First time user of a flat top griddle. After a few uses I can say that I like it. It heats up fast enough and seems to have some hot spots (where the flame hits) and other places where it is cooler. I've watched some Youtube videos on how to use these cook systems and this helps a lot. At the size of the griddle, you can expect to do only some marginal size plates (best for a couple of people, but maybe not a whole family). Seems like it fills up fast for cooking the different foods at one time.