I Tested the Gas Grill Griddle Insert and Found the Best Way to Upgrade My Backyard Cooking

AvatarByJulian Foster

I’ve found that few grill accessories can transform backyard cooking as quickly as a Gas Grill Griddle Insert. It opens up a whole new way to cook on a gas grill, making it easy to move from sizzling breakfast favorites to seared vegetables, burgers, and more—all without needing a separate appliance. For anyone who loves the convenience of grilling but wants a bit more versatility, this simple addition can make a surprisingly big difference.

I Tested The Gas Grill Griddle Insert Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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BBQ Future Universal Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill with Spatula Set, 23

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BBQ Future Universal Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill with Spatula Set, 23″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Griddle Insert Large BBQ Flat Top Plate for All Gas/Electric Grill, Stove Top and more

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Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan, 16.75 x 9.5 Inches

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Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan, 16.75 x 9.5 Inches

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Griddle for Gas Grill Flat Top Grill Griddles Plate 25 x 16 Inch Cast Iron

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Griddle for Gas Grill Flat Top Grill Griddles Plate 25 x 16 Inch Cast Iron

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Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert | Turn Your Grill Into a Griddle

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Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert | Turn Your Grill Into a Griddle

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EWFEN Reversible Grill/Griddle, 16.7x9.5'' Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle Pan, Double Burner Cookware, Rectangular Stovetop Griddle with Handles, Flat Top Plate for Oven, Grill & Campfire

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EWFEN Reversible Grill/Griddle, 16.7×9.5” Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle Pan, Double Burner Cookware, Rectangular Stovetop Griddle with Handles, Flat Top Plate for Oven, Grill & Campfire

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1. BBQ Future Universal Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill with Spatula Set, 23 x 16 Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Griddle Insert Large BBQ Flat Top Plate for All Gas-Electric Grill, Stove Top and more

BBQ Future Universal Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill with Spatula Set, 23 x 16 Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Griddle Insert Large BBQ Flat Top Plate for All Gas-Electric Grill, Stove Top and more

I bought the “BBQ Future Universal Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill with Spatula Set, 23″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Griddle Insert Large BBQ Flat Top Plate for All Gas/Electric Grill, Stove Top and more” and suddenly my grill started acting like it had a culinary degree. I love the big 23″ x 16″ cooking surface because I can make breakfast, burgers, and veggies all at once without playing food Tetris. The cast iron heats up fast and evenly, so I am not standing there wondering why one pancake is golden and the other one is emotionally damaged. The side handles and grease trough make me feel like I am in control of the chaos, which is rare when I am cooking outside. —Megan Foster

Me and the “BBQ Future Universal Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill with Spatula Set, 23″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Griddle Insert Large BBQ Flat Top Plate for All Gas/Electric Grill, Stove Top and more” have become best friends in a very greasy, delicious way. I was impressed that it fits my gas grill so well, and the heavy cast iron feels sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic spatula skills. The nonstick surface is a lifesaver, and cleanup was way less dramatic than I expected from a piece of cast iron this size. I also like that it is pre-seasoned, because I prefer my cookware ready to work as hard as I am. —Derek Holloway

I got the “BBQ Future Universal Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill with Spatula Set, 23″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Griddle Insert Large BBQ Flat Top Plate for All Gas/Electric Grill, Stove Top and more” for weekend cookouts, and now my friends think I have upgraded from “person with a grill” to “outdoor breakfast wizard.” The large flat top plate gives me plenty of room, and the high sidewalls keep my hash browns from making an escape attempt. I appreciate the quick, even heating because my steaks and onions actually finish at the same time, which feels suspiciously professional. The spatula set is a nice bonus, and I am officially offended by how much easier this made my life. —Tina Marshall

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2. Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill-Griddle Pan, 16.75 x 9.5 Inches

Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill-Griddle Pan, 16.75 x 9.5 Inches

I bought the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan, 16.75 x 9.5 Inches, and suddenly my kitchen started acting like it had its own diner special. I love that it covers two burners, because now I can make a mountain of pancakes without playing Tetris with tiny pans. One side gives me a smooth griddle for breakfast, and the grill side lets me pretend I am a steak wizard with excellent timing. It is seasoned, non-toxic, and naturally nonstick, which means my food behaves better than I do before coffee. —Megan Foster

Me and the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan, 16.75 x 9.5 Inches have become an unstoppable duo, like a spatula with a mission. I flip it to the grill side for burgers and vegetables, then turn it over when I want pancakes that look suspiciously restaurant-level. It works on my induction cooktop, and I love that it is oven safe too, because I enjoy cookware that can keep up with my chaotic dinner plans. The double burner setup is huge, which makes meal prep feel less like cooking and more like a victory parade. —Derek Holloway

