Mastering Outdoor Cooking: An In-Depth LoCo SmartTemp Griddle Review

For years, outdoor griddles have transformed backyard cooking, moving beyond traditional grilling to unlock a world of culinary possibilities. My own journey into this vibrant outdoor cooking scene began with the surge in Blackstone griddle popularity several summers ago, and it’s easy to see why these flat top grills have captivated home cooks nationwide. Whether you’re craving sizzling burgers, a hearty breakfast spread, flavorful fajitas, or perfectly fried rice, a flat top griddle handles it all with remarkable versatility. The convenience extends even further with portable options, making them ideal companions for tailgating events, camping trips, and any adventure where delicious food is a must.

As a devoted fan of Blackstone products, I approached the prospect of testing another gas griddle with a healthy dose of skepticism. However, the innovative features of the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle quickly captured my attention. This isn’t just another flat top grill; it promises a level of precision and ease that could elevate any outdoor cooking experience. After putting the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle through its paces, I was genuinely impressed by its smart temperature regulation, effortless electronic ignition, and practical leveling system. Whether you’re a newcomer searching for your first outdoor griddle or an experienced chef looking to upgrade to a more sophisticated model, this comprehensive review will provide all the insights you need to decide if the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle is the perfect fit for your outdoor kitchen.

Introducing the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle: Precision Redefined

The LoCo SmartTemp Griddle stands out in the crowded outdoor cooking market by taking the guesswork out of temperature control, a common frustration with many standard griddles. Traditional outdoor griddles often feature vague “high,” “medium,” or “low” dial settings, leaving cooks to approximate actual cooking temperatures. This ambiguity can lead to inconsistent results, from overcooked proteins to underdone vegetables.

The LoCo SmartTemp Griddle revolutionizes this with its sophisticated digital displays integrated directly into the temperature control knobs. These vibrant LED screens provide precise temperature readings, allowing users to adjust cooking temperatures in exact 25-degree increments. This level of granular control means you can confidently follow recipes, achieving perfect sears, gentle sautés, and consistent doneness every time.

The benefits of such precise temperature regulation are manifold. It significantly reduces the risk of overcooking or undercooking, ensuring that every dish reaches its full potential. For home cooks who enjoy experimenting with diverse cuisines, the ability to maintain specific temperatures is invaluable. Furthermore, with multi-burner LoCo Griddles (available in two- or three-burner configurations), you can simultaneously cook different foods at varying temperatures across the expansive surface. Imagine searing a steak to perfection at high heat on one side while delicately cooking tender vegetables at a lower temperature on the other – all on the same versatile cooking surface. This capability streamlines meal preparation, allowing you to bring an entire, complex meal to the table with ease.

But the high-tech innovations of LoCo Griddles extend beyond just temperature control. These units are packed with thoughtful features designed to enhance usability and convenience, including an electronic ignition for instant startups, an intelligent leveling system for optimal grease management, and oversized wheels for effortless mobility. Continue reading for an in-depth exploration of what makes the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle a game-changer for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

Putting the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle to the Test: A Real-World Review

My excitement was palpable when I finally got my hands on the 26-inch LoCo SmartTemp Griddle after hearing so much about its intelligent features. As someone who relishes hosting family for Sunday morning breakfasts, especially when the weather is beautiful, the idea of cooking and gathering outdoors is incredibly appealing. Naturally, I couldn’t wait for a large family reunion to initiate the LoCo Griddle. Instead, my partner and I opted for a more intimate “breakfast-for-dinner” session, providing the perfect opportunity to thoroughly test its capabilities.

Effortless Setup and Placement

While I busied myself with food preparation, my partner took on the task of maneuvering the griddle from our garage. Thanks to the LoCo flat top grill’s robust design, featuring four generously sized wheels, transporting it across various terrains – from concrete paths around the side of our house to the grassy expanse of the backyard and onto the patio – was remarkably easy. Once positioned, connecting a propane tank was straightforward, followed by plugging in the unit.

Initially, I harbored a slight concern about the necessity of plugging the griddle in to power its digital temperature controls and LED display, given our lack of an outdoor electrical outlet. However, this concern was quickly alleviated. The cord provided is both sufficiently long and slim, allowing us to easily run it indoors via an extension cord. We simply allowed the door to close gently over the cord, a minor inconvenience that presented no significant issues and successfully kept insects out of the house. This minor adaptation was a small price to pay for the advanced functionality the SmartTemp system provides.

