If you’re on the hunt for the best flat top grill, you should first think about the grill’s design and material. As well as how much cooking space you have.
To help you shop, I’ve listed some of the best flat-top grills on the market. And with the handy buying guide I’ve included in this article, you should be able to choose the best flat top grill that suits your budget and lifestyle.
Whether you’re throwing a party with your friends or just want a new addition to your patio or cooking arsenal, a good flat-top grill should be the first thing on your list. This cooking appliance is versatile. And when it comes to making perfectly-sauteed veggies and hamburgers, bacon, and eggs, you can count on a flat top grill.
Although it’s not as common as the typical grill with grates, a flat-top grill offers limitless possibilities to amp up your cooking game. While this appliance may not provide the classic sear lines that grill grates create, it’s still efficient at searing items over high temperatures. And excellent at producing beautifully caramelized meats and vegetables.
One of my favorite buys is a flat-top grill. I still use my classic grated grills. But I always retract back to my flat top! So, if you plan on getting one soon, allow me to applaud you in advance for making a great decision.
What Is a Flat Top Grill?
Flat top grills are essentially huge, flat griddles that lack a lid or cover. Gas burners are often used to heat them from below. While others burn them with charcoals and pellets. Unlike in classic grills with grates, your food will never touch the flame since the cooking surface is solid.
With traditional grills with a flip-up top with warming racks and solid sides, reaching the entire cooking surface might be difficult at times. Especially when it’s fully loaded with food. What makes a flat top grill special is that it offers a completely accessible cooking surface.
When you shop for a flat top grill, you’ll come across terms like “grill” and “griddle” which are sometimes used interchangeably. They look identical, typically with a rectangular shape with two or more gas burners. But, some griddles might include three low sides. Keeping grease spills from leaking over edges.
You can choose between those two, depending on what you intend to prepare. Although grills and griddles can make a variety of dishes, you must still consider their differences.
Griddles
Griddles are a continuous, flat heated cooking surface without any hole. The food you cook on the griddle will bask in its own oil and grease.
A griddle functions best at temperatures a bit lower than 400 degrees Fahrenheit if you cook foods such as eggs, bacon, pancakes, cheesesteaks, and grilled cheese. You can even cook more complex choices of dishes with it such as tacos, stir fry, fajitas, and burgers.
Grills
Grills either have a grate built of metal rods or a cast metal plate with ridges and perforations. A grill’s surface enables oil and grease to slide away from the food on the grilling plate. It performs well above 400 degrees Fahrenheit in most applications — particularly when searing meat.
Burgers, poultry, ribs, pork chops, steaks, and veggies are some of the most common food cooked on grills.
Check Out My Top Picks!
| Image | Product | Features | Price | |
| Best Overall |  | Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill | – 44.5 x 19.5 x 33.5 inches – 470 sq. inch cooking surface – Made of alloy steel – Battery-powered ignition – 2 Stainless steel burners – Built-in cutting board – Garbage holder – Removable griddle top – Foldable legs and two wheels – 4 Adjustable heat zones – Grease management system | Check on Amazon |
| Runner Up |  | Blackstone Tabletop Griddle | – 22.5 x 19 x 9 inches – 339 sq. inch cooking surface – Made of alloy steel – 2 Stainless steel burners – Built-in igniters – Grease management system | Check on Amazon |
| Best Splurge |  | Camp Chef Flat Top Grill | – 22 x 62.5 x 37 inches – Interchangeable 501 and 604 sq. inch cooking surface – Made of alloy steel – 4 Burners – Seasoned non-stick surface – Built-in ignition system – Two large folding shelves – Adjustable leg levers – Propane tank holder – Grease management system | Check on Amazon |
| Best 360-Degree Station |  | Cuisinart CGG-888 Round Flat Top Gas Grill | – 31.75 x 40.13 x 43.63 inches – Made of stainless steel – 2 Stainless steel burners – 360-Degree cooking center – Foldable prep table – Two burner controls – Vented stainless steel lid – Built-in paper towel holder – Grease management system | Check on Amazon |
| Best Budget |  | PIT BOSS PB336GS Tabletop Gas Griddle | – 20.47 x 17.32 x 10.83 inches – 289 sq. inch cooking surface – Made of stainless steel and cast iron – 2 Burners – Pre-seasoned griddle top – 4 Non-slip legs – Two burner controls | Check on Amazon |
Here Are the Best Flat Top Grills
Finding the best flat top grill is one tough job, especially if you are unfamiliar with the technical aspects of picking a decent model. So, here are some of the best flat-top grills that home cooks love. With each having its sets of pros and cons.
Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill – Best Overall
Anything from Blackstone is worth considering. The Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill features a 470 square inches of cooking surface and 38-inch width. Its slim profile can go with almost any spot on your patio. Given the size, this model has the look and amenities of Blackstone’s full-size models.
This grill features two burners with 30,000 BTUs for a highly powerful flame that quickly switches from low to high. Its battery-powered push-button ignition is intuitive and easy to use even for inexperienced grillers.
