To find the best flat-top grills, we recommend you look for a grill that has a total cooking surface of at least 220 square inches, outputs a minimum of 12,000 BTUs of heat, have nonstick or stick-resistant, BPA-free, dishwasher-safe cooking surfaces, and drip trays for fat and grease. Additional features like caster wheels and foldable legs for portability and mobility and side prep tables are also good to look for.
After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a multitude of products with varying price points and features, we’ve determined that the Blackstone Table Top Grill is the best flat top grill you can buy on the market today. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best grills on the market for any need.
Top 10 Best Flat Top Grills
#1 Blackstone 1814 Table Top Flat Top Grill
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Powerful, portable, and easy to clean, with a heat-retaining cast-iron grilling surface for efficiency and even, consistent heat across the cooking surface, it’s a perfect all-around choice for reliable, high quality griddling and grilling.
- 268 square inch heating surface
- Ultra hot, practically non stick cast iron griddle
- Quick-heating H-style design
- Slightly lower top heat than some
The Blackstone 1814 Table Top Grill is an open-top heavy-duty plastic and aluminum indoor grill. Its ultra non-stick grilling surface makes it easy to get perfect grill marks and high-heat results without ruining your food or the grill. Its Cool-touch handles and casing make it easier to handle during cooking or cool down, and its clever modular design breaks down into 100% dishwasher-safe parts, also making it easy to store when not in use. Keep your grill looking spotless with our best grill cleaner.
Its open-top design means it’s slightly less safe for households with small children who may be able to reach kitchen countertops. But the variable heat control up to 400 degrees, safety-minded handling design, and easy-to-clean, easy-to-store build make it a great all-around choice. It’s great for anyone looking for the best indoor grills.
#2 Blackstone 1666 Flat Top Grill
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: With a generous 330 square inches of cooking area, exceptional heat output for its class, and easy clean/easy carry design, it’s built for performance and convenience.
- Steel Hood for better heat retention
- Patented rear grease trap for easy and fast cleanup
- Quick-heating H-style design
- Open design slightly less safe during cooking
The Blackstone 1666 is a stainless steel top griddle built with convenience and performance in mind. Its generous 330 square inches of cooking area output 24,000 BTUs of heat for fast, even, and consistent professional results, with a stick-resistant design that cleans up with the swipe of a paper towel. A patented rear grease trap allows for even easier cleanup, and its Blackstone “H” style burner provides even heat across its cooking surface. Pit Nexgrill vs Blackstone and see which one is superior before buying this Blackstone grill.
Its easy-carry handle and 1lb propane tank design allow for maximum portability, though its open-griddle design is slightly less safe than some models while in use. Regardless, for a powerful, easy-to-use, and easy-to-carry model that produces professional results every time, it’s a top choice, especially for anyone seeking the best propane grill.
#3 Camp Chef Portable Flat Top Grill
Award: BEST ALL-IN-ONE
WHY WE LIKE IT: A patented pre-seasoned cooking surface, exceptional 4-burner cooking power, sturdy build, and easy clean design make it a user-friendly powerhouse.
- Adjustable folding legs for easy transport
- Four burners at 12,000 BTU/hr each
- Side prep shelves
- Fairly high price point
The Camp Chef Portable Flat Top Grill is a portable cold-rolled steel flat top griddle with four high-performance burners outputting 12,000 BTUs each for professional, consistent results. Its patented True Seasoned nonstick surface cooks food evenly and cleanly for the most flavorful results possible, and a convenient grease management system makes it easy to clean.
Convenience and portability features include sturdy, foldable legs and folding side prep shelves, but the built quality, power, and performance come at a higher price point than many in its class. For a highly portable, easy to clean, and very powerful model with a very generous 604 square inch total cooking area, however, it’s an excellent value. It’s a great option for anyone looking for the best camping grills.
#4 Blackstone 1554 4 Burner Flat Top Grill
Award: BEST ADVANCED FEATURES
WHY WE LIKE IT: Heavy-duty, super powerful, and loaded with convenience and versatility features and a generous cooking area, it’s a top choice for professional quality flat top grilling.
