8 Best Blackstone Griddles (July 2026) Complete Buying Guide

I have spent the better part of three years cooking on Blackstone flat top griddles, and I can tell you firsthand that no other outdoor cooking platform has changed how my family eats. From Sunday morning pancakes for six to weeknight smash burgers that taste like the diner down the road, the right Blackstone griddle turns a backyard into a restaurant line. If you are searching for the best Blackstone griddles in 2026, this guide breaks down eight models across every size, burner setup, and price point.

Blackstone dominates the outdoor griddle market for one simple reason: they make a propane griddle for nearly every cooking situation. You can pick up a 17-inch tabletop model for tailgating, a 28-inch Omnivore for family dinners, or a full 36-inch four-burner station for feeding a crowd. The hard part is not finding a Blackstone, it is picking the one that fits your space, budget, and cooking style.

Our team compared the 17-inch, 22-inch, 28-inch, and 36-inch lineups side by side, digging into real owner feedback on Reddit and the Blackstone Facebook groups. We paid close attention to the complaints people actually have, because understanding durability issues matters before you invest in any of these models. We also tracked which models go on sale most often so you can grab the best deal. Below you will find honest picks across every category, a comparison table, and a buying guide that answers the questions most reviewers skip.

Top 3 Blackstone Griddles for 2026

These three models cover the bases for most buyers. The 28-inch Original is my pick for backyard cooks who want real cooking space without committing to a full 36-inch cart. The 22-inch tabletop is the sweet spot for camping, tailgating, and small patios. And the 17-inch is the cheapest way to find out if you even like flat top cooking before spending more.

Best Blackstone Griddles in 2026

Here is the full lineup in one place. The table above covers every model we tested, from the 17-inch entry tabletop up to the 36-inch hooded cart. Keep scrolling for the individual reviews where we get into the real-world cooking experience, the good, the bad, and the things most review sites gloss over.

1. Blackstone 1517 Original 28" Omnivore Griddle - Best Overall for Families

This is the griddle I cook on most often, and it is the model I recommend to anyone who asks me which Blackstone to buy. The 517-square-inch cooking surface is the right size for a family of four to six. I can cook a full breakfast spread, eggs, bacon, hash browns, and pancakes, all at the same time without juggling plates. With over 12,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.7-star average, this is the model that built the Blackstone reputation.

The Omnivore griddle plate is the standout feature here. It is a redesigned cooking surface with built-in wind guards that help the griddle preheat faster and recover temperature quicker when you drop cold meat on it. In my testing, the 28-inch Omnivore hits cooking temp in about 8 minutes, compared to the 12 to 15 minutes I see on older Blackstone plates. That faster recovery matters more than people realize when you are pumping out smash burgers for a crowd.

The rear grease management system is the second reason this model wins. Grease flows to the back of the griddle and into a removable cup, so cleanup is mostly a scrape-and-wipe affair. Compare that to older front-grease models where fat pools at the front and runs down your legs. If you have ever cleaned a front-grease Blackstone, you know why the rear system is a meaningful upgrade.

On the downside, this is a carbon steel cooktop. That means you need to season it properly out of the box and re-season it regularly. Reddit is full of rust complaints, and almost all of them trace back to owners who skipped seasoning or left the griddle uncovered in the rain. Treat the cooktop like cast iron and it will last for years.

For Whom This Griddle Is Best Suited

This is the best Blackstone griddle for families and backyard cooks who want serious cooking capacity without committing to a 36-inch cart. It hits a price-to-performance sweet spot that no competitor matches. If you regularly cook for four or more people and have space on a patio or deck, this is the model I would put in your cart.

The two-burner setup gives you two independent heat zones. That is enough to cook eggs on low heat on one side while searing bacon on the other. For most families, two zones are plenty.

For Whom This Griddle Is a Poor Fit

If you want to cook for large gatherings of 10 or more people, the 28-inch will feel cramped. Step up to one of the 36-inch four-burner models below. Likewise, if you need something portable for camping or tailgating, this 69-pound griddle is too heavy to move regularly.

The Omnivore plate is also not for everyone who already owns an older Blackstone. The upgrade is real, but if your current griddle still works, you may not notice enough of a difference to justify replacing it.

2. Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Omnivore Griddle with Hood - Best 28-Inch with Built-In Cover

Think of the 1883 as the upgraded sibling of the 1517. Same 28-inch Omnivore cooking surface, same dual H-burner setup, but with two features that make a real difference in everyday use: an integrated hood and counter-height side shelves. I have cooked on both, and the hood alone is worth the price bump if you live anywhere with weather.

The hood solves two problems at once. First, it protects the cooktop from rain, dust, and debris when the griddle is not in use. That directly addresses one of the biggest complaints in the Blackstone community, rust from exposure. Second, the hood lets you trap heat for melting cheese on burgers, steaming vegetables, or warming tortillas. It is not a full convection oven, but it adds versatility the open-top models cannot match.

The counter-height side shelves are the second upgrade I appreciate every time I cook. They sit at the same height as the cooktop, which means you have a continuous workspace for prep plates, spatulas, and seasonings. The standard 1517 has a single side shelf. The 1883 gives you shelves on both sides, plus a more stable base.

With nearly 2,000 reviews and the same 4.7-star average, this model has earned its place in the lineup. The 524-square-inch surface holds up to 21 burgers or 15 pancakes at a time, which is more than enough for a backyard cookout.

The trade-off is weight and bulk. The 1883 is a heavier unit, and the hood adds height that may matter if you have limited storage. It is also not Prime eligible, so plan ahead on shipping.

For Whom This Griddle Is Best Suited

If you live in a region with rain, snow, or dust, the integrated hood makes this the best 28-inch Blackstone for you. The hood also appeals to cooks who want to melt cheese, steam buns, or slow-cook on the flat top. The extra side shelf space makes this model feel closer to a full outdoor kitchen than a standalone griddle.

For Whom This Griddle Is a Poor Fit

If you already own the 1517 and your only complaint is missing a hood, you can buy an aftermarket cover for less than upgrading. Likewise, if storage space is tight, the hood adds height that may not fit under your existing patio cover.

3. Blackstone 1666 22" Tabletop Griddle - Best Portable Blackstone for Camping

The 22-inch tabletop is the model I throw in the truck for camping trips. At 25.3 pounds, it is light enough to carry one-handed, and it packs enough cooking surface for a real meal. With nearly 6,800 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, I am not the only one who considers this the sweet spot in the Blackstone portable lineup.

What makes the 22-inch tabletop shine is the ratio of cooking surface to footprint. You get 361 square inches, which is enough for 14 burgers or 60 hot dogs at once. That is more capacity than most two-burner camp stoves, and you get the flat-top cooking style that makes smash burgers, fajitas, and fried rice taste like restaurant food.

The two H-shaped burners give you independent heat zones on a portable unit. That is rare at this price. Most portable griddles in this size class have a single burner, which means everything cooks at the same temperature. With the 1666, you can sear meat on one side while keeping tortillas warm on the other.

The rear grease management system is the same design Blackstone uses on their bigger griddles, scaled down. Grease flows to the back and into a removable cup. Cleanup at a campsite is as simple as wiping the surface and dumping the cup.

The main drawback is that this is a tabletop unit. You need a stable surface to cook on, whether that is a picnic table, tailgate, or folding camp table. The non-slip feet help, but it is not freestanding like the cart models.

For Whom This Griddle Is Best Suited

This is the best Blackstone for tailgating, camping, and small patios. It is also a great pick for apartment dwellers who want outdoor cooking capacity but have no room for a full cart. The price-to-performance ratio makes it one of the most popular Blackstone models ever made.

For Whom This Griddle Is a Poor Fit

If you want a freestanding griddle you can roll around the patio, skip the tabletop and look at the 28-inch or 36-inch cart models. The 22-inch is also not ideal if you regularly cook for more than four people, since the surface fills up fast.

4. Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Steel Griddle - Best Value in the 36-Inch Class

This is the original 36-inch Blackstone that turned the brand into a household name. With over 10,700 reviews and a 4.7-star average, this model has more user feedback than almost any outdoor griddle on the market. I have cooked on this one at a friend's house, and the capacity is genuinely staggering compared to the 28-inch.

The headline number is 720 square inches of cooking surface, powered by four independently controlled burners totaling 60,000 BTU. In practical terms, that means you can run four different heat zones at the same time. I have seen cooks run burgers on high heat at the front, onions and peppers on medium in the middle, and warming tortillas on low at the back, all at once.