One of the things I like about this is the bottom wheels make it easy to carry move around. It also features an extra shelve that’s useful for storage. Overall, this flat top grill is among the best. And for less than $250, you have professional equipment for your everyday grilling needs.
Pros:
• Battery-operated push-button ignition
• Portable
• Powerful burners
• Slim enough to fit into tight spaces
• Comes with a grease collector
• Comes with extra shelve for added storage
Cons:
• Other Blackstone grills might have better features at a comparable price
• Only two burners
Blackstone Tabletop Griddle – Runner Up
The Blackstone Tabletop Griddle is yet another model from Blackstone that every home cooks love. If you enjoy grilling on the go, this could be the ideal flat top grill for camping, tailgating, and any outdoor activities. It’s so lightweight, which makes it easy to transport.
This model is compact, yet it offers 339 square inches of cooking surface. Given its size, this is adequate working space. It has two burners, and you’ll need a 1 lb propane tank to fuel this grill. It’s intuitive, inexpensive, and a beginner-friendly unit.
Like many of the best Blackstone grills, this one has a built-in grease channel and rear grease management system, which makes cleaning a breeze.
Pros:
• Compact and portable
• Budget-friendly
• Rear grease management system makes cleanup a breeze
Cons:
• Requires refilling of the 1 lb gas tank frequently — a hassle if you use it regularly
• Only two burners
Camp Chef Flat Top Grill – Best Splurge
If you don’t mind spending on features that other flat-top grills might not have, the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill may be a great option for you. Let me start with the obvious: the four burners. And this is what separates this grill from the others on my list. I appreciate how the knobs are in bright red color, as well.
The Camp Chef flat top gas grill works on standard propane, and it features a matchless ignition system. Each of its burners produces 12,000 BTUs, which is a total of 48,000. With such BTUs, they perform very well at properly distributing heat, ensuring that there are no hot spots for even cooking.
The removable griddle and grill tops are where this model actually excels. Its griddle top offers 604 square inches of cooking surface, making it ideal for breakfast, burgers, vegetables, and even boiling water and preparing side sauces.
As you detach the griddle, you get 501 sq. inches of grill grates ideal for steaks, chicken, and other classic grill dishes. Overall, I love how versatile this grill is.
Pros:
• Offers consistent cooking with no hot spots
• Interchangeable the griddle and grill top for optimum versatility
• Matchless ignition technology makes starting the grill a breeze
Cons:
• A few users say it warps easily on high heat
Cuisinart CGG-888 Round Flat Top Gas Grill – Best 360-Degree Station
Although lacking the typical rectangular surface, the Cuisinart CGG-888 Round Flat Top Gas Grill is one of the most popular flat-top grills out there. This 360-degree griddle is unrivaled in terms of adaptability and flexibility — why? It’s much easier to handle the grill when you can see your food from all sides.
It features two high-powered, electric-start burners that provide two heat zones. One of the things I appreciate about this model is the cover that comes with it. This is a nice freebie since most flat-top grills will require you to purchase them separately.
It also has a huge oil pan that makes cleanup a breeze. And the foldable side shelves give even more functionality. Its round shape and slender profile also make it an ideal centerpiece or addition to your outdoor cooking area. It has two burners with a total of 30,000 BTUs and a temperature range of up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
Depending on the setup of your outdoor cooking area, the Cuisinart round flat top grill may be a good option. The manufacturer claims a 22-inch cooking area. But it may be a couple of inches wider when you put the foldable side table down.
Pros:
• 360-Degree griddle
• Makes an excellent centerpiece for your outdoor area
• Comes with a stainless steel lid
• Comes with a large grease pan
Cons:
• Small cooking surface on the round plate
• Only two burners
PIT BOSS PB336GS Tabletop Gas Griddle – Best Budget
Looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing efficiency? The PIT BOSS PB336GS Tabletop Gas Griddle could be a budget-friendly choice for you. When it comes to portability, this model can match.
What I like about this model is that it’s pre-seasoned for convenient cooking. And there is no better culinary tool for serving up what you crave with its 289 square inches of cooking surface. It also features two independently controllable burners that are so easy to use.
Its non-slip tabletop legs provide robust stability, while the front grease pan allows for quick and easy cooking and cleanup. Despite the lower price, it’s a fantastic flat top grill in general, especially for novices.
Pros:
• Portable
• Inexpensive
• Has 2 easy-to-use burners
• Pre-seasoned
• Has non-slip legs for stability
• Comes with a front grease pan for easy cleanup
Cons:
• A user demands better flame control from it
• Some users say it doesn’t distribute heat evenly
Few Things To Consider in Choosing the Best Flat Top Grill
Before you shop for the best flat top grill, there are a few things you must consider. The material and design of the grill matter, and how much outdoor cooking space you have will determine the ideal unit for you. Budget is also an important factor here. Refer to the buying guide below to learn more.
Design
Grills provide several features that make them a worthwhile investment. Those with natural gas adapters are available on certain models. So, if this is essential to you, check first to verify that the grill you want has this capability.
