A griddle insert can help you cook foods that are awkward on open grill grates, from eggs and pancakes to chopped vegetables and stir-fries. The right choice depends on your grill’s size and model, the insert’s material, and how you want to handle grease and storage. Below, we compare five options, including grill-specific inserts and more flexible pans, so you can find the best griddle accessory for your gas grill.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Material | Best For | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Rust-Resistant Griddle Insert | Pre-seasoned carbon steel | Compatible Weber grills | Designed to cover the grill’s full cooking surface |
| Char-Broil Performance Series Griddle Insert | Porcelain-coated cast iron | Quick, compact griddle cooking | 270-square-inch surface sits on grill grates |
| Unidanho Cast Iron Griddle | Cast iron | Grill, stove, and outdoor cooking | 13-by-17-inch pan with side handles |
| Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert | Stainless steel | Compatible Napoleon grills | Large 26-by-16-inch cooking area |
| onlyfire Universal Stainless Steel Griddle | Stainless steel | Larger grills needing a flexible fit | 23-by-16-inch surface with removable handles |
Our Picks: Best Griddle Accessory For Gas Grill reviews
Weber Griddle Insert: A Full-Surface Fit for Select Weber Grills
This Weber insert is made to turn the cooking area on select Spirit gas grills into a flat-top surface. It is also listed as compatible with Searwood pellet grills, so it may suit households that use more than one type of outdoor cooker. Because the fit depends on the specific grill model and generation, check the compatibility details before ordering.
The pre-seasoned carbon-steel surface is ready to use without seasoning it first. Its full-surface design offers more room than a small grill-top pan, while raised edges help contain food, oil, and seasonings. The insert is also designed to direct grease into the grill’s existing collection system, which can make cleanup less messy.
Thicker carbon steel is intended to hold heat evenly and resist warping. That can be useful when you’re cooking several batches or want a consistent surface for browning and sautéing. The main trade-off is that a full-size insert requires more storage space than a compact griddle, and the optional storage bag is sold separately.
Pros:
- Pre-seasoned and ready to cook on out of the box
- Designed to cover the full cooking surface of compatible grills
- Rimmed edges and grease management help contain mess
- Thick carbon steel is designed for even heat and warp resistance
Cons:
- Compatibility is limited to specific grill models and generations
- Large size may take more room to store; storage bag is sold separately
Verdict: Choose the Weber if you own a compatible grill and want a ready-to-use insert that replaces most or all of its grilling surface with a griddle.
Char-Broil Performance Series: A Compact Griddle That Sits on the Grates
This Char-Broil insert rests on top of your grill grates instead of replacing them. Its advertised 270-square-inch cooking surface is intended for foods like bacon, eggs, pancakes, fajitas, and chopped vegetables. The smaller format can be handy when you want to griddle part of a meal while keeping the rest of the grill available for direct-grate cooking.
The porcelain-coated cast iron is designed to retain steady heat and provide natural nonstick performance. The listing says the insert needs no seasoning or other prep: place it on the grates, preheat, and cook. A grease slot directs drippings toward the grill’s grease system, and the surface is described as suitable for metal utensils.
Unlike a fitted, full-surface insert, this model’s position and usable area depend on the size and layout of your grill grates. It is a practical pick for flexible cooking, but may not provide enough space if you want a large flat-top area for several people at once.
Pros:
- Sets on top of the grill grates for a simple setup
- No seasoning or prep is required before use
- Porcelain-coated cast iron is designed for steady heat
- Grease slot helps guide drippings toward the grill’s collection system
Cons:
- Offers less cooking area than the full-surface inserts
- Fit and usable space depend on your grill grate layout
Verdict: The Char-Broil is a good option if you want a straightforward, smaller griddle area without giving up the rest of your grill grates.
Unidanho Cast Iron Griddle: A Heavy-Duty Pan for Multiple Cooking Setups
The Unidanho is a 13-by-17-inch cast-iron pan intended for gas grills, stovetops, camping, and other outdoor cooking. Its compact footprint makes it more adaptable than a full-width insert, though it covers less of the grill. You can use it for smaller batches of seared food, breakfast, or vegetables while leaving some grates exposed.
Cast iron is valued for retaining heat, and this model has a reinforced X-shaped base that is intended to help resist warping. A built-in grease channel collects excess drippings, while the side handles make it easier to move the pan. As with other heavy cast-iron cookware, use care when lifting it, especially when hot.
This is the most flexible choice in the group for people who want a pan that can work beyond the grill. Its smaller size and heavier material are the main trade-offs: it won’t provide the wide, continuous surface of the Weber or Napoleon inserts, and it may be less convenient to handle than a lighter pan.
Pros:
- Can be used on a gas grill, stovetop, or for outdoor cooking
- Cast iron is designed to retain heat for searing and browning
- Grease channel helps collect drippings
- Side handles and reinforced base add practical features
Cons:
- Smaller cooking area than full-size inserts
- Cast iron can be heavy to lift and reposition
Verdict: Pick the Unidanho if you value a multi-use cast-iron pan more than a grill-specific, full-width cooking surface.
Napoleon Stainless Steel Insert: A Large Surface for Specific Grill Models
This Napoleon insert offers a broad 26-by-16-inch cooking surface for griddling, searing, sautéing, and stir-frying. Its stainless-steel construction is described as thick and designed to deliver consistent heat. The large format is useful if you want to cook several ingredients at once instead of working in batches on a smaller pan.
