Mastering Griddle Max™: Gourmet Pro™’s Reversible Griddle Plate & Smoker Box

Every backyard griller wants more control, more versatility, and more ways to bring bold flavors to the table. The Griddle Max™ Cooking System, found in Nexgrill’s Gourmet Pro™ series, delivers exactly that – a 4-in-1 cooking system that turns a gas grill into an all-in-one outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor cooking has evolved beyond just steaks and burgers. Grillers today want to expand their skills – experimenting with low-and-slow barbecue, griddling up diner-style burgers, or roasting meats with precision. With Griddle Max™, you don’t need multiple appliances. Just one grill that does it all.

At the heart of the system is the reversible griddle plate, a heavy-duty cast-iron insert that seamlessly transitions between traditional grilling, wood-fired smoking, flat-top griddling, and indirect cooking. For the first time ever, Nexgrillers can grill, smoke, roast, and griddle – all under one lid.

Here’s how it works and how you can take full advantage of each cooking configuration.

The Griddle Max™ Cooking System: How It Works

The Griddle Max™ Cooking System is designed for epic versatility, allowing grillers to switch between grilling, griddling, indirect cooking, and smoking with ease.

Let’s take a closer look at how to configure your Gourmet Pro™ for each cooking mode:

1) Traditional Grilling - Food Over Flame

 

No griddle plate required. Simply ignite the burners and cook over heavy-duty cast iron grates for intense heat and deep caramelization. The direct contact with the flame locks in juices while forming the perfect crust on meats. Cast iron grates retain heat well, ensuring an even sear on everything from thick steaks to grilled vegetables.

Best for:

• Steaks
• Burgers
• Pork chops
• Vegetables
  

Pro Tip: Preheat the grates for 10-15 minutes before cooking to lock in juices and maximize flavor.

Try This Recipe: Mustard Rub Tomahawk Steak

 

2) Flat-Top Griddling - High-Heat Sizzling

 

For flat-top cooking, remove the left cooking grates and set the griddle plate into place. The smooth griddle plate creates direct contact with food, locking in flavor and forming crispy, golden crusts on burgers and breakfast foods. The even heat eliminates flare-ups and uneven cooking. Perfect for foods that need a consistent, high-heat surface.

Best for:

• Smash burgers
• Breakfast foods (pancakes, bacon, eggs)
• Stir-fry
• Tacos & fajitas
  

Pro Tip: Apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil before cooking to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.

Try This Recipe: Cali Smash Burgers

 

New to griddling? Get all the tools you need to griddle like a pro with the 7-Piece Daytona™ Griddle Tool Starter Pack.

 

 

3) Indirect Cooking - Slow & Even Heat

 

Flip the reversible griddle plate to the ridged side, which elevates food off the surface for gentle, even heat circulation – similar to a roasting rack in an oven. Instead of direct flame contact, food is suspended above the heat source, allowing slow, even cooking. This method prevents overcooking delicate proteins while keeping meats juicy and tender.

Best for:

• Fish
• Poultry
• Thick-cut pork chops
  

Pro Tip: For even cooking, keep the burners on one side only, and place food on the cooler side of the grill.

Try This Recipe: Honey Glazed Smoked Halibut

 

 

4) Smoking - Wood-Fired Flavor on a Gas Grill

 

Transform your grill into a smoker by nesting the cooking grates over the griddle plate to create a chamber. Add wood chips to infuse food with the deep, smoky flavor of traditional barbecue. The smoker box slowly smolders wood chips, releasing flavorful smoke that permeates meats, giving them that unmistakable BBQ depth.

Best for:

• Ribs
• Brisket
• Pulled Pork
• Smoked seafood
  

Pro Tip: Experiment with different wood chips to find your favorite flavor combinations. Hickory pairs well with ribs, cherrywood complements most pork, and applewood enhances poultry.

Try This Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends

 

 

Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Reversible Griddle Plate

Proper care and maintenance ensure better cooking results and long-term durability. After each use:

• Scrape off food residue with a griddle scraper or wooden spatula.
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.
• Lightly coat with high-smoke-point oil to maintain seasoning.
• Empty the smoker box and remove any leftover wood chips. 
  

Pro Tip: Avoid using soap on cast iron – it strips the seasoning. Instead, wipe clean and apply oil to maintain the non-stick surface.

For a step-by-step guide on griddle care and seasoning, check out How to Season Your Griddle Top.

Take Your Grilling Further with Gourmet Pro™

The Griddle Max™ Cooking System turns any Gourmet Pro™ gas grill into a multi-functional outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re searing over an open flame, slow-smoking barbecue classics, roasting with indirect heat, or sizzling up a diner-style breakfast, Griddle Max™ makes it all possible.

Ready to grow your grilling game? Explore the complete lineup of Gourmet Pro™ Gas Grills here.

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