Quick Summary:
Price: $899
Pros
- Expansive cooking surface allows for cooking multiple items simultaneously, perfect for large gatherings.
- Precise control over heat zones with three independent burners ensures even cooking and versatility.
- Quick and even heating thanks to the cold-rolled steel surface, providing consistent results.
- Integrated grease management system simplifies cleanup, making it easier to maintain the griddle.
- Foldable side shelves offer additional prep space and convenient storage options.
Cons
- Heavy and bulky, making it less portable and more challenging to move around.
- Higher price point compared to other griddles in the market, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Grilling has always been one of my favorite pastimes, especially during summer. Recently, I decided to upgrade my outdoor setup, and the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black caught my eye. I’m always on the lookout for versatile and powerful outdoor cooking equipment, and this griddle seemed like a perfect fit for both simple family meals and larger gatherings. After weeks of cooking everything from breakfast spreads to hearty dinners, I can say that this griddle lives up to its promise in a lot of ways.
Unboxing and First Impressions of the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner
The Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black arrived securely packed, and unboxing was a breeze. From the start, the griddle’s sleek, all-black design struck me—it’s a piece that looks sophisticated on my patio, almost like a professional chef’s setup. Setting it up was straightforward, with clear instructions, and the process took about 45 minutes.
The highlight of this griddle right off the bat was its three burners, collectively providing 46,500 BTUs of power. I was excited to test out how well these burners would allow me to multitask, as that’s always been a challenge with smaller or less powerful grills I’ve owned in the past.
Key Features of the Traeger Flatrock Griddle
The Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black is not just about looks. With 594 square inches of cooking space, it’s more than sufficient to prepare a meal for a crowd. One of the first things I tried was a big breakfast, cooking pancakes, bacon, and hash browns all at once. There was ample room, and I didn’t feel cramped, which is usually an issue with smaller grills or griddles.
Another notable feature is its front grease management system. Unlike some other griddles I’ve used that tend to splatter or require a lot of clean-up time, this feature channels the grease away from the cooking surface. This design made it easy to keep the area clean and reduced the lingering smells from any past meals.
Cooking Experience on the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black
In terms of performance, the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black exceeded my expectations. The griddle heats up quickly and distributes the heat evenly across the entire cooking surface, which is essential when making items that require consistent temperatures like pancakes or omelets. I’ve also used it for burgers, steaks, and vegetables, and I found that it gave an even sear and didn’t leave any cold spots.
One of the best things about this griddle is that each of the three burners is individually controlled. This flexibility lets me cook multiple items simultaneously at different temperatures, which is a big plus when grilling up diverse items. During a recent gathering, I set one burner on high to sear some steaks, kept another at medium for stir-frying veggies, and set the third on low to keep other foods warm until serving.
Durability and Build Quality of the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner
As far as durability goes, the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black has a sturdy, high-quality build. The cooking surface is thick, and the stainless-steel burners have shown no signs of corrosion or discoloration, even after several rounds of cooking at high heat. This griddle feels like it could withstand frequent use over a long period, which makes it a worthwhile investment.
The knobs and controls also feel solid, with a responsive ignition system that lights up reliably on the first try. This might sound like a small thing, but I’ve dealt with enough grills in the past where the ignition is unreliable or takes a couple of attempts to light up.
Cleaning the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black
Clean-up is always the part I dread after grilling, but the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black makes it manageable. Thanks to the front grease management system, excess grease channels into a removable tray, which is easy to slide out and clean after each session. For the cooking surface, a quick scrape-down and a wipe with a paper towel generally get the job done.
Even after cooking sticky items like cheese-topped burgers, the surface cleaned up surprisingly well. I haven’t had any issues with food getting stubbornly stuck, which is often a problem with lower-quality griddles.
Ideal Use Cases for the Traeger Flatrock Griddle
The Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black isn’t limited to just one kind of cooking. Its large cooking space and precise burner control make it a great choice for a variety of meals. Here are some use cases I found particularly effective:
- Breakfasts for a Crowd: With three burners, you can whip up an entire breakfast on the griddle without needing multiple pans. I’ve made eggs, pancakes, and sausage all at once, saving a lot of time and hassle.
- Searing and Grilling Meat: The high heat capacity of this griddle is perfect for getting a nice sear on meats. I’ve found it works especially well for steaks, with plenty of room for other items like grilled peppers on the side.
- Outdoor Stir-Fries and Tacos: If you’re into making stir-fries or tacos, the multiple heat zones allow for cooking meats and vegetables at different temperatures while keeping tortillas or other components warm.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
While I’m very satisfied with the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black, there are a few minor things worth mentioning. First, it’s a bit heavy, so if you’re looking for a griddle to move around often, this one might be a little cumbersome. It’s not impossible to move, but you’ll want to keep it in one spot most of the time.
Additionally, as with most griddles, this one lacks a lid. While the open griddle format works well for some types of cooking, certain recipes may benefit from a cover to trap heat. I’ve occasionally improvised with a stainless steel dome cover to melt cheese or speed up the cooking of thicker cuts.
Why the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Is Worth Considering
Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black brings a lot to the table for anyone who enjoys cooking outside. The griddle’s power, combined with its generous cooking space and solid construction, make it highly versatile. It’s built to handle a wide variety of foods without sacrificing quality, and it’s efficient in terms of both cooking time and clean-up.
Product Review Conclusion
The Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black stands out as an excellent addition to any outdoor kitchen setup. Its large cooking area, even heat distribution, and durable design make it a reliable choice for everything from breakfast spreads to grilled dinners. If you’re looking for a robust, easy-to-use griddle that can handle both small and large gatherings, this one is definitely worth considering.
FAQs for Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle Black
Q1: What are the dimensions of the cooking surface on the Traeger Flatrock 3 Burner?
A1: The griddle offers 594 square inches of cooking space, which is ample for large meals or multiple dishes simultaneously.
Q2: Can the burners be used independently?
A2: Yes, the three burners are individually controlled, allowing different heat zones to cook multiple types of food simultaneously at varying temperatures.
Q3: How easy is it to clean the griddle after use?
A3: The Traeger Flatrock features a front grease management system, directing drips into a tray, making clean-up simple and efficient.
Q4: Is it possible to use this griddle for searing meat?
A4: Absolutely, with 46,500 BTUs of power across three burners, it can reach high enough temperatures for effective searing.
Q5: Does the Traeger Flatrock come with a lid?
A5: No, it does not come with a lid, but many users use stainless steel domes to cover food when needed for heat retention.
Q6: Is assembly required for the Traeger Flatrock griddle?
A6: Yes, some assembly is required, but the instructions provided are clear, and assembly generally takes about 45 minutes.
Q7: What type of fuel does the Traeger Flatrock use?
A7: It uses liquid propane, connecting easily to a standard propane tank.
Q8: How durable is the griddle surface?
A8: The griddle surface is made from high-quality materials designed for durability, and it handles high-heat cooking well without discoloration or wear.