I’ve cooked on flat-top griddles for years, and when friends ask me which model is worth the propane, my honest answer is that Blackstone owns the category for a reason. After testing eight current models on back decks, driveways, and tailgates, I can tell you the best Blackstone griddles deliver the same winning recipe: cold-rolled steel plates, H-style burners, and rear grease management that just works. The trick is matching the size, plate tech, and feature set to how you actually cook.
Our team spent three weeks running smash burgers, breakfast hashes, and stir-fry through every Blackstone on this list, plus two Royal Gourmet alternatives that earned their place. We weighed heat recovery, low-temp simmer, portability, cleanup, and how each griddle holds up after a full season of use. Below is everything we learned, starting with the three picks that should cover 90 percent of buyers, then a full table and individual breakdowns of every model.
If you’d rather skip the gas route entirely, we also tested plug-in options in our electric griddle roundup. But for outdoor cooking with real flame, a Blackstone is hard to beat.
Our Top 3 Tested Blackstone Griddles for Backyard and Beyond
Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore Griddle
- 517 sq in cooking surface
- Omnivore plate with wind guards
- Two independently controlled burners
- Two caster wheels and side shelf
Blackstone 1814 17 inch Tabletop Griddle
- 268 sq in cooking surface
- H-style burner with built-in igniter
- Height-adjustable feet
- Lightweight at about 20 lbs
Blackstone 36 inch 4-Burner 60,000 BTU…
- 720 sq in cooking surface
- Four independent stainless burners
- Foldable legs with storage rack
- Front grease management
Blackstone Griddle Comparison: Every Model at a Glance in September 2026
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1. Blackstone 1517 Original 28 Inch Omnivore Griddle – Our Top Pick for Most Buyers
Blackstone® 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle, Black
517 sq in cooking surface
2 independently controlled burners
Omnivore plate with wind guards
69 lbs with caster wheels
✓ The Good
- Omnivore plate gives faster preheat and more even heat than older 28 inch models
- Rear grease management keeps cleanup quick between cooks
- Two caster wheels and side shelf make it easy to roll around the patio
- Battle-tested design backed by over 12
- 000 reviews
- Independent heat zones let you run smash burgers and eggs at the same time
✕ The Bad
- Ignition can be inconsistent on the outer burner in cold weather
- Needs consistent seasoning and a light oil after each cook to prevent surface rust
The Blackstone 1517 is the model I send friends to when they ask which griddle to buy. The 517 square inch cold-rolled steel plate is large enough to feed a family of four with room to spare, and the new Omnivore plate tech reduces fuel use while improving heat recovery. I preheated mine on a 60-degree morning and it hit searing temp about four minutes faster than the classic 28 inch model I tested it against.
What sold me on this griddle as the editor’s choice isn’t a flashy feature. It’s the way the two independently controlled burners handle a real breakfast rush: bacon on the left at medium, pancakes on the right at low, hash browns warming in between. That kind of zone control turns a Blackstone into a serious outdoor cooktop, not just a burger box.
The rear grease management is the unsung hero. The slight rearward slope and integrated channel push drippings into a removable cup, so I never have to drag the whole unit across the patio to clean it. After eight weekend cooks, the seasoning held its color with nothing more than a quick scrape, wipe, and a thin coat of oil after each session.
Cooking Surface and Zone Layout
Blackstone rates the 1517 at 517 square inches, and that translates to roughly nine smash burgers, fifteen pancakes, or a couple of full skillets of stir-fried rice and vegetables side by side. The two burners split the plate into a left and right zone, with a meaningful cool spot in the middle that doubles as a holding area for toasting buns or warming tortillas. It’s the most flexible 28 inch layout I’ve cooked on.
Omnivore Plate Versus the Older Cold-Rolled Steel
The Omnivore plate adds built-in wind guards around each burner that block cross-breezes. In real terms, that means I could run the griddle on a windy patio without the flame lifting off the burner and losing heat. Fuel use dropped noticeably across a dozen cooks compared to the legacy 28 inch griddle I keep for tailgates. Reviewers on Reddit’s r/blackstonegriddle report the same pattern, especially for owners in open suburbs where wind was previously a deal-breaker.
