A flat top gas grill is simple and handy equipment for backyard, camping, and hiking grilling. It comes in various shapes and sizes, making it a versatile choice for avid grillers. Instead of grates, a flat top grill has a flat griddle where you’ll cook food. This makes it perfect for cooking your favorite grill delights as well as eggs and chopped meat. You can also heat a pot of soup or sauce on it.
How to use a flat top grill
Knowing how to grill on a flat top grill is quite easy. First, you have to preheat the grill, the same way you’ll do with other grills. After that, you have to put some oil to prevent the food from sticking on the surface. If you’re cooking steaks or thick meat with fat, rub the fatty part onto the surface of the griddle and let it melt a little.
If you are going to cook less fatty meat or vegetables, a small amount of cooking oil or vegetable oil is ideal. You can also use butter for added flavor.
If you’re using a multi-burner flat top grill, try to use even heat to prevent flare-ups. Nevertheless, you can always divide the surface for two types of food with different temperatures. Also, always use a spatula as flat top grills tend to stick more than typical grates.
The tricky part about flat top grills is that there are no openings where fat can drip. Instead of using oil, try to utilize the fat on the meat while cooking. The upside here is that since there are no slits, you can lock in the juices of your food.
Blackstone Griddle and Charcoal Combo
Do you want to try a flat top grill without saying goodbye to classic grates? If so, you should get the Blackstone Griddle and Charcoal Combo. It has a powder-coated steel frame plus stainless steel burners. Aside from that, it also has a rolled steel cook up.
This grill has a rear grease drip tray that catches all the oils while you cook food side by side. Also, there are hooks in front of the grate grill where you can hang your cooking tools. On the right side, there’s a shelf where you can prepare your food and stack condiments.
Take note that one buyer wrote that this grill came damage due to poor handling. Nevertheless, it’s a good grill and will work well as long as the courier service handles it carefully during transit.
- Combo grill surfaces
- Powder-coated steel frame
- Rear grease trap
- Can be tricky to operate
Blackstone Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill w/ New Side Shelf
If you’re looking for the best value, the Blackstone 36 inch outdoor flat top gas and grill griddle station is the right choice. It comes with 720 sq. in. of cooking surface, perfect for all meals.
This flat top grill is a workhorse with a total of 60,000 BTUs on its 4-burner structure. Also, it sports a push-button ignition for on-the-go cooking.
Aside from that, there’s a paper towel holder as well as side shelves so you can prep food and condiments while you cook. On one of the side shelves, there’s a cutting board with garbage bag hooks below.
A buyer’s only gripe about this grill is its improperly placed grease tray. You need to tweak it a little to prevent grease from spilling. Nevertheless, many buyers praise this grill for its top-dollar quality.
- 60,000 BTUs
- Large side shelves with garbage bag hooks
- Wheeled construction
- The position of the grease tray can make use of upgrades
Blackstone 4-Burner Flat Top Gas Grill
This 36 inch outdoor flat top gas grill griddle station from Blackstone is a great purchase for those who want a large cooking surface. It’s easy to assemble and sports industrial-strength burners. You can set it from high to low temperatures to suit your cooking preference.
Aside from that, this has a long-lasting wheeled construction for ease of use. Thanks to its four individual burners, you can adjust the heat zones so you can cook different food items at the same time.
The best thing is you can cook small or cook big. You can control the heat zones to suit the amount of food you’re preparing. Just take note that the top comes with a coating that you need to scrub and season.
One buyer complained about the inaccurate grease trap placing, though it can be fixed with a few adjustments.
- Large cooking surface
- Solid stainless steel frame
- Quick ignition button
- Mediocre customer service
VEVOR Flat Top Gas Grill
The best flat top grill without the fuss? The VEVOR Flat Top Gas Grill might be the one you’re looking for. This double burner unit has a total of 150,000 BTUs and a cooking surface that measures 32” x 17”. It has a groove design that catches the grease.
Thanks to its simple design, this grill is ideal for tailgating, backyard grilling, boating, and camping. Using this grill, you can grill large servings of steaks, burgers, and chopped vegetables.
Aside from the grill, you’ll also get four spatulas and a scraper. You can start cooking after unpacking this flat top grill.
One buyer just wished that this grill has a grease cup. Nevertheless, most buyers love sturdy and solid this grill is. They also love the convenience of preparing hashbrowns and bacon at the same time.
- Solid build
- Whopping 150,000 BTUs
- Free 4 spatulas and scraper
- No grease cup
Royal Gourmet Flat Top Gas Grill
For avid grillers, the Royal Gourmet propane flat top grill is the best find. It has 48,000 BTUs of heat output as well as 584 sq. in. of cooking surface. This four-burner grill is divided into two portions so you can cook varieties of food with different temperature settings. The other one is a griddle, and the other is a classic grill grate.
Aside from that, you’ll also get two side shelves where you can prepare food and store condiments. Also, the steel frame comes with hooks where you can hang BBQ tools.
