Description
An 18" Southbend countertop griddle with a 1" steel plate and thermostatic control, built for a busy flat-top station.
The Southbend HDG-18 is an 18" heavy-duty countertop griddle for diners, breakfast lines, burger kitchens and caterers. A 1" thick polished steel plate, 24" deep, sits over one 30,000 BTU burner with its own thermostat from 200°F to 550°F, for 30,000 BTU on natural gas or propane. It needs one 3/4" gas line and no electrical outlet: the pilots light with a battery spark igniter. Southbend calls for installation under a vented hood.
Will it fit · Will it hook up
- Outside size
- 18" W × 31.3" D × 16" H on 4" adjustable legs
- Cooking surface
- 24" deep plate
- Crate
- 31" W × 39" D, 270 lbs crated
- Gas
- One 3/4" NPT at the rear with the included regulator; minimum 7" W.C. natural gas or 11" W.C. propane
- Heat input
- 30,000 BTU, natural gas or propane
- Power
- None; battery spark ignition
- Clearances
- 12" sides and 8" rear from combustible construction, 0" from noncombustible; install under a vented hood
Dimensions are from Southbend's HDG spec sheet (Form HDG Rev 17, March 2026). Southbend's 2026 price list gives 16.125" H x 33.75" D overall, so plan for the larger figures. Measure the counter or stand and the delivery path before ordering.
Thermostatic control
The burner has its own "Insta-on" thermostat, 200°F to 550°F, with an embedded load-sensing thermostat.
1" steel plate
A 1" thick polished rolled steel plate, 24" deep and fully welded, with Southbend's "NO COLD" zone burner layout for even heat across the surface.
30,000 BTU per foot
One 30,000 BTU U-shaped burner with a runner tube heats the plate.
No outlet needed
Battery spark ignition lights the pilots and a flame failure device guards each pilot, so the griddle runs on gas alone.
Easy cleanup
A large-capacity grease drawer, a 4" spatula-width front trough, a 5" rear and 4" side splash guards, and a stainless front, sides and vent.
Made in the USA
Built by Southbend in Fuquay-Varina, NC, CSA design certified and NSF, with a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
Delivery and setup
- Ships by freight carrier. See our shipping policy for delivery details, and call us for the current lead time.
- Tell us natural gas or propane when you order; the gas type is set at the factory and shown on the serial plate. If the kitchen is above 2,000 feet, tell us that too.
- The 4 legs screw into the bottom corners. Lift the griddle only from the ends, never from the middle, and level it with the adjustable feet.
- The pressure regulator ships with the griddle; your gas installer fits it at the 3/4" inlet and vents it to code.
- Inspect the shipment before signing for it and note any damage on the bill. Report concealed damage to the carrier within 15 days.
- Break in the plate before first use: one hour at 200°F, then bring it up gradually and season it.
Questions buyers ask
Natural gas or propane?
Both are rated 30,000 BTU. Southbend sets the griddle for one gas at the factory and the serial plate shows which, so tell us your gas type when ordering.
Does it need electricity?
No. The pilots light with a battery-powered spark igniter and the thermostats work without power. Alkaline batteries are not covered by the warranty.
What gas hookup does it need?
One 3/4" NPT connection at the rear, with the included pressure regulator. Minimum supply pressure is 7" W.C. for natural gas and 11" W.C. for propane. A flexible hose must be no smaller than the connector and meet ANSI Z21.69; use a restraint if the griddle is on casters.
Can it sit on a stand or refrigerated base?
Yes. It runs on its 4" legs on a counter, and Southbend offers a stainless steel stand, casters and a 2" insulator base for mounting on a refrigerated base at additional cost. Call us to add them.
How close can it go to a wall?
Keep 12" at the sides and 8" at the rear from combustible construction; next to noncombustible construction the clearance is 0". Install it under a vented hood; Southbend recommends a canopy that extends 6" past the griddle edges.
How long does it take to heat up?
Southbend's manual gives about 13 minutes to reach 350°F and 45 minutes for the plate to even out.
Can I heat a stock pot on it?
No. Southbend says a griddle must never be used to heat stock pots, and doing so voids the warranty. Never cool the plate with ice or water.
What does the warranty cover?
Southbend covers defects in parts and labor for 1 year from purchase, up to 18 months from the factory sale, serviced by a Southbend Authorized Service Agency. Spark igniters and similar wear parts are limited to 90 days, and damage from improper installation or misuse is not covered.
Specs
| Manufacturer | Southbend |
|---|---|
| Model Number | HDG-18 |
| Series | Heavy Duty Counterline Griddle |
| Quantity | 1 Each |
| Shipping Weight | 270 lbs (Crated) |
| Crate Size | 31" W x 39" D |
| Width | 18 Inches |
| Depth | 31.3 Inches |
| Height | 16 Inches |
| Griddle Plate Depth | 24 Inches |
| Legs | 4" Stainless Steel Adjustable Legs |
| Griddle Plate | 1" Thick Polished Rolled SteelFully WeldedSmooth |
| Splash Guards | 5" High Rear4" High Sides |
| Burners | 1 U-Shaped BurnerRunner Tube on Each Burner |
| Burner BTU | 30,000 BTU/H Each (Natural Gas or Propane) |
| Total BTU | 30,000 BTU/H Natural Gas30,000 BTU/H Propane |
| Controls | 1 Independent "Insta-On" Thermostatic ControlEmbedded Load-Sensing Thermostat |
| Temperature Range | 200 - 550 Degrees F |
| Ignition | Battery-Powered Electronic Spark Ignition1 Pilot |
| Safety | Flame Failure Device on Each Pilot |
| Electrical | None Required |
| Gas Type | Natural Gas or Propane (Set at the Factory; Specify When Ordering) |
| Gas Connection | 3/4" NPT at Rear (Male; Female When the Regulator Is Added) |
| Minimum Supply Pressure | 7" W.C. Natural Gas11" W.C. Propane |
| Pressure Regulator | Included |
| Grease Management | Large-Capacity Grease Drawer4" Spatula-Width Front Grease Trough |
| Exterior | #3 Polished 430 and 304 Stainless Steel Front, Sides and VentAluminized Steel Bottom and Rear |
| Sides | Reinforced, Insulated Double-Wall |
| Clearances | 12" Sides and 8" Rear from Combustible Construction0" from Noncombustible Construction |
| Ventilation | Install Under a Vented Hood |
| Options | Stainless Steel StandPlate Shelf with or without Cutting BoardGrooved or Chrome Griddle Plate2" Insulator Base for Refrigerated BaseCasters |
| Certifications | CSA Design Certified (C/US)NSFMade in USA |
| Warranty | 1 Year Parts and Labor (Southbend Limited Warranty)Alkaline Batteries Not Covered |
| Usage | Commercial Use Only |
Certifications
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