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Cooks can use a flat-top grill to prepare foods they’d never dream of putting on a regular grill, including eggs, bacon, pancakes, and fajitas, and among the flat-top grill brands on the market, few match the quality of Blackstone grills. The company’s lineup of griddle grills are renowned for their heat output and the quality of their cast-iron cooking surfaces.
We spoke with food writer and Blackstone grill recipe expert Nicole Johnson, who underlined our thoughts about the versatility of these grills. “We love our Blackstone griddles and have had several over the years. You can cook everything from breakfast to dinner,” she says.
While Blackstone may indeed be the go-to brand for this style of grill, deciding on which model to buy can be a challenge. The company’s griddles range in size from tabletop 17-inch models for camping up to full-size 36-inch griddles for large tailgating parties. Blackstone also offers the whole gamut from budget-priced grills to high-end models loaded with additional features. Our favorite is the Blackstone Original for its versatility, but it’s hard to go wrong with this brand. Read on to find out how to identify the best Blackstone grills, and learn why the models below are some of the finest the company has to offer.
- BEST OVERALL: Blackstone Original 28-Inch Griddle With Hood
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Blackstone Original 28-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Blackstone Original 36-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMBO: Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle With Air Fryer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PORTABLE: Blackstone Adventure Ready 28-Inch Griddle
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CAMPING: Blackstone Original 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle
↓ Jump to Review - BEST INDOOR: Blackstone 22-Inch Electric Tabletop Griddle
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Blackstone Grills
In creating our list of the best Blackstone grills, we evaluated each model the company offers and considered various factors. We included a mix of different Blackstone outdoor griddle sizes to suit different needs, including small tabletop models, midsize 28-inch griddles, and large 36-inch griddles.
Since budgets for a flat-top griddle can vary, we assembled affordable Blackstone griddles and top-of-the-line models loaded with convenient features. All the gas griddles we selected have burners capable of providing the output needed to reach high cooking temperatures and evenly heat the cooking surface. We also looked at the brand’s popular indoor and outdoor electric options.
Every Blackstone cooking grill is a quality product, but while grill expert Johnson likes each of the different types, she does have a preference: “My favorite models have been those that came with an air fryer. You can do burgers and fries all at the same time and all kinds of other dishes that work well in the air fryer.”
Our Top Picks
The list below includes some of the very best Blackstone has to offer. Our selections include various sizes and prices to suit different needs and budgets.
Best Overall
Blackstone Original 28-Inch Griddle With Hood
Product Specs
- Cooking surface size: 524 square inches
- Number of burners: 2
- Heat output: 34,000 British thermal units (BTUs)
- Weight: 93 pounds
What We Like
- Ample space for storage and prep
- Includes a hood
- Legs fold under the body for portability
What We Don’t Like
- Some customers complain about paint peeling
This midsize Blackstone griddle grill checks all the boxes while sporting a reasonable price. With its 28-inch size, it’s large enough to feed up to 10 people. Two burners give the chef the ability to cook at two different temperatures simultaneously, which is crucial whether making breakfast for the family or hosting a backyard barbecue.
This model also boasts nice additional features not found on all Blackstone outdoor grills. The hood allows for roasting thicker meats at lower temperatures, while two large side tables and an ample bottom shelf provide space for food prep and storage. This Blackstone’s legs will also fold up, making it possible to take this griddle on the road to the next tailgating event or camping trip.
Get the Blackstone Original 28-inch grill at Amazon.
Runner-up
Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
Product Specs
- Cooking surface size: 720 square inches
- Number of burners: 4
- Heat output: 60,000 BTUs
- Weight: 133 pounds
What We Like
- Huge griddle surface
- 4 independent heat zones
- Efficient rear grease-management system
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy and cumbersome to move
Those who need plenty of cooking space without wanting to spend a fortune will want to check out this affordable, high-capacity Blackstone griddle. The manufacturer claims it can prepare up to 72 hot dogs or 28 burgers at the same time, and thanks to four powerful burners, heat distribution can reach 60,000 BTUs. However, because each burner is independent, different cooking zones can be created and whole meals can be prepared at once.
A new grease-management system at the rear makes the big Blackstone griddle easier to clean. Other convenient features are the folding side tables with utensil hooks, lower storage tray, paper towel holder, fasteners for the propane gas bottle, and the locking castors. The sturdy frame has a tough powder-coated finish to prevent rust, and a lid protects the griddle surface when not in use.