- 720 square inches heating surface
- 2-shelf design for storage and prep
- Heavy caster wheels for secure mobility
- Heavier than many in class
The Blackstone 1554 is a heavy-duty steel flat top grill outputting 60,000 BTUs of cooking power on a total cooking surface of 720 square inches. 4 adjustable individual cooking zones allow for a versatile grilling surface capable of cooking multiple foods simultaneously with even, consistent results. Two shelves of storage, large extendable side prep tables, heavy-duty caster wheels on sturdy steel legs, and a simple push-button ignition system with precise discrete control knobs for each burner add to its versatility and convenience.
At 120 lbs, it’s heavier than many in its class, though its wheeled cart-like design makes it fairly mobile, and a side carrying handle adds some portability. But the extremely large total cooking area, exceptional heat output, precise controls, easy-to-use design, and versatile cooking surface make it a great value for a full-featured professional griddle and grill option. As far as versatility goes, we also recommend our best infrared grills buying guide.
#5 Blackstone 28 inch Outdoor Flat Top Grill
Award: BEST FOR SMALLER SERVINGS
WHY WE LIKE IT: The 1554’s smaller cousin has all the mobility and cooking power, with a more compact design and ease of use, perfect for smaller meal prep.
- 470sq inches heating surface
- Collapsing steel side table
- Push-button ignition
- Assembly more difficult than some similar models
The Blackstone 28 Inch is a stainless steel griddle that outputs 30,000 BTUs of cooking power on 470 square inches of stick-resistant cooking space. Two adjustable heat zones with precise controls for each, allowing for more versatility. A push-button ignition makes startup quick and easy, while a collapsable side prep table, bottom shelf for storage, and heavy caster wheels on its sturdy steel legs allow for mobility.
Expert assembly is optional, as the home assembly has a somewhat higher learning curve than many similar models. But for a lightweight, portable, easy-to-use, and powerful mobile griddle and grill for serving smaller groups or using in tighter backyard spaces, it’s an excellent value for a top performer. For small spaces, you might also be interested in our best electric grills guide.
#6 Cuisinart CGG-888 Flat Top Grill
Award: BEST FUEL EFFICIENCY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Lightweight and highly mobile but offering exceptional power and performance as well as heat-retaining features like a thick, vented steel lid for great fuel efficiency.
- Assembles in less than 30 minutes
- 30,000 BTUs of cooking power
- Unusual 360-degree griddle
- Slightly top heavy construction
The Cuisinart CGG-888 is a stainless steel mobile flat top grill that outputs an exceptional 30,000 BTUs of cooking power with two advanced burners on an unusual 360 degree 22” grill surface designed with cold-rolled steel for fast heat-up and even, consistent cooking across its entire surface. A vented stainless steel lid retains heat better than many flat-top grills while a grease trap and removable grease trap make for easy cleaning on this Cuisinart grill.
Other convenience features include caster wheels for mobility, a generous fold-out side prep surface, undercarriage paper towel holder. Its fairly robust grill sits atop its legs and wheel casters in a slightly top-heavy way, meaning it may be somewhat more susceptible knock over, but it’s a fairly minimal risk, and its excellent performance, ease of use, and quick under-30-minute assembly make it a great, affordable go-to for a distinctive and versatile performer. We’ve also identified the best natural gas grills for improved fuel efficiency and greener options.
#7 Blackstone Tailgater Flat Top Grill
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Award: BEST FOR TRADITIONAL BBQ
WHY WE LIKE IT: Three different high-performance grilling surface options, a sleek look, sturdy black steel build, and adjustable legs that offer stability even on uneven surfaces make it a versatile go-anywhere option that excels at old-fashioned backyard BBQing.
