Editor’s note: Originally published February 2019. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
A flat top grill, or griddle, is one of the most versatile outdoor cookers you can own: eggs and hash browns for breakfast, grilled cheese for lunch and burgers or steak for dinner. Below are five flat top grills from Blackstone, Camp Chef and Royal Gourmet, from full-size griddle stations for big crowds to portable tabletop models for camping and tailgating, compared on the features each manufacturer lists.
Quick answer
- Large griddle station: Blackstone 36 inch (720 sq in) or Royal Gourmet GB4001 (792 sq in, comes pre-seasoned).
- Griddle and grill in one: Camp Chef FTG600, with a removable griddle over a grill.
- Portable: Blackstone 17 inch tabletop (25 lbs, runs on 1 lb propane bottles) or Royal Gourmet PD1300 (porcelain enamel griddle, no seasoning needed).
- Most bare steel griddle tops need seasoning before first use; pre-seasoned or porcelain enamel tops save that step.
Flat top grills compared
| Model | Type | Cooking area (listed) | Burners / BTU (listed) | Seasoning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 36 inch Griddle Station | Full-size cart | 720 sq in | Not stated | Required |
| Camp Chef FTG600 | Full-size, griddle + grill | 501 sq in | 4 burners, 12,000 BTU listed | Not stated |
| Royal Gourmet GB4001 | Full-size cart | 792 sq in | 4 burners, 52,000 BTU total | Pre-seasoned |
| Blackstone 17 inch Tabletop | Portable | 260 sq in | H-shaped burner, 12,000 BTU | Required |
| Royal Gourmet PD1300 | Portable | 325.9 sq in | 3 burners, 27,000 BTU total | Not needed (porcelain enamel) |
Before you buy: seasoning and size
Many flat tops need to be “seasoned” before use. You heat the surface and wipe on thin coats of cooking oil, which blackens the steel, helps it last longer and creates a more non-stick surface. It isn’t hard and doesn’t take long, even with several coats. Models with a pre-seasoned or porcelain enamel top skip this step.
Think about where you’ll cook. Full-size griddle stations on wheels suit a patio and can feed a crowd. Tabletop models are small enough for tailgates, RV trips, camping or a small balcony. Either way, the flat surface makes cleanup simpler than scrubbing grill grates.
The flat top grills
1. Blackstone 36 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station
Blackstone’s 36 inch griddle station offers a large, restaurant-style cooking surface for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including burgers and steaks. Blackstone updated this model to address grease running down the leg with a new grease management system, and added a removable cutting board, trash bag hooks, a paper towel holder and an improved side shelf.
Listed specifications
- 36 inch griddle
- 720 square inches of cooking surface
- Updated grease management system
- Removable cutting board, trash bag hooks, paper towel holder
- Wheels for moving
Pros
- Large cooking area
- Updated grease management
- Useful extras: cutting board, paper towel holder, bag hooks
- Easy to clean and low maintenance
- Wheels for easy moving
Cons
- Heavy, so assembly can be hard for one person
- Cover sold separately
- Flat top must be seasoned before use
2. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600 (FTG600)
The Camp Chef FTG600 is a 2-in-1: lift off the interchangeable griddle and there’s a grill underneath, ready for burgers or steaks. It adds a grease management system, two large folding side shelves, a matchless ignition system and wheels.
Listed specifications
- 501 square inches of cooking area
- Four burners; 12,000 BTU listed
- Interchangeable, removable griddle top with grill underneath
- Grease management system
- Matchless ignition
- Two folding side shelves; wheels
Pros
- 2-in-1 griddle and grill
- Heats up fast and evenly
- Large cooking surface
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- Prone to rust if left outside
- Food tends to stick without butter or oil
3. Royal Gourmet GB4001 4-Burner 36 inch Grill Griddle
The Royal Gourmet GB4001 has the largest cooking surface here and arrives pre-seasoned, so you can start cooking as soon as it’s assembled. It has fixed side tables, an open cart design, electronic spark ignition and a detachable grease cup.
Listed specifications
- 36 inch griddle, 792 square inches of cooking surface
- 4 burners, 52,000 BTU total
- Pre-seasoned griddle plate
- Electronic spark ignition
- Detachable grease cup
- Four locking casters
Pros
- Largest cooking area in this list
- Pre-seasoned, ready to cook
- Locking casters
- Hassle-free cleanup
Cons
- No cover included
- Possible shipping damage (scratches or dents) reported
4. Blackstone 17 inch Table Top Grill
The Blackstone 17 inch tabletop griddle is built for cooking on the go: tailgating, camping or picnics. An H-shaped burner is designed for better heat distribution, and cleanup can be as simple as wiping down with paper towels. It runs on 1 lb propane bottles, and a 22 inch version is also available if you need more space.
Listed specifications
- 260 square inches of cooking surface
- H-shaped burner, 12,000 BTU
- Runs on 1 lb propane bottles
- Electronic igniter
- Built-in grease catcher
- Weight: 25 lbs
Pros
- Light and portable
- H-shaped burner for more even heat
- Built-in grease catcher
- Simple cleanup
Cons
- Must be seasoned before use
- Carrying case sold separately
- Reports of the flat top warping
- Reports of ignition problems
5. Royal Gourmet PD1300 Tabletop Grill
The Royal Gourmet PD1300 is another portable option, but its griddle top is porcelain enamel rather than bare steel, which helps with sticking and cleanup and means no seasoning. Three independently controlled ring-shaped burners spread heat across the plate, and a cover is included.
Listed specifications
- 24 x 13.5 inch griddle, 325.9 square inches of cooking surface
- Porcelain enamel non-stick surface
- 3 independently controlled burners, 27,000 BTU total
- Push-button ignition
- Side-mounted, removable grease tray
- Accepts full-size and small propane tanks
Pros
- Porcelain enamel top: no seasoning needed
- Cover included
- Heats up quickly
- Works with full-size and small propane tanks
Cons
- Porcelain enamel can be damaged
- Can struggle in windy conditions
- Not the lightest portable model
Which flat top grill should you choose?
- Feeding a crowd on the patio: the Royal Gourmet GB4001 for the most space and a pre-seasoned top, or the Blackstone 36 inch for its updated grease system and handy extras.
- Want a grill too: the Camp Chef FTG600, so you can switch between griddle and grates.
- Cooking on the go: the Blackstone 17 inch for light weight, or the Royal Gourmet PD1300 for a no-season porcelain surface and included cover.
Still deciding between a griddle and a traditional grill? Read our charcoal vs gas grill comparison or the best gas grill under $300 guide. For burgers and steaks on a griddle, an instant-read thermometer helps you hit safe internal temperatures.
Final thoughts
This list covers three well-known flat top makers, from full-size griddle stations that can feed a large gathering down to portable models for a couple of people. Decide how many people you usually cook for and whether you’ll stay on the patio or travel, then check current prices and specifications before you buy.
FAQ
Do flat top grills need to be seasoned?
Bare steel tops, like the Blackstone models here, do. The Royal Gourmet GB4001 comes pre-seasoned, and the PD1300’s porcelain enamel top doesn’t need seasoning.
Can you cook steak on a flat top grill?
Yes. Flat tops handle burgers and steaks as well as pancakes, eggs and grilled cheese. The Camp Chef FTG600 also has a grill underneath its griddle.