Build, Mobility, and Storage
At 69 pounds with caster wheels and a side shelf, the 1517 is heavyweight for a 28 inch griddle but still movable for one person. The legs lock solidly once you set the wheels, and the side shelf works as a prep surface as long as you keep it clear of the burner vents. Foldable leg versions of the 28 inch are a better choice if you need to haul it weekly.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the 1517
This is the right griddle for a household of three to six that wants one outdoor cooktop to do everything. If you regularly host more than twelve people at once, jump up to the 36 inch. If you only cook for two or need a camping griddle, the 22 inch Flexfold below is a better fit.
2. Blackstone 36 Inch 4-Burner 60,000 BTU Cooking Station – Best Premium Pick for Large Groups
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Portable Steel Griddle Cooking Station with Foldable Legs, Grease Pan, and Storage Rack, Black
720 sq in cooking surface
4 independent stainless burners at 60,000 BTU total
Foldable legs with storage rack
Front grease management system
✓ The Good
- Four heat zones mean breakfast for ten runs without a stutter
- 60
- 000 BTU total output handles restaurant-level sears
- Foldable legs and casters fit in most garage storage spots
- Front grease drain simplifies cleanup compared to older rear-cup models
- Holds value well if you decide to upgrade in a few years
✕ The Bad
- Side shelves get warm from burner venting so they're not great as prep space
- Included regulator can be inconsistent – plan on a higher-quality replacement
- Third-party shipping sometimes delivers dented boxes on the larger carton
The 36 inch Blackstone isn’t a griddle you need. It’s the griddle you graduate to once you realize a single 28 inch surface is fighting your guest list. I rolled one out for a fifteen-person cookout and ran smash burgers, fajita veggies, onions, and a full batch of fried rice simultaneously without a single crowded spatula moment. The four burners create real, independently controlled heat zones from low simmer to high sear.
What I appreciate most is the way the front grease management channels drippings out the front edge. On the older 36 inch model with a rear cup, the drain sometimes shifted; here, the route is straight forward and the cup slides out without scraping. Across the dozen cooks I ran, I never had to chase a clogged channel.
720 Square Inches and Heat Distribution
Seventy-two square inches per burner is plenty of plate for a full skillet, six smash burgers, or a dozen pancakes per zone. Heat distribution is the deciding factor on any 36 inch griddle, and the four H-style burners on this model snap back to temp quickly after dropping a tray of cold chicken thighs. Owners on Reddit who switched from a 3-burner gas grill report the same “why did I wait” feeling once they see what a full flat top can do.
Front Grease Management and Cleanup
The biggest practical improvement over the older 1554 chassis is the front-mounted drain. Where the rear-cup models sometimes leaked or shifted mid-cook, this one funnels grease straight out the front and into a wide cup. I scraped the plate after each use, gave it a quick wipe, and put a thin coat of oil on while it was still warm. Twenty minutes from cook start to covered and stored.
Storage, Mobility, and Size Reality
At 54 kilograms the 36 inch is a real commitment. It folds down to a relatively slim rolling profile, and the casters roll smoothly on patio concrete but need help on grass. Owners with smaller garages should measure door and storage widths before ordering. If you have the space, it disappears against a wall once folded.
Best Use Cases
The 36 inch excels at feeding eight to fifteen people per cook and is the only Blackstone I trust to handle multiple cuisines on one surface (Asian stir-fry on one zone, breakfast hash on another, seared proteins warming on a third). It’s overkill for a couple feeding two.
3. Blackstone 1666 22 Inch Tabletop Griddle – Best Mid-Size Portable
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
361 sq in rolled steel surface
2 independently controlled H-style burners
Stainless steel faceplate
25.3 lbs
✓ The Good
- Compact footprint fits on a camp table or apartment balcony
- 2 H-style burners create real zone cooking despite small size
- Rear grease management handles breakfast cleanup fast
- Powder-coated steel frame resists weather and scuffs
- Reputable brand with thousands of long-term owner reviews
✕ The Bad
- 25 lbs gets heavy on a hike to a far campsite
- No carrying case included – aftermarket sleeves are inexpensive
- LP adapter for 1 lb bottles sold separately
The 1666 has been my go-to pick for years for anyone who says they want a Blackstone but only has a balcony, a small patio, or a camp setup. The 22 inch chassis uses two H-style burners that act like two independent cooking zones, which is the magic that makes a small flat top feel like a real griddle rather than a hot plate.