Essential Prep Work: Seasoning for Success

After a remarkably smooth setup – a testament to our local hardware store which delivered our LoCo Griddle fully assembled – it was nearly time to cook. But first, a crucial step for any new outdoor griddle: initial preparation. Just like a new cast iron skillet, a griddle’s cooking surface needs proper seasoning to become non-stick and durable. Our first task was to wipe down the cooktop with a damp towel to remove any manufacturing residues. Next, we connected the gas and, with the incredibly easy one-touch ignite button, lit the griddle. We set the controls to “sear” and allowed it to heat for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, preparing the surface for seasoning.

Seasoning the griddle is a simple yet vital process that creates a natural non-stick surface and protects the metal. We applied a thin, even layer of cooking oil across the hot griddle surface using a rag held securely with tongs to prevent burns. The oil was allowed to smoke off completely, forming a durable, protective layer. We repeated this process several times until the griddle’s top developed a rich, shiny, and dark finish, indicating a well-seasoned surface ready for its inaugural cook.

A Culinary Test: Breakfast for Dinner Extravaganza

With the griddle perfectly seasoned, it was time for the real test. To assess its performance across a range of food types, I prepared a classic breakfast-for-dinner spread: savory sausage, delightful French toast, and crispy hashbrowns. The LoCo SmartTemp Griddle’s dual-zone cooking capability truly shone during this session. On the right side, I cooked French toast, achieving a perfect golden brown crust consistently between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Simultaneously, on the left side, sausages sizzled and cooked through beautifully at a steady 400 degrees. The hashbrowns were strategically placed towards the top of the griddle, where the oil naturally collected, allowing them to crisp up between 350 and 400 degrees, depending on their exact position.

There’s an undeniable charm to cooking breakfast on the patio on a cool evening, far surpassing the indoor alternative. A gentle breeze certainly added to the ambiance, but the expansive cooking surface of the LoCo griddle was the real hero. It allowed me to cook a substantial amount of food simultaneously, cutting down our cooking time considerably. Beyond efficiency, food, especially breakfast items, simply takes on a superior flavor when cooked on a gas griddle – if you know, you know. The hashbrowns emerged perfectly crisp, never soggy; the French toast boasted a wonderful flavor and tender interior; and the sausages were grilled to perfection, a slight char adding to their savory appeal, just as breakfast sausages should be cooked in my opinion. Whatever your culinary preferences, I am confident you will adore the taste and quality of food prepared on the LoCo Griddle. It genuinely brings a restaurant-quality cooking surface right into your backyard.

Beyond its exceptional cooking performance, the LoCo Griddle also impresses with its sophisticated aesthetic. Its sleek, glossy chalk finish from top to bottom, coupled with an enclosed cart featuring a cabinet door and two folding shelves, allows it to blend seamlessly with existing patio decor or integrate effortlessly into any modern outdoor kitchen setup. The thoughtful design of the grill cart’s base keeps unsightly propane tanks and cumbersome wires neatly hidden, contributing to a clean and organized outdoor space. This attention to detail elevates the LoCo griddle above even some of the best grills on the market, making it a functional centerpiece for outdoor entertaining.

One-Year Update: Longevity and Practical Insights

After nearly a year of using the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle intermittently, alongside a Blackstone griddle, I’ve developed an appreciation for both, recognizing their distinct strengths across different seasons and situations. The LoCo griddle consistently proved to be excellent for quick, precisely temperature-controlled meals right on our back patio. Its one-touch ignition made spontaneous grilling sessions incredibly easy, and it quickly became my go-to for weekend breakfasts when the weather permitted. The LoCo SmartTemp Griddle also demonstrated remarkable durability, successfully enduring a cross-country move in the back of a moving van without a hitch. However, I did observe that it didn’t fare quite as well against prolonged exposure to the elements compared to the Blackstone. Heavy rain and snow seemed to take a tougher toll on its exterior components.

