Entertaining and Group Cooking

The Blackstone 36-Inch Iron Forged Flat-Top Grill with Hood is the top pick for most buyers — four independent heat zones, a large cooking surface, and consistent high-heat searing performance make it the most capable standalone griddle for group cooking and smash burgers at this price point. Weber's 36-inch Flat-Top Grill is the legitimate challenger for buyers who prioritize rust-resistant construction, ecosystem accessories, and a longer warranty. Anyone who already owns a compatible Genesis gas grill should price out the insert route before committing to a second freestanding unit.

Updated June 2026

The Backyard Discovery Heritage is the strongest all-around choice for most buyers: a large cooking surface, the widest grate height range in this comparison, a five-year warranty, and an authentic Argentine feature set at a price well short of full all-stainless territory. Frequent hosts with budget to stretch should look closely at the Santa Maria Precision or the Ash & Ember Live Fire model for full 304 stainless construction and superior long-term corrosion resistance. The Weber Santa Maria Grill is the most interesting product in the category on paper, but it is a 2027 pre-order — a watch-and-wait, not a buy-now.

Updated September 2026