Love grilled food but are tired of the same old routine?
Why not switch it up and try a flat-top grill instead? With its versatile design, you can cook all sorts of food on it - from pancakes to stir fry. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to use and how much flavor you can get from it.
Get that delicious grilled flavor without having to deal with the hassle of a traditional grill. Flat-top grills are low maintenance so you can spend more time enjoying your food and less time cleaning up.
Take a little scroll on down here, and read about the different types of flat-top grills that are available. There's sure to be one that is right for your needs.
How We Choose
Outdoor cooking is a blast, but it can be hard to know which grill is the right one for you. There are so many different grills on the market, it can be tough to figure out which one is the best for your needs. You might not even know what you need!
We've done the hard work for you. We've researched and compared all of the best flat-top (AKA outdoor gas griddles) grills on the market, and have come up with a list of six that we think will fit your needs perfectly. Whether you're looking for a built-in model or something portable, we've got you covered.
Why We Love It
There's no need to stress over what you'll serve for your next party or catering event! With the Blackstone 36 Inch Gas Griddle, you can prepare a delicious and flavorful feast for any size group.
This outdoor griddle features four adjustable heat zones, allowing for a versatile cooking experience that allows you to multitask—allowing certain foods to stay warm while others cook. The expansive top ensures that it's got plenty of space to whip up all of your favorite dishes with ease.
And don't just discount it as "just" a breakfast griddle! You can use it to cook up anything from juicy burgers and steak to fish, fried rice, and veggies. Make every meal truly something special with the Blackstone flat top grill!
What Else Is Cookin'?
The Blackstone flat-top gas grill has recently been upgraded to improve its rear grease management system, making it the go-to choice for backyard cooking enthusiasts.
With 720 sq inches of flat-top cooking space, you can easily entertain a crowd. Four independently controlled 15,000 BTU stainless steel burners give you a total of 60,000 BTUs and are fueled by a standard 20lb propane tank.
The durable construction features a powder-coated black steel frame and thick cold rolled steel cooktop that makes this grill built to last. Whether you are an experienced chef or just starting out, the Blackstone unit is sure to be your go-to for delicious meals.
Why We Love It
Cuisinart's 360° XL Griddle Outdoor Cooking Station is here to help you feed your family, friends, and even the whole block with ease. Just set it up in your outdoor kitchen, toss some burgers and steaks onto the 30-inch diameter heated cooking surface, and get ready to impress!
With three independent burners for total heat control and an integrated vent on the vented stainless steel lid, you can also turn this griddle into an oven for smoking, steaming, baking and roasting. And clean-up is a breeze with its convenient rear grease cup and quick access paper towel holder.
The griddle also offers two folding side tables for an extra workspace while you're cooking up a storm. Plus roomy cabinet hides propane tanks nearby but out of sight. Get ready to grill with ease when you bring the Cuisinart 360° XL Griddle home.
What Else Is Cookin'?
The perfect addition to any outdoor kitchen, this stainless steel frame is the ultimate cooking station. The three independent burners provide a fast and efficient way to cook delicious meals. At 39.57 x 38.18 x 14.09 inches in dimensions and 119 pounds in weight, it is both compact and sturdy for outdoor use.
The 360° grease reservoir ensures the safe collection of fats from food being cooked and two fold-away shelves are ideal spaces for short-term food prep. Also included is a handy paper towel holder that keeps essential items close by so you can prepare your dishes with ease.
The 30-inch diameter griddle surface allows you to maximize meal preparation with enough room for different types of ingredients, making this all-inclusive BBQ station the ideal choice for backyard chefs and entertainers alike.
Why We Love It
Royal Gourmet's GD401 Grill and Griddle Combo has it all, whether you're a master chef or just grilling up some burgers for the weekend! This multi-functional grilling and griddle combo features multiple heat zones, with 314 sq. in. of grill space and 292 sq. in. of griddle surface.
