Best Flat Top Grill
What better way to spend a nice day outside than to fire up the grill and cook some food? Few things compare to barbecuing on your own grill and serving up some delicious meals for your family and friends. However, not all grills are made the same, and thus, they don’t deliver the same type of experience. Depending on your preferences, you’ll want to find a grill that best suits your lifestyle. The flat top grill has grown in popularity over the years among home barbecues.
When you first look at it, a flat top isn’t like your standard grill. That’s because these grills are designed to cook using a flat surface. This allows you to prepare your food in a whole new way. Check out this rundown of my five top picks and decide which one is right for you.
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#1. Best Overall
Blackstone 1554, 4-Burner 36"
The Blackstone 1554 grill is easy to assemble – just pull it out of the box, put together and fire it up. You can be ready to cook delicious food in no time.
This grill comes with four independent burners. Each one allows you to cook with low and high temperature settings, which give you a wide variety of cooking options. This grill has a rolled steel cooking surface designed for unmatched heat retention and distribution.
Cleanup is a cinch compared to the traditional grill grates. Just push your grease into the drain, throw on a little water, wipe down with a clean cloth and you’re done.
This grill also comes with two pull up work surfaces – one that has a cutting board, hooks for accessories and a paper towel holder.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, or preparing food for a huge family get-together, the Blackstone 1554 might be the right one for you.
What I Like Best About The 1554:
Since this grill weights a lot it’s four wheels and a sturdy handle makes it easier to move.
Pros
- Easy to ensemble
- Four burners allow for the cooking surface to have even heat
- Both sides of the grill have a pull up work surface
- The back wheels lock where the propane tank sits
Cons
- The grill is extremely heavy
- Grease Drain can be messy
#2. Best 3 Burner
Camp Chef 475, 3 Burner
The Camp Chef 3-burner flat top grill is good for people who need a smaller cooking surface for less food. The rolled steel griddle measures at 468 square inches, allowing it to cook enough food for yourself and that special someone.
The three 12,000 BTU burners are powerful enough to cook your meal quickly, meaning less waiting time between putting the food on the grill and putting the food into your mouth.
The grease management system makes your life 10x easier. You won’t know how you lived before you had a grease tray, catch bucket, and easily washable griddle to help you with your grill cleaning experience.
These features, plus the matchless ignition, come together to provide a simple, quick, and convenient cooking experience that is good for those who want a simple cookout every now and then.
What I Like Best About The 475:
Two adjustable feet make it easy to get your grill level.
Pros
- Already pre-seasoned cooking surface
- Fits into smaller spaces
- Sturdy frame
Cons
- Grease tray in the front
#3. Best for Pros
Camp Chef 900, 6 Burner
The “big brother” of the Camp Chef 3-burner, this 6-burner flat top grill is for people who truly want to take their barbecue to the next level.
The rolled steel griddle measures at 877 square inches, large enough to cook a meal that practically the whole neighborhood can enjoy.
The frame is lightweight, sturdy and adjustable which is important with such a large grill. It has with four wheels, two of which lock. It also has two handles that make it easy for you to cart this grill in and out of your patio.
This model also has two pull up shelves and two shelves under the grill which is great for setting your extra food out of the way and those last-minute preparations before it hits the grill.
Leaving this grill’s top in place takes the stress out of the cleaning up and the grease trowel is in front, which makes it safer and much more convenient when you are cooking a lot food.
What I Like Best About The 900:
The grill top is adjustable for a precise, perfectly level cooking surface.
Pros
- Adjustable frame
- Two shelves
- Pre-seasoned cooking surface
Cons
- Very heavy
- Best if stored in a covered area
#4. Best Budget
Blackstone 28-inch
For those of us who want a solid barbecue experience without having to worry about breaking the bank, the Blackstone 28-inch flat top grill has got you covered.
This small but mighty grill comes with a 470-square-inch flat top rolled steel cooking surface, which is perfect for an intimate breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Easy to use and simple to assemble, this grill is ready for cooking with just the push of a button. You can control the heat zones via two independently controlled 15,000 BTU stainless steel burners with low and high temperature settings.
The cook top is removable and clean -up is a breeze. For a super low price point, this grill option is truly a gift to budget shoppers.
What I Like Best About The Blackstone 28":
Big enough for home use or camping and at a bargain price.
Pros
- Shelf under the grill
- Fold up legs
- Pull up shelf
Cons
- Feet not adjustable
#5. Best Portable Tabletop
Blackstone Tabletop Grill - 22 Inch
Another winner by Blackstone, the portable tabletop flat top grill is something else. Portable grills aren’t as popular as they should be, and Blackstone hopes to change that.
This 22-inch portable gas griddle features a 330-square-inches cooking surface with two independently controlled H burners to deliver that true grill experience while on the go.
