Top 5 Portable Flat Top Grill 2026: Expert Tested & Approved
Welcome to the ultimate guide to finding the best portable flat top grill for your next adventure! Whether you’re heading to a campsite, tailgating before a big game, or simply enjoying a cookout in your backyard, a reliable portable griddle can transform your outdoor cooking experience. These versatile appliances allow you to whip up everything from pancakes and bacon for breakfast to sizzling burgers and fajitas for dinner, all with incredible ease.
In this roundup, we’ve put together our top picks for the best portable flat top grills on the market, each chosen for its performance, portability, and durability. We’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed these contenders to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect companion for delicious meals on the go.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Portable Flat Top Grill Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Blackstone 1814 Stainless Steel Portable Flat Top Propane Griddle for Outdoor Cooking, 17 Inch.
The Blackstone 1814 17-inch griddle is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to make every outdoor adventure delicious. Its compact and lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to transport, ensuring your grilling experience isn’t limited to the backyard. With a decent family-sized cooking surface, you can cook a variety of meals, from breakfast pancakes to dinner burgers, making it a truly versatile portable flat top grill.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Compact and Lightweight Design: Perfectly sized for easy portability to campsites, tailgates, or small patios.
- ✓ Generous 268 Sq. Inch Cooking Surface: Ample space to cook for a small family or group, fitting up to 9 burgers at once.
- ✓ Durable Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures longevity and reliable performance in various outdoor conditions.
- ✓ Easy Setup and Use: Designed for convenience, allowing you to start cooking quickly with minimal hassle.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the Blackstone 1814 for its balance of portability and cooking power. It heats up quickly and maintains consistent temperatures, crucial for even cooking. The robust build quality means it can withstand the rigors of travel, making it a dependable choice among portable flat top grills for frequent outdoor cooks.
Best For
This portable flat top grill is ideal for campers, tailgaters, small families, or individuals who frequently cook outdoors and need a compact yet capable griddle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent portability and easy to carry.
- Sufficient cooking space for small to medium groups.
- Heats quickly and offers good temperature control.
- Durable stainless steel frame for long-lasting use.
Cons:
- May be too small for very large gatherings.
- Requires proper seasoning and care like all griddles.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I love this grill! It cooks, cleans easily, and works well. I understand why everyone speaks so highly of this product. We purchased for a camping trip as I don’t like cooking meats, most foods in my rv. Had excellent instructions to set up and use. Heated well, stores in the bottom of our rv, heavy”
Customer Review: “This 17″ Blackstone griddle with a hood works just as well as most of the YT videos say the larger Blackstones work, and I’m enjoying cooking on it. During seasoning the main area got to about 600 degrees so it gets hot enough for any cooking use. The corners don’t get quite as hot of course. Aft”
2. Blackstone 1666 Portable Flat Top Griddle, 22 Inch, with Stainless Steel Faceplate.
The Blackstone 1666 22-inch portable flat top griddle is a fantastic step up for those who need a bit more cooking space without sacrificing portability. This griddle is designed to be highly versatile, perfect for cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner wherever you are. Its rolled steel cooking surface ensures even heat and durability, making it an excellent choice for a variety of culinary tasks outdoors.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Larger 22-inch Cooking Surface: Offers 361 sq. inches of cooking space, capable of making up to 14 burgers.
- ✓ Rolled Steel Griddle Top: Provides superior heat retention and distribution for consistent cooking results.
- ✓ Portable and Compact Design: Ideal for easy transport to camping trips, tailgating events, and backyard barbecues.
- ✓ Stainless Steel Faceplate: Adds a touch of style and extra durability to the unit.
Why We Recommend It
As our Editor’s Choice, the Blackstone 1666 strikes an impressive balance between ample cooking space and convenient portability. It’s robust enough for frequent use and versatile enough to handle diverse cooking needs. This portable flat top grill is a true workhorse for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
Best For
This griddle is perfect for families of 2-4 people, individuals who need more cooking space than a 17-inch model, and those who prioritize versatility for various outdoor cooking scenarios.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Generous cooking capacity for its portable size.
- Excellent for cooking a wide range of foods.
- Durable construction with quality materials.
- Relatively easy to transport and set up.
Cons:
- Heat distribution can be slightly less even at the very edges.
- A bit heavier than smaller 17-inch models, might require two hands to carry.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great griddle, 22 inch, perfect size for 2-4 people. Portable griddle works great on the portable stand.”
Customer Review: “A good size oven for a family of 4. A little difficult to set the right heat, it browns heavily in the middle. Easy to clean.”
3. Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 3-Burner Gas Griddle for Outdoor Cooking, 304 Sq. Inch Surface.
