You’ve probably noticed that upgrading your outdoor cooking setup doesn’t require a complete kitchen overhaul. Flat grill inserts offer a practical solution you might’ve overlooked. They transform your existing stovetop into a versatile cooking surface without the expense of new equipment. But which insert truly delivers the performance you’re after? The answer depends on factors you’ll want to understand before making your purchase.
Quick Overview
- Cast iron griddles with nonstick coatings enable versatile cooking of eggs, pancakes, and seafood with effortless food release and cleanup.
- Stainless steel construction resists warping and deformation, maintaining consistent heat distribution across the cooking surface for reliable performance.
- Detachable handles facilitate safe transport and convenient storage while polished edges protect against scratches during handling and cleaning.
- Built-in grease troughs contain splatters and minimize flare-ups, enhancing safety while high sidewalls prevent grease overflow during cooking.
- Multiple size options ranging from 17″x13″ to 23″x16″ accommodate different grill surfaces and cooking needs for maximum versatility and compatibility.
| Griddle for Gas Grill Flat Top Cast Iron 17″x13 |
| Best Compatibility | Material: Heavy duty metal with nonstick coating | Dimensions: 17″ x 13″ | Nonstick Surface: Yes, nonstick coating for easy cleaning | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Utheer Nonstick Cooking Griddle for Gas Grills |
| Best Value | Material: Nonstick coating metal | Dimensions: 17″ x 13″ | Nonstick Surface: Yes, heavy-duty nonstick coating | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill (17″ x 13″) |
| Best Heat Distribution | Material: High-quality metal with nano-ceramic coating | Dimensions: 17″ x 13″ | Nonstick Surface: Yes, nano-ceramic coating with scratch resistance | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Only Fire Universal Stainless Steel Cooking Griddle (23″ x 16″) |
| Best for Large Grills | Material: 100% food-grade stainless steel | Dimensions: 23″ x 16″ | Nonstick Surface: No, stainless steel without nonstick coating | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Onlyfire Cast Iron Cooking Griddle 23″ x 16 |
| Best Overall | Material: Cast iron with nonstick coating | Dimensions: 23″ x 16″ | Nonstick Surface: Yes, pre-seasoned nonstick coating | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Griddle for Gas Grill Flat Top Cast Iron 17″x13
If you’re tired of cooking small foods directly on your grill grates—where they slip through or stick stubbornly—this 17″x13″ cast iron griddle insert is your solution. The nonstick surface keeps eggs, pancakes, onions, and shrimp from sticking, while high sidewalls contain grease and splashes. You’ll appreciate the polished edges for safety and the convenient handle for repositioning food. Its hollowed side panels promote even airflow, ensuring consistent heating across the cooking surface. Compatible with Weber, Nexgrill, Charbroil, and most gas grills, this heavy-duty griddle requires minimal maintenance—just brush with oil before each use. Transform your grill into a versatile Teppanyaki-style cooktop.
