Gas One 4 Burner Flat Top Grill Review: A Cautionary Tale of Price vs. Quality

There’s a specific kind of magic that happens around a flat top grill. It’s the sound of bacon sizzling on a crisp morning at the campsite, the sight of a dozen smash burgers getting their perfect crust for a backyard party, the smell of hibachi-style vegetables and rice filling the air. For years, I’ve relied on a patchwork of traditional grills and cast-iron pans to replicate this experience, but I was on a mission: find a large, versatile, and—most importantly—affordable flat top griddle that could become the centerpiece of our outdoor cooking adventures. The promise of a four-burner station with a huge cooking surface without the four-figure price tag is what drew me to the Gas One 4 Burner Flat Top Grill. On paper, it seemed to be the perfect solution, ticking all the boxes for portability, power, and capacity. The dream was to effortlessly feed a crowd, but as we soon discovered, the journey from unboxing to the first sizzle can be fraught with unexpected challenges.

What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Flat Top Grill

A propane flat top grill is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking a whole new world of outdoor cooking. Unlike traditional grills with grates, a flat top offers a solid, continuous surface that excels at cooking foods that would fall through the cracks—think scrambled eggs, pancakes, chopped vegetables, and delicate fish. It provides consistent, even heat perfect for achieving that coveted all-over sear on steaks and burgers. The main benefit is versatility; you can cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a large group on a single appliance, making it an indispensable tool for family gatherings, camping trips, and tailgating events.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who loves to entertain and cook for a crowd, values cooking a wide variety of foods outdoors, and needs a portable or semi-permanent solution for their backyard or RV. It’s for the home chef who wants to perfect their smash burgers or the camping enthusiast who wants to make pancakes for the whole family at the crack of dawn. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer the distinct smoky flavor imparted by charcoal grilling or for individuals with very limited patio space. For someone who only ever cooks for one or two people, a smaller, more compact grill might be a better and more efficient alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A four-burner griddle is a substantial piece of equipment. You must measure your intended space, whether it’s on a patio, in a garage for storage, or in the back of a truck. Consider not just the grill’s footprint (33″W x 18.75″D for this model) but also the clearance needed around it for safety and the space required for you to work comfortably.
• Capacity/Performance: Four burners suggest high capacity, but the key is heat distribution and power (BTU output, though not specified for this model). Look for features like the H-shaped burners found in the Gas One model, which are designed to eliminate hot and cold spots. The size of the cooking surface determines how much food you can cook at once, a critical factor for those who frequently host larger groups.
• Materials & Durability: This is arguably the most critical factor. The griddle top should be thick, heavy-gauge steel or cast iron to retain heat and resist warping. The body and cart should be made of sturdy, rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or a well-applied powder-coated steel. Flimsy legs, thin metal, and cheap plastic wheels are red flags that signal a short product lifespan. Pay close attention to the quality of the finish, as this is the first line of defense against the elements.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: An outdoor griddle should be a joy, not a chore. Look for features like a reliable auto-ignition system, intuitive controls, and, crucially, an effective grease management system. A small or poorly designed grease trap can lead to dangerous overflows and a huge mess. The easier the griddle is to clean and maintain, the more you’ll use it, so consider how simple it is to scrape down the surface and empty the grease collector.

While the Gas One 4 Burner Flat Top Grill presents an intriguing option, especially for its price, it’s vital to weigh these factors carefully. The promise of great features can sometimes be undermined by the reality of their execution.

While the Gas One 4 Burner Flat Top Grill is an excellent choice for some, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: An Unboxing Fraught with Red Flags

The arrival of the Gas One 4 Burner Flat Top Grill was met with excitement, but this quickly turned to concern. The box itself showed signs of rough handling, a common issue in shipping but a potential omen. Upon opening it, our initial assessment was a mixed bag of frustration and disappointment, a sentiment that many users have unfortunately shared. The first thing we noticed was what was missing: the assembly instructions and one of the burner control knobs. Digging deeper, we found that nearly every major metal component of the cart had some form of damage—bent legs, dented side panels, and chipped powder coating. The holes for assembly screws were often misaligned, a clear sign of poor quality control during manufacturing.

