You’re dreaming of a griddle top sizzling with sausages, bacon, and eggs. You can even smell it. But your patio just isn’t spacious enough for a big flat-top grill. Traeger says has the solution to that space dilemma and can elevate your grill game with its new Flatrock 2 Zone griddle.
Traeger adapted this new two-zone griddle option from the design of its popular propane-fueled Flatrock 3 Zone Griddle. It claims that this new design answers consumers’ calls for a more compact design, saving space without compromising quality cooking.
Its $699 price tag took us by surprise, but Traeger says the proof is in the grilling.
The Flatrock 2 Zone takes its versatility and quality design from the Flatrock 3 Zone, according to Traeger. (The Flatrock 3 Zone was known as just the Traeger Flatrock prior to the introduction of this second Flatrock model.)
Trager said it compacted the design in a more space-efficient model without impacting the cooking quality.
“We knew we wanted to introduce that same game-changing innovation and best-in-class quality in a smaller footprint,” said Traeger’s CEO, Jeremy Andrus. For those with less-than-spacious patios or apartment balconies, this might be a good workaround for great grilling without compromising space.
This dual-zone griddle measures 26 inches wide by 18 inches deep, giving you 468 square inches of cooking space. According to Traeger, that’s enough room to cook up 20 eggs, 22 bacon strips, or 18 burgers side by side.
Dual-Zone Temperature Control
This update offers two distinct cooking zones with separate U-shaped propane burners. This, Traeger said, allows the grillmaster to effectively cook on both sides of the griddle at different temperatures.
Each zone will experience even heat distribution without impacting the other zone’s temperature. That means burgers on the edge of the griddle should all cook evenly and at the same rate as burgers in the center of the griddle, if those claims hold up.
Trager also said the even temperatures owe to the grill’s wind-blocking inlay design — called Flamelock Construction. This purports to protect your food from burnout or flare-ups caused by the wind whipping up flames underneath. This also helps hold in heat, maintaining even temperatures across the expanse of the griddle.
Traeger advertises the Flatrock 2 Zone will reach up to 36,000 BTUs per hour at its highest setting.
All the juices drip down into Traeger’s EZ-Clean Grease and Ash Keg. This large grease trap sits underneath the burners and slides out from the front of the griddle.
Trager Flatrock 2 Zone: Accessories
Keeping with its other Flatrock griddle’s option, Traeger offers multiple customizable upgrades to make your griddle space feel like your empire.
Folding side shelves on each end of the griddle allow you to fit the grill into smaller spaces — or expand your counter space. The edges of both shelves hold a Pop-and-Lock Accessory Rail, which allows you to customize what you have on hand. These options, sold separately, include a storage caddy for your seasonings and spices, cup holders, utensil hooks, and a paper towel dispenser.
Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone: Compact, Premium, and Pricey
Traeger enjoys a high reputation for quality products, and the $699 price tag reflects that. Comparatively, a Blackstone 28″ XL Omnivore Griddle with Hood with similar dimensions retails for $399.
However, the Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone hopes to compete with popular griddles, thanks to its temperature control technology, ergonomics, and materials. Its compact size may serve small households and close-quartered residences well.
Arguably, Traeger made a significant impact in the grilling world with its signature wood pellet grills. One of those pellet grills won GearJunkie’s award for Best Portable Pellet Grill. Its standing in the flat-top grill competition seems to be gaining strength, but time (and testing by a GearJunkie editor) will tell. Stay tuned!
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