Whether you’re looking to up your protein intake, feast on a banquet of great food, or simply get people together around the barbecue, there is nothing out of your reach with a flat top grill. However, you’ll want to consider your options when purchasing the best flat top grill.
Naturally, these little beasts come in all shapes and sizes, depending on your personal preferences, household situation, and budget. Luckily, our article here lays out some of the best flat-top grills currently on offer online, giving you access to the highest quality and most top-performing grills across the globe.
Best Flat Top Grills
Royal Gourmet GB4001B 4-Burner Flat Top Gas Grill
Features
Cooking surface area: 784 square inches
Overall dimensions: 61 x 23 x 37-inches
Burners: 4
BTUs: 13,000 each
Temperature control: Low-High
What’s Included
- Royal Gourmet GB4001B 4-Burner Flat Top Gas Grill 52000-BTU Propane Fueled Professional Outdoor Griddle 36inch Backyard Cooking with Side Table, Black
Pros
- Plenty of burners to enable sectioned cooking of different foods at various temperatures.
- A durable stainless steel control panel enables long-lasting barbecuing all year round.
- Large 784 square inches of cooking space provides plenty of room for big batch grilling for the whole family.
- Convenient side tables allow you to keep your accessories handy and within reach.
- Easy to clean via easy-remove griddle top and detachable grease cup.
Cons
- No folding legs for easy storage.
- Covering lid not included.
Overall Royal Gourmet Flat Top Gas Grill Review
Brought to you by Royal Gourment, this product is the perfect outdoor flat top gas grill that is reasonably priced and produces immense convenience during the cooking process. With a massive BTU of 52,000 splits across four different burners, you have the power to section off your meats and vegetables and cook them at different temperatures simultaneously.
In fact, you can even cook up some side dishes and sauces as you fire up the main course, and the side tables make it all a smooth process with your cooking equipment well within reach.
Standing strong at a 4.4-star rating by over 100 global Amazon customer reviews, people are loving the portability, temperature control, and heat distribution properties of Royal Gourmet’s flat-top grill, and dare I say, I agree! Check out the comments using the link below:
Camp Chef Flat Top Grill, True Seasoned Griddle Surface
Features
Cooking surface area: 604 square inches
Overall dimensions: 22 x 62 x 37
Burners: 4
BTUs: 12,000 each
Temperature control: Low-Med-High
What’s Included
- Camp Chef Flat Top Grill, True Seasoned Griddle Surface, Four 12,000 BTUs/Hr. stainless steel Burners
Pros
- Four stainless steel burners provide versatility and simultaneity in cooking.
- A large cooking surface can fit up to 24 pancakes at once.
- Easy cleanup via the grease management system.
- The propane tank holder makes it easy to access gas hazard-free.
- Grill grates are included for barbecuing meats such as burgers and sausages.
Cons
- No lid cover included.
- Legs cannot be folded for storage, must be disassembled.
Overall Camp Chef Flat Top Grill Review
It may not have a cooking surface quite as large as Royal Gourmet, but this grill by Camp Chef still provides enough space for a whopping 24 pancakes simultaneously. What makes this grill special, in particular, is the pre-seasoned non-stick cooking area that offers quick food release and easy cleanup when coupled with the rear grease management system.
Camp Chef scores a solid 4.7-stars on Amazon reviews by 800+ global customers, built with stainless steel burners and a steel griddle top. In addition, its sturdy construction, easy assembly upon arrival, and superior heat distribution properties. I urge you to check out the customer reviews for this exceptionally high-rated grill by Camp Chef using the link below!
Cuisinart CGG-888 22-Inch Round Outdoor Flat Top Surface Gas Grill
Features
Cooking surface area: 484 square inches
Overall dimensions: 30 x 30 x 12-inches
Burners: 2
BTUs: 15,000 each
Temperature control: 200 – 550 F
What’s Included
- Cuisinart CGG-888 22-Inch Round Outdoor Flat Top Surface Gas Grill, Stainless Steel Lid, 360° Griddle Cooking Center
Pros
- Cold-rolled steel provides even cooking and a fast heat-up time.
- 360-degree grease pan with an easy-remove grease cup provides an effortless cleaning process.
- Powerful burners of 15,000 BTU each allow you to cook food fast.
- The grill cover provides good interior cooking and helps to contain smoke.
- 3-year limited warranty.
Cons
- Small cooking area compared to most other flat-top grills.
- Only two burners included, less than average.
Overall Cuisinart Flat Top Grill Review
Perfect for outdoor cooking, this portable gas grill comes with a compact design and steel cover for extra cooking options that allow the flavors to lock in and also lets you keep smoke out of sight. Furthermore, this grill suits individuals and smaller groups as the grill surface are not as large as most other flat-top grill cooking surfaces.