Get the Blackstone 36-inch griddle grill at Amazon.
Best Bang For The Buck
Blackstone Original 28-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
Product Specs
- Cooking surface size: 524 square inches
- Number of burners: 2
- Heat output: 34,000 BTUs
- Weight: 71 pounds
What We Like
- Same size cooking surface as higher-priced griddles
- Great heat output for the price
- Lighter than other full-size Blackstone griddles
What We Don’t Like
- Small prep and storage space
This flat top from Blackstone might just be the company’s best deal. While this model doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, like a bottom shelf or hood, of Blackstone’s higher-priced flat-top griddles, it preserves the most important parts of its larger siblings.
At 28 inches, it has just as much cooking surface as Blackstone’s higher-end griddles. Like those pricier models, it also boasts two burners and lights with an electric ignition. Without the hood and extra side table, this model is lighter than other 28-inch Blackstone griddles at 71 pounds, making it easier to fold up and transport to the next big game.
Get the Blackstone 1517 grill at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Blackstone Original 36-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
Product Specs
- Cooking surface size: 769 square inches
- Number of burners: 4
- Heat output: 60,000 BTUs
- Weight: 128 pounds
What We Like
- 4 burners for cooking many foods at once
- 2 large side tables for prep
- Bottom shelf for storage
- Vast cooking surface
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy total weight makes it difficult to transport
Blackstone’s premium flat-top griddle is also its largest and most feature rich. Its 36-inch size boasts an impressive 769 square inches of cooking surface, which is plenty of room for handling large tailgating events or Fourth of July backyard barbecue blowouts. That vast griddle top is well supported by four 15,000 BTU burners. Not only does this translate to high heat, it also makes it possible to grill chicken, veggies, hamburger patties, and steaks all at the same time.
Additional features abound on this flat-top griddle. There’s a hood, a large storage shelf, two ample side tables for food prep, hooks for grilling tools, a magnetic strip for utensils, and even a paper towel rack and bottle opener. This model sits on four large casters, two of which are lockable, which is useful for wheeling the grill into position on a patio or deck.
Get the Blackstone Original 36-inch grill at Amazon, BBQGuys, or Blackstone.
Best Combo
Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle With Air Fryer
Product Specs
- Cooking surface size: 524 square inches
- Number of burners: 2 plus a third burner for air fryer
- Heat output: 34,000 BTUs
- Weight: 149 pounds
What We Like
- Includes built-in air fryer and a warming drawer
- Ample room for storage and prep
- Includes a hood, tool racks, and magnetic utensil holder
What We Don’t Like
- Some customers complain of inconsistent surface heat
- Legs do not fold up
Blackstone’s innovative take on a combo grill marries its classic griddle with a cooking appliance that can handle the side dish duties: an air fryer. The top of the griddle includes a 28-inch cooktop with two burners (it also comes in a 36-inch size for an additional cost). Below is an electric 4-quart 13,000 BTU gas and electric air-fryer drawer and a 4-quart warming drawer.
A hood adds versatility to the griddle top, allowing the chef to trap heat for more even cooking. Other features include hooks for tools, a magnetic strip for utensils, and a paper towel holder. Large side tables provide a place for food going on and off the griddle, while a large lower shelf offers plenty of storage space. Although the large casters on all four legs make it easy to maneuver in and out of position, this Blackstone griddle is not a portable grill as the legs do not fold up.
Get the Blackstone 28-inch grill with air fryer at Amazon or BBQGuys.
Best Portable
Blackstone Adventure Ready 28-Inch Griddle
Product Specs
- Cooking surface size: 448 square inches
- Number of burners: 2
- Heat output: 34,000 BTUs
- Weight: 75 pounds
What We Like
- Compact size and foldable legs with wheels
- 2 powerful burners provide even heat
- Includes side table and lower shelf
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller cooking surface than other 28-inch Blackstones
As the name suggests, Blackstone’s Adventure Ready series of grills are designed for road trips, be it to a park, campground, or stadium parking lot. While this grill is one of several 28-inch models Blackstone sells, its cooktop is more compact with 448 square inches of cooking surface. Though smaller, this griddle doesn’t compromise on cooking power, thanks to two 17,000 BTU burners.
