GoKawiilThere are real draws to flat-top cooking. I asked an award-winning pitmaster for a breakdown of the trendy grill type. Andrew Collins
Just when we all thought we had grilling figured out, flat-top grills burst on the scene and offered another buying decision for outdoor cooking. I grew up on grated grills, and they are still the most widely used style in the US, whether powered by wood pellets, charcoal or gas, but this new flavor offers a slightly different take — and some real benefits — with regard to the time-honored summer tradition.
At its core, “grill” means the direct application of high heat even if it has become synonymous with a slatted cooking surface. If you’ve struggled with the feeling that you’re supposed to use a grill during warm months but find yourself looking for excuses not to use it — either because it’s too hard to clean or because you can’t seem to get it right — a flat-top model might be the answer.
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So, is a flat-top grill worth it? I consulted a seasoned grillmaster, Erica Blaire. The former attorney and licensed sommelier is also a Food Network BBQ Brawl champion and voracious outdoor cooking ambassador. Blaire offered insight into the nuances of flat-top cooking and whether it might be right for you.
What is a flat-top grill and how does it work?
Flat-top grills have become popular. There’s less daily cleaning but slightly more ongoing maintenance to consider. Weber
While the term may be obvious to some, many people associate flat tops with indoor cooking, such as on a griddle. “A flat-top grill is basically a griddle,” says Blaire. “You’re going to be searing. You’re not smoking, and you’re not grilling in the traditional sense,” she said. With a flat-top grill, “you are searing on a uniformly hot surface with no airflow underneath it.”
Flat-top grills feature a flat, solid metal cooking surface with zones powered by individual burners, depending on the model’s size. While many small griddles are available for indoor use, some of which can sit directly on your kitchen range for heat, outdoor flat-top grills are typically electric or gas-powered.
What can you use a flat-top grill for?
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