Flat Top Grill vs Gas Grill — Which is Best in 2023?

Dive into the culinary world of outdoor cooking as we compare flat top grills and gas grills. Whether you’re an expert chef or a grilling beginner, choosing the right grill can elevate your cooking experience. We’re putting these two popular grill types head-to-head, discussing taste, cost, versatility, safety, and more. Discover which grill — flat top or gas — best suits your needs and transforms your outdoor cooking.

5 Best Flat Top Grill vs Gas Grill: Table of Comparision

Overview

What is a Flat Top Grill?

A Flat Top Grill is a cooking appliance with a flat, smooth surface for grilling. It is similar to a griddle but is usually larger and designed for high-volume cooking. It’s ideal for cooking items like pancakes, bacon, eggs, burgers, and vegetables, as the flat surface ensures even heat distribution, thereby reducing the chance of undercooking or overcooking food. Many professional chefs and home cooks appreciate the versatile nature of a flat top grill, as it allows for the simultaneous preparation of different types of food.

How Flat Top Grill Works?

The flat top grill works by heating the flat surface evenly to cook food. The heat source, gas, electricity, or charcoal, is beneath the grill’s flat surface. Once turned on, the heat spreads across the flat surface, creating a suitable environment for grilling.

One of the advantages of a flat top grill is that it retains the juices and flavors of the food being cooked since there’s no space for them to drip or escape. This results in food that is moist and flavorful. Additionally, the flat surface allows for the easy flipping and maneuvering of food.

Types of Flat Top Grill

There are several types of flat top grills available in the market, each varying based on the heat source, size, and design:

Blackstone 1984 Original 36-Inch Flat Top Griddle Grill Station

Are you looking to upgrade your outdoor cooking game? Introducing the Blackstone 1984 Original 36-Inch Flat Top Griddle Grill Station. Crafted from durable stainless steel and showcasing a sleek black finish, this versatile grill station is a culinary powerhouse designed for kitchen use, camping adventures, outdoor gatherings, and tailgating fun.

This Blackstone grill station is a must-have for the ultimate entertainer, with impressive product dimensions of 62.5″L x 22″W x 36″H and a rectangular shape. Its expansive cooking surface is large enough to handle most meals, letting you effortlessly.

The Blackstone Original 36″ Large Griddle Station isn’t just about size but also the organization. If big-batch cooking is your forte, you’ll appreciate the griddle’s expansive cooking surface of 768 square inches. This versatile surface is perfect for grilling up batches of burgers, steaks, chicken, fish, eggs, and bacon, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle

Discover the perfect blend of portability and power with the Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle. Crafted with precision, this gas-fueled grill is ideal for enhancing your outdoor culinary adventures, whether camping, tailgating, or simply enjoying a cookout in your backyard.

Compact and easy to carry, this tabletop grill with sturdy feet for enhanced stability offers an impressive 25,500 BTU cooking power spread over three individually controlled burners. The integrated piezo ignitor ensures instant ignition at the push of a button, providing fast and consistent heat for a seamless grilling experience.

Be aware of its compact size. The Royal Gourmet grill offers a generous 312 square inches cooking surface, providing ample space to grill your favorite meals. Ease of use extends to assembly, too, with a quick and straightforward setup that lets you start your grilling journey in no time.

The grill’s design prioritizes not just cooking efficiency but also a cleanup. The grill features a removable slide-out grease cup that collects oil residue during cooking, making cleanup effortless. The griddle top is also detachable for easy washing, ensuring your grill is ready for the next event. Choose the Royal Gourmet PD1301S Grill for an unforgettable outdoor grilling experience.

Char-Griller E8936 Flat Iron Four Burner Gas Griddle Grill

The Char-Griller E8936 Flat Iron Four Burner Gas Griddle Grill is your versatile companion for all outdoor culinary adventures. This full-size, premium BBQ grill, made from sturdy stainless steel, combines the capabilities of a standard charcoal or propane grill and adds even more!

Featuring a large 775 square-inch cooking surface and collapsible legs for easy transport, this portable grill is perfect for home and travel use. From breakfast pancakes to dinner steaks, its versatility allows you to cook various meals quickly and easily.

The grill’s heavy gauge steel griddle top, powered by a stainless-steel U-shaped burner, heats rapidly and evenly, ensuring consistent grilling results. Pair it with Char-Griller’s Flat Iron Griddle accessories (sold separately) for an optimized grilling experience.

Ease of use is central to the Char-Griller E8936 design, with an integrated burner ignition for a hassle-free startup and a slide-out grease drawer for swift cleanup. Weighing in at 134 pounds and measuring 63″L x 25″W x 38″H, this grill offers a perfect blend of size, power, and portability for unforgettable grilling experiences.

Overview

What is a Gas Grill?

A gas grill is an outdoor cooking machine that heats food with either propane or natural gas. It’s known for its convenience, as it heats up quickly, provides consistent heat, and is easy to clean. This grill type is popular among enthusiasts who appreciate the ease and control that gas grills offer. It’s ideal for cooking various foods, including steaks, burgers, hot dogs, vegetables, and even fish.

How Does Gas Grill Work?

A gas grill works by burning propane or natural gas, producing heat distributed across the grilling surface. The gas is released into the burners from a gas tank or gas line, and when ignited, it has flames that heat the grates on the grill.

One of the benefits of a gas grill is its ability to control the heat. Adjusting the knobs allows you to quickly increase or decrease the gas flow to the burners, thereby preventing the temperature. This makes grilling different types of food at their ideal temperatures easier.

Types of gas grill

There are several types of gas grills on the market, varying based on size, design, and additional features:

Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane

The Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill is your perfect outdoor culinary partner. This grill delivers 20,000 BTUs across its 280-square-inch cooking surface, and it is designed to cater to large family meals easily.

