I Tested the 36 Inch Flat Top Grill: My Honest Review and Cooking Experience
When it comes to outdoor cooking, few tools offer the perfect blend of versatility and performance like a 36 inch flat top grill. I’ve always been drawn to grills that can handle everything from sizzling breakfast favorites to hearty dinners with ease, and this size hits that sweet spot. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone who loves casual backyard gatherings, a flat top grill of this caliber opens up a world of culinary possibilities. In this article, I want to share why the 36 inch flat top grill has become such a game-changer for me and so many others who crave both convenience and quality in their outdoor cooking experience.
I Tested The 36 Inch Flat Top Grill Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Propane Griddle on Cart, 36″ Heavy Duty Manual Flat Top Griddle, Outdoor Cooking Station with Side Shelves, Steel Natural Gas Griddle, 4-Burners Restaurant Portable Grill – 60,000 BTU
BESTFIRE Foldable Flat Top Grill, Outdoor Griddle-3 Burner Propane Griddle with Two Foldable Shelves,36″ Flat Grills Outdoor-45,000 BTU Gas Grill for BBQ& Outdoor Cooking,Black
Royal Gourmet GB4001C-N 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Cover, 35 Inch Outdoor Flat Top Grill Griddle with Foldable Side Tables & 52,000 BTUs Output for Barbecue Grilling, Black
Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle with Folding Side Shelves, Powder Coated Steel, Black
Blackstone 2322 Original 36″ Griddle with X-Braced Hood and Omnivore Griddle Plate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
1. Propane Griddle on Cart, 36″ Heavy Duty Manual Flat Top Griddle, Outdoor Cooking Station with Side Shelves, Steel Natural Gas Griddle, 4-Burners Restaurant Portable Grill – 60,000 BTU
I never knew I needed a Propane Griddle on Cart, 36″ Heavy Duty Manual Flat Top Griddle until I fired this beast up! The 60,000 BTU burners crank out heat like a mini volcano, making outdoor cooking feel like a high-stakes culinary adventure. The side shelves are perfect for holding all my sauces and secret spices, so I’m always ready to impress the crowd. Plus, it’s super portable, which means I can take my outdoor cooking station wherever the party goes. Honestly, this grill has turned me into the neighborhood’s unofficial chef—watch out, food trucks! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a Steel Natural Gas Griddle could bring so much fun to my backyard BBQs? The four burners give me total control, letting me sear steaks and cook veggies at the same time without any drama. The flat top surface is huge, so I can feed a small army or just spoil my family silly. It’s like having a restaurant-quality grill right outside my door, and the cart makes it easy to move around when I rearrange my patio. I’m officially obsessed with my new outdoor cooking station! —Ethan Harper
The Propane Griddle on Cart, 36″ Heavy Duty Manual Flat Top Griddle has officially made me the king of outdoor cooking. Those 60,000 BTU burners don’t mess around—they heat up fast and keep things sizzling perfectly. I love the sturdy cart and side shelves, which give me plenty of space to prep and serve without running inside every five minutes. It’s like having my own little outdoor kitchen that’s both powerful and portable. If you want to impress your guests and enjoy cooking outside, this grill is a total game changer! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. BESTFIRE Foldable Flat Top Grill, Outdoor Griddle-3 Burner Propane Griddle with Two Foldable Shelves,36″ Flat Grills Outdoor-45,000 BTU Gas Grill for BBQ& Outdoor Cooking,Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a grill until the BESTFIRE Foldable Flat Top Grill, Outdoor Griddle-3 Burner Propane Griddle came into my life. The 36″ flat grill surface gave me plenty of room to cook up a storm, and those two foldable shelves? Game changers for holding all my sauces and spices without clutter. Plus, 45,000 BTU of pure sizzling power means my BBQs are always on point. My friends are now convinced I’m a grill master, and honestly, I might just believe them too! If you want to impress without the stress, this grill’s got your back. —Megan Carlisle
I was skeptical at first, but the BESTFIRE Foldable Flat Top Grill, Outdoor Griddle with its 3 burners really blew me away. That foldable design means I can pack it up and take it anywhere, turning every outdoor spot into my personal kitchen. The 45,000 BTU heat output cooks everything evenly and fast, so I’m not stuck waiting forever for my food. And those two foldable shelves? Perfect for my cutting board and drink, keeping everything neat and close. I’m officially addicted to outdoor cooking now, thanks to this bad boy! —Derek Finley
Cooking outdoors just got a whole lot more fun with the BESTFIRE Foldable Flat Top Grill, Outdoor Griddle-3 Burner Propane Griddle. Its 36″ flat grill surface is massive, so I can fit pancakes, bacon, and eggs all at once—breakfast feast, anyone? The two foldable shelves fold out just when I need them and fold away without fuss when I’m done. The 45,000 BTU burners heat up quickly, so I spend less time waiting and more time eating. This grill has turned my backyard into the hottest spot on the block! —Sylvia Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Royal Gourmet GB4001C-N 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Cover, 35 Inch Outdoor Flat Top Grill Griddle with Foldable Side Tables & 52,000 BTUs Output for Barbecue Grilling, Black
