If you’re thinking about buying a Pit Boss griddle, then chances are you’ve done your research on their new ceramic coated surface offering, the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle. Spoiler alert… I love mine! But like any griddle or flat top grill that you buy, there are some pros and cons to consider.
And with so many different griddles on the market, you may be wondering what outdoor griddle to buy. After all, these awesome pieces of cooking equipment are a bit of an investment, and no one likes to have buyer’s remorse. You don’t want to buy one flat top grill, and then a month later wish that you had purchased a different one.
So I’m going to give you as much honest information as I can so that you can make the best decision for you.
*This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click a link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read my terms of use for full disclosure.
What Makes this Pit Boss Griddle Review Different
I know there are a TON of different websites that review griddles and flat top grills. I also know that most of those writers have absolutely zero experience with using the actual product that they’re “reviewing”. It’s one thing to just list some specs and features and give a surface-level comparison of a few products. But it’s completely different to have actual real-world, hands on knowledge of how a griddle operates and what you personally like and don’t like about it.
I have been using the Pit Boss 3 Burner Ultimate Griddle about 3 times per week for the last 6 months now. I’ve put it through the ringer, so to speak, and I’ve definitely learned some things that I wish I had known when I first got this griddle.
You know what they say, “Experience is the best teacher.” And since I’ve got a load of experience using the Pit Boss griddle, then hopefully I can share some insightful pros and cons, and let you know upfront the one major thing that I wish I knew before I fired up my griddle for the first time.
Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle – Specs and Features
Before we go into the pros and cons of the Pit Boss griddle, I’m going to go over the specific details for the Pit Boss 3 Burner Ultimate Griddle, because that’s the model that I own and use on a regular basis. Here are some quick stats that you may want to consider:
- Total Cooking Area: 536 square inches
- Griddle Size: 29.55″ x 18.15″
- Burners: Three stainless steel
- Total BTUs: 36,000
- Ignition: Easy push and turn
- Wheels: Two in-line with locking casters
- Total Weight of Full Unit: 118.61 lbs
- Overall Dimensions: 56.61″L x 28.66″W x 37.01″H
- Warranty: 2 year limited
Other Features of the Pit Boss 3 Burner Ultimate Griddle:
- Lift-off feature makes this griddle easily portable – We actually took it on a 3 hour road trip to a family reunion recently.
- Two folding side shelves with built-in hooks for utensils
- Front grease trap – A personal favorite, because I don’t care for the grease trap in the back.
- Two locking caster wheels and two in-line style wheels for easy-ish movement on your back deck
- Other built-in features include stainless steel bottle opener, paper towel holder, and trash bag holder
My Favorite Things About the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle
As I said in this post about the things to consider when buying a flat top grill, pros and cons are a pretty personal thing… What I see as a positive, you may view as a negative. So it’s important to consider how you’ll be using your griddle (will you take it camping or tailgating, will you frequently be cooking for a crowd, will it just stay in one spot on your back deck) and what features are most important to you.
But here are the things that I really like about the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle:
The griddle is relatively maintenance-free
If you want to just walk outside after two weeks of not using your griddle and turn it on to make a Chicken Smash Burger, then you can… without having to worry about scraping off some rust or re-seasoning your griddle before you even start cooking.
In my opinion, that’s the biggest pro of the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle. As long as you do a simple clean up after each use, then your griddle is ready to go the next time you want to use it. No seasoning necessary!
In contrast, a traditional rolled steel griddle like a Blackstone requires regular maintenance and seasoning. In fact, before you can even cook the first thing on your Blackstone griddle, you have to apply multiple coats of seasoning. That process alone could be daunting to a griddle beginner, and even experienced flat top grillers may not want to worry about having to re-season their griddles every so often.
You can use less oil
Since the ceramic coating of the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle has a non-stick element, it requires much less oil when cooking. Also, since it doesn’t require any sort of seasoning process, you save oil there as well. And when your favorite cooking oil is avocado oil like mine, that stuff is not cheap, so using less is a good thing.
With a traditional rolled steel griddle, however, you need to apply oil or a different lubricant frequently and in larger amounts. Just the initial seasoning of a traditional griddle requires about 4-5 coats of oil, and anytime that you’re cooking on a rolled steel griddle, you really should oil the entire surface to maintain the seasoning as well, even if you’re only using about half of the cooking surface.
So whether you want to save money on oil or you just like the idea of using less oil in your cooking, this is a pro for me.
Lift-off feature makes it very portable
Besides the ease of use and maintenance of the cooking surface, another notable pro of the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle is the lift-off feature.