There is an important compatibility detail to confirm before you buy. The product title and description list different grill models, so do not assume that every Prestige, Rogue, or built-in grill will fit. Check the exact model information on the product listing and compare it with your grill before ordering.
The supplied product information marks this item as unavailable, so it may not be a practical immediate purchase. If the listing becomes available, its size and grill-specific design make it most appealing to owners who have confirmed a compatible model and want a broad, fitted surface.
Pros:
- Large 26-by-16-inch cooking area
- Stainless-steel construction is designed for consistent heat
- Made for quick installation and removal
- Suitable for several styles of flat-top cooking
Cons:
- Product information gives conflicting compatibility details
- Listing is marked unavailable in the supplied product data
Verdict: Consider the Napoleon only if the listing is available and you can confirm an exact fit for your grill; otherwise, a clearly compatible option is a safer choice.
onlyfire Universal Stainless Steel Griddle: A Wide Pan with Removable Handles
The onlyfire griddle measures 23 by 16 inches and is described as fitting most gas grills with a larger cooking area. Unlike a model shaped for one grill line, this pan may be a useful choice if you want a broad surface but need more flexibility. Measure your grill’s grate area before buying, since “universal” does not guarantee a fit on every grill.
The stainless-steel surface has raised sides to help keep food on the pan, and a grease trough collects drippings. Its underside has a wavy, open design intended to support airflow and even heating. The handles detach for easier storage and carrying, though you will need to secure them properly when moving the griddle.
This insert is a middle ground between a small pan and a full-grill replacement. It offers plenty of room for a mixed meal, but its fit is less certain than a model made for a specific grill. It is also worth checking the product instructions for care and heating guidance before first use.
Pros:
- Large 23-by-16-inch cooking surface
- Removable handles can make storage easier
- Raised edges help contain food while cooking
- Grease trough collects drippings
Cons:
- “Universal” fit still needs to be checked against your grill dimensions
- Does not provide the same grill-specific fit as a compatible brand insert
Verdict: The onlyfire is a versatile pick for a larger grill if its dimensions suit your grate area and you want removable handles for storage.
How to Choose a Griddle Accessory for a Gas Grill
Check the Fit Before Comparing Features
Start with your grill’s make, model, and cooking area. A fitted insert may cover more surface and sit more securely, but it usually works only with specific grills. A pan described as universal offers more flexibility, yet you still need to compare its dimensions with the usable space on your grates. Confirm the fit details on the product listing before ordering.
Choose the Right Cooking Area
Think about what you plan to cook and how many people you usually feed. A smaller griddle can handle breakfast or a side dish while leaving room for food on the grates. A larger insert is more useful for cooking several portions at once, but it can take up more space and may leave no exposed grates for other foods.
Consider the Material and Heat Needs
Carbon steel and cast iron are designed to retain heat, which can help with browning and searing. Stainless steel is used in several of the larger options here. The material can affect weight, care, and handling, so consider how often you’ll move the insert and whether you prefer a pre-seasoned surface or one that needs specific care. Follow the maker’s instructions for heating and cleaning.
Look for a Grease-Management Design
Flat-top cooking can produce oil and drippings that need somewhere to go. Some of these inserts have a grease slot, channel, or trough intended to collect or direct drippings. Check how that system works with your grill’s grease tray, and avoid overfilling the cooking surface with oil or food.
Think About Storage and Handling
A full-size griddle can be awkward to store, while a smaller pan may fit more easily in a cabinet or garage shelf. Removable handles can help with storage, and fixed handles can make carrying easier. Remember that cast iron can be heavy, and any griddle may remain hot after cooking. Use suitable protection and allow it to cool before moving or storing it.
Decide Whether You Want a Dedicated or Multi-Use Pan
A grill-specific insert is a strong choice if you want a close fit and plan to leave the accessory dedicated to that grill. A smaller cast-iron pan may be more useful if you also want to cook on a stove or take it camping. Consider how you will use the griddle most often rather than choosing only by surface area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a griddle insert on any gas grill?
No. Some inserts are made for particular grill models, while others are sold as universal or broadly compatible. Even a universal model has size limits, so measure your grill and confirm the listing’s compatibility details.
Can I keep grill grates under a griddle insert?
Several products in this guide are designed to sit on top of grill grates, including the Char-Broil insert. Other inserts are made for a more specific fit. Follow the product instructions and make sure the accessory sits securely before heating it.
Which griddle material holds heat well?
The carbon-steel and cast-iron models in this guide are designed to retain heat. The best choice depends on your preferred care routine, the pan’s weight, and whether you need an insert made for a particular grill.
Do griddle inserts need seasoning?
It depends on the product. The Weber is listed as pre-seasoned, while the Char-Broil is described as ready to use without seasoning or prep. Check the instructions for any other model before its first use.
How do I avoid grease buildup or flare-ups?
Use the griddle’s grease channel or collection slot if it has one, and check that it directs drippings toward the grill’s grease system. Clean the grease collection area as instructed by the grill maker, and avoid letting grease accumulate during cooking.
Which option is best if I want to use the pan away from my grill?
The Unidanho cast-iron griddle is described for use on gas grills, stovetops, camping, and other outdoor cooking. Confirm that it suits your intended cooking surface and follow the product’s care guidance.
Final Recommendation
For owners of a compatible Weber grill who want a large, ready-to-use surface, the Weber insert is the strongest all-around fit in this selection. The Char-Broil is a sensible alternative for a smaller griddle area that leaves some grill grates available, while the Unidanho stands out for multi-use cooking. If you choose a universal or grill-specific insert, measure carefully and confirm compatibility before you buy.