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Thinking about cooking up some good barbeque for your friends and family? The first thing you need, of course, is a good grill.
Flat-top grills are top considerations because they use a spiral heating element, which produces a more even heat. They have been in use for many years, so there are a lot of variations.
But you need to look no further than here. This article lists the best flat-top grills available in the market.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Flat Top Grill
- OUR TOP PICK: Blackstone 36 inch
- RUNNER-UP: Royal Gourmet PD1300
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Blackstone Table Top Grill
Comparison of the Best Flat-Top Grills
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When Would a Flat-Top Grill Come in Handy?
Flat-top grills have many uses. Many of them are not just for daily home use. Here are some of the ways a flat-top grill can be used.
Front-of-House Cooking
This type of cooking is used in restaurants where the cooking area is exposed to the customer. This creates a fully immersive experience where the customer can enjoy the aroma before getting their food. This can often be seen in sushi restaurants.
Fast Cooking
One of the major reasons for the popularity of flat-top grills is the fast heating feature. These grills have better temperature control and can cook just about anything without burning. If you have ever seen street food being cooked, they almost always use flat-top grills. These grills can cook anything from an egg to burgers and in huge amounts. So the next time you want to host a backyard lunch or dinner without everyone getting antsy while waiting for the food, try these grills.
Cooking Techniques
Because these grills have a flat surface, they can be used for not only meat, but also things like eggs and pancakes. These are the most versatile grills, being able to grill, fry, roast, braise, and more. This is why they are often installed in the kitchen for normal use and not just outdoor grilling.
How to Choose a Flat-Top Grill
There are many different variations of a flat-top grill. They all offer different services, so you need to check for specifics before you buy them. Here are some of the things you should look at before buying any grill.
Fuel Type
Depending on the fuel, there are three types of flat-top grills. The fuel can be propane, natural gas, or electricity. Electric griddles are more portable, compact, and have a cord for connection. They are used mostly indoors. But for more heavy-duty usage, you would go with gas or propane-fueled grills. They are used outdoors and for large barbeques and grilling.
Size
These grills come in varying sizes, from small electric ones to large commercial ones. A good-sized grill can be used to cook 10 to 13 burgers at one time. If you have a large family and host many gatherings, this will be the perfect grill type for you. Smaller portable grills are used indoors for normal everyday cooking.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is an important aspect of grilling. Everyone prefers differently cooked meat, ranging from rare or well-done. These all require specific temperatures for cooking perfection. This is why grills have thermostats and temperature dials to give you control over the cooking process and time. A good grill will give you more control and flexibility and have an accurate temperature sensor.
Willy's Top Picks - Best Flat-Top Grills
Here are the three best flat top grills:
Review of the Best Flat-Top Grills
Now that you know what you are looking for, here are the reviews of the top best flat-top grills.
Best Overall:
Blackstone 36-Inch
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This unit has received mixed reviews. The only problem customers seem to have with this grill is the grease drip, which leaks down the leg sometimes. Other than that, it has a very solid construction, and the stainless steel makes it easy to clean. The push-button ignition removes the hassle of starting the fire yourself, and the size is big enough for family meals.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This grill not only has plenty of storage space with a bottom and side shelf, but it also has a removable cutting board to prepare your food. There is a paper towel holder, as well as a garbage bag holder. Everything you will need is present in one place. It has a powder-coated black steel frame, stainless steel burners, and cold rolled steel cooking surface. All these materials are high-grade and improve the durability and make it easier to maintain. All four burners have separate temperature settings, so you get more control and can cook different things at once without burning anything. It starts with a simple electric igniter and heats up quickly.
Who Will Use This Most
This grill has a large room for cooking big meals. Because of the four burners, you can cook all kinds of things together at different temperature settings. This grill uses propane fuel and is made for outdoor cooking. The wheels on the bottom provide easy transport options with a locking mechanism to keep in place.
Bottom Line
This grill is on our top picks list because of the ideal size and a good number of heating elements. It is made from the top quality materials to make it durable and resistant to high temperatures. It is very easy to use and start-up and has a lot of storage space.
Runner-up:
Royal Gourmet PD1300
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This is an overall high-quality grill. The small size is perfect for trips. The porcelain coating is perfect for removing grease. It has a good cooking surface for multiple people. The construction is very sturdy and dependable. The price is also very justified, considering the quality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This has three burners with separate temperature controls. The porcelain coating improves corrosion resistance and makes it non-stick. It is very easy to clean with a simple paper towel. All the grease collects in a removable grease cup, which also makes cleaning easier. This grill also has a push-button ignition for easy startup. It comes with a cover for storage and has round burners for even heat distribution.
Who Will Use This Most
This grill has a very compact design while maintaining a good cooking area. It is perfect for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities. Because it has three separate burners, you can cook different things at once. It uses propane for fuel and is very easy to clean. A regulator for a 20 lb. tank is included in the package.