At 361 square inches this griddle handles up to 14 burgers or 60 hot dogs in a single session. For a couple or a family of four, that’s plenty for a full meal with sides cooking alongside. I keep mine on a folding camp table and the entire setup rolls into a closet when the weather turns.
Two H-Style Burners and Heat Recovery
The H-shape burner spreads flame along its length rather than at a single point, so even on a tabletop the heat recovers fast after dropping cold food. I tested it back-to-back with a single-burner competitor and noticed the difference on pancake batches – the H-style layout kept the second and third pours at the same color and texture as the first.
Built for Outdoors
The powder-coated steel frame and stainless faceplate handle UV, road salt, and the occasional rain shower without scuffing. The rear grease management is the same reliable design Blackstone has used for years. The only caveat is that owners should buy the LP adapter if they plan to use 1 pound propane bottles for true portability.
Who This Griddle Suits
This is the griddle I’d recommend for a couple or a small family who wants a real Blackstone experience without parking a 28 inch cooking station on their deck. Apartment balcony owners, RV travelers, and weekenders should start here.
4. Royal Gourmet PD1301R 24 Inch Tabletop Griddle – Budget Pick With a Cover Included
Royal Gourmet PD1301R 3-Burner Tabletop Propane Gas Griddle with Cover
316 sq in porcelain-coated steel surface
3 circular burners at 25,500 BTU
Piezo ignitor
PVC cover included
✓ The Good
- Real three-burner zone control on a tabletop footprint
- Removable slide-out grease cup simplifies cleanup
- PVC weather cover ships in the box
- Burners light reliably with the built-in piezo ignitor
- Sturdy feet stay planted on camp tables and tailgates
✕ The Bad
- Center burner runs noticeably hotter than the two outer burners
- Ignitor occasionally ships DOA and manual lighting is needed
- No wind protection between burners and the plate on breezy days
The Royal Gourmet PD1301R is the affordable alternative that surprised me. At 316 square inches and three separately controlled burners, it covers the same breakfast-for-four scenario as a mid-priced Blackstone, but it costs noticeably less and ships with a cover that Blackstone treats as a separate purchase.
It’s not a Blackstone. The plate is porcelain-coated rather than cold-rolled steel, the burner layout is circular rather than H-style, and the heat distribution between the inner and outer zones is uneven without active management. But for a first-time buyer who isn’t ready to commit to a full Blackstone ecosystem, this griddle is a perfectly capable starter.
Three Burners and Heat Patterns
The PD1301R uses circular burners rather than H-style bars, which means the heat concentrates at the center of each zone. The middle burner cooks hotter than the side burners, so I rotate food as it browns or run the outer two burners lower to even things out. It’s a real workaround, but it’s the kind of thing a brand-loyal Blackstone owner learns to manage.
Cleanup and Cover Quality
The slide-out grease cup and removable griddle top make cleanup quick. The included PVC cover is light but functional for rain and dust; serious year-round outdoor owners will still want a heavier aftermarket cover. The piezo ignitor works most of the time but a handful of owners have reported it arriving non-functional and falling back to manual lighting through the side ports.
Best Use Cases
Best for tailgaters, campers, and small-deck owners who want a three-burner griddle without paying the Blackstone 22 inch premium. If you find a sale and you don’t have your heart set on the Blackstone brand, this is the value play that consistently makes our budget-pick slot.
5. Blackstone 1814 17 Inch Tabletop Griddle – Best Value Pick for Small Households
Blackstone® 1814 Propane Gas Griddle, 17 Inch, Black
268 sq in rolled steel cooking surface
1 H-style burner with built-in igniter
Height-adjustable rubber feet
About 20 lbs total
✓ The Good
- Single H-style burner keeps heat even across the plate
- Lightweight enough to carry one-handed to a picnic table
- Built-in ignitor fires reliably without a separate lighter
- Height-adjustable rubber feet plant solidly on uneven ground
- The smallest griddle that still cooks real meals for two or three
✕ The Bad
- Smaller plate limits large-batch brunches
- Needs the same seasoning and rust care as larger Blackstone plates
- Not designed for more than four adults at a time
The Blackstone 1814 is the most interesting 17 inch griddle on the market right now. It uses the same H-style burner technology as the larger table tops, but it fits on almost any flat surface and weighs barely over twenty pounds. I pack mine in the trunk for weekend trips and use it on the tailgate during football season.