The entire griddle cooking surface can be removed from the wheeled stand so that you can easily take your Pit Boss griddle on the go, either camping or tailgating. Just unhook the propane tank from the unit, unlock the hinges on both sides, and the griddle top is ready to go.
This was a big pro for our family, because we like to tailgate and we have outdoor get-togethers quite often. In fact, I recently took my Pit Boss on a 3 hour road trip to a family reunion in a state park. It fit perfectly in the trunk of my wife’s SUV, and I was able to cook up 6 packs of bratwursts for the whole family to enjoy.
One quick tip: If you’re going to be taking your griddle on the go, find a sturdy milk carton to transport the propane tank in. I’ve tried just about every method possible to keep my propane tanks from rolling around in the trunk when I take them to be refilled, and milk crates work the best.
Lower side shelves are more usable
It may seem counterintuitive that the lower shelves on the side of the Pit Boss griddle are more usable, especially since most flat top grill users are males, but I actually like the lower height of the shelves because I feel that they get less hot.
On my Blackstone griddle and Camp Chef flat top grill, about half of the shelves are not usable because they get too hot being right next to the griddle cooking surface. I’ve had a few plastic bottles melt because I set them too close to the griddle on the side shelves. But I find that the lower shelves of the Pit Boss are a plus and allow you to use more of the shelf surface area.
Paper towel rack is nice to have
I know that I’ve said in the past to not let the “extras” sway your decision when choosing a flat top grill, but the paper towel holder is actually a nice feature to have. It’s very convenient to reach down for a paper towel (which you’ll be using a lot of as a griddle owner), and I even grab a paper towel off of the handy Pit Boss rack when I’m using my Blackstone griddle or Camp Chef flat top grill as well.
While I pretty much NEVER use the bottle opener or trash bag holder on the Pit Boss griddle, the paper towel holder is definitely a nice feature to have.
Attention to detail in the design
You want your griddle to cook well obviously, but it’s a bonus if it looks nice, too! And the folks in the design department of Pit Boss have an eye for the cosmetic details that give this griddle a really awesome look.
From the “Bigger. Hotter. Heavier.” slogan engraved into the knobs to the Pit Boss name molded into the impressive wheels, the design details of the Pit Boss griddle really set it apart from the competition. And the Pit Boss branded propane tank cover that comes included in the box, that’s like the icing on the cake!
Sturdy and Well Built
Overall, I’ve found the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle to be very sturdy and well made. After 6 months of heavy use, and cooking a wide variety of dishes on it (from smash burgers to cheese steak to hibachi), it’s still in great shape!
Even after initially putting it together, I noticed how solid it felt. There’s no give in the stand, the unit itself doesn’t feel wobbly at all, and the wheels, hood, legs, and shelves all feel solid and well built.
All in all, it’s a great griddle to own and I’ve been very happy with my experience with the Pit Boss griddle these last several months.
My Cons of the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle
Even though I would recommend the Pit Boss griddle to anyone that’s in the market for a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly flat top grill, there are some things about the unit that I, personally, don’t like. Just like with any griddle that you buy, there are both pros and cons.
Here are the things that I don’t really like about the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle:
Non-stick (somewhat)
One of the most attractive features of the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle is the “proprietary, non-stick armored ceramic cooking surface”. But don’t let that innovative feature lead you to believe that your food will never stick to the surface. Even in the best non-stick skillet, your scrambled eggs may stick and you may have some residue leftover on the bottom of the pan. The same thing goes with this griddle.
Yes, it is pretty much maintenance-free (besides a simple cleaning of course), but when I first started using the Pit Boss, I was a bit surprised with how much food actually does stick. You will need to use a scraper to get food off the surface, and you may sometimes need to put a little muscle behind it… don’t be surprised.
*If you purchase the Pit Boss griddle, then I would 100% recommend that you also buy this wooden scraper. This scraper has been a game changer for me on the ceramic coated surface, because the wood is strong enough to hold up to heavy scraping, and it hasn’t damaged the surface of the griddle.
Three burner model has a large cool spot
I can only review the 3 burner model because that’s what I have first-hand knowledge of, and in my experience the 3 burner has a fairly large cool spot on the left side of the griddle.
I can’t say for sure, but I think the cool spot on the left side of the griddle is due to the design of the left burner on the 3 burner model. The far left burner has a horseshoe shape instead of being straight, so maybe the gas has farther to travel on that burner and the BTUs are spread out over a larger area, resulting in a cooler spot on the cooking surface.
Here’s a picture of the burners/propane tubes underneath the griddle surface so you can see what I’m talking about:
Like I said, that’s only speculation, but the cool spot is definitely noticeable.
