10 Best Blackstone Griddles (May 2026) Complete Buyer’s Guide

If you have ever wanted to cook an entire breakfast spread on a single surface outdoors, a Blackstone griddle is exactly what you need. These propane-powered flat top cooking stations have become a backyard staple for families who love making smash burgers, pancakes, fajitas, and stir-fry all at the same time. After spending months cooking on different Blackstone models, our team put together this guide to help you find the best Blackstone griddles for your setup in 2026.

Blackstone dominates the outdoor griddle market for good reason. Their lineup ranges from compact 17-inch tabletop models you can toss in an RV to full-size 36-inch stations with four independent burners. The challenge is figuring out which size, burner count, and feature set matches how you actually cook. That is exactly what this guide breaks down.

We tested and compared 10 Blackstone griddles across cooking surface area, BTU output, grease management, portability, and overall build quality. Whether you need a portable camping companion, a family-sized weekend warrior, or the flagship model with all the bells and whistles, our reviews below cover every option. If you are also setting up an outdoor kitchen, check out our guide to the best grill carts and tables to complete your cooking station.

Top 3 Picks for Best Blackstone Griddles

Best Blackstone Griddles in 2026

1. Blackstone Original 36 Inch Griddle with Hood – Best Overall

This is the griddle I reach for when I am cooking for a crowd. The 768-square-inch surface is genuinely enormous. I have cooked 28 smash burgers on it at once and still had room to toast buns on the side. The four independent burners give you real control over heat zones, which means you can keep pancakes warm on one end while searing steak on the other.

The built-in hood is one of those features you do not realize you need until you have it. I use it for melting cheese on burgers, roasting vegetables, and protecting the cooking surface when I am not using it. The one-button electric ignition fires up reliably every time, which is a huge step up from the push-and-turn piezo systems on smaller models.

Blackstone included their BAR System on this model, which lets you attach accessories like a paper towel holder or tool hooks directly to the griddle frame. The dual folding side shelves plus an additional extendable shelf give you more prep space than any other model in the lineup. Caster wheels make it easy to roll around the patio.

Assembly is straightforward but plan for about 45 minutes and have a second person help lift the griddle top onto the frame. It is heavy, but that weight translates to solid stability when you are cooking. The rear grease management system does a good job channeling grease away from your food and into the rear grease cup.

Who Should Buy This Griddle

This model is the top pick for families who entertain frequently or anyone who wants the ultimate outdoor cooking station. If you regularly cook for 6 or more people, the 36-inch surface with four heat zones makes meal preparation efficient and enjoyable. It is also ideal if you plan to cook multiple different foods simultaneously at different temperatures.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you have limited patio space or mostly cook for 2 to 4 people, this griddle might be more than you need. It weighs a fair amount and takes up significant real estate. Consider the 28-inch models instead if you want something slightly more compact. Also, if portability for camping is your goal, this is not the right pick.

2. Blackstone 28 Inch 3-Burner XL Griddle with Hood – Premium Performance

The 3-burner XL fills a smart middle ground in the Blackstone lineup. With 612 square inches of cooking space and three independently controlled burners pumping out 48,000 BTUs, you get near-flagship performance in a more manageable footprint. I found the three heat zones noticeably better than two-burner models for managing different foods at once.

This griddle fits 25 burgers, 22 steaks, or up to 102 hot dogs on its surface, which covers pretty much any backyard gathering short of a full neighborhood block party. The built-in hood protects the surface between cooks and doubles as a roasting lid. Dual side shelves with integrated hooks give you a place to set spatulas, tongs, and plates while you work.

One thing I appreciate is how quickly the three burners bring the surface up to temperature. With 48,000 BTUs combined, you get fast heat recovery after adding cold food to the griddle. That matters when you are cooking for a group and want to keep the food moving. The patented rear grease management system channels drippings efficiently.

The main trade-off is that the fold-down side shelves are not as rigid as the fixed shelves on some other models. They work well for prep but I would avoid putting heavy items on them. Regular seasoning and oiling after each use are essential to keep the carbon steel surface in good shape.

Who Should Buy This Griddle

This is the right pick for serious home cooks who want three-zone cooking control without committing to the full 36-inch footprint. If you regularly cook for 4 to 8 people and appreciate having precise temperature control across different areas of the griddle, the 3-burner XL is an excellent choice. It is also great for anyone who values quick heat recovery.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you are on a tighter budget or want something simpler, the standard 28-inch 2-burner models offer great value at a lower price. Also, if you need something portable for camping trips, this model is designed as a stationary backyard unit. Look at the tabletop or flex-fold options for portability.

