Key takeaways
- Counter-height design eliminates the need for a separate table
- Included hood protects the plate and adds a professional look
- Two burners can struggle to maintain even heat across the full 28-inch width when loaded heavily
What's inside
Blackstone griddles have carved out a strange and stubborn niche in the outdoor cooking world: flat-top precision without the $2,000 pro-style price tag. The problem most buyers face is simpler than it looks. You want to cook breakfast for six on a Saturday morning, or feed a crowd at a tailgate, without hauling a full-size setup that weighs as much as a small refrigerator. The category splits into three real tiers—tabletop, counter-height, and full portable station—and choosing wrong means either underpowered burners that take forever to recover, or a griddle you never drag out of the garage.
What separates a good Blackstone from a mediocre one comes down to burner layout, grease management, and how well the steel plate holds heat once you load it with cold protein. The best Blackstone griddles we tested in 2026 all share one trait: even cooking across the full surface without hot spots that burn your onions while your burgers sit raw in the center. Below, we ranked eight models by how well they handle the daily realities of outdoor flat-top cooking.
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1883 Original 28″ Omnivore with Hood | Counter-height backyard cooking | $339.99 |
| Original Portable 36″ with Built-in Hood | Large gatherings and tailgating | $539.99 |
| 1813 Original 22″ Tabletop with Hood | Small families, tight storage | $199.96 |
| OTG Tabletop 22″ Dual Heat Zones | Precision cooking and searing control | $194.99 |
| 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore | Mid-range capacity without extra bulk | $249.99 |
| 2364 12″ x 14″ Camping Griddle | Camping and RV trips | $159 |
| 1971 Original 17″ Tabletop | Couples, apartments, balcony use | $93.91 |
| 36″ 4-Burner 60,000 BTU Station | Maximum surface area and BTU output | $399.99 |
How We Picked
We evaluated each griddle on four criteria: heat recovery speed after loading cold food, grease management design, portability relative to size, and long-term durability of the steel plate and side shelves. We weighted cooking performance highest because a griddle that cannot maintain temperature under load will frustrate you every time you cook. We also penalized designs where the grease trap sits too close to the burner housing, creating a cleanup nightmare that compounds over months of use.
The 8 Best Blackstone Griddles in 2026
BLACKSTONE 1883 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle with Hood
The 1883 hits a sweet spot for anyone who wants a dedicated backyard cooking station without the full footprint of a 36-inch model. The counter-height design means you cook at waist level, which saves your back during long sessions. Powder-coated steel holds up well against weather, and the included hood turns this into a true outdoor kitchen centerpiece.
- Counter-height design eliminates the need for a separate table
- Included hood protects the plate and adds a professional look
- Two burners can struggle to maintain even heat across the full 28-inch width when loaded heavily
Skip this if you routinely cook for more than eight people or if you need something you can load into a truck bed without help.
BLACKSTONE Original Portable 36″ with Built-in Hood
This is the model you buy when you want to feed fifteen people at a block party without making three separate batches. The extendable side shelves give you genuine prep space, and caster wheels make moving it around a patio realistic rather than aspirational. The built-in hood is a genuine upgrade for weather protection during cooking.
- Massive cooking surface handles large batches without temperature drop
- Extendable shelves and caster wheels make it genuinely portable for its size
- Price puts it at the top of the category and the footprint demands significant storage space
Skip this if you live in an apartment, have a small patio, or rarely cook for more than six.
BLACKSTONE 1813 Original 22″ Tabletop with Hood
The 1813 is the default recommendation for most households. It fits on a standard folding table, stores in a garage corner, and feeds four to six people comfortably. The stainless steel front plate gives you a small prep-and-serve area that keeps cooked items warm without overcooking them.
- Compact footprint works on balconies, picnic tables, and small patios
- Stainless front plate is useful for resting finished food
- Only two burners mean slower heat recovery when you load cold protein across the full surface
Skip this if you cook for larger groups regularly or want side shelves for prep space.
BLACKSTONE OTG Tabletop 22″ Dual Heat Zones
The OTG earns a perfect rating because it solves the single biggest frustration with flat-top cooking: controlling heat across different zones simultaneously. Dual heating zones let you sear on one side while holding on the other, which is genuinely transformative for cooking varied items in one session. The hard cover doubles as a protective lid.
- Dual heat zones provide real cooking control at a tabletop price
- Hard cover is more durable than soft vinyl alternatives
- Tabletop design still requires a separate surface or cart to cook at a comfortable height
Skip this if you already have a good table setup and want integrated counter height instead.
BLACKSTONE 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore
The 1517 delivers the same 28-inch cooking area as the 1883 but strips the hood and counter-height frame, bringing the price down significantly. The rear grease management system keeps the cleanup path simple and away from the front where you are standing. This is for someone who wants volume without the aesthetics.
