Grilling & Outdoor Cooking

Weber, Nexgrill or Any Grill: The Best Gas Grill Griddle Insert

The griddle inserts worth buying for Weber Spirit and Genesis, Monument, Nexgrill and Weber Q grills, plus universal plates that sit on any grates.

A cook tending sausages and sliced vegetables on a flat griddle plate set on a black gas grill outdoors
A flat griddle plate on a gas grill, with sausages and vegetables cooking side by side.

A griddle insert turns the gas grill you already own into a flat top. Lift out the grates, drop in a steel or cast iron plate, and the same burners that sear steak now cook fajita vegetables, smash burgers, eggs and a stack of tortillas without anything falling through the bars. It costs a fraction of a dedicated outdoor griddle and stores in a cupboard.

The catch is fit. A full-size insert is cut for one family of grills and sits on the grate ledges where the grates used to be; a universal plate sits on top of the grates instead. This guide sorts the inserts worth buying by the grill they fit, including the Weber, Monument and Nexgrill models from our gas grill guide, and explains what to check before you order.

Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.

Quick verdict: which griddle insert to buy

If you own a three-burner Weber Spirit from 2016 or later, the best gas grill griddle insert is Weber’s own Rust-Resistant Griddle Insert: pre-seasoned carbon steel that replaces every grate and drains into the grill’s grease system. Owners of a current Weber Genesis should buy the Weber Crafted Large Griddle with its frame kit. For any other grill, or if you are not sure of your model, the Lodge XL Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle sits on top of the grates and works on the stove too.

Not sure which grill you have, or still shopping for one? Our guide to the best gas grill compares Weber, Monument, Nexgrill, Charbroil and Royal Gourmet models, two of which already come with a griddle option built in.

Five griddle inserts at a glance

Five standout inserts, one for each kind of grill owner, with the fit each maker or listing states. All eight are reviewed in full below.

Griddle insert Best for Material & size Fits (per maker or listing) Buy on Amazon
Weber Spirit owners Carbon steel, full grill width Spirit 3-burner 2016–2024, Spirit 4-burner 2025+, Searwood View on Amazon
Current Genesis owners Uncoated carbon steel, Crafted large size 2022+ Genesis 325s models with Crafted frame kit View on Amazon
Any gas grill, plus the stove Cast iron, 16.75 x 11.5 inches Sits on the grates; any grill with room View on Amazon
Three- and four-burner grills, crowds Stainless steel, 23 x 16 inches (title) Gas and charcoal grills, on the grates View on Amazon
Portable grills, tailgating Cast iron, 12.6 x 8.6 inches Weber Q100, Q120, Q1000, Q1200 View on Amazon

Product images from Amazon. Fit is as stated by each maker or Amazon listing; check your grill’s model number before you buy.

Our picks for the best gas grill griddle insert

These eight inserts fall into two groups. Model-specific inserts replace some or all of your grates and sit where the grates sat, so the plate is level and the grease runs into the grill’s own tray. Universal plates sit on top of the grates of almost any grill and move between grills and the stove, at the cost of a less exact fit. We have left out picks from our best cast iron griddle and best plancha grill guides, which already cover the Lodge Double Play, Cuisinart, Camp Chef, Napoleon, Made In and GGC stainless plates.

1. Weber Rust-Resistant Griddle Insert for Spirit – The Whole Grill Becomes a Griddle

Best overallWeber® Rust‑Resistant Griddle Insert

Weber’s own full-size insert for its most common grill. It replaces every cooking grate on the grill with one carbon steel plate, so the whole cooking area becomes a flat top, and Weber says it is engineered to work with the grill’s existing grease collection system so drippings go where the grill already sends them.

The fit is specific, so read it carefully. Weber’s listing (model 6787) says it fits Spirit four-burner gas grills made since 2025, Spirit and Spirit II three-burner gas grills made from 2016 to 2024, and Searwood pellet grills. It does not fit the two-burner Spirit, such as the Spirit E-210 in our gas grill guide; Weber’s insert for the smaller Spirit is porcelain-enameled cast iron and was in short supply when we checked, so two-burner owners should look at the universal picks below.

The plate arrives pre-seasoned and ready to use, according to Weber, with rimmed edges to keep food and oil in place. The listing size is 22.7 x 17.3 inches, and Weber says the thick steel avoids warping compared with thinner griddle plates. Carbon steel has no coating, so metal spatulas and scrapers are fine, and it builds seasoning the more you cook on it. Weber sells a storage bag for it separately.

