When it comes to griddles, Blackstone has always held a special place in my heart. Its exceptional performance and reliability have made it my go-to griddle for countless outdoor cooking adventures.

For the longest time, I never even considered looking at other griddle brands because Blackstone always delivered beyond my expectations.

But, recently, many new strong competitors have entered the griddle market. Among these contenders are Traeger Flatrock and Loco Griddles, two brands that have been making waves with their innovative features and impressive performance. 

With so many options now available, it’s time to venture beyond the familiar and explore what these newcomers have to offer.

Here is a little grillcuisines.com guide about Loco Griddle Vs Traeger Flatrock. We’ll cover

• We will compare two griddles of different brands, Loco Griddle, and Traeger Flatrock.

• We’ll explore each aspect, including price, size, compatibility, material, and warranty, heat distribution, durability, cleaning to know which is better among Loco Griddle Vs Traeger Flatrock.

• Help you to make an informed decision for your griddling adventures.

The battle of the griddles begins now!

Related > > Loco Griddle vs Blackstone

Traeger Flatrock vs Blackstone

Griddle Showdown: Traeger Flatrock Vs Weber Griddle

Loco Griddle Vs Traeger Flatrock

Loco Griddle has been a trusted player in the industry for several years, while Traeger Flatrock has recently emerged as a strong competitor.

Traeger is a well-known and established brand. Traeger has a reputation for producing high-quality pellet grills, it’s no surprise that their foray into the flat top grill market has generated excitement.

Both griddles have their unique characteristics and are known for their durability and functionality.

Loco Griddle is proudly made in the United States, while Traeger Flatrock boasts its manufacturing excellence.

With their remarkable presence in the market, Loco Griddle and Traeger Flatrock have become favorites among outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

Let’s delve deeper into the features and comparisons of these two renowned griddles to help you make an informed decision for your next outdoor cooking adventure.

Brand	Loco Griddle	Traeger Flatrock
Name	36 in. 3-Burner Propane Flat Top Grill / Griddle in Chalk Finish with Enclosed Cart and Hood	Flatrock 3 Cooking Zone 594 sq in Flat Top Propane Griddle in Black
Material	Steel	Carbon Steel
Price	$799	$899
Cooking Surface Size (Width in.)	36 in.	33 in.
Grill/Smoker Fuel Type	Propane	Propane
Griddle Features	Enclosed Cabinet, Grease Pan,Storage Rack, Tool Holder	Enclosed Cabinet, Grease Pan, Storage Rack, Tool Holder
Fits No. of Burgers	28	24
Assembly Required	Yes	Yes

1- PRICE & VALUE

When comparing the price and value of Traeger Flatrock vs Loco Griddle, it’s important to consider the overall cost and the features offered by each griddle.

Loco Griddle 36-inch is priced at $799, while Traeger Flatrock comes in at $899, making them relatively close in price.

Both griddles offer solid construction, durable materials, and ample cooking space.

But, Traeger Flatrock justifies its slightly higher price with additional features such as advanced temperature control, precise heat distribution, and innovative technologies. It also boasts a strong brand reputation for exceptional quality and reliability.

On the other hand, Loco Griddle provides excellent value for its price, delivering reliable performance and versatility for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who may be working with a slightly tighter budget.

Loco Griddle also offers a 26-inch size option that is priced at $599, making it a more budget-friendly choice compared to Traeger Flatrock.

This makes it an ideal option for small families or individuals who are seeking a reliable and efficient griddle for regular use without the need for a larger cooking area.

The Loco Griddle 26-inch provides ample space for preparing a variety of meals while offering excellent value for money.

Its affordable price point combined with its durable construction and performance makes it an attractive option for those looking for a quality griddle at a more budget friendly price.

Ultimately, the choice between Loco Griddle and Traeger Flat top grill will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

2- SIZE AND WEIGHT

Both the Traeger Flatrock and Loco Griddle offer different sizes to cater to various cooking needs.

The Traeger Flatrock griddle is available in a single size and the cooking surface is 33 inches in width. The weight of Traeger Flatrock is 189 lbs.

This generous cooking surface provides ample space to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously, making it ideal for larger gatherings or events where you need to cook for a crowd.

The Loco Griddle, on the other hand, offers two size options: 36 inches and 26 inches.

The 36-inch Loco Griddle weighs around 159.9 lbs and provides a spacious cooking area comparable to the Traeger Flatrock.

