2025 was well and truly the year when I ditched my gas grill for good, in favor of a flat-top griddle.
I recently hosted a backyard get-together with my friends and neighbors, and while I’d like to think they came over to hang out with me, it was my new Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone that brought all the boys to the yard.
The promise of smash burgers usually has that effect on them, so I can’t say I’m surprised. What did surprise me was how much I enjoyed cooking on a griddle, and how frequently I now use it.
Why I’m a flat-top convert
It’s ideal for multi-tasking
I’m not someone who generally enjoys cooking, but the Flatrock 2 Zone actually makes it fun and low-effort. When I was making the burgers, I could toast the buns, caramelize onions, cook the meat, and even scramble eggs all at once, dividing things up between the two zones to dial in the heat. Normally, eggs wouldn’t even have been on the menu with a traditional grill, and my guests loved having that topping.
Cleaning is easy
On top of that, the cleanup at the end was a breeze. Grease and drippings funnel right into a bucket below, so I’m not stuck scrubbing things down after the party is already wrapped up, like I normally would with a traditional grill. That alone has made me more willing to fire this thing up, even for smaller meals or side dishes, since cleanup now takes a minute tops.
You can cook just about anything
Beyond my debut smashburger party, I’ve been experimenting with all sorts of foods I normally wouldn’t attempt on a grill. Fajitas, chicken Philly, hibachi. The meats and vegetables got a perfect sear and I really felt like I was getting that restaurant experience without being much of a cook myself. Even breakfast pancakes, hash browns and scrambled eggs turned out great. When was the last time I fired up my grill for a quick breakfast or a single sandwich? Probably never. With the griddle its been about once every other week when the weather’s nice outside.
Why I recommend the Flatrock 2 Zone
While you can opt for any number of flat-top grills, the Trerger Flatrock 2 Zone has a few other features that make cooking even less stressful. Its optional Pop-And-Lock roll racks and hooks are a pricey accessory, but they keep spices, sauces, and utensils within easy reach without taking up valuable tray space.
Speaking of trays, they’re collapsible, but still large enough to hold plates, prep bowls, and ingredients while I cook. And then when I’m done, the trays fold back down, and the griddle tucks neatly into a corner under my balcony, staying safe from the elements without taking up precious space.
At $799, the Flatrock 2 Zone isn’t cheap, but it’s earned a permanent spot in my backyard, and I’ve already been asked when the next cookout is taking place. Sure, there are times I miss the char marks and smoky flavor of a grill, but the griddle has made me want to cook more, and that’s a huge win in my book. It’s got the perfect combination of versatility, fun, and easy to clean that make cooking at home something I actually look forward to now.
Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
