Plancha Grill Cooking: The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Flavour

Plancha Grill Cooking: The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Flavour

If you love bold flavours, fast cooking, and stylish outdoor dining, plancha grilling might just become your new obsession. Originating in Spain and France, plancha cooking is making waves across UK gardens – and for good reason.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What is plancha grilling?
• Why choose a plancha over a BBQ or griddle?
• Best foods to cook on a plancha
• Tips for perfect plancha cooking
• Our top plancha grill picks at The Garden Flame

What Is Plancha Cooking?

A plancha is a thick, flat cooking plate – usually made of cast iron or stainless steel – heated to high temperatures over gas or wood. Unlike traditional grills, there's no open flame or grates. Food is cooked directly on the searing-hot surface, creating a delicious, caramelised crust while locking in moisture.

Think of it as a fusion between griddle cooking and teppanyaki, but with European flair.

Plancha vs BBQ: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Plancha Grill	Traditional BBQ
Cooking Surface	Flat plate	Grates or racks
Heat Source	Gas or wood	Gas, charcoal, pellets
Ideal For	Veg, seafood, sliced meats, eggs	Burgers, steaks, sausages
Clean-up	Easy wipe-down	Requires grate scrubbing
Flavour	Intense sear, no flare-ups	Smoky, char-grilled

Key takeaway: Plancha grilling offers precision, speed, and versatility – perfect for those who love outdoor entertaining with a modern twist.

What Can You Cook on a Plancha?

Just about everything.

Here are some of our favourites:

• Sliced steak or lamb chops – caramelised and juicy
• Seafood – prawns, scallops, squid, or salmon with lemon and herbs
• Vegetables – peppers, courgettes, mushrooms, asparagus
• Eggs and pancakes – ideal for brunches and breakfasts
• Fruits – caramelise pineapple, peaches, or bananas for dessert

The Plancha’s even heat distribution and high temperatures give you that restaurant-quality sear – all from your garden.

Tips for Perfect Plancha Grilling

Want to master the plancha like a pro? Here’s how:

1. Preheat thoroughly – Let the surface heat up fully. You want it sizzling hot.
2. Use a neutral oil – High smoke point oils like grapeseed or sunflower are ideal.
3. Don’t overcrowd – Give each item space to sear properly.
4. Keep tools nearby – A good scraper, tongs, and spatula are essential.
5. Clean while hot – After cooking, use a metal scraper and damp cloth for an easy wipe-down.

Plancha Grills We Love at The Garden Flame

We stock premium plancha grills and modular outdoor kitchens featuring built-in plancha plates, perfect for the UK garden chef.

Some customer favourites include:

• BonFeu Bonbiza XL Corten – wood-fired, sculptural, and versatile 
• Alchemy Grills – Seamlessly transition between smoking, grilling, and griddling
• BonFeu BonBowl Plus – a stylish fire bowl that doubles up for cooking

Want help choosing the perfect setup? Contact our team and we’ll guide you based on your cooking style and garden space.

🌿 Why the Plancha is a Garden Game-Changer

• Social cooking – Like teppanyaki, the plancha becomes the centrepiece of your gathering
• Healthier meals – Less oil, fewer flare-ups, no charring
• Stylish & modern – Sleek stainless steel and contemporary design
• Year-round use – Pair with outdoor heating for cosy winter grilling

Ready to Sizzle?

Whether you're a BBQ veteran or a total novice, the plancha grill offers a fresh, flavourful way to cook outdoors. It’s fast, fun, and endlessly versatile – and once you try it, you might just retire the old charcoal BBQ for good.

Explore our full range of plancha grills and accessories at TheGardenFlame.co.uk.