Flat Top Grills for Backyards: A Buyer’s Guide to Griddles

A flat top grill, often called a griddle, gives you a solid steel cooking surface for smash burgers, breakfast, fried rice and vegetables. For most backyards, a four-burner propane model with a 36-inch surface strikes a good balance between cooking space and storage. Below is what to compare so you buy a griddle that suits your household, your patio and your cooking style.

Why Choose a Flat Top Over a Grill

A traditional grill is built for open flame and grates, while a flat top surrounds food with even contact heat. That means you can cook things that would fall through grates, such as eggs, pancakes, sliced onions, shrimp and stir-fries. Fat and juices stay on the surface, which helps with browning but also means more cleanup of grease. Many owners keep both a grill and a griddle, but if you want only one outdoor cooker and cook a variety of foods, a flat top is hard to beat.

Size, Burners and Heat Zones

Griddle size is usually described by width in inches and number of burners. A two-burner tabletop unit is fine for small patios and camping, while freestanding models range from three to four burners and beyond. More burners offer more independent heat zones, so you can sear on one side and keep food warm on another. Check the BTU output per burner, but remember that heat distribution and surface thickness matter as much as raw BTU numbers.

• Steel thickness: thicker plates hold heat and recover more quickly after you add cold food.
• Burner spacing: even spacing prevents hot spots that burn food in one area.
• Grease management: look for a rear or side grease trap that is easy to reach and empty.
• Wind protection: side panels and a rear wall help the flame stay steady.
• Lid or hood: useful for steaming, melting cheese and keeping the surface clean when not in use.

Griddle Sizes Compared

Fuel Type: Propane, Natural Gas or Electric

Propane is the most popular choice because it is portable and requires no gas line. Natural gas models save on refills if your home has a hookup, but they are tied to a fixed location. Electric griddles are quieter and fine for balconies where open flame is restricted, though they usually provide less peak heat than gas. Check building and homeowner association rules before buying gas appliances for a balcony or deck.

If you grill frequently, compare a few 36 inch propane flat top griddles with the full cart, shelves and tool hooks. Side shelves add useful prep space, while drawers and bottom shelves keep tools, oil and spatulas nearby.

Seasoning and Care

A new steel griddle top needs seasoning, which is a thin layer of baked-on oil that creates a nonstick, rust-resistant surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but the general process is to clean the surface, heat it, apply thin layers of high smoke-point oil and repeat until the plate turns a dark, even color. After each cook, scrape the surface while it is warm, wipe it clean and apply a light coat of oil.

A basic griddle accessories kit with long spatulas, a scraper, squeeze bottles and a cleaning brick covers most daily needs. A fitted cover or hard lid protects the plate from rain, which is the main cause of rust. In humid or coastal climates, wipe a bit more oil on the plate before storage.

Features That Are Nice But Not Essential

Some models include a built-in ignition, lights for night cooking, warming racks or even a rear grease cup with a drain. These are helpful, yet they should not outweigh the basics: good steel, even heat and a stable frame. Be skeptical of marketing claims about exotic coatings or special alloys unless the manufacturer explains how to care for them. Check the warranty terms, particularly for burners and the cooking plate, and read how replacement parts are sourced.

Think about storage, too. If your garage space is limited, a griddle with folding side shelves or a slimmer cart may matter more than one extra burner. Measure your patio space so there is clearance from walls, railings and siding, and place the unit on a stable, level, noncombustible surface.

Finally, think about how you will move and secure the griddle. Locking casters make repositioning easier, and a stable frame prevents wobble when you scrape the plate. Propane tank storage should follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, always outdoors and upright.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lid on a flat top?

No, but a lid or hood helps with melting cheese, steaming vegetables and keeping the surface covered when not in use. A separate cover also protects the plate from rain.

How hot does a griddle get?

Many gas griddles can reach high searing temperatures, but you control it by burner settings. Use an infrared thermometer to check the surface, since temperature varies across the plate.

Can I cook everything on one?

You can cook a wide range of foods, including burgers, eggs, fajitas and fried rice. Very large roasts or slow-smoked meats are better suited to a smoker or a covered grill.