The best flat top grills allow you to cook much more than breakfast.
You’ll certainly be able to create all your favorite breakfast dishes with panache, but you can also whip up burgers, sandwiches, sautéed veggies, and Japanese teppanyaki dishes to die for.
Flat tops grills make use of liquid propane tanks, so all you’ll need is a standard 20-pound tank along with a regulator and hose, and you can get grilling straight out the box.
While a gas grill might not generate the same smokiness as a charcoal grill, when you’re looking to pop some breakfast dishes on the griddle, this is not such a big deal.
If you have no idea what to look out for when comparing flat tops grills, consider the following pointers for a stress-free buying decision:
- Overall dimensions and cooking surface area: Before anything else, think about the space you have available in the yard, or out on your deck or patio. Some flat top grills are hulking and heavyweight, so you’ll need the space to accommodate. Linked to the overall size and weight of the grill is the total cooking surface area. This is expressed in terms of square inches, and we break down the size of each grill in the features tabs of our reviews. For small families, 300 square inches should be ample, while larger families and anyone who frequently entertains for larger gatherings should look for flat top grills with at least 500 square inches of cooking space
- Maneuverability: Many large flat top grills come with carts and lockable wheels. This makes it easier to shift these around the back yard. If you need a portable grill for tailgating, look at some of the compact models we review that will easily pop in the trunk of your car
- Burners: Single-burner grills are more limited in scope. A grill with several burners lets you create multiple cooking zones. You should ensure you can control the burners independently for maximum flexibility. The more burners, the quicker your grill will get up to temperature, too
- Temperature control: The controls on gas griddles are much easier to master than when you’re cooking with charcoal
- Cooking surface: Steel and cast iron cooking surfaces are thick and retain heat better without warping. Stainless steel and chrome cooking plates are more expensive and even more efficient
- Cleaning: The best flat top griddles feature highly effective grease management systems and plates that are easy to keep clean
Setting up your flat top grill is hassle-free, just like getting quick and reliable service from Rolon mobile truck repair for any on-the-road truck issues.
With those basics sketched in, you should now be perfectly positioned to explore our showcase of the best flat top grills out there.
Enjoy!
The 12 Best Flat Top Grill
1. Our #1 Pick: Blackstone Outdoor Griddle
Features
- Burners: 2
- Total cooking area: 470 square inches
- Dimensions: 44.5 x 19.5 x 33.5 inches
Blackstone is one of the most powerful brands when it comes to flat top grills, and this outdoor griddle is our pick of the bunch.
The cooking surface area of 470 square inches gives you ample space to cook breakfast for a large family, and you’ll have the scope to cook much more than bacon and eggs on this griddle.
Starting this liquid propane grill is as simple as pushing a button, and you’ll fire up the pair of 15,000-BTU burners. Each of these burners can be controlled separately, allowing you to create twin cooking zones.
The frame of this grill is made from a robust powder-coated steel, while the cooking surface is made from cold-rolled steel, one of the best materials for flat top grilling.
Although this grill is pretty heavy at 75 pounds, it comes on a cart with wheels that lock into place for ease of transportation.
The shelf under the grill is ideal for accommodating a 20-pound tank of liquid propane, all you need to get grilling like a pitmaster, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Things We Like
- Impressive 30,000 BTU rating
- Twin burners
- Cold-rolled steel cooking surface
Things We Dislike
- Reported quality control issues
2. Blackstone 1554 Flat Top Grill
Features
- Burners: 4
- Total cooking area: 720 square inches
- Dimensions: 62.5 x 22 x 36 inches
Next up in our search for the best flat top grills is another entry from the Blackstone stable, this time packing 4 independently controlled burners.
This 36-inch model offers you even more cooking real estate, too, with over 700 square inches at your disposal for breakfast and beyond.
Each of the burners is rated at 15,000 BTU, making this 60,000-BTU beast one of the most powerful grills in this class.
This is a new and upgraded model with an enhanced grease management system to make your life even cleaner and easier when you’re grilling out.
Underneath the grill, there is ample space for your propane tank on the storage shelf provided. You also get a pair of food prep tables on either side.
Set on folding legs with lockable casters, this grill might be a heavyweight, but it’s also pretty simple to shift around when required. As you would expect from Blackstone, you’re getting one of the best flat top grills out there here. See what you think and let us know in the comments below if you opt for this hard-hitting grill.
Things We Like
- Efficient grease management
- 60,000 BTU total output
- Independently controlled burners
Things We Dislike
- Heat distribution not ideal
3. Royal Gourmet Portable Flat Top Grill
Features
- Burners: 3
- Total cooking area: 316 square inches
- Dimensions: 25 x 16.3 x 7.9 inches
Royal Gourmet is another brand with a strong presence in this vertical, so how does this flat top grill shape up?
