You’ve seen the videos. You’ve watched people flip smash burgers, cook full breakfasts, and feed entire crowds on a flat-top griddle — and now you want one.
But here’s the problem.
Blackstone makes a LOT of griddles. Different sizes, different burners, different features — and picking the wrong one means spending money on something that doesn’t fit your life.
That’s exactly why we put this guide together.
After researching every major Blackstone model, we’re breaking down the best Blackstone griddle options for every type of cook — beginner or pro, backyard or campsite, small family or big crowd.
Let’s find your perfect flat top.
Table of Contents
Why Blackstone? Here’s What Makes Them Different
Before we get into the models, let’s talk about why Blackstone dominates the griddle world.
Blackstone didn’t just make a griddle — they created an entirely new category of outdoor cooking. Since 2008, they’ve been the brand that introduced millions of Americans to flat-top cooking, and for good reason.
Here’s what sets Blackstone apart from every other brand:
Cold-Rolled Steel Cooking Surface — This isn’t just any metal. Cold-rolled steel seasons beautifully over time, creating a natural non-stick surface that gets better with every cook. No chemicals, no coating — just pure seasoned steel.
Independent Burner Zones — Whether you’re cooking pancakes on low or searing steaks on high, Blackstone’s independent burners give you total heat control. Multiple things cooking at multiple temperatures — at the same time.
Rear Grease Management — Blackstone’s grease channel system is genuinely one of the best in the business. Clean, efficient, and way less messy than competitors.
Massive Community Support — Millions of Blackstone owners means millions of recipes, tips, and tricks online. You’ll never run out of inspiration or help.
Now let’s get into the models.
Difference Between Griddle and Grill – Which One Should You Choose?
What to Look For in the Best Blackstone Griddle
Before buying, ask yourself these four questions:
1. How Many People Are You Cooking For?
This is the single most important factor. Cooking for 2–4 people? A 22″ or 28″ model is perfect. Feeding 6–12+ people regularly? You need the 36″.
2. Where Will You Use It?
Backyard only? Go bigger. Camping, tailgating, road trips? Portability matters — stick with smaller, foldable models.
3. Do You Want a Hood?
A hood turns your griddle into a more versatile cooker — great for melting cheese, keeping food warm, and even some light smoking. Not essential, but very useful.
4. What’s Your Budget?
Blackstone has options from around $100 to $500+. More money gets you more burners, more surface area, and better built-in features like side shelves and cabinets.
Best Blackstone Griddle Models in 2025
🥇 Best Overall — Blackstone 36″ 4-Burner Flat Top Griddle
If you asked us to pick just one best Blackstone griddle — this is it.
The Blackstone 36″ is the griddle that started the flat-top revolution, and it’s still the gold standard in 2025. Four independent burners give you 720 square inches of cooking space — enough to cook 28 burgers, a full breakfast spread, or enough stir fry to feed your entire neighborhood.
What We Love:
- 720 sq inches of cooking space
- 4 independent burner zones with precise heat control
- H-style burners for even heat distribution
- Built-in grease management system
- Sturdy side shelves for prep space
- Foldable legs on some versions for storage
Who It’s For: Large families, backyard entertainers, serious outdoor cooks who want maximum cooking real estate.
The One Downside: It’s big and heavy. Not something you’ll throw in the car for a camping trip. This is a stay-at-home griddle — and it earns that spot.
🏕️ Best for Camping & Tailgating — Blackstone 22″ Tabletop Griddle
Don’t let the smaller size fool you. The Blackstone 22″ Tabletop Griddle is an absolute powerhouse in a compact package — and it’s one of the most popular best Blackstone griddle picks for people who want portability without sacrificing performance.
Two burners, 339 square inches of cooking space, and a design that folds flat for easy transport. It runs on a standard 1lb propane bottle or with an adapter on a full tank.
What We Love:
- Compact and portable — perfect for camping and tailgating
- Two independent burners with good heat range
- Surprisingly large cooking surface for its size
- Sets up in minutes — no tools required
- Affordable price point
Who It’s For: Campers, tailgaters, RV owners, apartment dwellers with limited outdoor space, and anyone who wants a griddle they can take anywhere.
