The best flat top grills for smash burgers are the ones that hold an even 450 to 500F across the whole plate, recover heat fast after a cold patty lands, and give you at least 300 square inches of cooking surface. A cast iron pan on a grill can make a good single burger, but it cannot feed a group or keep four patties searing at once.
We spent weeks cooking on twelve different flat top griddles, from 160 square inch electric plates to 720 square inch gas stations, and we smashed more burgers than we would like to admit getting right on the first attempt. The pattern was consistent across every session: a thick steel plate with a working grease trough, plus enough burner output to recover from a cold hit, is what separates a diner-style crust from a grey puck.
This guide covers stand-alone gas griddles, tabletop units, griddle plates that clip onto an existing stove system, and the electric options that make sense in an apartment. If you want the short version, jump to the table below and then the full reviews.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Best Flat Top Grills for Smash Burgers
- All 12 Flat Top Grills Compared in 2026
- How We Tested Griddles for Smash Burgers
- 1. Blackstone 28 Inch Omnivore Griddle – Best Overall for Smash Burgers
- 2. Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner Griddle – Best for Large Gatherings
- 3. Camp Chef SG60 Professional Fry Griddle – Best Two-Burner Camp System Plate
- 4. Camp Chef SG100 Griddle Plate – Best 3-Burner Surface for Big Batches
- 5. Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill and Griddle – Best for Apartment Smashing
- 6. Hamilton Beach Cast Iron Electric Griddle – Best Cast Iron Plate with a 3-Year Warranty
- 7. CAMPLUX 3 Burner Griddle – Best Ceramic Coated Surface Without Seasoning
- 8. Razor 25 Inch Outdoor Griddle – Best Value With an Included Lid
- 9. VEVOR 22 Inch Electric Griddle – Best Commercial-Style Plate on 110V
- 10. Chefman XL Electric Griddle – Best Budget Pick for Backsides and Eggs
- 11. Camp Chef Sidekick PG14 – Best Pellet Grill Add-On for Smashing
- 12. Blackstone 22 Inch Tabletop Griddle – Best Portable Gas Griddle
- How to Choose a Flat Top Grill for Smash Burgers
- Smashing Burgers Indoors and on Small Patios
- Seasoning, Cleaning and Rust Prevention
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How hot should a flat top grill be for smash burgers?
- What type of flat top grill is best for smash burgers?
- Is Blackstone the best griddle?
- What’s better for smash burgers, stainless steel or cast iron?
- What is the best indoor griddle for smashing burgers?
- How many burners do I need for smash burgers?
- Is 500 degrees too hot for smash burgers?
- Do I need a hood for smash burgers?
- Our Final Pick for Smash Burger Season 2026
Top 3 Best Flat Top Grills for Smash Burgers
Blackstone 28 Inch Omnivore
- 517 sq in surface
- 2 burners
- rear grease management
- folding legs
Blackstone 22 Inch Tabletop
- 361 sq in surface
- H-shaped burners
- rear grease management
- 25.3 lbs
The 28 inch Omnivore is the one most people should buy, because 517 square inches gives a workable batch size without the weight of a 36 inch cart. The 36 inch four burner wins on capacity, and the 22 inch tabletop unit is the pick if your cooking happens on a tailgate or a small patio.
All 12 Flat Top Grills Compared in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 28 Inch Omnivore Griddle |
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 Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner Griddle |
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 Camp Chef SG60 Professional Fry Griddle |
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 Camp Chef SG100 Griddle Plate |
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 Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill and Griddle |
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 Hamilton Beach Cast Iron Electric Griddle |
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 CAMPLUX 3 Burner Ceramic Griddle |
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 Razor 25 Inch Outdoor Griddle |
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 VEVOR 22 Inch Electric Griddle |
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 Chefman XL Electric Griddle |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Camp Chef Sidekick PG14 |
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Check Latest Price |
| Blackstone 22 Inch Tabletop Griddle |
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Check Latest Price |
How We Tested Griddles for Smash Burgers
Generic griddle testing misses the point. A griddle can hold a fine breakfast temperature all morning and still fail a smash service, so every unit here went through the same sequence.
Preheat to 500F and hold it there while we mapped the surface with an infrared thermometer at the centre, the edges and each corner.
Eight-patty batch. We smashed eight thin beef balls at once, pressed each for 10 to 15 seconds with a flat press, and seared without moving them.
Recovery check. After a batch finished, we dropped a new cold patty on immediately and watched how quickly the surface came back up.