The 26-inch Loco Griddle is a more compact option that is perfect for smaller families or individuals with limited outdoor space.

While both griddles provide ample cooking space, the Traeger Flatrock and the 36-inch Loco Griddle are particularly well-suited for those seeking a spacious cooking surface for larger gatherings.

3- HEATING CAPACITY AND FUEL TYPE

Traeger Flatrock uses liquid propane and does not have the capability to be connected to a natural gas supply.

When it comes to heating capacity, both the Traeger griddle and Loco Griddle offer impressive performance.

The Traeger Flatrock has TruZone temperature control with three cooking zones each equipped with a U-shaped burner. It has 2 independently controlled stainless steel burners, allowing you to adjust the heat output for different cooking zones.

U-burners essentially double the direct flame coverage on your griddle, eliminating hot spots and cold spots so that you can use every square inch.

The U-shape design is better for heat retention and reduced heat loss.

TruZone temperature control enables you to create different temperature zones for simultaneously cooking different food items.

You can use high heat for searing or lower heat for gentle cooking. With TruZone temperature control, you have the flexibility and control to achieve the desired cooking results.

However, if you start with all zones on high heat, it may be challenging to cool one section without affecting the cooking process in others.

The Traeger Flat top grill can reach high temperatures quickly and efficiently. Flatrock has a heating capacity of 43,500 BTU and reaches a maximum temperature of 600 F.

The Loco Griddle is also equipped with high-quality burners that ensure consistent and even heat distribution.

The exact number of burners may vary depending on the specific model and size you choose. The Loco griddle heating capacity is 46,500 BTU. Each burner has a 15,500 heating capacity, that can be controlled with its three SmartTemp-equipped burners. Burners have SureSpark electronic ignition system.

Loco griddle has a SmartTemp thermostat control. SmartTemp is a digital display system that allows you to set precise temperatures with 25 degrees increments.

Loco griddle operates on liquid propane and a Smart temperature control system optimizes fuel usage and saves energy.

Operating on liquid propane, the griddle offers a decent heat capacity that ensures precise cooking temperatures for consistent and even cookouts every time. You can confidently grill, sear, and cook various dishes with precision and control.

4- COOKING AREA

Cook Top

Traeger Flatrock Recessed Cooktop

The Flatrock has a unique recessed cooking surface that keeps heat in and keeps the wind out.

They name it FlameLock. FlameLock prevents heat from escaping from the sides and wind from entering the cooking cavity, allowing you to cook your food more quickly and effectively than you could with a typical elevated cooking surface.

The temperature is consistent, it cooks evenly and there is no concern that any wind will ruin your cooking experience.

I think this feature will come in handy if you are living in a cold or windy area.

Loco Griddle Raised Cooktop

In Loco griddle the cooking surface sits above the burner tubes, creating a slightly elevated area for cooking.

This design is better for heat retention and prevents excess grease and food from spilling onto the burners. But it may not be a good choice in windy areas.

In windy and cold conditions, a recessed cooktop design may offer some advantages over a raised cooktop.

5- DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY

One of the most important factors to consider when comparing Traeger Flatrock vs Loco Griddle is the quality of its design and build.

When it comes to design and build quality, Traeger flat top grills are known for their attention to detail and robust construction.

I was amazed by the flawless fit of every component when I started assembling the Traeger Flatrock. Each bolt slid into position effortlessly.

Usually, grills and griddles use flimsy steel legs or delicate plastic wheels, that crack under the weight of the grill. But not this one!

The cooking surface of the Flatrock is made from sturdy carbon steel known for its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution properties. It’s more durable than other materials like enameled cast iron or stainless steel.

Carbon steel is often compared with cast iron. While the two materials are very similar, carbon steel actually contains less carbon and more iron.

The Loco Griddle, on the other hand, is made of 3/16″ thick steel. Stainless steel is a popular choice for outdoor cooking appliances as it can withstand high temperatures and is easy to clean.

In summary, the Loco Griddle uses high-quality stainless steel for its construction, which ensures ability and resistance to corrosion. Meanwhile, the Traeger Flat top grill features a sturdy carbon steel cooking surface that excels in heat retention and distribution.

6- PORTABILITY AND EASE OF STORAGE

Starting with Traeger Flatrock, it has sturdy legs and wheels. You can easily move it around your outdoor space or transport it for outdoor events or camping trips. The Flatrock’s small size makes it easy to store when not in use, saving you room in your garage or storage area.

