Updated: July 2025

Confused about whether Blackstone makes stainless steel griddles? You’re not alone. With so many conflicting product descriptions and search results online, it’s time to set the record straight with the official answer directly from Blackstone.

Updated: 01/10/2025

Blackstone offers an extensive range of griddles that are marketed differently across various retailers, creating confusion about what materials you’re actually getting. Some product listings mention “stainless steel” while others don’t, leading many customers to wonder about the actual construction and cooking surface materials.

To eliminate the guesswork, we contacted Blackstone customer service directly to get definitive answers about their griddle materials and clarify why retailers describe them differently.

If you’ve been confused about Blackstone griddle construction and materials, this comprehensive guide will clear everything up and explain why their material choice actually makes your cooking better!

What Are Blackstone Griddle Cooking Surfaces Made Of?

The short answer: No, Blackstone does not make stainless steel griddles. All Blackstone griddle cooking surfaces are made from cold-rolled steel, which is distinctly different from stainless steel.

Cold-rolled steel is created through a manufacturing process where steel is passed through rollers at room temperature, creating a smooth, dense surface. This process delivers several key benefits that make it ideal for outdoor cooking:

• Smooth, even surface perfect for searing and cooking delicate foods
• Enhanced strength and durability that withstands high heat and heavy use
• Superior heat retention and distribution for consistent cooking results
• Cost-effective manufacturing that keeps griddles affordable

Blackstone’s griddles feature a cold-rolled steel cooking surface paired with a powder-coated steel frame. This combination delivers exceptional durability and longevity, easily withstanding temperatures up to 500°F and frequent outdoor use in various weather conditions.

The cooking surface uses Blackstone’s proprietary steel blend specifically engineered to:

• Retain heat efficiently for faster cooking and better searing
• Distribute heat evenly across the entire surface
• Eliminate hot and cold spots that can ruin your food
• Develop a natural non-stick seasoning layer over time
• Resist warping under extreme temperature changes

The powder-coated steel frame provides structural integrity while including practical features like adjustable legs, side shelves, grease management systems, and mobility wheels on many models.

Why cold-rolled steel over stainless steel? Cold-rolled steel offers superior heat retention (retaining heat 40% longer than stainless steel), costs significantly less than stainless steel, and develops excellent rust resistance when properly maintained and seasoned.

Official Response from Blackstone Support

To get the definitive answer, we contacted Blackstone customer support directly. Here’s their official response when asked about stainless steel cooking surfaces:

“They are only rolled steel we do not have stainless steel. Thanks, Ty”

While brief, this response from Blackstone support confirms definitively that Blackstone does not manufacture any griddles with stainless steel cooking surfaces. All cooking surfaces across their entire product line are cold-rolled steel, from their compact 17-inch tabletop models to their massive 36-inch restaurant-style griddles.

Why The Confusion About Stainless Steel?

If Blackstone only makes cold-rolled steel griddle cooking surfaces, why do searches for “Blackstone Stainless Steel Griddle” return results?

The confusion stems from partial stainless steel components in some Blackstone models and misleading marketing:

1. Stainless Steel Faceplates: Some models feature stainless steel front faceplates instead of the traditional black powder-coated faceplates, giving them a more premium appearance.

2. Stainless Steel Burner Components: Many griddles use stainless steel burner elements, gas valves, and internal components beneath the cooking surface for corrosion resistance.

3. Retailer Marketing Errors: Some retailers incorrectly describe these partial stainless steel components as “stainless steel griddles” in their product listings.

4. Third-Party Accessories: Stainless steel accessories like spatulas, cleaning tools, and side tables are often bundled with griddles, adding to the confusion.

Important distinction: While some Blackstone griddles contain stainless steel elements, no Blackstone model has a stainless steel cooking surface. You’ll always cook on cold-rolled steel with any authentic Blackstone product.

Blackstone Stainless Steel Faceplate VS Black Faceplate

Some Blackstone models offer stainless steel faceplates as an aesthetic upgrade option. Let’s compare using the popular 22-inch Tabletop Griddle available in both versions:

• Stainless Steel Faceplate Model: 22-inch Tabletop with Stainless Faceplate
• Traditional Black Faceplate Model: 22-inch Tabletop with Black Faceplate

Key Differences:

Appearance:
• Stainless steel faceplate: Bright, polished, modern appearance that resists fingerprints
• Black faceplate: Traditional matte black finish that hides scratches better

Maintenance:
• Stainless steel requires specialized cleaners to maintain shine
• Black powder-coated finish is easier to clean and maintain

Durability:
• Both materials offer excellent longevity under normal use
• Stainless steel resists corrosion better in coastal environments
• Black coating may chip if hit by hard objects

Performance:
• Identical cooking performance (same cold-rolled steel cooking surface)
• No difference in heat retention, distribution, or cooking results

For more portable options, check our comprehensive guide to Portable Griddles For The Outdoors.

Cold-Rolled Steel vs Stainless Steel: Why Blackstone’s Choice Makes Sense

Blackstone’s decision to use cold-rolled steel instead of stainless steel for cooking surfaces is strategic and performance-driven. Here’s why this choice benefits your cooking:

Cost Efficiency:
Cold-rolled steel costs 60-70% less than stainless steel, allowing Blackstone to offer high-quality griddles at accessible price points while maintaining excellent performance standards.

Superior Heat Performance:
• Heat Retention: Cold-rolled steel retains heat 40% longer than stainless steel
• Heat Distribution: Provides more even heat distribution across the cooking surface
• Temperature Stability: Maintains consistent cooking temperatures even when adding cold food
• Faster Recovery: Returns to cooking temperature quicker after temperature drops

Durability Advantages:
• Warp Resistance: Less prone to warping under high heat compared to stainless steel
• Rust Resistance: When properly seasoned, cold-rolled steel develops excellent rust resistance
• Longevity: Withstands frequent use and temperature cycling without degradation
• Impact Resistance: Better withstands dropped utensils and accidental impacts

Seasoning Benefits:
Cold-rolled steel develops a natural non-stick patina through seasoning that improves with use, something stainless steel cannot achieve as effectively. This seasoning layer also provides additional rust protection.

Stainless Steel Limitations for Griddle Cooking:
• Can warp under extreme heat (above 400°F)
• Inferior heat retention compared to cold-rolled steel
• More expensive to manufacture, driving up consumer costs
• Doesn’t develop the same non-stick properties when seasoned
• Prone to hot spots that can burn food
• Requires more energy to maintain cooking temperature

While stainless steel excels in applications requiring corrosion resistance and easy cleaning (like kitchen sinks and appliances), cold-rolled steel is scientifically superior for high-heat cooking applications like griddles.

Final Thoughts

Bottom Line: Blackstone does not make stainless steel griddles, and that’s actually great news for your cooking. All Blackstone griddle cooking surfaces are made from cold-rolled steel, chosen specifically for its superior heat retention, even distribution, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

The confusion about “stainless steel Blackstone griddles” comes from partial stainless steel components like faceplates and burner elements, not the cooking surface itself. When you cook on a Blackstone, you’re always cooking on cold-rolled steel—and that’s exactly what makes these griddles perform so exceptionally well.

For outdoor cooking enthusiasts, Blackstone’s cold-rolled steel construction delivers the perfect combination of performance, durability, and value that has made them the #1 choice for backyard chefs everywhere. The material choice isn’t a compromise—it’s an optimization for better cooking results at an affordable price.