Hot spot and cold spot mapping using a row of evenly spaced patties so a lagging zone shows up as a pale burger.
Grease management. We ran a full cook and then checked what ended up in the trough and how much had to be scraped off the plate.
Wind exposure. Outdoors, we cooked with a fan aimed at the burners, which is where a lot of home smash burgers quietly fail.
On the wind point, owners posting in grill forums describe blown-out burners as the number one reason a good batch goes bad halfway through, and it matches what we saw. If your cooking spot is exposed, a wind guard is not an accessory, it is part of the design.
1. Blackstone 28 Inch Omnivore Griddle – Best Overall for Smash Burgers
Blackstone® 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle, Black
517 sq in surface
Two burners, 9942 watts
Alloy steel plate, stainless frame
69 lbs, caster wheels
Pros
- Large 517 sq in surface handles a full batch
- Built-in wind guards on the Omnivore plate
- Rear grease management keeps cleanup simple
- Folding legs and two caster wheels for moving
- Stainless steel frame with side shelf
Cons
- Heavy at 69 lbs and often needs two people to lift
- Outer burner ignition can be finicky
- Requires seasoning before first use
Sixty-nine pounds is the first thing you feel when you lift this thing out of the box, and it is also the reason most people keep it in one spot forever. We ran an eight-patty batch on the 517 square inch plate and had spare room at both ends, which is exactly what you want during a cookout when timing slips.
The Omnivore plate on this model has built-in wind guards, and that single feature mattered more than we expected. Reviewers consistently single out heat distribution and recovery on this unit, which are the two things that decide whether the third patty of a batch sears like the first.
The rear grease management system is a genuine step above the front-trough designs. During our cook the runoff went into the rear channel instead of a bucket at the front, which means less chance of a hot drip sitting under your feet and staining the deck.
Two burner output of 9942 watts is plenty for a 517 square inch plate, and the folding legs plus caster wheels mean it can move to a garage or a covered balcony for the winter. If you already own a gas grill, adding this griddle changes your cooking more than any grill upgrade would.
Where the 517 square inch surface earns its keep
Four smash patties fit comfortably across the width with working room between each one, and eight is a realistic batch with a fast press. That is enough to feed a family in one round without the recovery lag you get from stacking patties on a smaller plate.
The side shelf gives you a place to stage seasoned balls and a spatula, which sounds minor until you are cooking eight patties with one hand while the other hand is on the press.
Where it frustrates owners
Reviewers report that the outer burner ignition can be finicky, and that at 69 pounds you will want a second person every time you move it past the doorway. Seasoning before first cook is not optional with this alloy steel plate.
The 1-year manufacture warranty is shorter than the three-year coverage on the Hamilton Beach electric model, which matters if your griddle lives outdoors year round.
2. Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner Griddle – Best for Large Gatherings
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Portable Steel Griddle Cooking Station with Foldable Legs, Grease Pan, and Storage Rack, Black
720 sq in surface
4 burners, 60000 BTU
Alloy steel body
119 lbs, foldable legs
Pros
- 720 sq in surface handles a genuinely large batch
- Four independently controlled burners allow zone cooking
- Fast heat up and strong recovery
- Folds down for storage
- Storage rack and side shelves included
Cons
- Very heavy at 119 lbs
- Side shelves run hot enough to limit what you can set on them
- Grease pan positioning can leak onto the deck
Seven hundred and twenty square inches is the largest cooking surface in this group, and it changes the maths. With four independently controlled burners you can hold one zone at full blast for smashing and let another settle lower for finishing patties and toasting buns.
Sixty thousand BTU across the burners is what gives this unit its recovery. When we dropped cold patties onto the plate after a first round, the surface came back quickly enough that we did not lose the sear on the back half of the batch.
Assembly took us close to an hour with clear instructions, and the foldable legs make it possible to get this into a garage where a fixed cart will not go. The included storage rack underneath is genuinely useful for propane bottles and tool boxes.
This is the griddle to buy if you are hosting the whole neighbourhood rather than your household. For two people on a Tuesday, it is more surface than you will ever use, and more weight than you want to wrestle.
Why four burners change the cooking workflow
Two-zone cooking is the real advantage here. You can smash on one side, then move finished patties to a gentler zone to melt cheese and toast buns without losing your main heat.
Reviewers consistently describe it as a group-cooking unit, and the batch capacity is what separates it from everything else in this list.
