Flat-Top Grills And Outdoor Griddles: 5 Top Choices
Transform backyard gatherings with a single, versatile, even-heating cooking surface.
The Best Flat-Top Grills and Outdoor Griddles for Every Backyard Cook
Flat-top grills, also known as outdoor griddles, have quickly become one of the hottest trends in backyard cooking. Praised for their versatility, generous cooking surfaces, and ability to deliver diner-style burgers or restaurant-quality stir-fry, they provide a unique outdoor cooking experience that a standard grill can’t fully replicate. This comprehensive guide covers the very best models available, details how they were tested, highlights their key features, and offers expert buying advice to help you find the perfect flat-top grill or outdoor griddle for your outdoor kitchen.
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
Our picks are based on in-depth hands-on testing, where each griddle was evaluated for heating consistency, versatility, ease of use, build quality, and cleaning convenience. The models featured here excelled in real-world cooking scenarios—from family breakfasts to tailgate feasts—ensuring you get performance and value whichever you choose.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Flat-Top Grill: Blackstone 36-Inch Gas Griddle Cooking Station
- Best for Everyday Use: Weber Slate Griddle
- Best Combo Grill/Griddle: Grilla Grills Primate
- Best Budget Griddle: Camp Chef Gridiron
- Best Built-In Option: Le Griddle ‘The Ranch Hand’
What Is a Flat-Top Grill?
A flat-top grill or outdoor griddle is a large, flat, solid metal cooking surface heated by burners beneath. Unlike traditional grills, which cook over open flames and grates, these griddles provide direct heat across a wide, continuous surface. This setup allows for a greater variety of cooking techniques, such as:
- Searing burgers and steaks without flare-ups
- Making breakfast classics like pancakes, eggs, and bacon all at once
- Stir-frying vegetables, noodles, or even fajitas
- Cooking delicate foods like fish that could otherwise fall through grates
- Preparing smash burgers with perfect crusts
Flat-top grills offer multiple burners for effective heat zoning, letting you cook at different temperatures simultaneously. Their generous surfaces make them ideal for feeding crowds, hosting parties, or preparing multiple foods at once.
How We Tested Flat-Top Grills
Each grill in this roundup was put through a rigorous set of standardized tests to evaluate:
- Heating performance: We measured how evenly the surface heated and maintained temperatures across all burners.
- Cooking versatility: We cooked a diverse selection of foods, including burgers, pancakes, stir-fry, and grilled cheese, to assess adaptability.
- Preheat time: We timed how long it took to reach optimal cooking temperatures.
- Build quality: We scrutinized materials, overall sturdiness, and resistance to wear.
- Ease of cleanup: We noted how simple the grease management and scrubbing process was post-cook.
This hands-on, comparative approach ensured that only the most reliable and effective models stood out.
Reviews: Best Flat-Top Grills and Outdoor Griddles
Best Overall: Blackstone 36-Inch Gas Griddle Cooking Station
The Blackstone 36-Inch Gas Griddle Cooking Station is the flag bearer of outdoor griddles. Its massive 720-square-inch cooking space and four independently controlled burners (totaling 60,000 BTUs) provide ample room and flexibility for elaborate meals. The cold-rolled steel surface retains heat exceptionally well, making it ideal for searing, sautéing, and direct-heat cooking. The built-in grease management system makes cleanup easy. This model’s practical folding legs and side shelves make it user-friendly whether on a patio or at a tailgate.
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Key Features
- 720 sq. in. cooking surface
- Four 15,000-BTU stainless steel burners
- Rear grease management system
- Foldable design for portability
- Sturdy, commercial-grade build
Best for Everyday Use: Weber Slate Griddle
The Weber Slate Griddle stands out for its simplicity and user-centric features. Its pre-seasoned cooking surface saves time and effort, while heat distribution is incredibly even thanks to well-spaced burners. Large, thoughtfully designed prep and storage areas allow you to keep tools and ingredients close at hand, improving your cooking workflow. The recessed surface structure shields burners from wind and helps lock in heat, making this griddle both practical and powerful for daily grilling.
Key Features
- Large, even heating surface
- Pre-seasoned and ready for immediate use
- Integrated tool hook and storage shelf
- Ample workspace on side shelves
Best Combo Grill/Griddle: Grilla Grills Primate
If you’re after versatility, the Grilla Grills Primate is an outstanding choice. Acting as both a full-featured gas grill and a gas griddle, it delivers the best of both cooking methods. Constructed almost entirely from 304 stainless steel, the Primate resists rust and wear even after years of exposure. The included insertable griddle fits perfectly over powerful burners and the design shields components from wind, leading to reliable and consistent cooking, rain or shine.
Key Features
- Dual-function grill and griddle system
- All 304 stainless steel construction
- Recessed griddle protects burners
- Spacious prep shelves
Best Budget Griddle: Camp Chef Gridiron
The Camp Chef Gridiron manages to offer 634 square inches of cooking real estate, reliable even heating, and useful features at a wallet-friendly price. Its simplicity and straightforward design make it approachable for grilling novices, and it preheats quickly for minimal downtime. Adjustable legs allow for stable placement on uneven surfaces, while manageable weight increases its portability for camping or picnics. For those looking to maximize value, this is the top pick.
