Grilling on a traditional set-up can spark tons of fun. But if you’re really looking to turn up the heat, consider purchasing a flat top grill. These types of grills are much larger than your standard backyard patio unit and offer a lot of great features that take grilling to a whole new level.
If you’ve been looking into a flat top grill, check out our list of the five best flat top grills. These models offer grillers a wide range of features, from tons of grilling space to maneuverability and versatility. Don’t limit yourself to what you can cook up with a flat top grill—the possibilities are nearly endless. Plus, you’ll have plenty of space to try out something new with every lighting of the propane flame.
We’ve researched and compiled below a list of the five best flat top grills. Which one will you choose to lead your next get-together?
The 5 Best Flat Top Grills
- Royal Gourmet GB4000 36-Inch 4-Burner Flat Top Grill – Top Choice
- Blackstone Adventure Ready 2-Burner 28-Inch Outdoor Grill – Value Pick
- Blackstone 1984 Original 36-Inch Heavy Duty Flat Top Grill – Premium Pick
- Cuisinart CGG-0036 4-Burner 36-Inch Gas Grill – Portable Pick
- Pit Boss 5-Burner Gas Grill – Camping or Tailgate Pick
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: GB4000
- Number of main burners: Four
- BTUs: 52,000
- Grill space: 784 square inches
- Burger count: 39
- Extras: ceramic-coated grill top, folding side shelves, lower shelf for storage, independently controlled burners, grease management system, four metal hooks for tools
As our top pick for the best flat top grill, this particular model from Royal Gourmet represents the best of the best when it comes to flat top grilling. With each feature, there are plenty of benefits to help you grill up a better meal, because after all, the best grills make for the greatest sidekicks.
At 36 inches, this flat top grill is not your average portable griddle. The four burners are independently controlled stainless steel tubes that put out 13,000 BTU each. The stainless steel control panel effortlessly combines beauty and functionality. With the push of a button, you implement the electronic ignition system to begin the process of grilling up whatever meal you’ve chosen.
Many grillers dread the clean-up process. Though it’s a necessary task after creating a tasty meal, the Royal Gourmet Flat Top grill integrates a grease management system that takes the sting out of it all. Simply remove the grease cups and empty them after use. No more greasy paper towels or messy hands.
Royal Gourmet includes a set of four caster wheels on the frame of this particular flat top grill model. Included as well are a lower tray for storage as well as a hanger for your liquid propane. There are four hooks for any utensils, towels, or other accessories to hang from. Plus, there’s even a metal bar for hanging items off of as well.
One of the best features of this flat top grill from Royal Gourmet is the side tables that fold up and down depending on your preference. The ceramic-coated grill top makes for a clean, premium work surface that provides even grilling across the entire surface. The Royal Gourmet Flat Top grill is certainly a premier model when it comes to the best flat top grills
Pros
- Integrated caster wheels
- Four metal hooks for tools and accessories
- Independently controlled burners
Cons
- Not as portable as other flat top grills on our list
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: 1885
- Number of main burners: Two
- BTUs: 34,000
- Grill space: 517 square inches
- Burger count: 25
- Extras: grease management system, individual heat controls, folding legs, side table, side table
For those of you who may want a flat top grilling workhorse, the Blackstone Adventure Ready flat top grill should definitely be a model you consider. This two-burner grill might not seem like much from first glance, but with 34,000 BTU at its disposal, there’s still plenty of grilling fun to be had here.
This particular flat top grill is made from high-quality materials that improve the overall experience and results. The H-style burners provide even heating during grilling so you won’t have to worry about uncooked spots. A built-in ignitor makes sparking the flame as simple as a push of the button. Even the fuel you’re using has a hanger to nest in during use.
Blackstone’s Adventure Ready flat top grill is easy to clean, too. The grease management system collects in the rear of the grill for easy clean-up once mealtime is over. Simply remove the grease traps, clean them out, and replace once you’re finished.
The rolled steel griddle top on this flat top grill is controlled individually from the front. A side table helps with side dishes you may be preparing, or it can hold spices and utensils. The shelf beneath the grill holds plenty of dirty dishes as you grill, while a bar on the side provides maneuverability and versatility as well. Two fixed wheels and folding legs give you the chance to move locations with ease.
Pros
- Legs fold in for portability
- Push button ignition
- Dual fixed wheels for maneuverability
Cons
- Not as much BTU power as other grills on our list
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: 1984
- Number of main burners: Four
- BTUs: 60,000
- Grill space: 768 square inches
- Burger count: 38
- Extras: magnetic strip for holding utensils, individually controlled burners, dual side tables, dual locking casters, push button ignition, heavy-duty construction
Blackstone also offers grillers the chance to take grilling to the next level with this particular flat top model. The 1984 flat top grill from Blackstone makes the most of the flat top grill concept while providing a sturdy foundation for many grilling sessions to come.
The flame begins with a push of the electric ignition system, which fuels four burners that can be independently controlled. In front of the burner control knobs, you’ll find a convenient shelf with high sides. On this shelf’s outer-facing side are located four metal hooks, as well as a magnetic strip. There are plenty of utensils and tools that can be placed here for use during grilling.
There are two side tables as well, each with plenty of space to work as you grill. Your fuel hangs on the left side of the flat top grill in a dedicated holder, while an extended hook on the right provides a convenient spot for paper towels, mitts, or any other materials you might need.
Blackstone also integrates a convenient lower shelf, along with a grease management system. The grease flows rearward to a grease trap that makes clean-up easy and efficient. The frame itself integrates dual stationary wheels as well as two wheels with locking casters. This grill is as portable as it is functional.
