If you are searching for a new griddle, you may want to take a moment to review this Blackstone griddle buyer’s guide.
Blackstone griddles have become the most popular outdoor griddles thanks to dependable, even cooking and versatile cooking options.
With a large flat top griddle, you can cook directly on the griddle surface or use pots and pans.
The only problem is selecting the right Blackstone griddle. The following buyer’s guide covers all the key aspects of comparing griddles from Blackstone Products.
Learn more about the available sizes, burners, accessories, and other features to find the griddle that best meets your needs.
What Is a Blackstone Griddle?
Blackstone griddles are high-quality flat top griddles made by Blackstone Products.
Most models are made for outdoor use and feature a stand with legs, controllable heat zones, side shelves, and other features commonly found on outdoor grills.
Yet, unlike a grill, Blackstone griddles feature flat-top cooking plates. The flat top is made from cold-rolled steel, which is harder and stronger compared to regular steel.
Blackstone flat top griddles also work differently compared to a standard griddle. Griddles typically have straight heating elements that run the length of the cooking surface.
Flat top griddles use circular heating elements. The circular heating elements allow you to use pots and pans on the griddle surface as if using a stovetop burner.
The cold-rolled steel also ensures an even heating surface. The heat is conducted evenly across the entire surface of the flat top, eliminating any cold spots. Without any cold spots, you can use the entire surface of the flat top.
Along with even cooking, Blackstone griddles offer reliability. These griddles are built to last. With proper care and consistent maintenance, your Blackstone griddle may last decades.
Features to Compare When Buying a Blackstone Griddle
Blackstone lists about 30 different griddles on its official website. You can also find variations with different accessories and features from online and local retailers. When comparing griddles, pay attention to the following features:
- Heat source
- Size
- BTU
- Burners
- Stainless steel and nonstick plates
- Stand or tabletop griddle
- Griddle combos
- Accessories
- Availability
- Price range
Here is a closer look at each of these features to help you understand the differences between each of the Blackstone models.
1. Heat Source
The original Blackstone griddles were gas-powered griddles intended for outdoor use. However, the company now offers a line of electric griddles that you can use indoors or outdoors.
Gas-powered griddles require a propane tank, which makes them unsuitable for indoor use. Yet, some people prefer the taste of gas-cooked foods, as the gas griddle is better at searing foods.
Gas griddles tend to reach hotter temperatures faster and cool down faster compared to electric models. Most gas griddles are also capable of reaching higher temperatures.
Several Blackstone gas griddles can reach 60,000 BTUs while electric options typically max out at 20,000 BTUs.
Although gas griddles offer higher temperatures and faster heating, electric griddles are more convenient to clean and use.
Blackstone electric griddles include a non-stick surface. After cooking, you can simply wipe the surface clean.
Electric griddles can also be used in more locations. If it starts to rain outside, you can bring your electric griddle indoors to finish cooking.
Gas and electric griddles have separate advantages. The choice will likely come down to whether you prefer higher temperatures or convenience.
2. Size
The size is another important consideration when choosing a Blackstone griddle. The main size options include:
- 17 inches
- 22 inches
- 28 inches
- 36 inches
The size refers to the width of the flat top. A 17-inch flat top is 17 inches wide, whereas a 36-inch flat top is 36 inches wide.
However, the griddle itself may extend several inches further, especially if it contains side shelves.
The size of the griddle will determine its portability and the number of people that you can cook for.
If you only plan on cooking for a family of four, you may not need the largest griddle.
The 17-inch griddles are tabletop griddles that you can set on a table or a stand. They offer about 267 square inches of cooking space, which is enough to squeeze in about nine hamburger patties.
The 36-inch griddles offer up to 756 square inches of cooking space. You can fit up to 28 hamburger patties or 72 hot dogs on the flat top.
3. BTU
The BTU (British Thermal Unit) of a griddle determines its heating ability. BTUs measure thermal energy. A single BTU raises the temperature of one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
Most gas-powered griddles and grills offer about 75 to 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking space.
For example, the 36-inch Blackstone original griddle has a cooking surface of 720 square inches and offers a total of 60,000 BTUs of energy. However, the BTUs are divided between the burners.
As the 36-inch unit includes four burners, each burner has about 15,000 BTUs of energy. For comparison, the 17-inch griddle has a single H-shaped heating element with 12,500 BTUs.