Firstly, you get a super-portable grill here, but you’ll still benefit from a spacious 316-square inch cooking surface.
The flat porcelain-enameled griddle top is a great surface for all your favorite breakfast dishes and much, much more.
Get the grill started first time, every time with a reliable and efficient piezo ignition system onboard. Once it’s fire up, the burners kick out a total heat output of 25,500 BTU, ensuring you have ample firepower in reserve for all your favorite grilled treats.
There are three burners in total, allowing to create separate cooking zones for a flexible grill station.
With such a small form factor, this lightweight grill is a neat choice for tailgating or use in the RV or on the campsite. Unlike many travel grills, though, you won’t need to take a hit on cooking surface area in return for portability.
This flat top grill is remarkably user-friendly and makes a good fit for beginners and more experienced grill artists alike.
Things We Like
- Trio of independently controlled burners
- 25,5000 BTU total cooking power
- Easy to use and clean
Things We Dislike
- Some complaints about packaging
4. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Outdoor Flat Top Grill
Features
- Burners: 2
- Total cooking area: 380 square inches
- Dimensions: 31.75 x 40.13 x 43.63 inches
Cuisinart has a deep bench of highly effective and affordable kitchenware, and this flat top grill is another fine example.
The griddle cooking center comes equipped with a pair of burners delivering a total heat output of 30,000 BTU. These are independently controlled, so you can create hot and cool zones on your griddle for maximum flexibility.
The grill comes with a stainless steel vented lid. As well as grilling, you can also smoke, roast, bake, and steam your food inside this thing.
Assembly is straightforward and you should be up and running with this cart configuration in no more than thirty minutes.
A folding prep table comes in useful, and there’s even space for a paper towel holder beneath so you have everything you need close to hand.
A generous grease catcher makes for clean operation and makes your life easier when it comes to cleaning up after grilling.
Backed by a solid 3-year limited warranty, you have no niggling concerns about anything going amiss with this outstanding and portable flat top grill from Cuisinart. The only complaints we could find in a sea of positive press concern the amount of gas you’ll burn through using this grill.
Things We Like
- Powerful twin burners
- Straightforward assembly
- 3-year limited warranty
Things We Dislike
- Uses quite a lot of gas
5. Pit Boss Table Top Grill
Features
- Burners: 2
- Total cooking area: 289 square inches
- Dimensions: 20.47 x 17.32 x 10.83 inches
Pit Boss make some highly efficient grill including this classic table top model ideal for flat top grilling.
This two-burner unit is suitable for use indoors or outdoors, something you don’t find with all grills. The compact footprint also makes this grill a wonderful travel option. It’s small enough to pop in the trunk of the car and light enough to carry without straining yourself.
The thick flat griddle top comes pre-seasoned, allowing you to get right down to grilling out of the box.
Once you set the grill up, it sits on stable and lockable legs, offering a solid base of operations for grilling indoors or outdoors.
You can control each of the burners independently, so you get a highly flexible grilling environment. This is also a very user-friendly grill that’s ideal for beginners and experienced grill artists alike.
Although most user reviews of this flat top grill are predominantly positive, we found some complaints about heating not being especially even.
Things We Like
- Pre-seasoned griddle
- Push-button ignition
- Ideal for use indoors or outdoors
Things We Dislike
- Heating not always even
6. Royal Gourmet Portable Propane Grill
Features
- Burners: 4
- Total cooking area: 584 square inches
- Dimensions: 66.1 x 21.8 x 43.7 inches
Royal Gourmet produces a wide range of efficient grills, including this flat top configuration that’s a great choice for permanent installation in the yard, or out on the patio or deck.
You get a traditional cart arrangement here, complete with 4 lockable wheels for ease of transportation.
At either side of the grill, a fixed table comes into its own for serving and prepping your grilled treats. This does not fold away like the tables on some models, so make sure you have the space to accommodate this wide and bulky grill.
The legs, however, do fold down to streamline storage. Weighing over 100 pounds, this is not the most portable flat top grill on our list, but it’s easy enough to shunt around when you need to thanks to those casters down below.
Getting things started couldn’t be easier due to the seamless electronic ignition onboard. You control each of the burners using an oversized and ergonomic knob, and you’ll be cooking like a pitmaster in no time, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Almost all user testimony of this flat top grill is positive, but we found a handful of gripes about the complete lack of replacement parts. Setting this aside, you’re getting one of the best flat top grills out there, and it comes from a brand you can trust.
Things We Like
- Folding legs
- Gas and griddle
- Lockable casters
Things We Dislike
- No replacement parts available
7. Royal Gourmet Flat Top Grill and Griddle
Features
- Burners: 4
- Total cooking area: 584 square inches
- Dimensions: 66.1 x 21.7 x 36.6 inches
Royal Gourmet delivers another first-class flat top grill in the shape of this combined grill and griddle.
