Best Propane Flat Top Grills for 2024
Updated: May 20, 2024
An experienced grill master walks you through the best propane flat top grills on the market to help you choose the best option.
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A quality propane flat top grill is essential to any grill master. The high and even heat these grills give off perfectly produces that beautiful Maillard reaction that turns food into edible magic. Here I’ll discuss how to choose a great propane flat top grill and share a few of my top product choices.
Number of Burners and Cooking Space: Multiple burners allow you to create cooking zones with different temperatures. This can let you, say, perfectly sear a steak at high heat, while simultaneously browning baby carrots at a lower heat.
BTUs: British Thermal Units (BTUs) are thrown about on every grill listing out there. They’re a measure of fuel efficiency, not grill heat, and needn’t be among your top considerations when choosing the right grill. What’s more, this measure is often used incorrectly by salespeople and in online sales listings.
Quality: Have you ever noticed how many old grills are sitting by the side of the road or in a pile at your local dump? Unfortunately the extremely wide range of grills available to us includes a lot of cheap products that rust and fall apart in a few short years. Thankfully there are also some incredibly durable options, made of heftier thicker-gauge metal, that will easily be the last grill you ever purchase. Read on for some favorites.
Best Flavor Profile for a Propane Flat Top Grill
One of the reasons you see so many old grills in the trash is because their former owners purchased a Weber Q and never looked back. Turning it into a flat top grill requires the purchase of an additional Griddle, which replaces one side of the standard Weber grate.
The steel hood and innovative airflow design give the Weber Q a unique flavor profile which has become extremely popular around the world. Durable construction, combined with a stellar record of amazing customer service, makes the Weber Q one of my top gas grill choices. Check out this complete guide to flat top grills.
Most Innovative Propane Flat Top Grill
Cleverly-designed dual grease traps set this Cuisinart 28-in. two-burner gas griddle apart from some of the cheaper options. The cup-style traps let you remove the grease without rummaging around underneath.
The durable and well-designed construction can be folded flat for storage and transport. Plus, when you’re short on space, the grill can function with the legs folded up and the side table removed.
Most Durable Propane Flat Top Grill
The heavy gauge steel construction of this Camp Chef flat top grill makes it the most durable grill on the market. A basic yet effective four-burner construction will crank out as much heat as you need for years.
At 142 lbs. without the tank, it can be tough to move around, so you’ll probably want to keep it on the back deck. It’s pricier than the others on this list, but will likely be the last flat top grill you’ll ever buy.
Best Portable Propane Flat Top Grill
Perfect for a family picnic or camping trip, the Royal Gourmet tabletop three-burner griddle cranks out enough heat to brown a sirloin steak or crisp some bacon.
It’s base-free and only 30 lbs., making it easy to transport. And it comes with a cover so it won’t make a mess in the car. The stainless steel burners and porcelain-coated barbecue plate make this a portable grill you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Most Versatile Propane Flat Top Grill
With an eye-catching circular hot plate, the Cuisinart two-burner round outdoor flat top grill makes a great centerpiece for a cookout. The removable vented lid adds the versatility to make pizzas, smoked fish and even small roasts.
Two burners create dual cooking zones, and the heavy-duty easy-lock wheels let you roll this grill where it needs to go and keep it there. Add that it’s easy to clean and durable, and you’ve got one well-rounded, quality grill.
Best All Around Propane Flat Top Grill
With its steel construction and sturdiness, the Blackstone four-burner 36-in. gas griddle won’t just be your grill. It will probably be your kid’s grill, and maybe even your grandkid’s grill. The four-burner capability combined with a super large cooking plate make this grill perfect for catering to the extended family or the entire Little League team.
Heavy-duty wheels make it easy to move from the patio to the backyard and easily lock in place when you’re ready to cook. It’s also supremely easy to clean when you’re done cooking. Pair it with these Blackstone accessories for all your outdoor cooking desires. Bonus: Here’s how the LoCo flat top grill compares to the Blackstone.
Best Value Propane Flat Top Grill
At 17 inches across and just under 24 lbs., the Blackstone portable gas griddle is small but still packs some super-hot cooking capability.
The integrated drawer-style grease trap is a clever innovation that simplifies cleanup. This grill is also easy on the wallet and can make a great gift for a friend or family member just getting into grilling. Fueled by a one-pound propane bottle, this is an impressively mobile grilling solution.
All prices and links were current as of publication.
Originally Published: June 25, 2020