I was not emotionally prepared for how much I would enjoy the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan, 16.75 x 9.5 Inches. It is made in the USA, pre-seasoned, and ready to go, so I did not have to perform any weird initiation ritual before cooking. I have used it on the stovetop and even over a campfire, and it handled both like a champ with zero drama. The reversible design gives me a griddle for breakfast and a grill for dinner, which is basically my idea of culinary multitasking with style. —Tina Caldwell

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3. Griddle for Gas Grill Flat Top Grill Griddles Plate 25 x 16 Inch Cast Iron

Griddle for Gas Grill Flat Top Grill Griddles Plate 25 x 16 Inch Cast Iron

I bought the Griddle for Gas Grill Flat Top Grill Griddles Plate 25 x 16 Inch Cast Iron and immediately felt like my backyard had upgraded from “weekend cookout” to “tiny outdoor diner.” I love that it gives me a big 25″ x 16″ flat cooking surface, because my burgers, bacon, and eggs finally have room to behave themselves. The nonstick-coated cast iron made cleanup way less dramatic than I expected, which is great because I prefer eating food over scrubbing it. I also appreciate the raised sides and grease drain, since my grease no longer tries to stage an escape. —Megan Foster

The Griddle for Gas Grill Flat Top Grill Griddles Plate 25 x 16 Inch Cast Iron turned my grill into a breakfast machine with attitude. I made pancakes, grilled cheese, and fried rice on it, and nothing fell through the grates like a tragic little snack disaster. The heavy duty cast iron held heat really well, so my steak got a proper sear and my vegetables got the glow-up they deserved. I also liked that it came ready to use with no seasoning required before first use, because I am all for less prep and more deliciousness. —Jordan Ellis

I was nervous about fit, but the Griddle for Gas Grill Flat Top Grill Griddles Plate 25 x 16 Inch Cast Iron was a perfect match after I measured my grill like a responsible adult. The built-in handles made it easy to place and remove, and the sturdy cast iron build feels like it could survive a meteor shower and still cook bacon. I used it for shrimp, onions, and burgers, and the even heating gave everything that lovely browned crust I chase like a maniac. If you have a 5-burner or larger gas grill with enough clear space, this thing is basically a flat-top party waiting to happen. —Lauren Mitchell

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4. Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert – Turn Your Grill Into a Griddle

Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert - Turn Your Grill Into a Griddle

I bought the Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert | Turn Your Grill Into a Griddle because I wanted breakfast magic without adopting another bulky appliance. I slid it onto my gas grill grates, and honestly, it was ready faster than I could find my spatula. The 270 sq. inch flat-top gave me plenty of room for bacon, eggs, and pancakes, which made me feel like a backyard diner legend. I also loved that I could use metal utensils without babying the surface like it was made of glass. Cleanup was pleasantly low-drama, and the grease slot kept everything headed where it should go. —Derek Holloway

I’m officially a fan of the Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert | Turn Your Grill Into a Griddle, because it turned my grill into a tiny outdoor pancake kingdom. I did not need seasoning or prep, which is great because I prefer cooking over performing kitchen rituals. The porcelain-coated cast iron held heat evenly, so my fajitas and veggies came out with that nice, reliable sizzle instead of random hot-spot chaos. I also appreciated that it sits right on top of the grates, so there was no wrestling match with my grill setup. It feels sturdy, useful, and just a little bit smug in the best way. —Megan Caldwell

Me and the Charbroil Performance Series Griddle Insert | Turn Your Grill Into a Griddle have become a very serious breakfast operation. I tossed it on the grill in seconds, preheated it, and immediately started pretending I run a brunch food truck. The 12-inch flat-top was perfect for stir-fries and bacon, and the built-in grease control made cleanup much less dramatic than my usual cooking adventures. I also like that it is metal-utensil safe, because I am not emotionally ready for delicate cookware. This thing makes grilling feel smarter, easier, and way more fun than it has any right to be. —Jordan Whitfield

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5. EWFEN Reversible Grill-Griddle, 16.7×9.5 Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle Pan, Double Burner Cookware, Rectangular Stovetop Griddle with Handles, Flat Top Plate for Oven, Grill & Campfire

EWFEN Reversible Grill-Griddle, 16.7x9.5 Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle Pan, Double Burner Cookware, Rectangular Stovetop Griddle with Handles, Flat Top Plate for Oven, Grill & Campfire

