Whether you’re running a food truck, a bustling diner, a multi-location QSR, or an institutional kitchen preparing hundreds of meals per day, your cooking equipment is the backbone of your operation. Countertop griddles and charbroilers are essential for producing consistent results at high speed—without taking up unnecessary space.
This category is especially beneficial for:
- Food trucks & mobile kitchens that need compact, propane-compatible equipment with high BTU output for fast turnover
- Diners, brunch spots, and breakfast chains that rely on multi-zone griddles for cooking eggs, pancakes, meats, and breads simultaneously
- Bar and grill kitchens serving high-fat proteins or flame-seared signature items like burgers, skewers, and steaks
- Institutional facilities—including schools, correctional kitchens, and hospitals—requiring batch output and precise thermal control
Expert Specs: What Should Operators Look For?
Choosing the right model means understanding your menu, output volume, and kitchen infrastructure. Here's what expert operators prioritize:
- BTU or wattage rating: Higher numbers (e.g., 200,000 BTU) allow faster heat recovery and shorter cook cycles during rush service
- Plate thickness: A 3/4" thick steel griddle plate holds more heat and distributes it evenly—essential for browning and searing
- Zoned heating: Multi-control zones (electric or gas) help chefs cook multiple items at varying temps without cross-contamination
- Certifications: NSF, ETL, or CSA ratings ensure compliance for commercial use and safer operations under code
- Footprint: Countertop units offer flexibility, especially in kitchens where floor space or ventilation hoods are limited
Now let’s break down the most trusted griddle and charbroiler models, organized by kitchen type, size, and performance level.
Best 12 Inch Commercial Gas Griddle for Food Trucks and Small Kitchens
12" Medium-Duty Gas Countertop Griddle with Manual Controls
This compact yet powerful gas countertop griddle features a heavy-duty ¾" thick polished steel plate over a stainless U-shaped burner that delivers a high-output 28,000 BTUs of thermal energy. It's housed in a fully-welded stainless/aluminized steel body with sealed seams to prevent grease seepage. With a 19" deep by 11-11/16" wide cooking surface, this model thrives in:
- Mobile foodservice environments with limited footprint and propane connections
- Auxiliary line stations in high-output kitchens serving short-order items
- Popup booths requiring fast setup, breakdown, and lifetime durability
Technical Specs: 3/4" NPT gas inlet, manual temperature control, 2.75" backsplash, tapered side splashes, adjustable heavy-duty legs, lifetime-warrantied knob and guard, convertible to propane with included kit.
Expert tip: With a rapid response burner and compact surface zone, this is the top pick for short-order volume where space and heat retention are everything.
Top 36 Inch Electric Commercial Griddle with Zoned Thermostats
36" Electric Countertop Griddle with Thermostatic Controls - 220V
Designed for operations with extended service hours, this 8,400-watt electric griddle delivers full-surface coverage and zone-controlled precision with three snap-action thermostats—one for each 12" heating area. The 36" x 20" steel plate is fully welded to the unit base, preventing warping and maintaining thermal consistency under peak demand. Ideal for:
- Brunch kitchens with simultaneous cook loads (e.g., eggs, bacon, pancakes)
- High-frequency buffet stations where temperature holds are essential
- Commercial kitchens requiring electric-only configurations due to code
Technical Specs: 220V, 38A, single phase, 3' power cord with NEMA 6-50P plug, integrated grease pan, thermostatic controls with knob guards, NSF/ETL listed, 11" H x 36" W x 20" D.
Expert tip: This model offers true zoning. Operators can keep eggs on low, sear on high, and maintain mid-temp for delicate items—all without crowding or heat overlap.
Best 24 Inch Gas Countertop Charbroiler for Mid-Volume Restaurants
24" Medium-Duty Gas Charbroiler with Reversible Grates
This dual-burner gas charbroiler outputs 80,000 total BTUs across a 23.7" x 20.5" cooking zone. Designed for precision and flexibility, it comes with reversible cast iron grates—one side wide for seafood, the other channeled for fat control in high-fat proteins. Compatible with radiant or lava rock configurations (rocks sold separately), this grill is optimized for:
- Mid-volume bar and grill kitchens offering steaks, skewers, or grilled chicken
- Satellite prep lines in multi-station restaurants or campus operations
- Foodservice operators transitioning from flat tops to open flame cooking
Technical Specs: Two 6" burner sections, manual metal control knobs (lifetime guaranteed), adapter bars for indirect cooking, ¾” gas inlet, heavy-duty stainless build, ETL, NSF, CSA certified, 15.25" H x 24.1" W x 29.25" D, 157 lbs.
Expert tip: This unit is small but tactical. The grill zones are deep enough for consistent charring and wide enough for multi-item placement during service surges.
Most Powerful 60 Inch Commercial Gas Charbroiler for Steakhouses and Institutions
60" Heavy-Duty Gas Countertop Charbroiler with 5 Burners
Delivering a total of 200,000 BTUs over a massive 59.7" x 20.5" surface, this commercial charbroiler handles full production loads effortlessly. With five stainless steel burners spaced 6" apart, it's optimized for open-flame precision and can be set up with radiant heat or lava rock configurations. Designed for:
- Steakhouses serving hundreds of portions during peak meal hours
- Institutional kitchens (e.g., correctional, military, schools) feeding high volumes in rotation
- Central kitchens or commissaries with continuous batch grilling needs
Technical Specs: 5x burners at 40,000 BTU each, reversible grill plates, manual controls, ¾” NPT gas inlet, bull-nose protection, adapter bars, 2x drip trays, stainless steel throughout, ETL/cETLus/NSF/CSA approved, 313 lbs, 60.2" W x 29.25" D x 15.25" H.
Expert tip: For operators running multi-menu items or high-ticket proteins, this is the gold standard for throughput, precision, and line layout versatility.
Choosing the Right Commercial Griddle or Charbroiler
The right piece of equipment should match your kitchen’s daily output, fuel type availability, and workflow. Here’s a quick overview to guide your selection:
- Low-to-mid volume, gas-ready? Start with the 12" gas griddle.
- Need electric power with control zones? The 36" electric griddle gives you total precision.
- Grill-focused menus on a small footprint? Choose the 24" gas charbroiler.
- Need maximum output and open flame control? Invest in the 60" gas charbroiler.
Want expert help planning your kitchen setup? Reach out to the pros at RestaurantSupply.com for fast guidance, bulk pricing, and freight optimization for large orders.
