Amp Up Your Outdoor Cooking Arsenal with a Flat Top Grill
Outdoor cooking allows you to enjoy being outside in nice weather while preparing delicious food for family and friends. And one of the hottest outdoor cooking trends is incorporating a flat top grill into your backyard setup. With their spacious, restaurant-style grilling area, flat top grills open up exciting new possibilities for home chefs.
Offering the versatility of a stovetop plus the fun of grilling, flat top grills are a multipurpose powerhouse appliance that will take your outdoor cooking skills to the next level. Read on to discover all the benefits of flat top grills and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What is a Flat Top Grill?
A flat top grill, sometimes called a flattop griddle, is characterized by its large, flat cooking surface that sits over powerful gas or electric burners. The entire surface evenly heats, mimicking a restaurant-grade griddle.
This allows you to cook foods directly on the grill much like you would on a stovetop - sautéing vegetables, frying eggs, searing steaks, and more. The spacious surface also has room to cook multiple items at different temperatures.
Key Features and Benefits
Flat top grills are typically made of commercial-grade stainless steel or cast iron. Underneath the flat cooking surface are multiple burners that allow you to create different heat zones. This lets you move food around for the desired doneness.
A built-in grease management system catches fat and oils and makes cleanup much easier. And the open flat space gives you more room for creativity in your cooking.
Grilling Versatility
One of the biggest benefits of a flat top grill is how versatile it is. You can use it like a traditional grill to cook up burgers, steaks, chops and dogs. But then switch over to griddle mode to fry eggs for breakfast, sauté vegetables, or cook a stir fry.
The large flat surface makes it easy to flip and maneuver food. And you can cook an entire meal on it all at once - veggies on one side, meat on the other.
Why Choose a Flat Top Grill?
For home cooks looking to upgrade their outdoor cooking game, a flat top grill offers numerous advantages over a traditional barbecue grill.
More Efficient Cooking
The expansive cooking space allows you to prepare complete meals together. Use zones of direct and indirect heat to get everything cooked just right. Keep foods warm on one side while searing or grilling on the other.
Creativity and Fun
A flat top grill lets your inner chef come out to play! The versatility lends itself to experimenting with new cooking techniques. You can get creative with recipes and presentation. It's an interactive, fun way to cook.
Quick and Easy
The direct contact of food on the hot surface means very quick cooking. The familiar experience of cooking on a flat griddle also makes it easy for anyone to use.
Restaurant Styling
The commercial styling brings that professional chef experience to your backyard. Impress guests with your mad grilling skills!
Choosing Your Flat Top Grill
If you're ready to take the plunge with a flat top grill, there are several options to consider when choosing the right model.
Grill Size
One of the first decisions is the overall size and cooking surface area. Consider how much food you typically cook at once, and how often you'll use the grill. Available sizes range from small portable units up to giant 60-inch restaurant-sized flat tops.
Fuel Source
The most common fuel type for flat top grills is propane since it's portable and convenient. For a built-in grill, natural gas can be plumbed in. Electric powered options are also available but may not get as hot.
Burners and Materials
Look for a model with multiple burners, preferably 3 or more, so you can create heat zones. Commercial-grade stainless steel and cast iron are the most durable materials.
Added Features
Some added niceties to look for include built-in thermometers, removable grease trays, side shelves, and griddle attachments. Also consider a brand with a reputation for quality and performance.
Incorporating a Flat Top Grill
Flat top grills are available as standalone units in a variety of sizes and configurations. But for the ultimate outdoor cooking experience, integrate one into a larger grill station or full-on outdoor kitchen.
Grill Station Setups
A grill station incorporates the flat top grill head along with complimentary features like side burners, sink, storage cabinets and counters. Many models have modular components so you can customize.
Freestanding cart-style grill stations provide a more affordable starter option. Look for quality materials and construction in any grill station model.
Outdoor Kitchens
For passionate home chefs, incorporating a flat top grill into a customized outdoor kitchen opens up a world of potential. You can include other appliances like refrigerators, pizza ovens, smokers along with cabinetry, sinks, lighting and more.
Planning a full outdoor kitchen benefits from professional design help. But the investment pays off with an entertainment space and cooking oasis tailored to your needs.
From casual family meals to fancy dinner parties, a flat top grill enables you to cook it all outdoors like a pro. With the power to sear, sauté, grill and griddle, flat tops are one of the most versatile and efficient cooking appliances you can add to your patio or backyard.
Bring the excitement of restaurant-style cooking into your own outdoor cooking arsenal. A flat top grill allows you to flex your culinary skills and whip up everything from smashed burgers to stir fries to breakfast crepes. Amp up your cooking potential and unleash some chef magic with the do-it-all capability of a flat top grill!