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I’ve always been a fan of diners – restaurants that serve up greasy, classic American foods from omelets with mushrooms, bacon, and cheddar cheese to hamburgers with pickles and grilled onions. And, ever since I was a kid, the most impressive part to me was the grills they use – large, flat tables that have heating elements inside so that you can basically turn the table on and anything you slap on there will start sizzling away.

I always for some reason assumed those “grilling tables” were fancy, expensive pieces of equipment reserved only for greasy spoons like the diners I visited. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I learned that those tables have a name: flat top grills. Furthermore, plenty of companies make models that are perfect for home use! In this post, I’ll explain exactly how flat top grills work and share my recommendations for the eight best flat top grills to buy.

Table of Contents

About Flat Top Grills
8 Best Flat Top Grills
Flat Top Grill FAQ
- Related Posts

About Flat Top Grills

First, let’s discuss what flat top grills are and why they’re the best choice for grilling up large batches.

What is a Flat Top Grill?

There are two main qualities that define a flat top grill:

The conductive metal surface above the heating element is flat and does not contain any holes. This ensures that the juices from items like steaks, burgers, or Portobello mushrooms that are cooked on the grill will not drip through the grates like on a traditional charcoal grill. Instead, the food will be able to cook in its own grease or juices, making it more flavorful. For this reason, many people think food cooked on a flat top grill just tastes better.
The heating elements in flat top grills are circular rather than linear, like they are in most traditional grills or stoves. That alteration causes the grills to heat much more evenly, producing a more even char no matter where you put foods on the smooth metal surface.

Flat Top Grill Uses

Flat top grills are ideal for large batches and are great additions to outdoor events like barbecues, block parties, or sports matches. Their design gives you the convenience and raw power of cooking on a traditional grill but with the added versatility and flavor of cooking on a flat surface.

Flat top grills are also a great way to fry up a meal instead of a stove, whether you’re cooking for one or 10. Cooking something on the extremely conductive metal surface of a flat top results in the same even, flavorful sear that you would get from a high-quality frying pan. Plus, the surface area is a lot bigger, so it’s great for larger portions.

Flat top grills can also grill or fry up smaller foods, from chopped vegetables to diced meats to miniature shrimp, whereas they’ll fall through the grate on traditional charcoal grills. That’s a huge deal, because it makes it a lot quicker and easier to prepare all kinds of foods at the same time and serve them all while they’re still hot.

Choosing a Flat Top Grill

When looking at flat top grills, be sure to consider the following:

Price

You don’t need to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars to get a good-quality flat top grill. I’ve had friends spend $500 on their flat top grills that turned out not to be that great. They would come to one of my family’s cookouts, take a look at our $250 flat top grill and taste the food it made, and then tell us that there’s just doesn’t perform as well. So unless there’s something really special about the model you’re looking at, you shouldn’t need to shell out more than $400.

Surface Area

Flat tops come in all different shapes and sizes, and you want to make sure that you buy one that fits in your space. Some flat top grills don’t have built-in shelves or tables to store cooking equipment, so make sure to leave space for additional storage next to the grill if you need it. Also remember that flat-top grills present a considerable burning hazard for those who get too close to them and are not focused on cooking, so make sure you’ll have ample space for your flat top without placing it near entertaining or sitting areas.

Material

In order for a flat top grill to work as it’s supposed to, the metal cooking surface needs to be highly conductive. It should also be thick so as to retain heat well. Steel makes the best material for a flat top since it is great at transmitting and retaining thermal energy. Steel is also very durable, which makes it a much better flat top grill material than something like aluminum.

8 Best Flat Top Grills

In the table below, I’ve rounded up what I believe to be the eight best flat top grills out there. I wanted to give the table some variety, so I included lots of different kinds of flat tops. I gave each of my inclusions a “best of” category to let you know what that specific model does well and help you zero in on which one you might be interested in. Below the table, I’ve included a bit more detail for each of my picks.

