The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation processBarbecues in the backyards serve delicious food and a good time. Drawing from our experience as forever foodies, we can affirm that by investing in the best flat top grills and griddles, you can welcome a world of unforgettable cooking experiences. Forget about the charcoal and the cough-inducing smoke as you fire up these bad boys and get down to grilling, sautéing, stir-frying, searing, and so much more.
Traditional grills have long reigned over the barbecue culture and have been the partners to innumerable backyard grilling experiences. But, it's also true that they are overwhelming, cumbersome, and just not as efficient. They have a learning curve and there’s only so little that you can cook with them. Thank god for flat-top grills which have completely revolutionized the way we consider cooking outdoors.
As the name suggests, they have a flat cooking surface that lets you cook anything and everything from fish, burgers, and fajitas to pancakes, eggs, and steak. (Oh boy, we are getting a little hungry here) These grills offer an even heat distribution and keep the flames contained, making sure your food cooks thoroughly from all sides.
They are better than the standard grills because they allow the food to cook in its own juices and fats, adding to the overall flavor, rather than letting it all drip away. They are also better and healthier than pans as you can easily skip adding cooking oil. Flat top grills are versatile, portable, compact, and flexible. As tempting as it sounds, we might just order ourselves one right away.
So, our team of experts went above and beyond to test the top-rated ones in the market and have brought you the best of them all. Read ahead to learn more about our recommendations and change your outdoor cooking experience for good!
Our top picks
7 Best Flat Top Grills And Griddles
Make cooking feel great again with the Traeger Flatrock Flat Top Grill, and take your outdoor cooking adventures to the next level. This propane-powered flat grill has triple U-shaped burners that provide double the burner coverage and ensure an even supply of heat to all 594 square inches of the carbon steel cooktop. It offers three cooking zones that let you cook three different types of food all at once but at three different temperatures. Its FlameLock construction locks in the heat and deflects the wind, making it an ideal partner for your outdoor cookouts. Our team discovered through using this product that it is super simple to use and clean, thanks to the easy-to-access grease trap
Pros
- Lid enclosure
- Comes with two side folding shelves
- Flame and fuel sensors
- Sturdy build
- Durable
- Customizable accessory rack
Cons
- Doesn’t support natural gas
2
Best Durable
Royal Gourmet GB4000 4-Burner Propane Gas Griddle
This 36-inches 4-burner gas griddle from Royal Gourmet is a must-have for those who love to have a barbecue in their backyard way more than often. Thanks to the spacious griddle cooking surface of a total of 784 square inches, it offers plenty of space for cooking. The flat top griddle plate is made of ceramic-coated steel that heats up real quick and protects the griddle top against oxidation. You can fire up all 4 stainless steel burners with just one push of the ignitor and, of course, adjust the temperatures for each one of them since they are independently controlled. After putting it to the test, we found that it is quite convenient to use with its large foldable side tables and hanging bar.
Pros
- Very sturdy
- Removable grease cup
- Has 4 caster wheels
- Ample space for griddle accessories
- Easy to transport
- Durable
Cons
- Doesn’t have an attached hood
3
Best with Space
Griller's Choice Outdoor Propane Griddle Grill
Whether it's a picnic or you are going camping, this portable outdoor flat top grill will fulfill all your cooking needs. You can easily take the top part off with you. The cold rolled steel griddle top comes with 450 square inches of cooking area and 3 individually controlled cooking zones that offer adequate space and flexibility for all your cook-outs. That’s not all. This freestanding grill has 2 side shelves and 2 shelves at the lower level, which provide an unparalleled amount of space. Based on our firsthand experience, we can say that this flat grill offers a top-quality experience that helps cut down the cost of going to Hibachi-style restaurants because now you can cook it all in your backyard.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and use
- Great heat distribution
- Good temperature control
- Comes with lid
- Supports propane
- Has more shelf space
- Comes with 10 disposable grease cups
Cons
- Draining grease may not feel easy
4
Best Overall
Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle
The Blackstone flat top grill is truly a class apart. That's not just something we are saying, but this is the experience of many customers over the years. This 28-inch griddle top with 470 square inches of cooking space can hold as much as 87 hot dogs or 33 eggs in one go, enough to feed a large gathering, whether it is your family, friends, or colleagues. Its cold rolled steel cooking top is supported by 2 solid stainless steel H-burners. The 2 different cooking zones allow you to cook everything in one go. We have found from using this product that it is one of the best outdoor gas griddles that heats quickly and offers an even heat throughout without missing a beat.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and use
- Push button ignition
- Optimal heat distribution
- Industrial strength caster wheels
- 34,000 BTU power
- Easy to clean
- Offers 2 temperature controls
5
Best for Large Groups
GasOne Propane Burner Grill
Upgrade your outdoor grill with this 36-inch propane flat top grill from GasOne. This is a larger griddle with a stable and sturdy construction. It has a large cooking space where you can cook anything from breakfast to dinner, or steak to grilled cheese with ease. It is easy to maintain and clean thanks to its smooth and flat surface. It heats up quickly and adequately while maintaining temperature evenly all over the flat grill, enhancing your overall cooking experience. With four individually controlled burners, you get to have more control and flexibility. The two side shelves and one button shelf can fit all your tools, utensils, and spices. Our analysis of this product revealed that it comes pre-seasoned and that makes all the difference.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- 711 square inch cooking area
- Supports 20lb propane tank
- Comes with propane regulator
- Portable grill
- Has hooks for hanging tools
- Ideal for large groups of people
- Compact size and foldable design
6
Best Small Grill
Cuisinart Two-Burner Gas Griddle
Whether you want to have a quiet lunch with your family in the backyard or take the whole gang to a picnic in the park, this 2-burner portable flat top grill will be your perfect companion. The 28-inch cold-rolled steel griddle surface offers 664 square inches of cooking surface, allowing you to make restaurant-style food whenever you want, wherever you want. The removable side table makes for a convenient storage space for all the herbs, spices, and cooking tools. The two burners have individual temperature controls and come packed with 30,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of cooking power, offering you maximum flexibility. We determined through our tests that its foldable design makes it a breeze to carry and store.