Based on this year of consistent use, I have a few essential pieces of advice for prospective LoCo griddle buyers:

Invest in a Protective Cover: This is crucial, especially if you plan to store the grill outdoors and live in a region prone to frequent rain, snow, or high winds. While the grill continued to function despite elemental exposure, cleaning became significantly more challenging after harsher seasons. A good quality cover will preserve its appearance and ease of maintenance.
Plan for Electrical Access: Ensure you can conveniently set up the griddle near an outdoor electrical outlet. My setup required running an extension cord into my kitchen, which, while manageable, led to constant tripping hazards. A dedicated outdoor outlet will significantly enhance the user experience and safety.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

The LoCo SmartTemp Griddle offers a compelling package of features and benefits, but like any product, it also has considerations. Here’s a quick summary:

Pros:

Smart Temperature Controls: Digital LED display offers precise temperature adjustments in 25-degree increments, ensuring consistent cooking results.
One-Touch Electronic Ignition: Provides instant, hassle-free startups, making spontaneous cooking sessions easy.
Cooktop Leveling System: Ingeniously angles the griddle top to efficiently direct grease into the integrated trap, simplifying cleanup.
Oversized Wheels: Facilitate easy maneuvering and repositioning of the griddle, even across uneven surfaces.
Two Folding Shelves: Offer generous prep space on either side, enhancing convenience during cooking.
Elegant Aesthetic: The enclosed grill cart neatly hides wires and the propane tank, contributing to a clean, integrated look that complements outdoor decor.
Built-In Cooktop Locking System: Enhances safety and stability during operation, securing the griddle top.
Hinged Lid and Storage Cabinet: The hinged lid simplifies handling, and the spacious storage cabinet provides discreet storage for accessories and the propane tank.
Competitive Pricing: Often more affordable than comparable griddles from other premium brands, offering excellent value.

Cons:

Electrical Outlet Requirement: The griddle must be plugged into an electrical outlet for the digital temperature display to function, potentially limiting placement options.
Protective Cover Necessity: To maintain its pristine condition and protect against the elements, a high-quality protective cover is highly recommended, representing an additional investment.

Unpacking the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle’s Key Features

Beyond its headline-grabbing smart temperature display, the 2-Burner LoCo SmartTemp Griddle is engineered with a suite of features designed to enhance every aspect of the outdoor cooking experience.

At its core is an effortless ignition system that fires up the grill with a simple push of a button, eliminating the frustration of manual lighting. This quick-start capability means you spend less time fumbling and more time cooking. The integrated leveling system is another standout innovation, meticulously designed to angle the griddle surface just enough to channel grease directly into the drain hole, ensuring cleaner cooking and easier post-meal cleanup. For added safety and stability while cooking, a robust locking system secures the cooktop firmly in place, providing peace of mind during intense grilling sessions.

The cooktop on the LoCo flat top grill measures a generous 26 inches, providing an expansive 530 square inches of cooking surface. This ample space means you can comfortably cook for a large group of people simultaneously, whether it’s a full breakfast spread or an array of dinner entrees. Practical conveniences are also built into the design, including dedicated paper towel and trash bag holders for maintaining a tidy cooking area. However, in practice, I often found myself utilizing the two folding side shelves extensively. These shelves proved invaluable for keeping all my cooking tools, ingredients, and platters within immediate arm’s reach, creating an efficient and organized workspace.

The hinged lid is a small but significant detail that greatly enhances user experience. Unlike griddles with completely detachable lids that can be easily misplaced, the LoCo’s hinged design means the lid is always attached and simple to lift and lower, simplifying both cooking and storage. Beneath the main cooking unit, a spacious storage cabinet elegantly conceals the propane tank, transforming what can often be an eyesore into a neat, hidden compartment. This cabinet also provides additional room for storing other large outdoor cooking essentials, keeping your patio clutter-free and organized.

LoCo SmartTemp Griddle vs. Blackstone: A Comparative Look

When comparing LoCo griddles to the widely popular standard griddles from Blackstone, the most significant differentiating factor lies in the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle’s precision temperature control. The LoCo SmartTemp system requires an electrical connection to power its LED displays, which provide real-time, accurate temperature readings for each cooking zone. This allows users to know exactly how hot their cooking surface is at any given moment, a stark contrast to Blackstone’s traditional dial-based controls that offer more generalized “low,” “medium,” and “high” settings.

Wes Wright, founder and CEO of CookOut News, offers valuable insight: “For beginners, I would steer them towards LoCo because the temperature control is very helpful. Have you ever noticed when cooking with a pan on the stove that it gradually gets hotter while you cook? SmartTemp solves that problem by regulating the burners to keep the griddle surface at a set temperature.” This expert opinion highlights LoCo’s advantage in offering a more controlled and consistent cooking environment, especially beneficial for those new to griddling or who prefer precise cooking.

Beyond this crucial SmartTemp feature, both brands typically operate on propane and share similar design philosophies regarding integrated storage and convenient side shelves. However, Blackstone has diversified its offerings, including the introduction of a pellet-fuel grill for those interested in alternative fuel sources. Blackstone also maintains a dynamic product line, frequently launching new models and updates.

