# Best Flat Top Griddles for Outdoor Cooking (2026) Source: https://grillsmokecraft.com/best/flat-top-griddles Updated: 2026-09-14 Publisher: Grill Smoke Craft. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://grillsmokecraft.com/how-we-research#our-score Flat top griddles turn a wide steel surface into a canvas for foods that fall through grill grates. Focus on cooking area and burner zones first, since independent zones let you toast buns on one side while searing on the other. Look at the griddle plate material and thickness, because heavier cold-rolled steel holds heat evenly and seasons into a naturally slick surface. A built-in grease management channel keeps cleanup simple, and sturdy legs or a cart add day-to-day convenience. Wind guards help maintain steady heat outdoors. Griddles suit cooks who love breakfast spreads, smash burgers, fried rice, and fajitas. If you gravitate toward diner-style cooking and want to feed a crowd fast, the expansive flat surface is a joy. It appeals to families, batch cooks, and anyone who wants to move beyond grill marks into a whole new range of outdoor meals. ## Picks ### 1. Blackstone Original Portable Griddle with Built-in Hood, Black, 36 Inch | Flat Top BBQ Grill for Outdoor and Backyard Cooking Setup, Includes Extendable Side Shelves and Caster Wheels Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Blackstone Original 36-inch Omnivore griddle with four heat zones, a built-in hood and folding side shelves for outdoor breakfasts and burger nights. Pros: - Four independently controlled burners give four heat zones on a 36-inch Omnivore plate with built-in wind guards. - Electric push-button ignition, rear grease management and caster wheels are listed for simple use and movement. - Built-in hood protects the surface between cooks, and folding plus extendable side shelves add prep space. Cons: - A 36-inch griddle takes a lot of patio space and needs its own propane supply. - A flat-top does not give grill marks or smoke flavor, so it complements rather than replaces a grill. Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B0CWPMQP1R ### 2. Blackstone 36 Inch Gas Griddle with Hood Cooking Station, 4 Burner Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) The Blackstone 36 inch gas griddle cooking station with hood and 4 burners, built for feeding crowds on a flat top. Pros: - 4 burner layout supports hot searing on one side and warming on the other - Hood keeps heat in for steaming veggies and melting toppings - Cooking station format adds shelf space for sauces, spatulas and plates Cons: - Seasoning upkeep is required after each cook to protect the steel - Flat top cannot give the char marks and smoky flavor of a grill grate Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B0D4FJ5JSB ### 3. Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Portable Steel Griddle Station Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) The Blackstone 36 inch 4 burner portable steel griddle station rated at 60,000 BTU, for high-output flat top cooking. Pros: - 60,000 BTU total output heats the steel top quickly for searing - 4 independent burners let you run multiple heat zones at once - Station can be moved around the patio or taken to events Cons: - High output burns through propane faster on long cooks - Portable claim is relative, since the full station is still large Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B00DYN0438 ### 4. Blackstone 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2206, Blackstone 2 Burner Griddle Outdoor Flat Top Grill, Propane Portable Gas Grill Our score: 8.2/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Blackstone 28-inch Original Omnivore griddle with two independently controlled zones, a side shelf and wheels, a smaller and cheaper step down from the 36-inch size. Pros: - Omnivore plate technology is listed for even heating and lower fuel use, with two independent cooking zones. - Rear grease opening feeds a grease cup, and the side shelf has integrated tool hooks. - Wheels and a handle make the 2-burner griddle portable for camping or tailgates. Cons: - At 28 inches it has noticeably less cooking area than the 36-inch griddles in this guide. - Only two burners, so it feeds a smaller group than a 4-burner model. Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B0DHW9T4KH ### 5. Blackstone® 2439 Original 36" Omnivore Griddle with Airfryer Combo | Blackstone® 2439 BAR System, Integrated Hood, 4 Quart Airfryer Our score: 8.1/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 10/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 6/10) Blackstone 2439 36-inch Omnivore griddle with two 4-quart airfryer drawers and a warming drawer built into the cabinet, for cooks who want a griddle-plus-sides station. Pros: - 768 sq in with four independent heat zones, plus two 4-quart airfryer drawers and a 4-quart warming drawer. - Omnivore plate technology, an integrated hood and an extending side shelf are all listed. - BAR System side shelves accept compatible accessories, so the station can be customized. Cons: - The most expensive griddle in this guide, in a much higher price band than a basic 36-inch model. - A large cabinet unit takes up a lot of space and is not meant to be moved often. Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B0F6QC2YLH ### 6. Blackstone Griddle Cooking Station, 36" Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Blackstone's 36" griddle cooking station, the classic open flat top for backyard breakfasts, fajitas and smash burgers. Pros: - Big open cooktop fits many pancakes, eggs and bacon strips at once - Simple no-hood design keeps the price down for first griddle buyers - Blackstone accessories and parts are widely available Cons: - No hood or cover is included, so buy a cover for outdoor storage - Title omits burner details, so compare versions before ordering Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B01LWIVQHY ### 7. Cuisinart CGG-0036, 36" Four Burner Gas Griddle Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Cuisinart CGG-0036 36-inch four-burner gas griddle with 760 sq in of cold-rolled steel cooking surface and a folding design. Pros: - Four burners at 15,000 BTU each (60,000 total) with independent controls for zoned cooking. - Two front grease cups and a cold-rolled steel surface of 760 sq in are listed. - The folding design is listed for compact storage and transport. Cons: - The propane tank is not included, per the listing. - The bare cold-rolled steel surface needs upkeep, and the listing shows no hood or cover. Details: https://grillsmokecraft.com/product/B08R5XMSVS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.