Flat Top Grills For Outdoor Kitchens

Nothing brings folks together quite like a good meal cooked outdoors, and a flat top grill is the heart of any outdoor kitchen, whether you’re hosting the whole family for a weekend breakfast or feeding a hungry crew after a long day in the field. Flat top griddles have earned their spot in rural backyards and patios for their sheer versatility—pancakes and bacon at sunrise, burgers and onions sizzling at noon, or a mess of fajitas for supper. With a generous, open cooking surface, you can whip up enough food for a crowd without juggling pans or worrying about flare-ups. These grills are especially handy during the colder months of January, when cabin fever sets in and everyone’s itching for a taste of summer. A flat top griddle makes it easy to keep the cooking outdoors, even if you’re bundled up in a flannel and boots, turning out hearty breakfasts or seared steaks with that unmistakable flavor you just can’t get indoors.

When you’re picking out a flat top grill for your outdoor kitchen, there are a few things worth keeping in mind to make sure you get the right fit for your space and your style of cooking. Size matters—a 30-inch surface is usually plenty for most families, but if you’ve got a big crew or like to host neighbors, a 36-inch model gives you that extra elbow room for cooking multiple dishes at once. Look for sturdy construction, like cold-rolled or stainless steel tops, which hold heat well and stand up to years of use. Burners are the workhorses of any grill, and having four burners lets you control the heat across the whole surface, so you can sear steaks on one side while keeping veggies warm on the other. For those putting down roots with a permanent outdoor kitchen, it’s worth considering a grill that can convert from propane to natural gas, so you never run out of fuel halfway through a cookout. Cleaning and maintenance are part of the deal—choose a model with a good grease management system and keep a scraper and pumice stone handy to keep your griddle seasoned and ready for action. And don’t forget a sturdy cover to protect your investment from the elements, especially during the winter months when snow and rain can sneak up on you.

Flat top grills make a practical and thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to cook outdoors, from the seasoned pitmaster to the young couple setting up their first homestead. They’re especially popular among folks who value gathering outside, whether it’s for Sunday brunches, tailgate parties, or just enjoying a quiet evening meal with the family. If you’re looking to round out your outdoor kitchen setup, or maybe just curious about other options, you might want to take a look at our Gas Grills For Outdoor Kitchens page, which covers more traditional grill styles. No matter the season, a flat top griddle brings folks together and makes every meal a little more special, turning your backyard into the best seat in the house.