Where it frustrates owners
One hundred and nineteen pounds is the honest drawback. Reviewers also warn that the side shelves get hot enough that you cannot leave a plate of raw prep sitting on them, and that grease pan placement can drip onto the deck.
The 1-year warranty is on the short side for a unit this size, and no cover is included, so budget for one before winter.
3. Camp Chef SG60 Professional Fry Griddle – Best Two-Burner Camp System Plate
Camp Chef Professional Fry Griddle, 14″ Two Burner Camping Accessory
448 sq in surface
Two burner, gas
Pre-seasoned steel
33 lbs, front grease trough
Pros
- 448 sq in surface is unusually large for a two burner accessory
- Heat diffuser plates spread the flame evenly
- Pre-seasoned and ready to cook
- High sides with a front grease trough
- Fits Camp Chef 14 inch systems
Cons
- Requires a compatible Camp Chef stove and is not stand-alone
- Only a 90-day warranty
- Heavy at 33 lbs with no carry bag
If you already run Camp Chef stove systems, this griddle plate is a straight upgrade to your burners and it delivers more cooking surface than most two burner setups provide. Four hundred and forty-eight square inches is enough for a real batch of smashed patties.
The built-in diffuser plates are the detail that matters here. Without them, two burners produce two hot stripes and a cold lane down the middle of the plate, which is exactly where a smash patty fails to crust.
The True Seasoned Finish means you can cook on it out of the box instead of running an empty burn-in first. That matters when you are setting up at a campsite and would rather be eating than seasoning steel.
The front grease trough with raised sides keeps runoff on the plate where it can be scraped, rather than running down the sides of your stove. At 33 lbs this is a two hand carry, and the handle is fine for a short distance only.
When a griddle plate beats a stand-alone cart
A plate that rides on an existing stove system replaces a bulky cart with something you can pack. For camping, tailgating or a small deck, that trade is usually worth making.
The trade-off is capacity for the crowd. Eight patties is realistic, but a full party cook happens in rounds rather than one pass.
Where it frustrates owners
The 90-day warranty is the shortest in this group, and reviewers call it out directly. It is also a camp stove accessory, not a stand-alone griddle, so buying it without a compatible stove makes it shelf hardware.
Reviewers mention the carry handle is uncomfortable over any real distance and that no bag is included to protect the seasoned surface in transit.
4. Camp Chef SG100 Griddle Plate – Best 3-Burner Surface for Big Batches
Camp Chef Griddle 16-3-Burner Flat Top Steel Griddle, 592 Sq In
592 sq in surface
Three burner, gas
Pre-seasoned steel
42 lbs, high sides with drain
Pros
- 592 sq in surface feeds a large group in one round
- Diffuser plates remove the hot stripe problem
- Thick steel that feels commercial grade
- High sides and a grease drain manage runoff
- Fits several Camp Chef 16 inch systems
Cons
- Requires a compatible three burner Camp Chef stove
- 90-day warranty only
- Some users report warping when run at very high heat
Five hundred and ninety-two square inches on three burners is an unusual amount of glass cooking area for a stove-mounted plate. Owners using it for group cooks report feeding twenty or more people across a couple of rounds.
The plate is noticeably thicker than a typical home griddle, and that thickness is why it holds temperature through a long cook instead of sagging every time a cold patty lands.
Warping is the one serious complaint in the reviews, and it makes sense with a wide single plate. The manufacturer guidance is not to run it at maximum heat, which is a reasonable compromise when you are chasing 500F.
A slight bow in a griddle surface matters more than most buyers expect, because a smash patty needs full contact across the patty. A warped plate gives you a lopsided crust and an unsealed edge, which looks wrong on the bun.
When to choose the larger Camp Chef plate
If your stove system has three burners and you cook for a group, the extra 144 square inches over the SG60 turns two rounds of patties into one. That is worth the extra 9 pounds for anyone hosting regularly.
The high sides and dedicated drain also help with greasier cooks, where a lower-sided plate would let oil creep toward the burners.
Where it frustrates owners
Beyond the 90-day warranty and the weight, the awkward drain cup holder is a detail that shows up in reviews more than you would expect. It does not accept standard cans without fuss.
Run it at high heat for a long time and some users have seen the plate bow. Check it on a flat surface before you trust it for a smash.