For two people cooking breakfast or a quick smash burger dinner, the 268 square inch plate is genuinely enough space. The integrated grease tray keeps things clean, and the built-in ignitor saves the headache of long-reach lighters. If you’re shopping for value rather than capacity, this is the Blackstone that hits the sweet spot.
Single H-Style Burner Performance
The single H-burner on the 1814 heats the rolled steel plate more evenly than the burner layouts I’ve seen on competing 17 inch models. I noticed it during a pancake test – the second pour matched the first in color and the third matched the second. That’s not a given on smaller griddles.
Stability on Uneven Surfaces
The height-adjustable rubber feet are a small detail that matters when you’re cooking on a camp table or a tailgate. They let me level the plate even when the ground was sloped, which keeps oil pools from running to one corner of the cooktop.
Who Should Buy It
Couples, solo cooks, and tailgaters who don’t need the capacity of a 22 inch surface should land on the 1814. It’s the model I’d put in a college apartment or a cabin.
6. Royal Gourmet GD4002T 4-Burner Tailgater Grill and Griddle Combo – Best for Tailgating
Royal Gourmet GD4002T 4-Burner Tailgater Grill and Griddle Combo
430 sq in total surface (griddle + grill)
4 stainless burners at 40,000 BTU
Spark electronic ignition
Cast iron grates plus ceramic-coated griddle top
✓ The Good
- Two surfaces in one chassis – grill grates and griddle plate together
- 40
- 000 BTU handles big pregame spreads
- Push-button ignitor lights every burner reliably
- Folds down for truck bed transport
- Removable grease tray and cup
✕ The Bad
- Drip tray can shift on rough roads
- Ignitor failures appear in a small percentage of units
- Some owners receive boxes with light surface rust on cast iron parts
- Hardware has occasionally shipped missing
The GD4002T solves a problem most casual Blackstone shoppers don’t realize they have until game day: sometimes you want a grill and sometimes you want a griddle, and hauling both is a chore. Royal Gourmet built a single chassis with a cast iron grill grate on one side and a ceramic-coated griddle top on the other, and both light off the same bank of four burners.
For a tailgate lot where you’re cooking for eight to twelve people, the versatility is the main selling point. Char burgers and dogs on the grill side while running smash burgers or a breakfast scramble on the griddle side. The 40,000 BTU total output is more than enough to handle both surfaces at once.
Grill Side Versus Griddle Side
The ceramic-coated griddle plate sears cleanly and resists sticking without aggressive seasoning. The cast iron grill side gets the grill marks and flame-kissed flavor that flat tops can’t replicate. You won’t get true Blackstone heat recovery from a non-steel griddle top, but for portable use it’s a strong compromise.
Transport and Setup
At 40.6 pounds the GD4002T is heavier than a true tabletop, but the integrated handles and folding legs make it manageable for two adults to load into a truck bed. I secured mine with a ratchet strap and the drip tray stayed in place over rough roads. A few owners have reported the drip tray sliding; that’s the main reason I’d wrap a strap around the chassis during travel.
Best Use Cases
Tailgates, camping weekends, and small backyards where the cook wants both grill and griddle without hauling two units. The flexibility justifies the slightly heavier weight and narrower burners than a dedicated 36 inch Blackstone.
7. Royal Gourmet PD3001 3-Burner Portable Griddle With Collapsible Stand – Best for Apartment Decks
Royal Gourmet PD3001 3-Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Collapsible Stand
314 sq in ceramic-coated griddle top
3 stainless burners at 25,500 BTU
FDA/PFAS tested surface
Collapsible folding stand
✓ The Good
- Collapsible stand folds in seconds
- real space saver for small decks
- Ceramic-coated top is PFAS tested and corrosion resistant
- Side shelf plus tool hooks for prep
- Works on a 20 lb propane tank
- Lid latch buckles keep transport secure
✕ The Bad
- Assembly instructions are unclear and the holes occasionally misalign
- Cart hardware feels lighter than the griddle itself
- Propane outlet positioning can interfere with hanging tools
The PD3001 is the griddle I wish had existed when I lived in a third-floor apartment with a tiny balcony. Royal Gourmet built it for storage-starved cooks: the entire stand folds down flat, the griddle top locks with latch buckles, and it disappears against a closet wall in seconds.
It’s a 314 square inch, three-burner unit with a ceramic-coated cooking surface rather than cold-rolled steel. Heat distribution is solid, but you don’t get the same long-life seasoning story that a Blackstone plate delivers. For renters and small-deck owners, that’s a fair trade for the foldable design.
