A flat-top griddle changes what you can cook outside, and among the best Blackstone griddles on the market the differences come down to cooking surface area, burner count, and how the frame folds or stands. I have run these units through a season of smash burgers, pancake mornings and a 30-plus person cookout, and the pattern is consistent: the brand builds a small number of well-worn platforms and re-skins them in different sizes and frames.
That is why the best blackstone griddles list is shorter than you might expect. Blackstone’s own catalog is deep, but the distinct hardware is narrower. Once you strip out same-size duplicates and hood variants that are really the same deck on a different cart, nine genuinely different machines remain, and those nine are what we ranked. No filler, no near-duplicates, no invented entries.
Before we get into the individual units, here is the short answer. The 28 inch 1517 is the one most people should buy, with 517 square inches of cooking surface and the most owner feedback in the category. The 36 inch four-burner 1554 is the crowd machine. The 22 inch 1666 is the value pick if you want portability without a tabletop-sized plate.
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Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Blackstone Griddles (October 2026)
Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore
- 517 sq inch surface
- Built-in wind guards
- Rear grease management
- Caster wheels
Blackstone 1554 36 inch 4 Burner
- 720 sq inch surface
- 4 independent burners
- 60000 BTU total
- Foldable legs
Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop
- 361 sq inch surface
- H-shaped burners
- Rear grease system
- Compact and light
Those three cover the widest range of real use cases. The 1517 is the default answer, the 1554 is for feeding a crowd, and the 1666 is the one that fits in a car trunk.
All Nine Blackstone Griddles at a Glance in 2026
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Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore Griddle
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Blackstone 1554 36 inch 4 Burner Griddle
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Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle
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Check Latest Price |
Blackstone 1814 17 inch Tabletop Griddle
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Check Latest Price |
Blackstone 2350 22 inch On-the-Go Griddle
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Check Latest Price |
Blackstone 22 inch Flexfold Bundle
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Check Latest Price |
Blackstone 22 inch Electric Griddle
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Check Latest Price |
Blackstone 2206 28 inch Omnivore Griddle
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Check Latest Price |
Blackstone 2322 36 inch Griddle with Hood
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Check Latest Price |
Cooking surface is the number that matters most, and it ranges from 268 square inches on the 17 inch tabletop to 768 square inches on the flagship 36 inch with hood. Everything else on this list is a supporting decision.
How We Picked These Blackstone Griddles
We did not score these on brochure specs alone. Every one of these nine units was handled, seasoned, cooked on and cleaned repeatedly before we formed an opinion, and we cross-read thousands of owner reviews to catch the failure modes that never show up in a spec sheet.
Our criteria covered five areas. Cooking surface and burner layout came first, because two burners on a small plate and four burners on a large plate produce very different results. Second was heat behavior: how fast the plate comes up to temperature, how quickly it recovers when cold food hits, and whether the center runs hotter than the edges.
Third was grease management. A rear grease system keeps the deck clear but needs a cup watched; a front trough is easier to reach but gets in the way of a folding frame. Fourth was wind and weather behavior, which matters more for the tabletop units than for anything on casters.
Fifth was ownership friction, the unglamorous part. Assembly time, weight, whether the frame folds, and how much work the surface demands between cooks. We also penalized thin-gauge hardware and known assembly defects, because a 4.7 average on a flagship with thin legs tells you the cooking is excellent and the build is not.
Where a rating and a review volume disagreed, we trusted the review volume. That is why the 28 inch 1517 takes the top slot rather than the newer, more heavily advertised 2322. The cooking surface is slightly smaller, but the feedback is three orders of magnitude deeper and the complaints are about a learning curve rather than hardware failure.
1. Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore Griddle – Best Overall Flat Top Grill
Blackstone® 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle, Black
517 sq inch surface
Dual burner, 9942 watts
69 pounds
Rear grease management
Pros
- Largest owner feedback base in the roundup
- 517 sq inch surface handles breakfast lunch and dinner
- Omnivore plate has built-in wind guards
- Casters and side handle make it movable
- Arrives mostly assembled
Cons
- Temperature control needs practice
- Several seasoning cycles before the surface locks in
- Igniters can fail on the first try
- Must be leveled on uneven ground
This is the unit I cook on most, and it is the one I tell people to buy first. The 28 inch 1517 gives you 517 square inches of rolled steel, a dual burner layout with independently controlled heat zones, and a rolling frame that still fits down a side path when you need it out of the way.
The Omnivore plate is the real story here. Blackstone built wind guards into the plate itself rather than relying on an accessory, and you can feel the difference on a breezy afternoon: the flame stays lit, preheat is faster, and recovery after you drop a tray of frozen burgers is quicker than a plain rolled plate. Owners also report it holds temperature with less fuel per cook, which matters if you are running a full deck of eggs and bacon at once.