Other features make this griddle mobile, including legs that fold into the bottom and two large casters that allow for rolling the grill short distances to and from a vehicle. Blackstone also eliminates one end table, opting instead for a handle. This design makes it easier to lift and roll the grill, while also making it more compact by shortening its overall length.
Get the Blackstone Adventure Ready grill at Amazon.
Best For Camping
Blackstone Original 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle
Product Specs
- Cooking surface size: 267 square inches
- Number of burners: 1
- Heat output: 12,500 BTUs
- Weight: 28 pounds
What We Like
- Compact and lightweight size
- Durable cast-iron cooking surface
- Hood adds cooking versatility
What We Don’t Like
- Some customers complain that it can be difficult to light
With all the equipment required for camping, hauling a full-size Blackstone may not be practical. This Blackstone portable grill is a great compromise. It features the same cast-iron cooking surface found on full-size Blackstone grill models but on a much smaller scale.
In addition to being more compact, this 17-inch griddle weighs just 28 pounds, less than half the weight of Blackstone’s 28-inch models. Its small size allows it to fit in a trunk with plenty of room for other gear. It also runs off a small 16-ounce propane canister, so there’s no need to tow along a 20-pound tank. Though its cooking surface is smaller at 267 square inches, it’s still large enough to grill up to 10 burgers. This Blackstone camping grill also boasts a hood, which is a feature not typically found on portable griddles.
Get the Blackstone 17-inch grill at Amazon.
Best Indoor
Blackstone 22-Inch Electric Tabletop Griddle
Product Specs
- Cooking surface size: 307 square inches
- Number of burners: 2
- Heat output: 1,200 watts
- Weight: 30.5 pounds
What We Like
- 2 heating controls for 2 cooking zones
- Glass hood allows for other types of cooking
- Nonstick titanium cooking surface makes for easy cleanup
What We Don’t Like
- Some customers complain that it doesn’t get hot enough
- More expensive than many other electric griddles
Blackstone applies its expertise in outdoor flat-top griddles to this indoor electric model. It trades a cast-iron cooking surface for a nonstick titanium-coated surface. Like its larger gas-powered cousins, which feature multiple burners, this electric model allows the chef to create two cooking zones. Two separate heating elements, a characteristic not typically found on electric griddles, power the 307 square inches of cooking surface.
The griddle’s controls consist of two dials with digital displays that allow the chef to set specific temperatures for each side of the griddle. The griddle also comes equipped with a glass hood that traps heat for roasting or steaming foods. A tray at the back of the griddle catches grease, allowing for easy cleanup.
Get the Blackstone 22-inch grill at Amazon or Wayfair.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Blackstone Grill
There are plenty of options to choose from when selecting a Blackstone griddle grill, including the size of the cooking area, portability, and additional features. Below, find out more about these and other characteristics of this popular flat-top grill brand.
Size and Cooking Area
Blackstone’s grills come in a variety of sizes. While Blackstone’s most common grill size is 28 inches, the company also makes smaller 17-inch models as well as large 36-inch griddles. A 28-inch griddle has about 528 square inches of cooking surface, which is enough to cook for up to six people. Larger 36-inch flat-top grills have around 750 square inches of cooking surface, which is enough for gatherings of eight or more people.
Small Blackstone grills, including their tabletop models, have around 300 square inches of cooking space and are suitable for up to four people. Keep in mind that Blackstone’s griddles can take up a fair amount of real estate on a deck or patio, so be sure to consider the griddle’s overall size when shopping for one. Its 36-inch model, for example, measures more than 5 feet wide. Some griddles also have built-in grills, which can increase their size.
Number of Burners
One of the key characteristics of a Blackstone flat-top grill is its ability to cook everything from veggies to burgers to chicken breasts all at the same time. Since those foods don’t all cook at the same temperature, being able to create different temperature zones on the griddle’s cooking surface is vital.
How many cooking zones the chef can create depends on the number of burners. For example, a griddle with two burners can create two different zones. Blackstone’s 28-inch models come with two burners, while its larger 36-inch griddles offer more cooking versatility with four. Blackstone’s smaller tabletop models have a single burner, limiting them to a single zone.
BTUs
BTU is a measure of heat output. For grills, this refers to the grill burners. The greater the number of BTUs, the better able the grill is to evenly heat the cooking surface and reach the high temperatures necessary for searing food. The rule of thumb for flat-top grills is that the grill should have around 60 BTUs per square inch of cooking surface.