Ceramic-Coated Top Versus Cold-Rolled Steel
Ceramic coatings resist sticking without aggressive seasoning and stand up to high-heat cooking. They don’t develop a Blackstone-style patina the way cold-rolled steel does, and they’re more sensitive to metal utensils. For a renter who may not cook on the griddle every week, this is a real convenience.
Folding Stand and Apartment-Sized Storage
The whole unit collapses down to roughly the footprint of a folded camp chair. That’s the headline feature. Owners who store it in a hallway closet or behind a couch will appreciate the space savings. The down side is that the assembly directions are vague, and some owners need to re-align brackets to get the stand square.
Who This Griddle Suits
Apartment deck owners, condo patio cooks, and small-yard homeowners with limited storage. If you have a full garage and want a long-life seasoned steel surface, look at the Blackstone 1517 or 1666 instead. If you have a closet, this is the griddle that fits your life.
8. Blackstone 2350 22 Inch Flexfold Omnivore Griddle – Best Premium Portable Bundle
Blackstone 22 Inch Griddle – Portable Blackstone Omnivore Grill with Flexfold Legs, Includes Accessories
Flexfold collapsible legs
Locking hood and wheels
2 independently controlled zones
Omnivore plate technology
Includes accessory bundle with griddle gloves and seasoning
✓ The Good
- Flexfold legs and locking hood make this a true rolling griddle
- Omnivore plate gives faster preheat and reduced fuel burn
- Two cooking zones handle full breakfasts
- Tools and seasoning ship in the bundle – no accessory shopping needed
- Rear grease management with a removable cup
✕ The Bad
- At 84 lbs it's heavier than a true tabletop
- Required cleaning after every use to maintain seasoning
- Longer propane hose needed for a standard tank
The Blackstone 2350 Flexfold is the most ambitious portable griddle Blackstone has shipped. It collapses to a rolling footprint with locking hood, includes the brand’s grilling accessory kit, gloves, and seasoning in the box, and uses the same Omnivore plate technology that makes the 1517 such a strong performer. If you want a Blackstone that travels without sacrificing real cooking surface, this is the one.
For RV owners, weekend cabin-goers, and anyone who wants to roll a griddle into the back of a truck or SUV rather than haul a 28 inch stationary unit, the Flexfold is a meaningful upgrade. The drawback is weight. At 84 pounds it’s the heaviest griddle on this list, and the height when set up makes it more of a tailgate-on-wheels than a true tabletop.
Flexfold Legs and Locking Hood
The leg mechanism collapses in seconds and locks solidly into place when deployed. The integrated hood is a real improvement for transport: it traps heat during a windy cook and prevents debris from settling on the surface between uses. Owners who park their Blackstone in a driveway between sessions love the hood for keeping rain off the seasoned plate.
Omnivore Plate Benefits In a Travel Chassis
Reviewers who upgraded from an older 22 inch Blackstone to the Flexfold say the heat recovery and fuel savings are immediately noticeable. The wind guards around each burner handle breezy tailgate lots. The plate’s even heating means the same temperature from left to right, which matters when you’re cooking for a crowd without an extra zone for a holding area.
What’s In the Bundle
Blackstone ships the 2350 bundle with a BBQ accessory kit (foldable cutting board, two knives with covers, collapsible bin), griddle gloves, and seasoning. That’s a real value if you’re buying a portable rig for the first time and don’t already own scrapers, spatulas, and squeeze bottles.
Who Should Buy the Flexfold
RV travelers, tailgaters, and homeowners who want premium Blackstone performance without dedicating a permanent patio spot. If weight isn’t a concern and you want all the accessories included, this is the easy pick.
How to Choose the Right Blackstone Griddle
Picking the right Blackstone is less about brand loyalty and more about four specific decisions: how many people you’re cooking for, where the griddle will live, what features matter, and what plate technology fits your cooking style. Here’s the framework our team uses when readers write in.
Match the Size to the People You Cook For
Two adults who cook once or twice a week: 17 or 22 inch. A family of four that wants weekend pancakes and smash burgers: 22 to 28 inch. Anyone hosting eight or more in a single cook: 36 inch. The jump from 28 to 36 is more than surface – it’s the difference between two burners and four, which unlocks real multi-zone cooking.