For a Mexican cookout, this is the setup that handles everything at once: skirt steak and onions at one end, peppers in the middle, and tortillas warming at the cooler edge. Our guide on how to eat fajitas covers what goes in the tortilla.

Why we like it

  • Made by Weber for the Spirit, so it sits level on the grate ledges
  • Drains into the grill’s own grease system, per Weber
  • Pre-seasoned carbon steel, no coating to chip
  • Converts the full grilling area
  • Two-year warranty, per the listing

Key specifications

Model 6787
Fits Spirit 4-burner (2025+), Spirit and Spirit II 3-burner (2016–2024), Searwood pellet grills
Material Carbon steel
Size 22.7 x 17.3 x 1.2 inches (listing)
Coverage Full grilling surface, replaces the grates
Finish Pre-seasoned, no coating
Grease handling Feeds the grill’s grease system; rimmed edges
Care Not stated on the listing; keep seasoned like any carbon steel

Why we recommend it

It suits Spirit owners who want a true full-size flat top without buying a second outdoor cooker, and who would rather have the grill maker’s exact fit than a near-fit.

Skip it if you have a two-burner Spirit or any non-Weber grill; it is cut for the models Weber lists and nothing else.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Exact fit from the grill’s maker
  • Full-width cooking surface
  • Metal-tool safe

Cons

  • Does not fit two-burner Spirits
  • Large and heavy to store; weight not stated
  • Storage bag costs extra

Check price on Amazon

2. Weber Crafted Large Rust-Resistant Griddle – Built for the New Genesis

Best for Weber GenesisWeber Crafted® Large Rust-Resistant Griddle. Gourmet Grilling

Current Weber Genesis grills, including the Genesis E-325 in our gas grill guide, are built for Weber Crafted, a system of cooking inserts that drop into a frame in place of one cooking grate. This is the large Crafted griddle: a carbon steel plate that takes over part of the grill while the rest keeps its grates.

Weber’s listing (model 3400843) says it works with 2022 Genesis E-325s, EX-325s, S-325s and SX-325s grills with the addition of the Weber Crafted Frame Kit, and with Genesis gas grills from 2016 on, Spirit gas grills from 2016 on, Searwood and SmokeFire pellet grills and Smoque pellet smokers when used with the frame kit and matching Weber Crafted cooking grates. The frame kit (model 7677) is sold separately and was in stock. Weber says the griddle uses no coatings, so metal tools are fine, and calls the carbon steel “ready, not rusty”.

The appeal is that you do not lose your grill. With the griddle in the frame on one side, the other side still sears over the grates, which is the half-and-half setup a taco night needs: carne asada on the grates and onions, peppers and tortillas on the steel. Owners of a 2016 to 2021 Genesis or Genesis II 300 series who would rather have a full-width plate can look at Weber’s separate full-size insert for those grills (model 6788), which Weber lists for Genesis and Genesis II 300 series grills from 2016 on and Summit grills from 2024 on.

Why we like it

  • Made for Weber’s Crafted frame, so it sits level and secure
  • Leaves the other side of the grill free for searing
  • No coating; metal tools are fine, per Weber
  • Fits a long list of Weber gas and pellet grills with the frame kit

Key specifications

Model 3400843 (needs Crafted Frame Kit 7677)
Fits 2022+ Genesis E/EX/S/SX-325s with frame kit; 2016+ Genesis and Spirit, Searwood, SmokeFire, Smoque with frame kit and Crafted grates
Material Carbon steel
Size Crafted large; dimensions not stated
Coverage Part of the grill, in the Crafted frame
Finish Uncoated, rust-resistant carbon steel
Grease handling Not stated
Care Not stated

Why we recommend it

It suits owners of a current Genesis who want a griddle and a grill at the same time, using the system their grill was designed around.

Skip it if your grill is not Crafted-ready and you do not want to buy the frame kit and Crafted grates as well; the cost adds up.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Grill and griddle at once
  • Made by Weber for the Genesis
  • Uncoated, metal-tool safe

Cons

  • Needs the frame kit, sold separately
  • Dimensions not stated on the listing
  • Older grills also need Crafted grates

Check price on Amazon

Pieces of chicken steaming on a hot black flat-top griddle next to a metal spatula
Chicken steaming on a hot flat top, with a spatula ready to turn it.