In fact, I find that the cool spot really cuts down on the size of the usable cooking surface, and I tend to only use the right 2/3rd’s of the griddle. On the flip side, the left side does allow you to keep food warm and do more “zone cooking” with hotter and cooler zones.
I talk more about temperatures here (great if you’re a griddle beginner!): Griddle Cooking Temperature – 7 Things You Need to Know
Metal utensils are not recommended
The #1 question that I get on my YouTube channel about this griddle is, “Can I use metal utensils on the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle?“. And it’s probably the #1 factor that would sway you away from the ceramic coated surface and towards a traditional steel surface griddle.
I talk more about using metal utensils in the FAQ’s section down below, but it’s important to note that Pit Boss does NOT recommend using metal utensils on their ceramic coated griddles.
Not a fan of the grease trap
While the grease trap is in the front (which I’m a huge fan of), I don’t particularly like the design. In my experience, the grease trap cup area gets “yucky” because the grease funnels down the side of the opening in the griddle surface and sometimes it doesn’t all make it into the cup.
Also, since the grease trap is tucked away “out of sight, out of mind” I find myself forgetting to clean it regularly, and then the built up grease, being in a dark and damp space, is a breeding ground for flies… of course, that’s my fault for not emptying it after every cook.
However, I would still choose the grease trap on the Pit Boss over the rear grease trap of the Blackstone griddle. Ultimately, the grease trap placement and design is a matter of personal preference.
What I Wish I Knew Before Using My Pit Boss Griddle
Okay, so if you can learn one thing from this Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle review, it’s this… what I wish I had known before I started cooking on mine…
You do NOT need to apply oil after using it!
When I first got my Pit Boss griddle, I was already used to cooking on traditional rolled steel griddles. So I was very familiar with the process of applying a very thin coat of oil to the cooking surface immediately after each use. And I did the same thing with my Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle for the first few months of use.
But, boy, I wish I hadn’t done that!
As I mentioned above, the ceramic coated surface doesn’t require the same maintenance process as a Blackstone or Camp Chef. There is NO need to oil it after every use. And if you do, it will probably start looking like mine:
Notice the discoloration on the griddle surface? This is likely due to the fact that I applied a thin coat of oil after every use for the first 3-4 months, which I now know is completely unnecessary.
Also, as you cook on your griddle more and more, it will probably start to look similar to mine anyway. As long as the variation in coloring on the surface doesn’t bother you, then you’re good to go.
When I first got my Pit Boss griddle, I expected it to look brand spanking new after each and every cook, but that wasn’t the case. Once I realized and accepted the fact that it would probably start to turn colors over time and I stopped trying to over-clean it with frequent deep cleanings, I was much happier with the griddle as a whole.
FAQ’s about the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle
Can I use metal utensils on the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle?
The actual Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle manual says you should use “non-metallic utensils”.
That being said, I personally use metal spatulas on my Ultimate Griddle. I also know of a handful of Ultimate griddle owners that have been using metal utensils on their griddles for a while and they’ve said that there hasn’t been any damage… but ultimately, you have to USE METAL UTENSILS AT YOUR OWN RISK – I’m sure that Pit Boss won’t replace your griddle top for you if you damage it with metal utensils.
Also, if you choose to USE METAL UTENSILS AT YOUR OWN RISK, then it’s important to note that there’s a difference in the types of metal spatulas… my preferred spatula has rounded ends and does NOT have the sharp beveled edges all around. That’s the spatula that I like for my other griddles as well. I would never use a square ended, beveled edge spatula on my Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle.
Another thing you’ll notice if you watch me cook on my Pit Boss griddle on YouTube is that I still use a wooden scraper/spatula (the one pictured above) to actually scrape down the griddle surface (NOT a metal bench scraper like I use on my Blackstone griddle or Camp Chef flat top grill).
So the short answer to “Can I use metal utensils on the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle?” is that Pit Boss DOES NOT recommend it, but if you choose to do so, remember that it’s AT YOUR OWN RISK, and be careful what type of spatula you choose to use.
Do you need to season a Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle?
No! The Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle does not require an initial seasoning or any maintenance layers of seasoning. The ceramic coated surface comes ready to cook on right out of the box.
Can you still get a crust on your smash burger with the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle?
Yes! Cooking smash burgers is all about technique, and a lot of the debate over the new Pit Boss griddle was “Can you get a crust?”. I’ve done countless cooks on my YouTube channel, and I’ve proven that the perfect smash burger crust can still be achieved on the non-stick surface of the Pit Boss griddle.
How do I make chopped meats on the Ultimate Griddle without a metal scraper?