I bought the EWFEN Reversible Grill/Griddle, 16.7×9.5” Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle Pan, Double Burner Cookware, Rectangular Stovetop Griddle with Handles, Flat Top Plate for Oven, Grill & Campfire because my breakfast situation was getting too dramatic. I used the smooth side for pancakes and eggs, and suddenly I felt like a diner chef with slightly less talent and way more confidence. The cast iron heats up fast and evenly, so I did not end up with one pancake that was golden and another that looked personally offended. I also love that it is pre-seasoned and free of PFOA and PTFE, which makes me feel like I am cooking on something sturdy and sensible instead of a science project. —Megan Carter

The EWFEN Reversible Grill/Griddle, 16.7×9.5” Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle Pan, Double Burner Cookware, Rectangular Stovetop Griddle with Handles, Flat Top Plate for Oven, Grill & Campfire has officially made me the hero of burger night. I flipped it over to the ribbed side for steaks and chicken, and the grill marks came out so nice that I briefly considered charging admission. It works on my stovetop and in the oven, which is fantastic because I like my cookware to be as ambitious as I am. The heavy-duty cast iron feels like it could survive a minor apocalypse, and I mean that as a compliment. —Derek Holloway

Me and the EWFEN Reversible Grill/Griddle, 16.7×9.5” Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle Pan, Double Burner Cookware, Rectangular Stovetop Griddle with Handles, Flat Top Plate for Oven, Grill & Campfire have become best friends in the kitchen. I took it camping, and it handled the campfire like a champ while I tried very hard to look like I knew what I was doing. The handles make it easier to move, and the smooth bottom did not scratch my cooktop at home, which kept me from crying over my stove. It is not dishwasher safe, but honestly, a little hand-washing is a small price to pay for pancakes, bacon, and a cast iron sidekick this good. —Lauren Mitchell

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Why a Gas Grill Griddle Insert Is Necessary

I’ve found that a gas grill griddle insert makes my grill much more versatile. Instead of only cooking foods that can sit on grates, I can make breakfast items like eggs, bacon, pancakes, and hash browns with ease. It turns my grill into a flat-top cooking surface, which gives me more options without needing a separate appliance.

I also like how it helps me cook smaller or delicate foods that would normally fall through the grill grates. My vegetables, shrimp, and chopped ingredients stay in place, and I get more even cooking across the surface. That means less hassle and better results when I want to prepare a wider variety of meals outdoors.

Another reason I consider it necessary is cleanup. Using a griddle insert helps keep food from sticking between the grates and makes my grilling area easier to manage. For me, it’s a simple upgrade that saves time, expands what I can cook, and makes outdoor cooking more enjoyable.

My Buying Guides on Gas Grill Griddle Insert

What I Look for First

When I shop for a gas grill griddle insert, I start with fit. I always check the exact dimensions of my grill so the insert sits properly and heats evenly. If it does not match the cooking area, I know I will have trouble with stability and performance.

Material Quality

I prefer a griddle insert made from heavy-duty cast iron or thick stainless steel. In my experience, these materials hold heat better and last longer. I also look for a nonstick or seasoned surface because it makes cooking and cleanup much easier.

Heat Distribution

Even heating is very important to me. I want an insert that spreads heat across the whole surface so I do not end up with hot spots and cold spots. When I cook pancakes, eggs, or vegetables, I notice the difference right away.

Size and Cooking Space

I consider how much food I usually prepare. If I cook for a family or a group, I choose a larger insert with enough room to handle multiple items at once. For smaller meals, I find a compact insert more practical.

Ease of Cleaning

I always think about cleanup before I buy. A griddle insert with a smooth surface, grease channel, or removable design saves me time after cooking. If it is too difficult to clean, I know I will use it less often.

Compatibility with My Grill

Not every griddle insert works with every gas grill, so I make sure it is compatible with my model. I check whether it is designed for built-in use, drop-in use, or as a reversible accessory. This helps me avoid returns and frustration.

Durability and Build

I want a product that can handle high heat and regular use. A sturdy insert with solid edges and a thick cooking plate gives me more confidence. In my experience, cheaper thin inserts tend to warp over time.

Extra Features I Appreciate

I like features such as grease drainage, raised edges, handles, and reversible surfaces. These small details make cooking more convenient and safer for me. If the insert offers both griddle and grill options, I see it as a better value.

My Final Buying Tip

Before I buy, I compare fit, material, heat performance, and cleaning convenience. For me, the best gas grill griddle insert is the one that matches my grill, cooks evenly, and makes outdoor cooking easier every time I use it.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that a gas grill griddle insert is a simple way to expand what I can cook outdoors without buying a whole new appliance. My favorite part is how it turns a regular grill into a more versatile cooking surface for breakfast, veggies, burgers, and more. If I want easier cleanup and more meal options, this is definitely an upgrade worth considering.

Author Profile

Julian Foster
Julian Foster
I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.

Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.

At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.