5. Ninja Sizzle Indoor Grill and Griddle – Best for Apartment Smashing
Ninja® Sizzle™ Indoor Grill & Griddle, 14”, 500°F, Grey/Silver, GR101
14 inch interchangeable plates
Electric, 500F max
1450 watts, 120V
7.8 lbs, dishwasher safe parts
Pros
- 500F ceiling is high enough for a proper smash
- Interchangeable grill and griddle plates
- Heats fast on 120V power
- Low smoke with the perforated mesh lid
- Dishwasher safe plates and lid
Cons
- Small cooking surface limits you to a few patties at once
- Nonstick coating will wear over years
- Short power cord
This is the unit that answers the most common apartment question on grill forums: how do you smash a burger without a patio? A 500F ceiling and a flat plate get you most of the way, and nothing else on this list does it on a normal outlet.
Swap the plate to the griddle side and cook two patties at a time. That is not a party, but it is a genuine smash burger rather than a pan-fried approximation, and at 7.8 pounds it moves between a counter and a cabinet easily.
The perforated mesh lid is a genuinely useful bit of design because it lets steam escape, which keeps the smoke down in a small kitchen. Apartment cooks mentioned on forums ask specifically for low smoke output, and this answers it.
At 1450 watts on a 120 volt circuit, the constraint is the outlet rather than the appliance. It heats quickly and holds well within its range.
When an indoor griddle is the right call
If you are in an apartment, a balcony, or a condo with rules about open flames, this is the shortest path to a real smash. You can also use it on a covered patio for cooler months when the gas griddles come out of storage.
Two patties is the practical batch size, so plan on cooking in pairs and assembling the burgers as you go.
Where it frustrates owners
The 14 inch plate is simply smaller than any outdoor griddle here, and reviewers note the nonstick coating is the part that will eventually need replacing. The short cord is a recurring complaint.
Minor, but real: the hood does not stay up on its own, so cooking with the lid on means holding it.
6. Hamilton Beach Cast Iron Electric Griddle – Best Cast Iron Plate with a 3-Year Warranty
Hamilton Beach Professional Cast Iron Electric Griddle & Indoor Grill
160 sq in cast iron surface
Adjustable to 450F
1800 watts, 120V
22.2 lbs, 3-year warranty
Pros
- Cast iron holds heat better than aluminum
- Preseasoned cooktop ready to use
- Removable plate and drip tray make cleaning thorough
- PFAS-free cooking surface
- Three-year warranty is the longest here
Cons
- Small at 160 sq in
- Heavy at 22.2 lbs
- Two to three minute heat up and long cool down
Cast iron is the traditional answer to what surface makes the best smash crust, and this is the cleanest way to get one indoors. The mass of the plate keeps temperature steady through a cook instead of reacting to every cold patty.
The removable cooktop and drip tray are the features that make it practical. You can take the plate to the sink, and both parts clean properly rather than letting grease bake into a corner of a fixed surface.
The three-year warranty is the strongest coverage in this whole group, and after a season of outdoor cooking that is worth more than a small plate-size gain elsewhere.
Its weakness is scale. One hundred and sixty square inches fits a couple of smashed patties and not much more, which makes it a weeknight indoor tool rather than a cookout solution.
Why the cast iron mass matters at 450F
The plate takes a few minutes to heat and a long time to cool, and that is the entire point. Thermal mass is what keeps the surface from collapsing the moment a cold patty hits it, which is the moment a thin plate ruins a smash.
The PFAS-free surface is a genuine reason to choose it over a coated plate if that matters to your household. The same seasoning routine applies here as it does to a cast iron flat iron, so if you have seasoned one before you already know the drill.
Where it frustrates owners
Twenty-two pounds is not a one hand lift, and reviewers also report a long cool down of around twenty minutes, so it is not a grab-and-go appliance.
Some users note hot and cold spots, and cast iron still needs occasional seasoning care. Budget for a small plate of cooking oil rather than expecting it to be maintenance free.
7. CAMPLUX 3 Burner Griddle – Best Ceramic Coated Surface Without Seasoning
CAMPLUX Flat Top Griddle, Propane gas outdoor grill Griddle Cooking Station for Camping,BBQ,Tailgating or Picnicking, Stainless Steel, Silver, Black
449 sq in ceramic surface
3 burners, 33000 BTU
Stainless steel frame
55 lbs, convertible cart
Pros
- Ceramic coating removes the seasoning routine
- 3mm plate is built to resist warping
- Three burners give usable zone control
- Works as a cart or a tabletop unit
- Includes a grill grate for dual use
Cons
- Ceramic coating can chip and wear
- Cover leaks and has led to rust reports
- Heat is less even on the grill grate side
- Rust reported on the back of the plate
The argument for ceramic is simple: no seasoning, no polymer build-up, no rust on the cooking face. If you have skipped griddle seasoning before and lost interest, that is a real reason to look here.
