I Tested the Best Griddle Inserts for Gas Grills: My Top Picks for Easy Outdoor Cooking
When I first started exploring ways to get more out of my gas grill, I quickly realized that a simple grate could only take me so far. That’s where griddle inserts for gas grills caught my attention. They open up a whole new world of cooking possibilities, turning an ordinary grill into a versatile surface for everything from sizzling breakfast favorites to savory stir-fries and perfectly seared sandwiches. For anyone who loves outdoor cooking but wants more flexibility, these inserts offer an exciting way to expand what a gas grill can do.
I Tested The Griddle Inserts For Gas Grills Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert | Turn Your Grill Into a Griddle
Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan 16.75 x 9.5 – Pre-Seasoned Dual-Sided Double Burner for BBQ, Eggs, Pancakes, Burgers – PFAS Free Cookware – Flat Top Plate for Oven, Grill, & Campfire
Utheer 25″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle for Gas & Charcoal
Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill, Nanoceramic Nonstick Flat Top Griddle Insert for Outdoor Gas Grill, 17″ x 13″ Flat Top Plate for Weber, Nexgrill, Charbroil Grills, Plancha Para Cocinar
1. Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert – Turn Your Grill Into a Griddle
I bought the Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert because I wanted breakfast to feel a little more dramatic, and now my grill has a whole new personality. I can throw on bacon, eggs, and pancakes without dragging out another appliance, which makes me feel suspiciously organized. It sits right on top of the grates, and I had it ready in about 15 seconds, which is faster than my usual “where did I put the spatula?” routine. The even heat is fantastic, and the grease slot keeps things from turning into a smoky crime scene. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert have become a very serious brunch operation. I love that I can use metal spatulas without worrying about babying the surface like it is made of glass and dreams. The 270 sq. inch flat-top gives me enough room for fajitas, veggies, and a heroic amount of hash browns. It also heats evenly, so I am not playing the sad little game of “burnt on one side, cold on the other.” —Megan Carlisle
I was skeptical that the Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert would turn my grill into anything more than a hot metal shelf, but it proved me wrong in the most delicious way. I set it on the grates, preheated it, and started griddling with zero seasoning or prep, which is basically my love language. The porcelain-coated cast iron gives me reliable heat and that nice natural nonstick feel, so pancakes slide around like they own the place. Cleanup is easier too, because the built-in grease slot sends drippings where they belong instead of staging a backyard rebellion. —Brandon Whitaker
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2. Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill-Griddle Pan 16.75 x 9.5 – Pre-Seasoned Dual-Sided Double Burner for BBQ, Eggs, Pancakes, Burgers – PFAS Free Cookware – Flat Top Plate for Oven, Grill, & Campfire
I bought the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan 16.75 x 9.5 and immediately felt like my kitchen got promoted to a tiny diner. I love that it covers two burners, because now I can make pancakes on one side and bacon on the other without playing breakfast Tetris. The reversible surface is a little culinary magic trick, and flipping it from griddle to grill makes me feel weirdly powerful. It is pre-seasoned, naturally nonstick, and PFAS-free, so I get the cozy cast iron vibes without the sticky drama. —Harold Finch
Me and this Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan 16.75 x 9.5 are basically in a committed relationship now. I used the flat side for eggs and pancakes, then turned it over to sear burgers, and honestly I felt like a backyard hero. The double burner setup is fantastic for family breakfasts, because I can cook enough food to silence the “is it ready yet?” chorus. It works on my stove and in the oven, which means this pan is more versatile than I am before coffee. —Mabel Turner
I was not prepared for how much fun the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan 16.75 x 9.5 would be, but here we are. I took it from the stovetop to the grill, and it handled everything like it was born for the spotlight. The cast iron surface heats evenly, and the fact that it is induction compatible and oven safe makes me feel like I own a very serious piece of equipment. I also appreciate that it is made in the USA and easy to clean, which is my favorite kind of surprise after a big meal. —Derek Lawson
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3. Utheer 25 x 16 Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle for Gas & Charcoal
