#1Best OverallFlat Top Griddle$349
Blackstone 36" 4-Burner
4.6
Four independent burners, 720 sq in cooking surface, fits any family size. The category benchmark.
Griddle Buyer's Guide
Best Flat-Top Griddles
Flat-top griddles are the fastest-growing category in outdoor cooking, and for good reason — smash burgers, breakfast spreads, fajitas, stir-fry, and Hibachi-style cooking all happen on the same surface in a fraction of the time a regular grill takes. The category is dominated by Blackstone, with Camp Chef and Weber making credible alternatives. Here's how to size and pick one.
The Verdict
The Blackstone 36" 4-Burner is the right size for most families — enough surface for full breakfast spreads, four independent heat zones, $349. If your space is tight, the Blackstone 28" cooks for a family of 4 with a smaller footprint. For tailgating or apartment balconies, the Blackstone 17" tabletop runs on a 1lb propane bottle. Skip warehouse-store no-name griddles — the steel is too thin and warps within a season.
Top Picks
What to Buy
#1Best Overall
#2Best Mid-SizeFlat Top Griddle$249
Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle
4.5
470 sq in, two burners, smaller footprint that still feeds 4–6 comfortably.
#3Best PortablePortable Flat Top Griddle$99
Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle
4.4
267 sq in, runs on 1lb propane bottles, fits in any trunk for tailgates and camping.
What to Look For
Buying Criteria
Cold-rolled steel cooking surface
Cold-rolled steel develops a black non-stick patina with seasoning that improves over years of use. Stainless steel surfaces don't season as well — food sticks more, cleanup is harder. All Blackstones use cold-rolled steel. Some cheaper griddles try to sell stainless as 'premium' — don't fall for it.
Burner count vs heat zones
More burners means more independent heat zones. A 4-burner griddle lets you sear smash burgers on one zone, melt cheese in the middle, toast buns at the end, and keep onions warm on the side. A 2-burner griddle forces you to cook in batches. For breakfast or large groups, 4 burners pays back fast.
Surface area sizing
17" feeds 1–2. 28" feeds 4. 36" feeds 6–8. 36" 4-burner with rear shelf feeds 10+. Most buyers under-size and regret it. The bigger griddle is rarely a mistake; the smaller one always is.
Lid availability
Hard hinged lids let you do indirect cooking, melting, and finishing — nearly doubling griddle versatility. Blackstone's hard cover ($89 aftermarket) is one of the best upgrades you can make. Some newer Blackstone Air Fryer combo models include a lid. Worth the investment.
Wind shields and grease management
Wind kills griddle temperature fast. Look for tall side wind shields (most Blackstones have these). Grease management — channel + drain hole + removable cup — is what separates fun cooking from miserable cleanup. Test the grease drain on any model before buying.
Pricing Tiers
| Tier | Range | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| Portable | $120–$200 | Tailgaters and apartment dwellers. Blackstone 17" tabletop, Blackstone 22" tabletop. |
| Family | $250–$450 | Most backyard cooks. Blackstone 28", Blackstone 36" 4-burner. |
| Premium | $600+ | Large gatherings and outdoor kitchens. Blackstone 36" with hood + air fryer combo, Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I season a new griddle?
Heat the new griddle to medium-high until oil smokes off. Wipe a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (avocado, flaxseed, or grapeseed) across the entire surface with a paper towel held by tongs. Let it smoke until the surface turns brown, then repeat 4–5 times. After cooking, a brand new griddle should look black, not silver.
Can I cook steaks on a griddle?
Yes — and arguably better than on grill grates. The flat surface delivers maximum metal-to-meat contact for the best Maillard crust. Plus you get the rendered fat and drippings to baste with. The only downside: no grill marks.
How do I clean a griddle?
While the griddle is still warm, scrape with a metal spatula, wipe with paper towels, then add a few drops of water to steam-clean stuck food. Wipe again, then re-oil lightly. Never use soap — it strips the seasoning. A 60-second cleanup after every cook prevents the 30-minute deep-clean session.
Does a griddle replace a grill?
It's a complement, not a replacement. Griddles excel at high-volume, fast-cooking foods (burgers, breakfast, stir-fry). They can't smoke meats or give you grill marks. Most griddle owners keep their gas grill or smoker for those tasks. The griddle becomes the cooker you use 4 nights a week; the grill becomes the weekend specialty cooker.
Is the air fryer + griddle combo worth it?
If you have the budget, yes. Blackstone's air fryer combo gives you frozen foods, wings, and side dishes alongside griddle cooking — basically eliminating the indoor oven for outdoor meals. If you already own an indoor air fryer, skip it.
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