Pros
- Dual grease management system
- Lightweight
- Sturdy build
- Heats up quickly
- Travel-friendly
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a lid
7
Best Portable
Country Smokers 2 Burner Gas Griddle
Now you can cook hibachi-style food, breakfast, and brunch right from your patio space with this 4-burner flat top gas grill from Country Smokers. With 597 square inches of cooking area, it is a powerhouse that's packing 44,000 BTU. It comes with a pre-seasoned steel griddle top so that you can get to cooking as soon as you finish assembling the grill. Now, it doesn't offer storage space, but that makes it lightweight and adds to its portability. The legs are foldable and you can easily carry this flat grill wherever you choose to go with your tribe. After trying out this product, we can say that its adequate cooking space and independent burner control allow you to feed about 10 or so people in one go.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and use
- Versatile use
- Comes with a lid cover
- Has a removable grease bucket
- Sturdy steel build
- Good value for money
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- Folding legs are designed poorly and may wobble
Choosing the best flat top grill is no rocket science, but it may feel like it. Dont worry, we have got your backs. Take the help of our comprehensive guide to find the flat grill that is the best for your cooking needs and preferences.
How to Choose the Best Flat Top Grill?
Here are the factors that you must carefully consider before fully committing to a grill:
Cooking Needs
Assess your cooking needs to narrow down your grill options. Determine whether you will be cooking for a small group of people or a larger group of people more frequently. Do you require smaller or larger cooking areas? Do you want a versatile flat grill that allows you to cook multiple dishes at once?
Size
The overall size and the cooking space of the grill are key. How much storage space you currently have will also influence the size of the grill you buy. Look at the measurements carefully and make sure it is as per your requirements. Opt for a smaller one if you have a smaller space. One with a larger cooking area will best fit a large family or someone who entertains people at their home quite often. For instance, the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill comes in different sizes and variants that are with and without storage space.
Griddle Material
Typically, flat grills are made of carbon steel, an incredibly durable material that can get really hot very quickly and is also able to retain that heat. Some are ceramic coated to prevent rusting, also making them easier to clean and maintain.
Temperature Control
Pick a flat top grill with temperature control. It will give you precise heat management for a better cooking experience. If it is available at an affordable price that falls within your budget, get the one that offers multiple temperature zones in one.
Fuel Type
Determine whether you would like an electric grill or the one run on gas. If you want a gas flat top grill, you must determine if you prefer propane or natural gas. Different fuels have different characteristics and benefits. You can also opt for an electric griddle.
Lid
It is best to choose a flat top grill with a lid. It helps cover the flat grill, especially during storage, and protects it against environmental stressors to prevent its rusting.
Grease Drainage
Since grills and griddles can accumulate a lot of greasy build-up, it is best to pick a flat top grill with a strategically placed grease drainage hole and removable grease trays.
Other Features
Look for extra features like side tables, shelves, tool holders, separate propane holders, regulators, and grease traps, to name a few, depending on your budget, preferences, and cooking needs. You should also look for a grill and griddle combo for the ultimate versatile cooking experience. Detachable tabletop grills are multipurpose and a perfect fit for regular campers.
Customer Reviews
Always read customer reviews and feedback before buying a flat top grill. Check out platforms like Pit Boss for detailed specifications and reviews from different people. It will give you valuable insights into the real-life performance of the grills and griddles of your choice.