Bottom Line
This grill can be used both indoors and outdoors. It does not have legs, so storage and transportation are very easy. It heats things evenly and has easy maintenance. You can use it anywhere without fear of damage because of the strong steel construction.
Best for the Money:
Blackstone Tabletop Grill
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This is a well-constructed portable grill. It is perfect for carrying around and storing. The hole at the front catches grease easily and keeps things clean. It is easier to use than a coal grill. Starting it and maintain the heat are simpler. It is very low-priced for budget-friendly buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a smaller grill with one H-shaped burner. It has a grease catcher for keeping things clean. The small size makes it very convenient to store and transport. The cleaning is simple with a paper towel. It heats up fast and evenly throughout. The black powder coating and stainless steel construction make it durable.
Who Will Use This Most
This grill uses one pound propane gas and is small and easy to carry. It is made for outdoor use like camping, hiking, etc. The size is large enough to cook many things at once. But it has one heating element, so you have to adjust the cooking times for different things.
Bottom Line
This is a budget-friendly and small tabletop grill. It is great for small everyday cooking, along with outdoor use. The 12,000 BTUs cook things up quickly. It has very easy cleaning and uses top-quality construction, which makes it a great investment. You also get different temperature settings from low to high.
Best Electric Flat-Top Grill:
Yescom 1500W 14" Electric Grill
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This is a great small grill for everyday use. It does not create a lot of smoke, so it’s easy to use. You can easily adjust the temperature for your cooking requirements. Its maintenance is not too difficult with the removable grease tray. The temperature remains stable and even throughout the plate.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is an electric grill, which means there will be little smoke, and the cooking environment will be better. This is a commercial grill, and it has a thermostat for cooking your food at the right temperature. The range of temperature is pretty good and goes up to 572° F. When cooking with oil, there are chances of splatter on the wall or yourself. This grill provides protection from that with splash guards on all sides. The cooking surface is of durable cast iron.
Who Will Use This Most
This grill requires 1500 W of power and includes a manual and spatula. The bottom has four small feet for stability. It’s very compact and easy to transport and store. It can be used to cook anything, including vegetables, meat, eggs, etc. This is perfect for indoor use with different temperature setting options.
Bottom Line
Electric grills remove the problems that come with gas-fueled grills. This grill has a reasonable price given its cast iron and stainless steel construction. The cooking plate has a thickness of 10 mm and cooks everything evenly and fast. It has an anti-rust coating, which keeps it safe during shipping, which needs to be cleaned before use.
Best Gas Flat-Top Grill:
Cuisinart CGG-888 Grill
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This is a perfect outdoor grill. It is easy to set up and transport with a foldable side table and wheels on the legs. The heating is pretty even. It has a good cooking area for multiple cooks at the same time. Cleaning is also easy because of the grease catcher and steel cooking top.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a rounded flat-top grill that has a foldable side table and paper towel holder. It makes it easier to prepare your food and cook in the same area. There are two separate burners that give a good output of 30,000 BTUs. You can cook different things at the same time at different temperatures. It also has a removable grease cup for easy cleaning.
Who Will Use This Most
This grill comes with a stainless steel lid with vents so it can be used for smoking, steaming, and baking, along with roasting and simple grilling. It also helps keep the food warm. According to the manufacturer, it takes no longer than 30 minutes to assemble. It is perfect for outdoor use and has wheels for moving. The 22-inch cooking area with two burners is good for cooking big meals for gatherings.
Bottom Line
This grill uses gas for cooking and heats things evenly and fast. It is very versatile in its use because of the vented lid and smooth cooking surface. It gives great value for the money and is very easy to clean. Therefore, it is a great investment.
Best Stainless Steel Flat-Top Grill:
VEVOR Flat-Top Griddle Grill
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As per recent buyers reports, this is a great portable grill. It is even possible to attach other grilling tops to the legs. The cooking surface is large and can cook several things at a time. The heat output is good and cooks things fast.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This grill comes with four spatulas and a scraper. There are two separate burners to cook different things at the same time. Each has a great BTU output of 15,000. It is very easy to store and move around because its legs are detachable and it has side handles. The grill is made of stainless steel and the burners of cast iron, which makes it easy to clean and durable.
Who Will Use This Most
This grill can be used for backyard grilling and camping, as well because of the detachable legs. The size of the cooking area is big enough for large parties and families. You can also replace the flat-top with a conventional grill, so it’s perfect for all kinds of cooking and food.
Bottom Line
This grill uses propane for fuel, which gives more heat output than natural gas. It has a large surface area with raised sides to keep away splatters. It is portable, easy to use, and sturdy. The legs and top are very stable when put together.
