Backyard Propane Griddles are gaining traction in the US for good reason, but recently, I’ve had a number of friends buy one only to be perplexed when their experience wasn’t as great as they had hoped. For every disappointed friend there was a key tool they were missing. I’d like to point you to the essential griddle accessories so your experience is good from the start.
The proper tools can make grilling delightful. The cold rolled steel cooking surface is a powerful instrument that needs a few key items to make it sing.
These are my favorites. I think you would benefit from every one of the things on this list. I’ve put them in order from most essential, to least. Keep in mind: why I don’t use ads, and why I do use affiliate links.
Everyone should have these things:
Spatula & Essentials Kit
You Absolutely need two specialized long-bladed spatulas. These are the undisputed champions of the griddle. I have tried other spatulas a few times, and it just doesn’t compare. Do yourself a favor – if you don’t have two, or any, get this kit. it will be the best $19 you spend.
The two condiment bottles are also game changers. Put some oil in one, and some water in the other.
The scraper… Take it or leave it. I use the spatulas to scrape my cooktop clean most of the time. Every once in a while, the scraper is helpful. It’s also helpful in the kitchen, since it’s essentially a pastry scraper. During the quarantine I used mine to shape sourdough bread. It was fun. Don’t judge.
Tongs are another absolute essential. You probably already have one, so I don’t consider it an essential to include it in a kit.
What to look for:
- Long, flat spatulas, with heat resistant handles
- Flip cap on the condiment bottle.
- Long-ish tongs
Various Options:
- Blackstone 1542 Griddle Accessory Tool Kit – The standard issue kit. Usually $20
- HOMENOTE Griddle Accessories Kit, 7-Pieces – A few more spatulas Usually $25
- SHINESTAR Griddle Accessories Kit 9 piece – Even more stuff. Includes a Melting Dome and Tongs! Usually $45
- ZEN-T – 17 Piece Grill Griddle BBQ Tool Kit – Heavy duty kit with even more things included like Tongs! No melting dome
Griddle Smith verdict: Must Buy
Long Handled Tongs
Long handled tongs are essential. You probably already have a set for your grill, or for your kitchen. You will need these to make best use of your griddle. If you don’t have one, get any set that’s over 10 inches. These can get really long!
Various Options:
Griddle Smith Verdict: Essential
Steaming / Melting Dome
This is a very close second. This accessory will open up a whole new world to you on the griddle. This is traditionally used to melt cheese on burgers, but it’s far more useful for other things. My favorite way to use it is to steam vegetables or potatoes. This is one of the magical opportunities a griddle will give you that you won’t get with any other backyard grill. If I had my way, I’d have two square ones. I have the official Blackstone melting dome, and it’s well made, and easy to recommend. However, these also look like they would get the job done just as well.
What to look for:
- Stainless Steel (aluminum gets weird with acidic foods)
- Handle – (not a knob) The cover will get VERY hot when you’re using it. You won’t be able to use your fingers, and a handle is much easier to use with a spatula or tongs. Get one with a handle.
- 12 inches, or square. Smaller than 12 inches, and you won’t have enough space to steam veggies, or do other amazing things.
Various Options:
- Blackstone – 12 Inch Round Basting Cover – I have this. I love it. It has many meals under its belt, and keeps going.
- Winco C-DCH Half Size Dome Cover with Handle for 28″ or Full Size for 36″ griddle – This one is square, which has some benefits on a griddle.
- Cuisinart CMD-112 Melting Dome, 12″ – This one is slightly cheaper (sometimes) and more domed, so has a smaller capacity.
Griddle Smith verdict: Highly Recommended
That’s the end of what I consider absolutely essential griddle accessories. I have advised many friends who are new to griddling to invest in each of these things. The following are still helpful, but not necessarily essential.
You will benefit from these things:
Hard Griddle Cover
If I knew everyone lives where it rains, this would be on my essential list. As it stands, many people rarely see rain, and a soft cover will be fine (although annoying). I have recently migrated my griddle to my attached garage, which is amazing, and another reason to use a griddle. That’s for another post though. Let me tell you why soft covers are annoying:
- A soft cover will not keep the water out
- You will have to wait until the griddle cools before putting the cover on.
- The soft cover will get nasty inside from touching the surface, and the grease trap.
Why doesn’t a soft cover keep the water out? Because the griddle top is flat, with a lip on all four sides, water will pool on the soft-cover. No matter how water proof your cover is, it will eventually wear through and allow water. It might take one month, it might take a summer. It depends on your weather.
Why does it matter that you have to wait until it cools? You will forget to put it back on, that’s why. And it might just rain before you remember.
The hard cover solves all of these issues. No water pooling. No waiting to put it on. Doesn’t get nasty since it’s only touching the edge.
In addition, it can serve as a wind screen, which is very handy if your griddle is in a windy location.
What to look for:
- Stainless Steel, or powder coated surface
- Legs to hang off the back of the griddle when in “wind screen” mode.
- Substantial Handles
Various Options:
- Blackstone 5004 Griddle Grill 36″ Hard Cover, 36 Inch, Black (28″ at the same link) – Usually around $75
- Backyard Life Gear Griddle Cover, Diamond Plate Aluminum Usually $150 – has a cool X in the top for structure
- Griddle Giant Cover 36 Inch: for Blackstone Griddle, Diamond Plate Aluminum Usually $90 – has an interesting shape
- Backyard Life Gear Griddle Cover, Stainless Steel, for 28-inch Blackstone Griddle – Usually $130 – a really cool looking smooth stainless steel model.
Griddle Smith Verdict: Highly Recommended
Cooking Apron
This is getting less “Essential” and more about “Convenience”. But the fact is there is more oil flying on a griddle. Things splatter when you flip them, and move around. An apron can help a ton to keep your clothes from grease, which is hard to get out. I’ve donned (my wife’s) apron a handful of times, and it’s been helpful. On the other hand, I’ve done many griddle sessions without one, and haven’t noticed much staining. Maybe I’m lucky. That said, buying my own nice apron is on my list.
What to look for:
- Durable, quality fabric that you’ll be glad to wear
- A style you’re comfortable being seen in
- easy-on and off. (you won’t wear it otherwise)
Various Options:
- Hudson Durable Goods – Professional Grade Chef Apron for Kitchen Here’s the one I’m looking at getting. $30
- Hudson Durable Goods – Heavy Duty Waxed Canvas Work Apron You could get a dual purpose apron. I might do that. $30
- Chef Apron, Cotton Canvas Cross Back Adjustable Apron This one looks baller. Same price range. $26
Griddle Smith Verdict: Optional
What next?
I’ll keep my eyes out for new accessories and post updated lists of essential griddle accessories as I give them a go. If you feel like your griddle seems underutilized, consider whether one of the accessories on this page would get you past that rut your’e in. It might make all the difference.