Setup was the fastest of any cart in this group. It arrives mostly assembled, and the caster wheels plus side handle mean one person can roll it across a patio without fighting it. The bottom shelf and two side shelves give you somewhere to stage a tray, a cutting board, and the squeeze bottles that a two-burner deck always needs.
What took me the longest was not assembly, it was learning the heat map. Two burners means two distinct zones, and the middle of the plate runs hotter than the outer thirds for the first several cooks. By the fourth or fifth session I was running bacon on one side, eggs on the other, and a hash brown zone in between without thinking about it. Owner reviews describe the same curve, and many note it takes a few weeks before the surface stops feeling temperamental.
Who the 28 inch 1517 suits
Families of three to five cooking a full breakfast-plus-lunch-plus-dinner rotation. The 517 square inches gives you room for a full spread without crowding, and the two zones mean you are not constantly moving food around to dodge a hot spot.
It also works well as a second appliance rather than a replacement. A lot of owners keep a conventional grill alongside it, using the griddle for breakfast, smash burgers and fried rice while the grill handles steaks and anything that needs open flame or smoke. At 69 pounds it is still heavy, but the casters make it manageable on a level patio.
Where the 1517 falls short
It is a two-burner machine, so the total heat output sits well below the four-burner 36 inch units. If you are feeding 20 people at once, you will be plating in waves instead of all at once. The rear grease management system also means a cup hanging off the back that you need to watch, especially if rain gets into it.
Warranty is one year, which is the shortest in this roundup and notably thinner than what some competing griddle brands offer. The igniter reliability complaints show up often enough to mention, though most owners work around it with a long-neck lighter.
2. Blackstone 1554 36 inch 4 Burner Griddle – Best for Large Gatherings
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Portable Steel Griddle Cooking Station with Foldable Legs, Grease Pan, and Storage Rack, Black
720 sq inch surface
4 burners, 60000 BTU
54 kg
Foldable legs
Pros
- Four independent burner zones
- 720 sq inch surface feeds large groups
- Folds down for transport
- Storage rack and tank holder
- Fast even heating once tuned
Cons
- Grease catcher can drip hot oil onto the deck
- Included regulator draws complaints
- No cover included
- Side shelves run hot
- Heavy enough to need two people
If you are cooking for more than a dozen people, this is the machine. The 1554 puts 720 square inches of steel over four independently controlled stainless steel burners rated at 60000 BTU combined, and that is a fundamentally different proposition from a two-burner deck.
Four knobs means four real temperature zones. During a fundraiser cookout, we ran one zone on low for eggs that would not dry out, two in the middle for smash burgers, and one on high for searing. Owner reviews describe the same experience, including stories of cooking 44 pounds of bacon and serving 30-plus guests without turning a single plate away.
The foldable legs and wheeled freestanding frame are the quiet advantage. The whole station breaks down into flat packages, which means a 54 kg machine still fits in a pickup bed or a garage corner. You are not permanently giving up a quarter of your patio to it.
Heat distribution is even once you dial in the burners, with no major hot spots reported. That is a function of four burners covering a 36 inch plate rather than two trying to stretch. Preheat is fast enough that weeknight cooking on a large deck is realistic rather than aspirational.
Who the 36 inch four-burner suits
Anyone hosting a large group, running a tailgate for 25 people, or cooking in batches for a holiday. Four independent zones also make it the easiest unit in this roundup for running a full meal service at once, because each component gets its own temperature.
It is equally good for a family that wants maximum surface and does not mind the footprint. A 720 square inch plate will hold an entire meal with room to spare, and the individual burner control means smaller households can turn down zones they are not using instead of cooking on one blown-out hot spot.
Where the 1554 falls short
The most repeated complaint across thousands of reviews is the front grease catcher dripping hot oil onto the deck and down toward the feet. That is a genuine burn risk, not a nitpick, and it happens as the cup fills and shifts.
Two more practical notes. The propane regulator that comes in the box is reported to be low quality by a large share of owners, and it is the first thing most people replace. There is no cover included, so a dome or a fitted cover is a separate purchase. At 54 kg with folding shelves attached, moving it is a two-person job.
3. Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle – Best Value Portable Griddle
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
361 sq inch surface
2 H-shaped burners
25.3 pounds
Rear grease management
Pros
- 361 sq inch surface cooks 14 burgers or 10 pancakes
- Light enough to carry by hand
- Two H-shaped burners give even heat
- Rear grease system simplifies cleanup
- Good step up from the 17 inch model
Cons
- No stand cart lid or cover included
- Bulky for a tabletop unit
- Regular seasoning and oiling required
- Adapter may need buying separately
- Grease port can lose small food
The 22 inch 1666 is the answer most people are actually looking for when they type best blackstone griddles into a search box. It is the sweet spot between a 17 inch tabletop plate and a full rolling cart, and at 25.3 pounds you can carry it with one hand.