Benefits Of the Best Flat Top Grill
There are many benefits to using a flat top grill, some of which we have summarized below:
Versatility
Flat top grills offer a versatility that you can't find with regular charcoal grills. Whether you have to grill, sauté, sear, stir-fry, or simply cook breakfast food items like eggs and pancakes, they can do it all for you. You can not only cook a wide variety of dishes but also experiment with a variety of cooking styles.
Even Cooking
Their flat cooking surface ensures an even heat distribution to every square inch of the flat grill, making cooking easier. It prevents the occurrence of hot spots and ensures the food is cooked thoroughly inside out.
Large Cooking Area
Most flat top grills offer an adequately spacious cooking area so that you can cook for several people at once and make outdoor cooking more fun. Depending on their size, some flat top grills allow you to cook more than one food item at the same time, making the whole process faster and convenient.
Temperature Control
Flat top grills and griddles have something that regular gas grills never had. And that is temperature control. They usually have more than one burner with individual temperature control. You can easily adjust the temperature according to your cooking needs. Some brands have taken temperature control to the next level and offer different temperature zones with the same flat top grill, allowing you to cook different food items with different temperature requirements at once.
Retains Juices
Another major benefit is that flat top grills retain the juices and flavors of the food you're cooking, making it more delicious, as opposed to regular grills that let it all drip down the grill grates. There are also no grill marks on the food. Thanks to this feature, flat top grills are especially handy for cooking meat and veggies.
Efficient Grease Management
Flat top grills typically have a built-in grease management system, either at the front or the rear. The flat top has a slight slope that allows the excess grease to drain away into a removable cup, making cleaning easier.
Burners and Quick Heating
Flat top grills often come with more than one burner and heat up quicker than ever, saving a lot of time and allowing you to start cooking real quickly.
Overall Cooking Experience
They are good for small as well as large gatherings. Thanks to their portable feature, you can take the flat top grill with you anywhere, from your yard to the park or straight into the wilderness for camping. They provide an authentic outdoor cooking experience without the fuss.
Longevity
Flat top grills, especially high-quality ones, are built to last. They have a sturdy design and are made from high-quality durable materials, allowing them to withstand the rough and rigorous use that may come with outdoor cooking.
Conclusion
Grilling food has been a huge part of many cultures across the world but it comes with its shortcomings. That's why the modern world is now leaning towards the best flat top grills and griddles to make their outdoor cooking experience better, tastier, healthier, and more convenient. A flat top grill has now become one with the barbecue culture. Thanks to the latest designs and innovations, you can take it anywhere with you, whether it is for a picnic in the park, a get-together in the backyard, or camping in the wild, and cook delicious, sumptuous meals whenever you want. With our expert-approved recommendations and comprehensive guide, you can easily find a flat grill that is ideal for you and your family. So, get, set, and grill!
FAQ's
Is a flat top grill worth it?
Yes, a flat top grill is worth it as it offers more flexibility and versatility in use. You can cook more different kinds of foods with a flat top griddle and grill.
What is a flat grill best for?
You can cook absolutely anything and everything on a flat grill that you can sear, sauté, fry, braise, or roast. The flat surface allows you a lot of freedom so that you can cook a variety of food, including eggs, pancakes, burgers, chicken, sausages, steak, and bacon to name a few.
Are flat grills healthy?
Yes, flat grills are healthier than traditional grilling. They use less oil and there’s no need for charcoal or the smoke that follows up afterward.
Do flat top grills rust?
Yes, flat top grills can rust when they are not properly cared for. Regular seasoning and proper storage help keep the rust at bay.
Can you use water on a flat top grill?
You can use warm water while the flat top grill is still hot to scrape off the fat and grease buildup.
How do I protect my flat top grill?
The best way to protect your flat top grill is to clean it after every use. Generally, the grills are seasoned before the very first use, which also plays a huge role in protecting them.
Should the grill top be open or closed?
It is best to cook with an open lid. But, it largely depends on the kind of food you are cooking on the grill. A closed lid is effective for cooking thin food. It cooks the insides thoroughly without burning the sides. An open lid, on the other hand, is best for searing.
How thick is a flat top grill?
A flat top grill is typically ⅜ to half an inch thick.
How do you clean a griddle?
Heat your flat grill so that it loosens all the buildup. You can also pour warm water to loosen the greasy buildup further and scrape it all away. Wipe the gunk with paper towels until everything is clean.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Crystal Martin, the author, loves an outdoor cooking experience but cannot deal with all the smoke usually involved in grilling. Thanks to flat top grills, the barbecue scene has changed a lot. And since we don't believe in gatekeeping in this house, she decided to curate this selection with her top recommendations of the best flat top grills that are simple to use, easy to assemble, and are convenient.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
Crystal is an enchanting wordsmith with a passion for interior decoration, crafting content that can transform mundan More
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