So, can you still make foods that require an on-the-griddle “chopping” method like cheese steaks or Chopped Cheese sandwiches? Absolutely! These types of griddle recipes are typically made by using a metal bench scraper to “chop” the meat directly on the griddle surface, but since the Pit Boss griddle has a ceramic coated surface, I use a wood scraper for my chopped meats instead.
I really like this wooden spatula for cleaning the Pit Boss griddle, scraping down the surface, and chopping certain foods like ground beef.
Final Thoughts on the Pit Boss Griddle
Overall, the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle is a great flat top grill if you’re looking for an easy to use, easy to maintain griddle to add to your back deck.
Does it have its flaws? Yes. But there are things that I would change about every griddle that I’ve owned. In my experience, all grills and griddles have their own pro’s and con’s. But when it comes down to it, the ease of use and clean up, the limited amount of required maintenance, and the solid build of the Pit Boss griddle make it a winner in my book.
Disclaimer: Pit Boss did send me the Ultimate Griddle to review and cook with, free of charge. However, that in no way influences my opinion of the griddle. If I did not honestly love this griddle, then I would have politely sent it back instead of continuing to use it frequently and make YouTube videos with it. I would NEVER recommend a product that I did not use myself and that I did not honestly like. In fact, I’ve said many times that I wish that I had purchased it myself, because then my honest opinion would not be called into question. Bottom line: When I go out to cook a quick meal for my family (not for YouTube), then 9 times out of 10 I choose to use the Pit Boss griddle because of the ease of use. And that’s the truth.
Comments & Reviews
Michele Englebert says
Hi. I just bought the 4 burner Pit Boss griddle. We put it together per the instructions. Everything is great, except the front wheels do not turn well. They make a noise and feel “stuck”.
We followed the directions exactly.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Jose Ortiz says
I purchased the 3 burner ultimate griddle and the feet on the griddle firebox are wiggly. I got replacement parts from Pitboss but I was wondering which screw it is to get them on.
Kristi says
Thank you for this honest review! We are just looking to replace our Weber gas grill with a griddle and checking out the various brands.
Here’s my question – Do the big box stores like Walmart sell an inferior version of the Pit Boss than smaller retailers like a local hardware store?
Jim says
I recently purchased the 5 burner Pit Boss flat top Griddle. Heat is great & cooks well. In my experience surface stains quickly and food does stick. The silicone utensils are good but the scraper sucks. Melts almost immediately. So it does not withstand the temperature. In looking to contact support post use I’ve also noticed Pit Boss makes difficult to get in contact. Also purchased through Menards & never received rebate after sending everything in. Product is good but under delivers on marketed experience.
Dannillee says
just purchased the 3 burner today but the model before the one your talking about. I will probably get around to using it this weekend. I purchased it for the fact of the cooker coming off of it’s stand and I can use it to tailgate as well as at home with my other 2 pitboss smokers. I have a Austin XL and a vertical pitboss. I talked my husband into purchasing this one for me also. We do a lot of summer concerts and we like to cook before we go in and after the show while waiting for the parking lot to empty. I hope the grill stands up to the test of time because I will use it frequently like you. I e used my Austin so much (it 4 yrs old) it was shedding it’s paint on the bottom of the barrel at 2 yrs. I’d rather cook outside then inside I don’t believe in a smoking, grilling season in Washington State it all year round for me!
Del Van Horn says
Ceramic top cleaning tip.
After a large volume fajita cook there was some residual burnt on food that did not come off with my usual water/scraper method. I did not have time to mess with it and shut the griddle off and came back to it the next day hoping I had not ruined it.
I turned the burners on low and let it warm up for just a few minutes and then used water and the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle Cleaning Pad and it cleaned right up.
The griddle was not hot enough yet to create steam which I think was part of the solution (too hot and the gunk just gets more burnt on) and I also think the Pit Boss scrub pad was part of the solution vs using a scraper.
Charlie Rees says
Hi all
is the cook surface coating about the same as BLUE DIAMOND cookware.
some videos it looks like it is. but I saw one at a blains farm fleet in
cedar falls iowa it must missed quality control it was so rough you would
not want to rub your knuckles on they would be bleeding.
I love the concept but I was turned off by that one.
keep up the good work.
Kenny Gillespie says
Got a PITBOSS sportsman griddle and a hose to hook up a 15 lb tank got home put it together can’t get it to light removed hose got 1 lb tank and it lights could it be the hose ???
Dale says
So I have the 3 burner Pit Boss griddle and wish I had read this rather than watching Pit Boss video. I did try to season the griddle and it did not work. Hope I did not ruin it too bad.