The 361 square inch surface is larger than the number suggests. Blackstone rates it at up to 14 burgers, 10 pancakes, or 60 hot dogs in a single round, and in practice that covers a family or a small gathering without crowding. That is a real jump from the 17 inch unit, which tops out around 9 burgers.
Two independently controlled H-shaped burners give you two temperature zones and, more importantly, decent evenness across the plate. On our spread of eggs, there was no cold corner to chase, which is more than we can say for a lot of 22 inch competitors. The stainless steel faceplate and powder coated steel body also feel like a step up in finish from the bare-bones units.
Rear grease management is the same slotted design used on the bigger carts: a channel at the back of the plate sends grease into a collection cup. Once you are used to it, cleanup after a cook is a paper towel wipe, a scrape, and an empty of the cup.
Who the 22 inch 1666 suits
Campers, tailgaters, and anyone with a small patio who still wants a full-size breakfast on the griddle. It fits in a vehicle easily, sets up on a folding table, and cooks enough for a family of four or a group of friends without a cart taking up the whole yard.
It is also the natural first griddle for most people, because it is the smallest step up that still feels capable. The surface seasoning is a real process, but once it is done, cooking is forgiving and the two zones keep the learning curve short.
Where the 1666 falls short
It is a bare unit. No stand, no cart, no lid, no cover, no tools. Owners consistently note that a cart, wind guards, a cover and a carrying case are all necessary add-ons before it is genuinely convenient, and that budget should account for that before purchase.
Second, tabletop griddles demand more maintenance than a cart griddle because the surface is exposed with no hood to shield it. Seasoning cycles, oil wipes, and rust watch are part of the deal. The LP tank hose or adapter may also need buying separately depending on what you already own.
4. Blackstone 1814 17 inch Griddle – Budget Pick for Tailgating
Blackstone® 1814 Propane Gas Griddle, 17 Inch, Black
268 sq inch surface
H-style burner, 12000 BTU
9 kg
Stainless steel front plate
Pros
- Fits in a car trunk for tailgating and camping
- 268 sq inch surface feeds a family of four
- Integrated high-capacity grease tray
- Height-adjustable rubber feet
- H-style burner heats fast and evenly
Cons
- Smallest surface in the roundup
- Needs a separate table or stand
- Bare unit with no cover or tools
- Cold-rolled steel needs multiple seasoning cycles
This is the smallest and lightest griddle in the roundup at 9 kg, and that is exactly why it earns a place. If your entire cooking surface is a tailgate, a campground table, or a folding card table on a balcony, the 1814 is the only one here that does not require a vehicle sized like a moving truck.
At 268 square inches it cooks up to 9 burgers, 9 pancakes, or 12 eggs in one pass. That is breakfast for a family of four and a decent lunch for a couple, which covers the cases the 22 inch unit would handle with room to spare.
The height-adjustable rubber feet are an underrated detail. They keep the unit stable on grass, dirt, and the uneven folding tables that come with tailgating, and several owners specifically call this out as the reason it works for them. The integrated grease tray has a large capacity and does not need emptying mid-cook, which matters when you are standing over a grill instead of sitting at it.
Heat comes from an H-style burner with a built-in igniter, so there are no matches and no separate lighter in the early sessions. Preheat is fast and the plate holds consistent high heat for searing. The stainless steel front plate gives it a finished look that punches above its size.
Who the 17 inch 1814 suits
Tailgaters, campers, and anyone cooking on a surface that is not a patio. It is the least intimidating griddle in the roundup to start on, and the one people are most likely to actually use often rather than store in a garage.
It also works as a second griddle alongside a larger unit, giving you a dedicated low-and-slow zone for eggs and a high zone for searing on the main deck. That is a use that reviewers of the bigger plates rarely mention but that owners of the small ones use constantly.
Where the 1814 falls short
268 square inches is the smallest surface here, and that caps you at family-of-four scale cooking. A group of ten is not happening on this plate without running multiple rounds.
It also requires a separate table, stand, or cart to use comfortably, and it is a bare unit with no cover, no tools, and no carrying case. The cold-rolled steel surface needs several seasoning cycles before it behaves, and it needs a cover and a dry storage spot to stay that way.
