The Highest-Rated Flat Top Grill Under $250, Per Consumer Reports

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From the most ardent grill masters to beginner backyard chefs, investing in the right grill can feel like a chore, especially with the plethora of options on today's market. From heavy-duty and long-lasting kamado grills to gas, pellet, and charcoal kettle models, the options can seem overwhelming. But when it comes to flat-top grills, Consumer Reports recommends a model that comes in at under $250. With considerably high marks across the board in terms of even heating, preheating performance, and temperature range, the Blackstone 28" 1517 earns a top score in brand reliability, too.

The Blackstone 28" 1517 comes with 517 square inches of cooking surface — a griddle that can be used for anything from a pancake breakfast to a hearty steak and potato dinner. It's portable too; with a side handle and caster wheels for easy rolling, this flat-top can be carted anywhere for easy storage. This grill's griddle plate also includes integrated wind guards, a function that serves to protect even heat retention and distribution. 

But one thing to note is that while this grill technically comes in at $249.99 at Amazon, adding in extras like a hood, an additional side shelf, and some other flat-top accessories can run you just under $500. How necessary these are really comes down to your preference and how often you want to utilize this griddle, but just be prepared to shell out a little extra if you want all these supplemental accessories.

Consumer Reports gave the Blackstone 28" 1517 a top rating — beating out the Nexgrill Daytona 720-1058 (the only other flat-top on the list priced at less than $250) and coming in second overall in its ranking of 10 griddles total. It also should be noted that the Report's number one choice, the LoCo 36" 2023050166, appears to have been discontinued or is otherwise unavailable on platforms such as Amazon and Home Depot. Evidently, the Blackstone might just be the best flat-top on the market in terms of both price and execution.

But besides this high ranking, this griddle has received considerable reviews from customers, with 4.7 stars on Amazon from over 12,000 customers. "Probably the best cooking item I've ever owned," one shopper commented on Amazon. "Food tastes so much better cooked on a griddle, especially a well seasoned one. Do not make the mistake some of the low scoring reviewers did by not properly seasoning it. It's really easy, and you can find plenty of tutorials online for doing it." 

We agree that seasoning your griddle is one of the best ways to make the most out of your flat-top; here's our guide to the proper way to season, clean, and care for your Blackstone. So what are you waiting for? Now's the time to grill the best burgers ever, or perhaps a perfectly juicy steak.