Outdoor Teppanyaki Grill Buying Guide | Restaurant Teppanyaki Grills
Grill Type
There are three main types of outdoor griddles: freestanding, tabletop, and insert griddle. Let's look at them in more detail.
Freestanding
Freestanding griddles are very similar to charcoal or gas grills. These griddles can be cart or stand mounted and offer plenty of cooking space. They have a rack, just like the George Foreman grill.
Like most grills, freestanding griddles are gas powered and have multiple burners. The burners are hidden beneath the flat steel cooking surface.
You can get freestanding griddles with extras like grease traps and casters to make it easier to move. Some even have a cooking table for easy prep work!
Tabletop
Griddle for tabletop cooking is a bit like a hot plate. You put them on the table and use the electricity inside and out.
These compact griddles, with just 1 or 2 burners each, can be used for camping, tailgating, or even cooking at a picnic. They are small and portable so you can take them with you wherever you go, making them versatile and convenient!
To start a tabletop griddle, you'll need a small propane tank. Of course, this is if you don't want electric. But for outdoor cooking, gas and propane tanks are the best and most practical solution.
Insert griddle
A compact and convenient insert griddle can replace a separate griddle. It can be used as an attachment for any grill or barbecue.
These heating elements fit the grill, making it a griddle. So, if you don't want to invest in a standalone teppanyaki grill, you can use an insert on top of your existing grill!
These insert griddle are easy to put in and allow you to switch between grill or griddle at will. You can also take it with you when you're done camping or cooking outdoors.
They are lightweight and easy to transport. Plus, they're a more affordable option if you're on a budget.
Size and cooking surface
The first thing to consider when buying an outdoor teppanyaki grill is size. This includes the overall dimensions of the grill as well as the designated cooking surface.
Outdoor teppanyaki grills are sorted by size. There are 4 grills or larger. Restaurant teppanyaki grills are usually large, while tabletop grills are much smaller.
For outdoor cooking, bigger is obviously better if you are cooking for a large group. But you also have compact tabletop models.
You should consider your needs and choose the right size. Smaller griddles are best for portability and mobility.
Overall, a full-size, self-contained outdoor griddle is the best option, unless you're only cooking for yourself or want a very small, small camping cooker.
Portability
Portable grills have wheels, which make it easier to move around the yard or campsite.
Another nice feature is having two or more handles so you can operate the grill safely and conveniently.
Some teppanyaki outdoor grills are even foldable, so you can make them compact and stow away easily.
Material
When choosing an outdoor grill, you can't ignore the griddle surface or cooktop.
Traditional teppanyaki grills are usually made of cast iron. Stainless steel is a more popular choice these days, making teppanyaki more affordable.
Look for products with durable griddle. Stainless steel is a good choice. It is durable, corrosion-resistant and can withstand outdoor use.
Cast iron is another option that is durable and retains heat well during cooking. It also gets better with age.
Grease drip tray
The melted fat, grease and residue has to collect somewhere, right?
If your griddle has a drip tray, you're in luck because it's easier to clean!
An outdoor griddle that's easy to use and clean will trap grease and other runoff as it cooks.
A griddle should be able to collect grease, clear your cooking area, and prevent grease from getting in your way while you're cooking. When cooking with a teppanyaki griddle scraper, you can scrape off a lot of grease.
