Are you ready to make some amazing meals on an outdoor griddle, but want to make sure you’re getting the best flat top grill?
You’re in the right place!
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What a flat top grill is
- How they work
- And much more!
Flat top grills (also known as outdoor gas griddles) are popular among grill enthusiasts since you can cook so many different foods, and multiple foods at the same time!
If you’re an aspiring grill master, a flat top gas grill is a great tool to have in your arsenal.
By the way, if you’re wondering if there is a difference between a flat top grill vs a griddle, there is no difference. They are the same but different people call them different things!
Personally, I use the terms interchangeably but I call my smaller, indoor griddle the griddle and my outdoor griddle my flat top grill.
I hope that is as clear as mud!
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The Best Flat Top Grills
Here are the top rated flat top grills:
- Blackstone 36″ Griddle Station
- Pit Boss 3 Burner Flat Top Grill
- Blackstone 28″ Gas Griddle
- Camp Chef Flat Top Grill
- Blackstone 17″ Portable Gas Griddle
- Cuisinart 30″ Round Flat Top Grill
- Royal Gourmet 24″ Portable Griddle
- Royal Gourmet Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
- Blackstone 36″ Outdoor Gas Griddle
- Cuisinart Gourmet Gas Griddle
Our Reviews Of The Top 10 Outdoor Gas Griddles
Blackstone is considered one of the best gas griddles manufacturers in the world.
The Blackstone 36″ Griddle Station is our top overall pick for it’s size, features, and price point.
This gas griddle has a wider cooking area which is about 720 square inches.
And just like the Blackstone Outdoor Griddle, this flat top grill also has burners that can fire up to 15,000-BTU each.
It has four different burners which can be set from Low to High and can allow you to cook various foods depending on the situation.
It also has an upgraded grease control which makes it easier to cook with and clean.
The Blackstone 36″ Gas Griddle also has a shelf under the grill which you can use to hold a propane tank, plus two prep tables on each side that you can use.
Although it’s pretty heavy, it’s very easy to move around because this outdoor griddle has four foldable legs with wheels on each leg for easier transport.
Its exterior material is made up of painted steel while its cooking surface is made of steel.
Pros
- Four burners can be controlled separately
- A total output of 60,000-BTU
- Can move it around the patio with ease
- Easy to keep it clean
Cons
- My 36″ Blackstone has a couple of cold spots in the corners even when all 4 burners are on high
View our full list of the best Blackstone griddles.
Just like the Blackstone company, Pit Boss is also popular for its wide variety of very affordable gas griddles.
And the most well-known and widely used flat top grill from Pit Boss today is their 3 Burner Gas Griddle.
With this outdoor griddle, you can enjoy grilling on a 592 square-inches cooking surface which can roughly fit up to 37 burgers at a time.
Its 3 burners can fire up to 12,000-BTU each. But what most people like about the Pit Boss 3 Burner Gas Griddle is its griddle surface, which is made up of cast iron which is 4.77 mm thick.
It can hold heat well and distribute it evenly. You can even upgrade it to a ceramic griddle top if you want a better cooking performance.
You also don’t have to worry about its cleaning and maintenance because it has a small hole on the bottom corner where you can scrape grease and other cooking debris into a trash pot for better cleaning.
It’s also a great choice for abrupt barbeque parties or camping because it’s very easy to transport. It comes with side trays and foldable legs.
Pros
- Powerful stainless steel cooking surface
- 5-year warranty for peace of mind
- These wheels are so smooth and allows you to move it anywhere
- Upgradable cooking surface
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Some heat escape through the gaps between the burners and the top griddle
- No side handles, so you have to lift with the side shelves
The Blackstone Outdoor Griddle is considered one of the trendiest gas griddles because of its wonderful features.
For one, it has a surface area of 470 square inches which allows you to cook plenty of foods, from breakfast to lunch to barbeque!
This outdoor griddle from Blackstone is a great pick, especially for hosts that are planning to provide food for a large number of guests and families.
This outdoor gas griddle is super easy to use. You can start up this liquid propane grill just by pushing it like any other button.
It has two burners that can fire up to 15,000-BTU each. Plus, you can control each burner separately which allows you to cook with only one if you’re grilling an average amount of food and two if you are cooking for a huge crowd.
If you’re wondering about its physical features, you also don’t have to worry because the Blackstone Outdoor Griddle has a frame that’s made up of robust powder-coated steel, a very durable and strong material that can ensure your outdoor griddle lasts for the long haul.
