Outdoor cooking is one of life’s greatest pleasures — whether it’s a family barbecue, a backyard brunch, or a tailgate party. But if you’re still stuck with a traditional grill, you might be missing out.
Flat top grills have become a game-changer for outdoor cooking, offering restaurant-style versatility, even heat distribution, and the ability to cook everything from pancakes to steaks with ease.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best outdoor flat top grills of 2025, compare their features, highlight the pros and cons, and help you find the perfect one for your backyard or patio.
Table: Top 5 Best Outdoor Flat Top Grills in 2025
| Rank | Grill Name | Cooking Area | BTUs | Fuel Type | Key Feature | Price Range |
| 1 | Blackstone 36” Gas Griddle Cooking Station | 720 sq. in. | 60,000 | Propane | 4 burners + side shelves | $$$ |
| 2 | Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 | 604 sq. in. | 48,000 | Propane | Interchangeable griddle + grill grates | $$$ |
| 3 | Royal Gourmet GD401 4-Burner Griddle Combo | 584 sq. in. | 48,000 | Propane | Griddle + grill combo | $$ |
| 4 | Cuisinart CGG-888 22-Inch Griddle | 380 sq. in. | 30,000 | Propane | Round stainless steel cooking surface | $$ |
| 5 | PIT BOSS PB757GD Deluxe Griddle | 748 sq. in. | 62,000 | Propane | Foldable shelves + solid steel top | $$$ |
1. Blackstone 36” Gas Griddle Cooking Station
If you’ve heard of flat top grills, chances are you’ve heard of Blackstone. This model is the gold standard for outdoor griddles — and for good reason.
Features
- 720 sq. in. of cooking space
- Four independently controlled burners (15,000 BTU each)
- Built-in grease management system
- Two large side shelves and bottom storage
- Durable steel frame and cooking surface
Pros
- Massive cooking area for large gatherings
- Excellent heat distribution
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Sturdy and long-lasting design
Cons
- Heavy and not easily portable
- Requires regular seasoning of the griddle top
Verdict: Ideal for serious outdoor cooks and large families who love to host barbecues.
2. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600
The Camp Chef FTG600 is one of the most versatile outdoor flat top grills on the market. It doubles as both a griddle and grill — giving you the best of both worlds.
Features
- 604 sq. in. cooking surface
- Four stainless steel burners with 48,000 BTUs total
- Removable flat top griddle
- Matchless ignition system
- Two foldable side shelves
Pros
- Convertible design (grill and griddle)
- Fast and even heating
- Removable grease tray for easy cleaning
- Great for family-sized meals
Cons
- Slightly smaller cooking area than Blackstone
- Grease management can be messy if not aligned properly
Verdict: Perfect for anyone looking for flexibility — from pancakes in the morning to steaks at night.
3. Royal Gourmet GD401 4-Burner Griddle Combo
For those who want variety in their cookouts, the Royal Gourmet GD401 offers a combo of flat top and traditional grilling surfaces.
Features
- 584 sq. in. total cooking surface
- 4 burners delivering 48,000 BTUs
- Foldable legs for portability
- Automatic ignition system
- Two independent cooking zones (grill + griddle)
Pros
- Dual cooking zones for diverse meals
- Portable and foldable design
- Affordable price point
- Quick ignition system
Cons
- Not as durable as premium models
- Uneven heat at edges
Verdict: Great for campers or tailgaters who need a portable, budget-friendly option with flexibility.
4. Cuisinart CGG-888 22-Inch Outdoor Round Griddle
The Cuisinart CGG-888 stands out for its unique round design and stainless-steel cooking surface. It’s a compact yet powerful flat top grill for smaller spaces.
Features
- 380 sq. in. round cooking area
- Two burners with 30,000 BTUs
- Lid with vent for steaming or smoking
- Stainless steel build
- Built-in paper towel holder and bottle opener
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Easy to clean stainless steel surface
- Lid adds versatility (smoke, steam, roast)
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited cooking area
- Not ideal for large parties
Verdict: Best for small patios or balconies where space is limited but performance is still key.
5. PIT BOSS PB757GD Deluxe Griddle
Pit Boss has built a reputation for tough, high-performance grills, and the PB757GD lives up to it with a massive surface and commercial-grade features.
Features
- 748 sq. in. cooking area
- 62,000 BTUs total output
- Four independent burners
- Foldable shelves and locking caster wheels
- Heavy-duty steel griddle top
Pros
- Large cooking surface
- Commercial-grade power and build
- Easy to move despite size
- Great heat control
Cons
- Takes longer to preheat
- Slightly higher fuel consumption
Verdict: Ideal for grill enthusiasts who want a high-output, durable grill for serious outdoor cooking.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Outdoor Flat Top Grill
When choosing the best outdoor flat top grill, consider these key factors:
1. Cooking Area
The cooking surface determines how much food you can make at once.
- Small (300–500 sq. in.): Best for 2–4 people
- Medium (500–700 sq. in.): Great for families
- Large (700+ sq. in.): Ideal for parties or events
2. Heat Output (BTUs)
Higher BTUs mean faster heating and better temperature control. For even cooking, aim for at least 10,000–15,000 BTUs per burner.
3. Portability
If you plan to camp or tailgate, look for foldable legs and wheels. Otherwise, a heavier stationary model may offer more stability and durability.
4. Grease Management
A good grease management system keeps cleanup simple and prevents flare-ups. Look for side or rear grease trays.
5. Build Quality
Choose materials like stainless steel or powder-coated steel for weather resistance and durability.
6. Additional Features
Side shelves, paper towel holders, lids, and built-in ignitions all make outdoor cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Flat Top Grills
| Pros | Cons |
| Even heating and temperature control | Requires regular seasoning (for steel tops) |
| Large, versatile cooking surface | Heavier than regular grills |
| Great for all meal types (breakfast, lunch, dinner) | Uses more propane |
| Easy to clean with proper grease management | May need weather protection or cover |
| Professional restaurant-style cooking | Some models lack portability |
Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Flat Top Grills
- Season the griddle: Before and after use, apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.
- Clean after each cook: Use a scraper to remove debris, then wipe with a damp cloth.
- Cover it: Always cover your grill when not in use to protect from weather damage.
- Check burners: Inspect gas lines and burners regularly for blockages or corrosion.
- Store properly: Keep in a dry area during winter months to prolong lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What’s the difference between a flat top grill and a regular grill?
A flat top grill has a solid, flat cooking surface instead of grates. It distributes heat evenly and can cook foods that would fall through grill grates, such as eggs, pancakes, and vegetables.
2. Can you cook steak on a flat top grill?
Yes! Flat top grills are excellent for searing steaks thanks to their consistent heat and ability to create a delicious crust.
3. How do I clean a flat top grill after cooking?
While it’s still warm, scrape off debris with a griddle scraper, pour a little water to loosen residue, and wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel.
4. Are flat top grills good for camping?
Yes, especially compact or foldable models like the Royal Gourmet GD401. They’re portable, easy to set up, and great for feeding groups outdoors.
5. What oil is best for seasoning a flat top grill?
Use oils with a high smoke point, like canola, avocado, or flaxseed oil.
Conclusion: Which Flat Top Grill Is Best?
If you want the best overall outdoor flat top grill, go with the Blackstone 36” Gas Griddle Cooking Station — it offers unbeatable performance, capacity, and build quality.
For those who prefer portability and flexibility, the Camp Chef FTG600 and Royal Gourmet GD401 are fantastic alternatives.
Whichever you choose, a flat top grill will elevate your outdoor cooking, bringing versatility and restaurant-grade flavor to every meal.