That means you can make all your favorite recipes without having to choose one over the other - cook up a grilled steak and sizzling side dish of bacon at the same time!
Start-up is a breeze thanks to the automatic ignition system that'll have your food cooking in no time, with four big knobs on the stainless-steel control panel for easy temperature adjustments.
When it comes time to serve, the two fixed side tables provide ample space for food preparation and storage of all your grilling utensils – plus they’re within arms’ reach from the lower bar design.
So don't wait another minute – bring home Royal Gourmet's GD401 Grill and Griddle Combo and start enjoying your favorite dishes faster than ever before.
What Else Is Cookin'?
This griddle and grill combo is designed with convenience in mind and comes with four foldable legs for quick assembly, storage, and carriage. Using the 4 independently controlled burners, it is capable of generating up to 48,000 BTU output in total.
Two fixed side tables let you make all the necessary preparations before grilling or even serving additional food during the event. The automatic ignition system and four large control knobs allow quick start-up, while the removable oversized grease pan and cup ensure thorough clean-up afterward.
Topping off its features are four lockable caster wheels for easy transportability and superior stability as you cook your meals without worry.
Additionally, there is a bottle opener conveniently placed on one of the side tables to let you access your chilled drinks easily while grilling.
Why We Love It
Whether you are a master chef or just starting to experience the joy of cooking, you can take your recipes up a notch and upgrade your kitchen tools with the Blackstone Tabletop Griddle.
Built for convenience, portability, and versatility, this highly durable portable gas griddle provides a 339 Sq. Inch large cooking surface and 24,000 BTUs of heat so you can make healthy meals for up to 20 people at one time. Whether it’s eggs, bacon, pancakes, or hashbrowns, this griddle makes whipping these dishes up feel like a breeze.
Its compact size also makes it ideal for tackling barbecue get-togethers and other outdoor activities such as tailgating, fishing trips, and pool parties.
With the Blackstone Tabletop Griddle, the only limitation is your imagination when it comes to cooking delicious food outdoors. Make sure to grab yours today and enjoy convenient outdoor cooking.
What Else Is Cookin'?
Using two powerful "H" style burners, this tabletop portable griddle from Blackstone is made of premium stainless steel and distributes heat evenly.
Additionally, each burner has an integrated ignition system that allows you to control the temperature precisely for different types of food. The griddle also features a sophisticated grease management system that captures the mess for easy clean-up after a meal.
With dimensions of 22.5"D x 19" W x 9"H and weighing in at 32 pounds, this heavy-duty portable flat griddle is a great choice for your portable grilling needs.
Best Accessory Griddle Pan
onlyfire Universal Stainless Steel Rectangular Griddle
Why We Love It
If you're looking for added cooking versatility on your next camping trip over a charcoal grill, onlyfire's Universal Stainless Steel Rectangular Griddle is the perfect solution! This universal griddle pan will instantly transform your grill into a griddle — giving you even more room to prepare family meals than your standard frying pan.
Sidewalls ensure food items stay on the griddle for easy flipping and turning, making it ideal for an indoor or outdoor chef. And with premium stainless steel construction and simple assembly, you'll be ready to fire up your new griddle in no time. With onlyfire's Universal Stainless Steel Rectangular Griddle, preparing delicious dishes while enjoying time outdoors has never been easier.
What Else Is Cookin'?
Enjoy outdoor grilling with improved flare-up control and no-stick surface! This stainless steel 23" wide x 16" deep grill pan fits virtually any gas grill and its non-stick coating allows for a mess-free cooking and cleaning experience.
With its grease trough that collects all drippings, you can keep your grill top secure without the fear of flare-ups. Adding to the convenience, its lightweight 5-pound weight makes it easy to store away when not in use. Grill like a professional with this reliable product.
Best Indoor Flat Top Grill
Panini Press by Cuisinart, Stainless Steel Griddler
Why We Love It
Introducing the versatile Panini Press by Cuisinart – the perfect appliance for creating delicious and healthy meals! Now it’s easier than ever to make homemade paninis, sandwiches, and entrées with the help of this stainless-steel griddle.