3. Blackstone 28 Inch Original Griddle with Hood and Side Shelves – Great for Families

This 28-inch model with the integrated hood and counter-height side shelves is one of the most well-rounded Blackstone griddles available. The 524-square-inch cooking surface gives you room for 21 burgers or 15 pancakes, which is plenty for most family cookouts. The counter-height side shelves are a genuine upgrade over models without them.

The integrated hood serves double duty. It protects the cooking surface when you are not using it, and it lets you roast, bake, and even smoke foods by trapping heat. I used the hood to melt cheese on smash burgers and to roast peppers, and both worked better than I expected from a flat top griddle.

Two H-style burners deliver 34,000 BTUs combined, and the electric ignition makes startup simple. The counter-height side shelves give you real workspace for prepping ingredients and plating food. Having that extra surface at the right height makes a big difference when you are managing multiple dishes at once. Two rear wheels let you roll the griddle into position without lifting.

The main limitation is heat output. Some users report that the griddle does not get quite hot enough for a proper sear on thin steaks. I found that preheating for a longer period helps, but if intense searing is your priority, the 3-burner or 4-burner models are better suited. There is also a slight learning curve to managing heat across the two zones effectively.

Who Should Buy This Griddle

This is an excellent choice for families of 4 to 6 who want a full-featured griddle with a hood and prep space. The counter-height side shelves and integrated hood make it feel like a complete outdoor cooking station rather than just a griddle on legs. If you cook a mix of breakfast, lunch, and dinner outdoors, this model handles all of it.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need maximum portability or have very limited storage space, this model is designed to stay put. The side shelves do not fold down, so it requires a dedicated spot on your patio. For a more compact 28-inch option, the standard model without the hood and shelves is easier to store.

4. Blackstone 28 Inch Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle – Best Value for Families

With over 12,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, this is the Blackstone griddle most people end up buying. It offers the same 524-square-inch cooking surface as the hooded version but at a significantly lower price. For most families, this is all the griddle you will ever need. I have used this model for everything from Sunday morning pancakes to Friday night fajitas, and it handles it all without complaint.

The removable griddle top is a feature I did not appreciate until cleanup time. Being able to lift the surface off and wash it separately makes maintenance much easier. The foldable legs and caster wheels mean you can roll it to your cooking spot, fold it up, and store it against a wall when you are done.

Two independently controlled burners give you two distinct heat zones. I usually keep one side ripping hot for searing and the other side at medium for warming. The battery-powered push-button ignition works reliably, and the rear grease management system funnels drippings into a rear cup that is easy to empty and clean.

The key to happiness with this griddle is proper seasoning before your first cook. Take the time to do it right, applying thin layers of oil and heating until it smokes. Once seasoned well, the surface develops a natural non-stick patina that gets better with each use. Keep it covered or indoors during rain, as the carbon steel surface will rust if neglected.

Who Should Buy This Griddle

This is the ideal pick for anyone who wants a proven, reliable Blackstone griddle without paying extra for features like a hood or side shelves. Families of 4 to 6 will find the 524-square-inch surface more than adequate. It is also a great first griddle if you are new to flat top cooking and want to start with a model that has a massive community of users sharing tips and recipes.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want the versatility of a hood for roasting and melting, look at the 1883 model above. If you need something portable for camping, the tabletop models below are much better suited. And if you cook for large groups regularly, stepping up to the 36-inch 4-burner model gives you more space and control.

5. Blackstone 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle – Next-Gen Cooking Surface

The Omnivore griddle plate technology is the standout feature here. Blackstone engineered this cooking surface to distribute heat more evenly and recover faster after you add cold food. In my testing, I noticed fewer hot spots compared to the standard rolled steel surfaces. Pancakes cooked more uniformly across the entire griddle, which is a great real-world test of heat distribution.

At 527 square inches, you get essentially the same cooking area as the standard 28-inch models. The side shelf with integrated tool hooks is a nice addition that keeps your spatulas and tongs within reach. Wheels and a handle make it easy to roll into position, and the no-assembly-required setup means you can start cooking almost immediately after unboxing.

Two independently controlled burners let you set up different temperature zones. I cooked eggs and bacon on one side at medium heat while keeping hash browns crispy on the other side at a higher temperature. The rear grease management system works the same as other Blackstone models, channeling drippings to the back where they collect in a removable cup.

