Updated: July 2025
Updated: January 2025 to reflect the latest Steelmade USA Outdoor Griddle Base models and current Blackstone lineup.
Choosing between Steelmade USA and Blackstone griddles can be challenging when both brands offer excellent outdoor cooking solutions. While both produce high-quality flat-top grills, they serve different needs, budgets, and cooking philosophies.
After extensive research and hands-on testing of both brands’ latest 2025 models, I’ve identified the key differences that will help you make the right choice for your outdoor cooking setup.
Blackstone griddles are complete standalone units designed for dedicated outdoor cooking, while Steelmade USA offers both standalone griddles and versatile flat-top attachments that transform your existing grill or stove into a professional-grade griddle surface.
This comprehensive comparison will examine the most important differences: design philosophy, manufacturing quality, warranty coverage, and long-term value to help you determine which brand aligns with your cooking needs and budget.
Design Philosophy: Standalone vs. Versatile Solutions
Blackstone focuses exclusively on complete griddle systems. Their griddles are ready-to-use units that include everything needed for outdoor cooking: multiple burners, cold-rolled steel cooking surface, integrated grease management system, and sturdy cart with wheels.
Steelmade USA takes a different approach, offering both standalone outdoor griddles and an extensive line of flat-top attachments. Their attachments can convert gas grills, charcoal grills, Big Green Eggs, and even stovetops into premium griddle surfaces.
This fundamental difference affects everything from space requirements to cooking versatility and long-term investment value.
Blackstone Griddles: Pros and Cons
Pros
Ready-to-Cook Convenience: Blackstone griddles are engineered as complete cooking systems. Simply connect propane, season the surface, and start cooking – no additional equipment needed.
Wide Selection: Available in multiple sizes (17″, 22″, 28″, 36″, and 42″) and configurations, including compact tabletop models, full-size cart units, and specialty models with air fryer combos.
Proven Performance: Consistent heat distribution across the cooking surface with reliable H-burner systems, electronic ignition, and effective rear grease management.
Easy Availability: Found at major retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon with immediate availability and often competitive pricing.
Beginner-Friendly: Straightforward setup and operation make them ideal for newcomers to griddle cooking, with extensive online resources and community support.
Affordable Entry Point: Starting around $200-$300 for smaller models, making griddle cooking accessible to most budgets.
Cons
Space Requirements: Requires dedicated space in your outdoor area, which can be challenging if you already own a grill or have limited patio space.
Limited Versatility: Functions solely as a griddle – no option for traditional grilling methods like searing over open flames or smoking.
Storage Needs: Full-size units need weather protection and adequate storage space during off-seasons or bad weather.
Single-Purpose Investment: Cannot be used for other cooking methods or converted for indoor use, potentially limiting return on investment.
Build Quality Variability: Being mass-produced overseas, quality control can be inconsistent between units.
Steelmade USA: Pros and Cons
Pros
Space Efficiency: Flat-top attachments utilize your existing grill space, eliminating the need for additional storage while maintaining full grill functionality.
Versatility: Switch between traditional grilling and griddle cooking on the same appliance. Indoor/outdoor compatibility with stovetop models means year-round use.
Premium Construction: Made from high-quality American steel with superior heat retention, even heating, and professional-grade thickness (typically 1/4″ to 3/8″).
Customization Options: Multiple sizes and thicknesses available to fit various grill models and cooking preferences, including custom sizing.
Dual Functionality: Keep your existing grill’s capabilities while adding griddle cooking options – essentially two appliances in one space.
Superior Heat Retention: Thicker steel construction provides better heat distribution and retention compared to most mass-produced griddles.
Cons
Limited Availability: Must be ordered directly from Steelmade USA’s website – not available in retail stores, which can delay immediate gratification.
Learning Curve: Requires understanding your existing grill’s heat patterns and hot spots for optimal results.
Compatibility Requirements: Need to ensure proper fit with your existing grill model, which may require measurements and research.
Higher Initial Cost: Premium American manufacturing comes with higher upfront costs, though this is offset by superior durability.
Setup Considerations: May require slight modifications to existing grill setup for optimal performance.