Blackstone’s smaller tabletop grills come with single 12,500 BTU burners, while its 28-inch models come with two 17,000 BTU burners. Blackstone’s largest 36-inch grills have four 15,000 BTU burners.
Weight and Portability
Flat-top grills are a popular outdoor cooking appliance for tailgating, camping, and local park excursions. As such, Blackstone designs many of its flat-top grills to be portable, including its full-size models. While the most portable options are its tabletop grills, which are compact and weigh around 30 pounds, many of its 28-inch and 36-inch models are also portable.
These larger flat-top grills feature legs that fold up, allowing one to fit them in a large trunk or a truck bed. These flat-tops also have large casters that make it easier to maneuver them over flat surfaces for short distances. Though these grills are portable, moving them is a two-person operation since they can weigh upwards of 100 pounds or more.
Additional Features
Many of Blackstone’s grills come with additional features that make them easier to use. Common extras include side tables for prepping food that’s coming on and off the grill, hooks and magnetic strips for holding tools and utensils, and storage shelves for storing grill tools or other items. Less common additional features include bottle openers and paper towel holders.
Some Blackstone grills have hoods that make it easier to cook certain types of foods evenly. Blackstone also sells combination grills, which have air fryers or side burners. While most of Blackstone’s griddles have at least a few additional features, the company equips its higher-end grills with more extras than its lower-end models. You can always buy Blackstone grill accessories separately as well.
Tips for Maintaining a Blackstone Grill
There are a few simple tips folks will want to follow before first using their Blackstone grill and after each use to ensure it lasts a long time. Seasoning is paramount when it comes to any flat-top griddle, and Blackstone griddles are no different.
Season the Blackstone’s cast-iron cooking surface before cooking with it by carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also important to clean the grill between each use by scraping it with a spatula, scrubbing it with a scouring pad, and wiping it clean with paper towels. Never use detergents or cleaners, as they could ruin the seasoning layer. The surface also needs a good recoating of oil in between each use. When the grill is not in use, cover it to protect it from the elements so the cooking surface doesn’t rust.
- Season the griddle before its first use.
- Scrape, scour, and wipe it clean after each use.
- Never use detergents or cleaners to clean a Blackstone grill.
- Coat the surface with oil between uses.
- Cover it when not in use to prevent the surface from rusting.
FAQs
Now that you’ve had a chance to learn more about the many different aspects of Blackstone grills and the features of each, you may have a few questions. Read on for answers to some of the most common questions pertaining to Blackstone grills. You can also check out our separate guides on methods for keeping a clean Blackstone griddle or when the best time to buy a grill is.
How long a Blackstone grill lasts depends on how well you take care of it. Each is a high-quality product, and a well-maintained griddle can last for 20 years or more. Cover the grill when not in use, and clean and treat the cast-iron surface with oil between uses to protect it from the elements and prevent rust.
The company’s flagship product is its large 36-inch griddle, which can cook enough food to handle even tailgating parties. That said, the company’s 28-inch griddles are also very popular due to their more compact size, which makes them easier to transport.
The most common sizes of Blackstone grills are the company’s 36-inch griddles and 28-inch griddles. While the 36-inch models are ideal for large parties, the 28-inch griddles are popular because they’re easier to transport.
Blackstone specializes in griddles, which consist of a smooth cast-iron surface. Grills, in comparison, use cooking grates, which allow grease and food particles to fall through them into the grill body below. Griddles are more versatile than grills because they can cook foods you could never put on a grill, including eggs, pancakes, and stir-fries. Hybrid grills, like the Blackstone grill and griddle combo, feature both surfaces.
This depends on your needs and budget. Blackstone’s gas griddles have independent burners that you can control precisely, while electric griddles have a single heat source. At the same time, Blackstone electric griddles are more affordable than their gas models. Some users may prefer a charcoal grill because of the smoky flavor it can add to food.
Blackstone griddles are made of cold-rolled steel, which is easier to maintain than cast iron, though it may not offer the same cooking results.
To extend your griddle’s lifespan and maintain its natural, nonstick surface, it’s a good idea to clean it after every use. This can be as simple as washing it, drying it, and then coating it with a light amount of oil after each use.
Blackstone griddles should only be seasoned when necessary. To determine if your Blackstone needs seasoning, keep an eye on its surface for any rust or discoloration. It may also need reseasoning if food begins to stick on it.