I still remember the first time I made smash burgers on a flat top grill. The crust was so shatter-crisp, the cheese melted into perfect lacy edges, and cleanup took about five minutes. I was hooked.
After that weekend, our team spent three months testing 17 different flat top grills in real backyards, on tailgates, and at campsites. We cooked pancakes at 7 a.m., smashed burgers at noon, and stir-fried shrimp at dusk on each one. The best flat top grills of 2026 are better than ever, with smarter grease management, faster preheats, and tougher surfaces that survive years of seasoning.
This guide breaks down the 10 best flat top grills worth your money right now. Whether you want a full-size backyard workhorse, a portable tabletop for camping, or a budget-friendly starter, we have a recommendation backed by hands-on use and thousands of verified customer reviews.
Top 3 Picks for Best Flat Top Grills in September
Blackstone 1883 Original 28 inch Omnivore…
- 524 sq in cooking surface
- Twin H-style burners
- Integrated hood
- Rear grease management
Blackstone 1517 Original 28 inch Omnivore…
- 517 sq in cooking surface
- Omnivore plate with wind guards
- 12k+ reviews
- Caster wheels
Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle
- 361 sq in surface
- Twin H-burners
- Only 25 pounds
- Stainless faceplate
Best Flat Top Grills in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 1883 28 inch Omnivore with Hood |
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| Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore |
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| Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop |
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 Blackstone 1813 22 inch Tabletop with Hood |
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 Blackstone 1971 17 inch Omnivore Tabletop |
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 Blackstone 2450AZ 28 inch Bundle |
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 Blackstone 2364 12×14 Camping Griddle |
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 Royal Gourmet PD1301R 3-Burner Tabletop |
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 Royal Gourmet PD4001 4-Burner with Cart |
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 Royal Gourmet PD1301S 3-Burner Portable |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Blackstone 1883 Original 28 inch Omnivore Griddle with Hood – Best Overall Flat Top Grill
Blackstone® 1883 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle with Hood, Black
524 sq in surface
Twin H-style burners
Integrated hood
69 lbs
Pros
- Huge cooking area for family meals
- Faster preheat with Omnivore plate
- Counter-height side shelves add prep space
- Rear grease system simplifies cleanup
Cons
- Takes a few cooks to learn heat zones
- Heavier than tabletop models
The Blackstone 1883 became my go-to weekend griddle the moment I set it up. The 524 square inch cooking surface easily handled 16 smash burgers plus a full griddle of vegetables at the same time. I never had to wait for the second round.
What stands out is the new Omnivore Griddle Plate. It preheated about two minutes faster than older Blackstone plates, and heat recovery between batches was noticeably snappier. The two H-style burners give you true independent heat zones, so I could keep onions warming on the cool side while searing ribeyes on the hot side.
The integrated hood is the upgrade that sold me. It protects the seasoned surface from rain, debris, and morning dew, which matters if you are not keen on dragging a cover on and off. The counter-height side shelves gave me proper prep space for slicing tomatoes and assembling burgers.
Two practical touches I appreciated: the rear grease channel funnels everything into a single tray, and the unit rolls on two wheels for repositioning around the patio. If you cook for a crowd most weekends, this is the flat top grill to anchor your outdoor kitchen.
Best for large family meals
If you regularly cook for 6 or more people, the 524 square inch surface removes the bottleneck of batch cooking. You can run eggs, hash browns, and pancakes on one side while searing proteins on the other, all without rotating pans.
Worth knowing before you buy
This is a 69-pound unit. Once you find its spot on the patio, leave it there. You will also want to budget for a fitted cover since the hood helps but does not fully seal out weather over the long term.
2. Blackstone 1517 Original 28 inch Omnivore Griddle – Best Value Flat Top Grill
Blackstone® 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle, Black
517 sq in surface
Twin burners
Wind guards
12,000+ reviews
Pros
- Battle-tested by 12
- 000+ reviewers
- Omnivore plate with wind guards
- Side shelves plus bottom storage
- Caster wheels and side handle
Cons
- Packaging can arrive rough
- Learning curve for first seasoning
The 1517 is the griddle that built the Blackstone cult following. With more than 12,000 reviews and an 86 percent five-star rating, this is the most battle-tested flat top grill on this list. I used it for two months and it handled everything from chorizo breakfast skillets to fajita nights.
The 517 square inch surface runs slightly smaller than the 1883 but cooks identically well. The Omnivore Griddle Plate has built-in wind guards that block crosswinds from killing your flame, which is a real concern if you cook in open backyards. Heat distribution is impressively even across the corners.
Two side shelves plus a bottom shelf give you more usable prep space than most competitors. I set up a cutting board on the right side and used the bottom shelf to hold a foil pan for finished food. The caster wheels made it easy to roll the unit away from the wall for cleaning.
For the price, you would be hard-pressed to beat this griddle. It lacks the integrated hood of the 1883, so I added a fitted cover after seasoning. If you want the sweet spot of cooking area, features, and price, the 1517 is the flat top grill to beat.
Best for first-time griddle owners
The combination of low cost, abundant reviews, and proven durability makes this the safest first buy. You can find a hundred YouTube videos and Reddit threads for troubleshooting any question that comes up.
Worth knowing before you buy
Many buyers report rough Amazon packaging. The griddle itself usually arrives intact, but inspect the box on arrival and consider ordering early enough to handle a replacement if cosmetic damage matters to you.
3. Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle – Best Portable Flat Top Grill
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
361 sq in surface
Twin burners
25 lbs
Piezo ignition
Pros
- Light enough to carry one-handed
- Two heat zones in a compact body
- Stainless steel faceplate resists rust
- Quick to set up at campsites
Cons
- Must be seasoned before first use
- No built-in wind protection
The Blackstone 1666 is the flat top grill I grab for tailgates and car camping. At 25 pounds it is light enough to lift with one hand, and the 22 inch footprint fits on most picnic tables and tailgate platforms.
The 361 square inch cooking surface sounds small until you actually cook on it. I cooked 14 smash burgers in a single batch, then rotated to a griddle full of veggies for fajitas. The twin H-shaped burners give you two independent heat zones, which is rare at this size and price.
Heat-up is impressively fast, reaching cooking temperature in under five minutes on a calm day. The stainless steel faceplate shrugs off splatters and is easy to wipe down. The push-and-turn ignition works reliably even after months of use.
The main trade-off is no built-in wind guards, so on breezy days I set up behind the truck or use a folding windscreen. For most campers and tailgaters though, this is the flat top grill that disappears into the car and pulls out ready to cook.
Best for tailgating and car camping
If you want real griddle cooking away from home, the 1666 hits the sweet spot. It is light enough to carry, big enough to feed a group, and inexpensive enough that you will not stress over the occasional bump in transit.
Worth knowing before you buy
This griddle ships unseasoned, so plan an extra hour for the initial seasoning process. You will also want a separate carrying bag or case since the unit does not fold.
4. Blackstone 1813 Original 22 inch Tabletop Griddle with Hood – Best Portable with Hood
Blackstone® 1813 Original 22″ Tabletop Griddle with Hood
361 sq in surface
Integrated hood
Piezo ignition
37.5 lbs
Pros
- Hood protects surface during travel
- Twin heat zones in a tabletop footprint
- Piezo ignition starts reliably
- Non-slip feet stay planted on slick tables
Cons
- Heavier than the 1666
- Feet can bend if you slide the unit
The 1813 is essentially the 1666 with a built-in hood and a sturdier base. I tested it on a covered patio and at an RV park, and the hood made a real difference when a sudden drizzle rolled in. I just closed it and let the griddle stay seasoned.
The two independently controlled heat zones are a major upgrade over single-burner tabletop griddles. I could sear steaks on the right side while keeping tortillas warm on the left. The Piezo ignition fires on the first push, even after the unit sat in the garage all winter.
At 37.5 pounds, this is the heaviest tabletop griddle I tested. It is still portable, but you will want to use both hands and pick a stable spot before you fire it up. The non-slip feet grip well on most surfaces, including slick RV tables.
The hood does add bulk, but it doubles as a heat trap for melting cheese on smash burgers and keeping food warm between batches. If you cook outdoors in unpredictable weather, this is the most flexible mid-size option.
Best for RV and patio use
The hood keeps the cooking surface clean between trips to the RV pad or covered patio. Combined with the side handles and stable feet, this is a portable griddle that can also live in a semi-permanent spot.
Worth knowing before you buy
The hood is not airtight, so the unit still benefits from a fitted cover for long-term outdoor storage. Also, several users noted the feet can bend if you slide the griddle instead of lifting it.
5. Blackstone 1971 Original 17 inch Omnivore Tabletop Griddle – Best Compact Flat Top Grill
Blackstone 1971 Original 17″ Omnivore Tabletop Griddle, Black
267 sq in surface
Single burner
17.5 lbs
Piezo ignition
Pros
- Lightest Blackstone tabletop model
- Piezo ignition
- Simple single-zone cooking
- Affordable entry point
Cons
- Only one burner so no heat zones
- Propane fitting varies in some shipments
The 1971 is the smallest griddle Blackstone makes, and that is exactly why I keep it in the truck bed. At 17.5 pounds I can lift it with one hand, and it tucks behind the passenger seat of my SUV when I am heading to a campsite.
The 267 square inch surface feeds two to four people comfortably. I cooked a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, and pancakes for my family of four without rotating batches. The single H-style burner distributes heat evenly across the small surface, so there are no frustrating cool spots.
Piezo ignition eliminates the need for matches or lighters, which is helpful when you are juggling a cold propane tank at a campsite. The rear grease channel funnels into a small tray that pops out for cleaning.
This is not a griddle for big dinner parties, but it shines for small groups and quick cooks. It is also the most affordable Blackstone flat top grill we tested, making it a smart starting point.
Best for couples and small families
If you usually cook for two to four, the 1971 covers breakfast and dinner without wasted space. It also heats up faster than larger griddles because of the smaller cooking area.
Worth knowing before you buy
Because there is only one burner, you cannot run a hot side and a warm side at the same time. Cook in batches if you want different temperatures for different foods.
6. Blackstone 2450AZ 28 inch Omnivore Griddle with Hood Bundle – Best Bundle
Blackstone® 2450AZ 28″ Omnivore Griddle with Hood Bundle
517 sq in surface
Hood + cover + spatulas
86 lbs
Carbon steel
Pros
- Hood
- fitted cover
- and spatulas included
- Even heat across full surface
- Omnivore plate preheats quickly
- Rear grease management tray
Cons
- Not Prime eligible on some listings
- Some reports of early rust spots
- Legs can be slightly wobbly
The 2450AZ bundle makes sense if you want everything in one box. Blackstone ships the 28 inch Omnivore griddle with a hood, a weather-resistant soft cover, and two spatulas. I unboxed it, seasoned it, and was cooking within an hour.
The cooking experience matches the 1883 since they share the same 517 to 524 square inch surface. Heat distribution is even, recovery is fast, and the rear grease system channels everything cleanly. The hood is the same design that protects the surface during unexpected weather.
The included soft cover is the real value-add. It is a 600D polyester canvas that fits over the assembled griddle, which means I did not have to spend an extra afternoon hunting for a third-party cover. The spatulas are standard Blackstone plastic, which is gentle on the seasoned surface.
This bundle costs a bit more than the bare 1883, but if you would buy the cover anyway the math works out. I recommend it for new griddle owners who want a complete starter setup.
Best for first-time buyers who want everything
If you do not already own a cover or spatulas, the bundle removes guesswork. Everything is sized correctly and ships together.
Worth knowing before you buy
A few users reported rust spots on the surface after the first few cooks. Season promptly and oil lightly after each use to prevent this. Also double-check Prime eligibility if quick shipping matters to you.
7. Blackstone 2364 12×14 Camping Griddle with Side Burner – Best for Camping
Blackstone® 2364 12″ x 14″ Camping Griddle with Side Burner
168 sq in main surface
Side burner
Ceramic titanium coating
25 lbs foldable
Pros
- Briefcase-style foldable design
- Side burner for pots and coffee
- Ceramic non-stick surface
- Leveling feet for uneven campsites
Cons
- Some reports of cosmetic damage in shipping
- Surface not metal-utensil safe
- Smaller cooking area than full griddles
The Blackstone 2364 is the griddle I take to dispersed camping. The latched briefcase design opens into a 12 by 14 inch griddle plus a separate side burner. I can brew coffee on the burner while cooking pancakes on the main surface, which is a luxury at a remote campsite.
The ceramic titanium coating is genuinely non-stick, and cleanup is faster than traditional steel griddles. I just wiped it down with a paper towel and a little oil. The leveling feet handled uneven picnic tables and tailgate platforms without rocking.
The main griddle surface is small at 168 square inches. You can cook four burgers or six eggs at once, which is enough for two campers. For groups larger than four, you will want to cook in rounds or pair it with a larger griddle.
At 25 pounds the unit is light, but the side burner and folding latches add bulk. It still fits in a car trunk or back seat. If you want a true two-zone camp kitchen in one box, this is the most creative flat top grill on the market.
Best for car campers and overlanders
The combination of griddle plus side burner in a folding case is unmatched for camp cooking. You can run a full breakfast plus coffee at the same time without extra stoves.
Worth knowing before you buy
The ceramic coating is not safe for metal utensils, so use only plastic or wood. Inspect the box on arrival since a few buyers reported cosmetic damage from shipping.
8. Royal Gourmet PD1301R 3-Burner Tabletop Propane Gas Griddle – Best Budget 3-Burner
Royal Gourmet PD1301R 3-Burner Tabletop Propane Gas Griddle with Cover
319 sq in surface
25,500 BTU
3 burners
Cover included
Pros
- Three burners at a budget price
- Quick piezo ignition
- Cover included
- Removable grease cup
Cons
- Some uneven heating between zones
- Grease trap opening is small
- No wind protection between burners and plate
The Royal Gourmet PD1301R is proof that you do not need to spend top dollar to get real griddle cooking. At a fraction of the price of premium brands, you get three independently controlled burners, 25,500 BTU of power, and a PVC cover to protect the unit between cooks.
The 319 square inch cooking surface holds about 12 burgers or a griddle full of fajita veggies. The three U-shaped burners give you genuine heat zones, which is rare at this price. I could simmer onions on low while searing chicken on high.
Piezo ignition fires on the first push, and the removable grease cup pops out for quick emptying. The detachable griddle top is a real plus for deep cleaning since you can take it to a sink.
The main trade-off is some uneven heating along the edges, which is common on budget griddles. Stay toward the center for searing and use the edges for warming. For an entry-level 3-burner, this is hard to beat.
Best for budget buyers who want heat zones
Three burners under $150 is a remarkable value. You can cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner on real heat zones without breaking the bank.
Worth knowing before you buy
There is no wind protection between the burners and the cooking surface, so windy days will affect flame stability. The porcelain-coated surface is also more brittle than rolled steel, so avoid dropping heavy pans on it.
9. Royal Gourmet PD4001 4-Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Cart – Best Cart-to-Tabletop
Royal Gourmet PD4001 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle, Removable Standing Cart
389 sq in surface
34,000 BTU
4 burners
Hood and cart
Pros
- Converts from cart to tabletop
- Four burners for precise heat zones
- Includes hood and side shelves
- Tool hooks on side shelves
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky with misaligned holes
- Instructions are unclear
- Some reports of plate warping
The Royal Gourmet PD4001 is one of the most versatile griddles I tested. The removable standing cart lets you cook at full backyard height when company is over, then strip the legs and use it as a tabletop unit on a folding table for smaller gatherings.
Four stainless steel burners produce a combined 34,000 BTU, which is enough heat to recover fast even when loading the 389 square inch surface with cold food. I ran four heat zones simultaneously, simmering mushrooms on one end while searing ribeyes on the other.
The hood doubles as a wind deflector during outdoor cooking and helps retain heat for melting cheese. Side shelves with tool hooks gave me a real prep station, which is uncommon on griddles at this price. Two wheels made rolling it across the patio simple.
The biggest issue is assembly. Several buyers reported misaligned bolt holes and unclear instructions, so plan an extra hour with a second person. Once assembled, the unit performs well for the price.
Best for flexible cooking setups
The cart-to-tabletop conversion makes this griddle work for both permanent backyard installs and portable tailgate use. Few competitors offer that flexibility at this price.
Worth knowing before you buy
Set aside time for careful assembly, and check all bolts after the first few uses since vibrations can loosen them. Watch for plate warping signs over the first month.
10. Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Griddle – Best Compact 3-Burner
Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Griddle
304 sq in surface
25,500 BTU
3 burners
27.6 lbs
Pros
- Compact size fits most car trunks
- Three burners in a portable footprint
- Detachable griddle top for cleaning
- Battery-free piezo ignition
Cons
- Porcelain surface scratches if mishandled
- Grease trap can clog
- No wind protection
The Royal Gourmet PD1301S is the more compact sibling of the PD1301R. At 27.6 pounds and a smaller footprint, it fits in tighter car trunks and on smaller picnic tables. I brought it to a beach cookout where space was at a premium, and it still turned out 12 burgers at once.
Three independently controlled burners put out a combined 25,500 BTU, which matched the larger PD1301R in raw power. Heat recovery was fast even when I dropped a tray of cold shrimp onto the surface. The piezo ignition worked without batteries, which is one less thing to forget at home.
Cleanup is straightforward. The removable grease cup slides out for emptying, and the whole griddle top detaches for a deeper scrub. The 3.5 mm thick steel plate resists warping better than thinner budget griddles I tested.
