While not as popular as traditional grills with grates, flat-top grills are a terrific outdoor cooking gadget that can prepare a variety of dishes. There are many ways to utilize your flat-top grill, from burgers to vegetables to eggs to breakfast meat. It may not provide the trademark sear marks that grill grates produce, but it is incredibly effective at searing items at high temperatures to produce deeply caramelized meats and vegetables.
The 2-burner Blackstone 28-Inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill is our top overall selection because it has all the power you need at a low price. If you’re on a tight budget or want a grill for a small area, the Camplux FMGG302B 2-Burner Flat Top Grill is a good option.
A flat-top grill is a terrific way to enhance your grill game, whether you want another fun toy for your outdoor cooking setup or you want to increase your outdoor entertaining.
Here are the greatest flat-top grills, ranging from built-in versions to low-cost choices.
1. Best Overall: Blackstone Original 28-Inch Flat Top Griddle With Side Shelf
What We Enjoy
- Push-button ignition with a battery
- Simple to transport
- Strong burners
What We Dislike
- There are just two burners.
What do purchasers think? This product received 5 stars from 87% of the 9,200+ Amazon reviewers.
A flat-top grill is required if you want to create scrambled eggs, hash browns, and fried rice like the experts. Blackstone is well-known for its restaurant-grade grills, and this 28-inch model combines the best of both worlds: it’s reasonably priced while without sacrificing quality or adaptability.
With its battery-powered push-button start, you can start grilling in minutes. Unlike conventional grills, this device does not need kerosene, charcoal, or matches, making it ideal for novices or anybody wishing to get started cooking quickly. It is also endorsed by specialists.
“If you’re searching for a durable, easy-to-use flat top grill, or intend to use it outside, the Blackstone Flat Top Grill is worth considering,” says Daniel P. Craig, a chef with over 20 years of experience in professional kitchens. “It’s an enticing alternative since it’s simple to put up and has retractable legs, allowing it to be utilized on a countertop or outside. Its capacity to begin cooking with the push of a button is also advantageous.”
Despite its size, this model only has two burners. It’s a terrific option for mobility and regular dinners, but it’s probably not the ideal solution for big gatherings. The burners are fueled by 34,000 BTUs, which are units used to calculate the amount of energy required to increase temperatures. That’s a lot if you’re not acquainted with BTUs.
2. Best Budget: Camplux FMGG302B 2-Burner Flat Top Grill
What We Enjoy
- Griddle and grill in one
- It immediately heats up.
- It is simple to move about.
What We Dislike
- There are just two burners.
- Not really potent.
A nice flat-top grill might be expensive, but those on a tight budget can still join in the fun. This Camplux model has many of the same features as the more expensive options: It’s simple to clean and transport, ignites fast, cooks evenly, and comes with two fixed side tables. While we would have like more than two burners, this grill is ideal for tiny patios or backyards. The cooking surface is 14.9 by 13.4 inches in size, and 179 square inches is more than enough—you can put roughly six steaks on the grill.
This device is ideal for individuals who can’t decide between a grill and a griddle. Alter between using the typical grill rack and a flat-top griddle surface. For meat, kebabs, and foil packs, use the grill; for sandwiches, breakfast dishes, and fajitas, use the flat-top griddle. A combination grill, such as this one, provides the greatest adaptability while also being the most cost-effective and space-saving since one grill accomplishes the work of two.
One disadvantage of flat-top grills is the cleaning. The grease accumulates, resulting in a horrible mess after supper. Because it includes an oil collecting container on the side, it is simple to clean. You can’t go wrong with this barbecue if you want a well-designed grill on a cheap.
Check out Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Review and Masterbuilt Gravity Smoker Series 560 Review
3. Best Combo: Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
What We Enjoy
- Two distinct cooking zones
- Simple to store
- Large kitchen area
What We Dislike
- It is tough to transfer a heavy unit.
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between a standard and a flat-top barbecue. Simply choose a combination grill, such as this one from Royal Gourmet, a well-known manufacturer of grills and griddles.
Instead of an interchangeable system, this model features two side-by-side cooking zones that work independently. Some people may find this puzzling, but if you get the hang of it, you can make fluffy pancakes and eggs on one side while cooking sausages on the other. Alternatively, cook fried rice on the griddle and barbecue shrimp or poultry on the grill.
This barbecue features separate areas for your cooking equipment as well as two side tables for meal prep and storage. A bottle opener is also included on the side table. After using the griddle, quickly dispose of the grease accumulation that accumulates in the specified tray and cup.
