When considering appliances for your outdoor space… Most people focus on the grill as the star.
It makes sense.
Hardly any of us could imagine a cookout without a BBQ grill!
At the same time… There’s so much variety in the world of outdoor cooking.
An outdoor flat top grill is an excellent example.
Little known and massively underrated… It’s time to bring these amazing appliances to light.
HOW TO CHOOSE A FLAT TOP GRILL
When it comes to buying a flat top grill or griddle… There are some important factors to bear in mind.
Ultimately, there are two key questions you’ll need to answer.
What type of griddle do you want?
What surface material do you want?
Read on for the answers.
Types of Griddles (And What’s Best for You)
A griddle is a griddle, right? Well… Not quite.
You have freestanding, built-in, portable, and inserts to choose from.
Freestanding Griddles
By and large, freestanding outdoor flat top grills are what you’ve seen online and in the wild.
These griddles sit on a cart, often with caster wheels… And are offered in various sizes.
Sometimes, they’ll include some bonus features like a paper towel holder, cutting board, or even an integrated air fryer.
And while this is far and away the most popular type of griddle to purchase… There may be a different option that suits your needs better.
Built-In Griddles
Is an outdoor kitchen in your future?
If so… You won’t want to lock yourself into a freestanding flat top. (These cannot be installed into an outdoor kitchen, and it is an unsafe practice to do so.)
Built-in flat top barbecue grills are properly designed for installation in an outdoor kitchen.
Thankfully, you don’t need to have your BBQ island ready right away if you’d rather test the waters with your griddle first.
Many built-in griddle brands offer a cart to put them on. So as you plan your dream outdoor kitchen… You can still become a griddle master in the meantime, and install into your island at a later date. (No need for a double-purchase!)
Portable Griddles
What if you’re looking for something a little less… Well… Permanent?
For the griddler with a case of wanderlust… A tabletop griddle offers the ideal solution.
These small flat top grills are often no more than 22” wide, making them easy to transport on a camping or tailgating trip.
Typically powered by a small fuel cylinder… This griddle type is a great way to ensure you can enjoy smash burgers on the go.
Griddle Inserts
Perhaps you’re enticed by the idea of an outdoor flat top grill… But you already have a gas grill, and you’re not sure you want to buy a whole new appliance.
We understand completely.
If you want to dip your toes into the water of griddle cooking… A griddle insert will likely appeal to you.
Many grill manufacturers offer this as an accessory for your existing gas grill. Simply remove the grates from one section, drop this insert in… And boom. You’re griddling.
Once you’ve settled in on the type that works best for you… Let’s touch upon size.
Griddle Surface Materials: Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel
In some ways, you can say the griddle world is divided into two factions. The carbon steel die hards… Or the stainless steel advocates.
Is there anything inherently wrong with either material? No. They’re simply both different types of steel.
But after reading this section… You’ll have a pretty clear idea of which team you’re likely to join.
Carbon Steel Griddle Surfaces
If you’ve ever seen a Blackstone grill… You’ll know what a carbon steel griddle surface looks like.
At first blush, it will look a lot like cast iron.
And to be quite frank… Carbon steel is far more comparable to cast iron than it is stainless steel.
Why?
It’s mighty strong… But folks, it rusts so easily.
A carbon steel griddle requires a fastidious level of maintenance. Because if you don’t stay on top of cleaning and seasoning… That rust will rear its ugly head. And quick.
However, for all the maintenance grief, we will say one thing… Carbon steel is more affordable compared to stainless steel.
Stainless Steel Griddle Surfaces
As outdoor griddles become more popular… So too, do stainless steel flat top grills become more available.
Most often, you’ll find a stainless steel griddle surface on a built-in model.
This is because stainless steel is easier to maintain and highly resistant to rust and corrosion. So overall, you’ll get less fuss and much longer longevity… Which is a huge boon for an outdoor kitchen.
Stainless steel surfaces can be seasoned, but it’s not strictly necessary. A good, long preheat should be enough to make this surface pretty much non-stick.
Of course, for the increase in durability and convenience… Expect a higher price tag for stainless steel griddles.
And for one more quick pro tip… Always look for a 304 stainless steel flat grill. This offers the most rust and corrosion resistance, compared to other grades like 430.
Now that we’ve got some background out of the way… Onward and upward to our griddle review!
Eyeing a Stainless Steel Flat Top?
BEST FLAT TOP GRIDDLE BRANDS OF 2024
For the sake of simplicity… We’ll be focusing our review on the top freestanding and built-in griddle brands on the market.
Aside from being the most popular choice… These categories also have the widest variety of options.
