2018 Best Flat Top Outdoor Grills Reviews

The world of outdoor grilling has undergone major innovations in recent years, with the incorporation of some very convenient features in outdoor grills, making outdoor grilling all the more fun not to mention, more efficient. There is no denying that technologies incorporated in grills such as infrared grilling, features such as side shelves, rotisserie burners, grease and flavourizer systems, bottle openers and so much more have revolutionized outdoor grilling. Various types of outdoor grills have emerged from portable table top grills to built-in grills, grills that operate on wood pellets for fuel and the focus of our discussion today, flat top outdoor grills.

Flat top outdoor grills are as the name suggests are grills with a flat grilling  surface that can be interchangeable used with a griddle. Flat top outdoor grills are perfect for any kind of meal from breakfast to lunch and dinner, allowing you to cook almost anything including eggs, pancakes, hamburgers, grilled cheese, steaks and so much more.

There are however not many options to chose from for this type of grills but their popularity is growing and there is bound to be more choices available in future. For now, here are 3 of the best  flat top outdoor grills available;

Blackstone Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill

This grill is one of the best selling flat top grill on Amazon right now and one of the highest rated grills too.

Features

• This Blackstone Grill is crafted from durable steel frame with a black powder coating and a thick cold rolled steel cook top.
  
• Simple-to-clean burners are made of stainless steel with an output of 15,000 BTUs each making a total of 60,000 BTUs. For versatility, the 4 burners are independently controlled.
  
• Grill top measures 36″ x 20″ which translates to a total of  720sq inches of flat top grilling surface.
  
• Features a bottom shelf and two side shelves handy for food prepping.
• Powered by a battery powered push button ignition for easy start ups.
• Built in grease trap that draws grease away from your food.
• Fold-able legs and 4 industrial strength caster wheels for secure footing and easy movement.
•  Blackstone Grill operates on a standard 20lb tank and comes with a tank storage that can be tucked nicely under the left side shelf of the grill.

Advantages of Blackstone Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill

• High heat output of a total of 60,000 BTUs.
• Easy to move around which is made all the more possible by the removable griddle top, fold-able legs and 4 caster wheels.
• Durable and expected to last for years thanks to the quality steel construction of the frame and the burners.
• Offers versatility in cooking by having different heat zones made possible by the independently controlled burners.

Cons;

• There may be a problem with the grease drain as grease and oils tend to drip along the bottom and down the front of the griddle instead of following the grease channel.
  

Camp Chef Flat Top Grill

• Includes four 12,000 BTU stainless steel burners making at total of 48,000 total BTU output.
• Expansive cooking surface of 501 sq. in. of grilling surface and 604 sq inches of griddle cooking surface.
• Comes with an interchangeable flat top griddle measuring 20.5″ x 31″.
• No fuss matchless ignition system for fast and easy lighting.
• 2 bottom storage shelves and two additional large folding side shelves that provide a surface to prep and place your food.
• Grease management system with grease tray and catch bucket for easy clean up.
• Roller wheels for easy movement around your patio or backyard.
• Includes a propane tank holder.
• Adjustable leg levelers for secure footing

Advantages;

• It is a durable, well built and sturdy grill.
  
• Wheels make it easy to move from place to place around your outdoor living area.
• Versatility in cooking as the grill and griddle can be used interchangeably.
• Offers a very large surface for cooking.

Cons;

• Expect it to rust if you do not season it before use and oil it regularly after.

Royal Gourmet Propane Gas Flat Top Outdoor Grill

• Both the grill and griddle each offer 292 Sq. Inches of cooking surface for a total of 584 Sq. In. of cooking space.
• Features 4 stainless steel burners each with 12000 BTUs heat output for a total of 48,000 BTUs. Each burner is independently controlled allowing you to set 4 different cooking zones.
  
• The cart comes with hooks for placing your cooking tools and a bottle opener, all for added convenience.
• Electronic ignition for fast start ups.
• Features a heavy-duty full stainless-steel control panel and double-layer lid for enhanced appearance and durability.
• Large metal side shelves offer additional working space for preparing food and placing your seasonings.
• The wheels, folding frame of the cart and four 360 degree locking casters for convenience when moving it around.
• Built in grease channel with removable drip pans for fast and easy clean up.
  

Advantages;

• Offers a dual cooking surface where by the grill and griddle can be used interchangeably.
• Easy to move around with the help of the wheels.
• It is durable and made to last for years.

Flat top outdoor grills compared side by side;

From the above;

• Camp Chef Flat Top Grill provides the largest cooking area so depending on your outdoor cooking needs, this may be the best grill for you.
• In terms of heat production, the Blackstone Flat Top Outdoor Grill is the best in this regard.

All the above flat top outdoor grills are excellent choices that will give you value for the money in terms of efficiency and durability. That being said, if I had to pick one, I would definitely go for the Blackstone Grill. It is one of the best selling/most popular of the three by far, and has one of the highest grill ratings on Amazon, which is amazing considering the popularity.