Recommendations on a griddle for 22" kettle

[jasonwilliams14]

Hey Folks!
I have been exploring ideas and deals for a griddle on my 22" kettle. During my research a number of questions popped up and was hoping to ask for some advice and recommendations from the folks on this board.

First question, is there a preferred material? Cast iron? porcelain coated cast iron? Stainless steel? Not quite sure and thought i'd ask.

Second question is, should I look for something that fits into the Weber gourmet cooking system?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0044ELGGK/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KRSNH7X/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=AC10Z379VB228&psc=1

The above look pretty the same, dimension wise, just different manufactures and material.
Are those "big enough"?

Then I found these, which are much larger

https://www.hunsakersmokers.com/collections/kettle-upgrades-mods/products/griddle-plate-for-22-kettle-grill

https://snsgrills.com/collections/grilling-accessories/products/dng-cast-iron

https://snsgrills.com/collections/grilling-accessories/products/sns-plancha

Slightly overwhelming with so many choices, but I know a lot of folks have much more experience in this area than I do.


Are there other options I should be looking at also?
Would prefer good quality and product over price. I see it as an investment.


Thank you very much!

[Alan Brice]

Unless you have space issues, I just saw a 36" BlackStone at Costco for a shade over three hun. Flip a switch n yer cookin.
Flip it off n yer eatin. Tonnes of realestate on that badboy. Ceramic coating equals no maint probs.
MCS baby!

[HawkerXP]

I use this from Lodge on my kettles. I also have the griddle but haven't used it since my son was in scouts and we used on a two-burner stove.

Cast Iron Dual Handle Pan | Shop Online | Lodge Cast Iron

Reversible Grill Griddle | Chef Collection | Lodge Cast Iron

[Panhead John]

As a dedicated gas griddle owner, Pit Boss 2 burner, and as someone who has gone the “kettle griddle” route, I’d recommend against it. If you can budget for a standalone griddle and have the space, I’d go that way if possible. When I had the kettle griddle, I used it twice and then sold it. It was a hassle having to light coals every time before using it, grease AND heat management is a pain, as well as having limited cooking space. Once you start using a griddle, you kind of get hooked on it. A standalone griddle is so much easier and you’ll appreciate the larger real estate it gives you. Anyway, this is just my opinion and no one really cares anyway….

[Mosca]

I’ve used my kettle with a 20” plancha, and also with a half-moon griddle (the S&S Drip ‘n Griddle). It works, but heat management is almost impossible. After couple years of pretending that burned food was delicious, I got a real griddle, and I haven’t looked back.

[Panhead John]

Best Buy has the Pit Boss 3 Burner Griddle on sale for $150. off regular price.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/pit-boss-ultimate-outdoor-gas-3-burner-griddle-black/6494857.p?skuId=6494857

[Smoker_Boy]

...

[jasonwilliams14]

Alright...thanks for the feedback everyone.
I think I will explore a true griddle based on the feedback. that would open up a lot more options for cooking, which is fine by me!
TYVM!

[jfmorris]

Good decision jasonwilliams14 - only reason I think to pursue a plancha or kettle based griddle is if you simply don’t have room for a gas powered griddle. If you ever circle back to it, Weber also has introduced their own griddle for the 22” kettle.

Propane powered griddles give you instant and variable control, as well as multiple zone control of the griddle heat. Once you build a fire and drop the poncho/griddle on a kettle, you really have no control.

[Mosca]

I think it’s a good idea to go with the stand-alone. It’s not that a griddle insert won’t work on a Kettle; it’s that it doesn’t typically fit the lifestyle. It’s like going from a gas or electric range to wood, or coal: fine, if you have the time and inclination to learn how to tend it, and then to do so.

I always make my MCS decisions by asking, “Would I rather have the money, or the thing?” The griddle falls far, far toward the thing.

[PGH_RAM]

I just don't have the room for a stand-alone griddle, so I bought the SnS 22" plancha. It's solid, it heats evenly, and it's pretty easy to clean.

If I had the space, I'd get a Blackstone in a heartbeat.

[RichieB]

If you have a gasser say Sprit or Genesis they make full inserts. I have one for my 3 burner Sprit and love it. And as far as material carbon steel IMO is the only way I go. Even heat and NO RUST!

[Lynn Dollar]

Tractor Supply has a 36" Blackstone for $250

Blackstone 4-Burner Propane Gas Hard-Top Griddle, 36 in. at Tractor Supply Co.