5. Blackstone 2350 22 inch On-the-Go Griddle – Best Folding Stand Design
Blackstone® 2350 OTG 22″ Omnivore Griddle with Hood, Black
361 sq inch surface
Locking hood and flex-fold legs
78 pounds
2 independently controlled burners
Pros
- Whole stand collapses for compact storage
- Locking hood protects the surface
- Omnivore plate resists warping
- Two true heat zones in a small footprint
- Side shelf adds prep space
Cons
- Sized for 2 to 4 people only
- 78 pounds is heavy to lift
- No cover or accessories included
- Steel plate needs seasoning and rust watch
The 2350 solves a specific problem the rest of the roundup has to compromise on: how do you get a cart griddle with a real surface to fit in a garage? The answer is a frame that collapses. Flex-fold legs fold flat, a locking hood folds down, caster wheels let you roll it, and a handle on the side shelf lets you move the whole thing like a suitcase.
Cooking-wise, this is a 22 inch Omnivore plate with 361 square inches and two independently controlled burners. The Omnivore technology is the same wind-guard plate design used on the 28 inch and 36 inch units, so you get the warping resistance and fast recovery even at this smaller size.
Blackstone rates it for meals for up to 2 to 4 people, and that is the honest ceiling. This is not a gathering griddle. What it is, though, is a full-deck griddle for a couple or a small family that can be stored in a corner in a fraction of the footprint of a fixed cart.
The powder coated steel construction in black is specified for outdoor durability and it holds up to weather exposure without complaint. The side shelf gives you somewhere to stage a tray and hang utensils, which matters more on a small unit where the plate is all cooking area and no prep space.
Who the 22 inch On-the-Go suits
A couple, a couple with a small child, or anyone who wants a proper griddle plate and genuinely limited storage. The collapse-and-roll design is also attractive if you want to cook at a friend’s house or a cabin without leaving a griddle in their driveway.
It is worth pairing with the 17 inch unit if you already own one. The larger plate handles burgers and stir-fry while the small one handles eggs on a gentle zone, and both fold flat together.
Where the 2350 falls short
Weight is the main catch. At 78 pounds, the folding design saves space but not effort, and this is the heaviest unit in the roundup relative to its cooking surface. You are rolling it, not carrying it, despite the suitcase handle styling.
Second, the base unit is bare. No cover, no lid beyond the folding hood, no tools, no wind guards as an accessory, and no seasoning supplies. Budget for the extras. At 361 square inches it also cannot stretch past a small group, so anyone regularly feeding more than four should look at the 28 inch models instead.
6. Blackstone 22 inch Flexfold Bundle – Best for First Time Owners
Blackstone 22 Inch Griddle – Portable Blackstone Omnivore Grill with Flexfold Legs, Includes Accessories
22 inch flexfold griddle
84 pounds with accessories
Two cooking zones
Bundled tool kit
Pros
- Accessory kit gloves and seasonings included
- Collapsible stand and locking hood
- Two independent cooking zones
- Rear grease port with hanging cup
- Omnivore plate resists warping
Cons
- Bundle sits well above the standalone units
- 84 pounds is the heaviest 22 inch option here
- Listing shows a surface figure that does not match the base model
- Small review base limits long-term feedback
This listing is the same 22 inch flexfold platform as the previous entry, sold as a kit with the supporting equipment a first-time owner would buy in their first week anyway. Included are a Blackstone BBQ accessory kit, griddle gloves, seasonings, and a cutting board and knife set with a foldable board and a collapsible bin.
That matters because the biggest reason people give up on a griddle in the first month is friction. A new owner needs a scraper, a spatula, a squeeze bottle, a cutting surface, and something to protect their hands. This bundle hands you most of that on day one, and the gloves in particular are a genuinely good purchase that many experienced owners buy separately.
The griddle itself keeps the same strengths: Omnivore plate technology for even heating and warping resistance, two independent cooking zones, and rear grease management with a cup that hooks onto the back. The collapsible stand and locking hood make it the same easy-storage platform.
What you are paying for is the bundle premium. The standalone flexfold unit is the same hardware, and the accessories are the difference. Whether that is worth it depends entirely on whether you would have bought the tools anyway, which most first-time owners would.
Who the 22 inch Flexfold bundle suits
First-time griddle owners who want a complete starting kit in one order and would rather not research which tools matter. It also makes sense as a gift, since the gloves and board make the box feel substantial and the recipient does not need to assemble a shopping list.
It suits the same 2 to 4 person cooking as the standalone version, so treat the capacity ceiling as identical. For a first griddle, a smaller plate is easier to get good at than a 36 inch deck.
Where the bundle falls short
You are paying above the standalone price for the same griddle, and the accessories are consumables and small tools rather than things that improve cooking. If you already own a griddle scraper, spatula, and cutting board, the value here drops sharply.
Two further cautions. At 84 pounds this is the heaviest 22 inch option in the roundup, which is odd for a portable design and worth checking carefully. The listed cooking surface figure on this listing does not match the base model’s 361 square inches, so do not size your cooking plans from that number. The review base is also the thinnest in the group at 156 ratings, which means less long-term field data exists for this exact package.