3. Stanbroil Stainless Steel Griddle Insert for Weber Spirit 300/400 – Stainless Instead of Seasoning

Best stainless for WeberStanbroil Stainless Steel Griddle Insert for Weber Spirit 300/400 Grills

Stanbroil makes replacement parts for Weber and other grill brands, and this is its full-size stainless steel insert for the Spirit. It is listed as a replacement for Weber’s 6787 insert above, so it covers the same full cooking area, but in stainless steel rather than carbon steel.

The listing (model L020-3-SS) gives a long fit list: Spirit I and II 300 series from 2007 to 2024 (including the Spirit E/SP-310, E/S-315, E/SP-320, E/SP-330 and Spirit II E/S-310 and E/S-320) and Spirit 400 series grills from 2025, plus the Spirit 700, the Genesis Silver, Gold and Platinum B and C, and the Genesis 1000 to 3500. That reaches further back than Weber’s own insert, which matters if your Spirit is older than 2016. The listing size is 23.4 x 17.3 inches, with a grease drain hole and side handles.

Stainless steel will not rust the way bare carbon steel can if it is left wet, which is the main reason to choose it. Stanbroil describes the surface as non-stick; in practice stainless releases food best when it is fully preheated and lightly oiled, and it does not build seasoning the way carbon steel does.

Why we like it

  • Stainless steel resists rust
  • Fits Spirit 300 grills back to 2007, per the listing
  • Full-size surface with a grease drain hole
  • Side handles for lifting it out

Key specifications

Model L020-3-SS
Fits Spirit I/II 300 (2007–2024), Spirit 400 (2025), Spirit 700, older Genesis (listing)
Material Stainless steel
Size 23.4 x 17.3 x 1.6 inches (listing)
Coverage Full grilling surface, replaces the grates
Finish Bare stainless
Grease handling Grease drain hole
Care Not stated

Why we recommend it

It suits Spirit owners, especially with a pre-2016 grill, who want a full-size flat top and would rather not keep a carbon steel plate oiled against rust.

Skip it if you want the easiest release for eggs and pancakes; seasoned carbon steel is more forgiving than stainless.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • No seasoning to maintain
  • Covers older Spirits too
  • Full-size surface

Cons

  • Third-party fit, not Weber’s own
  • Food sticks more if not preheated
  • Warranty not stated

Check price on Amazon

4. Lodge XL Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle, 16.75 x 11.5-inch – Fits Any Grill, and the Stove

Best for any grillLodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan XL

When you cannot find an insert cut for your grill, or you want one plate for the grill and the kitchen, a reversible cast iron griddle that sits on top of the grates is the simple answer. This is Lodge’s XL version: 16.75 x 11.5 inches, two inches wider than the standard Lodge Double Play that appears in our cast iron griddle guide, so it covers more of the grill.

The listing (model LTPPLT) describes a flat griddle side for pancakes and a ribbed grill side for searing, pre-seasoned cast iron that Lodge calls naturally nonstick and PFAS-free, and use on any cooktop including induction, as well as on a grill or a campfire. It is oven safe and made in the USA, per the listing. Weight is not stated, but cast iron of this size is heavy, so lift it with both hands and gloves.

On a gas grill, set it across two burners on top of the grates and preheat with the lid closed; cast iron takes a while to heat through and then holds that heat well. It is a good fit for a two-burner grill like the Weber Spirit E-210, where no full-size Weber carbon steel insert exists. In the kitchen, the flat side works as a two-burner comal for tortillas; see our guide to the best comal for tortillas for how to use it.

Why we like it

  • Works on any grill with room on the grates
  • Flat and ribbed sides in one plate
  • Pre-seasoned, PFAS-free cast iron, per the listing
  • Also works on the stove, including induction
  • Made in the USA

Key specifications

Model LTPPLT
Fits Sits on the grates of any grill; any stovetop, oven, campfire
Material Cast iron
Size 16.75 x 11.5 inches
Coverage About two burners, on top of the grates
Finish Pre-seasoned with oil, no coating
Grease handling Not stated
Care Not stated on the listing; hand wash, dry and oil as for any Lodge cast iron

Why we recommend it

It suits owners of grills without a dedicated insert, two-burner grills, and anyone who wants the same plate indoors and out.