Best Of…	Model	Dimensions (WxD)	Price Range
Overall	[amazon link=”B009971BM6″ link_icon=”none” title=”Original 2-Burner Flat Top Grill” /]	53”x22.7”	$$$
Splurge	[amazon link=”B0070U0LTI” link_icon=”none” title=”32-inch Stainless Steel Flat Top Grill” /]	32”x24.25”	$$$$$$$
Portable	[amazon link=”B0083GOYGO” link_icon=”none” title=”1-Burner Flat Top Grill” /]	17”x30”	$$
Versatile	[amazon link=”B01ENV3UDA” link_icon=”none” title=”Grill and Griddle Combo” /]	66.1”x21.8” total	$$$
Large	[amazon link=”B09TZQ7BPC” link_icon=”none” title=”4-Burner Flat Top Grill” /]	68.3”x27.5”	$$$$
Round	[amazon link=”B082WZR1KF” link_icon=”none” title=”30 inch Round Flat Top 360 degree Grill” /]	60.5”x37.5”	$$$$
Folding	[amazon link=”B08N3HDCCL” link_icon=”none” title=”25-inch Flat Top Grill with Wheels” /]	43”x35.55”	$$$
Conversion	Steel Grill Plate	23.87”x16.13”	$$

1. Overall: Original 2-Burner Flat Top Grill

by [amazon link=”B009971BM6″ link_icon=”none” title=”Blackstone” /]

[amazon fields=”B009971BM6″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Blackstone 2-Burner Liquid Propane Flat Top Grill”]

This model operates at 34,000 BTUs of maximum power and has all the features a high-quality grill should, such as electronic ignition, a thick stainless steel cooking surface, and side shelves to provide storage during the cook. Because it only has two burners, the grill has a wide, shallow shape that makes it fit into most outdoor spaces, even small ones, without getting in the way. And the set includes all the tools a beginner grillmaster needs, from griddle spatulas to a metal bench scraper to a pair of outdoor-proof liquid dispensers for oil or sauce. The grill doesn’t offer anything too out of the ordinary, but every single feature it does have is solid, and that’s why it’s my pick for best flat top grill on the market.

2. Splurge: 32-inch Stainless Steel Flat Top Grill

by [amazon link=”B0070U0LTI” link_icon=”none” title=”Lion Premium” /]

[amazon fields=”B0070U0LTI” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Lion Premium Grills L75623 32″ Natural Gas Grill”]

This flat top grill is definitely not cheap, but it’s so packed with features and everything is of such high quality that it’s one of the few $1000+ flat top grills that’s worth it. Lion has thought of absolutely everything; the grill is entirely made from 304 stainless steel so it’s very durable, it boasts 643 square inches of grilling space, it has pressure and temperature gauges up the wazoo so you can be assured of perfectly cooked food every time, and it comes with tons of extras, including:

Built-in lighting that eliminates the need for an external grill light
A rotisserie rack to go in the 15,000 BTU infrared rotisserie back burner
A grill cover
A smoker box
A griddle
A griddle remover
Plus, the opportunity to get a ton of separately-sold accessories for this model such as an add-on side burner or extra storage drawers

I could go on for days about why this is the Rolls-Royce of flat top grills by talking about things like its whopping 60,000 BTUs of grilling power or the extra space between the burners and the cooking surface that creates a more evenly-distributed sear. All you really need to know, though, is that this one should be at the top of your list if you can spare the cash.

3. Portable: 1-Burner Flat Top Grill

by [amazon link=”B0083GOYGO” link_icon=”none” title=”Blackstone” /]

[amazon fields=”B0083GOYGO” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Blackstone Original 1 Burner Liquid Propane Tabletop”]

This model is ideal for carrying with you and setting down on a table or even the ground to grill up some food on the go. My husband uses this one for camping trips and tailgate parties, and he raves about how easy it is to set up as well as the fact that the feet have individually adjustable lengths, allowing you to create an even grilling surface even if you can’t find even ground.

This grill is not as powerful as others on this list (16,500 BTUs) and does not have as much grilling space (267 square inches), but it cooks foods evenly and it’s great for those who like to grill out in nature.

4. Versatile: Grill and Griddle Combo

by [amazon link=”B01ENV3UDA” link_icon=”none” title=”Royal Gourmet” /]

[amazon fields=”B01ENV3UDA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Royal Gourmet GD401 Portable Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Side Table”]

The grill on this model is split down the middle into two halves – a flat top grill on the left side and a traditional charcoal griddle on the right. The grills are heated by four powerful burners with 12,000 BTUs each that are controlled by four oversized knobs on the stainless steel front interface. The appliance has two fold-out shelves on either side that provide ample storage. There are no stand-out features other than that, but it’s a durable and reliable machine.

5. Large: 4-Burner Flat Top Grill

by [amazon link=”B09TZQ7BPC” link_icon=”none” title=”Blackstone” /]

[amazon fields=”B09TZQ7BPC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Blackstone 4-Burner 36″ Griddle Cooking Station with Side Shelves”]

This is another high-quality Blackstone grill, but this one offers considerably more cooking space; 756 square inches, to be exact. For reference, that’s enough room to grill up 28 standard-sized burgers at once. That cooking surface is heated by four 15,000 BTU burners and covered with a .18 inch sheet of stainless steel for great heat distribution. It also comes with all the other nifty features of Blackstone flat top grills, including ample storage space.

