Best Outdoor Griddles and Flat Top Grills of 2024
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Summer barbecues are a beloved seasonal tradition, and nothing enhances the delight of spending time outdoors with loved ones quite like preparing mouth-watering meals on an outdoor griddle. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore the world of outdoor cooking or an experienced pro seeking to elevate your backyard grilling game, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we present a comprehensive overview of the best outdoor griddles available on the market today. We review features at different price points, empowering you to make informed decisions about which griddle is perfect for your unique needs. So, let’s fire up your appetite and dive right in!
Our Top 5 Choices For Best Flat Top Gas Griddles in 2024
We have handpicked the top 5 gas griddles, also known as flat top grills, with a range of options and prices to suit all. You are sure to find the best outdoor gas griddle to help you enjoy outdoor cooking.
Blackstone 28 in. Gas Propane Griddle and Air Fryer Combo with Hood
The Blackstone 28 in. 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle (Flat Top Grill) Station in Black is one of the most popular outdoor griddles currently on the market. With 524 square inches of flat top grilling space, this outdoor gas griddle is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s easy to use and assemble, and features an air fryer. The bottom shelf and one side shelf provide great storage and prep space. With such an impressive collection of features, it’s no surprise that the Blackstone 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle and air fryer combo has become one of the top choices among outdoor cooks.
Specifications
Features: Air Fryer, bottle opener, towel bar, tool holder, and hood | Total Cooking Space (sq. in):524 |
Number of Burners: 2 | Color: Black |
Front/Side Shelf: Fixed | Grill Color Family: Black |
Grill Wheels: Four | Fuel Type: Propane |
Pros
Cons
This Blackstone griddle is a fantastic option for outdoor cooking. The 34,000 BTUs provide powerful cooking with consistent temperature across the griddle surface. What I loved the most is its portability – it comes with a removable griddle top, fold-up legs, and two wheels. It also has a front grease management system that makes cleanup a breeze. However, one downside I experienced is that it can rust if not seasoned properly. Overall, this Blackstone griddle is an excellent outdoor griddle for anyone looking for a hassle-free, efficient cooking option.
CHECK PRICE
The Blackstone 28 in. 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle (Flat Top Grill) Station in Black is one of the most popular outdoor griddles currently on the market. With 524 square inches of flat top grilling space, this outdoor gas griddle is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Blackstone 36 in. Propane Gas Griddle Cooking Station with Hood
The Blackstone 36 in. Propane Gas Griddle Cooking Station is an excellent choice for serious outdoor cooks. With a total cooking surface of 768 square inches, this griddle has plenty of room to cook up an impressive meal. It features four independently controlled stainless steel burners that offer a range of low to high temperature settings, making it easy to perfectly cook a variety of foods. Its sturdy, powder-coated steel frame and four caster wheels make it easy to transport and store, and its rear grease management system makes clean up a breeze. The Blackstone 36 in. Propane Gas Griddle Cooking Station is an ideal choice for anyone looking to take their outdoor cooking to the next level.
Specifications
Assembled Depth (in.): 26.00 in | Assembled Height (in.): 35.43 in |
Assembled Width (in.): 62.50 in | Color: Black |
Cooking Surface Size (Width in.): 36 in. | Total Cooking Space (sq. in): 768 |
Front/Side Shelf: Fixed | Grill Color Family: Black |
Grill Wheels: Four | Grill/Smoker Category: Freestanding/Cart Style |
Grill/Smoker Features: Foldable Legs, Grease Pan, Storage Rack | Grill/Smoker Fuel Type: Propane |
Ignition Type: Electrical | Number of Burners: 4 |
Product Weight (lb.): 170 |
Pros
Cons
The Blackstone 36 in. Propane Gas Griddle is one of the most impressive outdoor griddles I have ever used! With 720 sq. in. of cooking surface, four independently controlled burners with a range of low to high temperature settings, and 60,000 BTU total for intense outdoor cooking, this griddle is ideal for large groups. I also appreciate how it has four caster wheels with two that are lockable, making it easier to move the unit around. The only downside I noticed is that it can be quite heavy (120 lb).