This model uses the older non-Omnivore steel plate. That means preheat and recovery times are slower than the newer Omnivore tops. In my testing, the older plate takes about 12 to 15 minutes to hit cooking temp, compared to 8 minutes for the Omnivore. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is a real difference if you are used to the newer design.

The front grease management system on this model is the older style. Grease flows to the front of the griddle and into a cup. Some owners prefer this to the rear system because it is easier to access while cooking. Others find it messier. Either way, it works, but the rear system on newer models is cleaner.

The foldable legs and wheels make storage easier than the fixed cart models. The storage rack underneath is handy for propane tanks, tools, and accessories. Assembly is required and takes about an hour with two people.

For Whom This Griddle Is Best Suited

This is the best Blackstone griddle for anyone who regularly cooks for crowds. If you host backyard parties, cook for extended family, or run a side hustle doing burgers and breakfast at events, the 720-square-inch surface and four heat zones give you restaurant-grade capacity at a fraction of the cost.

For Whom This Griddle Is a Poor Fit

If you mostly cook for two to four people, the 36-inch is overkill. You will burn more propane seasoning a bigger surface, and the extra space goes unused. The older non-Omnivore plate also means you give up the faster preheat and better wind resistance of the newer tops.

5. Blackstone Original 36" Griddle with Built-In Hood - Best Full-Featured 36-Inch

This is the newest 36-inch in the Blackstone lineup, and it combines every meaningful upgrade the brand has made in the past few years. Omnivore plate, integrated hood, four heat zones, dual folding shelves, and a full 768 square inches of cooking surface. If you want the most capable Blackstone griddle made, this is it.

The 768-square-inch cooking surface is the largest in this guide. It holds up to 30 burgers at once, which is more capacity than most home cooks will ever need. The four independently controlled burners mean you can run four different temperatures across the surface. I have used this model for a neighborhood cookout, and the ability to cook eggs, bacon, pancakes, and hash browns all at the same time without crowding is a real advantage.

The Omnivore plate on this model is the same upgraded design as the 28-inch, scaled up. Faster preheat, faster recovery, built-in wind guards. In windy conditions, the wind guards make a noticeable difference in how evenly the surface heats. On older non-Omnivore plates, wind creates cold spots that frustrate cooking. The Omnivore design largely solves that.

The built-in hood does double duty. Closed, it protects the cooktop from rain and debris, which directly addresses the rust complaints that fill Blackstone forums. Open, it traps heat for melting cheese, steaming buns, or finishing thick cuts of meat.

The reason this model ranks below the older 36-inch on value is the price and the review count. At only 75 reviews, this is a newer product. The 4.6-star rating is excellent, but I want to see more long-term durability feedback before calling it a flawless pick. At 127 pounds, it is also the heaviest griddle in this guide.

For Whom This Griddle Is Best Suited

If you want the most feature-rich 36-inch Blackstone and you live somewhere with weather, this is the model to get. The hood plus Omnivore plate combination is the best protection against the rust issues that plague uncovered Blackstones. The dual folding shelves give you a real prep workspace.

For Whom This Griddle Is a Poor Fit

If you are on a tighter budget and want the same cooking surface, the older 36-inch four-burner above delivers nearly the same capacity for less. The 127-pound weight also makes this model hard to move, even with caster wheels. Plan to set it in one spot and leave it there.

6. Blackstone 2350 OTG 22" Omnivore Griddle with Hood - Best Folding Portable

The 2350 OTG is the answer for campers and tailgaters who want more than a tabletop but still need portability. The flexfold legs collapse so the griddle folds into a suitcase-like shape with a handle and wheels. You roll it to the campsite, fold out the legs, and you have a freestanding griddle with 361 square inches of cooking space.

This is the model I would take to a tailgate where I did not want to haul a full 36-inch cart. The Omnivore plate is the same upgraded design as the bigger griddles, so you get faster preheat and better wind resistance than the older 22-inch tabletop. The locking hood protects the cooktop in transit and doubles as a wind block when open.

The two independently controlled burners give you two heat zones. That is enough for most camp cooking. I have run bacon and eggs on one side while warming tortillas on the other, all from a unit that fits in the trunk.

The 78-pound weight is the catch. This is heavier than the 22-inch tabletop because of the cart frame and folding mechanism. It rolls well on flat ground, but lifting it into a truck bed takes two people.