If you’re looking for an excellent portable flat top grill that won’t break the bank, the Royal Gourmet PD1301S is a stellar option. This compact griddle offers surprising performance with its three independently controlled burners, delivering a total of 25,500 BTUs. It boasts a spacious 304 sq. inch cooking surface, proving that quality and versatility can be affordable.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Three Independently Controlled Burners: Allows for precise temperature management and multi-zone cooking.
- ✓ 304 Sq. Inch Cooking Space: Ample room to cook for a group, fitting up to 12 burgers simultaneously.
- ✓ High 25,500 BTU Total Output: Provides powerful and consistent heat for various cooking needs.
- ✓ Portable and Stable Design: Compact for easy transport, with sturdy feet for enhanced stability on any surface.
Why We Recommend It
The Royal Gourmet PD1301S earns our “Best Budget” pick for its impressive features at an accessible price point. The ability to control three separate heat zones on a portable unit is a significant advantage, allowing for diverse cooking tasks. It’s a fantastic value for a high-performing portable flat top grill.
Best For
This portable flat top grill is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still desire multi-zone cooking capabilities and ample space for family meals during camping or tailgating.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money with advanced features.
- Three burners offer superior temperature control.
- Good cooking surface area for a portable model.
- Easy to clean and maintain after use.
Cons:
- The griddle plate might be slightly thinner than premium models.
- Initial seasoning might require extra attention.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Absolutely LOVE this griddle! We use this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while camping. It is large enough to cook several items at once. The heat distribution is pretty good and everything is good, heavy duty quality. This is much cheaper than name brand products but works just as good, and for a”
Customer Review: “This is an amazing Griddle. Easy cleanup. This size is perfect for cooking up to six people. Assembly is easy. No rusting. I have one myself and I bought one for for my daughter.”
4. SKOK Portable 3-Burner Flat Top Propane Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking, 23.3 Inch.
The SKOK Portable 3-Burner Flat Top Propane Gas Grill is designed for those who don’t want to compromise on cooking space or power, even when on the go. With three independently controlled stainless-steel burners delivering a total of 30,000 BTUs, this grill ensures even heating and precise temperature control across its massive 422.4 square inch cooking surface. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd wherever you set up camp.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Powerful 30,000 BTU Output: Three independent burners ensure robust and even heating for various cooking styles.
- ✓ Massive 422.4 Sq. Inch Cooking Surface: Provides ample space, rivaling larger stationary griddles, perfect for big meals.
- ✓ Quick Start-up Ignition: Durable stainless-steel control panel with an efficient ignition system for fast and easy startup.
- ✓ Controllable Heat Zones: Independent burner controls allow for simultaneous cooking of different foods at various temperatures.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the SKOK portable flat top grill for its exceptional cooking capacity and powerful heating. It’s a great choice for those larger family gatherings or group camping trips where you need to cook a lot of food efficiently. The ability to manage multiple heat zones truly sets it apart in the portable category.
Best For
This portable flat top grill is best for large families, group campers, or anyone needing extensive cooking surface and power in a portable format for diverse outdoor meals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High BTU output ensures quick and powerful cooking.
- Very large cooking area for a portable unit.
- Independent burners offer superior temperature control.
- Sturdy and durable construction for outdoor use.
Cons:
- Larger size may make it less convenient for solo travelers.
- The drip tray could be larger for extended cooking sessions.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Honestly this was 100% worth the purchase. Huge cooking surface. Very sturdy. Could use a larger drip tray but thats about it”
Customer Review: “This grill is easy to use and very convenient for small spaces. Did take about 10min to figure out how to put it into transport mode. Otherwise works great!* Only negative is in transport mode the handle is super low and not easy to move on the wheels.”
5. Blackstone 1971 Portable Flat Top Griddle, 17 Inch, with Stainless Steel Front Plate.
The Blackstone 1971 is another excellent 17-inch portable flat top griddle that emphasizes simplicity and reliability. This model is perfect for those who want a straightforward, easy-to-use griddle for quick meals on the go. With 267 square inches of cooking space and a convenient Piezo ignition, it’s designed to provide a hassle-free cooking experience wherever your adventures take you.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ultimate Portability: Its compact 17-inch size is ideal for easy transportation and storage.
- ✓ 267 Sq. Inch Cooking Surface: Offers sufficient space for smaller meals, perfect for 2-3 people.
- ✓ Push-and-Turn Piezo Ignition: Ensures quick and reliable startup every time.
- ✓ Stable Non-Slip Feet: Keeps the griddle securely in place during cooking, enhancing safety.
Why We Recommend It
For its sheer ease of use and consistent performance, the Blackstone 1971 is a strong contender for a personal or small-group portable flat top grill. It’s built to last and delivers the quality cooking experience Blackstone is known for, without any unnecessary frills.
