Flipping pancakes at sunrise, smashing burgers for a hungry crowd, or cooking stir-fry outdoors to keep the kitchen smoke-free reveals the real magic of a flat-top griddle.
And when it comes to griddles, Blackstone grills sit at the top of the food chain.
I’ve cooked on just about everything over the years – cheap camp stoves, high-end gas grills, homemade rigs that probably violated several fire codes. But once I fired up my first Blackstone, I had one clear thought:
“Yep. This is how outdoor cooking is supposed to feel.”
This guide breaks down the 7 best griddles made by Blackstone grills, based on real-world cooking, not spec sheets alone. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, tailgating, or just trying to level up your backyard game, this is your roadmap.
Why Blackstone Grills Are a Pitmaster Favorite
Let’s get one thing straight: Blackstone grills didn’t invent the griddle – but they perfected it for backyard cooks.
What makes them special?
1. The Cooking Surface
Blackstone uses cold-rolled steel, which holds heat like a champ and creates that unbeatable crust. Burgers sear instead of steaming. Pancakes brown evenly. Fried rice gets that restaurant-style sizzle.
2. Consistent Heat Control
Multiple burners mean true zone cooking. Eggs on low, bacon on medium, hash browns ripping hot – all at the same time. Once you get the hang of it, it feels like cheating.
3. Built for Real Use
These aren’t fragile showpieces. Blackstone grills are meant to get dirty, greasy, and loved. Thick frames, solid welds, and smart grease management systems make cleanup less painful.
And yes – they’re just fun to cook on. That matters more than people admit.
How I Chose the Best Blackstone Griddles
This list isn’t based on hype. It’s based on:
- Cooking performance
- Heat distribution
- Build quality
- Ease of cleaning
- Value for money
- Who each griddle is actually for
Some models are beasts. Some are perfect travel companions. One or two are absolute overkill – in the best way possible.
Let’s get cooking.
1. Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
Best overall Blackstone griddle
If Blackstone grills had a flagship, this would be it.
The 36-inch griddle cooking station is the model you see in backyard cookouts where everyone suddenly becomes “very interested” in helping.
Why It Dominates
- Massive 756 sq. in. cooking surface
- Four burners with excellent heat control
- Ideal for cooking 20+ burgers at once
This is the griddle that makes you say, “Invite more people – I’ve got room.”
What I love
- Incredible heat retention
- Perfect for big breakfasts and parties
- Feels like a professional setup
Downsides
- Takes up space
- Not exactly portable
Best for: Large families, entertainers, and pitmasters who cook like they mean it.
2. Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
Best for most homeowners
If the 36-inch is a full-size pickup truck, the 28-inch Blackstone is a reliable SUV.
It hits the sweet spot between power and practicality.
Standout Features
- Two burners = easier heat management
- Plenty of room for family-sized meals
- Faster heat-up than larger models
I’ve cooked entire Sunday breakfasts on this thing without ever feeling cramped.
What I Love
- Balanced size
- Easier to store
- More affordable than the 36-inch
Downsides
- Less space for big parties
Best for: Backyard cooks who want serious performance without going huge.
3. Blackstone 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle
Best portable Blackstone griddle
This one surprised me.
The 22-inch tabletop griddle proves that size isn’t everything – heat control and surface quality matter more.
Why It Shines
- Compact but powerful
- Great for camping, tailgating, and RV life
- Same steel surface as larger Blackstone grills
I once cooked smash burgers on this at a campsite and had strangers “just stopping by” to see what smelled so good.
What I Love
- Easy to transport
- Excellent heat consistency
- Versatile for travel
Downsides
- Limited cooking space
Best for: Campers, tailgaters, apartment dwellers with outdoor space.
4. Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle
Best budget Blackstone griddle
If you’re new to griddling, start here.
The 17-inch Blackstone is simple, affordable, and still delivers that classic Blackstone grills performance.
Why It Works
- Quick heat-up
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight and portable
I recommend this to beginners who want to learn the griddle game without committing big money.
What I Love
- Budget-friendly
- Great for solo or couple cooking
- Ideal learning tool
Downsides
- Not for big meals
Best for: Beginners, small households, tight budgets.
5. Blackstone 30-Inch Griddle with Hood
Best mid-size griddle
This model doesn’t get enough love.
The 30-inch Blackstone with hood gives you added versatility thanks to the built-in lid – great for melting cheese, steaming veggies, or protecting the surface.
Why the Hood Matters
- Better heat control
- Keeps debris off the griddle
- Extends seasoning life
This feels like the “grown-up” version of a backyard griddle.
What I Love
- Hood adds flexibility
- Excellent heat retention
- Comfortable middle ground
Downsides
- Slightly heavier
Best for: Serious home cooks who want more control.
6. Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle with Air Fryer Combo
Best premium Blackstone griddle
Is it overkill?
Yes.
Do I love it?
Also yes.
This air fryer combo turns your griddle into an outdoor kitchen.
Why It’s Special
- Built-in dual air fryers
- Massive cooking surface
- Saves trips back inside
Cooking burgers while air-frying fries outside feels like cheating the system.
What I Love
- True all-in-one setup
- Incredible versatility
- Perfect for parties
Downsides
- Expensive
- Large footprint
Best for: Power users and outdoor kitchen enthusiasts.
7. Blackstone Tailgater Combo Griddle
Best for tailgating
This one’s built for movement.
The Tailgater Combo gives you both a griddle and a traditional grill surface, making it incredibly flexible.
Why It’s Great
- Two cooking styles
- Foldable and transport-friendly
- Perfect for road trips
I’ve seen these at tailgates where the food line never stops.
What I Love
- Versatility
- Easy setup
- Travel-ready
Downsides
- Smaller griddle space
Best for: Tailgaters, travelers, weekend warriors.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Blackstone Griddle
Before you buy, ask yourself:
1. How Many People Do I Cook For?
- Solo or couples → 17–22 inch
- Families → 28–30 inch
- Parties → 36 inch
2. Where Will I Use It?
- Backyard → Full-size Blackstone grills
- Travel → Tabletop or Tailgater models
3. Do I Want Extras?
- Hood for versatility
- Air fryer for convenience
- Combo units for flexibility
Buy the griddle that fits your lifestyle – not just your ego.
Must-Have Blackstone Accessories
A good griddle gets better with the right tools:
- Griddle cover
- Heavy-duty spatulas
- Scraper and squeeze bottles
- Wind guards
These aren’t gimmicks – they make cooking smoother and cleanup easier.
The Griddle Learning Curve (And Why It’s Faster Than You Think)
Cooking on Blackstone grills feels different at first – and that’s exactly why people fall in love with them. There’s no lid hiding mistakes and no grates masking what’s happening. Everything is out in the open, which makes learning faster.
Most of the adjustment comes down to heat awareness, not complicated technique.
You quickly learn to:
- Slide food between hot and cool zones
- Adjust on the fly without panic
- React to sound, color, and texture in real time
The biggest surprise is how forgiving a griddle is. Too hot? Move the food. Too cool? Turn the burner up. That instant feedback builds confidence fast, especially for cooks who want pro-level results without years of trial and error.
Why Blackstone Grills Excel at High-Volume Cooking
When the food orders pile up, Blackstone grills don’t flinch. Their wide, uninterrupted surfaces are designed for controlled chaos – the kind that happens when you’re feeding a crowd.
Instead of cooking in waves, you can:
- Cook multiple proteins at once
- Stage finished food without overcooking
- Keep sides warm while mains finish
This matters when hosting parties, family gatherings, or tailgates. Traditional grills get crowded fast. Griddles stay organized. Once you experience high-volume cooking without stress, you realize how much easier outdoor hosting can be.
The Role of Fat Management in Flavor
Flavor lives in fat, and Blackstone grills give you control over it instead of forcing you to fight it. The griddle’s slight slope naturally directs grease toward the trap while keeping enough on the surface for flavor development.
This allows you to:
- Create cleaner, harder sears
- Control crispiness instead of drowning food
- Decide when fat stays and when it goes
Smash burgers benefit from rendered beef fat. Eggs and pancakes don’t. The griddle lets you manage both on the same surface. That balance leads to better browning, cleaner textures, and more intentional flavor.
Cooking Multiple Cuisines on One Surface
A flat-top griddle doesn’t care about borders – and Blackstone grills thrive because of that. One surface handles an incredible range of cooking styles without adjustment.
You can move effortlessly between:
- Breakfast classics
- Hibachi-style stir-fry
- Tacos, cheesesteaks, and burgers
High heat zones sear proteins fast, medium zones cook vegetables evenly, and cooler zones hold sauces. You’re not locked into one style or flavor profile. The result is endless variety using one tool, which keeps outdoor cooking exciting instead of repetitive.
Why Griddles Make You a Better Cook
This is the part most reviews skip: Blackstone grills actually improve your cooking skills. Because everything is visible, you start paying attention to how food behaves.
You naturally learn to:
- Read heat instead of guessing
- Time multiple foods at once
- Adjust based on visual cues, not timers
There’s no hiding mistakes under a lid. That honesty sharpens instincts fast. Over time, you stop relying on recipes and start cooking with feel. Those skills translate everywhere – from indoor kitchens to traditional grills. A griddle makes you more confident, not just more efficient.
Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Gas Usage
Despite their size, Blackstone grills are surprisingly efficient. Once the steel heats up, it holds temperature extremely well, meaning burners don’t need to run at full power constantly.
In real-world use:
- Propane tanks last longer than expected
- Lower flame settings maintain steady heat
- Faster cook times reduce overall fuel use
Traditional grills lose heat through open grates and airflow. Griddles keep it where it belongs – on the cooking surface. That efficiency adds up over time, especially for frequent cooks who don’t want to swap tanks mid-meal.
Weather Resistance and Outdoor Reliability
Outdoor cooking isn’t always calm and sunny, and Blackstone grills are built with that reality in mind. Thick steel surfaces stay hot even when temperatures drop or wind picks up.
Key advantages include:
- Better heat retention in cooler weather
- Less burner disruption from wind
- More predictable cooking results
Where traditional grills struggle to maintain temperature, griddles stay consistent. That reliability matters. You light it knowing what to expect, whether it’s breakfast at dawn or dinner after sunset.
Consistency outdoors is rare – Blackstone delivers it.
Why Blackstone Grills Create a Social Cooking Experience
Griddles change how people gather around food. With Blackstone grills, cooking happens in the open – no lid, no disappearing act.
That openness:
- Invites conversation
- Encourages interaction
- Turns cooking into entertainment
People naturally drift over, ask questions, and hang around. Extra hands jump in. Plates fill faster. The cook stays part of the group instead of being stuck off to the side.
It feels less like preparing food and more like hosting an experience. That social energy is a big reason griddles keep winning people over.
Maintenance Tips From the Pit
Treat your griddle like cast iron:
- Season it properly
- Clean while warm
- Light oil after use
Do that, and your Blackstone grill will last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Blackstone grills worth the money?
Yes – Blackstone grills offer excellent value for what you get. The cold-rolled steel griddle surface, consistent heat control, and durable construction make them a long-term investment rather than a short-term purchase.
You’re paying for cooking performance, not gimmicks. For anyone who cooks outdoors regularly, the price makes sense quickly.
What size Blackstone griddle should I buy?
The right size depends on how many people you cook for.
- 17–22 inch models are ideal for solo cooks, couples, and travel
- 28–30 inch models work well for families
- 36-inch Blackstone grills are best for entertaining and large gatherings
Choosing the right size prevents overcrowding and makes cooking smoother.
Do Blackstone grills rust easily?
Not if they’re properly cared for. Like cast iron, Blackstone griddles need seasoning and light oiling after use. When maintained correctly and covered between cooks, rust is rarely an issue. Most rust problems come from skipping seasoning or storing the griddle uncovered.
Can you use Blackstone grills indoors?
No. Blackstone grills are designed for outdoor use only. They produce carbon monoxide and require proper ventilation. Even tabletop models should only be used outdoors in open-air environments.
How long do Blackstone grills last?
With basic maintenance, Blackstone grills can last many years. The steel cooking surface is extremely durable, and replacement parts are easy to find. Many owners report using the same griddle for five to ten years or more with consistent performance.
Are Blackstone griddles hard to clean?
Not at all. Cleaning is one of their strengths. While the surface is still warm, scrape food debris, wipe it down, and apply a thin layer of oil. Routine cleaning takes just a few minutes and prevents buildup over time.
Do Blackstone grills get hot enough for searing?
Absolutely. Blackstone grills excel at high-heat searing, especially for smash burgers and steaks. The steel surface retains heat better than traditional grill grates, creating deep browning and crisp edges.
Can you cook frozen food on a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, but thawing first is recommended for best results. Frozen food can lower surface temperature temporarily. Once the griddle recovers heat, Blackstone grills handle frozen items better than most traditional grills due to their heat retention.
Is a Blackstone griddle better than a traditional grill?
It depends on what you cook. Griddles excel at breakfast foods, burgers, stir-fry, and high-volume cooking, while traditional grills are better for foods that benefit from open flame. Many pitmasters eventually own both.
What accessories are essential for Blackstone grills?
The most useful accessories include:
- A griddle cover
- Heavy-duty spatulas
- A scraper
- Squeeze bottles for oil and water
These tools improve workflow and extend the life of your griddle.
Final Verdict: Which Blackstone Griddle Should You Buy?
If you want the best overall experience, the 36-inch Blackstone griddle is king.
For most people, though, the 28-inch or 30-inch models offer the best balance of size, price, and performance.
And if you’re just getting started?
Any Blackstone grill is better than no Blackstone grill.
Once you cook on one, it’s hard to go back. Trust me – I’ve tried.
Featured image credit: @blackstoneproducts
