Updated: July 2025

Ever wonder how hot your Blackstone griddle actually gets? As a griddle enthusiast who owns three different Blackstone models, I decided to put them to the ultimate temperature test. The results might surprise you – and they’re significantly different from the manufacturer’s claims.

I tested three popular models: the Blackstone Adventure Ready 17″, the Blackstone E-Series Electric, and the Blackstone 28″ Flat Top Grill. Each griddle was pushed to its maximum temperature while measuring real-world performance under actual cooking conditions.

Understanding your griddle’s temperature capabilities is crucial for achieving perfect sears, proper cooking times, and food safety. Whether you’re cooking delicate eggs or searing steaks, knowing these limits will make you a better griddle cook.

Real-World Results vs. Blackstone’s “Testing Environment”

Blackstone’s official documentation claims their 36″ model reaches 560°F, but this was achieved in a controlled “testing environment.” You can read more about their specifications here. However, real-world conditions often tell a different story.

I was particularly interested in testing the E-Series Electric Griddle, which features a digital temperature controller with settings from 100-500°F. Would it actually reach 500°F, fall short, or exceed expectations?

My goal was to provide accurate, real-world data using well-seasoned griddles that have seen years of actual cooking use – not pristine laboratory conditions. This gives you practical information you can actually use for your own cooking.

Testing Conditions and Methodology

To ensure accurate and replicable results, I documented all testing conditions. Environmental factors significantly impact griddle performance, so understanding these variables helps you adjust expectations for your specific situation.

Environmental Factors:

• Altitude: Northern Colorado, approximately 5,300 feet above sea level. Higher altitudes affect propane combustion efficiency due to reduced oxygen levels, potentially impacting maximum temperatures.

• Weather Conditions: Mid-June testing day, sunny skies, 88°F ambient temperature, minimal wind. Ideal conditions for maximum griddle performance.

• Wind Factor: Even light wind can reduce griddle temperatures by 50-100°F, making these calm conditions optimal for maximum performance.

Equipment and Methodology:

• Griddle Models Tested: Blackstone 28″ (propane), Blackstone Adventure Ready 17″ (propane), and Blackstone E-Series Electric (110V outdoor setup).

• Temperature Measurement: Commercial-grade laser infrared temperature gun with ±2°F accuracy. Multiple readings were taken from each griddle’s hottest zones for consistency.

• Testing Protocol: Each griddle started at room temperature, heated on maximum setting, with temperature readings taken every 30 seconds until peak temperature was reached and maintained.

Understanding Your Griddle’s Heat Zones

Every griddle has distinct heat zones – areas where temperature concentrates based on the underlying flame or heating element placement. Understanding these zones is essential for controlling your cooking and achieving consistent results.

Why Heat Zones Occur:

In propane griddles, gas tubes run underneath the cooking surface in specific patterns. Areas directly above these tubes receive the most intense heat, while spaces between tubes and the griddle’s edges typically run cooler by 50-100°F.

Typical Heat Zone Patterns:

• Hottest areas: Directly above gas tubes or heating elements (maximum temperatures recorded here)

• Medium heat areas: Between gas tubes, center portions of the cooking surface (typically 50-75°F cooler)

• Cooler areas: Corners and edges of the griddle surface (can be 100-150°F cooler than peak zones)

How to Map Your Heat Zones:

Method 1 – Experience-Based: Pay attention to how food cooks in different areas. Foods that consistently cook faster in certain spots indicate your hottest zones.

Method 2 – Temperature Mapping: Use an infrared temperature gun to systematically measure temperatures across your entire griddle surface. This provides precise data for optimal food placement.

Method 3 – Water Drop Test: Sprinkle water drops across the surface. Areas where water sizzles and evaporates fastest indicate your hottest zones.

How Long Does It Take To Heat Up A Blackstone Griddle?

Preheating time is just as important as maximum temperature. Proper timing ensures your food starts cooking immediately when it hits the surface, preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking.

Average Heat-Up Time: All tested models reached maximum temperature in 8-9 minutes. This consistency across different sizes and fuel types makes meal planning predictable.