And we’ve narrowed it down to the cream of the crop.
We’ve organized this list to be from lowest to highest in terms of price… So you can easily find the best fit for your budget.
CUISINART 22” 360 OUTDOOR COOKING STATION
Product Highlights
PRICE
$284.99
SIZE
22"
COOKING SURFACE
380 Square Inches
Burner Count
2
Total BTUs
30,000
Model
Freestanding Only
Pros
- Hood gives more cooking versatility
- Circular design for 360 degree cooking
Cons
- Smaller cooking surface
- Lower heat output
- Limited warranty
- Made with materials susceptible to rusting
Let’s start the list with a circular flat top grill.
With a 22” diameter and 380 square inches of cooking space… This easy-to-move flat top gas grill from Cuisinart has two independent burners, each topping out at 15,000 BTUs (30,000 BTUs total).
Though smaller… This may be the most versatile freestanding flat top!
It has a vented lid for roasting, steaming, baking, or smoking on the 360 degree flat top griddle surface.
Plus… It includes a 360 degree grease cup to make cleaning easy… As well as a shelf for food prep and a paper towel holder.
The cooktop is made with cold-rolled steel for even heat distribution.
The lid and frame are made with an unknown grade of stainless steel (you’ll need to confirm with Cuisinart to see if it’s 304)!
Cuisinart offers a 3 year limited warranty on this grill.
The current price is $284.99.
ROYAL GOURMET 4-BURNER FLAT TOP GAS GRILL AND GRIDDLE COMBO
Product Highlights
Price
$229.99
Size
36"
Cooking Surface
606.27 Square Inches
Burner Count
4
Total BTUs
48,000
Model
Freestanding Only
Pros
- Combo design for cooking versatility
- Collapsible legs for easy transport
- Grease management system makes for easier cleaning
Cons
- Slightly smaller cooking surface
- Lower heat output
- Limited warranty on griddle
- Made with unknown material grade (may be prone to rust)
Next up… Royal Gourmet’s 4-burner portable griddle and grill combo.
This 36” griddle is a multipurpose appliance…
There’s a cooking zone with traditional grill grates, and another for flat top grilling.
It has 606.27 square inches of cooking space controlled by four independent stainless steel tube gas burners… Each with a 12,000 BTU heat output (48,000 BTUs total).
Royal Gourmet’s grill/griddle combo has four collapsible legs, making it easy to store and carry.
Also included is a grease management system (a draw-out grease tray and removable grease cup).
The griddle grill top is made with a thick, pre-seasoned steel, while the grill grates are porcelain enameled cast iron.
The control panel, burners, and frame are made with an unknown grade of stainless steel.
Again, we like to see 304 stainless steel construction…
If their griddles aren’t made with 304 stainless steel… They will eventually rust. It’s worth confirming these details with Royal Gourmet.
Royal Gourmet’s flat top griddle is covered by a full one year warranty, and the stainless steel burners are covered by a five year limited warranty.
Pricing varies on this model… But it’s available at most retailers for around $299.99.
BLACKSTONE 36 INCH FLAT TOP GRILL
Product Highlights
Price
$497.00
Size
36"
Cooking Surface
769 Square Inches
Burner Count
4
Total BTUs
60,000
Model
Freestanding Only
Pros
- High heat output
- Four independent cooking zones
- Large cooking surface
Cons
- Short warranty on product
- Made with materials prone to rust
Up next, we have Blackstone’s freestanding 36” flat top BBQ grill.
It comes on a cart with four casters, dual side shelves (to place a cutting board or utensils), folding legs, and a shelf to hold a propane tank.
This gas outdoor griddle with 769 square inches of cooking area has four separately controlled, stainless steel H-shaped burners. Each burner has a 15,000 BTU output (for a total of 60,000 BTUs).
The four burners create independent heating zones to make cooking a variety of foods easy!
As for materials… This propane griddle has a black powder coated steel frame with a rolled steel cooking surface.
We normally like to see full 304 stainless steel construction… The powder coated steel frame runs the risk of chipping and inviting corrosion to the structure, while the rolled steel cooking surface will be highly susceptible to rust with even minimal exposure to moisture.
There’s a one year warranty covering this flat top.
This griller is currently listed at $497.00 on Amazon
PIT BOSS 748 Sq Inch 4-Burner Gas Griddle
Product Highlights
Price
$499.99
Size
62"
Cooking Surface
748 Square Inches
Burner Count
4
Total BTUs
62,000
Model
Freestanding Only
Pros
- Expansive cooking area for large BBQ parties
- Most powerful heat output on the list
- Decent warranty compared to other budget models
Cons
- Rust-prone cooking surface
- Ambiguous on exterior material construction
Although Blackstone is far and away the most popular griddle manufacturer… Pit Boss does come in second place. (Although a distant second, we might add.)