- 35,000 BTUs total heat output
- Adjustable height and position legs
- Three different grill surface options
- Fairly heavy compared to many grills in class
The Blackstone Tailgater is a versatile and reasonably mobile propane grill featuring three different cooking surface options outputting a total of 35,000 BTUs of heat output. Its cast-iron grill box and Blackstone patented cold rolled steel H-style griddle can be used simultaneously for different food items or may be removed to use its two powerful burners for pots and pans- or remove one and have one open burner and one grill surface. Its two highly adjustable and durable steel legs can be positioned to be sturdy even on uneven surfaces, making it an ideal option for outdoor areas and camps where flat ground isn’t always available.
Though built for portability and mobility, at 75lb, it’s heavier than many models in its class, though still practical enough for travel if packed in a car. But its excellent heat output, 477 sq. inch total cooking surface, clever multipurpose design, easy-to-use, and reliable ignition system, patented Blackstone cooking surface technology, and ability to be set up practically anywhere make it an exceptionally versatile high-performance option for outdoor cooking. We also like the best pellet smokers for BBQ enthusiasts.
#8 George Foreman GFO3320GM Flat Top Grill
Award: BEST EASE-OF-USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: 6 pre-set programs, multiple grilling style options, and food type detection technology, and a sloped design for healthier low-fat cooking in a sturdy, attractive design.
- Patented fat-removing sloped design
- Safe, easy to use electric heating system
- Five automatic temperature settings
- Smaller total cooking surface than many in class
The George Foreman Gun Metal Electric Grill is a compact, lightweight electric flat top grill with a round grill surface design and a total cooking surface of 240 square inches. A premium ceramic coating on its stainless steel grill surface provides clean-burning, consistent, cooking that’s nonstick and easy to clean while being BPA-free for safety and 5x more durable than standard steel griddles. The patented Foreman Fat-Removing Slope design removes up to 42% of fat from meats for leaner, healthier meals, and removable legs, along with its safer electric heating system that allows for use indoors. Visit our listicle of highly-rated outdoor electric grills for outdoor cooking.
Its very modest price point and compact size mean it doesn’t offer as generous a total cooking area as many models in its class, though it’s still more than enough for small and mid-sized meals. But its easy to clean, health-minded design, good performance, as well as ease of use features like five automatic temperature settings and removable legs make it an excellent value for a versatile small-sized flat top grill. Are you a fan of rotisserie? We’ve also identified the best rotisserie grills on the market.
#9 Blackstone 1819 Flat Top Grill
Award: BEST VERSATILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: A hybrid charcoal/gas cooking system with high heat output on both surfaces, a mobile cart-like design, a long-lasting, durable powder-coated black steel frame, and a convenience feature for a highly versatile option.
- Heavy-duty side prep and fuel tank shelf
- Even-cooking cold rolled steel cooktop
- Multiple tool hooks and storage shelving
- Bulkier than many in class and size category
The Blackstone 1819 is a hybrid propane and charcoal flat top grill. Its stainless steel 17” x 15.75” propane burner grilling surface outputs 12,000 BTUs with Blackstone’s “H” style grill design for clean, even, consistent high-performance grilling. The grated 16” 15.75” charcoal surface provides great traditional grill marks and is also excellent for searing. A patented rear grease management system makes cleaning easier, and other convenience features like grate hooks, utensil hooks, heavy-duty caster wheels on a cart-like design, and a side prep table make it easy to use and fairly mobile.
Though its mobility and mess-resistant design make it usable in a variety of different spaces, it’s somewhat bulkier than many in its class. But the good heat output, ease of use, multiple convenience features, and hybrid burner design make it an exceptionally user-friendly and highly versatile grill. For next-level versatility, we also recommend the best kamado grills.
#10 Royal Gourmet PD1300 Flat Top Grill
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: A pared-down and economical model with more than enough heating power for most grilling and griddling and a fairly generously sized nonstick porcelain-enameled removable surface for easy cleaning and fast, consistent cooking.
