Best Outdoor Griddle for Burgers: Sizes, Types and Features

The best outdoor griddle for burgers is a propane flat top with a thick steel surface, at least two independently controlled burners, a reliable grease drain and enough room for the number of people you usually feed. For most families, a 28- to 36-inch freestanding griddle is the sweet spot; a 17- to 22-inch tabletop model is better for small households, camping and tailgates.

Rather than rank specific models we haven't tested, this guide explains which type and size fit different cooks, which features matter most for burgers, and a few examples of those features from manufacturers' official pages.

Why a griddle is great for burgers

A flat top gives every burger full contact with hot steel, which builds an even, deep crust. It's the ideal surface for smash burgers, and it keeps fat and onions in contact with the meat instead of dripping into the fire. You can also toast buns, cook bacon and griddle onions at the same time. Read smash burger vs. regular burger to see why that crust matters.

Outdoor griddle types

Tabletop propane griddles (about 17-22 inches)

Compact griddles that sit on a table or tailgate and usually run on a small propane cylinder. They're portable and quick to heat, but you'll cook burgers in smaller batches. Blackstone, for example, sells 17- and 22-inch tabletop and portable models.

Best for: couples, small families, camping, tailgates, apartment balconies where allowed.

Freestanding propane griddles (about 28-36 inches)

Full-size cooking stations on legs or carts, with side shelves and multiple burners. These are the workhorses for backyard burger nights and big groups. As examples from official product pages, Blackstone's 36-inch Omnivore lists about 769 square inches of cooking space and four independent heat zones, and Camp Chef's Flat Top Grill 600 lists a 604-square-inch griddle surface.

Best for: families, frequent entertainers, anyone who cooks for a crowd.

Grill-and-griddle combos

Some flat tops let you swap the griddle for grill grates or add accessories. Camp Chef sells versions of its Flat Top Grill 600 with grill grates, and its Gridiron Pro accepts 14-inch accessories like a pizza oven or BBQ box. Blackstone sells combo units that pair a griddle with an air fryer.

Best for: people who want one outdoor cooker that can grill thick burgers and smash thin ones.

Electric griddles

Electric outdoor griddles, such as Blackstone's E-Series, plug in instead of using propane. They can be an option where open flames aren't allowed, but check your building's rules and the product's outdoor rating.

Griddle inserts and plates

A griddle plate that sits on a camp stove or gas grill is the cheapest way to try flat-top cooking. Camp Chef's 14-inch Flat Top Griddle, for instance, fits its 14-inch stove system. A large cast iron or carbon steel pan also works on a grill; see carbon steel vs. cast iron for burgers.

What size griddle do you need for burgers?

A 4-inch patty plus a little space around it takes up roughly 25 square inches. Use that as a rough guide:

• 17-inch tabletop: a few burgers at a time, good for 1-3 people.
• 22-inch: several burgers per batch, good for 2-4 people.
• 28-inch: a full family batch with room for buns, good for 4-8 people.
• 36-inch: large batches of smash burgers plus onions and buns, good for parties.

Leave room for toasting buns and cooking toppings, which can take up a third of the surface. For planning a big cookout, see how to make burgers for a crowd.

Features that matter most for burgers

Multiple heat zones

Independently controlled burners let you sear burgers on high, toast buns on medium-low and hold finished patties on the lowest setting. Look for at least two burners on any griddle 22 inches or larger.

Grease management

Burgers render a lot of fat. A good drain, either at the rear or the front/side, with a removable cup or tray makes cleanup easy and reduces flare-ups. Make sure the cup is easy to reach and empty.

A sturdy, pre-seasoned surface

Most outdoor griddles use a steel cooking surface that you season like cast iron. A pre-seasoned top saves you a setup step, and a thicker surface holds heat better when you drop a batch of cold patties on it.

Leveling

Adjustable legs or griddle levelers keep the surface flat or slightly tilted toward the drain, so grease goes where it should. Camp Chef lists leg levelers on its Flat Top Grill 600.

A lid or hood

A hood protects the surface between cooks and helps melt cheese on thick patties. A separate cheese melting dome does the same job on any griddle.

Ignition and wind protection

Reliable push-button or electric ignition makes lighting easy. Wind guards help on breezy days, especially with tabletop models.

Shelves and storage

Side shelves give you a place for raw patties, cheese, buns and tools. Folding shelves save space.

Care and upkeep

A steel griddle top lasts longest when you scrape it while warm, wipe it down and add a thin coat of oil after every cook. A cover keeps rain and pollen off between uses. If rust spots appear, scrub them off and re-season the surface.

Accessories worth having

• A stiff spatula or burger press for smashing. See how to choose a smash burger press.
• A wide scraper for cleanup.
• Squeeze bottles for oil and water.
• An instant-read thermometer to confirm burgers reach 160°F.

Our smash burger gear guide covers these in more detail, and our flat-top griddle page has a pick. If you're deciding between two big brands, read Blackstone vs. Camp Chef.

FAQ

Is a griddle or grill better for burgers?

A griddle is better for smash burgers and crust; a grill gives smoky, charred flavor to thick patties. Some combo units do both.

What size outdoor griddle is best for a family?

A 28- to 36-inch griddle works well for most families, with room for burgers, buns and toppings at once.

Do outdoor griddles need to be seasoned?

Most steel griddle tops do. Many come pre-seasoned, but you should still oil them after each use to maintain the coating.

What temperature should a griddle be for burgers?

Medium-high heat works for most burgers. Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, the USDA safe minimum.