Key Features
- Affordable compared to larger models
- Fast preheat and consistent heating
- Simple yet sturdy build
- Adjustable-height legs
Best Built-In: Le Griddle “The Ranch Hand”
For those creating a permanent outdoor kitchen, Le Griddle’s “The Ranch Hand” makes a premium, built-in statement. Constructed entirely from high-grade 304 stainless steel including the griddle surface (which will not rust), this unit is built to last. A thick cast iron plate welded below the surface provides remarkable heat distribution, eliminating cold spots. The size is ideal for built-in installations and it features easy-to-clean design elements for minimal fuss after large gatherings.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty stainless steel and cast iron construction
- Perfect for built-in or permanent setups
- Industry-leading durability and rust resistance
Other Noteworthy Models
- Pit Boss Deluxe 5 Burner: Offers 750 sq. in. of space and five burners for large parties.
- Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle: Slightly smaller than the 36-inch model but still excellent, ideal for tighter spaces or smaller groups.
- Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600: A versatile mid-sized model with ample prep space and value-added features like interchangeable accessories.
Griddle vs. Grill: Which Should You Buy?
The choice between a flat-top griddle and a traditional grill ultimately depends on your cooking preferences:
- Flat-top griddles excel at cooking a broad range of foods outside the scope of open-flame grilling: pancakes, fried rice, bacon, burgers, fajitas, and sandwiches.
- Traditional grills are best if you love the taste of foods cooked over an open flame, such as barbecue, steaks, or smoky roasts.
- Some cooks prefer a hybrid approach: pairing a built-in griddle with a grill or kettle lets you tackle almost any outdoor recipe.
For flexibility and all-day cooking, a flat-top griddle is hard to beat, but for classic grill marks, smoky flavor, and direct-fire searing, you may want to keep a traditional grill as well.
Key Features to Consider
When shopping for a flat-top grill or outdoor griddle, keep the following features in mind:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Cooking Surface Size | Larger surfaces provide more flexibility and allow for group cooking. Choose 600+ sq. in. for entertaining crowds. |
| Burner Count / Heat Zones | Multiple burners mean better heat zoning for simultaneous high/low heat cooking. |
| Build Material | Stainless steel and thick cold-rolled steel resist corrosion and provide superior heat retention. |
| Grease Management | Efficient systems make cleanup swift and reduce flare-ups. |
| Portability | Wheels, folding legs, or manageable weight make transport and storage easier. |
| Included Accessories | Look for shelves, storage, tool hooks, and covers for added practicality. |
Care and Maintenance Tips
To keep your flat-top grill in top shape:
- Regularly clean the surface with a scraper and wipe-down after each cook.
- Season steel surfaces periodically to prevent rust and maintain nonstick performance.
- Empty grease traps as needed to avoid flare-ups and buildup.
- Store covered, especially during harsh weather.
Flat-Top Grill Cooking Tips
- Use oil (e.g., canola or grapeseed) to help prevent sticking and encourage browning.
- Preheat the surface fully—this is key for proper sear, especially with smash burgers.
- Create heat zones by lighting only some burners for greater control during long cooks or when sautéing and keeping food warm simultaneously.
- Invest in a good quality metal spatula and scraper for flipping and cleaning.
- Try making breakfast spreads, diner-style sandwiches, and Asian-style stir-fries for a true flat-top experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main benefits of a flat-top grill over a traditional grill?
Flat-top grills allow for cooking a wider variety of foods such as pancakes, stir-fries, and delicate seafood, thanks to their solid surface with no grates. They also offer more consistent heat distribution and are easier to clean after greasy cooks.
Is a griddle or grill better for backyard cooking?
Neither is strictly better; it depends on what you want to cook. Griddles offer versatility and are great for breakfast, burgers, or stir-fry, while grills excel at imparting smoky flavors and grill marks to steaks, chicken, and traditional BBQ dishes.
How do I prevent rust on my griddle?
Keep your griddle well-seasoned by applying a thin coat of oil after cleaning. Store it covered and avoid leaving water or food particles sitting on the surface between uses.
Can I use a flat-top grill indoors?
Most large flat-top grills are designed for outdoor use due to propane fuel and large cooking surfaces. Small electric griddles are available for safe indoor use, but check manufacturer recommendations before indoor use of any large unit.
What recipes are ideal for flat-top griddles?
Perfect for breakfast classics, smash burgers, fried rice, grilled cheese, quesadillas, fajitas, and even delicate dishes like fish fillets or pancakes.
Final Thoughts
Flat-top grills and outdoor griddles unlock a spectrum of delicious possibilities on your patio or at your campsite. Whether you’re aiming for restaurant-quality smash burgers, lavish breakfasts, or family-style stir-fries, the right model will transform your backyard cooking routine. Consider your available space, desired versatility, and how many you’ll typically serve. With careful selection from our rigorously tested recommendations, you’ll be ready to expand your outdoor cooking repertoire like never before.
References
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