Pros
- Dual side shelves
- Four wheels for maneuverability
- Magnetic strip and metal hooks for utensils and tools
Cons
- Basic black design
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: CGG-0036
- Number of main burners: Four
- BTUs: 60,000
- Grill space: 760 square inches
- Burger count: 38
- Extras: grease management system, compact footprint for easy transportation, large cooking surface, dual wheels for portability, removable side tables
Taking your flat top grill on the go doesn’t have to mean you pack away a bulky flat top that takes up more space than it’s worth. Cuisinart makes the flat top portable with their four-burner 36-inch gas grill that we’ve featured as our portable pick.
There are quite a few features that make this particular grill a winning portable setup. For example, the frame itself folds down for compact storage and easy transport. The picnic-style table legs can be removed to cut the footprint of this flat top grill in half. The side tables can be removed as well.
Oftentimes cleaning up after grilling can be a hassle, especially if you plan on taking your grilling out of doors and off the grid. This particular portable flat top grill integrates a dual grease management system that allows you to remove any grease with a pair of coffee cup-like grease traps. These cups can easily be removed, cleaned out, and replaced for the next grill cycle.
The four independently controlled burners on this portable pick also make temperature adjustments easy. You won’t have to worry about burning delicate food items while undercooking larger pieces of meat. Plus, a lower storage shelf holds any number of pans, cookie sheets, or preparation trays during grilling until it’s time to clean up.
Pros
- Folds down for easy storage and/or portability
- Removable side trays
- Integrated grease management system
Cons
- No integrated handles for pushing grill into desired position
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Model Number: 10762
- Number of main burners: Five
- BTUs: 62,000
- Grill space: 750 square inches
- Burger count: 37
- Extras: five-year warranty, side shelves that double as grill covers, four wheels with locking casters, heavy-duty steel construction, grease management draining system
What’s a tailgate without a powerful grill that can feed plenty of mouths cheering for their favorite team? If you’re looking for the best flat top grill for your tailgate or camping trip, look no further than the Pit Boss flat top gas grill.
This five-burner grill boasts heavy-duty steel construction that grounds it as much as it makes it durable and rugged. The steel griddle top can handle all kinds of foods. A push button ignition gets the fire going while a five-year warranty protects your investment for years to come.
Each of the five independently controlled burners feeds a grease management system. This system allows the grease to drain effortlessly away for clean grilling and a fast cleanup. The lower shelf adds a bit of storage. Accompanying this shelf is a hanger hook for your fuel as well.
The best part about this camping/tailgate flat top grill are the folding side tables. Not only do they integrate bars for hanging towels or mitts, but they double as a grill cover when the time comes. Pair that with a quadruple set of locking caster wheels and you’ve got yourself the makings of the best tailgate/camping flat top grill.
Pros
- Folding side shelves double as a grill cover
- A total of five burners for maximum grilling power
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- No hooks for utensils
What to Look for in a Flat Top Grill
If you’ve never owned a flat top grill, you might not be sure what to look for when shopping for one. Here are a few characteristics we recommend considering before you purchase a flat top grill.
Independently Controlled Burners
The ability to manage the amount of burners built into a flat top grill can make grilling that more rewarding of a process. While flat top grills are typically great for cooking large meals with multiple types of food, sometimes you only need to grill up a few items at a time. Having the option to limit yourself to one side of the grill can be a good thing.
Firing up certain burners can save you money on fuel as well. Plus, the ability to control how hot a certain side of the grill is versus the other could mean the difference between a well-cooked meal and burnt or undercooked food. Having a handful of burners to grill your meals works well, but it’s the option to control them all separately that distinguishes the good flat top grills from the best.
Range of Power
Grill for a few meals and you’ll soon learn that having the option to turn up the heat or keep it low can make or break a meal. The best flat top grills integrate burners that simmer and sizzle when necessary, but can also bring the heat when the time comes. Controlling the heat of the grill is half the battle when it comes to making the most of your flat top grill.
Maneuverability
Flat top grills are oftentimes recognizable by their large footprint. But that doesn’t mean the grill itself has to be cumbersome or bulky. The best flat top grills are those that integrate maneuverability as well as functionality into their designs. After all, bringing the grill to your favorite location seasons that meal in a special way.
The best flat top grills that include a portable element might have built-in wheels with casters for managing tight turns. Some grills allow you to remove the flat top itself to fold up and/or store the grill for next time. Integrated handles can make a large difference in moving the flat top grill where you want it.
Versatility
As with any other grill, the ability to anticipate the needs of the griller increases the versatility of the grill itself. The best flat top grills that are also versatile might include particular features that make the grilling experience an easier, cleaner task.
For example, the best and most versatile flat top grills provide shelving space. These shelves could be located on the sides of the grill, or at the bottom where they’re built into the frame itself. Side shelves can hold plenty of spices, utensils, side dishes, or whatever else you might need at-hand for grilling. Shelves located lower on the grill make great storage spots for dirty pans or trays necessary to the grilling process.
Other versatile factors of a grill include hangers, hooks, or handles. These components allow you to hang towels, mitts, or other items for easy access during grilling. Hooks can hold onto your utensils, such as spatulas and brushes, while the meal cooks. Handles help during the moving process, where the sharp edges of the flat top might not be so easy to grasp.
Final Thoughts
We chose the Royal Gourmet GB4000 36-Inch 4-Burner Flat Top Grill as our top pick for the best flat top grill for the many amenities it provides grillers. From the large flat top grilling surface to the integrated features that make grilling that much easier, this flat top grill is a must-have if you plan on using your flat top for years to come.
Besides the Royal Gourmet Flat Top grill, we’ve also included four other great grills for you to choose from. Each of these grills offers its own set of pros and cons, some of which may interest you more than others.
We hope you’ve found this article helpful in deciding which flat top grill fits your lifestyle, and encourage you to try out flat top grilling if you’ve never had the chance. You may just find yourself a new hobby!
