Flat Top Grill
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A flat top grill is a solid cooking surface, usually steel or cast iron, that heats evenly and lets you cook many foods at once without grates. It works well for pancakes, eggs, burgers, fajitas and stir fries. Before you buy one, decide whether you need a propane unit that works outdoors, an electric countertop model for an indoor kitchen, or a larger commercial style unit. The four listings below show how those choices differ in size, power and fuel.
Start with where you will cook
Your cooking location decides most of the choice. A propane flat top sits outside, runs on gas and gives you a large surface for backyard meals. An electric griddle sits on a counter and needs a suitable outlet, so the voltage and wattage in the listing matter. A commercial style countertop unit has more surface area and heavier construction, and it suits a family that cooks for big groups often. Measure your counter or patio before you pick a size, because a large unit can take up most of a small space.
Check the cooking area in square inches or in inches of length and width. The GasOne listing gives 416 square inches of cooking space. The Chefman listing gives a 10 by 20 inch surface. The two commercial style listings give 21.7 by 14.2 inches and 21.6 by 11.8 inches. A larger surface lets you cook more food at once, while a smaller one heats faster and fits a tighter space.
Fuel and power
Propane models are powered by a gas supply with independent burner control. The GasOne listing describes two high-pressure burners that can be set separately, which lets you run one side hot for searing and the other side low for warming. Electric models use a heating element and a thermostat. The Chefman lists 1500 watts at 120 volts, and its temperature control runs from a low warming setting up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit. The commercial style units list 1600 watts at 110 volts and 3000 watts at 110 volts, so check that your outlet and circuit can handle the draw.
Voltage is a practical detail that many buyers miss. A 110 volt listing is written for that supply, and the listing does not say it will work on other voltages. If you are not sure what your outlet provides, confirm it before you plug in a heavy unit, and keep the cord clear of hot surfaces.
Surface, material and cleaning
Cast iron and painted steel suit outdoor propane units, since the listing describes the GasOne frame and burners as cast iron with a painted finish. Electric griddles use a non-stick surface or a stainless steel plate. The Chefman has a non-stick coating and an aluminum body, while the two commercial style models use stainless steel and a cast or steel cooking plate. The DOWILIN listing says the plate is non-stick and that a slide-out drawer collects oil.
Cleaning matters if you cook greasy food often. The Chefman listing says the cooking surface is fully immersible and that you should remove the temperature control before washing. The ExGizmo and DOWILIN listings describe oil storage boxes or a drawer below the plate, which gather waste grease. Plan to clean the drip area after each use, not only when it looks full.
Product options in this set
GasOne 2-Burner Propane Stove with Flat Top Grill
This is a modular propane unit from Gas One with two independently controlled high-pressure burners, a flat top griddle and side shelves. The bullets state that you can use it as a flat top grill or as a stove for pots and woks, which gives you more than one cooking method from one frame. The listing says it has 416 square inches of cooking space and a cart with wheels for moving it around.
Choose this if you grill outdoors often, cook for family gatherings and want a unit that can move between a griddle and a stove. The specs list a cast iron frame, a removable griddle and two racks, so it has the most parts to store. Its product size is 49.6 inches deep, 16.54 inches wide and 38.58 inches tall, which means you need a wide patio space. Use it outside only.
Chefman XL Electric Griddle
The Chefman XL is an indoor electric griddle with a non-stick cooking surface that measures 10 by 20 inches. The listing states an adjustable temperature range from 200 to 420 degrees Fahrenheit, a slide-out drip tray and a fully immersible cooking plate. It is rated at 1500 watts on 120 volts and carries a 1 year warranty, according to the specs.
Choose this if you want an indoor flat top for breakfast, pancakes and a few burgers at once, and you want something that fits on a standard counter. The bullets mention healthier cooking because the drip tray collects excess oil, although the amount of oil you use still depends on you. Its weight is 4.4 pounds, so it is easy to store between uses.
