Updated: July 2025

When it comes to premium outdoor griddles, Nexgrill and Blackstone dominate the market with their impressive large-format models. Both brands have earned loyal followings among outdoor cooking enthusiasts, but which one truly delivers the best value and performance for your backyard setup?

Today, we’re diving deep into a comprehensive head-to-head comparison between the Nexgrill 4-Burner Griddle and the Blackstone 36-inch 4-Burner model. We’ll analyze the key differences that matter most – from cooking performance to long-term durability – to help you make an informed decision for your outdoor cooking adventures.

While both griddles share similar core features – 4 independent burners, dedicated cooking zones, and convenient side tables – the devil is in the details. We’ll focus on the critical factors that set these two powerhouses apart, including real-world performance differences you won’t find in basic spec sheets.

Ready to discover which griddle reigns supreme? Let’s break down each model across the most important categories that actually impact your cooking experience.

Real quick: Curious about how the Blackstone stacks up against the Blue Rhino Griddle? Take a look at our comparison, it’s pretty close!

Cooking Surface: Size and Material Comparison

When evaluating griddle cooking surfaces, two critical factors determine long-term performance and cooking satisfaction: total cooking area and surface material quality. Let’s examine how these models stack up.

Cooking Area Specifications

• Nexgrill: 732 square inches of usable cooking space
• Blackstone: 720 square inches of usable cooking space

While both are marketed as 36-inch models, Nexgrill edges out with 12 additional square inches – a marginal difference that could accommodate an extra burger or two during large gatherings. In practical terms, this difference is negligible for most cooking scenarios.

Surface Material Analysis

The material composition reveals a more significant distinction that directly impacts your cooking experience:

Nexgrill’s Stainless Steel Surface:

• Superior rust resistance – ideal for humid climates
• Easier initial cleaning – no seasoning required out of the box
• More susceptible to scratches and wear over time
• Requires less seasoning maintenance – perfect for casual users
• Consistent performance but doesn’t improve with age

Blackstone’s Carbon Steel Surface:

• Excellent heat retention and distribution – fewer hot spots
• Superior durability and wear resistance – handles metal tools better
• Requires proper seasoning to prevent rust (learning curve involved)
• Develops improved non-stick properties over time with proper care
• Professional-grade material used in commercial kitchens

Winner: Blackstone – The carbon steel surface offers better long-term performance and durability. While it requires more initial care through proper seasoning, the investment pays off with a cooking surface that improves with age and withstands heavy use better than stainless steel.

BTU Output and Heat Performance

**British Thermal Units (BTUs) measure a griddle’s heating power – specifically, the energy required to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Higher BTU ratings translate to faster heating times, better temperature control, and more consistent cooking results.

Power Specifications:

• Nexgrill: 40,000 total BTUs (10,000 per burner)
• Blackstone: 60,000 total BTUs (15,000 per burner)

This 20,000 BTU difference significantly impacts real-world cooking performance:

Blackstone’s advantages:

• 50% more heating power for faster preheating (8-10 minutes vs 12-15 minutes)
• Better temperature recovery when adding cold food – maintains searing temperature
• Superior searing capabilities for steaks, burgers, and achieving restaurant-quality results
• More consistent heat distribution across the entire surface
• Better performance in cold weather – maintains temperature more effectively

Nexgrill’s performance:

• Adequate power for most home cooking needs – pancakes, eggs, vegetables
• More fuel-efficient operation – lower propane consumption
• Suitable for casual weekend grilling and family meals
• Quieter operation due to lower BTU burners

Winner: Blackstone – The substantial BTU advantage provides noticeably better cooking performance, especially for high-heat applications and large meal preparation. The difference becomes most apparent when cooking for groups or achieving professional-level sears.

Warranty Coverage and Value

A comprehensive warranty reflects manufacturer confidence and protects your investment against defects and premature failure. Both brands offer competitive coverage with extension options available through major retailers.

Standard Warranty Terms:

• Nexgrill: 1-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship
• Blackstone: 1-year manufacturer warranty with similar coverage terms

Extended Warranty Options:

Nexgrill (via Home Depot):

• 3-year extended care plan: ~$55
• Total coverage: 4 years
• Cost per year: ~$13.75
• Includes parts and labor for covered repairs

Blackstone (via Extend partnership):

• 3-year extended warranty: ~$119
• Total coverage: 4 years
• Cost per year: ~$29.75
• Comprehensive coverage including accidental damage options

Winner: Nexgrill – The significantly lower cost for extended warranty coverage (more than 50% savings) provides better value, making long-term protection more affordable for budget-conscious buyers.

Community Support and Resources

The #griddlenation community plays a crucial role in your griddle experience, providing recipes, troubleshooting help, maintenance tips, and inspiration for your outdoor cooking journey.

Online Community Presence:

Blackstone Community:

• Larger, more active user base across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Extensive recipe databases and step-by-step cooking tutorials
• Quick response times for troubleshooting questions (often within hours)
• Official brand engagement with community content and user-generated recipes
• Abundant accessory and modification discussions – endless customization ideas
• Regular community challenges and cooking contests

Nexgrill Community:

• Smaller but dedicated user base with quality interactions
• Quality content available, though less frequent posting
• Adequate support for common issues and basic troubleshooting
• Growing presence on grilling forums and Facebook groups
• More intimate community feel – easier to get personalized advice

Winner: Blackstone – The significantly larger and more active community provides better ongoing support, more diverse recipes, and greater inspiration for your griddle journey. The wealth of user-generated content makes learning and troubleshooting much easier.

Additional Considerations

Build Quality and Design

Both griddles feature powder-coated steel construction with similar overall build quality and weather resistance. Blackstone edges ahead with slightly thicker steel construction (12-gauge vs 14-gauge) and more robust hardware, including better-quality control knobs and ignition systems.

Accessories and Compatibility

Blackstone offers a wider range of official accessories, including professional tool sets, custom covers, grease management systems, and specialized attachments like pizza ovens. Third-party accessory availability also heavily favors Blackstone due to its larger market share and popularity.

Price Point

Pricing varies by retailer and seasonal promotions, but both griddles typically fall within $50-100 of each other at most major retailers, making initial cost a minor deciding factor. However, consider long-term value including fuel efficiency and accessory costs.

Portability and Storage

Both models feature similar mobility with sturdy caster wheels and folding side tables. The Blackstone model includes a slightly more robust wheel system, while the Nexgrill offers marginally easier storage due to its design.

The Final Verdict

While both griddles deliver excellent outdoor cooking experiences, Blackstone emerges as the stronger choice for most users seeking superior performance and long-term value. Here’s our detailed recommendation:

Choose Blackstone if you want:

• Superior heating power and performance – 50% more BTUs for better cooking results
• Long-term durability with professional-grade carbon steel surface
• Extensive community support and resources – thousands of recipes and tips
• Wider accessory selection and customization options
• Better resale value due to brand recognition

Choose Nexgrill if you prioritize:

• Lower extended warranty costs – save over $60 on 4-year coverage
• Slightly larger cooking surface – 12 additional square inches
• Stainless steel’s rust resistance – less maintenance required
• More budget-friendly protection plans and lower barrier to entry
• Quieter operation for noise-sensitive environments

Overall Winner: Blackstone – The combination of superior BTU output, durable carbon steel surface, robust community support, and professional-grade performance makes it the better investment for serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts and anyone planning regular use.

Both griddles will serve you well for casual cooking, but Blackstone’s performance advantages and community ecosystem provide better long-term value for your outdoor cooking adventures. The higher BTU output alone justifies the choice for most users, delivering noticeably better cooking results that improve your entire griddling experience.