I got the 36" model at Tractor Supply where I get feed, tractor parts, etc. on a 20% off 'Father's Day" sale which made it $240 plus tax plus 5 miles worth of gasoline round trip. :-D
I generally cook for one, myself, and find I typically use about half of it with what I make. After freeing myself from a single skillet (started at 10", then 12" and, finally 15") I have a little more room to crisp potatoes, sweat onions, etc. without crowding meat or eggs as appropriate. It has made browning squash, zucchini, etc. for a healthier meal a whole lot easier. The 36" model also has a lot more firepower to come up to temperature fast and hold it when I throw a bunch of stuff on it. I would much rather turn it down versus steaming my veggies for a mushy frittata, fried rice, etc.
Mine generally lives outdoors, in fact it has been rained on the last four days.
Good news is that my seasoning took good care of it. Not a speck of rust on top. On the bottom, my seasoning with cooking spray was not as good and I got a little very light superficial surface rust. With some additional coats of cooking spray, I'll be good to go there too.
While I don't recommend leaving it in the rain, so far it hasn't been an issue for me. If I'm not going to use it for an extended period, I put it in the garage. I would suggest setting up near a garden hose because you will want to wash it before use if, like me, you have birds potty on it or have sand blown on its surface. A garden hose, scrubby and, dish soap and about two minutes and I'm ready to go with the fast preheat while I go inside to grab the veg and protein.
Can you tell I like it? Care to guess how often I use my much-hated glass top electric coil cooktop? :rofl:
Also, look up "French Top" cooktop for additional ways this griddle can replace or supplement your kitchen stove/cooktop. :wink:
