Best Flat-Top Grills (2026)
The best flat-top grills are the Blackstone 36-Inch with 720 square inches of cooking area and 4 burners, and the Camp Chef Flat Top 600 with 604 square inches and 2 burners. Both run on propane and have built-in grease management.
Side by side
| Model | Cooking area | Burners | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 36-Inch | 720 sq in | 4 | Propane |
| Camp Chef Flat Top 600 | 604 sq in | 2 | Propane |
The picks
Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle
Top pick
The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle is backed by a full warranty and strong customer reviews. Its build quality and heat retention make it the strongest pick in this category, and the design is purpose-built for long cooks at low temperatures. The hardware supports the kind of temperature stability that competition cooks look for in a serious BBQ setup.
cooking area sq in: 720.burners: 4.fuel: propane.
Camp Chef Flat Top 600
Strong runner-up
The Camp Chef Flat Top 600 is backed by a full warranty and strong customer reviews. Its build quality and heat retention make it the strongest pick in this category, and the design is purpose-built for long cooks at low temperatures. The hardware supports the kind of temperature stability that competition cooks look for in a serious BBQ setup.
cooking area sq in: 604.burners: 2.fuel: propane.
FAQ
What is the best for beginners?
All the picks are suitable for beginners. The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle is the most beginner-friendly with intuitive controls and clear documentation. Most buyers can start cooking good food on day one with proper technique and a good thermometer.
What fuel does the Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle use?
The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle uses standard fuel which is widely available and easy to manage. The fuel source affects flavor profile and operating cost significantly across the cooking lifetime of the unit. Most beginners find the standard fuel source easier to learn on than specialized fuels.
How much cooking area do I need?
For a family of four, 400-500 square inches is sufficient. The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle offers ample of cooking space. For entertaining or larger gatherings, the Camp Chef Flat Top 600 provides more capacity and more cooking surface for multiple racks.
How long does the warranty last?
The warranty on these picks is 1-3 years depending on the manufacturer. The Oklahoma Joe's and Char-Griller come with a 1-year warranty. Manufacturers stand behind their product with responsive customer service. Register the product to ensure full coverage.
What is the difference between offset and direct-heat smokers?
Offset smokers have a separate firebox that allows indirect heat cooking. The fuel burns away from the food, giving better temperature control and smoke flavor. Direct-heat smokers expose the food directly to the fire. For beginners, offset designs are more forgiving and produce better results with less experience.