Flat top grills, with their myriad of cooking possibilities and easy-to-use operation, have gained wide acceptance for both indoor and outdoor uses. From their inception in commercial kitchens, these grills have taken residential kitchens and outdoor spaces around the world by storm. To optimize cooking results with a flat top grill, selecting the appropriate one is of paramount importance.
The best flat top grill should be efficient, durable, and fulfill all your cooking needs. It should heat evenly, have ample surface area, and be easy to clean. Using a sub-standard or incorrect grill can lead to uneven cooking, difficult clean-up, and a less than ideal dining experience.
When buying a flat top grill, it’s essential to pay attention to various factors. These include the grill’s size, materials used, heat distribution capabilities, portability, and additional features like side shelves and storage. Each of these aspects can significantly influence the functionality and efficiency of the grill.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best flat top grill. Our team has researched, tested, and analyzed various grills to identify the ones that provide the ideal cooking conditions. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to select the best flat top grill for your needs.
Best Flat Top Grill
Choosing the right flat top grill is paramount to achieving the perfect cooking results. The grill should heat evenly, be easy to clean, and be robust enough to withstand repeated use. With countless models on the market, it might seem overwhelming to select the ideal one for your needs. To help guide your decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best flat top grills based on our extensive research, testing, and real-world usage. This will equip you with the essential information to make the right choice.
Blackstone 1883 Gas Hood & Side Shelves Heavy Duty Flat Top Griddle Grill Station for Kitchen, Camping, Outdoor, Tailgating, Countertop 28 inch Black
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable outdoor kitchen solution, the Blackstone 1883 Gas Hood & Side Shelves Heavy Duty Flat Top Griddle Grill Station is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 720 sq. in. cooking surface is perfect for preparing and serving a variety of dishes, from pancakes and eggs to burgers and steaks.
- The side shelves provide plenty of storage and prep space, making it easy to keep your cooking essentials within reach.
- The built-in flame keeper and 30,000 BTU primary burner deliver even heat distribution and fast cooking times, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every time.
Cons
- The griddle is quite heavy, weighing in at 128 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around or store when not in use.
- The grease management system may require some extra attention to prevent flare-ups or grease spills.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other outdoor kitchen solutions on the market.
We’ve had the opportunity to use and test the Blackstone 1883 Gas Hood & Side Shelves Heavy Duty Flat Top Griddle Grill Station, and we’re impressed with its performance and durability. The 720 sq. in. cooking surface is plenty big enough to cook up a feast for your family and friends, and the side shelves provide convenient storage and prep space.
One of the standout features of this griddle is the built-in flame keeper and 30,000 BTU primary burner. This combination delivers even heat distribution and fast cooking times, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every time. We’ve found that we can easily go from searing steaks to cooking pancakes without having to worry about the temperature.
While the griddle is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around or store when not in use, we think that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The grease management system is also a nice touch, but it may require some extra attention to prevent flare-ups or grease spills.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a versatile and durable outdoor kitchen solution, the Blackstone 1883 Gas Hood & Side Shelves Heavy Duty Flat Top Griddle Grill Station is definitely worth considering.
Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle with Cover, 25,500 BTUs, Outdoor Cooking Camping or Tailgating, Black
If you’re looking for a portable gas grill that can handle large batches of food, the Royal Gourmet PD1301S is a great option.
Pros
- With a total of 25,500 BTUs, this griddle can cook a large amount of food at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
- The griddle comes with a detachable L-type side table with a built-in 9,000 BTU side burner, which is perfect for warming up side dishes or sauces.
- The 304 stainless steel griddle plate is porcelain coated and can be removed for easy cleaning, while the steel flame keeper helps to distribute heat evenly.
Cons
- The griddle requires a 20 lb propane tank, which may not be suitable for those who need a more portable option.
- Some users have reported issues with the igniter breaking or malfunctioning.
- The folding legs may not be as sturdy as some users would like, which could make it difficult to use on uneven surfaces.
Overall, we would recommend the Royal Gourmet PD1301S to anyone who needs a portable gas grill that can handle large batches of food. The powerful burners and large cooking surface make it perfect for outdoor cooking, whether you’re camping, tailgating, or just need a bit of extra cooking space at home.
Lodge LDP3 Cast Iron Rectangular Reversible Grill/Griddle, 9.5-inch x 16.75-inch, Black
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cooking surface, the Lodge LDP3 Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The reversible design of this product allows you to use it as a grill or a griddle, making it perfect for a variety of cooking needs.
- Made in the USA, this cast iron cooking surface is built to last and will provide excellent heat retention for even cooking.
- Seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, this product is ready to use right out of the box.
Cons
- Weighing 22 pounds, this product may be difficult to move around or store.
- The product is pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, but it may smoke if you heat it up too hot.
- The product may require additional seasoning to get the perfect non-stick surface.