7. Blackstone 22 inch Electric Griddle – Best Cord-Free Indoor and Outdoor Option
22 Inch Electric Griddle Nonstick with Lid, 8001 E-Series Tabletop Large Griddle By Blackstone with Blackstone Griddle Accessories For Indoor and Outdoor Use
358 sq inch ceramic titanium surface
Two temperature dials
26 pounds
120V electric
Pros
- Usable indoors as a smokeless griddle
- Nonstick surface wipes clean with a paper towel
- Two independent temperature dials
- Includes heat-resistant nylon tongs and scraper
- Light enough to store under a cabinet
Cons
- Dial readings do not match actual surface temperature
- Heat output drops under a large batch
- Surface is crowned so oil runs to the edges
- Hood slides and shifts
- Base can deform under sustained heat
This is the only electric griddle in the roundup and the only one that is not a propane appliance, which makes it worth understanding clearly before you buy. At 26 pounds with a 120 volt plug, you can run it on a patio, a balcony, or a kitchen counter with no tank, no hose, and no flame.
The 358 square inch ceramic titanium nonstick surface is the appeal. It is not a seasoned steel plate, so there is no seasoning process and no rust risk. It wipes clean with a paper towel after a cook, which is a fundamentally lower maintenance commitment than any gas model here. Owners converting from gas griddles tend to be thrilled by that alone.
Two independent temperature dials give two cooking zones, and the heat-resistant nylon tongs and scraper included with it are consistently well received because they will not scratch the coating. It also works as a smokeless indoor grill, which is the reason a lot of people in apartments or high-rises buy one.
Where it does not hold up is temperature accuracy. Owners report that the dial readings differ substantially from the actual surface temperature, and that the element cannot sustain a high setting while a large batch is cooking. That is the core weakness of electric at this size: a 120 volt element does not have the recovery of a 60000 BTU propane deck.
Who the 22 inch electric griddle suits
Apartment and balcony cooks, RV and boat use, and anyone without a place to store a propane tank. It is also a good secondary griddle for indoor breakfast when you do not want smoke or heat radiating through the house.
It suits people who do not want to maintain a seasoned steel surface. If the idea of oiling the plate before and after every cook sounds like a chore you will skip, a nonstick ceramic surface removes the failure mode that most often ends a griddle relationship early.
Where the electric griddle falls short
The complaints are specific and worth weighing. The surface is crowned rather than flat, so oil runs to the edges and corners instead of spreading across the plate, which defeats shallow frying and any sauce-based dish. The slide-on hood is not locked down and can shift. The base can deform under sustained heat, and the grease catcher is small next to the gas models.
It is also the lowest-rated unit here at 4.4 stars, and the gap reflects the accuracy and heat-recovery issues rather than the nonstick surface, which works well. If you want searing power or you cook for a crowd, this is the wrong tool.
8. Blackstone 2206 28 inch Omnivore Griddle – Best Roomiest Two-Burner Deck
Blackstone 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2206, Blackstone 2 Burner Griddle Outdoor Flat Top Grill, Propane Portable Gas Grill
527 sq inch surface
Two independent burner zones
84 pounds
Side shelf with tool hooks
Pros
- 527 sq inch surface is the roomiest two-burner deck
- Two zones handle several dishes at once
- Side shelf has integrated tool hooks
- Rolling wheels and a sturdy handle
- Most owners rate it five stars
Cons
- An ignition switch failed on at least one unit
- Griddle top can sit unevenly on the mount
- One unit needed a shim correction out of the box
- Lower review volume than the 1517
The 2206 is the 28 inch two-burner format with an Omnivore plate, and the difference from the 1517 is subtle but real: 527 square inches against 517, plus a slightly different side shelf arrangement. If your group regularly runs to six, the extra ten square inches and the shelf layout can matter more than the price difference suggests.
Two independently controlled zones on a 527 square inch plate gives you a useful split. The roomiest two-burner deck in this roundup means you are not fighting for space the way you would on a 22 inch plate, and owners confirm even heat and a generous working area for preparing a meal for a larger family or a small gathering.
The side shelf with integrated tool hooks is a nice touch. It gives you a prep and serving area, which on a two-burner cart makes the difference between a cramped station and a workable one. A pair of rolling wheels and a sturdy handle make repositioning easy, so you can move it out of the weather or out of the way when you are not cooking.
Rear grease management keeps drips contained the same way the other Blackstone carts do it, with a cup hooked onto the back. That design is consistent across the line and it works, as long as you check the cup rather than assuming it is fine.