Manufacturing Origin: USA vs. China
Steelmade USA lives up to its name – all products are manufactured in the United States using American steel. This means:
- Faster customer service response times
- Same time zone communication for support
- Supporting American manufacturing jobs
- Higher quality control standards
- Shorter shipping times for replacement parts
- More consistent product quality
Blackstone griddles are manufactured in China, which allows them to offer competitive pricing but may result in:
- Longer shipping times for replacement parts
- International customer service challenges
- Time zone differences for support calls
- Potential quality control inconsistencies
- Language barriers in technical support
For consumers prioritizing American-made products and supporting domestic manufacturing, Steelmade USA offers a clear advantage, though this typically comes with higher upfront costs that are often justified by superior longevity.
Warranty Coverage: The Critical Difference
This is where the two brands differ most significantly:
Blackstone provides a 1-year limited warranty on their griddles, covering manufacturing defects and component failures during the first year of ownership. After that, you’re responsible for all repairs and replacements.
Steelmade USA offers an industry-leading lifetime warranty on their flat-top surfaces. This covers:
- Cracking of the cooking surface
- Warping under normal use conditions
- Manufacturing defects (lifetime coverage)
- Heat distribution issues
The lifetime warranty represents exceptional value and demonstrates the company’s confidence in product durability. This can save hundreds of dollars in potential replacement costs over time.
Price Comparison and Value Analysis
Blackstone Pricing (2025):
- 17″ Tabletop: $150-$200
- 22″ Cart Model: $250-$350
- 28″ Cart Model: $350-$450
- 36″ Cart Model: $450-$650
Steelmade USA Pricing (2025):
- Flat-top Attachments: $200-$500 (depending on size)
- Complete Outdoor Griddle Base: $800-$1,500
- Custom Sizing: Varies based on specifications
While Blackstone offers lower entry costs, Steelmade USA provides better long-term value when factoring in the lifetime warranty, superior construction, and dual functionality.
Learn more about Steelmade USA’s latest offerings:
- The base is constructed from 14 gauge American Steel - over 2x thicker than competing cooktops from other manufacturers.
- Made in Kansas using American Steel
- Steel components and burner feature a Lifetime Warranty
- Hand-oiled finish is easy to maintain and never cracks or peels
For complete details on the NEW Steelmade Outdoor Griddle, check out the release information here.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Blackstone if:
- You want a complete, ready-to-use griddle system
- You prefer shopping at retail stores for immediate purchase
- You’re new to griddle cooking and want proven simplicity
- You have adequate outdoor space for a dedicated unit
- Budget is a primary concern (under $400)
- You don’t mind replacing the unit in 3-5 years
- You want extensive online community support and recipes
Choose Steelmade USA if:
- You already own a compatible grill or stove
- You want maximum versatility (grill + griddle functionality)
- You prioritize American manufacturing and quality
- The lifetime warranty appeals to you for long-term value
- You have limited outdoor space
- You want premium construction quality that lasts decades
- You’re willing to invest more upfront for better long-term value
- You appreciate customization options
Real-World Performance Comparison
Heat Distribution: Steelmade USA’s thicker steel (1/4″ to 3/8″) provides more even heat distribution compared to Blackstone’s thinner cold-rolled steel, reducing hot spots and improving cooking consistency.
Durability: Blackstone griddles typically last 3-5 years with regular use, while Steelmade USA flat-tops can last decades with proper care.
Cooking Surface: Both develop excellent seasoning over time, but Steelmade USA’s superior steel quality tends to maintain seasoning better and is more resistant to rust.
Maintenance: Both require similar maintenance routines, but Steelmade USA’s construction makes it easier to restore if neglected.
Summary
Both brands excel in their respective approaches to griddle cooking. Blackstone offers proven, affordable, complete griddle systems perfect for dedicated outdoor cooking and those new to griddle cooking. Steelmade USA provides premium, versatile solutions that maximize space efficiency, offer exceptional warranty coverage, and deliver professional-grade performance.
Your choice should depend on your specific needs: space constraints, budget, desired features, warranty importance, and whether you value American manufacturing. Both will deliver excellent griddle cooking results – the difference lies in how they fit into your overall outdoor cooking setup and long-term value expectations.
Consider your long-term cooking goals, available space, budget, and quality preferences to make the best decision for your situation. If you’re looking for immediate gratification and budget-friendly options, Blackstone is excellent. If you’re willing to invest in premium quality, versatility, and lifetime value, Steelmade USA is the superior choice.
