For outdoor cooking enthusiasts, the flat-top griddle has become an essential tool. Its versatile, expansive cooking surface is perfect for everything from breakfast pancakes to dinner hibachi. Blackstone stands as a leading name in this space, offering a range of models to suit different needs, from large backyard gatherings to portable camping trips. Choosing the right one depends on your available space, cooking volume, and desired features.
Whether you’re a seasoned griddle master or a beginner looking to expand your outdoor cooking repertoire, a Blackstone provides consistent heat and incredible flexibility. This roundup covers key models across their lineup, helping you identify the perfect flat-top grill for your lifestyle and culinary ambitions.
Our Top Blackstone Griddle Picks
- Blackstone 28 Inch 3-Burner XL Griddle with Hood
- samdew Carry Bag for 17 Inch Tabletop Griddle
- Blackstone 36-inch Griddle Station with Hard Cover
- Blackstone 22-inch Tabletop Griddle with Stand
- Blackstone 17-inch Portable Table Top Griddle
- Blackstone 36-inch Culinary Pro with AirFryer
- Blackstone 28-inch Griddle with Hood and Cabinet
- Blackstone Adventure Ready 22-inch Griddle
Blackstone 28 Inch 3-Burner XL Griddle with Hood
This model is built for hosting, featuring a substantial 613 square inches of cooking space. It can handle large quantities of food, making it ideal for family reunions, game day parties, or any event where you need to feed a crowd. The three independent burners provide excellent control over heat zones, allowing you to sear steaks on high heat while keeping vegetables warm on a lower setting.
With a powerful 48,000 BTU output, this griddle heats up quickly and maintains consistent temperature across its surface. The included dual side shelves offer valuable prep space and come with hooks to keep your essential tools organized and within easy reach. The attached hood helps with heat retention and provides some protection from the elements.
samdew Carry Bag for 17 Inch Tabletop Griddle
This dedicated carry bag is an essential accessory for owners of the popular Blackstone 17-inch tabletop griddle. It is designed specifically to fit the griddle with its hood attached, providing a convenient and protective storage solution. The bag makes transportation and storage simple, whether you’re heading to a tailgate, a campsite, or just moving it in and out of the garage.
Functionality is a key strength, with multiple pockets for organization. It includes elastic-topped pockets for tools, side pockets sized for a 1-pound propane cylinder, and a large front pocket for additional accessories. Inner fastener buckles secure the griddle inside the bag to prevent shifting and damage during transport.
Blackstone 36-inch Griddle Station with Hard Cover
This model represents a premium outdoor cooking station. The 36-inch cooking surface offers ample room for complex meals, and the station design includes integrated storage and workspace. The hard cover is a significant benefit, providing superior protection for the griddle surface when not in use compared to standard soft covers.
The station-style build often includes features like side shelves, tool hooks, and sometimes built-in paper towel holders or condiment shelves. This creates a self-contained outdoor kitchen area that keeps everything you need for cooking right at your fingertips. It’s a robust option for someone who wants a permanent or semi-permanent griddle setup in their backyard.
Blackstone 22-inch Tabletop Griddle with Stand
Offering a great balance between portability and cooking area, this 22-inch tabletop model comes with its own dedicated stand. The stand provides a stable, secure base at a comfortable height, eliminating the need to find a suitable table or surface. This makes it an excellent choice for patios, balconies, or small backyard spaces.
Despite its more compact footprint, it still provides enough space to cook for a small family. The inclusion of a hood helps with cooking efficiency and provides a way to cover the griddle. This package is ideal for those who want a dedicated griddle setup that is easier to move than a full-sized cart model but offers more stability than a purely tabletop unit.
Blackstone 17-inch Portable Table Top Griddle
This is the ultimate in portability. The 17-inch griddle is compact and lightweight, designed to go wherever you do. It’s perfect for camping trips, picnics, tailgating, or even small apartment balconies. Its simple design connects directly to a small, disposable propane cylinder, offering genuine plug-and-play cooking.
Don’t let its size fool you; it provides a very functional cooking surface for preparing meals for two to four people. The included lid helps with heat distribution and doubles as a carrying cover. For anyone with limited storage space or a need for a highly mobile cooking option, this griddle is a top contender.
Check Out This Portable Option
Blackstone 36-inch Culinary Pro with AirFryer
This is a feature-packed powerhouse for the serious outdoor cook. It combines a large 36-inch griddle surface with integrated air fryers, dramatically expanding your cooking capabilities. You can now griddle, fry, and bake outdoors simultaneously, preparing entire meals with multiple components without needing to go inside.
The addition of air fryers means you can make crispy fries, chicken wings, or roasted vegetables alongside your grilled items. This model is designed for maximum versatility and efficiency, ideal for someone who loves to entertain and wants to create diverse menus entirely outside. It represents the high end of multifunctional outdoor cooking.
Blackstone 28-inch Griddle with Hood and Cabinet
This model offers excellent value by combining a generous cooking surface with practical storage. The enclosed cabinet base provides secure, weather-resistant storage for propane tanks, griddle tools, cleaners, and other accessories. This keeps your cooking area tidy and everything you need hidden away but easily accessible.
