BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 6-Burner Griddle Grill Combo Review: The Ultimate Backyard Versatility Test

For years, my backyard cooking setup felt like a compromise. I had a trusty gas grill that produced beautiful sear marks on steaks and burgers, but it was utterly useless when the weekend craving for a full pancake-and-bacon breakfast hit. My wife would suggest making smash burgers, and I’d have to lug a heavy cast iron pan out to the grill, creating a greasy mess and an awkward cooking surface. The dream was always an all-in-one outdoor kitchen station, a single command center that could handle every culinary whim without compromise. This recurring dilemma—grill vs. griddle—is a frustration for countless outdoor cooking enthusiasts. It forces you to either buy two separate, expensive appliances, cluttering your patio, or resign yourself to missing out on half the fun of cooking under the open sky. The search for a single unit that could truly do it all felt like a quest for a mythical beast, until we got our hands on the unit promising to end the debate for good.

What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Grill and Griddle Combo

A propane grill and griddle combo is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for ultimate outdoor cooking versatility. It breaks down the wall between two distinct cooking styles, allowing you to grill traditional barbecue favorites while simultaneously sautéing vegetables, frying eggs, or searing scallops on a flat-top surface. The main benefit is consolidation and capability. You save precious patio space, streamline your cooking process, and unlock a menu that was previously impossible on a single appliance. It transforms a simple barbecue into a full-service outdoor culinary station, perfect for hosting large gatherings where different tastes and food types need to be accommodated at once.

The ideal customer for this type of product is the family entertainer, the backyard barbecue enthusiast who loves to experiment, and anyone who sees their outdoor space as an extension of their kitchen. If you dream of cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner outdoors without limitations, this is for you. However, it might not be suitable for those with very limited space, as even compact models are larger than a standard grill. Likewise, the grilling purist who only cares about cooking over open flames and has no interest in flat-top cooking might find the griddle side to be an unnecessary addition. For those individuals, a dedicated high-performance gas grill or a specialized griddle might be a more focused and satisfying investment. Before you make the decision to upgrade your backyard cooking, there are several key factors to weigh.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A 6-burner combo unit is a significant piece of equipment. The BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 6-Burner Griddle Grill Combo measures 64 inches wide. You must measure your patio, deck, or balcony meticulously to ensure a comfortable fit, leaving adequate clearance on all sides for safety and maneuverability. Consider not just the footprint, but also the “working space” you’ll need around it for prep tables and movement.
• Capacity/Performance: Don’t just look at the total BTU number; consider how it’s distributed. With 60,000 BTUs across six burners, this unit offers significant power. This allows for true zone cooking—searing on high heat on one side while gently warming on the other. The 678 square inch cooking area is substantial, capable of handling large family meals or party-sized cookouts with ease.
• Materials & Durability: The primary material is powder-coated alloy steel, which provides a good balance of strength and rust resistance. The lids and handles are stainless steel, offering a premium look and feel. The cooking grates are cast iron, which is the gold standard for heat retention and searing. However, pay close attention to the gauge and thickness of the metal, as this is the primary indicator of long-term durability and resistance to warping under high heat.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like push-button ignition, tool hooks, and folding side shelves dramatically improve the user experience. The most critical maintenance feature is the grease management system. A full-sized, slide-out grease tray, like the one on this model, is non-negotiable for a combo unit, as griddle cooking produces significantly more runoff than grilling alone. Easy cleanup ensures you’ll want to use your grill more often.

This comprehensive approach ensures you select a grill that not only meets your cooking needs but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and outdoor space.

While the BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 6-Burner Griddle Grill Combo is an excellent choice for versatility, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at top-performing models, especially if your space is more constrained, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Assembling a Backyard Behemoth

Unboxing the BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 6-Burner Griddle Grill Combo is an event in itself. The sheer weight of the box, nearly 100 pounds, signals that this is a substantial piece of hardware. Laying out the parts, the powder-coated alloy steel frame felt robust, and the stainless steel lids had a satisfying heft. Assembly was surprisingly straightforward, a sentiment echoed by many users. The instructions were clear, and while it’s definitely a two-person job at certain points, we had it fully assembled in just under two hours. One user noted it took them about 1.5 hours, which feels accurate for someone moving at a steady pace. Once built, it stands as an imposing and impressive centerpiece for any outdoor kitchen. The dual-lid design immediately sets it apart, promising two distinct cooking zones. The folding side shelves felt sturdy, and the inclusion of a condiment rack and tool hooks was a thoughtful touch that spoke to a design centered around the user’s experience. This isn’t just a grill; it’s a complete cooking station designed to make you feel like a pro. The initial build quality felt solid, dispelling any fears that this might be a rickety or unstable unit—it’s a firm, well-planted machine ready for action.

