Comprehensive review of the Pit Boss 4-Burner Gas Griddle for outdoor cooking enthusiasts

Description

Pros of the Pit Boss 10962 4-Burner Gas Griddle

Cooking outdoors has been a game-changer for me, and the Pit Boss 10962 4-Burner Gas Griddle impresses in ways I didn’t expect. With its 753 square inches of cooking space, I found myself effortlessly grilling burgers, pancakes, and veggies all at once. The 4 separately controlled burners, each delivering a robust 62,000 BTU, made it super easy to manage different heat zones. Whether I needed a high sear or a gentle simmer, this griddle handled it all like a champ.

Its fold-and-go design is one of my favorite features. I’ve taken this griddle from my backyard to a camping trip with ease, thanks to the wheels for mobility and the sturdy yet lightweight black powder-coated alloy steel frame. The front grease management system also deserves a shoutout—it made clean-up so much less of a hassle. I’m always skeptical of grease traps, but this one worked flawlessly.

• Ample cooking space for large meals
• Powerful heat output with 62,000 BTU
• Separate burner controls for precision cooking
• Portable design suited for outdoor adventures
• Efficient grease management system

Areas for Improvement

That being said, there are a few things worth noting that might not work for everyone. While the griddle surface’s 4.7mm thickness feels solid, it’s also a bit of a commitment to maintain. Seasoning it properly before use is crucial, or you risk food sticking, which I learned the hard way. Also, the grill cover not being included felt like a missed opportunity. For something marketed as outdoor-friendly, I would’ve appreciated that extra bit of protection against the elements.

Another small gripe is the assembly process. While the instructions were clear, it did take longer than I anticipated. If you’re not particularly handy, setting this up might feel a tad overwhelming.

• Griddle surface requires careful maintenance
• Cover not included
• Assembly could be quicker

Design and Build Quality

The design of this griddle struck me as both functional and sleek. Its black powder-coated finish not only looks modern but also feels durable. I’ve left it outside on less-than-ideal days, and it has shown no signs of rust or wear. The embossed steel bottom shelf is a nice touch for storing propane tanks or cooking tools, and the casters make it effortless to move around.

However, the griddle’s weight of 9.99 pounds seemed oddly low for its size and functionality. That number might be a typo or misleading, as it feels much sturdier than that. Either way, it’s built to last and has held up well under frequent use.

Performance and Functionality

Performance-wise, this griddle has been a joy. The push-and-turn ignition is reliable, firing up the burners without any hiccups. I’ve used other gas griddles where ignition was a nightmare, so this was a pleasant surprise. Each burner heats up quickly, and the ability to control them individually is a game-changer when cooking multiple dishes simultaneously.

The low-pressure propane regulator ensures consistent heat distribution, which I tested by cooking pancakes across the griddle’s surface. No uneven cooking here! The powder-coated steel body also retains heat well, which is essential for those long grilling sessions.

Competing Products

Compared to other products in its category, this griddle holds its own quite well. For instance, the Blackstone 36-Inch Outdoor Flat Top Griddle offers similar burner controls and cooking space. However, the Pit Boss griddle’s grease management system felt more efficient and less messy to deal with. On the downside, Blackstone includes a cover with its model, which is something I missed here.

Another competitor, the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill, boasts a slightly thicker griddle surface but lacks the fold-and-go convenience that made the Pit Boss so versatile for me. If portability is a priority for you, the Pit Boss griddle design clearly has an edge.

Price to Quality Ratio

For what it offers, I’d say this product delivers great value for its price point. The sturdy construction, versatile cooking options, and portability justify the investment. While it’s not the cheapest griddle on the market, it’s also not the most expensive, and the features it packs make it feel like money well spent. The 2-year warranty adds another layer of reassurance, which is always nice when purchasing outdoor equipment.

If you’re on the fence about spending a bit more for quality, I’d argue this is one of those instances where it’s worth it. The overall durability and user-friendly features make it a worthwhile addition to any outdoor cooking setup.

Final Thoughts on Usability

Using this griddle has genuinely made my outdoor cooking experiences smoother and more enjoyable. The combination of power, precision, and portability is hard to beat. While there are minor flaws, like the lack of a cover and the seasoning upkeep, they don’t overshadow the strong performance and thoughtful design this griddle offers. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or someone just getting into outdoor cooking, this product is bound to impress.

Additional information