If you love cooking outdoors, a flat top grill can completely transform your BBQ experience. Unlike traditional grills, flat tops offer a wide, even cooking surface that’s perfect for everything — from pancakes and eggs to burgers, steaks, and stir-fry.
In 2025, flat top grills come in a variety of styles and sizes, designed for both backyard chefs and camping enthusiasts. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or making breakfast for the family, these grills deliver unbeatable versatility and flavor.
Let’s explore the top 10 best flat top grills that combine durability, power, and ease of use.
1. Blackstone 36-Inch Flat Top Gas Grill
Best Overall Flat Top Grill
Key Features:
- 4 burners (60,000 BTUs total)
- 720 sq. in. cooking surface
- Built-in grease management system
- Electric ignition
Why It’s Great:
Blackstone dominates the flat top grill market — and for good reason. The 36-inch model offers an enormous cooking surface, powerful burners, and consistent heat distribution. It’s perfect for big family gatherings or outdoor parties.
Pros:
Large cooking area
Quick ignition system
Excellent heat control
Durable and easy to clean
Cons:
Heavy and not very portable
2. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600
Best for Versatility
Key Features:
- 4 stainless steel burners (48,000 BTUs)
- Interchangeable flat top griddle and grill grates
- Foldable legs and side shelves
- Grease management system
Why It’s Great:
Camp Chef’s 600 model is perfect for those who love both grilling and griddling. You can easily swap between a griddle and traditional grill surface, making it incredibly versatile. It’s also easy to move and store.
Pros:
Dual cooking options
Even heat distribution
Portable design
Cons:
Slightly longer heating time
3. Cuisinart CGG-888 Stainless Steel Outdoor Flat Top Grill
Best for Compact Outdoor Cooking
Key Features:
- 2 burners (30,000 BTUs)
- 22-inch round cooking surface
- Stainless steel lid and side shelves
- Integrated grease cup
Why It’s Great:
Cuisinart’s CGG-888 offers a sleek stainless steel design with a lid for convection-style cooking. It’s compact yet powerful — ideal for patios, balconies, or small backyards.
Pros:
Space-saving design
Easy cleanup
Attractive stainless steel finish
Cons:
Smaller cooking area
4. Pit Boss 4-Burner Gas Griddle
Best for Heavy-Duty Cooking
Key Features:
- 4 burners (62,000 BTUs total)
- 748 sq. in. cooking space
- Lift-off griddle top
- Folding side shelves
Why It’s Great:
Pit Boss delivers power and performance with this robust 4-burner model. The lift-off top makes cleaning easier, and the heavy-duty frame is built to last through years of outdoor cooking.
Pros:
Durable build
Large cooking surface
Great heat control
Cons:
Takes up more space than most grills
5. Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable Tabletop Griddle
Best Portable Flat Top Grill
Key Features:
- 3 burners (25,500 BTUs)
- 316 sq. in. cooking area
- Compact tabletop design
- Piezo ignition system
Why It’s Great:
If you love camping, tailgating, or RV trips, this Royal Gourmet model is perfect. It’s lightweight, easy to transport, and heats up quickly — ideal for outdoor breakfasts or small cookouts.
Pros:
Extremely portable
Affordable price
Fast ignition and even cooking
Cons:
Smaller size limits capacity
6. Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Griddle
Best Budget Full-Size Option
Key Features:
- 4 burners (60,000 BTUs)
- 720 sq. in. griddle surface
- Grease cup and folding side tables
Why It’s Great:
Nexgrill offers a strong, affordable competitor to Blackstone. With its large cooking surface and reliable burners, it’s ideal for families who want quality grilling on a budget.
Pros:
Excellent value for money
Large cooking area
Easy assembly
Cons:
Less durable than premium brands
7. Weber Slate 30-Inch Flat Top Grill
Best Premium Option
Key Features:
- 3 burners (39,000 BTUs)
- Porcelain-enameled steel surface
- Built-in lid and side workspace
- Weber Connect smart grilling technology (optional)
Why It’s Great:
Weber is known for quality, and its Slate flat top grill combines precision engineering with premium materials. The surface retains heat beautifully, and the optional smart features make cooking foolproof.
Pros:
Excellent build quality
Even heat and long lifespan
Smart cooking integration
Cons:
Higher price point
8. Blackstone 28-Inch Culinary Griddle with Hood
Best for Small Families
Key Features:
- 2 burners (34,000 BTUs)
- 524 sq. in. cooking area
- Stainless steel front panel and lid
- Paper towel and trash bag holders
Why It’s Great:
If the 36-inch Blackstone is too big, the 28-inch Culinary Griddle is a perfect mid-size alternative. It includes premium features like a hood and built-in tool storage, ideal for small families or couples.
Pros:
Compact yet powerful
Easy cleanup
Stylish and functional design
Cons:
Not suitable for very large gatherings
9. HALO Elite4B Outdoor Griddle
Best for Innovative Design
Key Features:
- 4 burners (48,000 BTUs)
- Dual-zone temperature control
- Built-in grease tray and lid
- Foldable design for storage
Why It’s Great:
HALO’s Elite4B brings a modern touch to traditional griddles with its dual-zone heat system and sleek design. It’s great for cooks who want precision and innovation.
Pros:
Modern features
Great temperature control
Portable despite its size
Cons:
Higher cost for premium tech
10. Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle
Best for Solo Cooking or Camping
Key Features:
- Single burner (12,000 BTUs)
- 260 sq. in. cooking area
- Compact design with built-in grease tray
Why It’s Great:
This mini Blackstone is perfect for one or two people. It’s small enough to fit in an RV, on a balcony, or at a campsite. Despite its size, it delivers professional-level heat and performance.
Pros:
Compact and lightweight
Affordable and reliable
Ideal for travel
Cons:
Limited cooking space
How to Choose the Best Flat Top Grill
1. Size Matters:
- Small (17–22 inch): Great for camping or couples
- Medium (28–30 inch): Perfect for families
- Large (36 inch and above): Best for big gatherings
2. BTU Output:
More BTUs = more heat. Look for at least 30,000 BTUs for powerful cooking performance.
3. Material:
Stainless steel or cold-rolled steel surfaces provide durability and even heat distribution.
4. Portability:
If you plan to camp or tailgate, choose a tabletop or foldable model.
5. Ease of Cleaning:
Grease management systems and removable trays make maintenance much simpler.
FAQs
Q1. What can you cook on a flat top grill?
You can cook almost anything — pancakes, eggs, burgers, steaks, seafood, veggies, fried rice, and even tacos.
Q2. How do I clean a flat top grill?
After each use, scrape off food residue and pour warm water on the hot surface. Use a grill scraper or stone to clean, then oil lightly to prevent rust.
Q3. Are flat top grills better than traditional grills?
It depends on your needs. Flat tops offer even cooking and versatility, while traditional grills provide smoky flavor and grill marks.
Q4. Can flat top grills be used indoors?
Most are designed for outdoor use, but smaller electric or tabletop models can work indoors with proper ventilation.
Q5. What fuel do flat top grills use?
Most models run on propane gas, though some can be converted to natural gas or use electric heat.
Final Thoughts
A flat top grill is a must-have for anyone who loves outdoor cooking. From the powerhouse Blackstone 36-Inch to the portable Royal Gourmet PD1301S, there’s an option for every budget and lifestyle.
Whether you’re searing steaks, flipping pancakes, or cooking for a crowd, these grills deliver consistency, convenience, and delicious results every time.
