently with non-abrasive tools and avoid harsh chemicals.

Seasoning

Before cooking, apply a thin coat of vegetable or canola oil and spread evenly on the griddle surface. Heat slowly to allow the oil to polymerize and condition the metal. This creates a natural non-stick surface.

Cooking Techniques

Use metal spatulas when flipping or removing food to prevent scratching or damaging the cooking surface. Avoid utensils with sharp edges. Cook over medium heat and monitor temperatures.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After each use, scrub the griddle surface gently with warm water, mild soap, and a non-abrasive sponge or scrubbing pad. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners which can break down non-stick coatings over time.

Top Recipes to Try

A built-in griddle allows you to cook way more than just burgers and hot dogs. Try out these tasty recipes:

• Smash burgers
• Fajitas with grilled veggies
• Breakfast combinations like pancakes with eggs and bacon
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Seafood like shrimp, scallops, and fish fillets
• Quesadillas or burritos
• Stir frys with rice or quinoa

Burgers

Cook smashed style burgers on the built-in griddle for caramelized crisp edges and juicy interiors. Try mixes like beef, turkey, lamb, bison, or veggie patties. Top with cheese, veggies, sauces, and more.

Steaks

Quickly sear flavorful steaks like New York strip, ribeye, tri-tip, or filet mignon. Cook to preferred doneness and let rest before slicing. Pair with roasted vegetables or sides.

Vegetables

The large griddle surface allows you to cook veggies like onions, peppers, broccoli, carrots, brussels sprouts, and more. Toss in olive oil, salt, pepper and desired seasonings.

Costs and Budgeting

Prices for built-in griddles vary based on size, materials, brand, and features. Generally expect to invest:

• Griddle unit: $500 - $3,000+
• Professional installation fees: $200 - $800
• Operation costs for gas or electric

Griddle Unit Price

Entry-level built-in griddles start around $500 but larger commercial units with multiple burners can range from $2,000 up to $4,000 or more. Shop sales and clearance when possible to save.

Installation

Hiring a contractor to install your built-in griddle usually costs $200 - $800 depending on electrical/gas work needed. Consider DIY to save on labor but ensure proper connections.

Operating Costs

Expect increased gas or electric bills from operating your new built-in griddle regularly. Larger and more powerful units use more energy to run. Try to conserve energy when possible by only preheating when necessary and shutting off promptly after cooking.

Safety Tips

• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent gas buildup
• Use care when handling hot surfaces
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
• Monitor children and pets around hot appliances

Ventilation

Proper overhead ventilation is critical with any outdoor cooking appliance that burns fuel. Vents dissipate heat, smoke and other byproducts while bringing in fresh air.

Hot Surfaces

Use protective mitts or gloves when accessing hot griddle plates and handles. Ensure proper footwear in case hot grease drips. Educate children on dangers of hot stoves.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Some typical problems with built-in griddles include:

• Inconsistent or inaccurate temperatures
• Food sticking to the cooking surface
• Rust accumulation over time

Temperature Regulation

If temperatures fluctuate greatly or burners do not reach desired temp, ensure proper preheating. Check that burners are clean and operating correctly. Recalibrate controls if needed.

Food Sticking

Use metal spatulas to flip food and avoid utensils that scratch or damage cooking surfaces. If food continues sticking, try re-seasoning the griddle with a fresh oil coat before preheating.

Rust Accumulation

Regular cleaning, covering when not in use, and applying cooking oil can help resist rust. Use abrasives like steel wool to remove minor surface rust. Re-season and be diligent with ongoing maintenance.

Comparison to Other Outdoor Cooking Options

Built-in griddles have advantages and disadvantages compared to grills, cooktops and ovens:

Grills

Grills excel at handling thicker cuts of meat and food that benefits from char. But grills lack a broad flat cook surface for items like pancakes or sandwiches. Griddles complement grills nicely.

Cooktops

Cooktop burners help boil water or simmer sauces but don't provide an expansive cooking surface. Griddles allow larger batches of food like vegetables or breakfast combinations.

Ovens

While outdoor kitchen ovens bake, roast, or broil very well, they can't match a griddle for faster cooking items like eggs, stir frys, or searing. Again, griddles fill an important niche.

Questions for Your Contractor

When planning your built-in griddle project, ask prospective contractors:

• How much experience do you have installing built-in griddles?
• Will installation require any construction modifications?
• What built-in griddle brands do your recommend?
• Should I purchase the unit myself or do you supply?

Experience

Choose a contractor thoroughly familiar with outdoor appliances. They should understand electrical requirements, gas hookups, weight loads, and ventilation.

Installation Process

Understand if any structural changes like added support beams or electrical are needed to accommodate the new griddle.

Brand Recommendations

Contractors who regularly install outdoor kitchens can provide insight on the best built-in griddle brands based on quality, performance and value.

Adding a built-in griddle enhances your outdoor cooking game and provides incredible versatility beyond just grilling. With so many features, specs, and installation factors to weigh, do your homework before purchasing. And be diligent with cleaning and maintenance to maximize longevity.

The large cooking surface allows you to feed a crowd by cooking proteins, vegetables, breakfast foods and more. Use this guide to find the right griddle and contractor for your outdoor oasis.