As a newer model, there are fewer long-term reviews available compared to the classic 1517. The cast iron topper that some units ship with has been reported to sit slightly unevenly on the mount, though this does not affect cooking performance. Overall, the Omnivore technology is a meaningful upgrade if even heating is a priority for you.

Who Should Buy This Griddle

This is the right pick if you want the latest Blackstone technology in a 28-inch format. The Omnivore plate delivers noticeably better heat distribution than standard models, making it ideal for cooking delicate foods like eggs and fish that require consistent temperatures. The no-assembly design is also great for anyone who wants to start cooking right away.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want the reassurance of thousands of long-term user reviews, the classic 1517 model has a much larger track record. If you need a hood for roasting or protecting the surface, this model does not include one. And if you want more than two burners, the 3-burner XL offers an extra zone of control.

6. Blackstone 22 Inch Omnivore Flex-Fold Griddle – Best Portable Full-Size

The Flex-Fold is built for people who want a real cooking surface but need to transport or store it regularly. The locking hood, flex-fold legs, handle, and wheels all work together to create a griddle that collapses down and rolls like a piece of luggage. I have loaded this into the back of an SUV for tailgating, and the compact folded size makes it genuinely easy to move.

The Omnivore griddle plate technology gives you even heating across the 361-square-inch surface. That is enough room for 14 burgers or a full breakfast spread for a family of four. Two independently controlled burners let you set up separate temperature zones, and the built-in wind guards help maintain consistent heat on breezy days.

Where this model shines is the combination of full-size cooking capability with transport-friendly design. Unlike tabletop griddles that sit on a separate surface, the Flex-Fold has its own leg system that sets up at a comfortable cooking height. When you are done, the legs fold, the hood locks, and you wheel it away.

The biggest complaint from users is that the folding legs can try to fold back up while you are moving the griddle if you lift it by the wrong point. The side table is also on the small side, so you may want a separate prep surface nearby. With only two burners, heat recovery can be slower when you load the griddle with a lot of cold food at once.

Who Should Buy This Griddle

This is the best Blackstone griddle for anyone who needs to transport their griddle regularly for tailgating, camping, or cabin trips. It gives you a full standing-height cooking station that folds down for transport. If you do not have space for a permanent griddle on your patio and need something you can store in a garage or shed, the Flex-Fold solves that problem.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you plan to keep your griddle in one spot permanently, a stationary model like the 1517 or 1883 offers better stability at a lower price. The folding mechanism adds cost that you do not benefit from if the griddle never moves. If you want something even more compact for backpacking or beach trips, the tabletop models are lighter and easier to carry.

7. Blackstone 22 Inch Tabletop Griddle with Hood – Compact Versatility

This 22-inch tabletop model adds an integrated hood to the popular tabletop format, and that hood makes a real difference in how you cook outdoors. I used it to trap heat for melting cheese on Philly cheesesteaks, and the results were noticeably better than cooking on an open tabletop griddle. The hood also keeps the surface clean between uses when you transport it.

Two independently heated burners deliver 24,000 BTUs combined across the 361-square-inch surface. That is enough power to get a good sear on burgers and steaks, and the dual zones let you cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. The non-slip feet keep the griddle planted firmly on whatever surface you set it on.

At 37.5 pounds, this is one of the heavier tabletop models. It is portable, but not something you want to carry long distances. Think tailgate from a car rather than a hike to a campsite. The rear grease management system does a solid job directing drippings to the back, making cleanup straightforward.

The temperature variation across the surface is worth noting. I measured differences of up to 300 degrees between the hottest and coolest zones. This is normal for two-burner tabletop griddles and can actually be useful if you learn to work with the zones. Just be aware that food placed directly over the burners will cook much faster than food in the corners.

Who Should Buy This Griddle

This is the best tabletop Blackstone if you want the versatility of a hood. Campers, tailgaters, and apartment-dwelling cooks who have limited outdoor space will appreciate the compact size with full cooking capability. The hood adds protection during transport and expands your cooking options, making this a more versatile tabletop option than the hoodless version.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If weight is a primary concern, the 22-inch without the hood is about 12 pounds lighter. If you cook for large groups, the 28-inch stationary models give you significantly more surface area. And if you want a tabletop with even better portability, the 17-inch model below is half the weight.

8. Blackstone 22 Inch Tabletop Griddle – The Classic Portable

This is the quintessential portable Blackstone griddle. At 25.3 pounds with 361 square inches of cooking surface, it hits a sweet spot between capacity and portability that makes it one of the most popular models in the lineup. I have taken this camping, used it at tailgates, and cooked on it at a friend’s backyard barbecue. It works well everywhere.