On the other hand, its cooking surface is made up of cold-rolled steel which is 20% stronger than any other cooking surface.
This griddle weighs 75 pounds and comes on a cart with wheels. The wheels can be locked so it doesn’t move around while you cook.
Under the grill is a shelf that’s able to accommodate 20 pounds, which is great for storing all of your griddle accessories.
Pros
- It can fire up to 30,000-BTU
- It has a larger cooking surface
- Easy transport
- Easy cleaning
Cons
- Don’t forget you have to buy the propane tank separately
- It’s heavier than you think, so you may need help assembling it
If you want a flat top grill to replace your current grill, this is it.
This Camp Chef flat top grill offers a griddle top as well as grilling grates so you can have the best of both worlds.
Four 12,000 BTU burners allow you to cook several things while maintaining temperature control individually. That’s a total of 48,000 BTUs.
If you need extra storage space while cooking, this flat top grill has two shelves you can fold down or put up as needed.
The 2 shelves underneath are very convenient for storing your cleaning and cooking tools as well.
This Camp Chef model a massive 604 sq inches of cooking space.
Pros
- Restaurant quality
- Built to last a lifetime
- Legs and shelves fold up, which is great when you take it camping
Cons
- Don’t forget you have to buy the propane tank separately
- It’s pricier than competitors because of the added features.
If you want a more portable flat top grill that you can carry with you for camping and other outings, this portable gas griddle from Blackstone might be the one you are looking for.
The Blackstone Table Top Grill 17’’ Portable Gas Griddle is ideal for travelers and small families who love to enjoy outdoor activities.
It has a cooking surface of about 268 square inches, with an electric igniter that makes it very easy to start up.
This portable flat top grill is made of stainless steel and a cooking surface made up of rolled carbon steel that is typically harder and stronger than most rolled steels.
It also has a griddle surface that can be removed for better and easier cleaning access and a single burner that can fire up to 12,000-BTU.
Pros
- Great size for traveling and camping – we’ve taken ours to over 20 National Parks!
- Powerful even for its small size
- Resistant to corrosion
Cons
- H-shaped cooking area
- Uneven heat distribution compared to the bigger models
If you want to cook with style, why not try this Cuisinart CGG-999 30-Inch Round Flat Top Surface 360° XL Griddle Outdoor Cooking Station from Cuisinart.
This flat-top grill is just like any other outdoor griddle but with a round shape and different features.
It’s made up of stainless steel and has dimensions of 60.5 x 37.5 x 42.5 inches.
What people like the most about this outdoor griddle is its 360 degrees grease pan where grease can naturally flow through for easier grease management.
It comes with a lid for people who want to make sure that no outside debris can touch their food. But that’s not it, the lid also has a vent to help with other cooking styles and functions like steaming, smoking, roasting, and even baking!
This outdoor griddle also has two foldable prep tables perfect for preparing lots of food.
The Cuisinart CGG-999 30-Inch Round Flat Top Surface 360° XL Griddle Outdoor Cooking Station has a 30-inch flat top grill cooking surface
It features 3 different burners which you can control separately and has an even-heat distribution system for better cooking performance.
Pros
- Oversized 360 degrees grease pan
- Easy to clean
- Stainless lid with vent
- Foldable prep tables
- Heat control system
- Cooking versatility
Cons
- Heavy, which made it quite hard to assemble (about 2 hours for me)
Royal Gourmet is another brand name that is popular among barbecue and grilling enthusiasts.
So, what makes this Royal Gourmet Portable Flat Top Grill one of the top choices?
First and foremost, this Portable Flat Top Grill from Royal Gourmet is very easy to use and travel with.
It has a 316 square inches cooking surface that is made up of a porcelain-enameled griddle top, allowing you to cook different varieties of foods.
It also has 3 different burners that can fire up to 25,500-BTU that can also be controlled separately.
Considering its powerful functions and portability, this flat top grill from Royal Gourmet is perfect for camping and other outdoor activities that require traveling.
Pros
- Three separate burners
- Easy to clean
- Mobile and portable
Cons
- This would’ve been ranked higher but the grease trap doesn’t line up with the hole on the griddle top directly, so I had a couple of spills when testing
Another product from Royal Gourmet that people are starting to discover is their portable gas grill and griddle combo.
This combo griddle can let you enjoy cooking on a griddle and a grill at the same time.
Each cooking surface can offer you 220 square inches of cooking area. You can cook any type of food here, even grill-able foods!
