The 6 Best Flat Top Grills and Griddles, According to Pros
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Make diner-worthy breakfasts and incredible burgers.
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From bacon, eggs, and pancakes in the morning to burgers and stir-fry for dinner, it's hard to beat the deep caramelization produced by flat top grills. Another perk of this outdoor cooking device is that it keeps smoke and strong food smells in the fresh air instead of your kitchen. When shopping for a griddle, you’ll find a range of sizes suitable for small patios and serving large groups. No matter your needs, there’s a model that’s right for you.
We did the legwork for you by tapping experts and researching the most popular flat top grills and griddles on the market from brands like Blackstone and Pit Boss, including a griddle attachment for your gas grill. Keep scrolling to read more about the best outdoor griddles for every budget, outdoor space, and family.
Best Overall: Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill
Pros
It features four powerful burners that offer plenty of temperature control and plenty of cooking space for large gatherings.
Cons
It requires seasoning before first use.
Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, finding a grill to suit all comers is a moving target. But experts agree that having more BTUs, multiple burners, and a bigger chunk of steel gives the griddle added versatility to provide enough space to cook for large groups or use half for a weeknight meal. That said, we landed on the Blackstone 36-Inch Gas Griddle Cooking Station as our best overall pick because it offers 720 inches of cooking space with four independent heat zones to accommodate various foods at once. Plus, the brand is known for its durable and innovative outdoor griddles that you can count on for years to come.
The flat top grill is constructed of a powder-coated steel frame, stainless steel burners, and a thick cold-rolled steel cooktop. The four burners put out around 15,000 BTUs of heat, which equals a total of 60,000 BTUs for the entire cooktop. The control knobs are easy to adjust, and the surface maintains its temperature for restaurant-worthy sears. Fueled by propane gas, this grill requires a 20-pound propane tank you hook up under the left side shelf. Then, simply press the electric button to start cooking. It’s important to note that the top isn’t pre-seasoned, so you’ll need to do this step before your first use.
The cart features two sturdy side tables to hold plates and utensils and a bottom shelf to store supplies. The improved grease trap is located on the back, works effectively, and is a breeze to clean.
Price at time of publish: $407
Dimensions: 62.5 x 22 x 36 inches
Surface Area: 720 square inches
Number of Burners: 4
BTUs: 60,000
Best Value: Blackstone Original 28-Inch Flat Top Griddle With Side Shelf
Pros
It's easy to operate, transport, and clean.
Cons
It only has two burners and two wheels compared to models with four of each.
It’s no surprise that another Blackstone griddle made our list, and this one is a great alternative to our best overall pick for those wanting to spend less money or with limited outdoor space. At 524 square inches, the griddle surface is enough to cook about 18 steaks or 21 burgers. The two burners can crank to full heat to sear steaks, or you can set one side to warm to keep food hot until you're ready to serve.
Like the model above, this griddle has a rear grease management system, a battery-powered push start button, and a storage shelf for supplies. Instead of two side tables, it only has one, but that’s all you need for a plate and a spatula. To bring to tailgates and other on-the-go cookouts, remove the griddle top and the tank, collapse the legs, and then put it all into your vehicle. It also has two wheels for easy transport from place to place.
Price at time of publish: $269
Dimensions: 44 x 23 x 33 inches
Surface Area: 524 square inches
Number of Burners: 2
BTUs: 34,000
Best Splurge: Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900 Outdoor Griddle
Pros
It’s the ideal choice for those who love to host because of its large cooking surface with six burners.
Cons
At 6.5 feet long, this griddle takes up a lot of real estate. Though it has wheels, you may need help moving it.
The Camp Chef Flat Top 900 makes preparing large servings of food a breeze thanks to its 877 squares inches of cooking space with six heating zones. Bigger is not always better, but this griddle features a stable chassis, reliable ignition, ample storage, and folding tables on top of its exceedingly large cooktop, meaning it’s well worth the money.