The griddle top itself was another challenge. It was covered in a thick, sticky paper that seemed fused to the metal. While one user astutely pointed out this is likely waxed paper adhered by the factory seasoning oil, removing it was a laborious process of heating, scraping, and scrubbing that took far longer than the assembly itself. This initial experience set a troubling tone, suggesting that the grill’s attractive price point might come at a significant cost to quality and user experience.

Performance Deep Dive: A Battle of Function vs. Flaws

A grill’s true worth is proven over the fire. After conquering the initial setup hurdles, we put the Gas One 4 Burner Flat Top Grill through its paces to see if its cooking performance could redeem its deeply flawed first impression. We tested it with a range of classic griddle fare: bacon and eggs for breakfast, smash burgers for lunch, and a full hibachi-style dinner. This is where the story gets more complex, as the grill is a paradox of decent cooking power trapped in a poorly executed body.

The Assembly Gauntlet: A Test of Patience and Tools

Before we could even think about cooking, we had to build the grill, and this was, without exaggeration, a monumental task. The lack of instructions was an immediate setback, but even with our extensive experience assembling grills, the poor manufacturing was the real enemy. We found ourselves in the same position as numerous other buyers, trying to line up holes that were off by just enough to make inserting a bolt impossible without applying significant force. One of the legs was bent at the attachment point, requiring us to carefully bend it back into shape with pliers, risking cracking the already suspect powder coat finish. We had to re-drill one hole on a support brace just to get the cart to come together.

This experience is not an isolated one. We noted one user, a professional in structural steel fabrication, expressed his shock that a product could leave a factory in such a state. This expert confirmation underscores the severity of the issue: this isn’t just a difficult assembly; it’s a result of systemic quality control failure. The process took over two hours and a fair amount of frustration, transforming what should be an exciting prelude to grilling into a genuine chore. For anyone without a decent set of tools or the patience to troubleshoot manufacturing errors, the assembly of the Gas One 4 Burner Flat Top Grill could be a deal-breaking roadblock.

Cooking Performance: Can It Redeem Itself?

Once assembled and fired up, the grill’s core function began to show some promise. The four independent H-pipe burners ignited reliably with the auto-ignition system and produced a surprising amount of heat. Having four distinct temperature zones is a fantastic feature at this price point, allowing us to keep cooked bacon warm on one side while frying eggs on the other. The large cooking surface is genuinely massive, easily accommodating sixteen burger patties at once, making it a viable option for feeding a hungry crowd.

However, the praise ends there. The griddle top, which the manufacturer states is pre-seasoned, is made of a relatively thin gauge of steel. During our very first cook, as the grill reached high temperatures for searing burgers, we witnessed the griddle top begin to warp. The center bowed upwards, causing oil and grease to pool around the edges and making it difficult to get an even contact patch on the food. This is a critical failure. A flat top that isn’t flat is fundamentally flawed. While some minor warping can be expected on budget models, the degree we saw was alarming and is a problem echoed by users who found their griddle top would “warp and not sit level.” While we still managed to get a decent crust on our smash burgers, we had to constantly chase them with the spatula as they slid around on the uneven surface.

Design, Durability, and Disappointments

Long-term ownership is where the biggest questions about the Gas One 4 Burner Flat Top Grill arise. The design, while functional in concept, is riddled with disappointing flaws in execution. The most egregious of these is the grease management system. The grease trap is comically small for a grill of this size. Cooking just one pound of bacon was enough to fill it to the brim. During our burger cookout, it overflowed, sending hot grease dripping down the leg and onto our patio. This isn’t just a mess; it’s a safety hazard. We found ourselves constantly monitoring and emptying the tiny cup, which completely disrupts the cooking workflow.

The overall durability is another major concern. The powder coating, which was already chipped and flaking upon arrival, offers minimal protection against the elements. We observed surface rust beginning to form on these exposed spots after just one week outdoors (covered). This confirms reports from other users who saw their grills rust within a week. The cart, even when fully assembled and tightened, feels wobbly and unstable. The thin steel legs and flimsy plastic wheels do not inspire confidence when moving the 44-pound unit around. Furthermore, the grill is “super short,” as one user noted, requiring taller individuals to hunch over while cooking, leading to back strain during longer sessions. These issues combined paint a picture of a product that was designed to meet a price point, not to last. The initial savings may quickly be nullified by the need for a replacement sooner rather than later.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our experience with the Gas One 4 Burner Flat Top Grill aligns closely with the consensus found among many user reviews. The feedback is sharply divided, often based on the condition the product arrived in. A significant number of users report a deeply negative out-of-the-box experience, with one stating, “EVERYTHING is bent and holes do not line up.” Another user received a unit that was “dirty like someone used it and scratched.” These comments confirm our own findings regarding the severe lack of quality control.

