A flat top grill (also called a griddle or plancha-style grill) gives you a huge, even cooking surface that’s perfect for burgers, pancakes, veggies, seafood, and more. Unlike traditional grated grills, flat tops let you sear, sauté, and flip with one smooth surface — great for breakfast, tacos, stir-fries, and feeding a crowd.
This guide walks you through the best flat top grills, their features, advantages, pros & cons, and answers common FAQs so you can pick the right model for your needs.
Quick comparison — Top 10 Best Flat Top Grills
| Rank | Model (Type) | Cooking Area | Fuel | Best For | Price Range (approx.) |
| 1 | Blackstone 36″ Flat Top Grill (Gas) | 720 sq. in. | Propane | Backyard entertaining | $300–$450 |
| 2 | Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 (Gas) | 604 sq. in. | Propane | Family meals & versatility | $350–$450 |
| 3 | Royal Gourmet GB4001 (Gas) | 792 sq. in. | Propane | Large gatherings / semi-commercial | $400–$600 |
| 4 | Cuisinart CGG-104 (Gas/portable) | 256 sq. in. | Propane | Tailgating & camping | $150–$220 |
| 5 | Blackstone 28″ Adventure Ready (Gas) | 448 sq. in. | Propane | Tailgates / travel | $200–$320 |
| 6 | Pit Boss Griddle (Gas) | 430 sq. in. | Propane | Affordable mid-size option | $180–$300 |
| 7 | Camp Chef Pro 60 (Gas) | 600+ sq. in. | Propane | Serious outdoor cooks | $400–$650 |
| 8 | Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro (Electric, Indoor) | 240 sq. in. | Electric | Indoor multi-use cooking | $250–$350 |
| 9 | Royal Gourmet PD1301S (Portable Gas Tabletop) | 316 sq. in. | Propane | Portable group cooking | $120–$180 |
| 10 | Blackstone Tailgater 22″ (Gas, Portable) | 330 sq. in. | Propane | Small gatherings / portability | $150–$230 |
Note: price ranges and model names are illustrative examples typical of 2024–2025 lines. If you want exact current prices and model variants for a specific country or retailer, tell me and I’ll fetch live listings.
Why choose a flat top grill?
Flat tops combine the high-heat searing of a grill with the flexibility of a griddle. They are excellent when you want:
- Even heat across a continuous surface (no flare-ups from dripping fat).
- The ability to cook many items at once — perfect for brunch, burgers + veggies, or multiple steak orders.
- Easy flipping and sliding (eg. eggs, pancakes, quesadillas).
- More control for sauces, melting cheese, and tossing ingredients.
Key features to look for
Cooking surface material — Cold-rolled steel and stainless steel are common. Cold-rolled (carbon) steel seasons well and gives great sear; stainless resists corrosion but typically costs more.
Burner configuration & BTUs — More burners or independently controlled zones = better heat control. Total BTUs indicate maximum heat potential; paired with surface size, they tell you how quickly and evenly it will heat.
Cooking area (square inches) — Choose based on how many people you normally cook for: 200–400 sq. in. for small groups, 400–700 for families/parties, 700+ for large gatherings.
Grease management — Good models feature angled surfaces and grease trays to channel drippings into a removable catch for easier cleaning.
Portability & weight — If you plan to tailgate or camp, look for foldable legs, a portable frame, and lighter weight.
Build & accessories — Look for side shelves, hood/cover, grease tray, included scrapers, and ignition type (push-button vs. manual).
Indoor vs Outdoor — Electric models are ideal and safe indoors; propane/NG models are meant for outdoor use or in very well-ventilated covered areas.
Advantages of flat top grills
| Advantage | Why it matters |
| Large, uninterrupted cook surface | Cook many items at once; excellent for social cooking and batch meals |
| Versatility | Sear, saute, grill, steam (with lid/cover) and even bake in some setups |
| Even heat distribution | Less hot/cold spot variation compared to small grills |
| Easy to flip and move food | Flat surface makes turning and sliding easy (no food falling through grates) |
| Safer from flare-ups | Less direct flame contact with oils and marinades |
| Great for mixed menus | Manage eggs, pancakes, veggies, proteins, and sauces simultaneously |
Pros & cons
Pros
- Extremely versatile — breakfast to dinner on the same surface.
