Wood-fired griddle: how it works and how to choose the right one
In short. A wood-fired griddle (or brasero plancha) is a wood fire in a bowl, surrounded by a large steel plate that is hottest near the fire and gentler towards the edge. You cook everything at once, for a lot of people, around the fire. What makes the difference: the thickness of the griddle plate, the steel of the bowl and the size (70 or 100 cm). At Brareseau, prices range from €1,097 to €2,597, and you can try one first by renting it from €150.
I have been handcrafting brasero planchas in my workshop in Marcinelle, Belgium, since 2018. People often ask me the same thing: "what exactly is a wood-fired griddle, and what separates a good one from a bad one?" Here is my straight answer.
How does a wood-fired griddle work?
The wood burns in an open bowl in the centre. Around it, a ring-shaped steel plate takes the heat from the fire. There is no knob and no thermostat: the distance from the fire controls the cooking.
| Griddle zone | Heat | What I cook there |
|---|---|---|
| Next to the fire | Hottest | Searing meat, prawns, scallops |
| Middle | Medium | Vegetables, fish, eggs, pancakes |
| Outer edge | Gentle | Slow cooking, finishing, keeping warm |
A grill grate placed over the fire also lets you grill like on a classic barbecue. To get the fire going properly, see how to light a brasero.
Wood-fired griddle, gas plancha or grill barbecue?
| Criterion | Grill barbecue | Gas plancha | Wood-fired griddle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking | Mostly grilling | Griddle, set with a knob | Griddle + grate, several heat zones at once |
| Guests | Small group | Small group | 15 to 30 people on a 100 cm model |
| Atmosphere | One person cooks, the rest wait | No fire | Everyone around the fire |
| Warmth for guests | No | No | Yes, the fire warms the people around it |
If you cook outdoors twice a year for four people, a barbecue is enough, and I will tell you so honestly. I compare the two in more detail in brasero or barbecue: which one to choose.
4 things to check before you buy
1. Griddle plate thickness
This is criterion number one. A thin plate heats quickly but warps and cooks unevenly. On all my models, the griddle is made of 8 mm S235 steel.
2. The steel of the bowl
The bowl takes the fire every time you use it. At Brareseau, it is made of corten steel: 3 mm on the 100 cm models, 2 mm on the 70 cm. Everything is explained in which steel for a brasero.
3. Frame and finish
The frame is powder-coated steel, with IPE wood on some models. Look at the welds and the stability: this is a piece you keep for a long time.
4. Size
70 cm for a family garden and small groups, 100 cm if you often host a crowd. More detail in what size brasero to choose.
An entry-level brasero at €299 usually lasts two seasons. Before buying, always ask for the thickness of the griddle and the bowl: if the seller does not know, that is an answer in itself.
My models and prices
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Brareseau 70 (70 cm) | €1,097 |
| 100 Minimaliste (100 cm) | €1,297 |
| Le Passe Partout (100 cm) | €1,497 |
| Le Tout en un | €1,897 |
| Le Bon Format | €2,597 |
8 mm S235 steel griddle on every model, handmade in Marcinelle, free delivery in Belgium. See all brasero planchas. Want to build the griddle into a real outdoor kitchen? See outdoor kitchen with a brasero plancha.
What the pros think
My braseros are used by Belgian event chefs and caterers, were at Festifood 2026 and equip a luxury hotel in the Maldives.
Corentin Decat (Decat Cook) calls it his "go-to tool for events".
Try before you buy
You understand a wood-fired griddle in one evening. You can rent Le Passe Partout (100 cm) for €150 to €250 depending on the duration: I deliver it, set it up and collect it. Spatulas and the central grate are included. If you buy within 30 days, the rental price is deducted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a wood-fired griddle and a brasero plancha?
None: they are two names for the same thing, a wood fire surrounded by a steel griddle plate.
What wood should I use on a wood-fired griddle?
Well-dried wood. Wet wood smokes and gives little heat. See our guide on which wood to choose for a brasero.
Can you grill on a wood-fired griddle?
Yes. A grate placed over the fire lets you grill like on a barbecue, while you use the griddle around it for everything else.
How thick should a good griddle plate be?
A thick plate holds the heat and does not warp. On Brareseau braseros, it is 8 mm S235 steel on every model.
How much does a wood-fired griddle cost?
An entry-level model costs around €300. At Brareseau, models range from €1,097 (70 cm) to €2,597, with free delivery in Belgium.
How do you look after the griddle?
After cooking, push the leftovers into the fire and wipe a little oil over the plate. More detail in our brasero care guide.
Read on: which wood to choose, brasero care, cooking on a brasero plancha, the complete buying guide.
Ready to cook over a wood fire?
Brasero planchas handmade in Marcinelle, Belgium. A question? You talk to me directly.
Responsive support
Direct contact with the manufacturer. Quick reply by phone or email. Personal support before and after your purchase.
Payment methods
Secure payment. Payment in instalments available. Suitable for private and professional customers.
Returns
Sturdy, durable build. Warranty on our models. An investment built to last for years.
Free delivery in Belgium
Delivered by us in Belgium. By carrier for international orders.