The two most consistent complaints, beyond shipping damage, are the warping griddle top and the inadequate grease trap. One user bluntly called it a “piece of crap” after the “cast iron grill top warps and doesn’t sit level.” The grease trap is frequently criticized, with a user noting, “it is super short and the grease trap is TINY! Every time we use it the grease falls on the ground.” In contrast, a small number of users who received intact units were more forgiving. One person, after a difficult cleaning process, found that “it cooked a little on the hot side and parts are flimsy,” but was ultimately thankful for it as a gift. Another acknowledged its shortcomings but concluded, “you can’t really argue the point at the price.” This feedback paints a clear picture: you are taking a significant gamble when you purchase this grill.

How Does the Gas One 4 Burner Flat Top Grill Compare to the Competition?

The Gas One grill operates in a competitive space, but its primary selling point is its size-to-price ratio. It offers a four-burner experience for the price of many smaller, two-burner models from established brands. However, when you factor in the quality and reliability issues, the alternatives become much more appealing.

1. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Propane Gas Grill

The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 represents a completely different philosophy. It’s a traditional grill, not a flat top, focused on portability, durability, and high-tech cooking. Its TRU-Infrared cooking system is designed to prevent flare-ups and cook food more evenly. Made with a rugged cast aluminum construction, it’s built to withstand the rigors of travel. Someone would choose the Grill2Go over the Gas One if they prioritize build quality, portability, and the classic grilling experience with grates over the sheer surface area of a flat top. It’s a perfect choice for campers, tailgaters, and those with small balconies who want a reliable, compact grilling machine from a trusted brand.

2. Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill

The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is an icon in the world of portable propane grills. It strikes a balance between portability and functionality, with a collapsible stand and wheels that make it incredibly easy to transport and set up. While it only has two burners, they are independently adjustable, and Coleman offers swappable cooktops (sold separately) that include griddle surfaces, giving it some of the versatility of the Gas One. A buyer would opt for the Coleman if brand reputation, proven reliability, and superior portability are their main concerns. It’s the go-to choice for the serious camper or tailgater who needs a grill that is guaranteed to work flawlessly time and time again.

3. ROVSUN 100,000 BTU Portable Propane Camp Stove

The ROVSUN stove isn’t a direct competitor in terms of grilling but is an interesting alternative for a specific user. This is a high-output single burner designed for heavy-duty tasks like home brewing, deep-frying a turkey, or using massive stockpots for a crawfish boil. It prioritizes raw power over everything else. Someone would choose this over the Gas One if their primary need is immense heating power for large pots and pans, not direct grilling or griddling. If you already own a large cast-iron plancha, you could theoretically place it on top of the ROVSUN to create a powerful, albeit rudimentary, flat top experience, but its main purpose is specialized, high-BTU cooking.

Final Verdict: A High-Risk Gamble for the Determined DIYer

After extensive testing and careful consideration, our final verdict on the Gas One 4 Burner Flat Top Grill is one of profound caution. The product is a paradox: it offers a feature set—four burners, a large cooking area, and a portable design—that is incredibly appealing for its low price. If you are lucky enough to receive a unit that is not damaged, and if you have the patience and tools to wrestle with a frustrating assembly, it can, in fact, cook a decent amount of food. The burners are powerful and the sheer size is great for parties.

However, the potential rewards are overshadowed by overwhelming risks. The pervasive quality control issues, from bent and missing parts to a griddle top that warps under heat, are impossible to ignore. Critical design flaws like the minuscule grease trap and flimsy construction suggest it was built to be sold, not to last. We can only recommend this grill to two types of people: the extreme budget-conscious buyer who is willing to take a significant gamble, or the dedicated DIYer who is prepared to modify, reinforce, and troubleshoot the unit to make it functional. For everyone else, our advice is clear: save your money and invest in a product from a more reputable brand. The peace of mind and superior quality will be well worth the higher initial cost.

If you’ve weighed the risks and still feel the budget-friendly price is worth the gamble, you can check the latest price and availability to make your decision.