GrillGrate Griddle feedback?

[Hugh]

Looking for feedback from folks who have used the GrillGrate Griddle on top of their GrillGrates. I have a 3 burner Genesis with GrillGrates. I currently use the backs of my Grill Grates for searing, smash burgers and griddling anything that can handle the holes of the GG's. I'm using fry pan's for liquids like pancakes and eggs now but they are really an inefficient use of space. Also, I think the griddle would be simpler to clean/maintain if they are anything like the GrillGrates.

I want the griddles primarily for liquids like pancakes. They would also give me more flexibility and real estate when griddling.

The Grill Grate Griddles seem pretty affordable at $23 each (I'd like two). My thinking is that their weaknesses are:

1) They are thin and might warp when searing or cooking smash burgers. I would not use them for high heat, I would continue using the backs of the GrillGrates for these applications so I'm not concerned about it.

2) There are no sides/lip so really runny things like eggs would run over the edge. This could be solved with egg rings or by using a fry pan on the outdoor stove so not real concerned with this.

3) Not having sides/lip would also means you can't trap the grease. I cook greasy stuff now on the backs of my GrillGrates (ie sausage and bacon) and don't worry about it If I had 2 griddles, I would have 1 grillgrate on its back and I would cook my greasy stuff there. If I needed more real estate I would cook on the griddle and just push the grease onto the GrillGrates.

I'm sure I'm missing something. Please weigh in.

[Attjack]

I'm curious too. My feeling is going with a cast iron griddle might be better.

[Hugh]

Just looked at your photo and realized I was looking at a different unit than you got. Yours is $109 Cdn. This is getting interesting.

[Troutman]

Just looked it up, paid $55 on Amazon for that big CC CI griddle, it's now down to $45 !!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009N0Q2U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[smokin fool]

Everything in this god forsaken country is more expensive.
Stupid CDN peso....

[Hugh]

Attjack - This may sound anal but...I have used cast iron on my grill grates in two forms. A reversible griddle and a fry pan. I swear I got better heat transfer to the fry pan because the whole surface area is touching the GrillGrate (I have them flipped on their back). When I use a reversible griddle, only the edge is touching and I lost alot of temperature according to my IR vs my cast iron.

The other thing I don't like about the cast griddle is it's shape. Its too long to fit on my Genesis when I lay it over the burner (can't close the lid), yet it's usable space is too small for a third pancake (space lost to handles). If I lay the CI griddle sideways, there is no room left for a fry pan. The GrillGrate Griddle gives you 100% usable space and looks like it would run right from front to back. If you had 2 I would think you could do 9 pancakes when needed.

With my fry pans, the whole grill is used up by a 12" and a 10" pan. Also, not a good use of real estate. Can only do 3 pancakes as an example.

If your interested in a CI griddle, I have one for sale. Cheap.

[JPGators17]

I am in the exact same boat, thanks for the post.

[Troutman]

Sounds like you both need a bigger boat...toot....toot !!

[Attjack]

Here are the griddles I have. Both scored second hand for less than $10.

[jfmorris]

Hugh and others - be careful using cast iron on top of Grillgrates. I've done it with a skillet on the rail side once or twice, but at www.grillgrate.com they say this:

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Can I use my cast iron skillet or griddle on top of my GrillGrates?

We do not recommend you put anything on your GrillGrates other than food or our GrateGriddle. Heat can potentially become trapped and damage the GrillGrates.
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I think you run even more risk damaging the GrillGrates if putting a CI pot or skillet on the flat side versus the rails. I guess it all depends on how hot your grill gets too, but a lot has to do with the expansion rate and thermal conductivity of CI versus Aluminum.

I fished out my Weber II E-410's original CI grates, that I had stashed in the garage, and recently stored those on the lower shelf of the cart, and I am planning on tossing one of those down on the grill if I want to do some serious CI use on the grill.