Who the 2206 suits
Households cooking for five or six on a regular basis who want a two-burner machine rather than the bulk of a 36 inch four-burner deck. It is also a very common gift purchase, and most owners who bought it that way rate it at five stars.
It also appeals to anyone who liked the 1517 concept and wants a bit more room and a shelf with hooks, without moving up to four burners. The learning curve for heat zones is the same as on any two-burner griddle and resolves in a few sessions.
Where the 2206 falls short
Quality variation shows up more here than on the 1517, which is visible in the 4.6 rating against 4.7. The most specific complaints are an ignition switch that failed on one unit, and a griddle top that did not sit evenly on its mount until a shim or washer correction was made. Both are fixable, and both are reasons to inspect the unit on arrival.
At 84 pounds it is heavier than the 1517, so the wheels matter more. The review base of 146 ratings is also far thinner than the 1517, which means less long-term data on failure rates. If you want the same format with a deeper feedback record, the 1517 is the safer bet.
9. Blackstone 2322 36 inch Griddle with Built-in Hood – Biggest Cooking Surface
Blackstone Original Portable Griddle with Built-in Hood, Black, 36 Inch
768 sq inch surface
4 independently controlled burners
127.9 pounds
Built-in X-braced hood
Pros
- Largest surface in the roundup at 768 sq inch
- Four true heat zones
- Push-button ignition starts without matches
- Dual folding shelves plus an extendable shelf
- BAR system for accessory mounting
Cons
- Thin-gauge legs shelves and hood
- Folding shelves are a pinch hazard
- Hood handle is flimsy
- Only 2 of 4 casters swivel
- Shelf over the propane tank gets in the way
Cooking performance is not a question mark on the 2322. It is the flagship, and it delivers the largest surface in the roundup at 768 square inches with four independently controlled burners, which Blackstone rates at up to 30 burgers in a single batch. Heat distribution, preheat speed, and one-button ignition all perform as advertised.
The built-in X-braced hood is the feature that separates it from the other 36 inch model. A hood is not a cooking accessory here, it is a surface protector, and having it attached means the plate is covered between uses without buying a separate cover.
Storage flexibility is the other differentiator. Dual folding side shelves and an extendable shelf give you a generous prep area when you are cooking and let the unit collapse to a narrower footprint when you are not. The BAR system provides mounting points for accessories so they hang where you need them instead of sitting on the deck.
Individual burner control also means a household cooking for four can turn down the zones they are not using rather than committing to four burners at full output. That flexibility is genuinely useful and not just a spec-sheet line.
Who the 2322 suits
Serious outdoor cooks who regularly feed large groups and want the largest deck available, plus anyone who wants a hood integrated rather than added. The folding shelves and narrowing footprint make it the more flexible of the two 36 inch options for patios that are big but not unlimited.
It also suits buyers who plan to keep the griddle outdoors year-round and want a hood for shade and protection, and anyone building toward a larger outdoor cooking setup over time using the accessory mounting system.
Where the 2322 falls short
Build quality is the issue, not function. Owners describe the legs, shelves, and hood as thin for the price, with a hood handle that can be broken off with one hand. The folding side shelves are also a finger pinch hazard unless folded in fully, which is worth knowing before kids are around the griddle.
Two more practical issues. Only two of the four caster wheels swivel, so moving it is awkward despite the weight. And the shelf positioned over the propane tank is a nuisance every time you raise or lower the hood. At 127.9 pounds, installing the griddle plate takes a second person. The review base is also the thinnest in the roundup at 90 ratings, so the 4.5 average is the least battle-tested rating here.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Blackstone Griddle
Start with cooking surface, not burner count
Cooking surface in square inches is the single number that predicts whether you will be happy. The nine griddles here run from 268 square inches on the 17 inch tabletop to 768 on the flagship 36 inch with hood. Between those sit the 358 and 361 square inch models, the 517 and 527 square inch 28 inch carts, and the 720 square inch four-burner.
A rough rule: 268 handles a family of four or a couple. The 358 to 361 square inch range handles a small gathering or a meal-prep session, and 517 upward is where you can cook a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner spread without plating in waves. Above 700 you are feeding crowds.
Burner count matters less than most buyers expect, but it matters in a specific way. Two burners give you two temperature zones, which is enough for eggs plus burgers plus a hot zone. Four burners give you four zones, which is what makes large-batch cooking possible in one pass rather than three.
Rolled steel versus ceramic coating
Every gas griddle in this roundup uses a rolled steel plate that you season yourself, and one uses a ceramic titanium nonstick coating. These are not interchangeable, and the choice is about how much maintenance you want in your life.
A seasoned steel plate is a cast iron cousin. It seasons through repeated heating of a polymerized oil layer, it improves for years, and it can take searing heat that would destroy a coating. It also demands oiling before and after every cook, occasional deep cleaning, and rust prevention during storage. The payoff is a surface that gets better the longer you own it.
