Best Griddles Under $500: 3 Spec-Based Picks

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need a large permanent outdoor kitchen setup Blackstone 28" Omnivore Griddle with Hood Its 53-inch width and 86-pound weight provide ample space for serious cooking.
• You want a budget-friendly option for large batches Royal Gourmet 4-Burner Gas Griddle with Fry Zone The 57.5-inch length and four-burner layout handle high-volume outdoor prep.
• You need compact built-in propane side burners Livory Double Built-In Gas Side Burner The 13.4-inch width fits neatly into outdoor kitchen islands.

Our 3 picks

1 Best overall

Blackstone 28" Omnivore Griddle with Hood

Best for: Large family gatherings and permanent outdoor kitchens

Cooking Area

517 sq. in.

Fuel Type

Propane

Burners

2

Cover Type

Built-in Hood

Included Accessories

Cover

Compatible Appliance

Griddle

View on Amazon: Blackstone 28" Omnivore Griddle with Hood Affiliate link

The Blackstone 28-inch Omnivore Griddle offers 517 square inches of flat-top cooking space. It features an efficient Omnivore plate for faster heat recovery and better distribution. The bundle includes a protective hood, a weather-resistant cover, and two spatulas. With dual side shelves and rear grease management, it supports versatile outdoor cooking. This unit measures 53 inches wide and weighs 86 pounds.

Pros

• 517 square inches of flat top grill surface
• Included protective hood and weather-resistant soft cover
• Dual side shelves for prep and serving space
• Omnivore griddle plate for efficient heat distribution
• Rear grease management system for easier cleanup

Cons

• Heavy at 86 pounds, making it difficult to move
• Large footprint at 53 inches wide requires significant space
• No mention of digital temperature controls or sensors

Good fit if

• You need ample space to cook for large groups
• You want a bundled package with protective covers
• You prefer a heavy, stable unit for permanent setups

Skip if

• You have limited patio space or storage
• You need a portable griddle for camping trips
• You want a lightweight unit for easy transport

Verdict: Blackstone 28" Omnivore Griddle with Hood provides a spacious, efficient cooking surface for serious outdoor chefs. It fits buyers who prioritize capacity and included protection over portability.

2 Best premium

Royal Gourmet 4-Burner Gas Griddle with Fry Zone

Best for: large batch outdoor cooking and prep

Cooking Area

582 sq. in.

Fuel Type

Gas

Burners

4

Total Heat Output

52,000 BTU

Cover Type

Wind Hood

Placement

Outdoor

View on Amazon: Royal Gourmet 4-Burner Gas Griddle with Fry Zone Affiliate link

The Royal Gourmet GB4008B offers 582 square inches of cooking space with 52,000 BTU of heat. It features four independent burners and a recessed fry zone. You get foldable side shelves and enclosed storage. The unit weighs 105 pounds and includes wheels for mobility. This setup suits you if you need high output and organized prep space for large outdoor meals.

Pros

• 52,000 BTU total heat output from four independent burners
• 582 sq. in. cooking area with a recessed fry zone
• Foldable side shelves and enclosed storage cabinet
• Front-access grease cup and drain for easy cleanup

Cons

• Heavy at 105 pounds, requiring sturdy support
• Large footprint at 57.5 inches long
• No remote control or digital interface listed

Good fit if

• You need high heat for searing large batches
• You want dedicated storage for grilling tools
• You prefer manual control over digital settings

Skip if

• You have limited counter space for a 57-inch unit
• You need portable camping gear under 50 pounds
• You require smartphone connectivity for cooking

Verdict: Royal Gourmet 4-Burner Gas Griddle delivers serious heat and storage for serious cooks. It fits you if you prioritize capacity and organization over digital convenience.

3 Best budget

Livory Double Built-In Gas Side Burner

Best for: Built-in outdoor kitchen side burners

Fuel Type

Liquid Propane, Natural Gas

Burners

2

Form Factor

Built-In

Placement

Outdoor

Material

Stainless Steel

Features

Side Burner

View on Amazon: Livory Double Built-In Gas Side Burner Affiliate link

This built-in double side burner delivers 30,000 BTU total heat output for rapid boiling and searing. It features 304 stainless steel construction and a cast iron burner for durability. The unit converts between liquid propane and natural gas. Dimensions are 25.8 by 13.4 by 10.1 inches. It includes a removable drip tray and LED-lit control knobs for night use.

Pros

• 30,000 BTU total output from two 15,000 BTU burners
• 304 stainless steel body for corrosion resistance
• Converts between liquid propane and natural gas
• LED-lit control knobs for visibility at night

Cons

• Requires a 20.5 by 12.8 inch cutout for installation
• Built-in form factor limits portability
• No integrated griddle surface included

Good fit if

• You need high heat output for side cooking tasks
• You want a built-in unit for an outdoor kitchen island
• You prefer stainless steel construction for durability

Skip if

• You require a portable standalone griddle
• You need a single large cooking surface
• You cannot accommodate a built-in cutout

Verdict: Livory Double Side Burner offers substantial heat in a compact built-in form. It fits outdoor kitchen islands where you need dedicated side burners rather than a full griddle.

Specifications side by side

Five Key Specs for Griddle Buying

1. Check Fuel Compatibility

   Verify the fuel source before purchasing. The Livory unit supports propane and natural gas, offering flexibility for your existing hookup. Most full griddles use standard propane tanks. Ensure your outdoor kitchen has the correct gas line or tank space. Mismatched fuel types require adapters or new connections. Check the product listing for explicit fuel support. This detail affects installation complexity and ongoing operating costs. Select a model that matches your current gas infrastructure to avoid extra hardware needs.

2. Assess Weight and Mobility

   Griddles are heavy and difficult to move. The Blackstone 28-inch model weighs 86 pounds. The Royal Gourmet is even heavier at 105 pounds. These weights indicate permanent placement rather than portable use. You need a sturdy surface to support this mass. Lighter units may lack stability during high-heat cooking. Consider your deck or patio load capacity. Heavy griddles stay cooler and distribute heat more evenly. Plan your installation spot carefully, as moving these units later is physically demanding and risky.

3. Evaluate Included Protection

   Look for included covers or hoods. The Blackstone 28-inch Omnivore comes with a hood. This feature protects the cooking surface from rain and debris. Other models may require purchasing a separate cover. An integrated hood saves money and ensures a perfect fit. It also simplifies storage when the unit is not in use. Check the product attributes for included accessories. Proper protection extends the lifespan of the metal surface. Always verify if the cover is included in the base price.

4. Review Form Factor Needs

   Determine if you need a standalone unit or built-in appliance. The Livory is a built-in side burner designed for outdoor islands. It fits into specific cabinetry cutouts. Full griddles like the Blackstone and Royal Gourmet are standalone units. They sit on their own legs or frames. Choose based on your kitchen layout. Built-in options save space but require custom fabrication. Standalone units offer more flexibility and easier relocation. Match the form factor to your existing outdoor structure.

5. Compare Cooking Dimensions

   Measure the actual cooking surface area. The Blackstone 28-inch model offers a 53-inch width. The Royal Gourmet extends 57.5 inches in length. These dimensions dictate how many meals you can prepare at once. Larger surfaces allow for batch cooking and diverse menu items. Smaller units like the Livory side burner are limited to single tasks. Check the width and length specs carefully. Ensure the footprint fits your intended space with room for maneuvering. Adequate surface area improves cooking efficiency and versatility.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best outdoor pizza ovens under 100
• best outdoor pizza ovens under 150
• best jointers under 500
• best coolers under 500