6. Round: 30 inch Round Flat Top 360 degree Grill

by [amazon link=”B082WZR1KF” link_icon=”none” title=”Cuisinart” /]

[amazon fields=”B082WZR1KF” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Cuisinart CGG-999 30-Inch Round Flat Top Surface”]

Because it is round, this flat top grill cooks foods a bit more evenly, and you can tell in the results. Foods cooked on here just have a slightly purer, more consistent taste throughout. The round grill also looks more visually appealing and is a bit easier to clean.

This model in particular is super-convenient. It has little additions like an oversized grease tray, a built-in paper towel holder, or a cabinet to hide a propane tank that its competitors do not, and they contribute to a more comfortable grilling experience.

7. Folding: 25-inch Flat Top Grill with Wheels

by [amazon link=”B08N3HDCCL” link_icon=”none” title=”Razor Griddle” /]

[amazon fields=”B08N3HDCCL” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”25-inch Flat Top Grill with Wheels”]

Razor’s flat top grill is the easiest one to fold up and store on this list. Once you’re done using it, it takes just a few seconds to fold it into a compact package that you can grab by the handle and roll like one of those wheeled suitcases. If you don’t have enough space to keep your grill out permanently, this model should definitely be a consideration.

8. Conversion: Steel Grill Plate

by Steel Made

Unlike the other models on this list, this one is just a flat top plate that can be placed on top of a traditional charcoal grill to replicate the flat top grilling experience. What makes it stand out from other similar flat top add-ons, though, is that it is .19 inches thick instead of .13. Just that one sixteenth of an inch makes a big difference in how evenly distributed the heat is.

This model also has a series of round holes drilled up near the front of the flat top that make cleaning a lot easier and keeps the grease from flowing out and burning the grillmaster.

Flat Top Grill FAQ

How do you season a flat-top grill?

When you first get your flat top grill or when you haven’t used it for a long time, you need to season it in order to make food taste better and not stick to the grill’s surface. To season it, follow these steps:

1. Wipe down the grill with a wet paper towel to get any large bits of residue off.
2. Turn the grill’s heat as high as it will go and just let it heat up for 12 minutes. The surface should darken during this time because it’s getting so hot.
3. Apply a liberal amount of cooking oil to the flat top. Then put a paper towel or a clean rag on the grill’s surface and use tongs to wipe the oil around with it. When you’re finished, a thin layer of oil should cover the entire heated surface, including the edges of the grill if they are heated too.
4. Let the oil on the flat top cook for 10-20 minutes, until most of it has cooked off.
5. Repeat step 4 two more times.

And that’s it! Now your flat top grill will operate at peak efficiency. Remember that one round of seasoning is effective as long as you continue to use the grill regularly.

How do you clean a flat-top grill?

It’s best to clean your grill off after each use to make sure food residue doesn’t have a chance to sit on the flat top and gather bacteria. For the best cleaning, you need to get a metal bench scraper, a bit of chain mail for scrubbing, some kosher salt, and a spray bottle filled with water. The steps for proper cleaning are:

1. Heat the flat top grill on low heat for 10 minutes.
2. After any residue is loosened by the heat of the grill, use the bench scraper to scrape off the largest of the residue. No need to be gentle in your scraping.
3. Use the chain mail to wipe off the smaller but still visible residue.
4. To remove the smaller particles of gunk, sprinkle most of the grill surface with a liberal amount of kosher salt and then spray that area with a liberal amount of water, which will immediately begin to steam.
5. Use a large wad of paper towels and tongs to swirl the salt-and-water mixture around the surface of the grill.
6. Once the entire surface has been wiped down, wipe all the salt and dislodged residue on the grill into the grease catcher of the grill.
7. Voila! Clean grill!

Is it necessary to clean a flat top grill before use?

As long as you season the grill when you get it (or after long periods of disuse) and clean it after every use, you don’t need to clean it before use. It’s a good idea to give it a quick once-over with a wet paper towel, but that hardly counts.

So is a flat top grill worth it?

In my opinion, the answer is “definitely,” especially if you’re planning on grilling up foods for large parties of people at once. Flat top grills are convenient, visually impressive, and instill grilled or fried dishes with a flavor I’ve yet to come across with any other cooking appliance. They’re inexpensive and easy to use, too, so even casual chefs have no good reason not to get one.