Like Camp Chef's other griddles, the Flat Top 900 comes seasoned and ready to cook. We appreciate touches like the hex head screws at the corners, which let you level the griddle's surface on an uneven patio, deck, or lawn. At this size, it's important to get the grease draining in the right direction. Each of the six burners cranks out 12,000 BTUs with chunky dials that help adjust the temperature from sear down to a simmer, so you can add a pot to boil water or a skillet to reduce a pan sauce.
Price at time of publish: $800
Dimensions: 78 x 20.5 x 37 inches
Surface Area: 877 square inches
Number of Burners: 6
BTUs: 72,000
Best Round: Cuisinart 360-Degree Griddle Cooking Center
Pros
It has a well-designed grease management system, takes up less space than typical rectangular flat top grills, and comes with a lid to use for different cooking methods.
Cons
Although it has wheels, we wish it had a handle for easier transportation.
This round griddle saves space while still providing everything you need and more. Unlike most flat top grills, the Cuisinart 360-Degree Griddle comes with a vented stainless steel lid that allows you to steam, roast, and smoke foods in addition to searing, sautéing, and frying. Another perk is a built-in paper towel holder, so you can keep a roll under the side table and use that surface for plates and utensils.
Each burner can be adjusted between 200 and 550°F to help you achieve a beautiful sear or keep foods warm while you set the table. Following the vented lid, our favorite part of this griddle is the 360-degree grease pan that surrounds the 22-inch cooking surface. This means that no matter where oils splatter, the tray will catch them. The only con about this model is that there isn’t a handle to grip to move it around.
Price at time of publish: $237
Dimensions: 30.7 x 29.9 x 12.2 inches
Surface Area: 380 square inches
Number of Burners: 2
BTUs: 30,000
Best Tabletop: PIT BOSS PB336GS Two Burner Portable Flat Top Griddle
Pros
It’s the perfect griddle to take camping and tailgating, and it comes pre-seasoned with organic oil.
Cons
We wish the grease tray was larger.
Calling all campers! This 24-pound tabletop flat top griddle is easy to tote around and set up on a picnic table for delicious outdoor gatherings. Featuring 289 square inches of cooking space with two burners, it’s an excellent choice for feeding a family of four. It has a pre-seasoned, nonstick surface, which means foods release easily, it’s a breeze to clean, and you can start using it right out of the box.
The griddle runs off one-pound propane cylinders, however, you can buy an adapter hose and use a 20-pound tank to save time and money. Assembly couldn’t get any simpler and only requires a screwdriver. It features four sturdy legs to keep it in place, a grease cup to catch drippings, and even a quality cover for storage and protection.
Price at time of publish: $122
Dimensions: 20.47 x 17.32 x 10.83 inches
Surface Area: 289 square inches
Number of Burners: 2
BTUs: 18,000
Best for Gas Grills: LITTLE GRIDDLE Griddle-Q GQ230 Stainless Steel Griddle
Pros
It easily converts a standard gas grill into a griddle and cleaning is effortless.
Cons
It’s not suitable for kettle grills or very small models.
If you have a gas grill, this device is an easy and affordable way to upgrade it to a griddle whenever you want to whip up a brunch spread or smashed burgers. Commercial kitchens, like Five Guys and Shake Shack, have stainless steel griddles because they heat up faster than cold-rolled steel but are more expensive. Adding the Little Griddle gives you the responsiveness of a commercial griddle top, provided your rectangular grill is slightly larger than 25 by 16 inches to accommodate it.
Its 400-square-inch cooking space gives you enough room to prepare food for a family of four or five. In front, there is a grease trench the full width of the griddle. Once the griddle is cool, you can remove it, then pour and dispose of the grease. We appreciate the 4-inch sidewalls here, which are taller than those found on traditional griddles. That can help prevent food from falling off and down through the grill grates. At about 16 pounds, the griddle is pretty put on and take off your gas grill.
