Are you tired of using traditional grills that limit your cooking options? It’s time to take your cooking game to the next level with a flat top grill. A flat top grill, or griddle, is a versatile and efficient cooking appliance that can cook everything from pancakes to burgers, eggs, and stir-fries.
What’s the Difference Between a Flat Top and a Griddle?
A flat top and a griddle are similar cooking surfaces, but the terms are often used interchangeably. While a flat top usually refers to a specific type of grill with a flat cooking surface, a griddle can be any flat cooking surface, including those on stovetops. Both are used for cooking various foods like pancakes, burgers, and vegetables.
Why Use a Flat Top Grill?
A flat top grill offers versatility and convenience for cooking a variety of foods. With its large cooking surface, you can prepare multiple items at once. The even heat distribution ensures consistent cooking, while the griddle’s high heat retention allows for quick and efficient cooking. Plus, the absence of grates or grills makes it easier to cook delicate foods, and then clean up after in a jiffy.
There are no flare-ups on a flat top, which generally makes them safer than grills, as long as you keep your fingers free of the cooking surface. They’re also great at cooking multiple types of food at once (think breakfast and lunch) due, again, to the large cooking space and consistent heat profile across the grill.
Is it Better to Cook Steak on a Flat Top or Grill?
When it comes to cooking steak, using a flat top griddle offers advantages over a traditional grill. The even heat distribution and direct contact with the flat surface create a delicious sear. Unlike the open flame of a grill, a flat top grill provides more control for consistent cooking. Experiment with both methods to find your preferred technique, but one thing for certain is that if you like a steak cooked to medium or rarer, a flat top grill allows for easy detection of cooking temperature and a consistent finish from tip to tip.
Can a Griddle be Used as a Flat Top Grill?
Yes, a griddle can be utilized as a flat top cooking surface. While many griddles have a flat cooking area that functions similarly to a flat top grill, not all griddles are suitable for high-temperature cooking. Always check the specifications and heat tolerance of your griddle before using it as a flat top. Monitor the heat carefully to prevent damage (or the charring of your dinner).
How to Maintain Your Flat Top Grill
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your flat top grill, regular maintenance is key. Begin by cleaning and greasing the grill regularly to prevent any buildup. Use a grill brush or scraper to remove any stuck-on residue. It’s also important to keep the burners clean for efficient heat distribution. When not in use, store your flat top grill in a dry and covered area to prevent rust. Finally, don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and care.
How to Clean a Flat Top Grill
To clean a flat top grill, start by using a grill brush or scraper to remove any food debris from the surface. After that, wipe down the griddle with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any remaining residue. To prevent rusting, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the griddle. Make sure to clean the grease trap regularly to avoid clogs. When cleaning the griddle, avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage it. Remember to follow these steps to keep your flat top griddle in pristine condition.
How to Season a Flat Top Grill
To season a flat top grill, start by preheating it and applying a thin layer of oil using a paper towel or brush. Ensure the oil is spread evenly across the surface. Allow the oil to heat and form a protective coating. For better results, repeat the seasoning process multiple times. Seasoning not only prevents sticking but also adds flavor to your food. Remember to maintain your grill by regularly cleaning and greasing it, following the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance.
The Best Flat Top Grills
Steelmade Flat Top for Outdoor Grill
Let’s start with the basics. Perhaps you already have a grill, and simply want a flat top griddle to use with what you have. The Steelmade Flat Top is a versatile accessory designed for just this purpose. With its large flat cooking surface, you can easily grill, fry, and cook a variety of dishes, while simultaneously using the grill racks on your grill (steak and eggs have never gone together so well). Made from durable materials, this flat top ensures long-lasting use. It is also easy to install and remove from compatible outdoor grills, allowing for seamless transitions.
Prestone Electric Tilt-N-Fold Griddle
The Prestone Electric Tilt-N-Fold Griddle is an electric griddle designed with a convenient tilt and fold feature, making it easy to store when not in use. This is the griddle to get for indoors or, if you have an outdoor kitchen on a patio, it’s also great for use there, as long as you have an electric outlet. Its non-stick cooking surface ensures hassle-free food release, while the adjustable temperature control allows for precise cooking. This versatile griddle is perfect for making pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast favorites. Its compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens or outdoor cooking spaces. With the Prestone Electric Tilt-N-Fold Griddle, you can enjoy delicious meals without taking up too much space in your kitchen.
Razor 4-Burner Griddle
The Razor 4-Top Flat Top Griddle is a culinary powerhouse designed to elevate cooking experiences to new heights – and it does just that. With its sleek and compact design, it seamlessly integrates into any outdoor kitchen or grill setting, be it in a professional restaurant or your backyard. The griddle features four independent cooking zones, allowing for versatile cooking of various dishes simultaneously. Its high-performance stainless steel cooking surface ensures even heat distribution, reducing hotspots and ensuring consistent results. The Razor 4-Top Flat Top Griddle is not only a tool for cooking but also a canvas for culinary creativity, enabling chefs and cooks to explore a wide range of techniques from searing and grilling to sautéing and frying.
Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill
The Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill offers a generously spacious cooking surface with four burners, providing you with ample room to cook multiple dishes at once. Its flat top design allows for versatile cooking options with space to prevent cross contamination, making it ideal for everything from pancakes and burgers to stir-fries and kebabs. With easy ignition and temperature control, you’ll have full control over your cooking experience. Made with durable materials, this gas grill is built to withstand outdoor use – a good thing, because inviting the guys over for a weekend grill session just got way more interesting.
Pit Boss 4-Burn Flat Top Griddle
The Pit Boss 4-Burn Flat Top Griddle is for the experienced outdoor chef – bonus points if said chef is a barbecue master. With four burners, it provides even heat distribution (unlike the Razor, which operates four distinct cooking zones), ensuring consistent cooking results. The spacious cooking surface allows you to cook multiple items at once to consistent finishes, saving you time and effort. Additionally, the grease management system helps keep the griddle clean, making cleanup a breeze. From smash burgers to your favorite grilled favorites, this sturdy griddle ensures durability and longevity for all your outdoor cooking adventures – and it’s great for high-volume, making it perfect for barbecues or birthday parties.
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