4. Burners
The larger Blackstone gas griddles include multiple burners instead of a single heating element. The burners are independently controlled, allowing you to adjust the heat for each burner separately.
Having extra burners is useful if you plan on cooking multiple items at different temperatures.
The 36-inch Blackstone gas griddle includes four to five burners while the 22-inch and 28-inch models include two burners. The 17-inch griddle includes one to two burners, depending on the model.
5. Stainless Steel and Non-Stick Plates
Blackstone gas griddles are made with stainless steel flat tops. The steel is cold rolled, which means that it is processed to remove surface imperfections and increase the strength of the material.
The stainless-steel plates can last decades with adequate care. Seasoning the griddle with oil before cooking can help give the stainless-steel flat top a nonstick coating.
After cooking, allow the griddle to cool completely before wiping it clean with a paper towel.
Along with stainless steel flat tops, Blackstone sells griddles with nonstick surfaces. The electric griddles feature a black nonstick coating. The nonstick coating is easier to clean but is also more prone to scratches.
6. Stand or Tabletop Griddle
Blackstone griddles are available with stands or a tabletop design. The 28-inch and 36-inch griddles are only available with a stand.
The stands on the larger models include shelves or cabinets for storing accessories and cooking supplies.
The stands also typically include side shelves, which gives you extra space for setting plates and utensils.
The 17-inch and 22-inch models are tabletop griddles but are also available with rolling carts. The carts do not include cabinets. However, several options include a side shelf.
7. Griddle Combos
Blackstone offers griddle combos that include a flat top griddle combined with another cooking appliance. For example, you can find Blackstone griddles that come with the following:
- Air fryer
- Deep fryer
- Gas grill
- Charcoal grill
The griddle/air fryer combos include multiple frying trays that sit underneath the griddle.
The top of the appliance resembles other Blackstone griddles. It includes a flat top griddle with multiple burners.
The griddle/deep fryer combo is available with the 28-inch griddle. The deep fryer is next to the griddle, which makes it wider than other options.
The griddle/grill combos include a grill box that sits next to the griddle. These options include separate burners for the griddle and grill, allowing you to set the temperatures independently.
8. Accessories
Retailers often sell Blackstone griddle bundles. The bundles come with a variety of accessories to help you get more out of your cooking experience. Common accessories include:
- Cleaning kits
- Utensils
- Knives
- Tool holders
- Covers/hoods
- Griddle presses
- Omelet ring kit
- Basting domes
- Warming racks
Most of the accessories are also available individually. You may sometimes receive a better deal with a bundle that comes packed with accessories, but the bundle may also include items that you do not need.
Instead of worrying about the accessories, focus on getting the griddle that best fits your needs. You can always purchase the accessories later.
9. Availability
Blackstone sells several different griddles, including options that are offered exclusively through deals with specific retailers.
For example, some of the griddle bundles offered through Amazon contain different accessories compared to the same griddle sold at Walmart.
Online retailers include Walmart, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and BBQGUYS.
Although Blackstone griddles are available from a variety of retailers, the accessories included in the bundle are the main difference between options from different stores.
10. Price
The prices of Blackstone griddles range from just under $200 to more than $1,000. The variety of prices ensures that everyone can find an option that suits their budget.
The original 17-inch gas tabletop griddle is one of the least expensive options. The 36-inch Blackstone Griddle Culinary Bundle is one of the most expensive choices.
It includes the largest cooking surface and 60,000 BTUs of total energy with four burners.
What Can You Cook on a Blackstone Flat Top Griddle?
You can cook just about anything on a Blackstone flat top. Anything that you would normally cook on a grill or fry on a griddle can be heated to perfection on a Blackstone gas or electric griddle.
Keep in mind that the flat top also allows you to use pots and pans. You can heat sauces and side dishes in pots or pans while cooking meat or veggies directly on the cooking surface.
Blackstone also sells combination units that include a griddle with other cooking technologies. Combo units are available with air fryers, side burners, deep fryers, and grills.
What Is the Best Blackstone Griddle?
Blackstone has gas and electric griddles in four different sizes. Some of the top recommendations include:
Blackstone 36-Inch Cooking Station with 4 Burners
The 36-inch griddle is the largest option from Blackstone.
The cooking area measures 720 square inches. However, the cart also has two side shelves and a lower shelf for storing items and preparing food.
One of the side shelves includes a removable cutting board, trash bag hooks, and a paper towel holder.
The cart has four wheels for moving the griddle around your backyard.