Overall, the Blackstone 36 in. Propane Gas Griddle Cooking Station is a great choice for anyone looking to take their outdoor cooking up a notch. It offers plenty of space and heat to make delicious meals, and its front grease management system makes cleanup a breeze.
CHECK PRICE
The Blackstone 36 in. Propane Gas Griddle Cooking Station is an excellent choice for serious outdoor cooks. With a total cooking surface of 768 inches, this griddle has plenty of room to cook up an impressive meal.
Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900
The Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900 is the perfect choice for serious outdoor cooks. With 877 square inches of cooking surface, this griddle has plenty of room to cook up a variety of dishes. It features six 12,000 BTU stainless steel burners, matchless ignition, and a grease management system, providing users with powerful heat output and easy clean up. The adjustable leg levers and two large wheels make it easy to transport and store, and the true seasoned, non-stick surface is ready to cook right out of the box. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, hosting a party, or just cooking for yourself, the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900 is sure to impress.
Specifications
Finish Type: Non Stick | Material: Stainless Steel |
Item Weight: 160 Pounds | Cooking Surface: 877 square inches |
Number of Burners: 6 | BTU Output: 12,000 BTU |
Ignition Type: Matchless | Grease Management System: Yes |
Adjustable Leg Levers: Yes | Wheels: 2 Large Wheels |
True Seasoned, Non-Stick Surface: Yes |
Pros
Cons
The Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900 is an exceptional outdoor griddle, designed for serious outdoor cooks. This grill boasts 877 sq. in. of cooking surface, perfect for preparing large meals with ease. Its matchless ignition system ensures a simple and safe startup, while its grease management system allows for easy cleaning. The grill also features adjustable leg levers and two large wheels for effortless portability and storage. Plus, its true seasoned, non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning a breeze. However, it’s important to note that this griddle weighs 160 pounds, making it difficult to transport and store. Additionally, it is a more expensive option when it comes to griddles.
CHECK PRICE
The Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900 is the perfect choice for serious outdoor cooks. With 877 square inches of cooking surface, this griddle has plenty of room to cook up a variety of dishes. It features six 12,000 BTU stainless steel burners, matchless ignition, and a grease management system, providing users with powerful heat output and easy clean up.
Royal Gourmet 4 Burner Portable Propane Grill and Griddle Combo
The Royal Gourmet GD401 4 Burner Portable Propane Grill and Griddle Combo is the perfect choice for any outdoor cook. This combination grill and griddle offers 584 square inches of cooking space, with two separate grilling zones. Generating an impressive 48,000 BTUs of heat output, this grill has plenty of power to cook a variety of dishes. The electronic ignition system ensures a quick and easy start-up, while the four big knobs on the stainless-steel control panel allow for precise temperature control. To make transportation and storage easy, the grill can be easily assembled in 15 minutes and features fold-down legs and four locking casters. Cleanup is also a breeze, thanks to the removable oil management system. Plus, two fixed side tables provide ample space for food preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a large group or just for yourself, the Royal Gourmet GD401 is an excellent choice for any outdoor cook.
Specifications
Finish Type: Powder-coated Steel | Material: Steel |
Item Weight: 81 lb | Cooking Surface: 584 sq. in. |
Number of Burners: 4 | BTU Output: 40,000 BTU |
Ignition Type: Electrical | Grease Management System: Yes |
Adjustable Leg Levers: None | Wheels: Four Wheels |
Fuel Type: Propane |
Pros
Cons
The Royal Gourmet GD401 4 Burner Portable Propane Grill and Griddle Combo is a great option for anyone looking to cook up a variety of dishes outdoors. With 584 square inches of cooking space, four independently controlled solid stainless steel tube burners, 40,000 BTUs of heat output, four caster wheels and two fixed side tables for food preparation, this combination grill and griddle has plenty of power and space to cook for a large group of people. In addition, the removable oil management system ensures easy cleanup. However, the cooking surface is reduced to 292 sq. in. if you don’t need to griddle and grill at the same time.