The unit features removable, reversible nonstick cooking plates that are dishwasher safe, making clean-up hassle-free. With just a few easy adjustments this appliance converts into a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, or half grill/half griddle. Dual temperature controls ensure everything is cooked evenly every time.
Whether you’re cooking for one or many there’s no need to sacrifice flavor with this powerful kitchen appliance! Let the Panini Press by Cuisinart help make mealtime fun and carefree!
What Else Is Cookin'?
The innovative griddle plates provide home cooks with the versatility to prepare nutritious and delicious meals. These 11-inch x 9-inch nonstick cooking plates are removable and reversible and are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Special features such as red/green indicator lights make the cooking process simple, while an integrated drip tray collects grease for healthier meals. Furthermore, the sturdy panini-style handle with a hinged floating cover easily adjusts to food thickness, along with adjustable temperature controls for both griddle and grill functions.
For added convenience, a dishwasher-safe scraping tool is included for easy clean up as well as an instruction manual with mouthwatering recipes. All of these benefits come with a limited 3-year warranty for your assurance and peace of mind.
Best Flat Top Grill FAQ
It's not easy to find the best flat top grill for your needs. You have to consider size, materials, and heat source, as well as how you plan to use the griddle.
If you have more questions or are just looking for more knowledge on flat top grills, we have created this handy FAQ section of the most frequent inquiries that we see.
Are flat-top grills worth it?
Flat-top grills are definitely worth it, especially if you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor cooking. They allow you to grill more food at once and provide even results as they distribute heat more evenly than traditional charcoal or gas grills.
The best flat-top grills also have a much larger cooking surface, meaning that you can cook several different items at the same time. This makes them ideal for preparing large amounts of food quickly and efficiently.
Furthermore, flat-top grills are incredibly easy to clean; many come with removable plates that can be taken off for simple maintenance and quick cleanup. Not only do these types of grills save time when it comes to prepping meals but they also use less fuel than other styles of grill which helps cut down on costs in the long run.
In addition, flat tops give an authentic “grill flavor” that is often missing from traditional stovetop preparations.
Finally, because these types of grills feature a single heating element across the entire surface area they are much safer than typical open-flame options making them great choices for family gatherings.
What is the difference between a flat-top grill and a griddle?
The difference between a flat-top grill and a griddle is quite significant. Flat-top grills are usually made from cast iron or steel, while griddles usually consist of metal or stone plates coated with non-stick material.
The most recognizable feature of flat-top grills is the ridges which provide even heat distribution and help to create attractive sear marks on food items. In contrast, the cooking surface of a griddle is completely flat, preventing lines from forming on cooked food.
From an efficiency standpoint, one major advantage that flat-top grills have over their counterparts is their ability to cook large portions of food at once without losing temperature quickly. This makes them ideal for busy restaurants where fast turnaround times are essential.
Additionally, since the design allows chefs to control temperatures in different parts of the grill using various techniques such as zone heating, complex orders can be completed quickly and easily without compromising quality or consistency.
Griddles offer many advantages as well - particularly for home cooks who don’t need an industrial setup but still want great results every time they turn on their stovetop appliance. Most notably, electric varieties allow adjustable temperature settings during cooking so individual areas stay at optimum levels regardless of what's being prepared at any given time (ease!).
Griddles also tend to take up less counter space than bulky flat-top units making them a popular choice among modern chefs looking for sleek designs that save valuable real estate in their kitchen setups.
Lastly - convenience may just be where these small-scale appliances steal hearts: Cleanup and maintenance goals are far easier when it comes time to deal with the post-meal tasks; because there's no visible ridging (hence nothing taxing scrubbing particulate matter out) cleaning up after a day of frying pancakes only requires water & soap.
Are burgers better on a grill or griddle?