Though theoretically portable, doing so is a difficult process. Because the device weights more than 100 pounds, it requires two persons to move it. The legs are collapsible, however some reviewers had difficulties folding them and had to remove them to carry it. This may be a decent alternative for individuals who want to keep their barbecue immobile in their backyard, but it may not be ideal for camping and park cookouts.
4. The Best Charcoal Grills for Delicious Outdoor Cooking
What We Enjoy
- Size is small.
- Heat is distributed uniformly.
- Lightweight
What We Dislike
- Food may adhere to the surface.
Flat-top grills are often portable, with wheels for mobility and folding legs and trays for storage in vehicle trunks. Even when folded, they take up a lot of room and are rather heavy. Still want to bring a barbecue camping? Tabletop griddles are the most convenient way to barbecue on the fly.
This Blackstone tabletop griddle has a lot to offer. It is lightweight at 32 pounds, has two burners, and a wide cooking area. Because the two burners have their own built-in igniters, you can adjust the temperature on both sides. The carbon steel griddle cooks quickly and evenly thanks to the heavy-duty burners that spread heat evenly. It also includes a cowl to keep heat in, yet the handle is heat-resistant for your protection.
To reduce mess, a grease trap in the back gathers juices and other liquids that are unavoidable while cooking on a flat-top grill. This griddle has received overwhelmingly excellent feedback, although some customers have reported concerns with the warranty, igniters, and heat distribution. Most reviews laud the griddle for its portability and dependability.
Check out Best Charcoal Grills in 2023
5. Best 360-Degree Station: Cuisinart 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center
What We Enjoy
- Managing Grease
- You can smoke food with a vented cover.
- Simple to construct
What We Dislike
- There isn’t much prep room.
- There are just two burners.
Some assembly is necessary with every flat-top grill. Many people find this intimidating, and certain models are difficult to build. If you’re searching for a model that’s fast and simple to construct, this one takes less than 30 minutes.
It is also distinctively designed. Round grills with a 360-degree cooking surface enable you to observe food from all aspects and have two chefs in the kitchen at the same time. The huge grease pan is also 360 degrees, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning up a greasy mess. Grease will accumulate in a single cup that may be removed and emptied after each usage. Because the fat gathers slowly, more liquids remain in the food—no more dry steaks and burgers.
The lid is one characteristic that this model has that others do not. The lid’s vent allows it to smoke, roast, steam, or bake food in addition to cooking it on the flat-top griddle. The cover is also excellent for retaining heat, preventing prepared food from becoming cold between chores. Typically, flat-top grills feature two trays for meal preparation, but this type just has one. It does, however, include a spot for a paper towel roll, which is useful since grilling may be dirty.
6. Best for Easy Cleanup: Royal Gourmet GB4000 36-Inch 4-Burner Flat Top Propane Gas Grill Griddle
What We Enjoy
- Large kitchen area
- Rapid start-up
- Wheels that are simple to move
What We Dislike
- Difficult to put together
One of the most significant disadvantages of a flat-top barbecue is the mess. Grease and fluids from meals have nowhere to go without a typical barbecue rack. However, this disadvantage might be seen as a benefit. Food dries out faster when grease escapes rapidly. Flat-top griddles provide juicier meat and meals as a consequence. There is still a mess to deal with.
Fortunately, most flat-top grills and griddles have a grease management system that directs grease to a single receptacle that is easily removed and emptied. However, some systems are superior than others. This type has a huge grease cup that collects fat when cooking; you’d be shocked how rapidly grease accumulates. In some models, you may need to keep an eye on this cup to ensure it doesn’t overflow. Because this grease bucket is huge, you should only have to empty it once after each usage.
This model also has one of the largest cooking areas we’ve seen, measuring 36 inches long and 784 inches wide. It includes four burners to rapidly disperse heat for simplicity and convenience. It also features lots of prep and storage room and is simple to move about yet can be stabilized while in use. Assembly is where this falls short. Many reviewers report having difficulty in this area.
7. Best for Large Parties: Razor Griddle GGC1643M 37-Inch 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
What We Enjoy
- Strong burners
- Large kitchen area
- Built-in protection
What We Dislike
- Pricey
- Heavy
If you’re seeking for the largest flat-top grill available, you’ve come to the right place. This one boasts the biggest cooking space we’ve seen, at 984 square inches and holding up to 57 burgers, so you can easily serve everyone at your party. It also features the most powerful burners we’ve seen, with 62,000 BTUs distributed over four burners.