Bring this model with you when you’re tailgating, partying, camping, or even hosting a mini backyard get-together. Blackstone wants you to enjoy true flat top cooking almost anywhere, and with this portable grill option, you’re able to take the experience with you.
What I Like Best About The Blackstone 22":
This model has several optional accessories that make this grill easier to transport and much more versatile.
Pros
- It’s a great option for tailgating
- Grease trap is in the back
Cons
- You need a table to set it on while in use
Flat Top Grill Buyer’s Guide
Picking the right grill for you should be a fun experience rather than a stressful one. However, there are so many aspects of a grill to consider that it can be overwhelming trying to pick the right one. In order to make the decision-making process easier for you, I’ve created this helpful buyer’s guide to point you in the right direction. Read on to see what features to look out for when buying a Flat Top Grill.
Placement
One of the quirks of a flat top grill is that the cooking surface needs to be is level. This is important because you do not want cooking oil to pool on one side of the grill. If you are planning to set up your grill on the patio, keep in mind the concrete usually slopes away from the house for drainage so it’s not level.
Your best option is to get a grill that has an adjustable frame, otherwise you will be using shims under the feet which isn’t a very appealing look under your new grill. Since these grills are top heavy, it’s also a lot safer to clean when it’s level.
If you are not planning to keep your grill in the same place, you’ll want to pick one that not only has wheels but is also lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Cooking Surface
The Flat Top Grills I have featured as the top picks have cooking surfaces that are made out of cold rolled steel and typically most are. These tops are heavy and thick for two reasons – the most important is to ensure your food is cooked to perfection by an even distribution of heat. They are also thick to prevent the surface from warping, which could happen if there are hot spots on the grill or the top is too thin.
The other thing worth mentioning is that even though some of the grills come with a pre-seasoned cook top, it’s best if you just go ahead and season it yourself. The type of oil you use to season with is really a personal preference. Some people I know use grapeseed oil because it’s light, has a high smoking point and best of all doesn’t take away from the taste of your food.
A properly seasoned cooking surface will keep your food from sticking and it will make it easier to clean after every time you use it.
Cleaning
Since these grills are made of steel, they need a little extra care when cleaning them. This is important because you want to maintain a well-seasoned grill top that prevents your food from sticking, adds to the flavor and most importantly prevents it from rusting. Rust is the enemy of all flat top grilling surfaces.
Never use soap to clean it. In my opinion these types of grills are easier to clean and not as messy compared to a traditional grill. For starters you do not need to take off the cook top, they are meant to stay in place while you clean them. The way you clean your grill is basically the same concept as seasoning it, you just rinse it off with water after you scrape it and then reapply the oil.
Size
Flat top grills come in many shapes and sizes. How big of a grill do you need? Ideally, you need about 100 square inches per person. The most common grill surface cooking area is around 300 to 400 square inches, which is perfect for the average family of four. If you have lots of big get-togethers and do lots of entertaining, go for something in the 900 square inch range, or bigger.
Covers
Protecting your flat top grill from the weather, especially from the humidity and rain is really important since they are prone to rust. One thing to be aware of is flat top grills don’t come with a hood to cover the cook top. To me this should be a standard feature included when you buy a grill. However, some manufactures make hoods for their grills that you can purchase separately. The Blackstone 36” and Blackstone 22” have that option. When looking for a cover it’s best to buy one from the same manufacture as your grill. Many of them claim to be universal but they don’t fit right.
FAQs
Can you cook a steak on a flat top grill?
Most definitely yes! Sear it on high heat and finish cooking on medium heat while you channel your inner teppanyaki chef.
Is it necessary to season a new grill?
Even if your grill comes pre-seasoned, you should season the cooking surface to prevent the food from sticking.
How long do you need to burn off a new grill?
Flat top grills take about 10 minutes to burn off. The first time you fire it up, put your burners on high. As the grill gets hotter the top will get darker. Once the grill surface stops getting darker you’ll know it’s ready.
What is the best oil to use on a flat top grill?
You can use any oil, so long as it has a high smoking point. Grapeseed oil is popular because it doesn’t change the flavor of what you are cooking.
How hot should a flat top grill be for steak?
After searing your steak on high heat, decrease the temperature to 300 degrees to finish it off.
What is the best way to clean a flat top grill?
After using your grill, let it cool down to the point that it is still warm. Scrape the grill down with a metal spatula and push anything left on the grill into the drain. Wet it down with water and then use tongs to wipe with a clean cloth (do not use paper towel).
Do you have to season a flat top grill?
Yes, or it will rust.
Can a propane tank sit in the sun?
A BBQ propane tank is generally safe in hot or cold weather. Be sure to inspect the tank regularly, for rust, cracks or damage.
Can you fry potatoes on a flat top grill?
Yes, you can cook just about anything from steak and eggs to pizza and desert. That is why they are so popular.