CHECK PRICE
The Royal Gourmet GD401 4 Burner Portable Propane Grill and Griddle Combo is the perfect choice for any outdoor cook. This combination grill and griddle offers 584 square inches of cooking space, with two separate grilling zones.
Pit Boss 757GD 4 Burner Portable Outdoor Griddle Deluxe
The Pit Boss 757GD 4 Burner Portable Outdoor Griddle Deluxe is the perfect outdoor griddle for serious outdoor cooks. With a total cooking area of 753 sq in, four 7.4 mm thick pre-seasoned griddle tops, four casters wheels for quick mobility, a handy fold-and-go design for easy transport, and 62,000 BTU stainless steel burners with easy push and turn ignition, you’ll be able to cook up a large meal for a large crowd. The side shelves can fold to cover the griddle surface and provide extra space for food, and the adjustable leg levers and two large wheels make it easy to transport and store. Clean up is a breeze with its true seasoned, non-stick surface, and the grease management system provides ultimate convenience. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, the Pit Boss 757GD 4 Burner Portable Outdoor Griddle Deluxe is sure to impress.
Specifications
Burners: 62,000 BTU Stainless Steel Burners with Easy Push and Turn Ignition | Cooking Surface: 753 sq. in. |
Grease Management System: Yes | Griddle Top: 4 x Pre-seasoned 7.4 mm Thick Griddle Tops |
Wheels: 4 Caster Wheels for Quick Mobility | Side Shelves: Deluxe side shelves that fold and cover the griddle |
Fold-and-Go Design: Handy fold-and-go design, portable for any occasion | Adjustable Leg Levers: Yes |
Item Weight: 116.84 lb. | Assembled Dimensions: 76.97″L x 24.09″W x 35.04″H |
Boxed Dimensions: 41.73″L x 25.98″ x 16.73″H |
Pros
Cons
The Pit Boss 757GD 4 Burner Portable Outdoor Griddle Deluxe is an excellent choice for any outdoor cook. It features 753 sq. in. of cooking surface, adjustable leg levers and two large wheels for portability, a true seasoned, non-stick surface for easy cooking, a grease management system for easy cleanup, and 62,000 BTU stainless steel burners with easy push and turn ignition. Its deluxe side shelves fold and cover the griddle for extra food storage, and four caster wheels make it quick and easy to move around. However, its heavy weight of 116.84 lb can make it difficult to transport and store.
CHECK PRICE
The Pit Boss 757GD 4 Burner Portable Outdoor Griddle Deluxe is the perfect outdoor griddle for serious outdoor cooks. With a total cooking area of 753 sq in, four 7.4 mm thick pre-seasoned griddle tops, four casters wheels for quick mobility, a handy fold-and-go design for easy transport, and 62,000 BTU stainless steel burners with easy push and turn ignition, you’ll be able to cook up a large meal for a large crowd.
What Are the Different Types of Flat Top Grills?
Flat top grills come in a range of sizes and styles, from lightweight, portable models to heavy-duty, freestanding gas grills. If you’re looking for a flat top griddle to use in your backyard, you have a few options to choose from. The traditional flat top grill is usually a round or rectangular gas grill with a single flat cooking surface. Portable and tabletop-style gas grills are also available, offering great convenience for campers and tailgaters. The professional flat top grill is typically larger and made of heavier materials, with multiple burners and a flat top cooking surface.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Gas Griddle
Before investing in a griddle, it’s important to consider one key factor: space. These models are typically wider than traditional grills and require ample room. Fire safety may also be a concern, as griddles can be prone to splatters and messy grease drips. To mitigate this, it’s best to place the griddle over a drip tray for easier cleaning. Additionally, the choice of cooking surface can impact performance. While cast iron is a traditional cooking surface, a cold-forged steel griddle surface is both easier to care for and heats up more quickly, though it may not retain heat as well. Keep these considerations in mind when selecting the perfect outdoor gas griddle for your needs.