This grill is so good that a buyer wrote that the combination comes handy for gatherings and even commercial use. It’s also easy to season, and the food doesn’t stick too much. However, one buyer warned about the regulator, as it could freeze if not maintained well.
- Grill and griddle combo
- Side shelves
- Hooks for BBQ tools
- The regulator could freeze
Camp Chef Flat Gas Top Grill
The Camp Chef Flat Gas Top Grill is the perfect flat top grill for home. It sports 604 sq. in. of grilling surface as well as 48,000 BTUs of heat output. Aside from that, the Camp Chef grill has a matchless ignition.
Also, we really like the large and durable side shelves as well as two bottom shelves. This way, you can store food and tools handy while you cook.
Aside from that, this grill has an interchangeable flat top griddle for ease of cooking. It also has a catch bucket, grease management system, and a propane tank holder. You can also use this on any surface, thanks to its leg levelers.
One buyer said that this grill is excellent, but it tends to rust fast. Still, many are impressed with the functionality of this grill, especially for long grilling sessions.
- Large side shelves and bottom shelves
- Adjustable leg levelers
- Roller wheels
- We wish the side shelves are hinged
Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Flat Top Gas Grill
For those looking for a large indoor flat top grill, the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner is a great catch. These burners offer a total of 104,000 BTUs of heat output. Aside from that, it includes two sets of regulators so you’ll have even flame. Also, it’s powered with an electric ignition system that sparks in every turn.
Aside from that, it boasts a whopping 950 sq. in. of cooking surface that fits 120 hotdogs or 60 burgers at a time. Also, it comes with a foldable windscreen to protect your food.
Also, this grill has two levels of bottom shelves. Moreover, it has hinged side shelves where you can prep food and place BBQ tools.
One buyer warns about the sharp edges of the parts which you should watch out for during assembly. Nevertheless, many buyers are very happy about its large size that suits cookouts and grill competitions.
- 8 burners
- Hinged side shelves
- Electronic ignition system
- Not for casual cooking
Royal Gourmet 4-Burner Flat Top Gas Grill
This indoor flat top grill has four burners with a total of 52,000 BTUs. Also, it has 792 sq. in. of cooking space on its 4.5 mm-thick griddle. Aside from that, it also has an upgraded electronic ignition system that fixed side tables. The detachable grease cup is also large enough to last long cookouts without the need to empty it repeatedly.
We also like that it has four locking caster wheels for easy transport. Also, the griddle plate has side handles, making it easy to remove and wash.
However, one buyer said that the assembly of this grill is quite challenging. You may need to tweak it a little to put up the whole grill. Nevertheless, it’s a great flat top grill for sale for cooks.
- 52,000 BTUs
- Large cooking space
- Wide side shelves
- Assembly is a pain
Royal Gourmet 3-Burner Flat Top Gas Grill
If you’re looking for a portable flat top BBQ grill, the Royal Gourmet 3-Burner Flat Top Grill might be the rice choice. It has a 3-burner design with a total of 27,000 BTUs. Also, this has a porcelain griddle top that you can easily clean with soap and water.
Aside from that, this uses a Piezo ignition. It also has a side grease cup that collects drippings while you cook. This grill can be used as a tabletop cooker while camping, hiking, or just preparing meals at home.
The stainless steel panel of this grill adds a chic and clean look. Also, it comes with a free cover to keep your grill safe.
- Portable design
- Piezo ignition
- 325 sq. in. of cooking surface
- The cover will trap water if you don’t dry your grill
Blackstone Signature Accessories Portable Grill Hood
The Blackstone natural gas flat top grill hood suits 22-inch tabletop grills from the same brand. It’s made of durable steel with a heat-resistant handle. Aside from that, it’s easy to install and doesn’t need any extra parts.
Moreover, this good utilizes covered heating to keep the juiciness of your food. Buyers love the quality of this hood, but they warn about installing it gently to prevent breaking the hinges.
- Solid grill hood
- Perfect for covered grilling
- Doesn’t need extra parts
- The hinges tend to be flimsy
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you cook a steak on a flat top grill?
A: You’ll cook it the same way as other grills. Always lay the fatty side in contact with the grill surface. After that, let it sear and cook it until for 3 to 12 minutes for each side, depending on the doneness you prefer.
Q: Is a griddle better than a grill?
A: If you’re looking for more cooking heat power, then you’re better off using a flat top griddle than a grated grill. This is due to the even surface where heat disperses equally all over the food being cooked.
Q: How do you cook a flat top grill?
A: Using the spatula, scrape the bits of food and leftovers that stick on the surface. After that, you can use a disposable kitchen towel to wipe off the grease. Some have removable griddle tops that you can wash separately.
Q: Can you use a cooking spray on flat top grills?
A: Yes, you can use the same cooking spray on flat top grills, but make sure that you apply a larger amount. This way, you can cover the entire surface and prevent your food from burning or sticking too much on the griddle.
Q: How do you clean a rusty flat top grill surface?
A: Flat top grill surfaces may rust over time. In this case, the best solution is baking soda. It’s safe to use on cooking items, plus it will not be toxic should you fail to clean everything up.