- Full 28-inch surface at a noticeably lower price than the hooded version
- Rear grease management is straightforward and easy to empty
- No hood means the plate is exposed to wind and weather, affecting temperature consistency
Skip this if you cook outdoors year-round or want a permanent-looking setup in your yard.
BLACKSTONE 2364 12″ x 14″ Camping Griddle with Side Burner
This is the one you throw in a truck bed for a weekend camping trip. The side burner handles coffee or eggs while the main plate does your sausage and peppers. Latches keep it closed for transport, and leveling feet ensure it sits stable on uneven ground.
- Side burner adds genuine utility without a separate stove
- Compact and light enough for backpacking-adjacent car camping
- Small surface area means cooking for more than two or three requires multiple rounds
Skip this if your primary use case is backyard cooking for a family of four or more.
BLACKSTONE 1971 Original 17″ Tabletop
At under a hundred dollars, the 1971 is the entry point that does not feel cheap. The stainless steel front plate and piezo ignition give it features you expect at twice the price. It cooks two burgers, a stack of pancakes, or a batch of fried rice without drama.
- Lowest entry cost with features like piezo ignition and a stainless plate
- Fits anywhere and stores easily under a bed or in a closet
- 17-inch surface is genuinely limiting for anyone cooking for more than two people
Skip this if you need to cook for a family or want room to work without food touching the edges.
BLACKSTONE 36″ 4-Burner 60,000 BTU Portable Station
Four burners and 60,000 BTU of combined output make this the power king in the Blackstone lineup. Foldable legs and a storage rack make it transportable despite the size, and the grease pan handles high-volume cooking without overflowing. This is for people who treat griddle cooking as their primary outdoor kitchen.
- Four burners provide zone control and rapid recovery across the full 36-inch surface
- Foldable legs and storage rack make it genuinely mobile for a large unit
- Heavy and bulky even when folded, requiring truck space and two people to move
Skip this if you have limited storage or prefer a lighter setup you can move solo.
Buying Guide
Surface Area and Burner Count
The most common mistake is underestimating how much plate space you need. A 22-inch griddle with two burners handles four people comfortably if you batch cook, but the same model will frustrate you if you want everything done at once. Four-burner models at 36 inches give you zone control, meaning you can hold finished food at lower temps while searing on another section. Match surface area to your typical group size plus one, because guests always show up.
Grease Management Design
Blackstone grease traps vary significantly in placement and capacity. Rear-mounted systems are easier to empty without reaching over a hot plate, but they require more careful tilting during cleanup. Front or side traps can drip onto your cook surface if the griddle is not perfectly level. Check whether the grease cup is removable without tools—this matters more than the shape of the channel once you are scraping it on a cold Tuesday night.
Hood, Cover, and Weather Exposure
A built-in hood serves double duty: it shields the cooking surface from wind (which steals heat and creates uneven cooking) and protects the plate when stored outdoors. A hard cover provides weather protection but no wind shielding during use. If you live somewhere rainy or windy, the hood models justify their price premium. In a dry, sheltered backyard, a simple cover on a lower-priced model does the job.
Our Verdict
The 1813 Original 22-inch Tabletop with Hood is our top pick for most buyers. It balances surface area, heat control, storage footprint, and price in a way that suits the majority of households without overcommitting you to a large setup you might not use.
The 1971 Original 17-inch Tabletop is the budget pick at just under a hundred dollars. It proves you do not need to spend much to get a genuine Blackstone cooking experience.
The OTG 22-inch Dual Heat Zones wins outright if your priority is cooking control and technique. The ability to hold and sear simultaneously at under two hundred dollars is unmatched in this lineup.
FAQ
Can you use a Blackstone griddle indoors?
No. All Blackstone propane griddles are designed strictly for outdoor use. They produce carbon monoxide and require ventilation that no indoor space provides. Some owners use them on covered patios with good airflow, but never inside a garage or enclosed room.
How long does a Blackstone griddle last?
With proper seasoning and after-cooking care, the steel plate lasts many years. The most common failure points are the ignition system and grease tray degradation from accumulated residue. Powder-coated frames resist rust reasonably well in dry climates but can chip and corrode in humid or coastal environments.
Do you need to season a Blackstone griddle before first use?
Yes. The factory applies a light protective coating that you must burn off and replace with multiple layers of high-smoke-point oil. Skipping this step leads to rust and food sticking permanently. The process takes about an hour and should be repeated after any thorough cleaning down to bare metal.
Which Blackstone griddle is best for camping?
The 2364 Camping Griddle is purpose-built for this with latches for transport, leveling feet for uneven ground, and a compact size that fits in most truck beds or cargo areas without eating all your space.