You get twin cooking zones here, each just under 300 square inches, resulting in one of the most spacious residential flat top grills you’ll find. You can, of course, find much larger commercial flat tops, but we figure you won’t be likely to want one of these in the home kitchen.
You’ll be up and running almost straight out the box thanks to the super-simple setup. Once operational, you’ll find the same ease extend to use.
The automatic ignition ensures you fire the grill up first time, every time. Each of the 4 burners comes with separate controls. Twist the indexed dials to manipulate the temperature of your grill on demand.
As with all grills in this class, you can make outstanding breakfasts, but you’ll also have the scope to make much more.
While the performance of this flat top grill attracts a lot of praise, we found a string of complaints about the quality of the overall finish. In most respects, though, you’re getting one of the best flat top grills for your needs, and it comes from a brand you can rely on.
Things We Like
- Quick and easy to assemble
- Automatic ignition
- Fixed side tables for food prep
Things We Dislike
- Fit and finish could be improved
8. Cuisinart Gourmet Gas Griddle
Features
- Burners: 2
- Total cooking area: 285 square inches
- Dimensions: 21 x 20.5 x 9 inches
Next in line is another efficient flat top grill from kitchenware specialist Cuisinart. How does this gas griddle stack up, then?
The first thing you’ll appreciate is the spacious cold-rolled steel cooking surface. This allows you to load on enough eggs, bacon, and hash browns for the whole family with space to spare.
The chassis of the grill is made from a robust alloy steel. This unit is small and lightweight enough to comfortably use as a travel grill, and the rugged build means it will stand up to plenty of wear and tear.
A pair of 10,000-BTU burners are independently controlled and brisk enough to fuel a lengthy cookout.
You can assemble or disassemble this grill in no more than 10 or 15 minutes, and you won’t need any tools or any DIY skills to achieve this.
The inbuilt hose attaches to a regular 20-pound tank of propane, all you need to start grilling with precision this fall, ready to hit next year’s grilling season hard.
Things We Like
- Cold-rolled steel cooking surface
- Lightweight and portable grill
- Quick and easy to set up
Things We Dislike
- Customer service issues flagged
9. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill
Features
- Burners: 4
- Total cooking area: 1015 square inches
- Dimensions: 22 x 62.5 x 37 inches
Camp Chef has some superb grills in the flat top class, including this powerful 4-burner beast.
As with all bigger and bulkier grills, you need to establish you have the space to accommodate the Camp Chef before committing to purchase. While the grill is quite heavy and also substantial, the wheeled cart configuration simplifies shifting the unit around if required.
You get both a grill and a griddle rolled into one here, making this one of the most versatile of all the flat top grills we review. You will not be limited to cracking a few eggs and frying up some bacon on the Camp Chef, so get creative.
Each of the burners is rated at 12,000 BTU, resulting in a total heat output nudging 50,000 BTU.
A seamless grease management system ensures all the fat and grease is channeled away from your food. Remove the grease catcher for stress-free cleanup.
A pair of large shelves fold back out of your way when not required.
Boasting a total cooking surface area of 604 square inches for the griddle and 501 square inches for the grill, you’ll have the ability to host large cookouts with style if you invest in the Camp Chef.
Things We Like
- Grill and griddle combined
- Oversized side shelves
- Grease management system
Things We Dislike
- Heavy and bulky grill
10. Blackstone Cooking Station
Features
- Burners: 4
- Total cooking area: 720 square inches
- Dimensions: 66.5 x 27.6 x 35.43 inches
As we near the end of our flat top grill reviews, yet another model from the inimitable Blackstone. This brand specializes in producing this type of grill, but how does the cooking station differentiate itself from the competition?
Well, this is a sprawling grill that makes a great choice for larger families with plenty of outdoor space at home.
Measuring 36 inches across, this spacious grill comes equipped with 740 square inches of cooking real estate, more than compensating for the large footprint.
The spacious side shelf comes complete with a cutting board, so you have the ideal cooking environment with all the space you need for prepping and serving your favorite grilled snacks.
The wheeled cart means you can shunt this grill around the yard if you need to reposition. The wheels lock into place once you’re set up, giving you a firm and stable foundation for grilling out.
The battery-powered push-button ignition means you won’t be fumbling around for matches or a lighter, and you’ll fire up the Blackstone first time on the button.
Things We Like
- Expansive cooking surface area
- Wheeled for easy transportation
- Side shelf with cutting board
Things We Dislike
- Some rusting reported
11. Blackstone Heavy-Duty Flat Top Grill Station
Features
- Burners: 2
- Total cooking area: 339 square inches
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 19 x 9 inches
As we edge to the end of our quest for the best flat top grills, Blackstone has yet another entry, this time with a much more portable approach to grilling.
