A Gas Griddle is a flat cooking surface heated by gas burners, perfect for making everything from pancakes and eggs to burgers, steaks, and stir-fry. While you can buy a ready-made model, some cooking enthusiasts and professionals prefer to build their own gas griddle to customize the size, materials, and performance. 

Step 1: Plan Your Gas Griddle

Before you begin, decide on the design and purpose:

• Size: Will it be a tabletop model for home use or a large outdoor unit?

• Cooking Surface: Common sizes range from 18 to 36 inches wide.

• Fuel Source: Natural gas or propane.

• Portability: Do you want it built into an outdoor kitchen or as a standalone portable griddle?

Step 2: Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Materials

• Cooking Plate: 3/16" to 1/4" thick mild steel or stainless steel sheet (steel retains heat best).

• Burners: Stainless steel or cast iron gas burners.

• Gas Regulator and Hose: To connect to propane or natural gas.

• Frame/Body: Steel angle iron or square tubing for durability.

• Grease Management System: A drip tray or grease trough.

• Heat Shields/Deflectors: To distribute heat evenly across the griddle plate.

• Control Knobs and Valves: To regulate the burners.

Tools

• Welding machine (for steel frame)

• Drill and metal bits

• Grinder or metal saw

• Wrenches and screwdrivers

• Measuring tape and marker

• Heat-resistant paint (optional, for finishing frame)

Step 3: Build the Frame

1. Measure and Cut Steel: Cut angle iron or square tubing to the size of your desired griddle base.

2. Weld the Frame: Weld into a rectangular frame sturdy enough to support the steel plate.

3. Add Legs or Support: For a freestanding unit, weld legs with cross braces. For a tabletop version, create short support brackets.

4. Install Burner Brackets: Add cross supports underneath the frame to hold gas burners securely.

Step 4: Prepare the Cooking Plate

1. Cut the Steel Plate: Match the size of the frame.

2. Polish and Season: Sand down rough edges and surface rust. Season the steel plate with oil by heating it (similar to cast iron).

3. Drill Drain Hole: Create a small hole at one corner for grease drainage into a drip tray.

Step 5: Install the Burners

1. Mount Burners: Attach burners evenly spaced under the griddle surface.

2. Install Heat Deflectors: Place metal shields between burners and the cooking plate to distribute heat.

3. Gas Line Connection: Connect burners to a manifold, then to the gas regulator and hose.

4. Control Valves and Knobs: Secure knobs to regulate flame levels.

Step 6: Assemble Grease Management

• Position a grease trough at the front or side of the griddle.

• Place a drip tray below the drain hole to collect grease for easy cleaning.

Step 7: Test the Griddle

1. Leak Test: Apply soapy water to all gas connections and check for bubbles before lighting.

2. Ignite Burners: Turn on gas and ignite burners. Adjust knobs to control flame size.

3. Heat Distribution Test: Let the griddle heat for 10–15 minutes and check for even heat. Adjust deflectors if necessary.

Step 8: Season and Cook

1. Apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (canola or avocado oil).

2. Heat until the oil smokes slightly, then cool. Repeat 2–3 times to build a protective layer.

3. Your homemade gas griddle is now ready for cooking.

Safety Tips

• Always build in a well-ventilated area.

• Use materials rated for high heat.

• Perform regular leak checks on gas fittings.

• Never use the griddle indoors without proper ventilation.

• If unsure about gas connections, consult a professional plumber or gas technician.

Conclusion

Building a gas griddle requires planning, metalworking skills, and knowledge of safe gas connections. By creating a sturdy frame, installing burners, attaching a steel cooking plate, and adding grease management, you can build a durable and custom griddle that rivals commercial models. With proper care and seasoning, it will deliver years of versatile cooking performance.