The Loco Griddle may not be as portable as the Traeger griddle. It typically features a more sturdy and fixed design, which may make it less convenient to move around. However, it’s important to note that the exact portability and storage features of the Loco Griddle may vary depending on the specific model and size you choose.

The Loco griddle with one burner version is portable as it has a one pound propane tank.

7- THE TASTE TEST

When it comes to the taste test, the Traeger Flat top grill and Loco griddles both deliver delicious and flavorful food.

But they offer slightly different cooking experiences. Traeger Flatrock griddle has the best heat distribution and versatile temperature control, that gives you a precise cooking experience.

Loco griddle provides exceptional heat retention and even heat distribution, which is excellent for getting a delectable sear on meats and vegetables.

We know the taste test can vary depending on personal preferences and the specific recipes or ingredients used.

You can experiment with different recipes, seasonings, and techniques to bring out the best flavors from each griddle.

8- Other Features

Traeger’s Flatrock griddle comes with a fuel gauge, which keeps you informed about the gas level in the tank.

As a result, you don’t run out of fuel unexpectedly during your cooking sessions.

Traeger’s Pop and Lock system of accessories allows you to seamlessly integrate your existing Traeger smoker accessories with the Flatrock griddle.

The secure roller is a standout feature that can hold a paper towel or butcher paper, adding practicality to your cooking setup.

The Flatrock also has foldable shelves on either side of the hotplate, providing extra workspace when needed.

Flatrock griddle has a well-designed grease trap, a slanted griddle top for efficient grease runoff, a simple propane tank holder for easy access, and convenient burner lights that indicate the on/off status.

Loco griddle has a full tank enclosure to hide the propane tank and store items when not in use. It has Double-walled lid and 2 folding side trays for extra workspace.

Loco griddle has a unique chalk finish with orange and black highlights that adds a stylish and distinctive touch to the Griddle.

Loco’s SmartTemp Thermostat Temperature Control accurately maintains precise cooking temperatures. It takes the guesswork out of your griddling so you can easily repeat recipes time and time again.

9- WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

When it comes to warranty and customer service, both Traeger flat top grill and Loco Griddle brands strive to provide excellent support to their customers.

Loco Griddle offers one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. A replacement for any defective part will be supplied free of charge for installation by the consumer. You can check in detail here.

While Your Flatrock is backed by Traeger’s 5-year warranty, can’t be beaten. The Traeger Flatrock’s 5-year warranty is indeed impressive and provides a sense of security for buyers.

Traeger is also known for its strong customer support, providing assistance and guidance to customers through various channels.

Loco Griddle may offer a different warranty duration, but it’s worth noting that the warranty isn’t the sole factor to consider when evaluating the overall value and reliability of a griddle.

10- CUSTOMER REVIEWS AND REPUTATIONS

The opinions of other customers who have bought and used the griddle should be considered before making your decision.

Reading user reviews and evaluating the product’s standing among the griddle community are two methods of doing this.

Both the Loco Griddle and Traeger Griddle have received mostly positive user reviews from consumers.

The comments for each product do vary slightly, though.

Traeger is a well-established brand with a strong reputation in the grilling industry. They have a dedicated customer base and are known for producing high-quality grills.

As a result, Traeger products often receive more positive reviews and customer praise than Loco Griddles.

On the other hand, Loco Griddle, being a newer player in the market, may have fewer customer reviews available, and its reputation is still developing. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that Loco Griddle is inferior in any way, it’s important to consider the experiences and feedback from customers who have used the griddle to make an informed decision.

CONCLUSION: LOCO GRIDDLE Vs TRAEGER FLATROCK

It is obvious from comparing the Traeger Flatrock vs Loco griddle that each product has unique strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you’re looking for convenience or features, both griddles have something to offer and something to lack.

Ultimately, the decision between the Traeger flat top griddle and the Loco griddle will come down to individual needs, preferences, and budget.

The Traeger Flatrock is not cheap and is not in everyone’s budget. I know that the higher price reflects its construction, durability, and performance.

If you’re a first-time buyer or looking for a more budget-friendly option, I think the Traeger Flatrock may not be the ideal choice due to its higher price point.

There are certainly decent griddles available at a more affordable price range.

If budget is not a concern and wind resistance, advanced temperature control, and a well-established brand reputation are important factors for you, Traeger Flatrock could be the ideal choice.