The largest griddles from Blackstone have four gas burners.
You can set the temperature separately for each burner, allowing you to cook a variety of items at the same time.
You can easily fry up some eggs and pancakes next to sausage and other meats.
Pros
- Cooking surface measures 720 square inches
- Includes four burners with independent heat control
- Comes with a sturdy cart with four locking wheels
Cons
- One of the more expensive options
Blackstone 28-Inch Adventure-Ready 2-Burner Griddle
If the previous option is too big or too costly for your needs, consider getting the 28-inch Adventure-Ready 2-Burner Griddle.
The 28-inch griddle includes 448 square inches of cooking surface, which is enough for up to 44 hot dogs.T
he two gas burners produce up to 17,000 BTUs, for a total of 34,000 BTUs. It heats quickly and features separate heat controls for each burner.
As with the 36-inch griddle, this 28-inch option includes a cart. However, it includes two wheels instead of four.
You can easily wheel it into position around your yard by lifting the other end. Although the legs fold up for storage, it still takes up a considerable amount of space, making it difficult to transport.
Pros
- Includes 448 square inches of cooking space
- The cart includes a lower shelf, side shelf, and hooks
Cons
- Not the easiest griddle to transport
Blackstone 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle with Hood and Stand
The Blackstone 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle is another gas griddle.
The cooking area measures 358 square inches and is heated by two gas burners.
As with the previous options, each burner has independent heat control.
Unlike the previous options, the 22-inch griddle can be used on a tabletop or a cart.
It comes with a basic cart with a side shelf and four legs, which is useful if there is not a table available.
However, you can also easily remove the griddle and set it on a picnic table.
The compact size of this griddle makes it a little easier to transport. The cart folds up for easy storage and portability while the griddle itself is only about 22 inches wide.
Pros
- Easy to transport and use in any setting
- Includes two burners while most griddles of the same size include one
Cons
- The cart does not include a lower shelf or wheels
Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop Adventure-Ready Griddle with Range Top
The Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop Adventure-Ready Griddle is one of the most affordable options.
It includes a 17-inch flat top with about 267 square inches of cooking space.
However, this option also includes a small stovetop side burner.
The side burner and griddle are both gas-powered and include independent heat control.
The flat top and burner each have 12,000 BTUs of energy for a total of 24,000 BTUs.
While the flat top is made from stainless steel, the side burner includes a cast iron grate.
Cast iron takes longer to heat but maintains its temperature for longer. It is the perfect option for heating sauces to go with your main dish.
The entire appliance measures just 29 x 17 x 36 inches. It does not include a cart, but you can easily set it up on a table.
Pros
- Includes a griddle and a stovetop burner
- The tabletop design is easy to transport
Cons
- Offers less cooking space compared to other recommendations
Blackstone 22-Inch Electric E-Series Tabletop Griddle with Prep Cart
The Blackstone 22-Inch Electric E-Series Tabletop Griddle is one of the top electric griddles from Blackstone.
Instead of propane, this griddle simply needs access to an electric outlet. This option also comes with a prep cart. The cart features four locking wheels, a side shelf, and a lower shelf.
The lower shelf also has two warming trays.
Although electric models take longer to heat up and are difficult to use when camping, they allow you to cook indoors and outdoors.
You can remove the griddle from the prep cart and place it on a counter to cook up your favorite foods indoors.
You get 358 square inches of cooking space, which is large enough for about 12 hamburgers or 30 hot dogs.
Pros
- Suitable for use indoors and outdoors
- The cart includes a side shelf and a lower shelf with warming trays
Cons
- The electric options take longer to heat up
Conclusion
Blackstone griddles stand out compared to other outdoor cooking appliances. These griddles feature flat-top cooking surfaces with even heating and no cold spots.
You can cook just about anything with a Blackstone flat top, making them a more versatile alternative to an outdoor grill.
When comparing griddles, remember to pay attention to the size of the cooking surface and the type of heat source.
If you plan on cooking for large groups, you should look for the largest griddle you can afford and have space for.
If you want the option to cook indoors, focus on the electric models. The E-series of Blackstone griddles are suitable for indoor/outdoor use.
You can also find options with a variety of accessories. Side shelves, hardcovers, cutting boards, and other accessories may better suit your way of cooking.
In the end, no matter which option you choose, you are sure to love your new Blackstone flat top griddle. Just remember to clean it after each use to ensure decades of reliable cooking.