Specific Results:

• Blackstone 28″: 8 minutes 30 seconds to reach 635°F maximum

• Blackstone Adventure Ready 17″: 8 minutes to reach 640°F maximum

• Blackstone E-Series Electric: 8 minutes to reach 502°F maximum

Heat-Up Phases:

• 0-3 minutes: Initial heat-up, reaches 200-300°F

• 3-6 minutes: Rapid temperature climb, reaches 400-500°F

• 6-9 minutes: Final push to maximum temperature

Pro Tip: The E-Series showed more consistent temperature progression due to electric heating elements, while propane models had slightly more variable heat-up curves depending on gas pressure.

Maximum Temperature Test Results

How Hot Does The Blackstone 17″ Griddle Get?

The Blackstone 17-inch Adventure Ready Griddle reached a maximum temperature of 640°F in 8 minutes – the highest temperature of all tested models. This compact powerhouse exceeded manufacturer specifications by a significant margin.

Why it runs hottest:

• The smaller cooking surface concentrates heat more efficiently

• Single burner design creates intense, focused heat distribution

• Less heat loss due to smaller surface area

• Optimal BTU-to-surface-area ratio for maximum temperature

Temperature Distribution: Even the cooler edges reached 540°F, showing excellent heat distribution for such a compact unit.

How Hot Does The Blackstone 28″ Griddle Get?

The Blackstone 28-inch Griddle reached a maximum temperature of 635°F in 8 minutes 30 seconds. Despite its larger surface area, it nearly matched the 17″ model’s peak performance.

Performance Notes:

• The dual-burner system provides excellent heat distribution

• Maintains impressive maximum temperatures across multiple zones

• Center zones reached 615°F, edges maintained 500°F

• Excellent for cooking multiple items at different temperatures simultaneously

Sweet Spot: This model offers the best balance of high-heat capability and cooking surface area for most users.

How Hot Does The Blackstone E-Series Electric Griddle Get?

The Blackstone E-Series Electric Griddle reached a maximum temperature of 502°F in 8 minutes – precisely hitting its advertised 500°F specification. This accuracy demonstrates excellent temperature control engineering.

Key Advantages:

• Unlike propane models that can overshoot target temperatures, the E-Series maintains consistent heat

• Digital temperature control allows precise cooking temperature selection

• More even heat distribution across the entire surface

• No wind interference affects performance

Temperature Accuracy: The digital controller maintained temperatures within 5°F of the set point, making it ideal for precise cooking techniques.

Video of Test Results

What These Temperatures Mean for Your Cooking

Optimal Temperature Ranges for Different Foods:

• 250-300°F: Warming tortillas, melting cheese, keeping food warm

• 300-350°F: Pancakes, eggs, delicate vegetables, French toast

• 375-400°F: Bacon, sausage, grilled cheese, hash browns

• 450-500°F: Burgers, chicken, stir-fry, fajitas

• 500-600°F: Steaks, high-heat searing, blackening spices

• 600°F+: Professional-level searing, restaurant-quality crust development

Why High Heat Matters:

• Maillard Reaction: Temperatures above 280°F create the chemical reactions that develop complex flavors and appealing colors

• Searing: High heat (500°F+) quickly caramelizes proteins, locking in juices

• Texture: Proper temperature creates the contrast between crispy exteriors and tender interiors

Safety Note: These maximum temperatures are significantly higher than necessary for most cooking. Always use appropriate temperature settings for your specific foods and never leave a griddle unattended at high temperatures.

Factors That Affect Maximum Temperature

Environmental Conditions:

• Wind: Even light wind can reduce temperatures by 50-100°F

• Altitude: Higher altitudes reduce propane efficiency, lowering maximum temps

• Ambient Temperature: Cold weather requires more energy to reach peak temperatures

• Humidity: High humidity can slightly impact heat transfer efficiency

Equipment Factors:

• Griddle Age: Well-seasoned griddles may have slightly different heat characteristics

• Gas Pressure: Low propane tank levels can reduce maximum temperature capability

• Regulator Performance: A quality regulator ensures consistent gas flow for maximum heat

Summary and Key Takeaways

The Results: Both propane models exceeded Blackstone’s official testing environment results by 65-70°F, while the E-Series perfectly matched its specifications. This demonstrates that real-world performance can actually exceed manufacturer claims under ideal conditions.

Performance Rankings:

• 1st Place: Blackstone 17″ Adventure Ready –