Feature Photo: Brian Kachejian
Blackstone griddles have revolutionized outdoor cooking by bringing restaurant-quality flat-top grilling to backyards across America. These propane-powered cooking stations feature solid steel cooking surfaces that deliver superior heat distribution and cooking versatility compared to traditional grates. With 1.2 billion TikTok views and 92% of customers using their griddles monthly, Blackstone has created a cultural phenomenon that transforms outdoor cooking from a weekend hobby into an everyday culinary experience.
What makes Blackstone griddles unique
Blackstone griddles operate through conduction heating, where gas burners heat a thick cold-rolled steel surface (typically 7-gauge, 1/8″ to 3/16″ thick) that transfers heat directly to food through contact. This differs fundamentally from traditional grills that use radiant heat and convection through grates. The result is even browning across the entire food surface rather than just grill marks at contact points.
The core cooking mechanism involves multiple independently controlled H-style burners (ranging from 12,000 to 15,000 BTUs each) that heat the steel surface uniformly. This creates consistent temperature zones across the cooking surface, allowing simultaneous cooking of different foods at various temperatures. The 7-gauge cold-rolled steel construction provides excellent heat retention and distribution, maintaining consistent cooking temperatures even in windy conditions.
Compared to traditional grills, Blackstone griddles offer several key advantages: no food falls through grates, juices and flavors are retained on the cooking surface, and small items like eggs and rice can be cooked easily. However, traditional grills provide distinctive smoky flavors and classic grill marks that griddles cannot replicate. The trade-off is between convenience and versatility (griddles) versus traditional barbecue flavor (grills).
The rise of griddle popularity
Blackstone’s meteoric rise stems from multiple converging factors. The social media explosion on TikTok and YouTube showcased the visual appeal of griddle cooking, with viral videos demonstrating restaurant-quality results at home. Professional chefs praised the ability to replicate commercial kitchen flat-top cooking outdoors, while families discovered that griddle cooking becomes a shared activity that brings people together.
The pandemic accelerated adoption as people sought outdoor cooking solutions and home entertainment alternatives. Economic factors also played a role – griddles offer restaurant-quality meals at home while being more affordable than high-end traditional grills. The versatility appeal cannot be overstated: one appliance handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner with equal proficiency.
Consumer surveys reveal that 67% of Blackstone owners use their griddles more than once per week, with the primary benefit being increased family time during cooking. The “Swiss Army knife” functionality allows users to cook everything from pancakes and eggs to steaks and stir-fries on the same surface.
Complete model analysis and rankings
After extensive research across consumer reports, expert reviews, and customer feedback, here are the top 10 Blackstone griddles ranked by overall value, balancing price, features, performance, and user satisfaction:
# 10 – Blackstone 1883 – 28″ griddle with hood ($349-$399)
Key specifications: 524 square inches of cooking space, 2 H-style burners delivering 34,000 BTUs total, integrated protective hood, counter-height dual side shelves, and 2 heavy-duty wheels for mobility.
Standout features: The integrated hood provides weather protection and heat retention, while the counter-height design makes cooking more comfortable. The dual side shelves offer substantial prep space, and the wheel system enables easy positioning.
Performance strengths: Excellent heat distribution across the 28″ surface, quick 10-minute setup, and robust construction that handles frequent use. The hood significantly reduces wind interference and helps maintain consistent temperatures.
Value assessment: At $349-$399, this model offers good value for users wanting weather protection in a medium-sized griddle. The hood justifies the premium over basic 28″ models, though assembly complexity increases.
Amazon link:https://amzn.to/4lWQM4T
# 9 – Blackstone 2322 – 36″ premium with X-braced hood ($450-$550)
Key specifications: 768 square inches of cooking space, Omnivore griddle plate technology, X-braced hood for enhanced durability, 4 independently controlled heat zones, and BAR accessory system for customization.
Standout features: The X-braced hood design provides superior durability compared to standard hoods, while the Omnivore plate technology offers 35% better fuel efficiency and faster heating. The BAR (Blackstone Accessory Ready) system allows extensive customization with official accessories.