- 39,000 BTUs of total cooking power
- Removable, dishwasher porcelain-enameled cooking surface
- Reliable piezo ignition system
- Fairly bare-bones and lacking the extra features of many similar models
The Royal Gourmet PD1300 is a steel flat top propane grill that outputs a total of 24,000 BTUs on its three high-quality burners. Its porcelain-enameled, removable cast griddle surface offers 316 square inches of cooking surface that cleans easily, heats up quickly, and provides even, consistent cooking. Its ultra-reliable, safe piezo ignition system, grease collection cups, and durable stainless steel control panel make it even easier to use and clean, and increase its lifespan even with regular use.
Its extremely modest price point means it lacks many of the extra features found in similar-sized models. But the good heat output, nonstick, easy-clean, quick-heating griddle, and overall excellent build quality make it a terrific value for a mid-sized flat top griddle and grilling solution. For more upgraded options, check our best built-in grills guide.
How We Decided
We preferred electric, propane, natural gas, and hybrid infrared flat top-designed grills that output no less than 12,000 BTUs of heat per burner and featured at least one semi-nonstick griddle cooking surface. We liked grills with safety features like cool-touch handles and housings well as durable steel, aluminum, cast iron, and porcelain-coated grills for fast heating and consistent cooking.
We also liked flat-top grills with removable grilling surfaces for easy cleaning and grease traps that were dishwasher-safe and advanced heating systems for decreased risk of flare-ups and consistent, even cooking. Also appreciated were cooking surfaces that were certified BPA-free.
Finally, we liked grills with some degree of mobility or portability in features such as caster wheels, foldable legs, carrying handles, and compact, lightweight design if possible. We also preferred total cooking surfaces no smaller than 220 square inches for preparing small-sized meals easily.
Best Flat Top Grills Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Compact & Lightweight
There’s no reason a small, compact, and lightweight flat top can’t reproduce the performance of the larger outdoor grills you’re used to at BBQs, and manufacturers have answered the need with a large variety of grills that feature space-saving, easy-store, and highly portable designs. Let’s be real, not everybody has the outdoor space for large outdoor griddles and flat top grills. Plus not everybody wants all that real estate in their grill cooking surface. Unlike built-in models, some portable grills are even built especially for travel with carrying handles, collapsible design, foldable legs, and ultra-durable military-grade steel construction meant to take more abuse than standard at-home models. Though there’s less inches of cooking space, you’ll be able to grill up your favorite foods on a flat cooking surface in different locations with this type of grill. If you’re new to grilling, that is a kind of grill beginners can appreciate. There’s no shortage of options suitable to whatever balance between range of size, portability, performance, and price point you’re looking for. - Clean-Cooking and Safe
Flat-top grills are often designed with griddling primarily in mind and thus often have slightly lower top BTU outputs than some grill kinds. Nonetheless, they still can burn very hot, and their design is very often lidless, meaning exposed cooking surfaces are the norm. Heat-resistant housings and handles are good to look for, as are robust builds that surround exposed hot griddles, but better yet, are actual lids. Though nonstick grilling surfaces are rarer in many professional and high-end gas grills, flat-top grills do sometimes feature porcelain-coated cast-iron and ceramic grilling surfaces, and such models have the advantage of being easier to clean of any food residue and less likely to burn food, in addition to burning hotter and retaining heat better.- Some grills have grease trays to collect grease from the cooked food, and they tend to be removable for easy clean up. After every cooking session, we recommend cleaning out the greasy tray.
- Fuel Efficiency
Flat-top grills often have lower heat output than some professional models and thus are more fuel-efficient inherently, and some even feature electric heating systems that negate the need for fuel at all, but fuel efficiency is nonetheless something to look for. The majority of travel-friend and purpose-built flat-top grills are made to run on small 1lb liquid propane fuel tanks as their basic source, but many also feature infrared hybrid designs that not only increase efficiency but offer better cooking as well. You shouldn’t need to sacrifice cooking power and ease of use to save money on fuel. Additionally, if you like the flat-top cooking style, you can check out the best griddler for an indoor electrical option.- Keep in mind that good temperature control is a key factor to getting the results you want out of grilling different types of food.