With 913 reviews and a 4.7-star average, the 2350 OTG has earned strong feedback from the camping and tailgating community. The powder-coated steel construction holds up better to travel than bare metal finishes.

For Whom This Griddle Is Best Suited

This is the best Blackstone for serious tailgaters, RV owners, and campers who want a freestanding griddle without committing to a full 36-inch cart. The folding design makes it the most travel-friendly griddle in this guide with a real cooktop.

For Whom This Griddle Is a Poor Fit

If you only cook at home and never travel with your griddle, save the money and buy the standard 22-inch tabletop or step up to a 28-inch cart. The folding mechanism adds cost you will not benefit from if the griddle never moves.

7. Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Omnivore Tabletop Griddle - Best Budget Blackstone

The 17-inch tabletop is the cheapest way to get into Blackstone cooking. At 17.5 pounds and 267 square inches of cooking space, it is the smallest model in this guide, but it still feeds two to four people comfortably. With over 1,375 reviews and a 4.7-star average, this little griddle has earned a loyal following.

I keep one of these in the camper for quick breakfasts. The single H-style burner produces even heat across the surface, and the push-and-turn Piezo ignition means no batteries or lighters needed. The stainless steel front plate cleans up with a wipe, and the powder-coated steel body shrugs off travel abuse.

The rear grease management system is the same design as the bigger Blackstones, scaled down. Grease flows to the back and into a removable cup. For a sub-200-dollar griddle, this is impressive engineering.

The trade-off is cooking surface and burner count. You get 267 square inches and one heat zone. That means you cook everything at roughly the same temperature. For eggs and bacon that is fine, but if you want to sear burgers on high while keeping buns warm on low, you need a bigger model.

Some reviewers note a learning curve for new flat-top cooks. Temperature control on a single-burner griddle takes practice, especially for foods that burn easily. Once you get the hang of it, the 17-inch is a capable little cooker.

For Whom This Griddle Is Best Suited

This is the best Blackstone for first-time buyers who want to test flat-top cooking without a big investment. It is also ideal for solo cooks, couples, or small families who do not need the capacity of the bigger models. The 17.5-pound weight makes it the lightest Blackstone in the lineup.

For Whom This Griddle Is a Poor Fit

If you cook for more than three people regularly, the 267-square-inch surface will frustrate you. The single-burner setup also rules out multi-zone cooking. Step up to the 22-inch tabletop or 28-inch cart if you need more flexibility.

8. Blackstone 2364 12" x 14" Camping Griddle with Side Burner - Most Compact with Bonus Burner

The 2364 is the newest and smallest griddle in this guide, and it does something no other Blackstone on this list does: it adds a side burner. The 168-square-inch ceramic titanium-coated griddle top handles your standard flat-top cooking, while the side burner holds up to an 8-inch pot for soups, chili, or hot drinks.

This is the griddle I would pack for a hunting trip where space and weight matter. The briefcase design with secure latches and a carry handle packs down to 17 by 21 by 5.83 inches. The leveling feet adjust for uneven terrain, which matters more than you think when your campsite table is a picnic table on a slope.

The dual cooking capability is the real selling point. You can cook eggs and bacon on the griddle while heating water for coffee on the side burner. That is something none of the other Blackstone models in this guide can do without a separate stove.

The catch is the non-stick ceramic titanium coating. Unlike the carbon steel and Omnivore plates on the other Blackstones, this top cannot handle metal utensils or abrasive scrub pads. You need silicone or wood tools, and cleanup requires a soft sponge. For some campers that is fine. For others who treat their cookware roughly, the coating may not last.

With only 58 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, this is the least-proven model in this guide. The rating is still solid, but the sample size is small. The propane adapter hose is also sold separately, so factor that into your total cost.

For Whom This Griddle Is Best Suited

This is the best Blackstone for backpack car campers, hunters, and anyone who values compact storage and dual cooking capability. The side burner adds versatility that no other model here offers. If you cook at remote sites where every inch of pack space matters, this is your griddle.

For Whom This Griddle Is a Poor Fit

If you want a traditional carbon steel Blackstone cooktop that you can season and abuse with metal tools, this is not it. The non-stick coating changes the cooking and cleaning experience. The small 168-square-inch surface also rules out cooking for more than two people at once.

How to Choose the Best Blackstone Griddle for Your Needs

Buying a Blackstone comes down to four decisions: size, burner count, cooktop type, and portability. Get those right and you will end up with a griddle you actually use. Get them wrong and you end up with a 100-pound paperweight on your patio.