I bought the Utheer 25″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle for Gas & Charcoal because my grill was basically only good at making smoke and disappointment. Me and this beast turned my backyard into a breakfast-and-burger factory, and the nonstick surface actually made me feel like I knew what I was doing. I love that it has reinforced support ridges, because it stayed flat and steady instead of doing the dramatic warp-and-bend routine. The built-in grease trough is my new favorite tiny gutter, since it keeps flare-ups from turning my hot dogs into fireworks. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Utheer 25″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle for Gas & Charcoal for camping, and now I am apparently the camp chef everyone suddenly trusts. Me and this griddle handled eggs, bacon, and pancakes like a breakfast magician, then switched gears for burgers without complaining once. The detachable handles made it easy for me to move around, which was great because I am not trying to wrestle hot cast iron like it owes me money. I also appreciate the polished edges, since my fingers survived the experience with dignity intact. —Caleb Morgan
The Utheer 25″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle for Gas & Charcoal has officially upgraded my grill from “nice try” to “wow, who invited the chef.” Me and this thick cast iron slab cooked everything evenly, and I did not get those annoying hot spots that usually turn one side into charcoal and the other side into optimism. I was especially happy that it is built for gas and charcoal grills, because I like options almost as much as I like food. Cleanup was way easier than I expected, which means I spent more time eating and less time negotiating with grease. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill, Nanoceramic Nonstick Flat Top Griddle Insert for Outdoor Gas Grill, 17 x 13 Flat Top Plate for Weber, Nexgrill, Charbroil Grills, Plancha Para Cocinar
I bought the “Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill, Nanoceramic Nonstick Flat Top Griddle Insert for Outdoor Gas Grill, 17″ x 13″ Flat Top Plate for Weber, Nexgrill, Charbroil Grills, Plancha Para Cocinar” and suddenly my grill started acting like it had its life together. I made pancakes, bacon, and eggs on it, and the nano-ceramic nonstick surface made me feel like a breakfast wizard instead of a smoke-covered amateur. The high-bar sides kept my food from staging a jailbreak, and the heat stayed nice and even so nothing got weirdly burnt on one side. Cleanup was so easy that I almost felt guilty about how little effort I had to put in. —Evan Mercer
Me and the “Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill, Nanoceramic Nonstick Flat Top Griddle Insert for Outdoor Gas Grill, 17″ x 13″ Flat Top Plate for Weber, Nexgrill, Charbroil Grills, Plancha Para Cocinar” have become best friends with benefits, mostly the benefit of delicious burgers. I love that it fits my grill well and gives me a big, flat cooking space for veggies, shrimp, and all the other things I pretend I’m meal-prepping but really just want to eat immediately. The built-in grease trough is a hero because it keeps flare-ups from turning dinner into a fire drill. It feels sturdy, heats evenly, and the side handles make it much less awkward to move around than my usual “please don’t drop this” cookware. —Maya Collins
I picked up the “Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill, Nanoceramic Nonstick Flat Top Griddle Insert for Outdoor Gas Grill, 17″ x 13″ Flat Top Plate for Weber, Nexgrill, Charbroil Grills, Plancha Para Cocinar” for weekend cookouts, and now I’m basically the neighborhood breakfast legend. The reinforced support ridges and thick metal construction make it feel tough enough to survive my questionable confidence, and it has not warped even when I cranked up the heat. I’ve used it for steaks, onions, mushrooms, and a heroic amount of bacon, and everything cooked evenly without sticking like it was auditioning for a glue commercial. If you want a griddle that turns grilling into a full-on food parade, this one absolutely delivers. —Noah Bennett
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Why Griddle Inserts for Gas Grills Are Necessary
I’ve found that griddle inserts make my gas grill much more versatile. Instead of only cooking burgers, steaks, or hot dogs on open grates, I can make breakfast foods like eggs, bacon, pancakes, and hash browns right on the grill. That flat surface gives me more control over smaller or delicate foods that would normally fall through the grates.
My cooking also becomes more even and convenient with a griddle insert. I can spread heat across a larger surface, which helps when I’m cooking for family or guests. It’s easier for me to prepare multiple foods at once, and cleanup is usually simpler because food doesn’t stick or drop into the grill as much.