For meal preparation, there are two huge folding side trays. When folded, they serve as a protective built-in cover for the grill’s top. A shelf behind the grill is provided for storing barbecue supplies and equipment. It features four wheels for portability as well. However, since the legs do not fold, it is difficult to carry or store in tiny areas. It’s also rather hefty, weighing in at over 130 pounds.
The grill’s quality and durability have been praised by users. Many reviews praise the grease trap’s placement at the front rather than the back. Users also praised the ease of assembly. This type is huge, powerful, simple to construct, and simple to clean. It’s not the simplest to move, but if you don’t intend to relocate it, it’s a good option.
Final Decision
The Blackstone 28-Inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Barbecue is an excellent budget flat-top grill that will dish up restaurant-style grade meats. Looking for a low-cost solution for a tiny space? The Camplux FMGG302B 2-Burner Flat Top Grill is the way to go.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Flat-Top Grill
Price
A new flat-top grill may cost anywhere from $100 to $3,000, so setting a budget and understanding what you want are essential for your shopping experience. Cast iron griddles are often more costly than stainless steel griddles, however this might vary depending on the design of the grill. The more burners you want on your barbecue, the higher the price. Electric-start variants are also often more expensive.
Area of Surface
One of the most important elements to consider when purchasing a flat top grill is the number of burners available, which is typically represented in the amount of surface area available for cooking. Which size is optimal for you depends depend on how many people you regularly cook for and how much food you are cooking at the same time. If you’re cooking for a family of four, two burners and a smaller surface area should be OK, but if you’re cooking for big gatherings or have a lot of food, a grill with less than two burners should be avoided. Some flat-top grills are also structured like a circle rather than a rectangle, allowing numerous people to grill at the same time and giving you 360-degree access to moving your food about on the griddle.
Design
These grills provide a number of characteristics that are worth examining. Natural gas connections are available on certain models; if this is essential to you, check sure your model has the capability. Some include side shelves and tables for additional prep room, while others have cupboards and shelves for more storage and convenience. Some are built-in, which means you’ll need a stone outdoor cooking setup to fit this built-in model onto. Some freestanding variants have wheels for easy transportation. Look for smaller, lighter portable models that are great for camping and outdoor adventures.
Material
Some flat-top grills feature cast iron cooktops, but others have carbon stainless steel cooktops. Each material requires somewhat different maintenance and care, so if you have a preference, it’s absolutely worth considering. Cast iron is often heavier, more lasting, needs more maintenance, takes longer to heat up but distributes heat incredibly evenly, and is more expensive. Stainless steel is thinner, lighter, and simpler to maintain, but it does not heat up or transfer heat as evenly. Cast iron is often more costly than stainless steel.
FAQs
What can a flat-top grill cook?
The main difference between a flat-top barbecue and a traditional grill with grates is that a flat top does not produce sear lines. Because there is greater surface contact with flat-top meals, it is excellent to cook products that need deep, homogeneous caramelization. Burgers are delicious on a traditional grill, but they’re even better on a flat top because they receive an additional brown crust around the perimeter of the patty. You may cook any protein that would normally be cooked over grill grates on a flat-top grill; just be aware that the food will have a darker crust around it.
Remember that fattier types of meat, such as bacon or skin-on chicken thighs, tend to generate a lot of fat, and not all flat-top grills have several grease catches, so oil splatters are rather typical. Fish is another protein that can be cooked on a flat top; just keep it in the lower heat zones since it is more delicate. You may also make pancakes, eggs, toast, French toast, and breakfast meats on your flat top for a fun, outdoor breakfast.
How should a flat-top grill be seasoned?
Before you season your flat-top grill, you need know what material it is composed of. If you have a cast iron flat-top grill, wipe it off and set it on high to cook off any remaining particles. When the grill is hot, liberally spray it with oil and gently wipe it about (using paper towels between tongs) until the grill is coated and the oil is smoking. Continue until the surface is lubricated and shining.
If your grill has a carbon steel flat top, it possesses both cast iron and stainless steel qualities. Begin by cleaning the surface with a grill scraper, being careful not to use any cleaning agents that may cause scratches. After that, season like you would a cast iron skillet. Turn the grill to high heat, then add some oil and swirl it about the surface until it is coated and glossy.
How do you clean a gas grill?
When you see an overabundance of burned food pieces or your surface develops uneven heat patches, it’s time to thoroughly clean the grill and start again. Turn on the griddle to assist cook off any leftover food pieces and remove any debris using a griddle scraper. Warm water on the griddle will aid in the removal of any grime or oil. If you have a stainless steel griddle, finish by wiping it off and drying the surface. If the surface is chrome or cast iron, skip the stainless steel cleaning and finish it with a food-safe polish or oil.