Pit Boss is continually working to push the envelope on griddle options, accommodating different surface types and features.
Many of their griddles feature a ceramic, non-stick surface… And although convenient, they unfortunately have other downsides.
You must use plastic utensils, they may off-gas health-harming chemicals, and many customers report having severe issues in the first year or two.
For these reasons, we’ve chosen to highlight their 748 sq in griddle instead. It includes a cast iron cooking surface… Which, of course, is prone to rust and requires a high degree of maintenance. But it is still a durable material and a better choice than ceramic!
This massive 62” griddle comes with caster wheels, folding side shelves, and 4 burners at 15,500 BTUs each.
As we just mentioned, the cooking surface is cast iron… But we couldn’t find a lick of information about the exterior materials.
It’s likely to be some form of stainless steel, but you’ll have to confirm this with Pit Boss. If it’s anything less than 304… Longevity will be a concern.
Aside from this, we were pleasantly surprised to see a 5 year warranty on this griddle. Currently, you can purchase it for $499.99.
CAMP CHEF 24” 4 Burner Flat Top Grill
Product Highlights
Price
$549.99
Size
24"
Cooking Surface
604 Square Inches
Burner Count
4
Total BTUs
48,000
Model
Freestanding Only
Pros
- New models include a hinged hood
- Includes leveling system for better grease drainage
- Heat diffusion plates for more even temperature control
Cons
- Short warranty
- Made with materials prone to rust
- Slightly less bang for your buck compared to other budget models
Moving right along… Camp Chef is fairly well known in the gas griddle arena, and has several options on the table.
For our purposes, we’re going to be zoning in on their 24” freestanding griddle.
It comes on a stationary cart with dual side shelves.
At 24” wide and with 604 square inches of cooking area… This mid-sized griddle offers a good balance between saving space in your backyard, while also providing a lot of cooking area.
This griddle from Camp Chef comes equipped with 4 burners at 12,000 BTUs each… Although, the shape is not specified.
Materials are where we are nitpicky with this griddle. (And many others!)
It is constructed with a cold-rolled steel cooking surface, and a powder coated steel burner box.
Unfortunately, this cooking surface is prone to rust… And the powder coated steel stays good only as long as the coating remains intact. Once that chips, rust and corrosion have a field day.
With a 1 year warranty, Camp Chef’s 24” griddle is listed for $549.99.
Easy Built In Outdoor Flat Top
BLAZE PREMIUM LTE OUTDOOR GRIDDLE
Product Highlights
Price
$1,999.00
Size
30"
Cooking Surface
485 Square Inches
Burner Count
2
Total BTUs
36,000
Model
Built-in or Cart
Pros
- 304 stainless steel construction
- Robust warranty
- Large cooking surface
Cons
- Shorter warranty on electric components
Next, let’s check out this 30” Blaze flat top grill. This griddle has two individually controlled U-shaped burners with a 36,000 BTUs total heat output.
At 495 square inches, the cooking surface provides plenty of space.
Blaze uses complete 304 stainless steel construction for their appliances, which is great!
There are two configurations for this flat top: built in, or freestanding with a cart.
As for warranty… There’s a lifetime warranty on the lid, stainless steel frame, burners, cooking surface, and valves. Electric components are covered for one year.
The current price is $1,999.00.
COYOTE 30” FLAT TOP GRILL OUTDOOR
Product Highlights
Price
$2,099.00
Size
30"
Cooking Surface
503 Square Inches
Burner Count
2
Total BTUs
34,000
Model
Built-in, Freestanding
Pros
- Large Cooking area
- Great value for the money
- Robust warranty
- 304 stainless steel construction
Cons
- Slightly lower heat output
Last but not least… Coyote’s 30” stainless flat top grill.
It looks very similar to the other brands we’ve discussed. In many ways… This is true!
Coyote utilizes complete, heavy duty 304 stainless steel construction… It’s available in liquid propane and natural gas… And it’s available in both built in and freestanding models.
This grill features two U-shaped burners… Each dishing out 17,000 BTUs for a total of 34,000 BTUs.
Two knobs allow you to fine tune the temperature on each separate cooking zone.
At 503 square inches, you get a good amount of cooking area.
As for the warranty… The lid, frame, burners, cooking surface, and valves are covered under a lifetime warranty. The electric components are covered for 2 years.
For the price… Coyote offers a seriously robust warranty!
Speaking of price… This outdoor flat top grill costs $2,099.00.