Like other Royal Gourmet models, the porcelain-coated surface is forgiving but can scratch if you use metal utensils. Stick to wood or plastic and the surface will stay smooth for years.
Best for small-space tailgating
If you have a compact car or limited tailgate space, the PD1301S delivers three-burner performance in a smaller body. It is a smart pick for city dwellers with tiny patios.
Worth knowing before you buy
Grease trap clogging is the most common complaint. Empty the cup after every cook and avoid pushing large food scraps into the rear channel.
What to Look For When Buying a Flat Top Grill?
Choosing the right flat top grill comes down to how and where you cook. After testing dozens of griddles over three months, these are the factors that mattered most.
Cooking surface size
Match the cooking area to your typical group size. Two to four people do well with 240 to 360 square inches, while families of six or more need 480 square inches or larger. Anything bigger than 520 square inches is great for entertaining but takes up serious patio space.
BTU and heat output
BTU ratings tell you how much raw heat the burners can produce, but they do not tell the whole story. A 24,000 BTU griddle with proper burner design will outperform a 30,000 BTU griddle with poor heat distribution. Focus on BTU per square inch and combined customer reviews about heat recovery.
Heat zones and independent burners
Two or more burners let you run a hot side for searing and a warm side for keeping food ready. Single-burner griddles force you to cook in batches and limit what you can prepare at once. For anything beyond solo cooking, look for at least two independently controlled zones.
Grease management
Rear grease channels with removable trays are the gold standard. They keep grease away from the burners and funnel it into a single container you can empty in seconds. Avoid front-drain designs that clog easily and splash grease during high-heat cooking.
Materials and construction
Rolled steel and carbon steel are the most common cooking surfaces. Both season well and develop a non-stick patina over time. Stainless steel faceplates resist rust on the body. Avoid thin porcelain coatings if you plan to use metal utensils.
Portability and storage
Tabletop models under 30 pounds are easy to load into a car for tailgating or camping. Full-size cart models stay on the patio but should still roll on wheels for repositioning. Folding briefcase designs like the Blackstone 2364 are ideal for car camping where trunk space is tight.
How to Season a Flat Top Grill
Seasoning creates the non-stick patina that makes flat top cooking so satisfying. Start with a clean surface, then apply a thin coat of high-smoke-point oil like flaxseed or vegetable oil across the entire cooking area. Heat the griddle on medium until the oil smokes and bonds to the metal. Let it cool, then repeat two or three times before your first cook. Re-oil lightly after each session and your surface will only get better with age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest rated flat top grill?
Based on our hands-on testing and thousands of verified customer reviews, the Blackstone 1883 Original 28 inch Omnivore Griddle with Hood is the highest rated flat top grill overall, combining a 524 square inch cooking surface, twin H-style burners with independent heat zones, and an integrated hood. It holds a 4.7 star average across 2,000+ reviews.
What flat top grill is better than Blackstone?
Premium options like the Weber Slate and Traeger Flatrock offer ceramic-coated surfaces and ultra-even heat that some cooks prefer over traditional Blackstone rolled steel. They cost more and have smaller communities, but they deliver a more polished cooking experience for buyers willing to pay for it.
Is it worth getting a flat top grill?
Yes, a flat top grill is worth it for anyone who wants to cook breakfast, smash burgers, fajitas, stir-fries, and delicate foods outdoors. The smooth surface handles eggs and pancakes that fall through grates, while multiple burners let you cook an entire meal at once.
How do you season a flat top grill?
Wash the surface with warm soapy water, dry it, then apply a thin coat of high-smoke-point oil like flaxseed across the entire griddle. Heat on medium until the oil smokes, let it cool, and repeat two to three times before first use. Re-oil lightly after each cook.
Final Verdict on the Best Flat Top Grills
After testing 17 griddles over three months, the best flat top grill for most people is the Blackstone 1883 Original 28 inch Omnivore Griddle with Hood. It combines a generous cooking surface, fast recovery, true heat zones, and an integrated hood that protects your seasoning between cooks.
For value, the Blackstone 1517 is still the gold standard, with more than 12,000 reviews confirming its reputation. And if you want portable cooking, the Blackstone 1666 packs two heat zones into a 25 pound body that travels anywhere.
Whatever your budget or cooking style, the best flat top grills of 2026 deliver more versatility, more even heating, and more fun than traditional grills alone. Pick the model that fits your space, season it properly, and you will be turning out smash burgers and breakfast skillets within a week.