A flat top grill is the most versatile outdoor cooking tool. It combines a grill and griddle in one unit, occupying two or four burners. The grill and griddle has heavy-duty, foldable side shelves for storing heated foods. These grills also have ample on-board storage space. They are perfect for camping trips and outdoor adventures. Some models even feature a paper towel holder.
Features
The main feature that sets flat top grills apart from their traditional counterparts is their fully accessible cooking surface. A traditional grill may have solid sides and warming racks. This can make accessing the cooking area difficult. However, flat top grills can be stored indoors. If you have limited space, you may opt for a portable model. There are some things to consider before purchasing a flat top grill. Read on to learn more about the features of flat top grills.
The cooking surface of a flat top grill is typically made of a heavy gauge of steel similar to cast iron. A flat top grill will get seasoned with use just like a cast iron pan. However, it will not retain the nonstick properties of a cast iron pan. To avoid this, make sure to use a nonstick coating before cooking. This will ensure that your food doesn’t stick to the grill surface.
The cooking surface size of a flat top grill is often listed on its product listing. This measurement indicates the grill’s BTUs and how much food it can cook at once. For a four-person household, 300 to 500 square inches of cooking surface area would be sufficient. For larger gatherings, choose a bigger model. A grill with an oversized surface will allow for sear marks. This grill may have several different features.
Unlike traditional grills, flattop grills can be used for many different cooking techniques. Flambee, charring, and roasting can all be done with a flattop grill. It can also be used to cook pots directly on the cook surface. Its steel cooksurface seasons much like cast iron cookware, making it a natural non-stick surface. As a result, you can cook just about any type of food.
Benefits
A flat top grill has several benefits over a griddle. Unlike a griddle, which has to be cleaned after cooking, flat top grills will hold the grease on the cooking surface. Also, unlike a griddle, flames do not touch the food, preventing the smoky flavor from being produced. The size of a flat top grill varies, depending on how many people it will be cooking for. Most grills offer different cooking surface sizes, and manufacturers usually use the width of the cooking surface as a measure of the size.
While the cooking surface is flat, some flat top grills are convex, allowing extra grease and juices to drip off the food. These grills are often powered by gas, propane, or electricity. Depending on the features of the model, you can use them indoors or out. Most models are portable and fold for easy transport. Some even have side tables and are powered by gas. A flat top grill can be used both indoors and out.
A flat top grill can also be easy to clean. They don’t have a tight space on the end, which makes it easy to wipe off. Cleaning a flat top grill is a breeze and will help you avoid pests and rust. You can even choose a product that will keep the bugs and other insects out. A flat top grill also doesn’t need to be removed from its cooking area after each cooking session, which saves you the hassle of cleaning the griddle after every use.
The flat top grill doesn’t produce the smoky BBQ flavor. The dripping won’t drip into the fire and will never return to smoke the food. You can purchase a flat top grill separately or add it to an existing grill. Some flat top grills come as accessories for a particular grill model, while others are designed to fit over the grates of another model. Another benefit of flat top grills is that the solid surface means small items don’t fall into the fire.
Cost
Flat top grills generally cost more than a traditional barbecue, but they do come with several advantages. Unlike traditional grills, they come with a cooking surface that is non-stick and is generally made from a heavier type of steel. Unlike cast iron, which needs to be seasoned, flat top grills don’t need to be seasoned, and many are made from stainless steel. If you’re looking for a grill that has more than enough cooking surface area, you’ll want a deluxe model.
You’ll also want to consider how many people you plan to cook for before you make your purchase. The number of people you plan to cook for will also determine the size of the grill. A flat top grill may be larger than a regular indoor electric griddle, so consider the size of the space you want to allocate for cooking before you decide on a particular model. Manufacturers usually describe their grills in terms of the width of the cooking surface, and some are compatible with converters to use natural gas line.
Other considerations for cost include the number of burners. You can choose between a grill with two or four burners, or a larger one with eight burners. Typically, the price of a larger grill reflects the amount of cooking surface. Two burners are fine if you’re only cooking for yourself and your family. If you’re cooking for large groups, you’ll want to consider a model with more burners.
The cooking surface size should match your cooking needs. When looking for a flat top grill, check the BTUs it has, which measure the thermal energy. Most grills have between seven and fifteen thousand BTUs per heating element, while grills with four burners offer up to 60,000 BTUs. The higher the BTU, the faster the grill will heat. A grill with lower BTUs may take longer to reach high temperatures or burn unevenly.
Size
When comparing flat top grills, you’ll want to take into account size, cooking surface, and the number of burners. The Weber Q 760 has 760 square inches of cooking area and two front grease traps. Its four burners each put out 60,000 BTUs, and you can control each one independently. The Cuisinart Q 760 is also easy to clean. For tailgating, a smaller grill may be more convenient.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can choose a small flat top grill. Country Smokers, for instance, offers a four-burner grill with a surface area of 597 square inches. However, it’s slightly larger than the smaller model, weighing in at 48 pounds. A portable grill is also important if you plan on using it outdoors, so you should keep that in mind.
A flat top grill’s cooking surface is typically made of steel. The cooking surface gets seasoned and oiled just like a cast iron pan. Because it’s a non-stick surface, you can use it to cook food without worrying about the food sticking to the surface. For a larger grill, a combination grill with both a flat top and traditional grilling surfaces is ideal. But if you’re looking to save some money and still enjoy all the benefits of a flat top grill, consider a combination unit.
One of the biggest differences between a flat top grill and a conventional one is the cooking surface. Flat top grills can be larger or smaller than electric griddles, but they share a cooking surface and are generally more convenient to use. A two-burner flat top grill is a good choice for small families, while a four or five-burner unit is best for entertaining large groups. In either case, you can choose the right cooking surface for your needs.
Cleaning
You should clean the griddle on your flat top grill after every use. To clean the surface, use a griddle scraper to remove any lingering food residue and grease. Rinse the griddle with water, wipe dry and wipe again. Occasionally, you may need to use a Blackstone scouring pad. If you can’t find one, you can purchase one on Amazon. Here are some simple tips to help you clean your griddle.
Generally, a solution made from raw vinegar will help clean flat top grills. You can then scrub away the residue with a grill brush. While cleaning the griddle, it’s important to remember that some cleaners may cause damage to the top. Stainless steel flat top grills are more resistant to wear and tear. Any cleaning solution will work well, as long as you’re careful. Remember to season your grill before each use.
When cleaning the grill, don’t forget to clean the griddle as well. Saturated fats will solidify when left at room temperature. To remove them, follow conventional cleaning procedures. If you don’t have any of these tools, you can buy griddle scrapers to help you with this task. Alternatively, you can buy one made of specific materials. However, if your grill is made of plastic, it’s advisable to remove the cooking oil before cleaning.
Clean the drip tray and grease drain. It’s important to keep your grill clean since leftover food residue can transfer to the next meal. Grease buildup will also make it harder to clean after use. Unlike other types of grills, cleaning a flat top grill should never involve harsh chemicals, and you can opt for a steam method instead. Clean the grill with a clean cloth. If you don’t have the time or aren’t comfortable using the steam method, you can also use a soft cloth.
