Pit Boss Ultimate 4-Burner Lift-Off Griddle Review: Ceramic Non-Stick Top

Removing the learning curve from griddle cooking. A bare steel griddle needs seasoning before first use and regular oiling to stay non-stick and rust-free. The Pit Boss Ultimate uses a ceramic-coated cooking surface that Pit Boss describes as non-stick and armored, so eggs and pancakes release without building up a seasoning layer first, and the coating is intended to resist rust.

The lift-off design is the second strength. The griddle top and burner section come off the cart to become a tabletop unit, so the same griddle can run on the patio cart at home and on a tailgate table or campsite. Most 36-inch-class griddles are cart-only or fold as a whole.

Four separately controlled stainless burners across 647 sq in give room for about 25 burgers or a full family breakfast, and the extras are thoughtful for a cooking station: tool hooks, a paper towel holder, a trash bag holder and a bottle opener.

Non-stick coatings need gentle handling. Hard metal scraping, sharp spatula corners, abrasive pads and extreme heat cycles can wear or chip ceramic coatings over time, and a damaged coating cannot be re-seasoned the way steel can. Follow Pit Boss's guidance on utensils and cleaning, favor rounded-edge spatulas and soft scrapers, and avoid dousing a hot top with cold water.

Heat output is the second trade-off. 46,000 BTU across four burners is lower than the 60,000 to 62,000 BTU on the Blackstone 36-inch station and the Pit Boss Deluxe Fold and Go. That suits eggs, pancakes and vegetables, but cooks who want the hardest sear on smash burgers may prefer more output.

Price per square inch, about $1.08, is also high next to the Blackstone 36 with Hood at about 70 cents, and the listing does not state warranty terms.

Praise themes in verified owner reviews:

• No seasoning, and food that releases easily from the start.
• Easy cleanup compared with bare steel tops.
• The option to lift the top off for tailgates and camping.
• Useful station extras such as the towel and trash bag holders.

Complaint themes:

• Coating wear or marks when metal tools are used aggressively.
• Lower top heat than high-BTU steel griddles for searing.
• Price relative to larger steel griddles.
• Uneven heat near the edges, as on most griddles.

Buy it if

• You are new to griddles and do not want to season or rust-proof steel.
• You cook eggs, pancakes, vegetables and delicate foods often.
• You want one griddle for the patio and for tailgates.
• You will use soft, rounded utensils.

Skip it if

• You scrape hard and use sharp metal tools; a steel top like the Blackstone 36 with Hood tolerates that.
• You want the most surface for the money.
• You want maximum heat for smash burgers; see the Pit Boss Deluxe Fold and Go at 62,000 BTU.
• You need a side burner; the Camp Chef Gridiron Pro 36 includes one.

Care for a coated top is different from steel. Always check the Pit Boss manual first; these are the general principles for ceramic non-stick surfaces:

• Preheat gently. Bring the top up on low to medium rather than blasting an empty coated surface on high for long periods.
• Use a little oil for flavor, not seasoning. A light film helps browning; you are not building a seasoning layer.
• Choose the right tools. Rounded-edge spatulas and non-abrasive scrapers; avoid sharp corners and heavy chopping on the surface.
• Clean warm, not hot. Scrape food toward the grease tray, then wipe with a damp cloth once the top has cooled somewhat. Never shock a hot top with cold water.
• Cover it. Use the hard cover once the top is fully cool.

If you would rather have a surface you can scrape hard and re-season, compare it against a steel top in Pit Boss vs Blackstone griddle.

The listing does not state warranty terms or whether coating wear is covered, so read Pit Boss's published griddle warranty before buying. Outdoor propane cooking appliances sold in the US and Canada are generally certified to the ANSI Z21.58/CSA 1.6 standard; look for the CSA or ETL mark on the rating plate.

Check the CPSC recall database at cpsc.gov/Recalls for this model before buying, and before buying used. Pit Boss lists a matching Ultimate 4-Burner cover, sold separately. A 20 lb tank holds about 430,000 BTU, so at the full 46,000 BTU it lasts about 9 hours, and far longer at typical settings; check yours with the propane tank runtime calculator.