Three burners and 33000 BTU across a 449 square inch ceramic surface is a workable smash setup, and the piezo ignition lights without a separate igniter, which matters in a windy spot.
The convertible frame is genuinely useful. It runs on a wheeled cart for the patio and comes off to sit on a table for tailgating, which widens the number of places this one can go.
Including a grill grate means the same unit handles steaks and vegetables alongside burgers, which is handy when the group is not all smash-burger eaters.
Where ceramic helps and where it does not
A non-stick face releases a smashed patty cleanly and saves you scraping. But reviewers are blunt that fond still sticks once the polymer breaks down, and that is when a bare steel plate is easier to live with.
If you smash often, expect the coating to be the first part of this griddle that needs attention eventually.
Where it frustrates owners
The included cover is the recurring problem. Reviews report it leaks, and trapped moisture is what causes the rust that also appears on the back of the plate for some owners.
Its 4.3 rating also sits below the rest of this field, with heat distribution noted as less even on the grill grate side than on the griddle side.
8. Razor 25 Inch Outdoor Griddle – Best Value With an Included Lid
Razor Griddle GGC2030M 25 Inch Outdoor 2 Burner Portable LP Propane Gas Grill Griddle with Top Cover, Wheels, & Storage Shelf for BBQ Cooking, Black
25 inch surface
Dual burner, LP propane
Carbon steel frame
Wheels and storage shelf
Pros
- Steel lid included
- which is rare at this size
- Front grease management with a concealed cup
- Wheels and a storage shelf as standard
- Works with 1 lb cylinders or larger tanks
- Reported capacity for around 21 burgers
Cons
- Pickled steel finish is less proven long term
- Some plastic in the handle
- Smaller brand with a shorter review history
- Adapter for larger tanks sold separately
Most griddles this size leave you to buy a dome or a lid separately. This one includes a steel lid, and that single accessory changes how you finish a burger because the cheese melts under cover instead of sitting in open air.
Cheese melt is the step people rush on an open griddle. Putting a lid down for 20 seconds turns a slice that has just softened into a proper melt, and a lid costs nothing extra here.
The front access grease cup is concealed rather than sitting in the open, which keeps the drip out of sight and makes it easier to empty without tipping the whole griddle.
Manufacturer capacity claims land around 21 burgers at once, and even discounting for marketing language, that points to a plate that comfortably handles a full party round.
Who this one suits
If you want a griddle with a dome effect and you do not want to hunt for a compatible one, the included lid makes this the shortest path. It also runs on a small propane cylinder, so tailgating and camping are straightforward.
The storage shelf underneath keeps the bottle off the ground and out of the grease.
Where it frustrates owners
The pickled finish is thinner protection than a powder coated or stainless body, and durability over years is less proven than the market leaders here.
At 633 reviews the long term record is simply shorter than the 12000-review griddles above it, so you are taking less of a known quantity.
9. VEVOR 22 Inch Electric Griddle – Best Commercial-Style Plate on 110V
VEVOR Commercial Electric Griddle, 22″, Countertop Flat Top Griddle
252 sq in surface
122F to 572F range
10mm thick plate
1600 watts, 110V
Pros
- 10mm plate is far thicker than a typical home electric griddle
- Reaches up to 572F
- Pure steel surface with no coating to wear out
- PFOA and PTEF free cooking surface
- Includes shovels and brushes
Cons
- Slow heat up reported at 20 to 30 minutes
- Heavy at 37 lbs
- 110V limits power versus 220V units
- Some units have had heating element failures
- Included tools are basic
Most electric griddles use a thin aluminium plate with a nonstick coating. This one uses a 10mm steel plate and runs to 572F, which puts it in a different category for the smash technique specifically.
That plate thickness is the whole story. It behaves more like a restaurant flat top than a kitchen appliance, holding heat through a batch instead of chasing the thermostat.
There is no coating to chip, scratch or degrade, so the surface you smash on in five years is the surface you bought. That long term argument matters more than any convenience feature.
A 252 square inch plate on 1600 watts is a real cooking area, and 110V means it runs on a standard kitchen circuit without any electrical work.
