Consider purchasing one of the top flat-top grills instead of another gas grill. A flat-top grill is essentially a big outdoor griddle in the shape of a table.
You may quickly prepare your favorite foods, such as eggs and burgers, on this type of grill.
So, how do you go about selecting the appropriate flat top grill?
Learn more about the most crucial features and compare the top 8 recommendations for the best flat top grill using our buyer’s guide.
What is a Flat Top Grill and How Does It Work?
A flat-top grill is a type of griddle that has the flat top surface of a gas grill, as well as many of the characteristics.
Flat-top grills, like gas grills, are frequently available on wheels or stands. Small propane cylinders are also used in tabletop versions.
You may use a flat top grill to enjoy the benefits of both gas grills and griddles. These gadgets heat up fast and can reach temperatures as high as 250 degrees Fahrenheit (or 120 degrees Celsius).
A flattop, unlike a conventional grill, has a flat cooking surface that is ideal for making eggs, pancakes, and other breakfast items.
A flat top grill, on the other hand, is also ideal for cooking food that isn’t breakfast. Hamburgers, hot dogs, steak, and other dishes can all be cooked. Vegetables may also easily be seared or warmed.
The flat-top grill’s flat cooking surface makes it flexible. Oils and grease do not run down a grill grate, leaving a charred texture and smoky taste.
Some gas grills come with a flat top grill. You may save money by cooking more food at once instead of having to wait for each individual meal to cook.
Choosing the Best Flat Top Grill
Many sizes and styles of flat top grills are available. Here are the key considerations to consider as you shop for a new grill:
- Size
- Heat source
- Material
- Bundles and accessories
- Price
- Burners
- Tabletop vs cart
- BTUs/Max temperature
Consider how you’ll use the flat top grill when comparing these characteristics. The number of people you want to cook for, as well as the place where you wish to do so, might influence your selection.
Size Grill
Indoor electric griddles with flat tops are generally larger than standard indoor griddles. However, they come in a range of sizes, as well.
The size of the cooking surface is measured in width. A 36-inch griddle, for example, has a 36-inch wide cooking surface.
The cooking surface’s total square inches may also be included in product listings, which is a more useful way to assess the size of the flat top grill. Sizes range from around 200 square inches to over 800 square inches.
The total square inches of the flat top grill might be used to figure out how many BTUs and how much food you can cook at once.
For the average four-person or five-person household, a 200 to 500 square inch grill is advised. Look for larger flat-top grills if you host big parties or gatherings.
Heat Source Grill
Gas grills have flat tops and are generally powered by gas. To power the heating elements, you attach a propane tank to the grill’s side.
Griddles that can be used with converters for connecting a permanent natural gas connection are also available.
Flat-top grills, on the other hand, are typically fueled by gas. Electric versions of flat-top grills are also available. The E-Series range of grills from Blackstone Products is electric-powered, for example.
Electric-powered flattops are simpler to run. Instead of increasing or lowering the gas flame, you can set the temperature to a specific degree. Gas-powered grills, on the other hand, may reach higher temperatures than electric ones.
Gas-powered flat top grills also tend to heat up more quickly. Replacing the gas is the major downside.
Material Grill
The majority of flat top grills are composed of stainless steel cooking surfaces. Cold-rolled or cold-pressed steel is the most durable option.
The density and strength of the metal are enhanced during cold rolling. It also aids in eliminating any flaws, ensuring a totally smooth surface.
The cookware’s material is varied, with aluminum, carbon steel, chrome, and cast iron being some examples.
Cast iron has a higher price tag than other metals. It is less common owing to its weight, but it is a long-lasting material that retains heat well.
Carbon steel and aluminum are less long-lasting than stainless steel and cast iron. On lower ranges, carbon steel and aluminum flattops are more common.
Bundles and Accessories Grill
Flat Top grills can be purchased in bundles, with a variety of accessories. Cooking utensils, such as spatulas and knives, are some of the most popular accessories.
Cleaning supplies, such as a tool for removing grease from your stovetop, are also available.
Some of the cheaper flat top grills come with a plethora of attachments, some of which you may never use.
Instead of focusing on the accessories, consider the features that are most important to you. Almost all of the extra equipment that comes with a grill is available for purchase.
Price Grill
Flat top grills are more expensive than small household electric griddles. Flat top grills cost between $200 and $1200 on average, similar to regular gas grills.
Burners Grill
Flat top grills have one to six burners, on average. The number of burners is determined by the size of the griddle.
A 20-inch griddle, for example, may utilize one or two burners while a 36-inch griddle can use four burner(s).
The main advantage of having more than one burner is the ability to create separate heat zones. Each burner may be controlled independently, as with a stovetop.
