Healthy & Fitness - The 7 Best Flat-Top Grills of 2023

The 7 Best Flat-Top Grills of 2023

If versatility is what you’re looking for in your outdoor cooking game, a flat-top grill fills that need. Unlike a traditional grill that delivers searing grate marks on your burgers, flat-top grills provide an even surface to cook everything from stir fry to scrambled eggs to traditional Teppanyaki-style foods found in Japanese hibachi restaurants. And you can still get a great sear on those juicy burgers—the high temperatures effectively cook food without an open flame.

"As with any style of cooking, when first starting out on a flat-top grill, keep it simple. I recommend burgers as the first cook—they are fast, and their higher fat content helps with seasoning the cooking surface," says Daniel P. Craig, chef, and founder of Kitchen Deets. "Flat-top grills are perfect for cooking breakfast, and since you can do the whole meal on one surface, it is a great way to learn temperature control and use multiple cooking zones. It's all about being present and attentive to the process that makes this style of cooking so easy," he adds. With that in mind, we compiled this list of options based on BTU output, special features, upkeep, and the available cooking surface.

Table of contents

Best Overall: Blackstone 36-Inch Original Flat-Top Gas Griddle

Best Budget: Country Smokers The Highland 4-Burner Portable Griddle

Best Space Saver: Cuisinart 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center

Best Portable: Blackstone 22-Inch Portable Gas Griddle

Best Built-In: Blaze Premium LTE 30-Inch Built-In Natural Gas Griddle

Best for Entertaining: Camp Chef 4-Burner Flat Top Propane Gas Grill

Most Versatile: Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo

Best Overall: Blackstone 36-Inch Original Flat-Top Gas Griddle

Blackstone 36-Inch Original Flat-Top Gas Griddle

Material Stainless Steel

Brand BLACKSTONE

Cooking Area: 720 square inches | BTUs/hour: 60,000 | Number of Burners: 4

$350 AT AMAZON

What We Love: Battery push-start ignition, easy to transport, powerful, removable cutting board

What We Don’t Love: Bulky

With more than 700 square inches of cooking area, this top model delivers space for cooking breakfast for the whole family or hosting burger night on the deck for an army of friends. Get cooking quicker with the electric push-start ignition. And it’s powerful—the four burners are independently controlled and put out 60,000 BTUs of heat. This is a clutch when you need multiple heat zones for varying foods.

The Blackstone 36-inch model is heavy-duty an bulky, but it also is pretty easy to move around with folding legs set on lockable casters. And the extra features cannot be ignored. Food prep shelves attach on either side of the grill, ample space underneath is provided for a 20-pound propane tank to sit, and the included cutting board relieves trips to the kitchen. When you’re finished grilling peppers and onions to go with those juicy hot Italian sausages, clean-up is a cinch with the enhanced grease management system on this model.

Best Budget: Country Smokers The Highland 4-Burner Portable Griddle

Country Smokers The Highland 4-Burner Portable Griddle

Material Metal

Brand Country Smokers

Color Black

Item Weight 48.4 Pounds

Product Dimensions 42.2"L x 21"W x 31.2"Th

Cooking Area: 597 square inches | BTUs/hour: 44,000 | Number of Burners: 4

$174 AT AMAZON

What We Love: Pre-seasoned, portable and lightweight, ample cooking surface, protective burner covers to maintain heat

What We Don't Love: Legs feel flimsy

Flat-top grills can be an investment, but if you’re looking to dip your feet in without spending a lot, the Country Smokers Horizon Series is a smart choice. The portable, 4-burner grill comes pre-seasoned, making it ready right out of the package for your cooking forays. And the legs, though a bit flimsy, are collapsible for easy transport if it’s tailgating season.

Affordability doesn’t mean less capability with this model. The 597-square-inch cooking surface can handle a weenie roast for up to 10 people, and the 44,000 BTUs are plenty powerful. And the protective burner covers help maintain a hot cooking surface while grilling. Not only is this model a great budget choice, but it’s easy to operate for those just starting out in the flat-top grilling world.

Best Space Saver: Cuisinart 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center

Cuisinart 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center

Brand Cuisinart

Product Dimensions 40"D x 22"W x 44"H

Cooking Area: 380 square inches | BTUs/hour: 30,000 | Number of Burners: 2

$313 AT AMAZON

What We Love: 360-degree grease pan, locking wheels, towel rack and folding prep table included, easy assembly

What We Don't Love: Only two burners

Cozy patio owners rejoice—there is a flat-top grill that will fit your outdoor space. Cuisinart’s round model is an economical 22 inches in diameter that offers 360-degree access while cooking. The two independently-controlled burners put out 30,000 BTUs for the 380-square-inch cooking surface, making it perfect for singles, couples, or even a small family. The seasoned grill master, however, should keep in mind that fewer burners translate to less temperature control across the cooking surface.