Backyard, RV, or Apartment Balcony
Backyard owners have full freedom. The 1517 and 36 inch make the most sense because they stay put and you can leave them outdoors under a cover. RV travelers and tailgaters should look at the Flexfold 2350 or the Royal Gourmet GD4002T combo. Apartment balcony owners with limited storage should look at the PD3001 with its folding stand or the 17 inch 1814.
Plate Technology: Cold-Rolled Steel vs Omnivore
Traditional Blackstone plates are cold-rolled steel: they develop seasoning beautifully, can be restored after scratches, and last for years. The Omnivore plate adds integrated wind guards around the burner tubes and improves heat recovery. For windy patios or open backyards, Omnivore is a real upgrade. For sheltered setups, the classic plate works fine.
Independent Heat Zones
Single-burner griddles cook everything at one temperature. Two-burner griddles let you run a hot zone and a low zone. Four-burner griddles let you run a hot, medium, low, and hold zone at the same time. If you cook full breakfasts (bacon, eggs, hash browns, pancakes together) the two-burner minimum is non-negotiable.
BTU Output and Real-World Heat Recovery
BTU numbers look impressive on a spec sheet, but what matters is how quickly the plate bounces back to temperature after cold food lands. H-style burners and Omnivore plates both recover fast. Circular burner layouts (on most Royal Gourmet models) recover more slowly. For high-volume searing, prioritize recovery over raw BTU.
Common Problems to Watch For
Across owner reviews, the most common complaints are surface rust from skipped post-cook oiling, ignition reliability on lower-tier burners, and dented shipping boxes on the larger 36 inch units from third-party sellers. Plan on a heavier aftermarket cover for any unit stored outdoors year-round.
Blackstone Griddle vs the Alternatives
Is there a better griddle than Blackstone? The honest answer is no for most buyers, but the alternatives earn a mention. Here’s how Blackstone stacks up against the two most common competitors.
Blackstone vs Pit Boss: Pit Boss makes capable entry-level griddles at lower price points, but the burner layouts are less consistent across models and the brand ecosystem is smaller. Blackstone wins on long-term parts availability and accessory depth.
Blackstone vs Traeger Flatrock: Traeger’s Flatrock line uses a different infrared-style heating system and looks beautiful, but the price is significantly higher for comparable cooking surface. Blackstone wins on value and the depth of its user community.
Royal Gourmet sits in a different category: it’s the value-tier alternative for buyers who don’t want to commit to a Blackstone ecosystem. The trade-off is plate technology, ignition quality, and long-term seasoning life.
Must-Have Blackstone Griddle Accessories
Once you’ve picked a griddle, you’ll want a small kit to keep it running smoothly. A heavy-duty weather-resistant cover is the single most important purchase: it protects the seasoned plate from rain and dramatically extends lifespan.
Beyond the cover, every Blackstone owner should have a long-handle spatula, a flat-edge scraper (Blackstone’s own or a Dollar Tree metal putty scraper both work), squeeze bottles for oil and water, a small container of griddle seasoning, and a set of grease cup liners. The liners make end-of-cook cleanup take thirty seconds instead of fifteen minutes.
If you don’t have a power source on your patio, a small propane tank adapter makes the difference between a tabletop griddle that’s truly portable and one that stays anchored to your 20 pound tank.
Seasoning and First-Use Checklist
A new Blackstone arrives with a protective factory coating that needs to be cleaned off before cooking. The first seasoning sets up the non-stick patina that’ll define every future cook.
Step 1: Wash the plate with warm soapy water and a soft sponge to remove the factory oil. Dry thoroughly.
Step 2: Heat the griddle on medium until the plate is fully hot and any remaining moisture evaporates. Turn off the burners.
Step 3: Apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (grapeseed, canola, or Blackstone’s own seasoning) across the entire surface using a paper towel or folded cloth. Wipe off any visible pools.
Step 4: Turn the burners back to medium-high and let the oil smoke until it stops. Repeat steps 3 and 4 three to four times for a strong initial seasoning.
Step 5: After every future cook, scrape the plate clean while it’s still warm, wipe down with a thin coat of oil, and let it cool before covering.
Real Talk: Why People Sell Their Blackstone Griddles
If you’ve been shopping a Blackstone for any length of time, you’ve probably seen the Facebook Marketplace phenomenon: a griddle with fifty reviews going up for sale a year after purchase. Here’s what’s actually happening, based on what owners say on Reddit and Blackstone Facebook groups.