Nevertheless, you can’t ignore the portability opportunities with the Cuisinart, making it an excellent choice for camping trips. Moreover, you can easily assemble it in 30 minutes or less.
Thus, it’s no surprise that people love this grill’s versatility, heat output, and temperature control, which has received a convincing 4.6-stars by over 1,400 Amazon reviews. Use the link below and see what all the excitement is about today!
Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill Propane Fuelled Restaurant Grade Professional
Features
Cooking surface area: 720 square inches
Overall dimensions: 62 x 22 x 36
Burners: 4
BTUs: 15,000 each
Temperature control: Low-Med-High
What’s Included
- Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill Propane Fuelled Restaurant Grade Professional 36″ Outdoor Griddle Station with Side Shelf, 36 Inch, Black
Pros
- The huge cooking output of 60,000 BTUs is split between four burners.
- Four stainless steel burners allow sectioned cooking at different temperatures simultaneously with separate cooking zones.
- A convenient folding prep table makes it easy to reach for your cooking utensils while cooking.
- Flat top grilling and griddle grilling are both possible with included griddle plates.
- Easy ignition via push-start eliminates the need for lighting fires.
Cons
- No lid included.
- No propane tank included, sold separately.
Overall Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Review
Blackstone’s portable flat top grill comes with a whopping 60,000 BTUs split between 4 burners for the ultimate flexibility in cooking power and separated cooking. As a result, cooking multiple foods at the same time has never been easier. For example, you can grill your meats at high heat while using a more mild temperature for your vegetables.
Of course, I wish it came with a lid, but the sad reality is that most flat tops are designed not to need a lid, so that’s mostly my pet peeve. On the other hand, Blackstone has achieved a staggering 4.7-star rating by about 8,500 global reviews, making it highly acclaimed for its easy assembly, superior heat distribution, and temperature control.
Check out what these impressed customers are saying about this grill using the following link to Amazon reviews:
Blackstone Adventure Ready 2-Burner 28″ Outdoor Griddle
Features
Cooking surface area: 448 square inches
Overall dimensions: 32 x 21 x 13 inches
Burners: 2
BTUs: 34,000 total
Temperature control: Low-Med-High
What’s Included
- Blackstone Adventure Ready 2-Burner 28″ Outdoor Griddle
Pros
- A solid cooking output of 34,000 BTUs across two burners.
- Portable grill with wheels for easy transportation.
- Convenient side table and under-grill table for easy storage of utensils and equipment.
- Even heat distribution provides even cooking across the cooking area.
- Legs fold in for easy portability.
Cons
- No grilling grates included.
- Smaller cooking space compared to most other grills.
Overall Blackstone Adventure Outdoor Griddle Review
Blackstone comes in strong with this portable grill that comes with a flat cooking surface of 448 square inches for a decently-sized grill suitable for individuals and average-sized families. While I do prefer at least two side tables for convenience with my grill, realistically, one is more than enough for the ordinary cook.
A surprisingly rare feature to find that Blackstone does well is providing folding legs for optimal portability and storage capabilities, making it super easy to take this grill with you on outdoor picnics and camping trips.
Almost 700 honest customers give their feedback on this grill, scoring it a 4.6-star rating for its quality features of being easy to assemble, distributing heat evenly and effectively, and bringing in value for money. See what customers are saying about Blackstone Adventure Outdoor Griddle using the link to Amazon reviews below!
Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
Features
Cooking surface area: 584 inches square
Overall dimensions: 66 x 21 x 43
Burners: 4
BTUs: 12,000 each
Temperature control: Low-High
What’s Included
- Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Side Table | 4-Burner, Folding Legs, Versatile, Outdoor | Black
Pros
- Two separate cooking zones and four stainless steel burners.
- Two fixed side tables for extra convenience and storage capabilities.
- A removable oil management system facilitates an easy cleanup routine.
- Hanging bar with hooks for all your utensils within reach.
- Collapsible legs make it a super portable gas grill that is easy to store and transport.
Cons
- No cover lid included.
- Smaller cooking space compared to other grills.
Overall Royal Gourmet Gas and Griddle Combo Review
Royal Gourmet comes at it again with this unique but awesome grilling surface sectioned off between two separate cooking zones, each with two 12,000 BTU burners apiece, giving you the ultimate versatility and flexibility in cooking methods.
You never need to worry about kids pushing your grill down a hill with these lockable caster wheels that hold everything firmly in place, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. While it may not come with the lid, the company recommends purchasing the Royal Gourmet CR6008 cover with your grill.
Coming in at 4.5-stars on Amazon reviews, there are over 1,200 customers with an opinion about this grill, and I assure you they are overwhelmingly positive. Check out what they are saying using the link below!