I would have thought Pit Boss would have put disclaimer in front of their seasoning video.
james h cooper says
can i use a smoker box on my 5 burner model?
Terry Calloway says
Thanks for the great review of the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle. I learned some great tips and will share them with my wife. We just purchased the 4 burner model and I will say that it too has the “cold” spot that you described on the left hand side over the U shaped burner. Thanks again for sharing!
Bret says
I noticed that the manual for the ultimate series states that the griddle should be seasoned after very use….I don’t know what to think now.
I guess I will use as much oil as needed and not season to start with.
Dutch Deitz says
Congrats on 100,000!!! Wanted to let you both know that your videos associated with the Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle gave me lots of information during my search for another grill. I ended up getting the 4 burner version and have had it almost a year. One of the first cooks I did was your chicken fried rice with the “mammer jammer” oyster sauce. Thanks to you both for wonderful information. I look forward to much more information from you in the future.
Josh Maine says
Congrats on 100k. I love the idea of ceramic and I’ve very tempted to pick one up but I think they need a bit more time to improve before it makes sense to bring something else into my backyard cooking space. Keep up the great reviews please
Michael Van Acker says
As a person who really wants to get into griddling, this seems like one of the easiest into pieces to have. Thanks for all the time and energy you put into reviews, Neal! Sifting through everything can be daunting and you’ve made it so simple. Cheers!
Mike Beaulieu says
Love my PB ultimate, congrats on 100K, keep up the great content!
John D Herner says
Thanks for the review. I have been a blackstone user for several years now. Was looking in to replacing my small blackstone with this. I think you have helped me make my decision.
Mike says
Got this review from you when griddle shopping. Great info. I wound up with the Sierra from Walmart. It’s the bomb! Have you seen The WalTwins use theirs?
Brad says
love the pit boss. had some issues. got a new ceramic top, but salvaged the ruined one by bead blasting it and seasoning like a regular top. now have 2 options. ceramic coated and seasoned, best of both worlds.
Mark Sheflo says
How would I cook batter fried walleye on the pit stop
John R Robson says
Cooler left #3 burner. It’s like this air, gas or water will exhaust it self in it’s length. That said #3 burner is just that ( last in line and it is also the longest burner in length ) right? So try this, take the top off at night or in the dark ( it’s easer to see the flame ). Now fire them up, now take a temp gun reading across the whole area and adjust your heat knobs till you have an over all balance in the temp. You will see that the knobs should have a balanced heat marking on each knob from #1, #2, #3. It MAY be better if the feed was on the left not the right.
Neal says
Thanks John
Shirley Hansen says
Why does the 2burner Pit Boss cost so much? My nephew bought his in Ks and got it on sale for $250. I live in Okc area and it’s over $400-500. Wayfair over 500. Too expensive for me for 2burner.
Neal says
No clue…i just cook on them. There are different models available. The Ultimate thats black and blue is more expensive. The Walmart ones that are bronze and black are literally the same model just different colors are WAY cheaper.
Steve says
Flat top king…enjoy your videos….keep them coming.
I have two questions. I purchased the PitBoss ultimate griddle,, 3 burner.
1st when I got it put together the two 4 inch wheels was not in line with the rest of the unit. Makes horrible noise when moving it.
2nd is the threw burners have a high flame and it changes to low. No medium flame. Any ideas….Thanks, Steve
Brent says
I have the four burner ultimate, and wonder if it’s safe to use the silver “Barkeepers Friend” when doing a deep clean. I’m familiar with the baking soda method, but suspect this would be much more effective. I’m NOT talking about the normal (gold) version as it’s more abrasive.
The reason I suspect it might be better is because it’s made for both cookware as well as ceramic… r so it says. The other types are intended for surfaces that you don’t eat off of. This version is intended for surfaces having direct food contact, but still says it’s good for ceramic and glass.
Can you try it out for us?
Oh, and GO NAVY
Joseph Dibenedetto says
I sold mine wasn’t happy with it the outdoor construction is terrible paint started chipping and the unit rusted all over the none stick is bs as stated using plastic utensils is worse and cleaniing is far worse it costs more to maintain I bought a stainless grill
with a pan that I season 100% better for this reason I no longer by pit boss I am I true Recteq buyer only their warranty is 6 years and backed by fantastic customer service although pitboss has good service too but when I initially bought the pit boss I got not 1 but 3 replacement damaged griddle tops I wish pitboss would step up there game and produce better quaty products
Neal says
Go Navy….I dont think it would be a problem…I have used it on mine but I would reach out to Pit Boss for an official answer just in case