Performance strengths: Premium build quality with enhanced thermal efficiency, excellent heat retention with the reinforced hood, and professional-grade construction throughout. The Omnivore technology provides measurably better performance than standard plates.
Value assessment: This represents the top tier of Blackstone engineering with a price to match. The premium features justify the cost for serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want the best performance and durability.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Blackstone-2322-Original-X-Braced-Omnivore/dp/B0CWPMQP1R
# 8 – Blackstone 1853 – 28″ flat top with accessories ($300-$350)
Key specifications: 28″ cooking surface (524 square inches), 2 H-style burners with 34,000 BTUs total, built-in cutting board, garbage holder, rear grease management system, and electric ignition.
Standout features: The integrated cutting board provides convenient prep space, while the garbage holder keeps cleanup organized. The rear grease management system simplifies maintenance, and electric ignition eliminates the need for matches.
Performance strengths: Identical cooking performance to other 28″ models with enhanced convenience features. The built-in accessories reduce the need for additional purchases, and the electric ignition is reliable and convenient.
Value assessment: At $300-$350, this model offers excellent value for users who want integrated convenience features. The built-in cutting board and garbage holder justify the modest premium over basic 28″ models.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/40nXKYz
# 7 – Blackstone 1899 – 36″ griddle with hood ($500-$600)
Key specifications: 768 square inches of cooking space, 4 stainless steel tube burners delivering 60,000 BTUs, hinged hood for weather protection, dual side shelves with magnetic tool strip, and bottle opener integration.
Standout features: The hinged hood provides excellent weather protection and heat retention, while the magnetic tool strip keeps utensils organized. The dual side shelves offer substantial prep space, and the bottle opener adds convenience for entertaining.
Performance strengths: Superior heat retention with the hood closed, protection from wind and weather, and excellent build quality. The large cooking surface handles big groups efficiently, and the hood protects the griddle surface when not in use.
Value assessment: This model offers the best weather protection in the 36″ category. The hood justifies the premium for users in windy or variable weather conditions, though it adds complexity during cooking.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4kGMcXt
# 6 – Blackstone 1666 – 22″ tabletop without hood ($79-$99)
Key specifications: 361 square inches of cooking space, 2 H-style burners with 24,000 BTUs total, adjustable heat controls, integrated grease management, and no hood design for compact storage.
Standout features: The absence of a hood reduces weight and storage space while maintaining full cooking performance. The adjustable heat controls provide precise temperature management, and the compact design maximizes portability.
Performance strengths: Identical cooking performance to hooded 22″ models at a significantly lower price. The lightweight design improves portability, and the simple construction reduces maintenance requirements.
Value assessment: At $79-$99, this represents exceptional value for users who don’t need a hood. The large cooking surface at this price point is unmatched in the market, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4nU6Kib
# 5 – Blackstone 1814 – 17″ tabletop portable ($149-$199)
Key specifications: 268 square inches of cooking space, single H-style burner with 12,500 BTUs, integrated painted hood, adjustable rubber feet, and ultra-compact design weighing only 25 pounds.
Standout features: The lightest and most portable option in the lineup, the single burner design reduces complexity while maintaining even heat distribution. The integrated hood provides protection and heat retention, while the compact footprint fits in small spaces.
Performance strengths: Excellent portability for camping and tailgating, sufficient cooking capacity for 2-4 people, and simple operation that’s perfect for beginners. The quality construction matches larger models despite the compact size.
Value assessment: This represents the best entry point into Blackstone griddle cooking. The combination of affordability, portability, and performance makes it ideal for newcomers and occasional users.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4kLoqd6
#4 – Blackstone 1825 – 36″ original griddle station ($397-$450)
Key specifications: 720 square inches of cooking space, 4 independently controlled burners with 60,000 BTUs total, built-in cutting board, paper towel holder, garbage bag hook, and accessory side shelf.
Standout features: The proven design that established Blackstone’s reputation, featuring practical accessories like the integrated cutting board and paper towel holder. The side shelf provides additional prep space, and the garbage bag hook aids cleanup.