- Fast, efficient searing and caramelization.
- Cleaner appearance and easier plate prep.
- Many sizes and price points — options for apartments, tailgates, backyards, and commercial use.
Cons
- Cold-rolled steel requires seasoning and maintenance to prevent rust.
- Large models are heavy and not easily portable.
- Propane models need fuel refills and are outdoor use only.
- Electric indoor models typically have smaller surfaces and lower peak heat than gas units.
Detailed product highlights (who each model is best for)
Blackstone 36″ Flat Top Grill — Best for homeowners who host big gatherings. Massive cooking area, solid heat distribution, and a robust grease system. Needs regular seasoning and weather protection.
Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 — Excellent dual-purpose option: griddle surface plus accessory compatibility (grill grates, pizza oven add-ons). Ideal if you want flexibility.
Royal Gourmet GB4001 — Built for high capacity. Great for those who want near-commercial output at a consumer price; heavy and requires space.
Cuisinart CGG series (compact models) — Good for patios and small outdoor kitchens where space and convenience matter.
Blackstone Adventure Ready and Tailgater — Built for travel: foldable or compact frames, balanced power vs. portability.
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro (Electric Indoor) — Best for apartment dwellers or indoor users who want a versatile appliance that grills, griddles, and manages temperatures well with a smaller footprint.
Maintenance tips — keep your top in top shape
- Season your griddle (carbon steel/steel tops): heat, oil, and build the seasoning to form a protective, non-stick layer.
- Clean while warm: scrape excess food into the grease tray, then wipe with warm water and a soft cloth or griddle brick. Avoid abrasive metal scouring pads.
- Dry & oil after cleaning to prevent rust if your surface isn’t stainless steel.
- Protect from weather: use a fitted cover and store indoors or under shelter when not in use for prolonged periods.
- Check burners & lines for gas models regularly; empty grease trays to avoid overflow and pests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Flat top grill vs. traditional grill — which should I buy?
A: If you want direct flame sear marks and smoky flavor, go for a traditional grate grill. If you want versatility (eggs, grilled sandwiches, stir-fry, pancakes) and a smoother cooking workflow, a flat top grill is better. Many cooks keep both for different tasks.
Q: Can I cook delicate foods on a flat top grill?
A: Yes — eggs, fish, and thin vegetables do great on a well-seasoned, medium-heat surface. Use lower heat zones and silicone/wood tools to prevent sticking.
Q: Do flat top grills require seasoning?
A: Carbon/cold-rolled steel griddles do. Stainless steel models don’t technically need the same process, but light oiling helps reduce sticking and eases cleaning.
Q: Are flat top grills safe indoors?
A: Electric flat top grills (and small indoor-safe models) are fine indoors. Propane or natural gas units should only be used outdoors or in very well-ventilated covered spaces to avoid carbon monoxide and fire risk.
Q: How long does it take to preheat a flat top grill?
A: Generally 10–15 minutes for medium to high heat on gas grills; electric models may take longer depending on wattage. Preheating ensures proper searing.
Q: Can I use soap when cleaning?
A: Occasional mild soap is OK, especially if the griddle is stainless; however, frequent soap on seasoned steel can strip seasoning. Use warm water and a scraper for most cleaning and re-season as needed.
Final verdict — which flat top grill is right for you?
- For large families and frequent entertainers: Blackstone 36″ or Royal Gourmet GB4001 — big cooking surface and commercial-style performance.
- For versatility and accessories: Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 — modular and multifunctional.
- For tailgating and travel: Blackstone Adventure Ready 28″ or Royal Gourmet portable tabletop models.
- For apartment/indoor use: Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro or an electric griddle with a large cooking surface.
- Budget-conscious cooks: Pit Boss or compact Cuisinart models balance performance and price.
