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When outfitting your patio for outdoor cooking, two heavy hitters often compete for space: a flat-top griddle and a dedicated pizza oven. Both promise delicious, high-heat meals, but they serve very different purposes. In this guide, we’ll break down the griddle vs pizza oven debate, focusing on which appliance delivers the best experience for your backyard. We’ll also explore how you can make griddle pizza on a flat top and what a Blackstone pizza oven brings to the table. By the end, you’ll know exactly which outdoor cooker deserves a spot on your patio.

What Is a Griddle? Versatility Meets High Heat

A flat-top griddle, like the ones from Blackstone, is essentially a large, smooth steel cooking surface that heats evenly across the entire area. You can use it for everything from breakfast pancakes and crispy bacon to stir-fried rice, smash burgers, and even griddle pizza. The beauty of a griddle is its sheer versatility: one appliance replaces a frying pan, a griddle plate, a wok, and (with a little creativity) a pizza stone.

For example, the 17" Griddle & Grill Combo gives you both a griddle and a grill in one compact unit—perfect for small patios or balconies. And if you’re serious about keeping your griddle in top shape, the Professional Griddle Cleaning Toolkit is a must-have for removing residue after a pizza or burger session.

What Is a Blackstone Pizza Oven? Dedicated to Perfect Crust

A Blackstone pizza oven is a specialized outdoor appliance designed to reach blazing temperatures—often 700°F to 900°F—in minutes. That intense, dry heat mimics the environment of a wood-fired pizza oven, producing a puffy, charred crust in 90 seconds or less. While a griddle can cook a flatbread-style pizza, a dedicated pizza oven excels at authentic Neapolitan and New York-style pies. However, it’s a one-trick pony: it makes incredible pizza, but little else. That’s the core trade-off in the griddle vs pizza oven decision.

Key Comparison: Griddle vs Pizza Oven

Feature	Griddle	Pizza Oven
Best For	Everyday meals, breakfast, burgers, stir-fry, pizza	Authentic pizza, flatbreads, roasted vegetables
Temperature Range	Low simmer to ~550°F	700°F – 900°F
Cooking Speed	Moderate (pizza in 5–8 min)	Very fast (pizza in 90 sec)
Versatility	Extremely high	Low (mostly pizza)
Footprint	Varies (17" to 36" wide)	Typically compact
Price Range	$100 – $600+	$300 – $800+

Can a Griddle Make Good Pizza?

Yes—though the result is different. Griddle pizza is essentially pan-pizza: you press dough onto the oiled griddle, top it, cover with a dome lid (if available), and cook until the bottom is crispy and the cheese melts. The crust won’t have the leopard spotting of a wood-fired oven, but it will be deliciously crunchy and buttery. The Essential Breakfast Kit might seem unrelated, but its spatulas and squeeze bottles are perfect for pizza prep too—flipping dough, spreading sauce, and drizzling oil.

Is a Pizza Oven Worth the Extra Cost?

If you host pizza-making parties regularly and crave that authentic Italian-style crust, a dedicated Blackstone pizza oven is a fantastic investment. It heats up faster than any oven or griddle, and the results are consistent. However, if you want one appliance that does breakfast, lunch, and dinner—including pizza—a griddle is the smarter, more versatile choice. Many home cooks find they use a griddle 5–6 times a week, while a pizza oven might see action only on weekends.

Outdoor Pizza Cooking: Tips for Both Appliances

Making Pizza on a Griddle

• Preheat thoroughly: Set your griddle to medium-high (350–400°F). Let it heat for 10 minutes.
• Use a press: The Medium Cast Iron Griddle Press helps flatten dough evenly and gives you a beautifully browned crust.
• Cover while cooking: Use a metal dome or a large pan lid to trap heat and melt cheese.
• Keep dough thin: Thick dough may not cook through before the bottom burns.

Making Pizza in a Blackstone Pizza Oven

• Use a pizza peel: The Perforated Aluminum Pizza Peel makes launching and retrieving pies effortless—the holes also let excess flour fall away.
• Don’t overload toppings: High heat cooks fast; too many toppings lead to a soggy center.
• Rotate halfway: For even charring, spin the pizza 180° after 45 seconds.
• Let the oven preheat fully: Wait until the stone reads at least 700°F before launching.

Patio Cooking Comparison: Space, Fuel, and Maintenance

When comparing griddle vs pizza oven for your patio, consider three practical factors:

1. Space: Griddles come in various sizes. A 17" model fits on a small cart, while a 36" model needs a dedicated table. Pizza ovens are generally compact—many sit on a counter or a small stand.
2. Fuel: Most griddles run on propane (one-pound or 20-pound tanks). Pizza ovens also use propane, but some models accept wood pellets for a smoky flavor.
3. Maintenance: Griddles require seasoning and scraping after each use. Pizza ovens need stone cleaning (burn off residue) and occasional ash removal if using wood.

Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no universal right answer—it depends on your cooking style. Ask yourself:

• Do you cook a wide variety of foods (breakfast, burgers, veggies, pizza)? → Choose a griddle.
• Is pizza your main event, and you want restaurant-quality crust at home? → Choose a pizza oven.
• Do you have space and budget for both? → Get both! Many enthusiasts pair a small griddle for daily use with a pizza oven for weekend gatherings.

If you’re leaning toward the versatility of a griddle, start with a compact model like the 17" Griddle & Grill Combo. It gives you both surfaces in one footprint—perfect for making griddle pizza on a Tuesday and smash burgers on Wednesday.

Final Verdict

Both appliances are outstanding for outdoor pizza cooking, but they serve different masters. The griddle is the ultimate all-rounder, while the pizza oven is a specialist that excels at one thing. For most households, a griddle offers better value and daily utility. But if pizza is your passion, investing in a dedicated oven will elevate your pies to new heights. Whichever you choose, your patio will become the new favorite gathering spot for friends and family.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor cooking game? Explore the 17" Griddle & Grill Combo to start making everything from breakfast to pizza on one versatile surface.