EVO AFFINITY 25G OUTDOOR GAS FLAT TOP GRILL
Product Highlights
Price
$4,695.00
Size
25"
Cooking Surface
490 Square Inches
Burner Count
2
Total BTUs
31,600
Model
Built-in
Pros
- Circular model
- Slightly larger cooktop
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- Pricey for what you get
- Lower heat output
- Limited warranty
- Made with an unknown grade of steel
Evo Affinity’s flat top grill for outdoor kitchens is a circular model!
Aside from this novelty… It comes with a stainless steel hood (so you can indirectly boil, braise, poach, or fry).
This natural gas flat top has two separately controlled circular burners.
With 490 square inches of cooking space… This grill tops out at 31,600 BTUs.
Evo claims that the circular shape provides even heat distribution.
The cooktop is made with a pre-seasoned non-stick steel… But the grade is unknown.
This model has a 25” diameter… Though there is also a 30” model (as well as a 30” freestanding model).
There’s a limited lifetime warranty on this round flat top grill. A one year warranty covers remaining parts.
The price is currently $4,695.00.
LYNX ASADO BUILT IN 30” OUTDOOR KITCHEN FLAT TOP GRILL
Product Highlights
Price
$5,449.00
Size
30"
Cooking Surface
495 Square Inches
Burner Count
2
Total BTUs
46,000
Model
Built-in
Pros
- Trident infrared burners for great temperature control
- Full 304 stainless steel construction
- High heat output
- Larger cooking area
Cons
- Expensive Option
- Shorter warranty on most parts
The Lynx Asado is a bit different…
It includes two independently controlled Trident Infrared Burners, which are great temperature regulators for the 495 square inch grilling area.
Each Trident burner has a 23,000 BTUs output, for a total of 46,000 BTUs.
The 30” flat top is full 304 stainless steel construction. No material quality concerns here!
The stainless steel Trident burners are covered by a lifetime warranty. The gas valve panel is covered for five years, and all other parts are covered for two (there’s also a limited one year warranty for defective parts).
Lynx does offer portable stainless steel carts for freestanding grills… But you’ll have to purchase it separately.
Currently, the Asado is firmly in the luxury class at $5,449.00. The Trident burners are largely responsible for that elevated cost!
What is the Best Flat Top Grill?
So we’ve given you an overview of a lot of different brands.
At the end of the day… Everyone has unique needs.
The best flat top grills come down to personal preference!
But there is a flat top grill that is an excellent overall recommendation.
Coyote.
For full disclosure: We work with Coyote for our outdoor appliances.
And for good reason! There are a ton of factors that make Coyote’s appliances great.
Let’s speak specifically to Coyote’s flat top grills.
You’ll notice that in many ways… Coyote’s flat top grills are similar to the other built in brands we discussed (304 stainless steel, U-shaped burners, 30” size, natural gas and propane availability, and two individually controlled knobs).
So what makes them different?
Coyote Outdoor Living provides luxury quality appliances at premium level price.
You get the best value (and warranty) for the money!
Don’t just take it from us!
Make your own comparisons (the reviews will speak for themselves).
So, what’s next?
THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN SOLUTION FOR YOUR FLAT TOP GRILL
So you want the best outdoor flat top grill… But what if we told you there’s a way to make it even better?
Paring it with an outdoor kitchen!
Our ready to assemble outdoor kitchens can be put together in a couple hours, with no construction experience required.
Even better… Our virtual design process means you don’t have to lift a finger.
You’ll be able to design, order, and assemble your outdoor kitchen… All from the comfort of your own home.
This includes top of the line Coyote appliances and grill accessories (propane gas grills, pellet grills, or charcoal grills, sinks, refrigerators, and more!) countertops, storage… And, of course, their flat top grills (a best seller here at RTA)!
And when housing your flat top grill… You’ll want an outdoor kitchen that will hold up.
RTA kitchens will do just that! They’re made with high performance concrete panels that will withstand the test of time.
If you have any questions or concerns… We’re here to support you.
Our Design Experts and Customer Success team will be with you every step of the way.
An outdoor kitchen project doesn’t have to be a frustrating undertaking.
With RTA, it’s as simple as…
Hosting. No sweat.
Need Help With Your Plans?
FAQ
If you’re looking for versatility… You will love a flat top grill.
You can cook a full breakfast, hibachi, or any of your favorite grilled foods like traditional burgers.
If this sounds good to you… A flat top grill is certainly worth adding to your outdoor space!
The primary benefit of a flat top grill is versatility…
The solid cooking surface will prevent food pieces and drippings from falling through the grates. So you could cook so much more than you can on a traditional grill!