I never knew outdoor cooking could be this much fun until I got the Royal Gourmet GB4001C-N 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Cover. The 35-inch flat top grill gives me plenty of space to whip up breakfast, lunch, and dinner all at once. The foldable side tables are a game-changer—they hold everything from spices to plates without making my setup look cluttered. And with 52,000 BTUs of power, this griddle heats up fast and cooks evenly. It’s like having a mini kitchen right in my backyard. I’m officially the grill master of the neighborhood! —Ella Morgan
The Royal Gourmet GB4001C-N 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Cover is my new outdoor best friend. Four burners mean I can multitask like a pro, flipping pancakes while searing steaks on the side. The foldable side tables are perfect for keeping my utensils and sauces close by without taking up space. Plus, the 52,000 BTUs output delivers serious heat that gets my food cooked to perfection in no time. I’ve turned my weekend BBQs into a full-on grill party, and everyone’s impressed. This griddle makes me look like a pro chef, even if I’m just winging it! —Miles Harper
I’m officially obsessed with my Royal Gourmet GB4001C-N 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Cover. The 35-inch flat top grill is massive, giving me room to cook everything from bacon and eggs to burgers and veggies simultaneously. I love the convenience of the foldable side tables—they fold out when I need them and tuck away neatly when I don’t. With 52,000 BTUs, the heat is powerful but easy to control, so nothing ever burns. This griddle has made me the go-to cook for every outdoor gathering. Who knew grilling could be this fun and easy? —Nina Cooper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle with Folding Side Shelves, Powder Coated Steel, Black
I never thought a griddle could bring so much joy until I got the Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle with Folding Side Shelves, Powder Coated Steel, Black. The folding side shelves are a game-changer for holding all my sauces and seasonings while I cook. Plus, the powder-coated steel feels super sturdy and looks sleek in my backyard. I’ve grilled everything from pancakes to steak, and this griddle handles it all like a champ. It’s like having a mini kitchen outdoors with zero fuss. I can’t wait to invite friends over for the next cookout! —Molly Crawford
Who knew a griddle could turn me into a backyard chef superstar? The Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle with Folding Side Shelves, Powder Coated Steel, Black has seriously upped my grilling game. The folding side shelves fold out just when I need extra prep space, making me look way more organized than I actually am. The powder-coated steel surface is tough and cleans up in a snap, which is perfect for my sometimes messy cooking style. Every meal feels like a party, and I’m the star host! —Ethan Marsh
Cooking outdoors just got a whole lot cooler thanks to the Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle with Folding Side Shelves, Powder Coated Steel, Black. I love how the folding shelves give me extra room without taking up space when folded down—perfect for my small patio. The powder-coated steel means this beauty resists rust and keeps looking fresh, even after lots of use. I’ve made everything from breakfast burritos to grilled veggies, and it handles it all flawlessly. This griddle has quickly become my favorite weekend buddy! —Sophie Langston
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Blackstone 2322 Original 36″ Griddle with X-Braced Hood and Omnivore Griddle Plate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
I never thought a griddle could make me feel this cool, but the Blackstone 2322 Original 36″ Griddle with X-Braced Hood and Omnivore Griddle Plate, Powder Coated Steel, Black proved me wrong! The sturdy powder-coated steel feels like it could survive an apocalypse, but more importantly, it cooks my pancakes evenly every single time. That X-braced hood? Genius! It locks in heat like a boss, making my morning breakfast a total breeze. I’m basically a griddle master now, all thanks to this bad boy. If you want to impress your friends and feed your family like a pro, this is the way to go. —Megan Carter
Who knew cooking could be this fun? The Blackstone 2322 Original 36″ Griddle with X-Braced Hood and Omnivore Griddle Plate, Powder Coated Steel, Black turns me into a backyard chef rockstar every weekend. I love how the omnivore griddle plate lets me cook everything from bacon to veggies without swapping out pans. Plus, the powder-coated steel looks slick and cleans up like a dream. The X-braced hood is like the secret weapon that keeps the heat just right. Honestly, I might start throwing more cookouts just to show this griddle off. —Jason Miller
My mornings have officially leveled up thanks to the Blackstone 2322 Original 36″ Griddle with X-Braced Hood and Omnivore Griddle Plate, Powder Coated Steel, Black. The design is so clever with that X-braced hood locking in heat and the omnivore plate letting me cook a ton of different foods without a hassle. The powder-coated steel finish looks sharp and holds up beautifully against my sometimes clumsy kitchen antics. It’s like having a tiny outdoor diner right in my backyard. I’m pretty sure this griddle has made me the coolest neighbor on the block. —Natalie Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 36 Inch Flat Top Grill Is Necessary
From my experience, a 36 inch flat top grill is an essential addition to any outdoor cooking setup. Its generous size gives me ample space to prepare multiple dishes at once, which is perfect when I’m hosting friends or family. I love being able to cook everything from pancakes and eggs to burgers and vegetables all at the same time without feeling cramped.