A ceramic nonstick surface needs no seasoning and wipes clean. It also cannot be restored once it scratches, does not handle sustained high heat the same way, and in the case of the electric unit here, a crowned plate sends oil to the edges where a flat steel plate would spread it. Choose the coating if low maintenance is your priority. Choose the steel if you plan to keep the griddle for years.
Grease management: rear system versus front trough
Blackstone’s patented rear grease management system appears on most of these models. A channel at the back of the griddle plate routes grease off the cooking surface and into a collection cup that hangs on the rear of the frame. The deck stays clear, which is the point, and cleanup is a wipe and an empty.
The 1554 four-burner uses a front grease management system instead, which is easier to reach while cooking but is also the source of the most-repeated complaint in this roundup: the catcher can drip hot oil onto the deck and toward the feet. Watch the cup level on that model specifically.
The 1814 tabletop uses a simple integrated grease tray under the plate. It has a large capacity and does not need frequent emptying, but it is the least refined design of the three and you will still want to check it mid-cook on a long session.
Wind performance and heat distribution
Wind is the number one complaint you will read about griddles in general, and it is where the Omnivore plate earns its name. Models with the Omnivore griddle plate have wind guards built into the plate itself, which keeps the flame stable, speeds preheat, improves heat distribution, and reduces fuel used per cook. In this roundup that means the 1517, the 2350, the flexfold bundle, the 2206, and the 2322.
For tabletop models without built-in wind protection, aftermarket wind guards are the standard fix and reviewers consistently report they solve the problem. Budget for them if you cook anywhere with a breeze.
For heat distribution, the practical measure is how the burners map to the plate. Four burners across a 36 inch plate produce fewer cold edges than two burners stretched across the same width. On two-burner models, expect the center to run hotter than the outer thirds and plan your cooking zones around it. That is not a flaw, it is a layout you learn, and most owners describe a two to three week adjustment period.
Do you need a hood?
A hood is a surface protector and a heat deflector, not a cooking chamber. The 2322 is the only unit here with a built-in one, and its benefit is that the plate is covered between cooks without a separate cover purchase. It also lets you trap heat and moisture for melting cheese, steaming vegetables, or holding a warming zone.
Everyone else should plan on buying a cover. Covers matter more than most buyers expect, because a bare steel plate left exposed collects moisture overnight and that is where rust starts. A fitted cover is the cheapest rust prevention you will ever buy.
Portability, storage, and cooking height
Portability splits into three very different categories here. Tabletop units at 9 kg and 25.3 pounds are genuinely carryable. Folding cart units at 78 to 84 pounds collapse flat but still need to be rolled. Fixed carts at 127.9 pounds stay where you put them.
Cooking height is worth checking against your own body. Cart griddles stand roughly 33 to 38 inches tall, which is comfortable for most adults but awkward for shorter users and difficult from a seated position. If you are under about five foot six, a tabletop or folding model on a stand you control is a better fit.
Storage planning is where the folding designs earn their price. If your griddle lives on a patio year-round, storage is irrelevant. If it needs to go in a garage between seasons, the flexfold and On-the-Go models collapse to a fraction of the footprint of a fixed cart and are the reason they exist.
Why Owners Sell Their Blackstone Griddles
This is the most common question in the category, and the honest answer is that most sellers are not rejecting the cooking. They are rejecting the maintenance, the size, or the fact that a griddle cannot replace a grill.
Maintenance is the leading reason. A gas griddle needs an oil wipe before and after every cook, periodic deep cleaning, and a covered dry storage spot. Owners who skip that for a season find rust on arrival, and a rusted plate is a repair or a replacement, not a cleanup.
Size is the second reason. A 36 inch four-burner deck is a genuine commitment of patio space, and buyers who underestimated how much room a large griddle plus shelves plus a cover takes often return the smaller unit. The same buyers report that the griddle did not replace their gas grill, so they ended up with two appliances competing for the same corner.
Third is expectation. A griddle is a flat top, not a grill. It cannot produce open-flame char, smoke flavor, or grill marks, and anyone who bought one expecting a grill replacement is disappointed. Accessories and clutter are a smaller but real factor, since a working setup needs a scraper, spatula, squeeze bottles, domes, a cover, and somewhere to put all of it.
Blackstone vs Camp Chef, Pit Boss and Weber Slate
Blackstone is not the only outdoor griddle worth buying, and the honest comparison matters if you are still deciding on the brand rather than the model. Are there better outdoor griddles than Blackstone? For some specific needs, yes.
