A grill-top griddle lets you cook foods that might otherwise fall through your grill grates, from eggs and pancakes to chopped vegetables and shrimp. The best choice depends on your grill’s usable space, the material you prefer, and how much flat cooking area you need. These five options range from a compact reversible pan to large grill inserts, so measure your grill before choosing.
Quick Comparison
| Grill top | Material | Cooking surface | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBQ Future Universal Cast Iron Griddle | Cast iron | 23 x 16 inches | Spatula set and full-width grease tray |
| Uniflasy 25 x 16-Inch Cast Iron Griddle | Cast iron with nonstick coating | 25 x 16 inches | Large flat-top area for bigger grills |
| GGC Reversible Cast Iron Griddle | Cast iron | 13 x 8.25 inches | Ribbed and smooth cooking sides |
| Barbqtime 17 x 13-Inch Steel Griddle | Nonstick-coated steel | 17 x 13 inches | Detachable handles and grease trough |
| GORGERILA 17 x 13-Inch Cast Iron Griddle | Cast iron with matte enamel surface | 17 x 13 inches | Reinforced bottom and grease groove |
Our Picks: Best Grill Tops For Gas Grills reviews
BBQ Future: A Spacious Cast Iron Griddle with Useful Extras
This 23-by-16-inch cast iron insert gives you a broad, flat surface for cooking several types of food at once. Its size is useful for breakfast spreads, burgers, and chopped vegetables, especially when you want to keep smaller items off the grill grates.
The design includes side handles, raised edges, and a full-width grease tray. Those features can make it easier to move the griddle and help contain splashes, though cast iron can be heavy to lift when hot. The listing calls the surface nonstick and says it has no chemical coating, but it also recommends seasoning the griddle before its first use. Plan to maintain it as you would other cast iron cookware.
Compared with the smaller steel and cast iron options here, this model offers much more cooking space and includes a three-piece spatula set. Its “universal” description is not a substitute for measuring: check your grill’s usable area and make sure the handles and grease tray have room.
Pros:
- Large cooking surface for group meals
- Raised sides and a full-width grease tray
- Includes a three-piece spatula set
- Cast iron construction is designed to retain heat
Cons:
- Requires seasoning before use
- Its large size may not suit smaller grills
Verdict: Choose the BBQ Future if you want a roomy cast iron insert with built-in grease management and included tools, and your grill has enough space for it.
Uniflasy: A Large Flat Top for Bigger Gas Grills
The Uniflasy is the largest option in this roundup, with a 25-by-16-inch cooking surface. The manufacturer recommends it for five-burner or larger grills, making it a better match for a roomy setup than a compact backyard grill.
Pay close attention to the fit measurements. The handles extend beyond the cooking surface, bringing the total outside length to about 27.1 inches. The listed minimum clear space is 27.1 by 16 inches at grate level, so measuring only the inside length of your grill could lead to a poor fit. Its cast iron body is paired with a nonstick coating, and the listing says no seasoning is needed before first use.
Raised edges and a grease drain help contain food and direct oil away from the cooking area. This is a substantial flat-top option for preparing several foods at once, but its size and cast iron construction make careful placement and handling important. Compared with the BBQ Future, it has a larger stated cooking surface, while the BBQ Future includes a spatula set.
Pros:
- Largest cooking surface among these picks
- Nonstick coating means no initial seasoning is required
- Raised edges and a grease drain help manage mess
- Built-in handles assist with placement
Cons:
- Needs substantial grill space; check the full outside dimensions
- Cast iron can be heavy to move
Verdict: The Uniflasy is a strong size-focused choice for a large grill, provided you confirm that its full handle-to-handle dimensions fit your grate.
GGC: A Reversible Griddle for Grilling and Griddle Cooking
Unlike the larger grill-covering plates in this list, the GGC is a compact 13-by-8.25-inch pan with two cooking sides. Use the ribbed side for sear marks and the smooth side for foods such as eggs, pancakes, bacon, and tortillas. It is designed for both outdoor grills and indoor stovetops.
The cast iron construction is intended to hold and distribute heat, while wide handles provide a place to grip the pan with oven mitts. It arrives unseasoned, so the listing recommends oiling and heating it before cooking. For care, the manufacturer advises avoiding steel wool, drying it promptly, and applying a light layer of oil before storage.
This small pan is easier to fit into different cooking setups than the large inserts, but it offers far less room for a family-sized batch. Its reversible surface makes it the most versatile choice for someone who wants both grill-style ridges and a smooth griddle without dedicating a large area of the grill to a flat top.
Pros:
- Ribbed and smooth sides support different cooking styles
- Compact size works on a grill or stovetop
- Wide handles are designed for a secure grip with mitts
- Cast iron construction is intended to retain heat
Cons:
- Smaller cooking area than the other listed inserts
- Needs seasoning and careful drying after use
Verdict: Pick the GGC if flexibility and a two-sided design matter more to you than a large, grill-wide cooking surface.
Barbqtime: A Mid-Size Steel Griddle with Detachable Handles
The Barbqtime is a 17-by-13-inch flat-top plate made from nonstick-coated steel. It offers a middle-ground size: larger than a small reversible pan, but more manageable than the full-size cast iron inserts. The listing describes it as suitable for gas, charcoal, and electric grills, as well as gas stoves.
Its raised sides help keep food on the plate, and a grease trough is designed to collect excess oil. The side handles detach, which can make placement more convenient, but you should confirm how the griddle sits on your particular grill before cooking. The product listing names several grill series; still, compatibility can vary by model, so compare the plate’s dimensions with your grill’s clear cooking area.