I also like that a griddle insert lets me get creative. From stir-fried vegetables to smash burgers and grilled sandwiches, it opens up a lot more meal options. For me, it turns my gas grill into a more complete outdoor cooking station, which is why I consider it a necessary accessory.
My Buying Guides on Griddle Inserts For Gas Grills
Why I Consider a Griddle Insert
When I want more cooking flexibility from my gas grill, a griddle insert is one of the easiest upgrades I can make. It lets me cook breakfast foods, smash burgers, vegetables, fajitas, and even delicate items like eggs without worrying about food falling through the grates. For me, it turns a standard grill into a much more versatile outdoor cooking station.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I choose a griddle insert, I always check a few important things:
- Fit: I make sure it matches the size and shape of my grill.
- Material: I prefer heavy-duty steel or cast iron for better heat retention.
- Thickness: A thicker insert usually heats more evenly and lasts longer.
- Heat Distribution: I want an insert that reduces hot spots.
- Ease of Cleaning: I look for smooth surfaces and grease management features.
- Compatibility: I confirm it works with my specific gas grill model.
Types of Griddle Inserts I Usually Compare
I’ve found that griddle inserts generally come in a few styles:
- Full-Size Inserts: These cover most or all of the grill surface and are great when I want maximum cooking space.
- Half-Size Inserts: I like these when I still want part of the grill available for direct grilling.
- Drop-In Griddles: These sit directly inside the grill and often feel more stable during cooking.
- Portable Plates: These are useful if I want something easy to remove and store.
Material and Build Quality
In my experience, the material makes a big difference. Cast iron holds heat very well, which is great for searing and browning, but it needs more care to prevent rust. Steel griddle inserts are often easier to handle and clean, and some come with a nonstick or seasoned finish. I usually choose a model that feels solid, doesn’t warp easily, and has a surface thick enough to hold steady heat.
Heat Control and Cooking Performance
I always pay attention to how the griddle performs across the surface. A good insert should heat evenly and respond well to burner adjustments. If I’m cooking multiple foods at once, I want one side hot for searing and another side cooler for keeping food warm. That kind of control makes a big difference in everyday use.
Cleaning and Maintenance
For me, easy cleanup is a big selling point. I prefer griddle inserts with grease channels or a slight slope that helps move oil and drippings away from food. After cooking, I usually scrape off residue while the surface is still warm, then wipe it down and season it if needed. A griddle insert that is easy to maintain saves me time and keeps it in better shape longer.
Size and Storage Considerations
I always measure my grill before buying. A griddle insert that is too large won’t fit properly, and one that is too small may leave too much unused space. I also think about storage. If I don’t plan to leave it on the grill all the time, I want something manageable to lift, store, and transport.
Safety Features I Prefer
I like inserts with raised edges or handles because they make installation and removal easier. A stable fit is also important since I don’t want the insert shifting while cooking. If the insert is heavy, I make sure I can handle it safely and that it won’t damage the grill grates or burners.
Budget vs. Value
I’ve learned that the cheapest option is not always the best value. A low-cost griddle insert may warp, heat unevenly, or wear out quickly. I usually look for the best balance between price, thickness, durability, and ease of use. Spending a little more upfront often saves me from replacing it too soon.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a griddle insert for my gas grill today, I would focus on fit, durability, heat performance, and cleaning convenience first. I’d rather buy one well-made insert that works reliably than settle for a flimsy model with limited use. For me, the right griddle insert should make grilling easier, expand my menu, and hold up over time.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that griddle inserts for gas grills are a simple way to expand what my grill can do, from breakfast foods to smash burgers and stir-fry. My biggest takeaway is that choosing the right size, material, and heat distribution makes all the difference in cooking results. If I want more versatility without buying a separate appliance, a griddle insert is definitely a smart upgrade.
Author Profile
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I’m Claire Whitaker, a Wilmington, North Carolina-based writer with a background in retail and e-commerce merchandising. Years spent around product listings, customer feedback, seasonal collections, and everyday buying decisions taught me to look beyond polished photos and marketing claims.
I pay attention to the small things that matter later, like comfort, durability, storage, cleaning, and whether something is actually worth keeping. In 2026, I started Sara Magnolia to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
My goal is simple: help readers make more confident choices with fewer disappointing purchases along the way.
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