Certain models include more surfaces on the sides for more prep space. And others have cupboards and shelves for more storage solutions and convenience. There are also built-ins. This means you’ll need to have a stone outdoor cooking arrangement to fit this built-in type.
You’ll also come across freestanding grills that with wheels. This is great for portability. If you like camping and love doing outdoor activities, you may opt for a more compact and lightweight portable grill.
Material
Certain flat-top grills feature cast iron cooktops, and others use carbon stainless steel cooktops. Cast iron often weighs heavier and is more robust. Owing a cast iron grill entails more maintenance, and it takes longer to heat up but transfers heat incredibly evenly.
The stainless steel models are thinner, lightweight, and easier to maintain. However, they do not heat up or distribute heat as effectively as other materials. But if you’re on a limited budget, stainless steel is usually a less expensive option than cast iron.
Your Cooking Space
Before you buy a big flat top grill, you should first think about how much cooking space you’ll need. A flat-top grill with 400 square inches of cooking surface or even less cooking space should suffice if you’re single. This much surface would even work for a small family.
But if you’re planning to serve a large family gathering or event, you will definitely want one that can accommodate more food in one go.
Versatility
Using a flat top grill makes it quite difficult to get the smokey classic barbeque taste with your meat. This is because the juices do not slide down into the flames and smoke right back into your food as they do on a regular grill.
So, it’s always crucial to consider the type of food you’ll cook and how flavorful you want it to be. If you want the smokey flavor that you would get with a standard grill, then perhaps, a flat top one is not for you.
Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface
Certain flat-top grills come in a pre-seasoned cooking surface. A seasoned surface indicates that the manufacturer has previously baked in a coating of oil. I personally like pre-seasoned models since it saves time.
The seasoning procedure is critical for a new grill since it improves the flavor of your meal while also preventing corrosion and harm to its surface. This also removes any residues or chemicals.
You can season your grill simply by adding a light layer of cooking oil to the surface and baking it in for around 30 minutes at a high temperature.
Mobility
The location in which you intend to use your flat top grill is also a factor to consider. You need to determine whether it’s for home cooking, camping vacations, or tailgating.
Portable flat-top grills are among the best go-to cooking equipment and you can choose from many options for cooking on the road. But make sure the grill you want to get is lightweight enough to bring on a camping or picnic.
Price
A new flat-top grill may cost somewhere between $100 to $3,000, so having a realistic budget and understanding what you need is important. In my research, cast iron griddles typically cost more than stainless steel ones. This might still vary depending on the design.
Also, it’s worth noting that the more burners your grill has, the higher the price. The electric-start units are also often more expensive.
Best Flat Top Grill FAQs
What is a flat top grill good for?
A flat-top grill is a flexible platform for toasting, simmering, sautéing, stir-frying, pan-frying — you name it. It’s a wonderful appliance for numerous culinary approaches.
How do you clean a griddle after use?
Cleaning your grill after each use is the most effective way of keeping it in tip-top shape. Here are some tips on how to clean a flat top grill.
- The first thing you need to do is to allow your flat top grill to cool down.
- Then, use a griddle scraper to remove any residue.
- Only use a paper towel or cloth to clean the surface of your grill. Keep in mind that the surface is oily, so you might want to use a disposable cloth that you can throw later.
- Many folks recommend using soap, but I wouldn’t. I suggest you use a spritz of water or oil over soap to get rid of any tough particles. Soap can leave residues on the surface of your grill if you don’t rinse it well. And worse, your next meal might taste like it’s glazed in soapy water.
What is the best oil to use on a flat top grill?
You can use any oil, it’s entirely on you. Almost any cooking oil can grease your flat top and keep your foods from sticking.
Olive oil is one of my favorite foods. But if you want to amp up the flavor, use olive oil with a rich garlic flavor. Aside from olive oil, you can also use canola, vegetable, and flax oil.
Are burgers better on a flat top grill?
Meat masters believe that flap tops give a more consistently tasty burger. And it cooks quicker than their ridged counterparts. They are great for the typical, supermarket patties that you would normally use.
Unlike grills, which allow fat to run down through its grates and suck moisture from the food, griddles cook your patties in their own juice and grease.
Is it worth buying a flat top grill?
A flat-top gas grill may not provide you with the expertise to compete with your local teppanyaki chef. But it will give you the key item you need — a large cooking surface to roast meat, fry rice, or saute vegetables, and more. The possibility is endless!
What are BTUs in grills?
BTUs stands for British Thermal Units. Propane appliances like grills are normally evaluated according to their energy output capacity. Which is measured in BTUs. Every BTU represents the amount of thermal energy needed to increase the temperature of 1 lb of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Wrap Up
With so many options crowding the market, finding the best flat top grill that fits your needs can get overwhelming. And I hope this article has helped you in picking the best grill for your needs.
Make sure to keep an eye out for the latest prices and deals on the best flat-top grills I’ve featured above. And I can’t wait to hear how well they work for you!
Good luck and happy grilling!