This combo griddle is perfect for barbeque parties with a large and picky crowd.
It has a total of four burners, 2 in each cooking area. Both griddle and grills can fire up to 12,000-BTU each.
The Royal Gourmet Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo have an electronic ignition that is very easy to start up and has a built-in grease channel where grease and oil can flow through for easier cleaning and better cooking performance.
Its grease channel is removable so you can clean it off easily.
This outdoor griddle and grill combo also has two prep tables on each side and hooks under the grill where you can hang clamps and other utensils for better access.
Pros
- Easy to use both sides at the same time
- Lots of workspaces
Cons
- Long assembly time
- The side shelves don’t feel as sturdy as Blackstone and other higher-end brands
Just before we reach the end of this post, another Blackstone product has made its appearance.
But what makes the Blackstone Cooking Station different from all other flat-top grills we have mentioned above?
For those who love hosting barbeque parties and outdoor activities, this outdoor gas griddle from Blackstone might be your best bet!
It has a 740 square inches wide cooking surface perfect for cooking for a huge crowd of people. It has 4 burners that evenly distribute heat all over its cooking surface.
It has a prep table on one side and a cutting board on the other which makes it the ideal cooking space for anyone who loves outdoor cooking.
What makes it different from others is that it has a battery-powered ignition button that’s very easy to use. You can just push it as you do any other button to start up this outdoor griddle.
It also has four-wheeled legs which makes it very easy to move around your area.
Pros
- Wide cooking space
- Push to ignite button
- Built-in cutting board
- Four-wheeled legs for moving it around
- Even heat distribution system
Cons
- Mine did rust a little when I left it out 1 time without a cover. That’s probably more on me than on the grill itself!
Last but not least is the CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle from Cuisinart.
This outdoor griddle is the best alternative for any portable griddle.
Instead of an H-shaped cooking area, this one has an equal heat distributer which means you can cook your food evenly all over the surface without one being half-cooked and the other being over-cooked.
It has 2 stainless burners each one can fire up to 10,000 and is made up of alloy steel.
This outdoor and portable gas griddle has a 286 square-inches cooking surface that can deal with the heat in a very pro-like manner.
It doesn’t need to be assembled and can be set up and used in less than 10 minutes without even using any tools!
If you and your family love traveling and camping, this portable gas griddle from Cuisinart is a great choice.
Pros
- Stainless steel burners
- Extremely portable
- Ready to use out of the box
- Built-in hose for 20-pound tank
Cons
- It’s fine if you’re cooking for yourself, but you can’t fit much food on it at the same time if you’re cooking for a crowd
What Are Flat Top Grills?
Flat top grills are grills with griddle tops. They use the same heat source as grills, either charcoal, gas, or electricity.
Flat top grills allow you to cook anything, from steaks and burgers to grilled vegetables and even pancakes.
Where you might get uneven heat distribution from the flames on a regular grill, flat top grills heat the cooking area evenly.
They are becoming extremely popular to use as outdoor cooking during those fun camping trips.
Read More >> How To Tell If Your Steak Is Bad?
What Are the Different Types of Flat Top Grills?
There are several types of flat top grills on the market.
Some are full-size, restaurant grade grill units, while others are much smaller and allow for tabletop grilling.
Full Size Flat Top Grills
If you do not plan on grilling on the go, full-size flat top grills are the way to go. They are larger and harder to pack up, but typically offer a larger grilling surface.
These will often come with a side table, stainless steel burners, cast iron griddle top, and an easy to clean grease management system.
Tabletop Flat Top Grills
Tabletop flat top grills are portable grills you can take with you on the go. They will sit on a table, counter, or whatever flat, sturdy surface you have available so you can grill on the go.
Aside from the size and portability differences between tabletop and full size flat top grills, they also vary in their heat source.
- Gas: Gas is the most commonly used heat source for flat top grills since it allows for temperature control while cooking
- Charcoal: Charcoal offers something gas grills cannot, and that is adding smoke to the mix while cooking. The smoke gives the food that charbroiled taste many people love. This is uncommon for griddles, but they do exist!
- Electric: You can even find flat top grills that use electricity as a heat source. Electric grills heat up quicker than the others, but you will not get that authentic grilled taste.
Read More >> How To Grill Frozen Burgers (3 Quick Steps)
Why Choose a Flat Top Grill?
A flat top grill lets you cook various types of food than any typical and traditional grill can. They are also better in grease management and even heat distribution.
