Table of Contents
Introduction
What is a flat-top grill?
Key features of the flat-top grill
Surface material
Heat distribution
Controllable heat zones
Cooking capacity
Portability
Global market value of flat-top grills
How to choose a flat-top grill
Final thoughts
Introduction
When summertime rolls around, many people jump at the opportunity to cook outdoors. Whether they’re using an outdoor barbecue, a cooking grill, or a flat-top grill, knowing how to use each is key to creating the perfect meal. And the latter is among the most popular outdoor cooking units, as its all-in-one surface allows people to cook a wide range of dishes without extra hassle.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about flat-top grills and what makes them the perfect option for easy grilling outdoors.
What is a flat-top grill?
Flat-top grills are very popular outdoor cooking appliances, though they can also be used indoors in both residential and commercial kitchens. Their most prominent feature is the wide cooking surface that’s made from stainless steel, cold-rolled steel, or cast iron. This allows users to cook directly on the surface without the need for grates or an open flame.
These grills are powered by either electricity or gas, and they can cook everything from vegetables and meats to eggs and pancakes. The even heat distribution offered by flat-top grills makes it very easy to cook multiple items at once, making them great versatile options for outdoor cooking as well as professional chefs.
Key features of the flat-top grill
There are several important features to note if you’re a business looking to stock flat-top grills, or just a customer on the market:
Surface material
Flat-top grills are well known for their heat retention, and the surface material plays a significant role in this. Thicker plates offer much better heat retention, and they help to reduce fluctuations in temperature. High-quality grill models will range from 3/16” to 1/4” in thickness, and they’re usually made from materials such as cast iron or cold-rolled steel. Both of these materials are less likely to warp over time and provide easy grilling capabilities.
Cast iron is the go-to surface material choice for professional grillers and those who appreciate high-quality cooking appliances. It offers superior heat retention, but it requires more maintenance than steel. Cold-rolled steel, on the other hand, is particularly durable and provides excellent thermal conductivity.
Heat distribution
If there’s one thing that makes flat-top grills stand out, it’s their even heat distribution. These grills are designed to provide even heating across the whole surface, and this is achieved through perfectly placed electric heating elements or gas burners under the metal plate. Traditional grills have hotspots and cold zones due to a direct heat source and exposure, whereas using flat-top grills ensures the food cooks evenly across the entire griddle surface.
Controllable heat zones
Since flat-top grills are designed with multiple heat spots, users have complete control over how high or low the heat is in each of them. This means that steaks can be seared at high temperatures alongside items that require lower heat without worrying about over- or undercooking something. Flat-top grills offer a versatile cooking experience that eliminates the need for extra equipment, which is perfect for outdoor dining situations.
Cooking capacity
The capacity of a flat-top grill will depend on personal needs. The sizes usually range from 300 to over 700 square inches, with much smaller models available for RVs or light camping trips. The larger style of grills is perfect for use in the backyard while hosting parties, or for preparing several dishes at the same time. These larger grills will feature more burners because a larger space needs to be heated. However, this means they require more fuel or electricity to run and also require storage space when not in use.
Portability
Many people choose to use flat-top grills seasonally, specifically in the late spring and summertime when the weather is at its peak. Because of this, many portable flat-top grills will feature folding legs or sturdy wheels, which make them easier to transport. This portability is ideal for those who intend to use the grills for camping or tailgating.
Buyers will also want to consider the frame’s quality to ensure it can withstand outdoor elements with minimal maintenance.
Global market value of flat-top grills
The popularity of cooking channels and social media has taught people how to cook at home. This is especially true in recent years, and demand has only increased for grills and griddles, with new technology emerging to make products more appealing to buyers.
In 2024, the global market value of grills and griddles exceeded USD 2 billion. This number is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% between 2024 and 2033, bringing the total value up to approximately USD 2.7 billion by the end of this period. North America is expected to be the most significant player, with its market growing by 4.8% by 2033.
How to choose a flat-top grill
Buyers will choose a flat-top grill that’s right for them based on several factors:
- Size. Smaller grills (300 to 400 square inches) are suitable for up to four people, and they can be used in RVs or small spaces. Standard grill tops (500 to 600 square inches) are great for small gatherings. Large grills (700-plus square inches) are a good choice for outdoor cooking and larger parties.
- Number of heat zones. For smaller meals, two burners will be enough for basic control. More than three burners will provide multiple heat zones, which allow users to cook different foods at various temperatures. To gauge heat output, buyers will want to see the BTU ratings (British thermal units). The higher the rating, the faster and more powerful the heating will be.
- Surface material. Stainless steel is rust-resistant but doesn’t retain heat well, so it’s not commonly used for high-end models. Cold-rolled steel requires regular maintenance to prevent rusting, but it offers perfect heat retention and distribution. Cast iron is the most popular choice, offering the best heat retention and searing capabilities, but it’s significantly heavier than other materials and requires regular maintenance.
- Grease trap. A removable drip tray is necessary for removing grease easily from the grill. These traps are found either on the side or the back, and they’re easy to clean and remove. Additional accessories that can be used on the flat surface will also increase sales.
- Cleaning and maintenance. Buyers will want an easy cleaning surface as well as removable griddle tops. Some materials, such as steel, require seasoning regularly, though. The grease trays should be easily accessible to facilitate easier cleanup.
- Ease of setup. Most outdoor grills are moved around, especially for off-season storage. Having foldable legs, wheels, or detachable pieces makes them more portable and easier to handle.
- Cooking needs. Buyers will need to consider how they plan to use their grill. This will have a significant impact on the size they choose and how many burners will be required.
- Budget. Most basic tabletop models start at around USD 150, and premium models can exceed USD 1,000. The price will depend on the grill’s features and materials.
Final thoughts
When choosing a flat-top grill for the summer, there are numerous key features to take into account. Google Ads shows that searches for “flat-top grill” sit at approximately 74,000 per month, and the most searches appear between June and August, when grilling season is at its peak. This shows just how popular these cooking appliances are in the summertime, so make sure to stock the latest models and prepare as much information as possible for buyers before then, so that they can find the best flat-top grill for their needs.
