How to Use a Grill Griddle Combo?

Most combo units let you run a ribbed grill surface and a smooth griddle surface side by side, which makes them the best of both worlds for a single cooktop. Whether you own an electric countertop model or a propane gas unit, the core sequence is the same: set up the surface, heat it properly, and cook on the side that fits the food. The details differ enough between electric and gas models that it pays to know which one you have before you start.

Before First Use: Setup and Seasoning

Every combo grill arrives with manufacturing oils and packaging residue on the cooking surfaces, so a first burn-off is non-negotiable. The steps depend on whether your unit is electric or propane.

For electric countertop models like the Cuisinart Griddler Combo GR-55, place the base on a clean, flat surface, slide the drip tray into place, and install the cooking plates with your chosen side facing up. Plug into a standard outlet and set the temperature; the red light shows power and the green light signals the unit is ready, usually after 10 to 15 minutes of preheating.

For propane gas models like the Expert Grill GGC2552WA, start by removing labels and packaging, then wash the griddle in hot, soapy water since it arrives pre-seasoned with oil to prevent rust. Connect the LP tank, turn the tank valve open, and light the burner. Before cooking anything, “burn off” the grill by igniting the burners, closing the hood, and running it on max for 3 to 5 minutes to remove manufacturing oils.

Grill Plate vs. Griddle Plate: Which Side for Which Food?

The choice comes down to what you’re cooking. The ribbed grill side is built for foods where you want sear marks and fat to drain away, while the smooth griddle side suits foods that need an even, flat cooking surface.

• Grill side (ribbed): steaks, hamburgers, chicken, seafood, and vegetables that benefit from char and grill lines.
• Griddle side (smooth): bacon, eggs, pancakes, French toast, and toasted sandwiches that need full surface contact.

One of the biggest advantages of a combo unit is running both sides at once. On the Cuisinart GR-55, you can put a grill plate on one side and a griddle plate on the other, so burgers and pancakes finish at the same time without swapping surfaces mid-cook.

Common Mistakes That Ruin a Combo Cook

The manuals point to a handful of repeat errors that trip up first-time owners. Skipping the drip tray is the most common — without it, grease pools in the base and makes cleanup miserable. Using the wrong plate side is second; eggs on the ribbed grill side turn into a stuck, shredded mess, while a steak on the smooth side never gets its sear.

Failing to preheat properly runs a close third. Both electric and gas models need time to reach cooking temperature, and food added to a cold surface sticks and cooks unevenly. On gas models, the safety timing matters too: if ignition doesn’t happen within 5 seconds, turn the burner off, wait 5 minutes, and retry. Never hover over the burner trying again and again while gas flows.

Finally, never change or reverse plates while the unit is hot. For the Cuisinart, the booklet is explicit: turn the temperature control to OFF, unplug, and let everything cool completely before removing plates. It’s tempting to swap mid-session, but burns and warped plates aren’t worth the time saved.

One point worth noting: indoor electric combos and outdoor propane units are genuinely different appliances. The Cuisinart GR-55 is a countertop electric unit, while the Expert Grill is a gas appliance with different safety procedures. Don’t carry habits from one to the other. If you’re weighing which type fits your patio or counter, our roundup of the best combo grill and griddle models breaks down the trade-offs between electric and propane options so you can match one to your cooking style.

Blackstone’s official griddle and grill combo manuals cover their own units, including the 1550 “On The Go” model, and reinforce the same fundamentals: burn off before first use, preheat before cooking, and keep the surface seasoned.

FAQs

Can I use the grill and griddle sides at the same time?

Yes, on most combo units you can run both surfaces simultaneously. The Cuisinart GR-55 explicitly allows a grill plate on one side and a griddle plate on the other, so you can sear burgers while cooking eggs or pancakes at the same temperature.

Do I need to season a new griddle before cooking?

Propane models like the Expert Grill ship with a pre-seasoned griddle, so you only need to wash it in hot, soapy water and do a brief burn-off before first use. Electric models with removable plates generally need no seasoning at all, just a proper preheat.

What temperature should I use for the griddle side?

Most recipes work well in the medium to medium-high range, around 350°F to 400°F. Eggs and pancakes do best at the lower end, while bacon and seared meats handle the higher settings. Let the unit reach its ready indicator before adding food.