Now - back to the subject at hand - I've had a good enough experience with my GrillGrates using the flat side, that I do think that the Grate griddle plates would be work well in the manner you want to use them. I've fried several pounds of bacon at a time on the flat of the GrillGrates, and with the burners on low heat, no significant flareups occur under the grate, and the grease collection system does a good job of funneling all the grease into the collection pan. I've thought as well of getting 2 of the griddle sections for use on pancakes and eggs.

[Attjack]

Jfmorris is always well researched and ready to drop some knowledge. I keep my CI grates nearby and now I know why.

[snowswamp]

Great info! I still use my old banged up CI grates but it's good to know if I decide to upgrade.

[Hugh]

Darn it jfmorris, why did you enlighten me with this? That was a good catch.

[Polarbear777]

I like the baking steel griddle. Very heavy and completely flat on one side. With a shallow grease groove on the other. Have to wipe occasionally to clear the grease channel before it overflows if doing a big set of multiple batches. Major advantage is the heat the steel holds. I can turn off the heat source when I’m doing the last few
Smashburgers or pancakes.

Works great in the oven oven for things like pizza too (actually the original intent).
It’s not cheap. But will likely outlast you.

[Polarbear777]

Baking steel griddle.

[Polarbear777]

The lodge "cook-it-all" lid works well also.



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[SmokingSteve]

I have the Grill Grates and the GrateGriddle, just one griddle, Griddle works great with salmon filets! Have not tried it with anything else yet. Used a very light coat of peanut oil.

[JimLinebarger]

I have 3 GriddleGrates. Your issue #1 isn't a problem. They handle the heat well.

However, issues #2 & #3 are valid. These are issues I have. I will add one more. Where they join is not a flat smooth joint. There is a rounded seam that does keep things separated, but if you are doing stir fry or other things that you need more surface area, they get in the way of the spatula. I do use them for fish, but wish I got the LittleGriddle instead. Still might because having sides would make it so much easier.

[Hugh]

SmokingSteve - Holy Cow, someone who has actually used one! So many questions...

1) do they recommend you season it, or is it just like the grill grates and you just start cooking on it.

2) I'll pay you money if you will cook up 6 pancakes. Use a little oil for the first three, then tell us how the second batch works. Stick or no stick? My check is in the mail...

3) Even more money if you put a little bacon fat down (just a little) and fry an egg. Does it run off the griddle and fall into the fire? Stick or no stick when you flip it or remove it?

4) What kind of a gasser are you using and how high did you have to set the dial to get the temp to cook the salmon? Was it a sear or a gentle cook? I'm assuming no stick with the peanut oil?

5) I know I don't need two of the griddles, but at this price point the idea of having all of my Weber available as a griddle (with holes) or 2/3 of my Weber able to grill wet things like pancakes and eggs is very appealing. Do you have any urge for a second Grill Grate Griddle or is one sufficient? (please say yes you need a second one, I'm a non-recovering MCS addict. All my cheques are void if you answer this wrong).

Sorry to trouble you but I have had one misfire already purchasing a griddle and I'd like to avoid a second.

Hugh

[fzxdoc]

I use Grill Grate Griddles (2 of them) all the time, but only for searing. I like them better than flipping the Grill Grates. This is because they're easy to clean and store in the cabinet with my cookie sheets, so they're always ready to use. I don't like leaving them outside on the grill.

Yes, at very high heats (700-800°F) they do buckle somewhat, but it doesn't interfere with my searing and they go flat again as they cool.

Since I don't use them for anything other than searing, I can't add any info about using them for say, breakfast foods.

Kathryn

[djmdmd]

Gary...buy the grill grate griddle...seasoned it is terrific. My grates are three years old and I do the cooking outdoors on the grill at least half the week ( I figure the wife is still going to be wat ahead of me but she enjoys the time off ) .. My only concern is the grates are sagging a little from heavy use....bout my grill grate griddled is as true as a hockey rink...My surprise with the griddle is it retired my heavy cast iron for light cooking. Try it ...you will like it....DJM...Papa Doc