A big outdoor griddle can transform what summer feels like. The best flat-top grills make dinner feel like an event to be proud of, from the slap of a spatula onto chopped onions for a perfect cheesesteak to the crisp of corn tortillas cooked in the grease left by seared carne asada.

An outdoor gas griddle is essential, adding diner-style versatility to your sunny-day toolkit. I tested dozens of models for smashburgers, bacon strips, tacos, and pancakes to find the best griddles for each kind of backyard cook. Now, my Traeger Flatrock is used more than a classic grill.

The Traeger Flatrock ($1,000) offers even heat distribution across its thick carbon steel plate. The constant enemy of flat-top grills—uneven heat—is mitigated by three U-shaped burners that double the heat sources. It holds fast with casters locked on its wheels and has a handy feature to check propane tank fill status.

The Weber Slate 36-inch four-burner ($1,049) is a spacious workspace with thoughtful features like an electronic temperature indicator and a clever liquid propane estimation system. The smaller 28-inch Weber Slate griddle at $798 offers the best value out of any tested for its rust-resistant carbon steel plate and expandable side tables.