LoCo Cookers also offers a range of griddle sizes to suit various needs. Their lineup includes a substantial 36-inch, three-burner griddle, perfect for large gatherings or commercial applications, and a compact 16-inch tabletop griddle. The 26-inch, two-burner griddle I tested proved to be an excellent size for my smaller backyard patio, comfortably providing enough cooking space for five to ten people at once. If your outdoor space is more generous or if you frequently entertain larger crowds, upgrading to the 36-inch model would be a wise choice to leverage the same innovative features on a grander scale.

For those who prioritize portability and versatility for activities like camping, tailgating, or picnics, the 16-inch tabletop griddle is an outstanding option. This compact model successfully integrates the power of smart temperature control into a highly portable unit. A key advantage of this smaller model is its battery-powered digital LED display, which eliminates the need for an electrical outlet. This makes it an ideal companion for off-grid adventures, ensuring you can enjoy precise griddle cooking wherever your travels take you.

Final Verdict: The LoCo SmartTemp Griddle Stands Out

After extensive testing and a year of real-world use, my recommendation for the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle is unequivocal. As someone who appreciates precision in cooking and enjoys following recipes to the letter, the LoCo flat top grill’s ability to provide exact temperature control is a monumental advantage. This precision, combined with its user-friendly features like the one-touch ignition and generous dual-sided prep space, makes cooking an absolute joy. While I was initially skeptical, I have found myself preferring the LoCo over my Blackstone on many occasions, primarily due to its sheer ease of ignition and use when I need to whip up a quick and delicious meal. It truly simplifies and enhances the outdoor cooking experience.

Where to Buy the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle

The 26-inch LoCo SmartTemp Griddle (Series II) is a worthwhile investment for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. This model typically retails for around $599 and is widely available at major retailers, making it accessible for purchase. You can find it at Walmart, as well as leading hardware stores such as The Home Depot. Additionally, it can often be found at general merchandise retailers like Target. With its intelligent features and robust design, the LoCo griddle is perfectly suited to make the most of those beautiful spring and autumn days when outdoor cooking is at its finest.

Frequently Asked Questions About LoCo Griddles

Who makes LoCo griddles?

LoCo Cookers is the company behind LoCo Griddles, established in 2022. Based in Georgia, USA, the team behind LoCo Cookers brings over 25 years of collective experience in the outdoor cooking industry, specializing in griddles, griddle accessories, fryers, and various other outdoor cooking solutions.

How do you season a LoCo griddle?

Seasoning a LoCo griddle is a straightforward process crucial for creating a non-stick surface and protecting the cooktop. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the griddle surface with a damp cloth to remove any manufacturing oils or debris.
Preheat your LoCo Griddle to the “sear” setting for approximately 15 minutes to ensure an even and high temperature across the surface.
Using a clean towel or paper towel (held securely with a pair of tongs to protect your hands from the heat), spread a thin, even layer of high smoke point cooking oil (such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or canola oil) across the entire griddle surface.
Allow the oil to smoke off completely. This process polymerizes the oil, creating a durable, non-stick layer.
Repeat the previous step 3-5 times, or until the griddle surface develops a deep, shiny, black finish with no visible puddles of oil. Each layer adds to the griddle’s seasoning and performance.

Why You Should Trust This Review

At Family Handyman, our commitment to providing reliable and comprehensive reviews of outdoor products is unwavering. We have rigorously tested and reviewed countless grills and outdoor cooking devices, from innovative fire pit grill tops to highly functional portable grills, and everything in between. Our team comprises outdoor living enthusiasts and experts who are passionate about home products, including grills, fire pits, patio furniture, and more. We are dedicated to continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest innovations in the market. To ensure the highest level of accuracy and expertise, we consulted with Wes Wright, a mechanical engineer and the founder of CookOut News, who consistently tests and evaluates grills and griddles.

My personal testing experience with the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle was exceptionally thorough. I didn’t just spend a few hours with it; I integrated it into my daily life, using it on and off in my backyard for an entire year. During this time, I cooked countless meals for my family and friends, truly putting the griddle through its paces in real-world scenarios. This review is not based on a single session but on multiple cooking experiences, culminating in a comprehensive update after nearly a year of consistent use. My direct, long-term experience, combined with expert insights, ensures that this review offers a balanced, practical, and trustworthy assessment of the LoCo SmartTemp Griddle’s performance and value.