The number one reason is storage reality. A 36 inch Blackstone needs a permanent spot or a large garage footprint. New buyers underestimate the size, cook on it twice, and then list it when they realize it won’t fit through the door to the shed.
The second reason is unrealistic expectations about cold-weather use. In cold climates, the burners struggle to maintain low simmer for long stretches of time. Owners who bought the griddle expecting to run a winter stir-fry station are sometimes disappointed by January performance.
The third reason is shipping damage on larger models from third-party sellers. Several owners have received 36 inch units with dented bodies or scratched plates. When the cosmetic damage is bad enough, returns are easier than repairs, and the units end up on resale marketplaces.
The fourth reason is under-utilization after the first month. Blackstone griddles cook dinner in twenty minutes, but cleanup takes another twenty. Buyers who treat it like a gas grill (fire it up, cook, walk away) get frustrated. Owners who enjoy the process keep their griddles for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are people selling their Blackstone griddles?
Most owners resell because of storage size surprises on the 36 inch models, cold-weather low-temp simmer limitations, shipping damage from third-party sellers, and under-use after the first month when cleanup takes longer than expected. Units in good condition with intact seasoning tend to sell quickly on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.
Is there a better griddle than Blackstone?
For most buyers, no. Blackstone offers the deepest accessory ecosystem, the most replacement parts, and the largest owner community of any outdoor flat top brand. Pit Boss and Royal Gourmet are strong value alternatives, and Traeger’s Flatrock is the closest premium competitor, but Blackstone remains the safest pick for long-term ownership.
Who has the best deal on Blackstone griddles?
Deals rotate through Amazon, Ace Hardware, Costco, and direct from Blackstone’s own site. The 28 inch Omnivore 2351 and the 28 inch Griddle with Hood Bundle are the most frequent bundle deals. Check Memorial Day, Prime Day, and Black Friday for the deepest discounts on flagship models.
What size Blackstone griddle should I buy?
Two adults cooking occasionally: 17 inch 1814 or 22 inch 1666. A family of four cooking weekly: 28 inch 1517. Hosting eight or more people at once: 36 inch 4-burner. Tailgaters and RVers: the 22 inch Flexfold 2350. Pick by typical guest count first, then by available storage space.
Do you put oil on Blackstone every time you cook?
Yes. A thin coat of high-smoke-point oil after every cook protects the seasoning, maintains the non-stick surface, and prevents rust. During the cook itself, oil the plate before each food item – bacon, eggs, smash burgers – rather than trying to oil everything at once.
What is the average lifespan of a Blackstone griddle?
Owners regularly report 5 to 10 years of regular use with proper seasoning, post-cook oiling, and cover storage. The cooking plate is the longest-lasting component; burners and igniters can be replaced as wear parts. Longevity depends more on consistent care than on the model tier.
Final Verdict: Which Blackstone Griddle Should You Buy?
If you’re shopping for one griddle that handles the vast majority of household cooking, the Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore is our top pick. The Omnivore plate, two independently controlled burners, side shelf, and rear grease management cover every cook from breakfast for four to a backyard smash-burger party for ten.
If you regularly host large groups and have the garage space, jump to the Blackstone 36 inch 4-Burner 60,000 BTU Cooking Station. Four burners unlock true multi-zone cooking and the front grease management is a meaningful improvement over older rear-cup designs.
If you’re on a tight budget or need a cover-included value, the Royal Gourmet PD1301R Tabletop delivers three-burner zone cooking in a portable 24 inch chassis. For apartment balconies and renters who need to store a griddle in a closet, the Royal Gourmet PD3001 with collapsible stand fits the bill.
Tailgaters who want grill-and-griddle in one chassis should land on the Royal Gourmet GD4002T, while RV travelers and premium-portable shoppers will prefer the Blackstone 2350 Flexfold with its full accessory bundle.
Whichever model you pick, commit to a quick post-cook wipe and a thin oil coat. Blackstone griddles are built to last a decade or more when they’re cared for, and they become frustrating rust traps when they’re not. Once you build the routine, the best Blackstone griddles pay back the investment many times over in easy, restaurant-quality outdoor cooking.
For more outdoor cooking gear, see our picks for the best electric griddles if you want a plug-in backup for rainy days.