- Material:Heavy duty metal with nonstick coating
- Dimensions:17″ x 13″
- Nonstick Surface:Yes, nonstick coating for easy cleaning
- Heat Distribution:Hollowed side panels for even airflow
- Grease Management:High bar sides prevent grease and splashes
- Handles/Portability:Handle for easy carrying with polished edges
- Additional Feature:Hollowed side panels ventilation
- Additional Feature:Teppanyaki style cooking
- Additional Feature:Polished smooth edges safety
Utheer Nonstick Cooking Griddle for Gas Grills
The Utheer 17″ x 13″ griddle is your best choice for versatile outdoor cooking across any meal. This nonstick metal griddle weighs just 13.99 pounds, making it portable for camping and tailgating. You’ll appreciate its heavy-duty construction that resists warping while its nonstick coating guarantees effortless cleanup. The detachable side handles provide convenient transport, and the grease trough minimizes flare-ups for safer cooking. With polished edges protecting your hands, you can cook eggs, pancakes, steaks, and potatoes without sticking. Customers rate it 4.4 out of 5 stars, ranking it #3 in grill griddles. Simply preheat, add oil until smoking, and you’re ready to cook breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Material:Nonstick coating metal
- Dimensions:17″ x 13″
- Nonstick Surface:Yes, heavy-duty nonstick coating
- Heat Distribution:Thicker material for even heating
- Grease Management:Grease trough prevents flare-ups
- Handles/Portability:Detachable side handles for easy handling
- Additional Feature:Detachable side handles
- Additional Feature:Grease trough prevents flare-ups
- Additional Feature:Thicker material avoids deformation
Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill (17″ x 13″)
Cast iron griddle enthusiasts who want universal compatibility and exceptional durability should consider this 17″ x 13″ option. You’ll appreciate its Nano-Ceramic coating, which delivers scratch resistance and reliable non-stick performance at high temperatures. The heavy-duty construction prevents warping, while reinforced triangular support ridges eliminate hot spots. High-bar sides contain splatters effectively, and ventilation holes guarantee even heat distribution. You can cook pancakes, steaks, seafood, and vegetables with ease. Its built-in grease trough minimizes flare-ups, and the polished edges keep you safe during flipping. Side handles make carrying and storage convenient, and cleaning requires just a soft sponge with mild detergent.
- Material:High-quality metal with nano-ceramic coating
- Dimensions:17″ x 13″
- Nonstick Surface:Yes, nano-ceramic coating with scratch resistance
- Heat Distribution:Reinforced triangular support ridges reduce hot spots
- Grease Management:Built-in grease trough collects drippings
- Handles/Portability:Convenient side handles for carrying and storage
- Additional Feature:Nano-Ceramic coating technology
- Additional Feature:Reinforced triangular support ridges
- Additional Feature:Built-in grease trough
Only Fire Universal Stainless Steel Cooking Griddle (23″ x 16″)
For those who’ve outgrown their standard grill grates, this 23″ x 16″ griddle delivers the versatility you’re craving. You’ll appreciate the food-grade stainless steel construction that resists deformation and cleans effortlessly. The wavy hollow underside promotes even heat distribution, eliminating hot spots for consistent cooking results. Detachable handles make transport and storage convenient, while the grease trough catches drippings to prevent flare-ups. Raised sidewalls help you flip foods with confidence, and the design fits most gas and larger charcoal grills. Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or hosting parties, you’ll find this griddle transforms your outdoor cooking experience.
- Material:100% food-grade stainless steel
- Dimensions:23″ x 16″
- Nonstick Surface:No, stainless steel without nonstick coating
- Heat Distribution:Wavy hollow design provides professional ventilation
- Grease Management:Grease trough collects drippings
- Handles/Portability:Detachable handles on both sides
- Additional Feature:100% food-grade stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Wavy hollow underside design
- Additional Feature:Efficient cookware stacking storage
Onlyfire Cast Iron Cooking Griddle 23″ x 16
If you’re seeking a versatile griddle that won’t let grease splatter across your cooking surface, Onlyfire’s 23″ x 16″ cast iron option delivers with its distinctive grease trough and heightened sidewalls. You’ll appreciate the pre-seasoned nonstick coating that eliminates lengthy prep work. This 10.56 kg griddle fits most gas grills and four-burner range ovens, making it ideal for pancakes, bacon, eggs, salmon, and vegetables. Its durable cast iron construction resists deformation, while sturdy handles facilitate easy movement during your outdoor cooking adventures. With a 4.6-star rating from 648 reviews, you’re investing in a reliable tool that transforms your grill into a complete outdoor kitchen.