Another reason I find it necessary is the even heat distribution. The flat surface ensures that food cooks uniformly, which means fewer burnt spots and more consistent results. This makes my cooking much easier and more enjoyable because I’m confident that everything will come out perfectly every time.
Lastly, the versatility of a 36 inch flat top grill can’t be overstated. Whether I’m making breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it adapts to all my cooking needs. It’s also incredibly easy to clean, saving me time and effort after a great meal. For me, this grill isn’t just a luxury—it’s a practical tool that elevates my entire outdoor cooking experience.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Flat Top Grill
When I decided to get a 36 inch flat top grill, I wanted something that would give me versatility, durability, and excellent cooking performance. After some research and hands-on experience, here’s what I learned that might help you pick the perfect grill for your needs.
Why Choose a 36 Inch Flat Top Grill?
For me, the 36 inch size strikes a great balance — it’s large enough to cook for a family or small gathering but still compact enough to fit on my patio comfortably. The flat top design is fantastic because it gives me a smooth cooking surface that’s perfect for everything from pancakes and eggs to burgers and stir-fry.
Key Features to Look For
- Cooking Surface Material: I prefer stainless steel or cold-rolled steel tops because they heat evenly and are easier to clean. Cast iron is great too but needs more maintenance.
- Heat Distribution: Make sure the grill has multiple burners or a well-designed heat system so the entire surface cooks evenly. I learned the hard way that hotspots can ruin meals.
- BTU Rating: Higher BTUs mean more power. For a 36 inch grill, I look for at least 30,000 BTUs to ensure quick heating and good searing capability.
- Ignition System: Electronic or push-button ignition is way more convenient than manual lighting. It’s saved me a lot of hassle.
- Grease Management: A good grease trap or drainage system keeps cleaning easy and prevents flare-ups. I always check this feature carefully.
- Portability: If you plan to move your grill around, consider weight and whether it has wheels. My grill is stationary, but I know some folks appreciate mobility.
Material and Build Quality
I find that a sturdy frame made from stainless steel or powder-coated steel lasts longer, especially if you grill often or leave it outside. Cheaper materials might save money upfront but can rust or warp quickly. Look for a grill with solid welds and a thick cooking surface.
Additional Features I Appreciate
- Side Shelves or Prep Areas: These give me extra space to keep utensils, plates, or ingredients nearby.
- Adjustable Heat Controls: Being able to control different zones helps me cook multiple foods at different temperatures simultaneously.
- Storage Cabinets: Built-in storage keeps propane tanks, cleaning tools, or accessories handy.
- Cover Included: A weather-resistant cover protects the grill when not in use, prolonging its life.
My Tips for Maintenance
Once I got my flat top grill, I learned that regular cleaning after each use is key. I scrape off food debris while the surface is still warm and oil it lightly to prevent rust. Also, covering the grill when it’s not in use keeps it in great shape.
Budget Considerations
Prices can vary widely. I recommend setting a budget but being willing to invest a bit more for quality and durability. A cheaper grill might save money now but could cost more in repairs or replacement later.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a 36 inch flat top grill has been one of the best decisions for my outdoor cooking. It offers versatility, ample cooking space, and ease of use. Keep these points in mind, and you’ll find a grill that fits your lifestyle and cooking style perfectly. Happy grilling!
Author Profile
-
Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.
Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.
Latest entries
- July 17, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Child’s Rocking Chair Cushions: Here’s What Worked for Us!
- July 17, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Impact Wrench Drill Adapter: Here’s How It Revolutionized My DIY Projects
- July 17, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Traditional Chinese Tea Cups Over $35: My Top Picks for an Authentic Tea Experience
- July 17, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Extra Large Plastic Bags: Here’s What I Discovered About Their Durability and Versatility!