I've got a built-in Coyote gas grill in my outdoor kitchen that I hardly ever use. Thinking about converting it into a flat top cooker. Curious if anyone here has done the same thing.

Coyote has a drop in griddle for $500 that takes up half of the cooking surface. I'd like to spend less and have more cooking surface. TIA!

Never done it. I have a Primo and a Blackstone. Your idea is a good one. The Flat iron gets used way more than anything else.

I know Scheels sells inserts
Why not keep it simple and just do that?

FriscoAggieFan said:

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I know Scheels sells inserts
Why not keep it simple and just do that?

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It's a good thought and definitely the cheapest option. I've got a cast iron griddle that I occasionally use that just sits on top of the grates. It's too small to do anything more than a few burgers and I'd like it to look a little more 'finished'.

These guys make these for grills and stoves.

https://steelmadeusa.com/collections/outdoor-cooking/products/flat-top-for-outdoor-grill#

Can even make you a custom one.

https://steelmadeusa.com/collections/flat-top-for-gas-range/products/flat-top-grill-custom-size#

Thought about ordering one of these before for my range inside, just never pulled the trigger.

Just closing the loop on this thread in case anyone is interested. I ended up buying the Steelmade flat top suggested by Caliber. Thought about getting the custom made version but went with the standard version. Very happy with it, especially with the price of $99. Has me utilizing my gas grill again but is more fun than grilling. Anything I might use the gas grill for, chicken, burgers, etc., the griddle cooks much better.

Interesting concept here and may give the wife some hints for me for xmas.

Did you buy the drip tray? Also did you order the griddle pre-seasoned?

chet98 said:

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Interesting concept here and may give the wife some hints for me for xmas.

Did you buy the drip tray? Also did you order the griddle pre-seasoned?

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Good questions. Yes I bought the drip tray to minimize mess. It's very small so I pretty much have to clean it out after every cook. I'd say it's worth it but not mission critical.

I did not buy the pre-seasoned griddle but definitely would if I had to do it over. I don't use it that often so it took me a while to get it seasoned. Also, I live in humid College Station so it rusted a little after my first cook. Took some time to get rid of the rust. Also some operator error because I didn't know how to properly care for it. For me, it would have been worth a few extra bucks to get it already seasoned.

Thanks. Thinking preseason plus drip. Humid as crap this year in Austin too so rust could be at play.

I definitely think the pre-season is worth it if you plan to leave it outside on your grill (which is what I do). You can buy a sleeve for it if you want to store between uses or travel with it. I do neither and it got pretty greasy even after the first use so the sleeve seemed impractical.

I've fabricated a ton of these for my clients. Many for restaurants and catering companies. It gives them an option of two cooking methods without an additional grill/flattop.

If your wife needs a few more Christmas ideas, I also bought the utensil set from Steelmade. Comes with two spatulas, a scraper and two squirt bottles. You can probably find cheaper options but I'll say the Steelmade stuff is well made, very sturdy. Blackstone flat tops have become very popular so I see their accessories in all hardware and big box stores.

An infrared temperature gun is also a good idea. Good to know what temp you're cooking at and where the hot/cool spots are. Plus, Steelmade recommends keeping the temp of the griddle below 600 so it's good to know if you're close.

Finally, I bought a burger press to make smash burgers. You can use it for other things too.

I've been actually thinking about making something like this myself. Going to the local steel dealer and getting an appropriate sized piece of 1/4 or 3/8 steel plate cut then adding lift handles and a drip tray of some sort. I have a lodge griddle that I use for bacon when I need breakfast for a bunch but it's still a little small.