- Material:Cast iron with nonstick coating
- Dimensions:23″ x 16″
- Nonstick Surface:Yes, pre-seasoned nonstick coating
- Heat Distribution:Cast iron construction for heat retention
- Grease Management:Grease trough collects drippings
- Handles/Portability:Handles for easy movement
- Additional Feature:Pre-seasoned nonstick coating
- Additional Feature:Extra high sidewalls
- Additional Feature:Fits 4 burner ovens
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Flatgrill Insert
When you’re selecting a flat grill insert, you’ll want to evaluate how well it fits your specific grill model and whether its material quality can withstand regular use. You should also examine its heat distribution capabilities, ventilation design, and overall construction durability to guarantee you’re investing in a product that’ll perform reliably over time. Finally, consider how easily you can clean and maintain the insert, since accessibility and upkeep directly affect its longevity and your cooking experience.
Size and Compatibility Matters
Selecting the right flatgrill insert requires matching its dimensions to your grill’s cooking surface, since you’ll find options ranging from 17″ x 13″ up to 23″ x 16″ depending on your space and needs. You’ll also want to guarantee compatibility with your specific grill brand, whether you’re using gas, charcoal, or electric models. This compatibility check maximizes your insert’s usability and performance across different grilling setups. Taking time to verify these specifications prevents purchasing an insert that doesn’t fit properly or work with your equipment. By prioritizing size and brand compatibility, you’ll invest in a flatgrill insert that integrates seamlessly into your existing grilling system and delivers reliable results every time you cook.
Material Quality Impacts Performance
Once you’ve confirmed your insert fits your grill, you’ll want to examine the materials that make up the cooking surface itself. Cast iron and stainless steel both offer superior heat retention and distribution, enhancing your cooking efficiency. You’ll appreciate how these materials prevent hot spots and guarantee even cooking across different food types.
Consider the coating as well. Ceramic or traditional nonstick finishes make cleanup effortless and prevent food from sticking, improving your overall cooking experience. Heavy-duty construction materials are essential too—they resist bending and warping under high heat, extending your insert’s lifespan notably.
Thickness matters considerably. Thicker materials reduce deformation risk and ensure consistent cooking results. Finally, prioritize surfaces with scratch and high-temperature resistance to maintain both appearance and performance over time.
Heat Distribution and Ventilation
Because even heat distribution directly impacts your cooking results, you’ll want to prioritize how a flat grill insert manages thermal performance. Look for materials with superior thermal conductivity, like cast iron or stainless steel, which retain and distribute heat efficiently across the cooking surface. Ventilation holes in the design promote airflow and heat dissipation, preventing hot spots that cause uneven cooking.
Additional design features enhance performance too. Raised sidewalls improve heat retention while protecting against splashes, creating a uniform cooking environment. A grease trough manages drippings effectively, minimizing excess fat that can cause flare-ups and temperature fluctuations.
When evaluating flat grill inserts, examine how these elements work together to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your cooking process, ensuring professional-quality results every time.
Durability and Construction Features
The foundation of a reliable flat grill insert rests on its materials and construction quality. You’ll want heavy-duty cast iron or stainless steel that withstands high heat without warping or deforming over time. A nonstick coating greatly enhances performance, making cleanup effortless while preventing food from sticking during cooking.
Look for griddles with reinforced support structures that distribute heat evenly and minimize hot spots, ensuring consistent cooking results. High-sided edges and integrated grease troughs protect you from spills and dangerous flare-ups, creating a safer cooking environment. Additionally, polished edges and detachable handles improve safety and convenience, allowing you to transport and store your griddle with confidence. These construction features collectively determine whether your insert delivers reliable, long-lasting performance.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
While durability establishes your griddle’s foundation, how you maintain it determines whether that investment continues delivering reliable performance. You’ll appreciate nonstick coatings that minimize food sticking, drastically reducing scrubbing time after cooking. Built-in grease troughs actively manage excess oil and drippings, simplifying cleanup and preventing dangerous flare-ups. Polished edges protect against scratches during cleaning, allowing you to use various tools without causing wear.
Heavy-duty materials resist warping under high heat, maintaining their shape and making cleaning straightforward. You’ll extend your griddle’s lifespan through regular maintenance—pre-coat with oil before each use and employ proper cleaning techniques. This consistent upkeep keeps your insert performing efficiently through countless cooking sessions, maximizing your return on investment.