Best For
This portable flat top grill is best for beginners to griddle cooking, solo travelers, or couples seeking a reliable, compact, and easy-to-use option for casual outdoor meals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely portable and lightweight for adventurers.
- Simple and reliable Piezo ignition system.
- Consistent heat across the cooking surface for its size.
- Robust construction ensures durability.
Cons:
- Limited cooking space for larger groups or complex meals.
- Does not typically include a lid or hood, which some users prefer.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I love this grill! It cooks, cleans easily, and works well. I understand why everyone speaks so highly of this product. We purchased for a camping trip as I don’t like cooking meats, most foods in my rv. Had excellent instructions to set up and use. Heated well, stores in the bottom of our rv, heavy”
Customer Review: “This 17″ Blackstone griddle with a hood works just as well as most of the YT videos say the larger Blackstones work, and I’m enjoying cooking on it. During seasoning the main area got to about 600 degrees so it gets hot enough for any cooking use. The corners don’t get quite as hot of course. Aft”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Portable Flat Top Grill
Essential Factors We Consider
Choosing the best portable flat top grill involves more than just picking the first one you see. Our experts evaluate several key factors to ensure you get a griddle that truly meets your needs:
- ✓ Portability (Weight & Size): How easy is it to carry and store? We look for designs that are compact and lightweight without compromising on cooking area.
- ✓ Cooking Surface Area: This dictates how much food you can cook at once. Smaller surfaces (17-inch) are great for individuals or couples, while larger ones (22-inch+) suit families or groups.
- ✓ Burner Configuration & BTU Output: More burners mean more control over heat zones, crucial for cooking different items simultaneously. Higher BTU generally means faster heating and better heat recovery.
- ✓ Griddle Plate Material: Most portable griddles use rolled steel, which offers excellent heat retention and durability.
- ✓ Ease of Cleaning: Features like removable grease traps and non-stick surfaces (after proper seasoning) significantly simplify cleanup, especially when camping.
- ✓ Fuel Type: Almost all portable flat top grills use propane, typically 1lb cylinders for convenience, with options for adapters to larger 20lb tanks for extended use.
Budget Planning
The cost of a portable flat top grill can vary significantly based on its size, brand, number of burners, and additional features. Entry-level models with smaller cooking surfaces and fewer burners might range from $100-$200. Mid-range options, often with larger surfaces and multiple burners, can be found between $200-$350. Premium models, offering advanced features, higher BTU, and robust construction, might exceed $350. It’s important to balance your budget with your expected usage and desired features to ensure you’re making a worthwhile investment.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best portable flat top grill for you will depend on your specific outdoor cooking habits and needs. Consider where you’ll be using it most, how many people you typically cook for, and what kind of meals you plan to prepare. By focusing on portability, cooking surface, burner power, and ease of maintenance, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a griddle that brings joy to your outdoor culinary adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can you cook on a portable flat top grill?
A: The versatility of a portable flat top grill is astounding! You can cook a full breakfast with pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns. For lunch and dinner, think smash burgers, cheesesteaks, fajitas, stir-fries, grilled sandwiches, and even seafood. The flat surface ensures even cooking and minimizes flare-ups.
Q: How do I clean a portable flat top grill after use?
A: Cleaning a portable flat top grill is easier than you might think. While the griddle is still warm (but not hot), scrape off any food residue with a metal scraper. Then, wipe it down with paper towels. For a deeper clean, you can use a small amount of water or griddle cleaner while it’s warm, then dry thoroughly and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to protect the surface from rust.
Q: What’s the difference between a portable flat top griddle and a traditional portable grill?
A: A traditional portable grill typically uses open grates, ideal for searing meats and leaving grill marks. A portable flat top grill, on the other hand, has a solid, continuous cooking surface. This allows for more even heat distribution, prevents small foods from falling through, and is perfect for cooking items like eggs, pancakes, and finely chopped vegetables that would be challenging on grates. It also reduces flare-ups.
Q: Can I use my portable flat top grill indoors?
A: No, portable flat top grills that use propane should never be used indoors. They require proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly gas. Always use your propane griddle in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
Q: What type of fuel do these portable grills use?
A: Most portable flat top grills are designed to run on 1lb propane cylinders, which are convenient for travel. Many models also offer accessories or adapters that allow them to be connected to larger 20lb propane tanks, which are more economical for extended use or backyard cooking.
Choosing the right portable flat top grill can significantly elevate your outdoor culinary game. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the insights needed to select the perfect griddle that aligns with your adventurous spirit and cooking preferences. Each of our top picks offers unique strengths, from compact convenience to expansive cooking power, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every outdoor chef. So go ahead, explore our recommendations, and get ready to cook up some unforgettable meals under the open sky!