Best Table Top Flat Top Portable Grills
PIT BOSS PB336GS Pit Boss 2 Burner Table Top LP Gas Griddle
Features
Cooking surface area: 289 square inches
Overall dimensions: 20 x 17 x 10-inches
Burners: 2
BTUs: N/A
Temperature control: Low-High
What’s Included
- PIT BOSS PB336GS Pit Boss 2 Burner Table Top LP Gas Griddle, Black
Pros
- Super compact grill that can sit on any table for ultra convenience for outdoor cooking.
- Easy push and turn ignition for a simple startup.
- The pre-seasoned griddle top eliminates the need for cooking oil.
- Easily connects to a propane tank for gas access.
- A grease management system with a grease cup makes cleaning up easier.
Cons
- Requires a table or separate stand as no legs are included.
- The cooking area is quite small, not suitable for large gatherings.
Overall PIT BOSS Table Top Grill Review
This portable griddle by PIT BOSS is so compact and lightweight that you’ll want to take it everywhere you go! As one of the easiest flat-top griddles to transport around, you’ll find this one to work exceptionally well as an outdoor or indoor griddle, as it can easily fit in between your other cooking appliances in the kitchen.
Keep in mind, it only has 289 square inches of cooking space, so make sure you take into account your cooking goals, particularly in regards to how many people you may want to cook for in the future.
Made with durable stainless steel and cast iron, this flat-top griddle is rated a powerful 4.7-stars for its durability, ease of use, and value for money, as validated by the consensus of almost 1,700 global Amazon users. Check out what these happy customers are saying using the link down below!
Blackstone 1971 Heavy Duty Flat Top Grill Station for Kitchen, Camping, Outdoor, Tailgating
Features
Cooking surface area: 267 square inches
Overall dimensions: 17 x 21 x 8-inches
Burners: 1
BTUs: 12,500
Temperature control: Low-Med-High
What’s Included
- Blackstone 1971 Heavy Duty Flat Top Grill Station for Kitchen, Camping, Outdoor, Tailgating, Tabletop, Countertop – Stainless Steel Griddle with Updated Knobs & Ignition, 17 Inch
Pros
- Simple control panel with single burner controlled via a dial.
- Compact and portable design is great for outdoor cooking and camping trips.
- Grease management system featuring a rear grease trap for easy cleanup.
- Cooking space can feed up to 2-4 people.
- A solid BTU of 12,500 enables high heat capabilities and superior cooking.
Cons
- Not suitable for large families or big parties.
- Only one burner means no sectioned cooking available.
Overall Blackstone Heavy Duty Flat Top Grill Review
This Blackstone table-top grill is the perfect choice for a new flat-top grill to take with you on that next camping trip. Not only that, it’s so compact and lightweight that you could use it in your home as it does not emit too much smoke compared to larger, more powerful grills.
The thing I like most about this grill is the single dial control panel that makes for a simple solution to grilling and allows the grill to be priced at a lower, budget-friendly range as well. Unfortunately, when it comes to table-top grilling, people are after convenience more than performance, and in that domain, this grill from Blackstone cannot be.
Hence, it has received a strong 4.8-stars on Amazon reviews by over 4,100 global reviews. Check out what people are saying about it using the link below!
Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top
Features
Cooking surface area: 316 square inches
Overall dimensions: 25 x 16 x 8-inches
Burners: 3
BTUs: 25,500 total
Temperature control: Low-High
What’s Included
- Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle with Cover, 25,500 BTUs, Outdoor Cooking Camping or Tailgating, Black
Pros
- Fast and even heating across the entire cooking space.
- A super compact and portable gas grill is great for the outdoors.
- PVC-coating grill and griddle cover features waterproofing and relief valve.
- A porcelain-enameled top helps to secure the juices and flavor of your cooking.
- Three separate cooking zones via different burners allow for simultaneous cooking.
Cons
- BTU per burner is quite low compared to other grills.
- The cooking area becomes quite small when doing sectioned cooking using the 3 burners.
Overall Royal Gourmet Portable TableTop Grill Review
It is perhaps the best flat top grill for tabletops for sectioned cooking because this little guy comes with three burners on a compact 316 square inches of cooking area. In addition, the stainless steel grill delivers even heat distribution and a fast heat-up time due to its durable and conductive materials.
It’s also relatively easy to clean with a slide-out grease cup and a porcelain-enameled cooking surface, allowing the food to slip right off. With 4.5-stars on Amazon reviews, this grill is easy to assemble, provides plenty of heat distribution and output, and delivers temperature control with its three burners.
Take a look at the customer reviews using the link below and purchase yours today!
Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle, Two-Burner
Features
Cooking surface area: 285 square inches
Overall dimensions: 21 x 20 x 9-inches
Burners: 2
BTUs: 20,000 total
Temperature control: Low-High
What’s Included
- Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle, Two-Burner
Pros
- Plenty of cooking power lets you cook through all kinds of meat in big batches.
- Two burners enable sectioned cooking to take place.
- Built-in hose for 20 lb LP tank allows you to cook more efficiently for longer.
- Durable stainless steel construction for lasting results.
- The lightweight grill weighs only 30 lbs for easy transportation and portability.
Cons
- No lid included.
- The cooking space gets quite small when using sectioned cooking via two burners.
Overall Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle Review
Cuisinart comes in strong with its gourmet gas grill and griddle top designed for use on tables and has a compact, lightweight design intended for those outdoor barbecue trips and camping adventures. Unlike most gas grills, this one features a built-in hose for a 20 lb LP tank that enables longer cooking periods and greater efficiency.
No assembly is required for this gourmet grill, and you can get grilling in under 10 minutes without using any tools or charcoal. Indeed, Cuisinart offers this grill with satisfying results that have over 300 customers scoring it an average of 4.4-stars for a high-quality cooking beast in a small package.
Check out what everyone is saying about this gourmet gas grill using the link to Amazon reviews below and purchase your own now at an affordable price!
Flat Top Grill Buying Guide
Cooking surface area:
I would recommend a flat-top grill’s cooking surface area of at least 300 square inches, including tabletops. This is because you can usually guarantee a feed for 2-4 people with this size, so it makes for a good benchmark.
Even if you consider yourself a solo rider who mostly plans to use this grill for individual use, you’ll thank yourself later for taking on this size. The situation will surely arrive when the extra cooking space comes in handy.
Overall dimensions:
I’d typically advise going for at least 30 x 30 x 12-inches in terms of overall dimensions, as this ensures you have enough grilling space even if you are going for the more compact and lightweight grills.
Maneuverability:
Whether you go for a compact tabletop grill or a large flat-top grill, you’ll want to make sure you can move it around effectively, even if you only plan to use the grill in your backyard. I’d recommend grills with foldable legs and secure-lock wheels that provide easy portability and allow you to cook in a hazard-free manner.
Burners:
You’ll get many opinions about this one, but I would typically advise that the number of burners increases with the size of the cooking area. Essentially, it’s always better to go for the maximum number of burners you can (usually 4). Still, it could backfire if your grill is relatively small and jam-packed with multiple burners, as this reduces the benefits of each individual cooking space.
TLDR: aim for at least two burners for small tabletop grills and strive for four burners for bigger flat-top grills.
BTUs:
This is another case of “the more the merrier,” so go for at least 10,000 BTUs per burner if you can help it. But, of course, higher BTUs do often mean higher price tags and more gas consumption, so make sure not to go too high either. Generally, about 60,000 BTUs in total is a good level for highly effective cooking without too much danger to your bills.
Temperature control:
Most grills come with similar control settings for temperature, often ranging from low to high. However, some products like to skip the medium setting and hence limit the range of heating options available, so make sure you know your cooking needs before settling for a limited control panel.
What is a flat top grill?
Flat-top grills are grills with griddle tops that provide smooth cooking surfaces without the grill plates that cause marks on your foods. As such, these grills are often more diverse in their functionality, enabling you to perform all kinds of tasks from frying eggs to cooking pancakes and maintaining their ability to barbecue meats such as hamburgers and sausages.
While they mostly come as gas grills, there is a massive market for flat-top electric grills too.
Best Flat Top Grill FAQ
What are the food options for flat-top grills?
Due to its smooth and flat surface, flat-top grills can perform various cooking tasks that go beyond the classic barbecue meats. Instead, you can also cook delicate foods like eggs, pancakes, and vegetables.
Are flat-top grills worth it?
If used correctly and to their full potential, flat-top grills can prove to be a worthwhile investment that brings you delicious results with your food all year round.
What grill is better than a Blackstone?
Blackstone is among the best brand of flat-top grills on the market, but other alternatives include Grill Master, Cuisinart, and Royal Gourmet. All of them have been in the business for a significantly long period of time.
How do I season a flat top grill?
If your grill does not come with pre-seasoning, you can opt to use oil or butter to season your grill to prevent sticking and enable food release.
What’s the best way to store a flat top grill?
Flat-top grills often come with foldable legs that allow you to compress them and store them in tight spots in your garage or backyard area. Tabletop grills are even easier to store as they are designed for traveling and even indoor use, so you could get away with storing them in your pantry.
Is it necessary to clean a flat top grill before use?
As long as you clean your flat-top grill after every use, there is no need to clean it before use. However, it’s generally good practice to give the cooking surface a quick wipe with a damp cloth before cooking. This will ensure any dust particles collected during its storage are removed.