Price at time of publish: $125
Dimensions: 25 x 16 x 6.5 inches
Surface Area: 400 square inches
Our Favorite
Choosing the right one comes down to how many people you plan on feeding, how often, and how much space and budget you have. The Blackstone 36-Inch Gas Griddle Cooking Station is our best overall pick because of its durable construction, ample cooking space, and powerful burners. If you're not ready to bid farewell to your gas grill quite yet, the Little Griddle Professional Series Full-Size Stainless Steel BBQ Griddle is a reasonably priced foray into griddling that offers more size than a standard-issue reversible cast-iron griddle.
Factors to Consider
Size
Look for a griddle slightly bigger than you think you need so you can have plenty of space for entertaining. "I'd say 2.5 feet wide (30 inches) is probably the smallest you want to go," says George Motz, host of the cooking series Burger Scholar Sessions and author of The Great American Burger Book.
Manufacturers tend to offer griddles in a standard range of sizes: 17, 22, 28, and 36 inches wide. "Griddles that are 17 or 22 inches are something that you might use a couple of times a year… I feel that the 36-inch griddle is the best size, provided people have the space for it,” says Paul Sidoriak, author of The Flippin' Awesome Backyard Griddle Cookbook and equipment tester for Grilling Montana.
Materials
While commercial griddles usually have a stainless steel top, consumer-grade versions almost always have cold-rolled steel, which is similar to a carbon steel or cast-iron skillet in that it requires regular maintenance to avoid rust. While some griddles come seasoned, all of them need protection in between uses, especially if you live in a humid environment. Expert says that wrapping the top in plastic wrap can help keep ambient humidity off the griddle surface and keep rust at bay. But even rusty surfaces can be rehabilitated with basic tools and a little elbow grease.
Heat Source
The griddles in this review are designed to work with standard liquid propane tanks, but a conversion kit can allow you to hook them up to a natural gas line. Electric griddles are a popular option for indoor use, but they can't compete with the size of a medium gas griddle.
Covers
There are two kinds of covers: hard metal ones that protect the griddle surface and bigger synthetic covers that envelop the entire grill. If you can, get both. The metal cover prevents water from sitting directly on the griddle’s surface, while synthetic covers protect it from pollen and leaves. Like any outdoor cooking equipment, store it in a covered area, like a shed or garage, at the end of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a griddle?
Unlike cooking over an open flame, using a griddle is similar to cooking on a skillet. On most griddles, you'll want to have a squeeze bottle of neutral-flavored oil on hand, preferably one with a high smoke point, to prevent food from sticking. To help cooking go smoothly, you should have your food prepped and ready to go. For models without lids, you can melt foods like cheese by using a stainless steel bowl or disposable aluminum pan turned upside down over the food.
How do you clean a griddle?
Each manufacturer has recommendations for maintaining the griddle surface. But generally, the idea is to keep a thin layer of oil on the surface — similar to how you season a cast-iron pan. Scrapers help you keep the surface free of burns from foods and sauces. During each cooking session, funnel the grease into the cup, dispose, and clean the top before storing it.
Why cook on a griddle instead of a grill?
A griddle or flat top grill provides a solid surface for foods that might fall through grill grates, like shrimp, vegetables, sliced beef, and hand-formed patties. While grill grates leave grill marks, griddles brown more of the food, which is one reason to go for more than grill marks when you're cooking outside. Griddles are also great for grilled cheese, French toast, pancakes, and more.
Can you use pots and pans on a griddle?
Yes, though it will take longer than using your stove inside. Energy from the burner has to heat the thick steel top and then the pan. So while you can boil water and simmer sauces, griddles aren’t as responsive as stoves. Some people use disposable aluminum lasagna pans with oil to fry food on the griddle.
Our Expertise
Sal Vaglica is a gear tester and food writer with nearly 15 years of experience working with and covering outdoor cooking equipment. For this story, he interviewed two experts who have written books specifically about griddling: George Motz, host of the cooking series Burger Scholar Sessions and author of The Great American Burger Book, and Paul Sidoriak, author of The Flippin' Awesome Backyard Griddle Cookbook and equipment tester for Grilling Montana. Based on what they think is important to look for in a grill, mixed with his own experience, he developed this list of griddles.
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