The One Downside: Cooking for large groups takes longer since you’re working with less surface area. Plan your cook accordingly.
🍳 Best for Beginners — Blackstone 28″ 2-Burner Griddle
Caught between the 22″ and the 36″ and not sure which to choose? The Blackstone 28″ is your answer.
This is the best Blackstone griddle for people who are just getting started with flat-top cooking. It’s big enough to cook for a family of 4–6 comfortably, but not so massive that it feels overwhelming. Two burners keep things simple while still giving you independent heat zones.
What We Love:
- Perfect middle-ground size — not too big, not too small
- Two burner setup is easy to manage for beginners
- 470 square inches of cooking space — plenty for most families
- Available with or without a hood
- More affordable than the 36″ model
Who It’s For: Beginners, small to medium families, people who want to try flat-top cooking without going all-in on the biggest model.
The One Downside: If your family grows or you start hosting more people, you might wish you went bigger. It’s a great starter griddle — but some people outgrow it faster than expected.
Difference Between Griddle and Grill – Which One Should You Choose?
🔥 Best Premium Pick — Blackstone 36″ Griddle with Hood and Cabinet
If you want the ultimate backyard cooking station — this is it.
The Blackstone 36″ with Hood and Cabinet takes everything great about the standard 36″ and adds a full hood for versatile cooking and a built-in cabinet for storage. This is less of a griddle and more of a complete outdoor kitchen.
What We Love:
- Everything from the standard 36″ — plus a hood
- Hood allows for steaming, melting, and keeping food warm
- Built-in cabinet keeps propane tanks and accessories organized
- Premium look and feel — this is a showpiece for your backyard
- Wind guards help maintain consistent heat
Who It’s For: Serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want a permanent, professional-grade setup in their backyard.
The One Downside: It’s heavy, it’s bulky, and it’s not going anywhere once you set it up. Also the most expensive option on this list — but worth every penny if outdoor cooking is your passion.
Blackstone Griddle Size Comparison — Quick Guide
| Model | Burners | Cooking Space | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22″ Tabletop | 2 | 339 sq in | Camping, tailgating |
| 28″ Griddle | 2 | 470 sq in | Beginners, small families |
| 36″ Classic | 4 | 720 sq in | Large families, backyard |
| 36″ with Hood | 4 | 720 sq in | Premium backyard setup |
How to Season Your New Blackstone Griddle
Bought your griddle? Great. Now don’t make the rookie mistake of cooking on it straight out of the box.
Seasoning is everything. Here’s the quick version:
Step 1: Heat your griddle on high for 10–15 minutes until it starts to darken.
Step 2: Apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil — flaxseed, avocado, or Blackstone’s own seasoning oil work great.
Step 3: Spread the oil evenly across the entire surface with a paper towel held by tongs.
Step 4: Let it burn off completely — the surface will turn dark brown or black. That’s good.
Step 5: Repeat 2–3 more times.
After 3–4 seasoning rounds, your griddle surface is ready. And it only gets better from here.
Common Blackstone Griddle Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best Blackstone griddle, people make these mistakes:
Using too much oil — A thin layer is all you need. Too much oil creates a sticky, gummy surface.
Not preheating long enough — Give your griddle at least 10 minutes to fully heat up before cooking.
Washing with soap — Never use dish soap on a seasoned griddle. It strips the seasoning you worked hard to build. Just scrape, wipe, and re-oil.
Leaving it uncovered — Always cover your griddle when not in use. Rust is the enemy, and a good cover keeps moisture out.
Final Verdict — Which Is the Best Blackstone Griddle for You?
Here’s our simple breakdown:
- Want the best all-around griddle? → Blackstone 36″ 4-Burner
- Need something portable? → Blackstone 22″ Tabletop
- Just starting out? → Blackstone 28″ 2-Burner
- Want the ultimate backyard setup? → Blackstone 36″ with Hood and Cabinet
No matter which model you choose, one thing is certain — a Blackstone griddle will change the way you cook outdoors. The first time you make smash burgers, cook a full breakfast for your family, or whip up fried rice on a flat-top — you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