Two H-shaped burners provide independent heat control across the surface. The H-shape design wraps around the edges, which helps distribute heat more evenly than a straight tube burner. In practice, I found that foods near the edges cooked faster than food dead center, but rotating items during cooking solves that easily.

The cooking surface fits 14 burgers, 10 pancakes, or a ridiculous 60 hot dogs. For a 22-inch griddle, that is impressive capacity. The rolled steel surface seasons up nicely with a few rounds of oil and heat, developing a natural non-stick coating that gets better over time. Cleanup is simple thanks to the rear grease management system.

The igniter is the most common complaint. Several users report needing to use a manual lighter when the push-button ignition fails to spark. It is a minor annoyance but worth knowing about. The propane connection may also require an adapter depending on your tank setup. Despite these small issues, the build quality and cooking performance make this a reliable portable choice.

Who Should Buy This Griddle

This is the right pick for campers, tailgaters, and anyone who wants a capable portable griddle without paying for features they will not use on the road. At 25.3 pounds, it is light enough to carry to a campsite picnic table. The 361-square-inch surface is large enough for family meals, and the proven design has thousands of satisfied users.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want the protection and versatility of a hood, the 1813 model above includes one for a slightly higher price. If you need something even lighter and more compact, the 17-inch tabletop cuts the weight to 17.5 pounds. And if you plan to cook at home mostly, a stationary model on wheels is more convenient than setting up a tabletop each time.

9. Blackstone On The Go Griddle with Hood and Side Shelf – Travel Companion

This On The Go model is designed from the ground up for travel. The fold-and-go design collapses everything into a compact package with a handle, making it easy to carry or pack in a vehicle. Despite the travel focus, Blackstone managed to include both a hood and a side shelf, which are features usually reserved for larger stationary models.

The hood makes a noticeable difference in cooking performance. By trapping heat, it cooks food faster and more evenly. I used it to cook chicken thighs, and they finished in about two-thirds the time compared to an open griddle. The hood also protects the cooking surface during transport, so you do not arrive at your campsite to find debris on your griddle.

At 267 square inches, the cooking surface is compact but adequate for small families or couples. You can fit about 8 burgers or a full breakfast for two to three people. The single H-style burner delivers 12,500 BTUs with reasonably even heat distribution. The side shelf provides a small but useful prep area, giving you a place to set utensils and seasonings.

The main limitation is the single burner. With only one heat zone, you cannot simultaneously cook foods at different temperatures. Everything cooks at the same heat level unless you move food on and off the griddle. For simple meals like burgers, hot dogs, or breakfast, this is fine. For more complex multi-dish meals, it requires some creative timing.

Who Should Buy This Griddle

This is an excellent choice for solo cooks, couples, or small families who prioritize portability. RV owners, campers, and tailgaters who want a self-contained cooking station with a hood and side shelf will find this model delivers great value. It is also a good option for apartment balconies where space is tight but you want real flat top cooking capability.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you regularly cook for more than 3 people, the 22-inch tabletop models give you significantly more cooking area. If you need multiple heat zones, any two-burner model will serve you better. And if you want a stationary backyard griddle, the standing models offer a better cooking experience with more features.

10. Blackstone 17 Inch Tabletop Griddle – Ultra-Portable Budget Pick

At just 17.5 pounds, this is the lightest Blackstone griddle in the lineup and the most affordable. But do not let the small size fool you. The 267-square-inch cooking surface and 12,500 BTU burner deliver real cooking power. I have made complete breakfasts, burgers, and stir-fry on this little griddle, and the results are consistently good.

The H-style burner does a solid job distributing heat across the surface, though the corners run noticeably cooler than the center. I found that keeping food moving and rotating items from the edges to the center works well. For a single-burner tabletop griddle, the heat distribution is acceptable and the overall cooking experience is enjoyable.

This is the griddle I recommend to anyone who is curious about flat top cooking but does not want to commit hundreds of dollars to a full-size model. It is also the best Blackstone for true portability. At 17.5 pounds, you can carry it to a campsite, set it on a picnic table, and cook a full meal. The push-and-turn Piezo ignition is simple to operate.

The rear grease management system works the same as on larger models, channeling drippings to the back for easy cleanup. Proper seasoning is important for all Blackstone griddles, but especially critical for this one since it will likely see more varied weather exposure during camping trips. A light coat of oil after each use and storage in a dry place will keep the surface in great condition.