Best Camp Chef Flat-Top Grill:
Camp Chef Flat-Top Grill
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This grill has a lot of space to store things and hold equipment while cooking. It has four separate burners, which all have a unique temperature control. The cooking surface is large enough to cook an entire meal. Because it has both grill and flat-tops, it is very versatile in its use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This grill has many storage areas with side shelves and bottom shelves. It has four separate burners that give a good BTU of 12,000. The side shelves are foldable for easy storage. The ignition is simple with a matchless push-utton. It also has a removable grease tray for cleaning and wheels for moving around.
Who Will Use This Most
This grill has a 501 square feet of cooking area, which is good for large gatherings. It has both a grill and flat-top for cooking eggs, pancakes, hamburgers, kebabs, and vegetables. The four burners mean you can cook different things together. This grill is for outdoor/backyard use, and it takes propane for its fuel.
Bottom Line
Camp Chef has been in business since 1990. The company makes a lot of outdoor cooking equipment, including grills, pizza ovens, and griddles. This propane grill gives you the versatility of both a normal and flat-top grill. It also has good temperature control. It is very durable and high quality with an easy-to-clean top and grease pan.
Best Blackstone Flat-Top Grill:
Blackstone 28-inch
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This grill has a strong construction and is easy to use. It heats the entire surface evenly. It is very easy to move around and store, as well. It is a perfect outdoor grill, and the cover helps keep it clean. The price is also very reasonable. It is also very easy to clean.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a restaurant-grade grill, which means it cooks evenly, fast, and is very durable. It has two H-shaped burners with separate controls, each with a 15,000 BTU output. It heats up fast. It is very easy to clean with a cold-rolled steel cooking surface. It has wheels for easily moving around. There are also locks on the wheels to keep it in place. It also has a side shelf to hold and prepare the food.
Who Will Use This Most
This grill uses a 20 lb. propane tank for heating. The surface area is big enough to cook different things together. This outdoor grill is easy to move around. It is not for camping because the legs are not foldable. But it’s perfect for backyard grilling and large parties.
Bottom Line
Blackstone Grills began business in 2005. They make griddles, ovens, grills, and cooking accessories like spatulas and gas conversion kits. They are most known for their griddles. This griddle has strong stainless steel construction and even heating. The ignition process and cleaning are very simple, as well.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
There are many things you need to consider before buying a grill, not just for cooking the perfect meal but also for safety. Some of the important things you should keep in mind are given below.
Heating
A good grill should have even heating throughout the cooking plate so that nothing burns. Spiral and H-shaped burners do a good job of that. The heat also needs to be consistent and accurate according to the temperature you choose. Because you are going to be cooking on high heat, the construction material should be able to handle that.
Surface Area
The surface area of the cooking plate determines how much you can cook at once and how fast. A small grill can take a lot of time to cook meat for large parties. Whatever the size, the first thing is heating efficiency. The size you choose depends on what you will be using it for and for how many people.
Portability
Portability is an important aspect of any outdoor grill. Many people use these grills for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor gatherings. For this, the grill needs to be easy to carry in a car and set up outside. Thus, it should have features like wheels, foldable or detachable legs, etc.
How to Clean a Flat-Top Grill
Cleaning a grill after every cook is important for your hygiene and for the longevity of the grill. You should always do a thorough cleaning after use. Here are the steps you can follow to clean your flat-top grill properly.
- Turn the burners on high.
- Spray the cooking area with water.
- After a few sprays, turn the burner off and keep spraying.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Scrape the grease off.
- Turn the burner back on.
- Mix one cup of lemon juice with cold water.
- Turn the burner off and drain out the grease pan.
- Pour the lemon juice on the hot grill and scrape off the grease.
- Drain the grease pan again.
- Repeat the lemon juice process until completely clean.
- Then finish by wiping with a clean cloth.
For more tips, see the video below.
Conclusion
Flat-top grills are perfect for everything, whether it’s meat, vegetables, or breakfast items like eggs and pancakes. Our review makes sure to list the best and easiest to use grills. These things can make your life much easier at parties and when going on camping trips.
People Also Ask
If you have any more questions about grills, then you can read these frequently asked questions for help.
What is the Difference Between a Grill and a Griddle?
A griddle has a smooth, flat surface, while a grill utilizes a grill grate with space between each ridge. These ridges create grill lines on the food, which is often preferred by many. The flat surfaces are used for things like eggs.
What is a Flat-Top Grill Made Of?
Flat-top grills, like other grills, are made from stainless steel for good heat conductivity and rust resistance. They are either completely flat or have a convex shape in the middle to remove excess juices and oil.
Can You Cook Steak on a Griddle?
Yes, you can easily cook a steak on a griddle. You might not get those grill lines that a conventional grill gives, but it still produces a perfectly juicy steak. It might be easier because of the even and fast heat distribution.
Can You Use Metal on Blackstone Griddle?
Yes, you can use metal on a Blackstone griddle. It has protective coatings to prevent rust and other damage.
How Do You Cook a Steak on a Flat-Top Grill?
Cooking a steak on a flat-top grill is not much different than on any other grill. You marinade your meat the way you like and then put it on the grill and cook on both sides.