Performance strengths: Excellent heat distribution across the large surface, consistent performance backed by thousands of positive reviews, and durable construction that withstands regular use. The practical accessories enhance the cooking experience.
Value assessment: This classic model offers proven reliability at a competitive price. The practical features and established track record make it ideal for users who want a dependable large griddle without premium features.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3GPBkJ0
# 3 – Blackstone 2224 On-The-Go 22″ Omnivore Tabletop Griddle with Hood
($219-249)
Key specifications: 361 square inches of cooking space, 2 H-style burners delivering 24,000 BTUs total, integrated hood, stainless steel front panel, rear grease management system, and non-slip feet.
Standout features: The integrated hood provides weather protection and heat retention, while the stainless steel front panel adds durability and appearance. The non-slip feet ensure stability, and the rear grease management simplifies cleanup.
Performance strengths: Excellent heat distribution across the 22″ surface, superior portability for camping and tailgating, and weather protection from the hood. The cooking capacity easily handles 4-6 people, and the build quality matches larger models.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/46LtcDR
# 2 – Blackstone 1517 – 28″ 2-burner griddle station ($275-$350)
Key specifications: 524 square inches of cooking space, 2 independent H-style burners with 34,000 BTUs total, foldable legs for easy storage, removable griddle top, and 4 wheels for mobility.
Standout features: The foldable legs enable compact storage and transport, while the removable griddle top simplifies cleaning. The 4-wheel design provides excellent mobility, and the moderate size offers versatility without overwhelming smaller spaces.
Performance strengths: Perfect balance of cooking capacity and portability, excellent heat distribution across the surface, and durable construction that handles frequent use. The quick setup (10-15 minutes) makes it ideal for spontaneous cooking.
Value assessment: This model represents the sweet spot for most users, offering substantial cooking capacity in a manageable size at an affordable price. The versatility makes it suitable for camping, tailgating, and backyard cooking.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3IBxzY5
1. Blackstone 1554 – 36″ omnivore with folding shelves ($399-$475)
Key specifications: 768 square inches of cooking space, 4 independently controlled burners with 60,000 BTUs total, Omnivore griddle plate technology, dual folding side shelves, tool hooks, and enhanced fuel efficiency.
Standout features: The Omnivore griddle plate technology provides 35% better fuel efficiency, faster heating, and superior heat distribution compared to standard plates. The folding shelves save storage space while providing substantial prep area when deployed.
Performance strengths: Measurably superior performance with the Omnivore technology, excellent heat retention and distribution, faster preheat times, and reduced propane consumption. The large cooking surface handles big groups efficiently.
Value assessment: At $399-$475, this model offers cutting-edge technology at a competitive price. The Omnivore plate technology provides real performance benefits while the folding shelves enhance versatility. This represents the best overall value in the Blackstone lineup.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4o0KDH0
Key takeaways and recommendations
For beginners: Start with the Blackstone 1517 (28″) or 1813 (22″) for the best combination of affordability, performance, and manageable size.
For families: The Blackstone 1554 (36″ Omnivore) offers the best value with advanced technology and large cooking capacity.
For portability: Choose the Blackstone 1814 (17″) for maximum portability or the 1813 (22″) for better cooking capacity with good portability.
For serious cooks: The Blackstone 2322 (36″ Premium) provides top-tier features and performance for demanding users.
For weather protection: Models with hoods (1813, 1883, 1899, 2322) offer significant advantages in windy or variable weather conditions.
The Omnivore technology represents a significant advancement in griddle performance, offering measurable improvements in fuel efficiency, heat distribution, and cooking speed. Models featuring this technology (1554, 2322) provide the best long-term value through reduced operating costs and superior performance.
All Blackstone griddles share common strengths: excellent build quality, superior heat distribution, versatile cooking capabilities, and strong customer support. The choice depends primarily on size requirements, portability needs, feature preferences, and budget considerations. Each model in this top 10 list offers exceptional value in its respective category, representing the best options available in the current market.