Many flat-top grills today are also made up of highly durable and long-lasting materials which makes them very cost-efficient for grill enthusiasts.
How Do Flat Top Grills Work?
Flat top grills work similarly to regular grills.
Since flat top grills often have several burners, you can set each burner individually for what you will be cooking.
The flat top grill uses the heat source to evenly heat up the burners so you can begin cooking your food.
What To Look Out For When Purchasing A Flat Top Grill?
For first-time users, you might know a thing or two about the types of flat top grills but you also have to make sure what to look out for when buying yourself one.
This will help ensure that you are using an outdoor griddle that best fits your interest and that can last you a lifetime.
Here are a few elements that you need to consider when purchasing:
- Overall dimensions
- Cooking surface area
- Portability or maneuverability
- Burners
- Heat-control
- Heat distribution
- Cooking surface material
- Easy to clean
- Price
Overall Dimensions
The first thing you need to consider is the amount of space you have in your backyard, patio, deck, garden, or wherever you want to place it.
Consider the location so you will know what size you will purchase that can fit in your space.
Cooking Surface Area
The amount of cooking space on your flat top grill also plays a great role. If you like to host parties in your backyard or cook for large crowds, consider buying a model that has at least 500 square inches of cooking space.
Now if you have a small family, you can try buying a model with at least 300 square-inches instead. The type of flat top grill you want to buy can also depend on how much food you want to cook during each use.
Portability or Maneuverability
If you like traveling or going out for outdoor activities, it’s best to buy a portable flat top grill. They are very easy to carry and travel with and provide a great source of food even if you’re not at home.
For people who want to buy larger ones, choose an outdoor grill that can be easily moved around. Most models today come with carts with foldable legs and wheels.
Burners
The more burners your flat top grill has, the quicker the temperature can rise and the faster you can cook.
If you want to use it to accommodate a lot of people, we suggest buying a model that has two or more burners.
For those who want to take their time, you can go for a flat top grill with a single burner instead.
Heat-Control
It’s also important to consider the amount of heat your flat top grill can handle. Make sure to find one that can control the heat and temperature well.
Heat Distribution
Some models do not distribute heat evenly on the cooking surface. This will result in uneven cooking time.
That’s why make sure to choose a model that can heat up its cooking surface in an even manner.
Avoid purchasing models with H-shaped cooking surfaces.
Cooking Surface Material
The material used to make your cooking surface is also a very critical element that you need to look out for.
If you want something that can retain heat and has great performance, you can go for the ones that have a cooking surface made of steel or cast iron.
For better heat reduction, stainless steel would be a better choice, although it can be a bit more expensive than steel and cast irons.
Easy To Clean
The best kind of flat top grill is those that are easy to clean.
It’s important to choose a model that you can easily clean and maintain since this is where you cook your food and maintaining its cleanliness is very important to avoid eating dirty and contaminated foods.
Price
Lastly, always keep an ideal budget in mind when looking for a flat top grill to purchase. Think of how much you are going to use it so you can decide the range and limit of your budget.
Smaller and portable ones will cost around $100 to $200 while the larger ones are around $300 to $400.
Read More>> How To Clean Your Flat Top Grill (4 Easy Steps)
Is There A Difference Between A Flat Top Grill and an Outdoor Gas Griddle?
Now, a lot of people are still confused between a flat top grill and outdoor gas griddle. But the funny thing is, there’s no need to be confused at all! This is because these two are just the same.
Some people just prefer calling it a flat top grill while others are much used to calling it an outdoor gas griddle.
Final Thoughts On Buying A Flat Top Grill
It doesn’t matter if you are new to grilling or if you have loved grilling ever since because the best type of grills are flat top grills. They are not just versatile, but they can also last you years if you take care of them properly.
If you’re looking forward to purchasing a new outdoor gas griddle for your grilling needs, you can always use this blog to see which are the trendiest types and brands of flat top grills today.
Blackstone comes in with the best flat top grills available, so you can never go wrong with one of their griddles.
No matter which flat top grill you choose, though, you are sure to enjoy its versatility and ease of use. I use mine several times every week!
A few quick tips:
- When cooking foods outdoors, always keep an eye on the internal temp. The last thing you’d want is to get yourself or someone else sick.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help when assembling the unit. A thrown-out back takes the fun out of a new grill real quick!
After your new flat top grill arrives, what is the first thing you’re going to cook?
Let us know in the comments below.