The answer to this question depends on what type of burger you're cooking and the desired outcome. Generally speaking, burgers tend to be better on a grill due to the smokey flavor that is produced from getting close to an open flame. The indirect heat from the hot coals will also make sure that your burger is properly cooked all the way through.
When it comes to griddles, they are great for producing crunchy crusts and for adding additional flavors with fats like butter or bacon fat. They also provide more control over how well-done your burgers are since you can easily adjust the temperature of your griddle according to your preferences.
Depending on how thick your patty is, you will have more success using a higher heat so not only do you get crispy edges but it's done all the way through without getting dried out or overcooked.
Does a griddle use more propane than a grill?
Yes, a griddle typically uses more propane than a grill. This is because griddles use large cooking surfaces that require more fuel to produce higher temperatures and quicker preheating times.
For example, the Blackstone Griddle uses up to 12,000 BTUs of heat for its surface area which is about double what most gas grills use.
Additionally, unlike grills which usually have several individual burners or sections that divide the heat, a full-sized griddle will have one large continuous surface with only one burner or several smaller ones side-by-side - so you end up using more fuel overall when you're cooking on a griddle.
Ultimately, if you're looking for an efficient way to cook your food on a larger scale with great results then opt for the grill — but if speed and convenience are essential for your specific needs then go with the extra energy expenditure of the griddle.
Do flat-top griddles rust?
Yes, flat-top griddles can rust. This is because of their exposed materials that are vulnerable to the elements like moisture and air. Flat-top griddles are usually made from stainless steel or carbon steel which can corrode if not properly taken care of.
To prevent your flat top griddle from rusting, it’s important to clean it regularly and dry it thoroughly after each use—allowing any residual moisture to evaporate so no rust forms on its surface.
Additionally, you should apply a layer of cooking oil onto the hot surface after cleaning and drying to create an added layer of protection against oxidation and corrosion.
Finally, always store your flat top griddle indoors when not in use so as not to expose it to the elements that can lead to early signs of oxidation or rusting.
What kind of grill lasts the longest?
When choosing a grill, purchasing one that is built to last should be your number one priority. The type of grill that will last the longest depends on several factors, including the type of material used in its construction and how it is cared for over time.
When it comes to durability, stainless steel or cast iron grills are generally considered some of the best options. Stainless steel is highly corrosion-resistant and can withstand high temperatures and rust better than other materials. Plus, its sleek finish makes it much easier to maintain since it doesn’t require as much scrubbing or cleaning as other materials do.
Cast iron is also great for handling high heat but keeps in mind that this material requires more upkeep than stainless steel — you will need to season it regularly with oil and make sure you don’t store any water on top of your cast iron grill after use otherwise rust may occur over time.
Another factor in determining which kind of grill lasts the longest is fuel source — gas grills are typically known for their longevity due to fewer moving parts when compared with charcoal models, plus they have directly adjustable firepower settings so you can control temperatures better while cooking food faster.
However, if you prefer using charcoal then opt for a model with thicker metal bars as this will help maintain consistent heat throughout your cooking session plus help absorb any excess humidity from foods cooked over an open flame (like ribs!).
Finally, no matter which type or fuel source you choose make sure there's proper ventilation at all times during use; poorly ventilated grills tend not to last very long due to build-up smoke residue inside the appliance so always check your user manual before operating yours.
Can a griddle replace a grill?
Yes, a griddle can replace a grill in many ways. Griddles are flatter and more even than grills, so they're great for quickly cooking up pancakes, eggs, French toast, and other breakfast foods.
For larger meals such as burgers or steaks, you'll still get all of the classic smoky flavors that you expect from grilled food with a griddle too. Most electric models have adjustable temperatures so that you can achieve full heat control over your food for searing and slower-cooking dishes.
Plus unlike charcoal grills, an electric griddle is easy to clean and maintain - simply wipe it down when you're done with your meal.