ExGizmo 22 inch Commercial Electric Griddle
The ExGizmo is a commercial style electric countertop griddle with a 22 inch silver body and a stainless steel frame. The bullets give a cooking surface of 21.7 by 14.2 inches and a plate thickness of 10 mm. It has a temperature range from 122 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit and comes with a brush and a spatula, according to the listing.
Choose this if you run a small food stand or cook for a crowd at home and you want a long cooking surface with an oil storage box. The specs list 1600 watts at 110 volts and a 365 day warranty type, so confirm your outlet first. The listing says the plate is non-stick and easy to clean, and that the oil box collects waste oil and food for disposal.
DOWILIN 22 inch Commercial Countertop Griddle
The DOWILIN is another commercial style countertop flat top grill, with a stainless steel body and a cooking area of 21.6 by 11.8 inches. The listing says the plate is 8 mm thick and that a large oil drawer sits below the surface. Its thermostatic control runs from 122 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, and the specs list 3000 watts at 110 volts.
Choose this if you need a heavy, stable unit for steady use and you want a drawer that catches oil while you cook. The listing weighs 44.6 pounds, so it is not a unit to move often. The bullets also say it includes a brush and a spatula, and that it works for pancakes, bacon, grilled cheese and steak. Like the ExGizmo, it needs a 110 volt outlet that can carry its wattage.
Which flat top grill fits your kitchen
For outdoor cooking with the option to use a stove, the GasOne listing covers the most ground. For an indoor countertop unit that goes on a standard counter and cleans in the sink, the Chefman is the closest match. For steady commercial style cooking with more surface, the ExGizmo and DOWILIN listings are the two to compare, and the DOWILIN is heavier with a larger wattage.
Mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is to choose on surface size alone. A large plate on a small counter can block the outlet or the path to the sink. Another mistake is to forget voltage. The commercial style units list 110 volts, and that is not always the same as a home outlet elsewhere. A third mistake is to skip the drip tray or oil box. Grease that is not collected can run into the cabinet below or onto the plate edge.
Use the cooking surface for the food you cook most. A griddle plate suits eggs and pancakes, while a deep side shelf or a wide propane burner suits longer cooking sessions. Choose a layout that you will actually clean after each meal.
Frequently asked questions
Can a flat top grill be used indoors?
Electric countertop models, such as the Chefman and the two commercial style listings, are built for indoor counters. The GasOne listing is a propane unit with a cart, and its specs state that it is for outdoor use.
Which flat top grill has the most cooking space?
The GasOne listing states 416 square inches of cooking space, which is the largest figure in this set. The commercial style listings give a surface of about 21 by 14 inches and about 21 by 12 inches.
Do I need a special outlet for an electric flat top?
You need an outlet that matches the listed voltage and can carry the wattage. The Chefman lists 120 volts and 1500 watts. The ExGizmo and DOWILIN list 110 volts and 1600 and 3000 watts. Check your outlet and circuit before you plug in.
Is a non-stick plate better than a steel or cast iron plate?
A non-stick plate is easier to clean and needs less oil for eggs and pancakes. A steel or cast iron plate holds heat differently and suits searing. The listing for each model tells you which material it uses.
How should I clean a flat top grill?
Let the plate cool, then clear the oil box or drawer after each use. The Chefman listing says its cooking surface is immersible, but you should remove the temperature control first. Follow the cleaning note in your product manual for the rest.
Does the GasOne need to be assembled?
The listing describes a modular unit with a cart, side shelves and a removable griddle. Read the included user manual before you assemble it, and check that the burners and gas connection are set up as the manual describes.
Bottom line
If you cook outdoors and want a flat top that can also act as a stove, choose the GasOne. If you want an indoor griddle for a counter, choose the Chefman. If you need a commercial style unit with more surface and an oil drawer, compare the ExGizmo and DOWILIN, and make sure your outlet matches the 110 volt listing before you buy.