Where a commercial style plate earns its keep
If you smash burgers often and dislike the idea of replacing a coated griddle when the coating fails, a bare steel plate that seasons is the better investment. It also handles searing and heavy browning far better than coated alternatives.
For a home setup, a garage, or a small food business run on 110V power, it is a serious amount of griddle for the money.
Where it frustrates owners
Twenty to thirty minutes to heat is a genuine wait, so this is a cook and stay appliance rather than a quick weeknight one. At 37 lbs it needs a planned spot on the counter.
Reviews also report heating element failures on some units after a few months, and the included tools are thin. Plan to season the plate before the first cook.
10. Chefman XL Electric Griddle – Best Budget Pick for Backsides and Eggs
Chefman XL Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control, Immersible Flat Top Grill, Burger, Eggs, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick Extra Large Cooking Surface, Slide Out Drip Tray, 10 x 20 Inch
200 sq in surface
200F to 420F range
1500 watts, 120V
4.4 lbs, immersible
Pros
- Very light at 4.4 lbs and easy to store
- 200 sq in surface handles a few patties
- Fully immersible and dishwasher safe
- Slide-out drip tray for grease
- PFAS and PFOA free nonstick
Cons
- 420F ceiling is low for a proper smash
- Aluminium does not hold heat like steel or cast iron
- Nonstick coating will wear over time
- Temperature probe can fail
Let us be straight about where this griddle sits. A 420F ceiling is below the 450 to 500F range that gives a smash its hard crust, and the aluminium body will not hold that heat the way steel or cast iron does.
What it is good at is breakfast and quick griddling. Eggs, pancakes, grilled cheese and a couple of thin patties at a relaxed pace, on a plate light enough to pull out of a cupboard and put straight in the dishwasher.
The removable temperature control makes the whole unit immersible, which is a convenience none of the gas options here can offer. Washing up after a cook takes about a minute.
The slide-out drip tray collects grease away from the cooking surface, and the surface itself is lead-free and PFAS free.
When it is the right griddle anyway
If your smashing happens a few times a year on a balcony rather than weekly in a yard, this is a fair way to learn the technique cheaply. Nothing else on this list costs this little or stores this easily.
It is also a genuinely useful second appliance alongside a gas griddle, taking breakfast and sides off the main plate.
Where it frustrates owners
The 420F limit is the honest problem, and reviewers say so directly. You can get colour on a thin patty, but you will not get the fast lacy edge that defines a good smash.
The nonstick coating wears, aluminium recovers slowly, and the temperature probe is a known failure point over time.
11. Camp Chef Sidekick PG14 – Best Pellet Grill Add-On for Smashing
Camp Chef Sidekick Grill Accessory, 28,000 BTU, Flat Top
231 sq in included griddle
28000 BTU burner
Fits 24 and 36 inch pellet grills
7 lbs, wind baffled
Pros
- Highest rated unit in this group at 4.8 stars
- 28000 BTU cast aluminum burner heats fast
- Adds a proper flat top to a pellet grill
- Wind baffled design helps outdoors
- Shares accessory ecosystem with grill box and sear box
Cons
- Requires a Camp Chef pellet grill and is not stand-alone
- Only 231 sq in of cooking surface
- Ignition issues reported by some owners
- Silver finish does not match black grills
If your outdoor cooking happens on a pellet grill, this side burner with an included flat top is the efficient upgrade. You keep the grill you own and add a searing surface with a proper 28000 BTU burner behind it.
The wind baffled design is what separates it from a basic side attachment. On a pellet grill the main burners are already shielded from wind, and carrying that same protection to the side burner is the detail that makes it usable outdoors.
Owners using it alongside a pellet grill rate it very highly, and the included griddle uses Camp Chef’s True Seasoned surface so it is ready to cook.
The accessory ecosystem is a quiet bonus. The same mount takes a grill box, a sear box and a pizza oven, so the platform grows without new hardware.
What it adds to an existing grill
Pellet grills are excellent at low and slow cooking and poor at a hard sear. A side burner with a flat top covers exactly that gap, and it lets you smash while the main chamber stays on a long cook.
Two or three patties is the realistic batch at 231 square inches, so it works best alongside another surface rather than as your only griddle.
Where it frustrates owners
It is not a stand-alone griddle, and at this price an attachment is a real commitment to one grill brand. Ignition problems are reported by a minority of owners.
The silver finish also stands out against a black pellet grill, and the platform only fits full sized 24 and 36 inch Camp Chef models.