You may cook one group of meals in one region and another group of meals in another area.
Tabletop vs Cart Grill
Flat top grills are available in a variety of configurations. Dedicated flat top grills are typically mounted on a cart or stand.
A tabletop grill must be rested on a table or counter to work properly.
A tabletop grill is ideal for grilling outside of your home, such as while camping or hanging out in a park on a sunny day.
The tabletop flat top grill and a tiny propane cylinder can easily be packed into your car or camping equipment.
Flat Top grill designs with carts or supports are mostly intended for use in your garden. Carts frequently have two or four wheels.
You may bring the cart into position in your yard and return it inside or onto a covered porch by rolling it in reverse.
One or two side shelves are standard on grocery carts. Trash bag hooks or a paper towel holder are options for the shelves.
Carts with lower shelves or cabinets may also be found, which might allow for the storage of a larger propane tank.
BTUs/Max Temperature Grill
Manufacturers frequently list the maximum BTUs of a flat top grill rather than the maximal temperature.
The British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a measurement of thermal energy generated by an appliance.
The BTUs per heating element for most flat top grills ranges from 7,500 to 15,000. A grill with four burners, for example, may provide up to 60,000 BTUs.
More BTUs allow a flat top grill to heat quickly and maintain its temperature. A lower maximum BTU necessitates longer heating times for the flattop. It’s possible that it won’t reach as high of temperatures.
With a 12,500 to 15,000 BTU flat top grill, you can expect temperatures of at least 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Top Eight Flat Top Grills
Here are 8 of the finest flat-top grills based on the criteria mentioned.
1. Blackstone 36-Inch Cooking Station with 4 Burners
The Blackstone 36-Inch Cooking Station is one of the best flat-top grills since it has a huge cooking surface and powerful heating elements.
It features four burners with a total of 60,000 BTUs of output.
The stainless-steel flattop has a total surface area of 720 square inches.
It can accommodate up to 28 burgers or 72 hot dogs, making it ideal for serving a big group of people.
This wide flat top grill from Blackstone may easily feed 20 people and is large enough to cook food for a party.
Blackstone Grills is another well-known brand of flat top grills. With appropriate upkeep and care, the company’s products are durable and dependable.
The grill is moved about on a huge cart with wheels.
The legs come down, but the hefty griddle is still difficult to transport due to its weight. It’s generally used in your own garden.
You can move it around and secure the wheels so it doesn’t go anywhere.
Two side shelves are included with the cart. There is a removable cutting board, trash bag holder, and paper towel holder on one shelf.
A large lower shelf beneath the griddle holds a 15-pound to 20-pound propane tank.
Pros
- The cooking surface measures 720 square inches
- The cart is equipped with shelves and a cutting board
- The grill has four separate burners with a combined 60,000 BTUs of power
Cons
- It’s not simple to move the wagon from one location to another
2. Royal Gourmet GD401C 4-Burner Portable Flattop Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
The Royal Gourmet 4-Burner Flattop Combo is somewhat smaller than the Blackstone flat top grill. The surface, however, is divided into two parts.
On one side is a griddle surface, while on the other is a grill grate.
The grill and griddle feature two separate burners with independent control on each side. There are a total of 584 square inches of cooking area across the two sides, for a total of 292 square inches on each.
The cart has two folding shelves on the sides and a lower rack for hanging utensils and cleaning equipment.
The grease management system, as well as a drip tray, are built into the inside of the unit. For easier cleanup, you can simply remove and discard the tray.
Pros
- One unit includes a grill and a griddle
- It has a rolling cart with storage compartments
- Provides a total of 584 square inches of cooking area
Cons
- The grill/griddle combination may not be for everyone
3. Blackstone Adventure-Ready 2-Burner 28-Inch Outdoor Griddle
The Blackstone Adventure-Ready 2-Burner 28-Inch Outdoor Griddle is a little more portable than the preceding models. For easier storage, the legs fold down and come with two wheels, allowing you to move the grill around your yard or campsite.
The flattop has a stainless steel cooking surface of 448 square inches and can cook up to 44 hot dogs. The two burners have separate heat control knobs, with 34,000 BTUs of total power.
There is one side shelf and a lower shelf on the cart. It also includes hooks for hanging garbage bags or utensils.
Pros
- Its compact size makes it easier to carry
- This 6-quart pressure cooker has a cooking area of 448 square inches
- It is made of long-lasting, high-quality materials
Cons
- The lower shelf can only bear a limited amount of weight
4. CAMPLUX Outdoor Gas Griddle Combo
The CAMPLUX Outdoor Gas Griddle Mix is a versatile, folding-up machine. A detachable flat top surface fits over a grill rack.