Camp Chef tends to compete on surface area and price per square inch, and its multi-burner units cover a lot of ground for the money. Pit Boss competes on cabinet storage, with enclosed carts that keep tools and a propane tank out of sight. Weber Slate is the quiet premium option, with a reputation for even heat and a finish quality that several Blackstone owners here wish matched.
Where Blackstone wins is surface seasoning, accessory ecosystem, and the sheer volume of owner feedback. The Omnivore plate is a real engineering answer to wind and warping. The downside that comes up repeatedly in forum discussion is warranty length, where a one-year limited warranty on most of these models is thinner than what several competing brands offer on comparable hardware.
One limitation worth flagging for anyone researching: Blackstone griddles are known to run hot on the low setting and are not designed for low-temperature cooking. If you want gentle heat for delicate work, check the temperature range before you buy rather than after.
Seasoning, Cleaning and Winter Storage
Seasoning a new rolled steel griddle is a one-afternoon job that people consistently over-dread. Owners report it becomes easy after a few cycles, and most say the process itself is less daunting than the anticipation.
Start by cleaning the plate with warm soapy water and drying it completely. Rub a thin layer of cooking oil over the entire surface, using paper towels until the plate looks dry rather than greasy. Heat it until the surface just begins to smoke, turn off, and let it cool. Repeat the oil-and-heat cycle two or three more times. You are building a polymerized oil layer, and it takes several passes before food stops sticking readily.
Between cooks, scrape, wipe with a paper towel, and apply a very thin coat of oil. That routine is what separates a griddle that lasts a decade from one that starts pitting in a year.
For off-season storage, the sequence matters. Clean the plate, dry it fully, apply a light coat of oil, cover it, and get it somewhere dry and covered. A fitted cover is essential. A griddle stored uncovered overnight or over winter will collect moisture, and that is the single most common cause of the rust complaints you will read about.
Wind guards, a cover, and a decent regulator are the three accessories worth buying first. Beyond that, a scraper and a stack of squeeze bottles matter more than most of the branded kits, and a hard cover beats a soft one for long-term protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Blackstone griddle for most people?
The 28 inch 1517 with its 517 square inch surface and two independently controlled burners is the most widely recommended Blackstone overall. It handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a family, rolls on caster wheels, and has the largest owner feedback base of any model in the roundup.
Is a Blackstone griddle actually good?
Yes, for the cooking it is designed for. A Blackstone flat top grill is a propane-powered rolled steel griddle that handles pancakes, eggs, smash burgers, fried rice, and full meals that a conventional grill cannot. The trade-off is maintenance: a steel plate needs seasoning, oiling between cooks, and covered dry storage to prevent rust.
Are there better outdoor griddles than Blackstone?
For some needs, yes. Camp Chef competes on surface area per dollar, Pit Boss on cabinet storage, and Weber Slate on finish quality and low-temperature control. Blackstone leads on seasoned surface durability, the Omnivore wind-resistant plate, accessory availability, and the volume of long-term owner feedback, but its one-year warranty is thinner than several competitors offer.
Why are people selling their Blackstone griddles?
Most sellers are not rejecting the cooking. The main reasons are maintenance fatigue, underestimated patio footprint, and the realization that a griddle cannot replace a grill because it cannot produce open-flame char or smoke flavor. Some also return units that were stored uncovered and developed surface rust.
What size Blackstone griddle do I need?
For a family of four, the 17 inch 268 square inch tabletop is enough for about nine burgers. For a small gathering or meal prep, the 22 inch models at 358 to 361 square inches handle about 14 burgers. For a family or group of five to six cooking full meals, go to the 28 inch models at 517 to 527 square inches. Above 700 square inches is crowd territory.
Does a Blackstone griddle need a cover and will it rust?
A cover is effectively required. A bare steel plate left exposed overnight or over winter collects moisture, and that is the most common cause of rust. Clean the plate, dry it fully, apply a thin coat of oil, and cover it before leaving it outside or in a garage. A fitted cover is the cheapest rust prevention available.
Our Best Blackstone Griddle Picks for 2026
After living with all nine of these, the best blackstone griddles divide cleanly by how much food you are cooking. The 28 inch 1517 is our pick for almost everyone, because 517 square inches, two heat zones, and the deepest owner feedback in the category make it the least risky purchase in the line.
Cook for crowds and the 36 inch four-burner 1554 is the answer, with 720 square inches and four true heat zones. Want the largest surface and a hood already attached, the 2322 delivers on cooking and asks you to accept thin-gauge hardware. For a compact unit that travels, the 22 inch 1666 gives the most cooking surface per pound carried.
Whatever you choose, buy the cover at the same time, oil the plate before every cook, and store it dry. That routine is what turns a griddle into a ten-year appliance instead of a two-season one. We updated this roundup for 2026, and the ranking reflects everything we learned cooking on all nine.