Skip it if you want a full-width flat top; this covers part of the grill and sits higher than a true insert.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fits nearly any grill
  • Reversible
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Heavy; weight not stated
  • Slow to preheat
  • No grease channel stated

Check price on Amazon

5. onlyfire Stainless Steel Griddle and Tool Kit, 23 x 16-inch – A Big Plate With Tools in the Box

Best for big grillsonlyfire Stainless Steel Griddle and Cooking Tool Kit

onlyfire makes grill accessories and replacement parts, and this kit pairs a large stainless steel griddle plate with the tools to use it: a scraper, a spatula and three scouring pads with a handle. The plate sits on top of the grates of a gas or charcoal grill, per the listing.

The listing title gives the plate as 23 x 16 inches, which covers most of a three- or four-burner grill. The package dimensions in the same listing read 23.8 x 12.1 x 3.5 inches, so the exact cooking area is not clear; measure your grate area before ordering. The handles on both sides detach for storage, and onlyfire says the stainless steel is rust- and corrosion-resistant.

A plate this size is what you want for a crowd: a dozen smash burgers, a full tray of fajita vegetables, or breakfast tacos for the whole family. The included fiber pads are meant to clean the plate without scratching it, according to the listing. Our best outdoor griddle accessories guide covers sturdier spatulas and squeeze bottles if you want to upgrade the tools later.

Why we like it

  • Large stainless plate for three- and four-burner grills
  • Scraper, spatula and scouring pads included
  • Detachable handles for storage
  • Works on gas and charcoal grills, per the listing

Key specifications

Model F-BGG8292-SS1
Fits Gas and charcoal grills, on top of the grates
Material Stainless steel
Size 23 x 16 inches (title); listing size field 23.8 x 12.1 x 3.5 inches
Coverage Most of a 3–4 burner grill
Finish Bare stainless
Grease handling Not stated
Care Included fiber pads; avoid scratching

Why we recommend it

It suits owners of larger grills who cook for groups and want a big flat top plus basic tools in one purchase.

Skip it if your grill is a compact two-burner; a plate this size may not leave room for the lid to close or for heat to circulate.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Big cooking area
  • Tools included
  • No seasoning needed

Cons

  • Listing dimensions are inconsistent
  • Grease handling not stated
  • Stainless needs a full preheat for easy release

Check price on Amazon

A spatula lifting a burger patty over flames on the grates of a black gas grill
Burgers over open flames on gas grill grates.

6. Monument Grills A005 Reversible Cast Iron Cooking Plate – Made for the Mesa

Best for Monument MesaMonument Grills 16.34" x 9.45" A005 Reversible Cast Iron Cooking Plate for Monument 14633

Monument Grills’ own reversible plate, sized to drop into its grills in place of a section of grate. Our gas grill guide recommends two Monument Mesa grills, and this is the griddle plate Monument lists for the Mesa 4+1 model there.

The listing (model A005) measures the plate at 16.34 x 9.45 inches and gives the fit as Monument models 14633, 25392, Mesa400, Mesa200S, Mesa220, Mesa200R, Mesa200B, Mesa200G, Mesa425 and Mesa415BZ. One side is flat for pancakes and eggs, the other ribbed for steak, and the plate has a drip tray, per the listing. Our second Monument pick, the Mesa 2 410FBZ, is not on that list, so its owners should check with Monument before ordering.

Because it replaces one section rather than the whole grate, you keep grates on the rest of the grill. Monument’s cleaning advice is simple: let the plate cool, then use a soft brush or scraper and avoid harsh abrasives. As bare cast iron, it will also want a light coat of oil after cleaning.

Why we like it

  • Made by Monument for the Mesa grills listed
  • Reversible flat and ribbed sides
  • Replaces one grate section, leaves the rest for grilling
  • Drip tray, per the listing

Key specifications

Model A005
Fits Monument 14633, 25392, Mesa400, Mesa200S/R/B/G, Mesa220, Mesa425, Mesa415BZ
Material Cast iron
Size 16.34 x 9.45 inches
Coverage One grate section
Finish Not stated
Grease handling Drip tray
Care Cool, then soft brush or scraper; no harsh abrasives

Why we recommend it

It suits owners of the Monument grills on its fit list who want a griddle section from the grill’s own maker.