The listing recommends preheating the plate, adding oil, and then cooking. That instruction is worth following for a coated surface, and the manufacturer’s care directions should take priority over assumptions based on cast iron cookware. Compared with the GORGERILA, this option uses coated steel and detachable handles rather than cast iron and a reinforced base.
Pros:
- Mid-size surface suits a range of meal sizes
- Detachable handles help with positioning
- Grease trough and raised sides help contain mess
- Listed for use with several grill and stove types
Cons:
- Compatibility still depends on your grill’s measurements
- Requires oil and preheating to help limit sticking
Verdict: Choose the Barbqtime if you want a versatile mid-size steel plate with detachable handles and a grease channel.
GORGERILA: A Reinforced Cast Iron Option in a Handy Mid-Size
This 17-by-13-inch griddle gives you a flat surface for foods that are awkward to cook directly on grill grates. It is made of cast iron, and the listing describes a reinforced, thicker bottom intended to help resist warping. Its mid-size footprint makes it less demanding than the two largest plates, though you should still check your grill’s usable space.
The surface has a matte enamel finish, which the manufacturer says helps reduce food residue sticking. A grease groove is built in to collect excess oil. The listing does not describe removable handles or include cooking tools, so its main appeal is the straightforward cast iron build and grease channel rather than added accessories.
Compared with the Barbqtime, the GORGERILA trades coated steel for cast iron and a reinforced bottom. If you prefer cast iron, this may be the better fit; if detachable handles are important, the Barbqtime offers that feature. Both have the same listed cooking dimensions.
Pros:
- Mid-size cooking area for a range of grill meals
- Reinforced bottom is designed to resist deformation
- Grease groove collects excess oil
- Matte enamel surface is described as easier to clean
Cons:
- Does not include the spatula set supplied with the BBQ Future
- Check your grill dimensions before ordering
Verdict: The GORGERILA is a practical pick if you want a mid-size cast iron insert with a reinforced base and a grease groove.
How to Choose a Grill Top for a Gas Grill
Measure the usable cooking area
Measure the clear space at grate level, not just the outside of the grill or the width of the cooking grates. Account for handles and any parts that extend beyond the plate. This matters most with large inserts: the Uniflasy’s handles bring its total outside length to about 27.1 inches, while the BBQ Future has a 23-by-16-inch plate. Compare your measurements with the product dimensions before ordering.
Choose a size that fits the way you cook
A large surface can let you prepare several foods at once, but it needs more grill space and can be more cumbersome to handle. A mid-size plate, such as the 17-by-13-inch Barbqtime or GORGERILA, offers a more compact flat-top area. The GGC is smaller still and works more like a reversible pan than a full grill insert.
Compare materials and surface care
Cast iron is used in the BBQ Future, Uniflasy, GGC, and GORGERILA options. Their care needs differ: the BBQ Future and GGC listings call for seasoning, while the Uniflasy says its coating needs no seasoning before first use. The Barbqtime uses nonstick-coated steel. Check the product’s care instructions, especially for seasoning, cleaning, drying, and suitable utensils.
Look at grease control and sidewalls
Grease grooves, troughs, and trays help direct or collect oil, while raised edges can help keep food on the plate. These features are useful when cooking bacon, burgers, or chopped ingredients, but they do not remove the need to monitor grease and heat. Compare how each design handles drainage and make sure the grease outlet will not be blocked by your grill.
Consider how you will move and store it
Handles make a hot griddle easier to position, but they do not make it safe to handle without appropriate heat protection. The Barbqtime has detachable handles, and the other listed models describe built-in or side handles. Think about the plate’s size and material when planning storage, and allow it to cool before moving or cleaning it.
Check the fit claims for your specific grill
“Universal” can refer to broad compatibility, not a guaranteed fit for every grill. Grill shapes, grate layouts, and available space vary. Some product listings name specific grill brands or series, but you should still check the dimensions and model details for your own grill. If the plate covers burners or prevents proper placement, select a smaller option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a grill top on a gas grill?
Yes, these products are designed for outdoor grill use, and several are listed as compatible with gas grills. Check the dimensions and placement instructions for the specific griddle and your grill before heating it.
Will a universal griddle fit any gas grill?
No. “Universal” does not guarantee a fit on every model. Measure the available space at grate level, including room for handles, and compare it with the griddle’s stated dimensions.
Which grill top is best for a large cooking area?
The Uniflasy has the largest listed cooking surface at 25 by 16 inches. Its handles extend the total outside length to about 27.1 inches, so it is intended for larger grills and needs a careful fit check.
Which option is reversible?
The GGC has a ribbed side for searing and a smooth side for griddle cooking. Its 13-by-8.25-inch cooking area is smaller than the other options here.
Do cast iron grill tops need seasoning?
Some do. The BBQ Future and GGC listings recommend seasoning before use. The Uniflasy listing says its nonstick coating does not require seasoning before first use. Follow the instructions for the exact product you choose.
How do you reduce food sticking to a grill top?
Follow the manufacturer’s heating and oiling instructions. For example, the Barbqtime listing recommends preheating and adding oil before cooking. Proper care and the right utensils for the surface can also help protect the griddle.
What should you look for in a grill top?
Start with a reliable fit, then consider cooking area, material, care needs, grease management, and handles. A well-sized plate that suits your cooking habits is a better choice than the largest model your grill might hold.
Final Recommendation
For a roomy cast iron insert with raised sides, grease management, and included spatulas, the BBQ Future is the most balanced choice in this group. If you have a larger grill and want the broadest flat-top area, consider the Uniflasy after checking its full handle-to-handle dimensions. For a compact, reversible pan, choose the GGC; for a mid-size insert, compare the coated-steel Barbqtime with the cast iron GORGERILA based on your material and handle preferences.