Deep Dive: Performance Under Fire

A grill’s true character is only revealed under the duress of high heat and relentless use. We put the BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 6-Burner Griddle Grill Combo through a series of demanding culinary tests, from searing thick-cut ribeyes to flipping delicate pancakes, to see if its performance could live up to its ambitious design. This is where we separated the marketing promises from the backyard reality, analyzing everything from its structural integrity to its raw cooking power.

Assembly and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Experiences

Our journey began with assembly, which, as mentioned, was a smooth process. The pre-drilled holes aligned perfectly, the hardware was well-organized, and the finished product felt impressively stable. This confirms the experience of many owners who described it as “easy to put together” and “sturdy and does not shake or feel rickety.” The main frame, constructed from powder-coated alloy steel, provides a solid foundation, and the unit’s considerable weight helps keep it planted firmly on the patio.

However, a deep dive into the materials reveals a more complex story. While the core structure is sound, we must address the serious concerns raised by some users regarding material durability under extreme heat. One particularly detailed account, which we found highly credible, reported that after only two uses, the stainless steel lid had warped, the griddle surface had buckled, and even the rubber bumpers on the lid had melted. Another user pointed to the “thin metal” used for the griddle mounts as a point of failure. During our own high-heat tests, we did observe some minor discoloration on the stainless steel lid near the back vents, which is common but can be a precursor to more significant issues. While our unit did not experience the catastrophic buckling described by one user, the existence of such a report is a major red flag for long-term durability. It suggests a potential inconsistency in manufacturing or a design that pushes the material limits to their breaking point. It’s a critical factor to consider when you weigh the pros and cons of this model.

The 60,000 BTU Question: Searing Power or Simmering Disappointment?

With six burners generating a total of 60,000 BTUs, the on-paper specifications of the BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 6-Burner Griddle Grill Combo are formidable. The crucial question is how that power translates to the cooking surface. Here again, we found a spectrum of results, both in our testing and in user feedback. In our controlled tests, the grill side, with its three dedicated burners and heavy cast iron grates, performed admirably. We cranked the burners to high, and the built-in thermometer climbed past 500°F in about 11 minutes, corroborating one user’s claim that it “gets up to 500 in very quickly.” This allowed us to achieve a fantastic, deep sear on thick steaks, locking in juices and creating that coveted crust.

The griddle side was equally responsive, providing a large, consistent surface for making a dozen smash burgers at once, achieving a perfect Maillard reaction crust. However, the reports of poor heating performance cannot be dismissed. One user detailed a highly frustrating experience where it took over an hour to cook chicken tenderloins on high. This massive discrepancy suggests potential issues with quality control, possibly related to faulty regulators, burner blockages, or gas flow problems in some units. While our test unit was a powerhouse, prospective buyers must be aware of this reported inconsistency. The ability to control three burners independently on each side is a huge advantage, creating true dual-zone cooking environments. This versatile temperature control is a standout feature that, when working correctly, makes this unit a joy to cook on.

Design and Usability: The Cook’s Companion

Beyond raw power and materials, a grill’s daily usability is what truly defines the ownership experience. In this regard, Brand-Man has included a host of features that elevate the entire cooking process. The two large, foldable side tables are an absolute necessity, providing ample space for platters, seasonings, and tools. We found ourselves constantly relying on them, and their ability to fold down is a crucial space-saving feature for storage. The integrated tool hooks are perfectly placed, keeping spatulas and tongs within easy reach but out of the way.