The 28-inch surface is spacious enough for family meals, and the two burners allow for basic heat zone management. The hood assists in cooking and provides protection. If you prefer a cleaner look for your patio and want to minimize trips back to the garage for supplies, the cabinet base is a highly useful feature.
Blackstone Adventure Ready 22-inch Griddle
Built for mobility, this 22-inch griddle features foldable legs that make it easy to transport and store. It sets up quickly on any stable surface, providing a sturdy cooking platform at campsites, tailgates, or vacation rentals. The design prioritizes easy portability without sacrificing a quality cooking experience.
The “Adventure Ready” name is fitting, as it packs down into a relatively compact form. It uses a standard propane tank connection for longer cooking sessions away from home. This model is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, RV owners, or anyone who wants a midsize griddle that can easily be taken on the road.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Blackstone Grill for Flat-Top Cooking
So you’ve decided you want a Blackstone grill. That’s a great first step, but walking into a store or browsing online can be overwhelming with all the sizes and features. I’ve owned a few different models over the years, and here’s what I think you should consider to find the best Blackstone grill for flat-top cooking for your needs.
First, and most importantly, think about size. This isn’t just about how many people you’re feeding, but also about storage and portability. The 17-inch tabletop models are fantastic for small patios, camping, or tailgating. They’re easy to move and store. If you’re cooking for a family of four regularly, I’d suggest starting at the 28-inch models. They give you enough space to cook proteins and veggies at the same time without feeling cramped. The 36-inch griddles are the ultimate backyard heroes, perfect for big gatherings or if you just love having massive amounts of cooking real estate. Remember, a bigger grill also needs a bigger cover and more storage space.
Next, look at the fuel type. Blackstone offers propane, natural gas, and electric models. Propane is the most common and versatile. It’s what you’ll find in most portable and cart-style griddles. The natural gas conversion kits are a game-changer if you have a hookup on your patio; you’ll never run out of fuel mid-burger again. Electric Blackstone griddles are a newer option, ideal for balconies or indoor use where open flame isn’t allowed. They heat up fast and offer consistent temperature control.
Then, examine the build and features. The cart’s construction matters—sturdy steel with good wheels makes a difference, especially on uneven decks. A rear grease management system with a deep trap is non-negotiable for easy cleanup. Look for features like a side shelf, paper towel holder, and tool hooks; these seem small but they seriously improve the cooking experience. For tabletop models, check if it has a removable legs for even easier transport. Finally, don’t forget about the cooking surface itself. Most now come with a rolled steel top that needs to be seasoned, but some have advanced non-stick ceramic coatings. Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
FAQ
How do I clean my Blackstone grill after cooking?
Right after cooking, while the grill is still warm (but not scorching hot), I scrape off any food bits with a metal scraper. Then, I pour a little water on the surface—it will sizzle and steam—and scrape again to lift any grease. Wipe it down with paper towels or a rag. Finally, I apply a very thin layer of cooking oil with a paper towel to protect the seasoned surface from rust. That’s it! The key is doing it while it’s still warm.
Can I use my Blackstone grill indoors?
You should only use a specifically designed electric Blackstone griddle indoors. The standard propane models are for outdoor use only due to carbon monoxide emissions and ventilation needs. Using a propane grill inside is extremely dangerous. If you want to cook indoors, look at the electric options Blackstone offers, which are safe for indoor use like in a kitchen or garage with ventilation.
What’s the difference between “seasoning” and just cleaning?
Seasoning is the process of building up layers of polymerized oil on the raw steel to create a natural, non-stick, rust-resistant coating. You do this when the grill is new and occasionally if the surface gets damaged. Cleaning is the daily maintenance you do after cooking. Think of seasoning like curing a cast-iron skillet—it creates the cooking surface. Cleaning is just removing that day’s food residue from that already-established surface.
Why did my food stick to the flat-top?
Sticking usually happens for a couple of reasons. First, the grill might not be hot enough. Let it preheat fully. Second, the surface might need re-seasoning if the coating has worn off or been scratched. Third, you might be moving the food too soon. Proteins like burgers or chicken often release naturally when they’ve formed a sear. Finally, make sure you’re using enough oil, especially for eggs or sticky sauces.
Are Blackstone grills difficult to assemble?
Most cart models require assembly, which usually takes me about 45 minutes to an hour with basic tools (typically just a wrench and screwdriver). The instructions are generally clear. The tabletop models are much simpler, often just needing the legs attached. It’s not overly complex, but setting aside some time and having a friend help lift the heavy griddle top onto the frame is a good idea.
How do I choose the best Blackstone grill for flat-top cooking if I live in an apartment?
For apartment dwellers, focus on size, fuel, and smoke. A smaller 17-inch or 22-inch tabletop propane model is perfect for a balcony, as long as you have good ventilation. Even better, consider an electric model. They produce no open flame and much less smoke, making them more balcony-friendly and often within complex rules. Always check your lease agreement for specific rules about grilling appliances first.