This dinky 22-inch grill is ideal for singles, couples, and smaller families. You can pick up these grills with or without a hood, and there is also a smaller 17-inch model at your disposal.
With the 22-incher, the cooking surface area of 339 square inches extends you enough space to whip up breakfast for all the family.
A pair of H burners kick out 24,000 BTU of total heat, ensuring you have all the firepower you need in reserve for a lengthy grill out.
Powered by canisters of liquid propane, you’ll get a user-friendly grill that won’t stiff you when it comes to performance from one of the most dominant brands in this vertical. What’s not to love?
Things We Like
- Pair of powerful burners
- Compact and travel-friendly grill
- Effective grease management
Things We Dislike
- Customer care concerns
12. Pit Boss Gas Grill
Features
- Burners: 5
- Total cooking area: 750 square inches
- Dimensions: 77.13 x 24.17 x 35.24 inches
Last but certainly not least in our collection of the best flat top grills, we have another effort from industry heavyweight Pit Boss. How does this grill stand and fall, then?
There are several core benefits of this powerhouse, the first of which is the huge 62,000 BTU heat output.
Not only do you get an impressive BTU rating, but this is split across no less than 5 burners, all of which you can control separately for a remarkably flexible grilling environment at home.
Made from robust steel throughout, this grill can be left outside – as long as you cover it, of course – and it will stand up to the elements without corroding and rusting out.
Set on lockable swiveling wheels, you get a highly maneuverable grill, despite the sprawling 740 square inches of cooking real estate, making this hands-down one of the best flat top grills in a crowded market segment.
Things We Like
- 62,000 total BTU rating
- Hugely versatile
- Sprawling cooking surface area
Things We Dislike
- Instructions are weak
FAQs
1) What are the food options for flat top grills?
The first thing that springs to mind when most people think of flat top grills are classic breakfast dishes like hash browns, pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon. You can create much, much more when you’re using one of these grills, though. Tapas and kebabs both work wonderfully with this type of grill. Burgers are also great, and most sandwiches, whether open or closed, also work well with flat top grills. You can also grill steaks and cheese. Why not experiment with some Japanese teppanyaki, too? Imagination is your only limitation when you’re flat top grilling, but you’ll struggle to cook larger pieces of meat as the temperature won’t get high enough.
2) Is it necessary to clean a flat top grill before use?
You should wash your new flat top grill with some hot soapy water before you use it. This will get rid of any residue. As soon as your grill is seasoned, you should refrain from using any soap on the griddle surface. For grills that comes pre-seasoned – we review several of these – simply rub the grill clear of food residue then wash it down without any soap at all. Ensure the griddle is thoroughly dried to prevent rust.
3) How should I clean my griddle?
Cleaning a seasoned grill is straightforward. You’ll need some cooking oil, a scouring pad, a metal spatula, and some paper towels, as well as some hot water. First, let your flat top grill cool down completely. Next, scrape away any food splatter using the metal spatula. With all pooled grease removed, wipe the surface with a cloth or paper towel. Pour on some hot water, and this should loosen any lingering food residue. Using a gentle nylon scouring pad, rub the surface. Rinse away any residue and then dry the griddle using a soft cloth. Rub in a small amount of oil to season the surface.
4) How do I season a flat top grill?
Seasoning a grill will create a surface that’s naturally non-stick. Use an oil with a high smoke point for seasoning Coconut oil is an especially good choice. Always wipe away any residual oil once you’re done. Less is more here and you only need an extremely thin covering of oil when you’re seasoning. Make sure you get the oil into all corners of the cooking surface. As the oil heats up, you’ll notice it slowly start changing color. If you spot some smoke coming up off the grill, this is the oil bonding with the metal. With the oil dry, add another layer and repeat the above steps. Turn your grill off and let it cool down completely. It’s now fully seasoned and ready for use.
5) What’s the best way to store a flat top grill?
You need to keep your flat top griddle somewhere cool and dry to ward off rust and corrosion. When you are decommissioning your grill and storing it long-term, remove the top of the griddle. If you keep your grill outdoors, cover it with some heavy-grade canvas.
Conclusion
For anyone new to grilling an unsure where to turn, today’s guide to choosing the best flat top grill should have cleared things up.
We include a variety of flat top grills and griddles today in sizes to suit all tastes. We highlight the drawbacks of these grills as well as exploring how they benefit you, so you shouldn’t have any nasty surprises when you get your grill home.
Once you realize the scope of the menus you can whip up using a flat top grill, you’ll be using it for much more than breakfast.
Bookmark our blog before you head off today. We have a very busy content calendar in place for fall, so come back soon and don’t miss out!