Does a flat-top grill need to be seasoned?
Absolutely! Seasoning a flat-top grill is essential to making perfect grilled food. While it may not seem like such a big deal, the seasoning of your flat top helps create a layer of protection between the food and the surface of your grill - this prevents sticking, and burning, and removes any potentially harmful chemicals that may be found in paint or other coatings on your grill.
Furthermore, properly seasoning your flat top helps it last longer by preventing rust which can start to accumulate due to moisture from food and frequent temperature changes while grilling. This also ensures you get the most out of each cooking session.
When it comes to how one should season their flat-top, there are several options available depending on what kind of flavor you're looking for. The most common method involves rubbing oil onto the cooking area of the hot grill before use; consider using vegetable oils such as olive or coconut oil for optimal flavor results.
You'll want to make sure that all surfaces (including underneath) have been coated with an even layer before beginning. Once finished cooking, be sure to scrape off any remaining grease or residue with either a wire brush (or something equivalent) and store away after cooling completely down.
Can you spray Pam on a griddle?
The short answer is yes, you can spray Pam on a griddle. However, it is important to keep in mind that the type of griddle and oil you are using will affect how well the Pam helps to coat your cookware.
For non-stick griddles, spraying with a small amount of cooking oil like Pam before each use will help maintain the non-stick surface and make cleaning up afterward easier as well. The more often you use your griddle, the more frequently it should be lightly coated with some sort of cooking oil or lubricant--and this includes both olive oil and vegetable oils such as Pam.
It is important to note that while preheating your pan before adding food will help prevent sticking, preheating alone does not protect against stickiness when using a non-stick surface like Teflon or any other material made for high temperatures.
Are griddles better than pans?
When it comes to cooking, choosing between a griddle and a pan can be difficult. Griddles and pans both have unique features that make them beneficial for different types of recipes.
Griddles are large flat surfaces that typically feature a non-stick coating on one side. On the other hand, pans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some having high sides while others are shallow.
Although griddles and pans serve similar purposes, there are several advantages to using either over the other depending on what you're cooking.
How do you clean a griddle after cooking?
Cleaning a griddle after cooking is essential to maintaining its integrity and extending its lifespan. There are several different methods for cleaning your griddle, depending on the type of griddle you have and what has been cooked on it in the past. Here are some tips for efficiently cleaning your griddle:
1) Scraping/scrubbing: If food residue is present, start by scraping off any excess with an angled metal spatula while the surface is still hot.
2) Pressure washing: If grease or oils have penetrated deep into the material of your griddle, consider using a pressure washer set at low pressure (under 1,400 psi) for efficient removal without damaging the surface of your appliance.
3) Oiling up: After both sides of your griddles have been cleaned off properly by either method above (or hand wipe clean), apply some oil onto it while still warm - vegetable oil works great but avoid olive oils which tend not create as good of a barrier against corrosion over time – lightly dip a paper towel into a container filled with cooking oils before wiping evenly across entire surface until warm coat appears on top.
Finally, finish up by buffing away excess foam left behind using circular motions once again after waiting around 10 minutes for adequate absorption time; repeat the process every few months if needed depending upon usage rate & cook temperature requirements from the dish being prepared regularly. Previously mentioned techniques will help ensure proper maintenance & upkeep without negatively affecting performance levels overall.
You may also enjoy:
A Word About Grill Safety!
Grilling is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the warmth and beauty of summer. But unfortunately, with something as beloved as grilling, there is also a risk of fire. When using a gas, pellet, electric, or charcoal grill, you must keep it away from your home and any other potential fire hazards.
We at GoodsFellow urge you to take extra precautions and follow sensible grill safety tips, to help make sure that your family and home stay safe from unexpected fires when you fire up your grill, griddle, or smoker.
For more detailed safety tips, take a peek at this article from the fine fire-safety-minded experts at First Alert:
https://www.firstalert.com/ca/en/safety-corner/grilling-safety-tips/