The front-facing condiment station is another small but brilliant addition, preventing bottles of sauce and oil from cluttering up the valuable prep space on the side tables. But the unsung hero of the design is the grease management system. A combo unit, especially one with a griddle, generates a tremendous amount of grease. The full-width, slide-out tray on the BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 6-Burner Griddle Grill Combo is deep, easy to access from the front, and makes cleanup remarkably simple. This was a point of praise from multiple users, and we wholeheartedly agree. These thoughtful design elements work in concert to create a cohesive, user-friendly workstation that anticipates the cook’s needs, making the entire process, from prep to cleanup, feel seamless and efficient. When you explore its full feature set online, you can see how these details come together.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from other owners provides a crucial, real-world perspective on the BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 6-Burner Griddle Grill Combo. The sentiment is largely positive, with a strong undercurrent of serious concern about quality control. On one hand, many users are thrilled with their purchase. One happy owner states, “I couldn’t be happier with this grill! The griddle side is just as impressive; it’s perfect for breakfast outdoors or making fajitas.” Another confirms our findings on convenience, saying, “I use both the grill and griddle at the same time, makes cooking for family or guests way easier… Cleanup’s simple with the grease tray.”

On the other hand, the negative feedback is specific and alarming. The most detailed critical review paints a troubling picture: “After only using the grill twice… its already damaged. First, the lid warped in the corner from the heat… On top of that… the griddle ended up buckling from the heat and now wobbles.” This isn’t a minor complaint; it points to a fundamental failure of materials under their intended operating conditions. This issue, combined with the conflicting reports on whether the unit gets hot enough to cook effectively, suggests that there may be significant variance between individual units rolling off the assembly line. This feedback is essential for any potential buyer to consider.

How Does It Compare? The Top 3 Alternatives

No product exists in a vacuum. To truly understand the value of the BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 6-Burner Griddle Grill Combo, it’s essential to compare it against its key competitors, each of which serves a slightly different niche in the world of outdoor cooking.

1. BLACKSTONE 2386 Omnivore Flexfold Griddle Alpine Green

The Blackstone is not a combo unit; it’s a dedicated griddle specialist. This is the choice for the person who is all-in on the flat-top cooking lifestyle. Its Omnivore griddle plate is engineered for superior heat distribution and reduced propane consumption. While it lacks the grilling versatility of the Brand-Man, it arguably perfects the griddling experience. It’s also designed with portability in mind, featuring a flexfold leg system. If your primary goal is to make incredible smash burgers, hibachi-style dinners, and full outdoor breakfasts, and you have no need for traditional grill grates, the Blackstone 2386 is a more focused and purpose-built machine.

2. Char-Broil Classic Series 3-Burner Propane Grill

The Char-Broil Classic represents the traditional, no-frills gas grill experience. It’s smaller, simpler, and more budget-friendly than the Brand-Man combo. With three burners and a side burner for pots or pans, it’s a workhorse for classic grilling tasks like chicken, hot dogs, and steaks. Someone might prefer this alternative if they have limited space, are on a tighter budget, and have no desire for an integrated griddle. It’s a proven, reliable choice for those who want a dedicated grilling machine without the complexity or footprint of a large combo unit.

3. EUHOME 4-Burner Propane BBQ Grill

The EUHOME 4-Burner grill is a direct competitor to the *grill side* of the Brand-Man. It offers a substantial cooking area with four main burners and a side burner, putting it in a similar performance class for traditional BBQ. Its construction features enameled cast iron grates and stainless steel elements, much like its competitors. A buyer would choose the EUHOME grill if they want a large, powerful, and dedicated grilling station but see the griddle on the Brand-Man as an unnecessary feature. It’s for the consumer who wants to maximize their grilling real estate and power for the price, without investing in the dual-functionality of a combo.

Our Final Verdict: A Versatile Powerhouse with a Serious Caveat

The BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 6-Burner Griddle Grill Combo is a product of brilliant ambition. It aims to be the one and only outdoor cooking appliance you’ll ever need, and in many ways, it succeeds spectacularly. The sheer versatility of having a high-powered grill and a spacious griddle in a single, well-designed unit is a game-changer for backyard entertainers. The thoughtful features, from the folding shelves to the excellent grease trap, make it a genuine pleasure to use. When it’s working as intended, it’s a five-star product that can handle anything you throw at it.

However, we cannot ignore the significant and credible user reports of material failure. The potential for lids to warp and griddles to buckle under the high heat this unit is designed to produce is a serious concern that casts a shadow over its many strengths. This makes our recommendation a conditional one. We recommend the BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 6-Burner Griddle Grill Combo to the home chef who prizes versatility above all else and is willing to accept a potential risk in long-term durability. For those who need an absolute guarantee of build quality and material integrity, a more specialized, single-purpose unit might be a safer investment. If the promise of an all-in-one outdoor kitchen is too good to pass up, we encourage you to check the latest price and user reviews for yourself and make an informed decision.