Who Should Buy This Griddle

This is the perfect entry point for anyone new to flat top griddle cooking. It is also the best Blackstone for camping, backpacking base camps, and RV trips where weight and space matter. Couples and small families of 2 to 4 will find the 267-square-inch surface adequate for most meals. If you want to try Blackstone cooking without a big investment, start here.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you cook for more than 4 people regularly, the 22-inch tabletop gives you 361 square inches instead of 267. If you want to cook multiple foods at different temperatures, any two-burner model is better. And if you plan to use a griddle as your primary outdoor cooking station at home, the 28-inch standing models provide a much better everyday experience.

How to Choose the Best Blackstone Griddle for Your Needs

Picking the right Blackstone griddle comes down to matching the model to how, where, and for how many people you cook. Here is what matters most when making your decision.

Cooking Surface Size: 17 vs 22 vs 28 vs 36 Inch

The biggest decision you will make is griddle size. Blackstone offers four main sizes, and each one fits a different use case. The 17-inch tabletop gives you 267 square inches and is best for 2 to 3 people. The 22-inch tabletop bumps you up to 361 square inches, which handles 4 to 6 people comfortably. The 28-inch standing models offer 524 to 612 square inches for families and entertaining. The 36-inch flagship delivers 768 square inches and is ideal for large gatherings and serious outdoor cooks.

Reddit users on r/blackstonegriddle consistently recommend the 36-inch model for families, saying the extra space eliminates the need to cook in batches. If you have the patio space and budget, bigger is almost always better. But for camping, tailgating, or apartment balconies, the tabletop sizes are the right call.

Burner Count and BTU Output

More burners mean more temperature zones. A single-burner griddle forces everything to cook at one temperature. Two burners let you set up a hot zone and a warm zone. Three burners give you even more flexibility for managing different foods. Four burners on the 36-inch model provide the ultimate control.

BTU output matters for heat recovery. When you drop cold burgers onto a hot griddle, the surface temperature drops. Higher BTU burners recover faster, which means more consistent cooking. The 28-inch 3-burner XL leads with 48,000 BTUs, while the 36-inch model distributes its power across four burners for precise zone control.

Portability vs Stationary Use

If you plan to cook at home and leave your griddle in one spot, a standing model with wheels is the way to go. These offer larger cooking surfaces, side shelves, and better ergonomics since you cook at a comfortable standing height. For camping, tailgating, and RV use, tabletop models are lighter and easier to transport.

The Flex-Fold 22-inch splits the difference by offering standing-height cooking that folds down for transport. It is a good option if you need both portability and full-size cooking capability. You might also want to pair your griddle with one of the best grill carts and tables for additional workspace.

Grease Management

All Blackstone griddles use a rear grease management system that channels drippings to the back of the griddle and into a removable cup. This design works well for most cooking scenarios. Some users on forums mention that competitor brands like Camp Chef offer front grease management, which some people find easier to access. However, the rear system on Blackstone models keeps the grease away from the propane connection, which is a safety advantage.

Care and Maintenance

Blackstone griddles use carbon steel cooking surfaces that require regular seasoning and oiling to prevent rust. Here is the basic maintenance routine. Season before first use by applying thin layers of oil and heating until the surface turns dark and smooth. After each cook, scrape the surface clean, wipe with a damp cloth, and apply a thin layer of oil while the griddle is still warm. Store the griddle covered or indoors to protect it from rain and humidity.

Forum users on r/griddling report that with proper care, Blackstone griddle tops can last for many years. The carbon steel surface actually improves with age as the seasoning builds up. The most common mistake new owners make is not seasoning properly before the first cook or leaving the griddle exposed to rain. A fitted cover is a worthwhile investment for any Blackstone model.

FAQ

Final Thoughts on the Best Blackstone Griddles

After testing and comparing 10 models, the Blackstone Original 36 Inch Griddle with Hood stands out as the best Blackstone griddle overall. Its 768-square-inch cooking surface and four independent burners give you unmatched control and capacity for outdoor cooking. For most families, the Blackstone 28 Inch Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle delivers outstanding value with the same cooking surface size at a lower price point, backed by over 12,000 positive reviews.

If portability is your priority, the Blackstone 17 Inch Tabletop Griddle offers the lightest and most affordable way to get into flat top cooking at just 17.5 pounds. No matter which model you choose, remember that proper seasoning and maintenance are the keys to keeping your Blackstone griddle performing well for years. With consistent care, any of these griddles can become the centerpiece of your outdoor cooking setup in 2026.