Griddle Size and Number of Burners
When it comes to selecting a griddle, size is a crucial consideration. Not all manufacturers offer the same range of sizes, which can help to narrow down your options. For instance, Camp Chef only offers four- or six-burner models, so if you’re after a three-burner outdoor cooktop, you’ll need to look elsewhere. After using a three- and four-burner outdoor griddle, we’d strongly recommend opting for a four-burner outdoor griddle. With an extra burner and more griddle surface, it’s simply easier to prepare your meals.
Is there a Rust Resistant Outdoor Griddle?
Yes, there are a number of rust-resistant outdoor griddles available on the market. Some use solid stainless steel tube burners and a removable oil management system, making them easy to keep clean and rust-free. Others are rust-resistant, with a true seasoned, non-stick surface that is easy to clean and maintain.
If your outdoor griddle isn’t resistant to rust, there are still some steps you can take to prevent rust on on the griddle surface. However, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
– Clean the griddle surface after every use. Remove all food particles and grease to help prevent rust buildup.
– Ensure the griddle surface has been completely cooled before cleaning.
– Apply a light coating of cooking oil to the entire griddle surface using a paper towel or cloth. Allow the oil to penetrate the griddle surface overnight.
– Use a non-abrasive cleaner such as a baking soda paste or a commercially available cleaner specifically designed for cleaning griddles.
– Use a soft, non-metallic scrubbing pad to remove any rust spots, and then rinse the griddle with warm water.
– Dry the griddle thoroughly, and then apply a light coat of cooking oil using a paper towel or cloth.
– Store the outdoor gas griddle in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
What is the best material for a griddle?
The best material for a griddle is cold rolled steel. Cold rolled steel griddles are easy to clean, and they heat up quickly and evenly. It is also more durable than the traditional cast iron griddle, which are prone to rust and can be difficult to maintain. Cold rolled steel griddles also do a better job of retaining and distributing heat, providing more consistent results than other materials. Additionally, cold rolled steel griddles are non-stick, making cleanup a breeze. For these reasons, cold rolled steel is the best material for a griddle.
Benefits of a Flat Top Griddle Vs. A Standard Grill
Outdoor gas griddles offer endless culinary possibilities. Fry eggs, cook hot dogs, make fried rice, or cook smash burgers. Unlike a standard gas grill that dries out food, the solid surface of a gas griddle prevents moisture from escaping, resulting in juicy hamburgers. However, delicate foods like steak and vegetables can fall apart when cooked on solid heating surfaces. A heavier-duty steak and bacon weight is useful when searing meat to achieve a perfect crust and a smoother cooking experience.
Griddle Accessories
Griddle accessories are great for making the most of your outdoor gas griddle experience. From griddle covers to cooking utensils, there are plenty of useful tools to make your cooking easier. Griddle covers help to protect the griddle from the elements and keep any food items stored away. Utensils such as spatulas, tongs, and flippers are essential for flipping food and making sure it doesn’t stick to the griddle. Other accessories like griddle stones can help you cook like a professional chef. Stones can be used to give food a crispy sear, and can also be used to create beautiful char marks on food.
Summary
In conclusion, the Blackstone 28 in. 2-Burner Gas Propane Griddle, Blackstone 36 in. Propane Gas Griddle Cooking Station, Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900, Royal Gourmet 4 Burner Portable Propane Grill and Griddle Combo, and Pit Boss 757GD 4 Burner Portable Outdoor Griddle Deluxe are all excellent outdoor griddles. The Blackstone 28 in. 2-Burner Gas Propane Griddle and the Blackstone 36 in. Propane Gas Griddle Cooking Station are great choices for those who want a smaller griddling surface, while the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900 is best suited for cooking larger meals. The Royal Gourmet GD401 4 Burner Portable Propane Grill and Griddle Combo is a great option for cooking a variety of dishes and the Pit Boss 757GD 4 Burner Portable Outdoor Griddle Deluxe is perfect for serious outdoor cooks looking to make large meals. No matter which griddle you choose, you can be sure of one thing: delicious food cooked outdoors!