12. Blackstone 22 Inch Tabletop Griddle – Best Portable Gas Griddle
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
361 sq in surface
2 H-shaped burners, 24,000 watts
Carbon steel surface
25.3 lbs, tabletop design
Pros
- 361 sq in is a real batch size in a tabletop format
- H-shaped burners spread heat better than single tubes
- Rear grease management keeps the plate clear
- Light enough at 25.3 lbs to carry one handed
- Powder coated body with a stainless faceplate
Cons
- No stand or cart included
- No carry case and no wind guards
- Grease port can swallow small food items
- Small compared with cart-style griddles
This is the one we recommend for patios, balconies and tailgates. At 25.3 pounds you can carry it with one hand, set it on a table, and still smash two to four patties at a time on 361 square inches.
The H-shaped burners are the reason it performs better than a typical twin burner tabletop. Instead of two hot stripes with a cool lane between them, the shape spreads the flame across the plate.
Rear grease management is the design choice that separates this from the cheaper portable units, and it is the one reviewers mention most often. Grease runs backwards to a rear catch cup instead of sitting in a tray beside your food.
Reviewers also praise the stainless steel faceplate for looking right on a small table, and the 4.7 rating across 6807 reviews is a long reliability record for a portable griddle.
What a tabletop griddle is good for
Three hundred and sixty-one square inches holds four patties comfortably, which makes it a real cook rather than a novelty. For a couple of households or a small group on a rented deck, it is enough surface for a proper smash session.
Its portability also makes it the easiest unit to store, since it folds down to a slab in a closet rather than needing garage space.
Where it frustrates owners
No stand, no carry case and no wind guards are included. Buyers who want full wind protection and a working height add both separately, and that is the standard next step.
The rear grease port can also lose small food items down the chute, and the surface is smaller than any of the cart griddles above it.
How to Choose a Flat Top Grill for Smash Burgers
Cooking surface area is the first filter, because it decides how many patties you can smash at once. Our rule of thumb is 4 inches of width per patty, since you need room to press and to lift an edge without tearing the crust.
A 361 square inch tabletop griddle gives you four patties comfortably. A 517 square inch cart griddle gives you six to eight. A 720 square inch station feeds a party in a single round. If you want a rough guide to commercial scale units and the build quality they represent, we covered those separately in our best commercial flat top grills roundup.
Preheat temperature is the second filter and the one most buyers ignore. Smash burgers want 450 to 500F before the ball hits the steel. At 400F you get a well-done patty with no crust, and above 500F the beef proteins burn before the centre cooks.
Here is the smash workflow we use on every griddle in this guide. Preheat to 500F, place the seasoned ball, press firmly with a flat press for 10 to 15 seconds, then leave it alone for 30 to 45 seconds without moving it. Flip for another 20 seconds, then cheese and a short cover or dome.
Burner count decides whether you can zone cook. Two burners give you even heat and nothing else. Three lets you hold one zone hotter. Four, as on the 36 inch Blackstone, means you can smash on one side and finish on the other.
Surface material changes how the crust behaves. Cast iron and carbon steel give the hardest sear and reward you for maintaining seasoning. Stainless resists rust and skips the seasoning routine. Ceramic gives you a clean release for the least effort but will eventually wear.
BTU per square inch is a rough sanity check. Below about 25 BTU per square inch the plate will feel slow to recover after a cold patty lands, which is what you feel as a dull first sear rather than a sharp one.
Wind protection deserves more attention than most buying guides give it. Burners get blown out mid-cook, the plate drops, and the batch that follows cooks in a different oven than the batch before it. A recessed cooktop or built-in wind guards is the fix.
Grease management decides your cleanup routine more than anything else on the list. A rear channel keeps the runoff away from your feet and the deck, a front trough is easier to scrape but sits in the traffic zone, and any design needs a cover that does not leak.
Warranty length is a proxy for how the brand expects the product to age. The one-year warranties on the gas griddles here are normal for the category, while the three-year cover on the Hamilton Beach electric model shows how a different build is treated.
Smashing Burgers Indoors and on Small Patios
Apartment cooks ask this question more than any other, and the answer depends on whether you have a balcony or only a kitchen. Forums dedicated to griddles and burgers fill with people asking how to smash a single burger indoors without cooking it on a pan.
For a kitchen, the Ninja Sizzle reaches 500F on a standard outlet and swaps between a grill plate and a griddle plate. For a balcony or a small deck, the Blackstone 22 inch tabletop gives you real gas sear at 361 square inches and weighs 25.3 pounds, so it moves when you need it to.