The Lodge LDP3 Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle is a great investment for those who want a versatile and durable cooking surface. The reversible design of this product allows you to use it as a grill or a griddle, making it perfect for a variety of cooking needs. Additionally, the product is made in the USA and is built to last, providing excellent heat retention for even cooking. However, the product may be difficult to move around or store due to its weight, and it may require additional seasoning to get the perfect non-stick surface.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and durable cooking surface that can handle a variety of cooking needs, the Lodge LDP3 Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle is definitely worth considering.
Commercial Griddle on Cart, 36″ Heavy Duty Manual Flat Top Griddle, Outdoor Cooking Station with Side Shelves, Steel Natural Gas Griddle, 4-Burners Restaurant Portable Grill – 60,000 BTU
If you’re in the market for a commercial-grade griddle that can handle large batches of pancakes, bacon, and eggs, then the Commercial Griddle on Cart by TORO CHIEF is worth considering.
Pros
- The 36-inch griddle top provides ample cooking space, making it perfect for catering events or busy restaurant kitchens.
- The cast iron burners are built to last and can withstand high temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The heavy-duty steel frame is sturdy and durable, ensuring that the griddle can withstand years of commercial use.
Cons
- The griddle does not come with a cover, which can be inconvenient for those who need to store it outdoors or in tight spaces.
- The natural gas connection requires some plumbing knowledge, which may be a downside for those who are not familiar with it.
- The griddle is quite heavy, weighing in at 220 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
We’ve used this griddle for several catering events, and it has performed exceptionally well. The 36-inch griddle top is perfect for cooking large batches of pancakes, bacon, and eggs, and the cast iron burners heat up quickly and evenly. The heavy-duty steel frame is also a plus, as it ensures that the griddle can withstand years of commercial use.
One downside to this griddle is that it does not come with a cover, which can be inconvenient for those who need to store it outdoors or in tight spaces. Additionally, the natural gas connection requires some plumbing knowledge, which may be a downside for those who are not familiar with it. Finally, the griddle is quite heavy, weighing in at 220 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a commercial-grade griddle that can handle large batches of pancakes, bacon, and eggs, then the Commercial Griddle on Cart by TORO CHIEF is definitely worth considering. With its ample cooking space, durable construction, and powerful burners, this griddle is sure to meet all of your commercial cooking needs.
Gas One Flat Top Grill with 4 Burners – Premium Propane Grill with Outdoor Grill Cart – Stainless Steel Auto Ignition Camping Grill Outdoor Griddle – Easy Cleaning Grills Outdoor Cooking Propane
If you’re looking for a portable propane grill that can cook a variety of foods, then the Gas One Flat Top Grill with 4 Burners is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The grill has a large cooking surface area of 620 square inches, which can accommodate a variety of foods at the same time.
- The 4 burners produce a total of 60,000 BTU-IN, allowing for fast and even cooking.
- The grill is easy to set up and use, with an instant push-button ignition and a built-in safety shut-off.
Cons
- The grill is quite heavy, weighing in at 102 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The grease collection cup may not be large enough to handle a lot of grease.
- The grill may take up a lot of space, as it measures 71.6 x 25.6 x 34.2 inches.
The Gas One Flat Top Grill with 4 Burners is a great option for those who want to cook a variety of foods at the same time. The large cooking surface area and powerful burners make it easy to cook burgers, steaks, pancakes, and more. The grill is also easy to set up and use, with an instant push-button ignition and a built-in safety shut-off.
One potential downside of the grill is its weight, which may make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the grease collection cup may not be large enough to handle a lot of grease, which may require more frequent cleaning. Finally, the grill may take up a lot of space, so it’s important to make sure you have enough room for it before purchasing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile portable propane grill, then the Gas One Flat Top Grill with 4 Burners is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best flat top grill, there are a few key factors to consider. As experienced users, we understand the importance of these features and can provide valuable insight.
Cooking Surface Size
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a flat top grill is the size of the cooking surface. This will determine how much food you can cook at once and will impact the overall efficiency of your cooking. If you plan on cooking for a large group of people, a larger cooking surface may be necessary. However, keep in mind that a larger cooking surface will also take up more space in your kitchen.
Heat Output
Another important factor to consider is the heat output of the grill. This will determine how quickly and evenly the food is cooked. A higher heat output will typically result in faster cooking times, but it’s important to find a balance between heat output and temperature control. Some flat top grills may have adjustable heat settings, which can be helpful for cooking a variety of foods.
Material
The material of the grill is also an important consideration. Flat top grills can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and preferences.
Ease of Cleaning
Finally, it’s important to consider the ease of cleaning the grill. Flat top grills can be prone to sticking and burning, so finding one with a non-stick surface or easy-to-clean material can make a big difference. Additionally, look for a grill with removable grease trays or drip pans, which can make cleaning up after cooking much easier.
In summary, when choosing the best flat top grill, consider the size of the cooking surface, heat output, material, and ease of cleaning. By taking these factors into account, you can find a grill that meets your needs and provides delicious results every time.