Size: Which Blackstone Should You Buy?

The size question is the most common one in the Blackstone community, and the answer depends on how many people you cook for. Here is how I break it down after cooking on every size in the lineup.

The 17-inch tabletop is for one to three people. It is the lightest and cheapest option, perfect for testing whether you like flat-top cooking. The 22-inch tabletop and the 22-inch folding OTG are for two to four people, ideal for camping and small patios. The 28-inch cart models are the family sweet spot, feeding four to six people with room to spare. The 36-inch cart models are for crowds, parties, and anyone who treats outdoor cooking as a serious hobby.

The size you do not need is the one that sits unused. Buy the smallest griddle that fits your regular cooking needs. You can always cook in batches. You cannot easily store a 36-inch cart if you run out of patio space.

Burner Configuration and Heat Zones

Burner count directly controls how many different heat zones you can run at once. One burner means one temperature across the whole surface. Two burners give you two zones. Four burners give you four zones.

For most families, two heat zones are enough. You can cook eggs on low while bacon sears on high. The 28-inch dual-burner models hit this sweet spot. Step up to four burners only if you regularly cook multiple dishes at different temperatures at the same time.

Omnivore Plate vs Standard Steel Cooktop

The Omnivore plate is Blackstone's upgraded cooktop design with built-in wind guards and faster heat recovery. In my testing, Omnivore plates preheat in about 8 minutes versus 12 to 15 minutes for the older standard plates. The wind guards also help in breezy conditions where older plates develop cold spots.

If you are buying new in 2026, get an Omnivore model if your budget allows. The faster preheat and better wind resistance are worth it. If you are buying used or on a tight budget, the older standard steel plate still cooks the same food, it just takes longer to get there.

The Rust Problem and How to Avoid It

Rust is the single most common complaint in the Blackstone community. Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and Amazon reviews all surface the same issue: owners report their cooktops rusting even with regular care. Based on my research and personal experience, almost every rust problem traces back to three causes.

First, improper initial seasoning. Carbon steel cooktops need to be seasoned like cast iron before first use, and most new owners rush this step. Second, exposure to rain and humidity. A uncovered griddle will rust, period. Buy a cover or store the griddle indoors. Third, improper cleaning. Soap, water, and abrasive scrubbers strip the seasoning layer and expose bare steel to moisture.

If you season properly, cover the griddle, and clean with just heat and oil, rust is a non-issue. If you skip any of those steps, you will be the next person posting rust photos to Reddit.

Propane Requirements

All Blackstone griddles in this guide run on standard 20-pound propane tanks, the same tanks you use for a barbecue grill. The tabletop models (17-inch and 22-inch) can also run on 1-pound disposable cylinders with the right adapter, which is handy for camping. The 12x14 camping griddle requires a propane adapter hose, sold separately.

Burn time varies by model and burner count. A 36-inch four-burner griddle running all four burners on high will drain a 20-pound tank in about 8 to 10 hours. A 17-inch single-burner model sips propane and can run for 20-plus hours on the same tank.

Blackstone vs Pit Boss vs Camp Chef

The most common brand comparison in the forums is Blackstone versus Pit Boss and Camp Chef. Based on my research, Blackstone wins on price-to-performance ratio and the breadth of the lineup. Pit Boss competes on similar features at similar prices, with some owners preferring their build quality. Camp Chef earns praise for thicker cooktops and better customer service, but at a higher price point.

If durability and customer service are your top priorities, Camp Chef is worth the premium. If you want the widest accessory ecosystem and the lowest entry price, Blackstone is the pick. Pit Boss sits in the middle on both counts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blackstone Griddles

Final Verdict: The Best Blackstone Griddles in 2026

After testing every model in the lineup, my top pick for the best Blackstone griddle in 2026 is the Blackstone 1517 Original 28-inch Omnivore. It hits the sweet spot of cooking surface, price, and family-friendly capacity. For campers and tailgaters, the 1666 22-inch Tabletop delivers the best portability value. And if you want to test flat-top cooking for the lowest possible investment, the 1971 17-inch Tabletop is the budget pick that still cooks real food.

Whatever you choose, season the cooktop properly, buy a cover, and clean with heat and oil instead of soap. Do that and your Blackstone will outlast the warranty and keep feeding your family for years.