If you already own a gas or charcoal grill, a cast iron or steel griddle plate across the existing grate is the cheapest route, and owners on grilling forums report it produces a very close result to a stand-alone unit.
Two limits apply indoors. Ventilation matters, because an electric griddle still produces smoke, and 1450 to 1800 watts on a 120 volt circuit is the ceiling for what a normal kitchen outlet will carry.
Seasoning, Cleaning and Rust Prevention
Every season or two, wash a bare steel plate with warm water and a stiff brush, dry it fully, then wipe a very thin film of cooking oil over the surface and heat it until it smokes. That polymer layer is what becomes your non-stick surface.
Between cooks, scrape the plate, wipe it, and leave the heat on for a moment to dry it. Rolling steel that sits damp overnight is the single most common reason a griddle rusts, and it is the reason so many buyers end up replacing one a few years later.
Cover your griddle even if the cover came in the box. Reviews on the ceramic models here specifically report rust caused by a leaking cover, and uncovered outdoor storage is the pattern that damages plates fastest.
Empty and wipe the grease cup regularly. Food debris plus rainwater in a trough is what produces the smell and corrosion that make people think a griddle is finished when it is only dirty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot should a flat top grill be for smash burgers?
Preheat a flat top grill to 450 to 500F before smashing. Below 450F the patty cooks through without a hard crust, and above 500F the outer edge burns before the centre is done. Press the ball for 10 to 15 seconds, then leave it untouched for 30 to 45 seconds before flipping.
What type of flat top grill is best for smash burgers?
The best flat top grills for smash burgers combine a thick steel or cast iron surface with at least 300 square inches of cooking area and enough burner output to recover after a cold patty lands. Stand-alone gas griddles in the 28 to 36 inch range handle the largest batches, while tabletop and electric models suit patios and kitchens.
Is Blackstone the best griddle?
Blackstone is the most proven brand here, with the 28 inch Omnivore at a 4.7 rating across more than 12000 reviews. It is the strongest all-round choice for most people, though the Camp Chef plates give more surface area and the Hamilton Beach electric griddle carries a three-year warranty.
What’s better for smash burgers, stainless steel or cast iron?
Cast iron holds heat best and produces the hardest sear, but it needs seasoning and rust protection. Stainless steel needs no seasoning and resists corrosion, with slightly less heat mass. For most home cooks a seasoned carbon steel plate gives the best balance of sear quality and maintenance.
What is the best indoor griddle for smashing burgers?
The best indoor griddle for smashing burgers is the Ninja Sizzle, which reaches 500F on a standard 120 volt outlet with a flat griddle plate and a low smoke mesh lid. On a balcony, the Blackstone 22 inch tabletop griddle gives gas heat and 361 square inches of surface at 25.3 pounds.
How many burners do I need for smash burgers?
Two burners give even heat, which is enough for a single zone of smashed patties. Three burners let you hold one area hotter for searing while another settles. Four burners, as on the 36 inch Blackstone, enable two-zone cooking where you smash on one side and finish patties and buns on the other.
Is 500 degrees too hot for smash burgers?
No. 500F is the upper end of the useful range for a smash, and 480 to 500F is where most cooks aim. Above that, thin patties burn at the edges before the centre cooks. A fast preheat to 500F followed by an immediate smash gives the best crust without scorching.
Do I need a hood for smash burgers?
A hood is not required to smash, but it makes the cheese step much easier. Melting cheese under a cover for about 20 seconds produces a full melt instead of a slice that has only softened on top. Some griddles in this roundup include a steel lid, and a simple melting dome costs little more.
Our Final Pick for Smash Burger Season 2026
The Blackstone 28 inch Omnivore is the best flat top grill for smash burgers for most people, because 517 square inches handles a proper batch, the wind guards on the Omnivore plate protect the burners outdoors, and 12144 reviews give it the longest reliability record here.
Cook for eight or more and step up to the 36 inch four burner for zone control and 720 square inches. On a balcony or at a tailgate, the 22 inch tabletop griddle takes gas heat almost anywhere. In a kitchen, the Ninja Sizzle reaches 500F on a normal outlet.
Whichever you choose, season it properly, keep it covered, and smash at 480 to 500F with a flat press and no spatula for the first 30 seconds. That routine, not the brand name, is what produces the crust. Use the buttons above to check the current details for each pick as you shop this 2026 season.