Skip it if your Monument model is not on the list, or if you want a full-width flat top.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Maker’s own fit
  • Reversible
  • Keeps grates on the rest of the grill

Cons

  • Small surface
  • Seasoning and finish not stated
  • Not listed for the Mesa 2

Check price on Amazon

7. FlameDuty Cast Iron Griddle for Nexgrill 720-0830H – A Drop-In for the Home Depot Nexgrill

Best for NexgrillCast Iron Griddle for Nexgrill Replacement Parts 4-Burner 720-0830H 720-0830X 720-0783E

A cast iron replacement griddle plate for Nexgrill’s four- and five-burner grills, including the Nexgrill 720-0830H in our gas grill guide. FlameDuty is a parts brand rather than the grill’s maker, but the listing ties the plate to Nexgrill’s original part numbers, which makes the fit easier to confirm.

The listing gives the size as 17 1/8 x 13 7/16 x 1 1/8 inches and says it replaces part numbers 60830 and DC134. It lists Nexgrill four-burner models 720-0830, 720-0830H, 720-0830X, 720-0830D, 720-0783E, 720-0783C and 720-0670 series, and five-burner models 720-0888, 720-0888N, 720-0888S, 720-0888A and 720-0888B, along with some Kenmore, Char-Broil and Uniflame grills. FlameDuty asks buyers to confirm the original part number, model and griddle size before ordering, and that is good advice.

The plate has raised edges to keep grease and food in, and the care advice is standard for cast iron: clean with warm water, dry thoroughly and wipe on a light coat of oil. It replaces one section of grate, so the rest of the grill stays free for grilling.

Why we like it

  • Listed for the Nexgrill 720-0830H and related models
  • Replaces original part numbers 60830 and DC134
  • Bare cast iron, no coating
  • Raised edges contain grease

Key specifications

Model 60830 Cast Iron Griddle
Fits Nexgrill 720-0830H/X/D, 720-0783E/C, 720-0670 series, 720-0888 series; some Kenmore, Char-Broil, Uniflame
Material Cast iron
Size 17 1/8 x 13 7/16 x 1 1/8 inches
Coverage One grate section
Finish Bare cast iron; seasoning not stated
Grease handling Raised edges
Care Warm water, dry, light coat of oil

Why we recommend it

It suits Nexgrill owners whose grill came with a griddle section that has rusted or cracked, or who want to add one in place of a grate.

Skip it if you cannot confirm your model or original part number; the listing itself warns to check before buying.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fit tied to original part numbers
  • No coating
  • Covers several Nexgrill models

Cons

  • Parts brand, not Nexgrill
  • Seasoning not stated; season before use
  • Warranty not stated

Check price on Amazon

8. GGC 6558 Cast Iron Griddle for Weber Q100/Q1000 – Half Grill, Half Griddle on the Go

Best for Weber QGGC 6558 Grill Griddle for Weber Q100 Q120 Q1000 Q1200 Series Grills

This cast iron plate replaces half of the cooking grate on the smallest Weber Q portable gas grills with a griddle. GGC makes replacement grill parts, and the listing names it as a replacement for Weber part 6558.

The listing gives the fit as the Weber Q100, Q120, Q1000 and Q1200 series, with a long list of Weber model numbers, and says it does not fit Weber Traveler grills. The plate is 12.6 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches, half the size of the grill, so you use it with one of the grill’s two grate halves; GGC notes that two griddles will not fit at once. A lip around the edge keeps food on, and grease runs out through a hole in the corner.

For tailgates and camping, half a griddle is the practical split: eggs and chorizo or quesadillas on the plate, and sausages or a steak on the grate beside it. GGC’s care advice is to leave a coat of cooking oil on the plate after each use, and more often if it will sit unused for a while.

Why we like it

  • Listed for Weber Q100, Q120, Q1000 and Q1200
  • Half-size, so the other half stays a grill
  • Bare matte cast iron
  • Corner hole drains grease

Key specifications

Model 6558
Fits Weber Q100, Q120, Q1000, Q1200; not Traveler
Material Matte cast iron
Size 12.6 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
Coverage Half the grill
Finish Bare matte cast iron
Grease handling Corner drain hole, edge lip
Care Coat with cooking oil after each use

Why we recommend it

It suits Weber Q100 and Q1000 owners who take the grill camping or tailgating and want a griddle without carrying a second cooker.

Skip it if you have a Q2000 or larger Q; this one is sized for the smallest Q only.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Small and portable
  • Keeps half the grate for grilling
  • Clear fit list

Cons

  • Small cooking area
  • Parts brand, not Weber
  • Needs regular oiling

Check price on Amazon

How to choose a griddle insert for your gas grill

Five things decide whether an insert works on your grill.