The 8,000-BTU side burner is a standout feature, perfect for preparing sauces and side dishes concurrently with your main grill. The grill’s cooking surface, equipped with porcelain-coated grates, ensures food doesn’t stick, making it easy to clean.

Inside, two stainless steel in-line burners offer durable and robust cooking performance. The grill features a Piezo ignition system for fast, reliable startups and a metal side shelf for extra storage and prep space.

Compact yet powerful, the grill’s easy portability is ensured by two 6-inch wheels with two fixed legs for stability. Measuring 45.6 inches wide x 24.1 inches deep x 41.9 inches high, the Char-Broil Classic 280 delivers high performance in a convenient, user-friendly package.

Char-Broil Performance Stainless Steel 4-Burner Cart Style

The Char-Broil Performance Stainless Steel 4-Burner Cart Style Gas Grill is a standout in outdoor culinary appliances. This Amazon-exclusive grill delivers a substantial 36,000 BTUs of heat across a 425 square-inch cooking surface, making it perfect for cooking large meals the entire family will relish.

The grill boasts porcelain-coated cast iron grates that resist rust, prevent food from sticking, and are easy to clean. It also includes a 10,000-BTU side burner, providing extra cooking space. When not in use, the side burner’s lid folds down for added workspace and protection.

The grill features four top-ported stainless steel burners, known for their durability and superior cooking performance. Its electronic ignition system ensures fast and reliable startups at the push of a button. With two side shelves providing extra storage and prep space, this grill measures 50.4-inches wide x 24.5-inches deep x 45-inches high.

Flat Top Grill vs Gas Grill: Head To Head Comparison

When it comes to outdoor cooking, choosing the right grill can make a significant difference. Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison between flat top grills and gas grills.

Food Taste

Gas Grills

Gas grills are well-regarded for their ability to deliver that classic, smoky barbecue flavor. The direct flame helps sear the meat, locking in juices and providing a unique, smoky tang.

Flat Top Grills

On the other hand, flat top grills provide a different flavor experience. These grills promote even cooking, leading to well-distributed flavors and tenderness. However, they lack the smoky taste imparted by gas grills.

Footprint

Gas Grills

Gas grills can vary in size but generally require more space due to their lid height and often larger design. They might be less suitable for compact patios or balconies.

Flat Top Grills

Flat top grills are typically more compact, making them ideal for those with limited outdoor space. Their flat design allows for easy storage and increased portability.

Cost

Gas Grills

Gas grills can be more expensive due to their complex structure and the additional components of using gas as fuel. However, running costs can be lower if natural gas is available.

Flat Top Grills

Flat top grills, in comparison, are usually more affordable and straightforward, making them a budget-friendly option.

Versatility

While gas grills are perfect for traditional grilling, they are less versatile than flat top grills. Flat top grills can handle everything from pancakes to stir fry, making them a great option to cook a wider variety of foods.

Safety

Both grills have safety considerations. Gas grills require proper storage and handling of propane tanks. Meanwhile, flat top grills need to be regularly cleaned to avoid oil buildup, which can become a fire hazard.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Gas Grill

Gas grills require careful cleaning to prevent flare-ups and ensure proper operation. This includes regularly cleaning the burners and grates.

Flat Top Grill

Flat top grills are relatively easy to clean. Once cooled, you can scrape off residues, and occasionally, you may need to season the surface to keep it non-stick.

Materials

Flat Top Grill

Flat top grills usually feature a solid metal cooking surface, commonly stainless steel, offering excellent heat retention and durability.

Gas Grills

Gas grills typically come with either cast iron, porcelain-coated cast iron, or stainless steel grates. Each material has pros and cons for durability, heat retention, and maintenance.

Cooking Temperature

Gas Grills

Gas grills are known for reaching high temperatures quickly, ideal for searing and cooking dense food like steaks.

Flat Top Grill

Flat top grills provide consistent and even heat. Still, they might not reach the same high temperatures as gas grills, making them better for delicate foods and griddling.

Cooking Surface Sizes

The size of the cooking surface varies significantly between models in both categories. You’ll find trim, portable options for large, stationary setups in gas and flat top grills. The choice largely depends on your cooking needs and available space.

Why do people like Flat Top Grills?

Flat top grills have seen a surge in popularity for various reasons. Here are a few of the primary reasons for their popularity:

Versatility: Flat top grills offer a lot of versatility. These grills can handle everything from pancakes and eggs to lunch and dinner dishes like grilled cheese, steaks, and stir-fry.

Even Heating: Unlike traditional grills, flat top grills distribute heat evenly across the surface, ensuring uniform cooking.

No Flare-Ups: Since no open flames exist, food items won’t experience flare-ups, preventing the meal from getting ruined.

Easy to Clean: Flat top grills are generally easier to clean than traditional grills. The flat surface can be easily wiped down after use.

Great for Griddling: A flat top grill is a must if you love griddled foods. It offers the perfect surface for achieving that delicious golden-brown crust on foods.

Overall, flat top grills offer a unique combination of convenience and versatility, making them a beloved choice for many cooking enthusiasts.

Final Thought

The decision between a flat top grill and a gas grill ultimately comes to personal preference. A flat top grill could be your best bet if you value versatility, convenience, and the ability to cook various foods from breakfast to dinner. However, your priority is achieving a traditional smoky BBQ flavor and high-heat searing capabilities. In that case, a gas grill might be your choice. Both grills have unique advantages and can bring different culinary experiences to your outdoor cooking. It’s crucial to consider your cooking style, space availability, and budget when making this decision.

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