Updated: July 2025
Investing in a Blackstone griddle is an exciting step into outdoor cooking, but knowing exactly what you’ll receive in the box can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you’re spending $200 or $500+ on your new griddle, understanding what’s included—and what’s not—will help you prepare for your first cook and budget for essential accessories.
This comprehensive 2025 guide breaks down what typically comes with a new Blackstone griddle, highlights important variations between models, and reveals the three essential items you’ll need to purchase separately. I’ll also share insights from owning multiple Blackstone griddles to give you real-world perspective on what to expect.
While Blackstone offers dozens of models with varying accessories, this guide focuses on the most common scenarios to help you make informed decisions when selecting your griddle and planning your outdoor cooking setup.
Let’s start by addressing the most frequently asked questions about Blackstone griddle inclusions, then dive into what you can realistically expect to unbox.
Does My Griddle Come With A Hood or Lid?
The answer depends entirely on your specific model. Blackstone offers griddles both with and without hoods, and this significantly affects the price point and functionality.
Models that typically include hoods:
- Most 36″ and 28″ Pro Series griddles
- Culinary Pro models
- Premium Adventure Ready models
- E-Series griddles with dome lids
Models that typically don’t include hoods:
- Original series griddles
- Most tabletop models
- Budget-friendly options under $300
- Basic portable models
When shopping on Blackstone’s official website, product images and descriptions clearly indicate whether a hood is included. However, third-party retailers like Amazon may not always make this clear in their listings.
Why a hood matters: Beyond aesthetics, a hood provides crucial protection from wind while cooking, helps retain heat for better temperature control, and offers weather protection when closed. If your model doesn’t include a hood, you can purchase one separately—expect to pay $80-150 for an official Blackstone hood or consider compatible third-party options.
Will My Blackstone Griddle Come With A Cover?
No, Blackstone griddles do not come with protective covers as standard equipment. This is one of the most important separate purchases you’ll need to make.
Occasionally, retailers offer bundle deals that include covers, but these are promotional exceptions rather than the rule. A quality cover is essential for several reasons:
- Weather protection: Prevents rust and corrosion from rain, snow, and humidity
- UV protection: Stops sun damage that can fade and degrade materials
- Debris protection: Keeps leaves, dust, and pests off your cooking surface
- Complete coverage: Protects not just the griddle top, but also side shelves, frames, and control panels
Even if you have a hood and plan to store your griddle in a garage or shed, a cover adds an extra layer of protection. Proper outdoor storage requires both a hood and a cover for maximum longevity.
Cover buying tips:
- Ensure it’s sized for your specific model (check dimensions carefully)
- Look for waterproof, UV-resistant materials like 600D oxford fabric
- Expect to pay $30-80 for a quality cover
- Features like buckle straps and air vents are worth the extra cost
Does A Blackstone Griddle Come With A Propane Tank?
No, propane tanks are not included with Blackstone griddles. This is standard across the industry for safety and shipping regulations—propane tanks cannot be shipped with appliances.
The good news: Any standard 20lb propane tank will work with your Blackstone griddle. If you’re upgrading from a gas grill, you can simply disconnect your existing tank and connect it to your new griddle using the same process.
For first-time buyers:
- Tank size: 20lb tanks are the most common and provide 18-25 hours of cooking time
- Expected cost: $50-70 for a new tank with propane, or $20-30 for exchanges
- Where to buy: Hardware stores, big box retailers, gas stations, and many grocery stores
- Alternative: 1lb disposable tanks work but are more expensive per use
Money-saving tip: Some local retailers offer excellent deals on griddle purchases. Hardware stores like Ace often include free assembly, delivery, and propane tank fills with griddle purchases—definitely worth checking with your local dealers for similar packages.
Consider your cooking frequency when choosing tank size. Heavy users might prefer larger tanks or even natural gas conversion kits, while occasional grillers might opt for smaller, more portable options.
So, What Does Come With A Blackstone Griddle?
After explaining what’s typically not included, here’s what you can expect to find in your Blackstone griddle box:
Standard Inclusions:
- The griddle unit itself (some assembly required for most models)
- User manual and warranty information
- Assembly hardware (bolts, screws, and tools needed)
- Blackstone branded sticker/decal
- Grease management system (drip tray and/or grease cup)
- Ignition system (piezo igniter or battery-powered)
- Propane regulator and hose
Model-Specific Additions:
- Hood/lid (premium models only)
- Side shelves (most cart-style models)
- Bottle opener (many models)
- Paper towel holder (some models)
- Condiment holders (select models)
- Basic spatula set (varies by model and retailer)
- Seasoning oil packets (some new models include starter seasoning)
What You’ll Need to Buy Separately (The Essential 3):
- Propane tank ($50-70 for first purchase)
- Protective cover ($30-80 depending on size and quality)
- Premium cooking tools ($25-60 for a complete set)
Optional but recommended additions:
- Additional seasoning oil ($10-15)
- Cleaning kit ($15-25)
- Grill light ($20-40 for evening cooking)
Assembly and Setup Expectations
Most Blackstone griddles require some assembly, typically taking 1-3 hours depending on the model and your experience level. Here’s what to expect:
Easy assembly models:
- Tabletop griddles (minimal assembly required)
- Some 17″ and 22″ models
Moderate assembly models:
- 28″ and 36″ cart-style griddles
- Pro series models
- Most Adventure Ready models
Tools you’ll need: Most assembly can be completed with included tools, but having a socket wrench set and screwdriver will speed up the process significantly.
Final Word
Understanding what comes with your Blackstone griddle helps you budget appropriately and avoid disappointment on delivery day. While the griddle itself includes everything needed for basic operation, investing in a propane tank, protective cover, and quality cooking tools will significantly enhance your experience and protect your investment.
Before purchasing, always:
- Verify inclusions with the specific retailer
- Check for bundle deals that might include accessories
- Factor the cost of essential accessories into your total budget ($100-200 additional)
- Consider your storage situation when deciding on covers and hoods
- Read recent customer reviews for model-specific insights
For a complete accessory guide, check out our recommended Blackstone accessories that are actually worth buying. With proper preparation and the right accessories, your new griddle will provide years of excellent outdoor cooking experiences.
Pro tip: Start with the essential three items (propane, cover, tools) and add other accessories as you discover your cooking preferences. This approach saves money and ensures you only buy what you’ll actually use.