  • Your exact model and year. Full-size inserts are cut to a grill’s grate ledges, and the same name can cover different frames: Weber’s Spirit inserts change between two-, three- and four-burner grills and between production years. Find the model number on the grill’s frame or manual before shopping, then match it to the listing’s fit list.
  • Full-size, section or on-the-grates. A full-size insert replaces every grate and gives the biggest flat top. A section plate replaces one grate and keeps the rest for grilling. A universal plate sits on top of the grates and fits almost anything, but sits higher and may not drain into the grill’s grease system.
  • Material. Carbon steel heats quickly and builds seasoning; cast iron heats slowly and holds heat longest; stainless steel needs no seasoning but releases food less easily. Porcelain-enameled and ceramic-coated inserts are common, but we left them out because their makers do not publish a statement about what is in the coating.
  • Grease handling. A griddle collects far more fat than a grate. Look for a rim, a drain hole or a channel that sends grease toward the grill’s own tray, and empty that tray more often while you griddle.
  • Storage. A full-size insert is a large, heavy sheet of metal. Plan where it will live, and keep bare steel and iron dry and oiled between cooks.
Seasoned pork chops and orange bell peppers cooking on a backyard grill while a cook watches
Pork chops and peppers on a backyard grill.

How we picked these eight inserts

We did not cook on these inserts for this guide. We started from the grills in our gas grill guide and the grills most owners already have, then looked for inserts their makers or reputable parts brands list for those exact models. Fit, size and material come from each Amazon listing, checked through Amazon’s product data service, and only items listed as in stock when we wrote this guide are included.

We left out porcelain-enameled and ceramic-coated inserts, including Weber’s own Genesis II and small Spirit inserts, Charbroil’s Performance Series insert, Broil King’s Exact Fit griddles and Napoleon’s TravelQ griddle, because we could not find a maker statement on the coating’s lead and cadmium content. We also skipped anonymous parts brands whose listings mix up materials, items in short supply, and products already recommended in our cast iron griddle, plancha, outdoor griddle and griddle accessories guides. The Blackstone listings our searches turned up were Blackstone’s own flat-top cookers and replacement tops for them, not inserts for gas grills. We checked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database for each maker here and found no recalls listed for these griddle products.

Burgers and toasted buns piled on a busy flat-top griddle at a food stall at night
Burgers and buns on a food stall griddle, where a flat top does most of the work.

Griddle insert questions, answered

What is the best griddle insert for a gas grill?

The one made for your grill. For a three-burner Weber Spirit from 2016 to 2024, that is Weber’s own carbon steel insert; for a current Genesis, the Weber Crafted griddle; for a Monument Mesa or a Nexgrill 720-0830H, the plates listed for those models above. If no insert is made for your grill, a cast iron plate like the Lodge XL on top of the grates is the safe fallback.

Is a gas grill with a griddle insert as good as an outdoor griddle?

For occasional use, yes. A dedicated flat top like those in our best outdoor griddle guide heats a larger steel surface more evenly and has its own grease system, so it suits people who griddle every week. An insert gives you most of the same cooking on a grill you already own.

Can you leave a griddle insert on the grill all the time?

You can, but bare carbon steel and cast iron rust if rain or condensation sits on them. If the grill lives outdoors, clean and oil the insert after each cook, keep the grill under a cover, and store the insert inside if you will not use it for a while. Our best gas grill cover guide covers fitted covers.

Do griddle inserts damage gas grills?

An insert that fits sits where the grates sit and lets heat and air move the way the grill was designed. Problems come from oversized plates that block the lid, trap heat around the knobs or keep grease from reaching the tray, so follow the fit list and the grill maker’s instructions for burner settings with the insert in place.

Carbon steel, cast iron or stainless for a griddle insert?

Carbon steel is lighter, heats faster and builds a slick seasoning. Cast iron heats slowest and holds the most heat. Stainless needs no seasoning and will not rust, but food sticks more unless it is fully preheated and oiled.

Our final pick for a flat top on your gas grill

Buy the insert made for your grill if one exists: Weber’s carbon steel insert for a three-burner Spirit, the Crafted griddle for a current Genesis, Monument’s plate for a Mesa, and the Nexgrill or Weber Q plates for those grills. For anything else, the Lodge XL on top of the grates does the job and comes inside for tortillas on the stove.

Still choosing a grill? Start with the best gas grill. For a full-time flat top, compare the best outdoor griddle, and for what to cook on it, our guide to how to eat fajitas is a good start. Or let us do the cooking: see the menu or call to order.

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