It has a small cooking area but is easier to move or pack up and take camping because of its compact size. The legs and shelves may be easily removed.
It also includes two side shelves and a lower shelf. The propane tank can be held in place by the lower shelf, which is sturdy enough to support it.
The griddle top is 179 square inches and the cooking area of the grill grate is 190 square inches.
The smaller size may not be suitable for a big gathering, but it will accommodate four to six hamburgers or a dozen hotdogs.
Pros
- It has a removable flat top surface and a grill grate
- Removable legs and shelves allow for more convenient storage
- When compared to other freestanding flat top grills, it is rather inexpensive
Cons
- The old recommendations for stainless steel grillware were not as long-lasting as the hot-rolled variety
5. Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle
The Blackstone 17-Inch Griddle, unlike the previously mentioned choices, has a tabletop design. It’s simpler to bring along on a camping trip or a backyard barbecue.
One-pound propane canisters are utilized, which are small and easy to store.
The single heating element generates 12,500 BTUs of power and heats the flat top surface. It is a sturdy, compact flat top grill that will last a long time with regular cleanings.
The small size (17.32 x 21.71 x 8.62 inches) and light weight of this portable speaker make it convenient to take with you on overnight trips or other activities when connected to a smartphone.
Pros
- It’s simple to store and move around since it’s a tabletop design
- Provides 267 square inches of cooking area
- A single burner produces 12,500 BTUs of heat
Cons
- Requires an extension hose to connect a large propane tank
6. Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle
The Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle is comparable to the Blackstone 17-Inch Griddle. It has a tabletop design and measures 21 inches wide. On a cold-rolled stainless steel surface, it has 285 square inches of cooking space.
The Cuisinart model, on the other hand, has a built-in hose to connect a 20-pound propane tank.
A 1-pound tank will only last around 2 hours, so connecting a 20-pound tank allows you to cook for considerably longer.
The Cuisinart griddle also has two burners instead of one. Each burner is rated at 10,000 BTUs. This is another great alternative for camping because it offers two burners instead of one.
However, the heating surface will take longer to heat up than the Blackstone tabletop griddle.
Pros
- Two burners in a small tabletop design are included
- Includes a built-in hose for connecting a 20-pound propane cylinder
- It’s simple to bring with you on a camping excursion
Cons
- It might take longer to heat the cooking surface
7. Flame King Flat Top Portable Propane Grill/Griddle
Another tabletop flat top grill is the Flame King Flat Top Portable Propane Grill/Griddle. It features a folding stand, though.
You may take away the stand and use the grill on a flat surface, or extend it to use it on the ground.
The stand is also compatible with the side of an RV, making it one of the more adaptable.
It is capable of cooking a wide range of foods, from burgers and steaks to pancakes and eggs. The griddle has a single 12,000-BTU burner.
A slide-out drip tray for collecting grease is also included. However, with only about 300 square inches of cooking surface area, this grill is best suited for small gatherings.
Pros
- This set includes a folding/removable stand that also fits an RV
- Single burner offers up to 12,000 BTUs of power
- A grease tray and a convenient drain plug help to make cleanup simple
Cons
- Compared to the majority of the recommendations, it offers less cooking area
8. Royal Gourmet PD1202R 18-Inch Portable Tabletop Grill/Griddle
The Royal Gourmet PD1202R 18-Inch Portable Flattop Grill is the most cost-effective grill. It is considerably less expensive than the other grills.
However, this is not the most durable alternative. To prevent rusting and preserve the porcelain exterior of the grill, clean the flat top surface carefully and treat it with respect.
The BeBopE has a single burner with 12,000 BTUs of power and a cooking area of just 221 square inches, making it one of the tiniest options.
It features a single burner with 12,000 BTUs of power, suggesting that the surface should heat quickly.
Pros
- One of the most affordable flat-top grills on the market today
- It’s simple to transport because it takes up minimal room
- It comes with a slide-out grease tray
Cons
- To avoid rust and damage, it requires special attention
Conclusion Flat top Grill
Flat top grills may be costly or inconvenient to store, but they come in a variety of designs and sizes. Small table-top flat top grills and big standing units with wheels are available.
If you want a big working surface for your patio, choose one of the flat top grills with a cart or stand.
It may be used like a standard grill but with the added advantage of being able to cook eggs, pancakes, and other breakfast foods.
If you want to bring your grill on vacation or to the park, consider one of the tabletop versions. The tabletop design is more portable.
The size of the cooking surface, on the other hand, is the most significant aspect. Consider how many individuals you’ll be feeding when selecting a flat top grill that can serve your needs.