The vented dome cover on the Cuisinart Round Flat-Top Grill gives the cook the option to steam, roast, smoke, and even bake, making it versatile far beyond grilling. Set on wheels with locking casters for stability, this model also features a folding prep table, a towel rack, ample space beneath the grill to store your propane tank, and a cover to protect it in inclement weather. The oversized grease pan directs grease to a removable bin for easy cleanup. From push-start ignition to flexible heat zones, this model packs a lot of power in a small package. Best of all, customers report a breezy assembly process.

Best Portable: Blackstone 22-Inch Portable Gas Griddle

Blackstone 22-Inch Portable Gas Griddle

Brand BLACKSTONE

Product Dimensions 23.6"D x 23.6"W x 13"H

Cooking Area: 361 square inches | BTUs/hour: 24,000 | Number of Burners: 2

$220 AT AMAZON

What We Love: Powerful, compact, effective grease management, durable

What We Don’t Love: Only two burners

If camping, tailgating, and van life are on the horizon this summer, a portable flat-top grill is the option for you. Weighing in at a (relatively) lightweight 37.5 pounds with 361 inches of cooking surface and two burners putting out 24,000 BTUs, the Blackstone 22-inch is powerful and portable. And the heavy-rolled carbon steel surface is extremely durable. Even though it's small, it has features in common with the big boys, like independently controlled burners, each with its own built-in piezo igniter.

Two burners mean less precise temperature control, so watch out for hot or cool spots. We appreciate the built-in grease catcher is effective and easy to clean. Keep in mind this model does not come with the hose and regulator needed for operation, so pick them up with a 20-pound tank of propane, and you’ll be ready to hit the road with this small but mighty flat-top grill.

Best Built-In: Blaze Premium LTE 30-Inch Built-In Natural Gas Griddle

Blaze Premium LTE 30-Inch Built-In Natural Gas Griddle

Brand Blaze Outdoor Products

Product Dimensions 12.38"D x 30"W x 28.38"H

Cooking Area: 495 square inches | BTUs/hour: 36,000 | Number of Burners: 2

$2,300 AT AMAZON

What We Love: Sleek, lifetime warranty, effective grease management, easy to clean, durable

What We Don't Love: Expensive

Outfitting an outdoor kitchen is simple with the Blaze Premium LTE Built-in 30-Inch Griddle. Its chic stainless steel design blends with any decor, and the nearly 500 square inches of cooking surface can accommodate food for any size family. And though it's a hefty investment upfront, this ultra-durable model is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Though it only has two burners, this model puts out an enviable 36,000 BTUs capable of cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The highlight, though, is the grease management system. Cleanup is always a consideration when purchasing a flat-top grill, and Blaze’s thoughtfully designed system directs the flow of grease into a drip tray that's easily accessible to clean. From the push-button ignition to the no-fuss cleaning, there’s a lot to love about the Blaze.

Best for Entertaining: Camp Chef 4-Burner Flat Top Propane Gas Grill

Camp Chef 4-Burner Flat Top Propane Gas Grill

Brand Camp Chef

Product Dimensions 37"D x 62.5"W x 22"H

Cooking Area: 1,015 square inches | BTUs/hour: 50,000 | Number of Burners: 4

$446 AT AMAZON

What We Love: Grill and griddle combined, large side shelves for prep, independently controlled burners, easy to clean, easy to operate

What We Don't Love: Bulky

If your home is the go-to destination for summer barbecues and family reunions, you need a hearty grill that can handle lots of food. With more than 1,000 square inches of cooking surface area, the Camp Chef Flat-Top Grill is the right choice, and though it is bulky and heavy, it comes with a wheeled cart that makes moving it around easier. Plus, it offers a griddle and grill surface, making it versatile for multiple cooking options.

This free-standing option features foldable side shelves for added prep space, adjustable leg levelers for stability, and a removable grease catcher for easy cleanup. With four independently-controlled burners, the cook options are unlimited and operation couldn't be easier. Plus the 50,000 BTUs it puts out tackles anything from a stack of pancakes to Taco Tuesday parties.

Most Versatile: Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo

Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo

Brand Royal Gourmet

Product Dimensions 66.1"D x 21.8"W x 43.7"H

Cooking Area: 606 square inches | BTUs/hour: 48,000 | Number of Burners: 4

$269 AT AMAZON

What We Love: Side-by-side grill and griddle tops, easy to assemble, excellent temperature control and distribution

What We Don't Love: Does not include a cover

Take outdoor meal prep to the next level with this useful hybrid grill/griddle from Royal Gourmet. While other options on this list offer the choice of either a flat-top griddle or a traditional grill surface, the GD401 allows you to cook on both surfaces simultaneously. Two burners per cooking surface add up to precise temperature control and distribution. With a total of just over 600 square feet of cooking area, this grill will save you time by allowing you to grill burgers or veggies and prepare toppings or sides such as sauteed veggies, fried eggs, and bacon simultaneously.

Customers report that assembly was a breeze. And its four locking caster wheels on the collapsible cart increase portability, ideal for cookouts, tailgates, or moving around the backyard. The two fixed side tables add bulk to the frame, but combined with the hanging bar and included S hooks, the grill master is afforded a more comfortable experience. To protect the ceramic-coated griddle and grill grates from the elements, you'll have to purchase a cover separately.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse