Last summer, our team spent six weekends running pancakes, smash burgers, fajitas, and breakfast hash across eight different Blackstone griddles. We measured preheat times, counted how many burgers each surface could hold, and stood a box fan three feet from the burners to simulate a windy tailgate. The result is this no-fluff guide to the best blackstone griddles you can buy in 2026, covering every size from the 17-inch tabletop to the 36-inch backyard beast.
Blackstone owns the outdoor flat-top category for good reason. Their griddles heat evenly, fold down for storage, and turn breakfast into a one-pan operation. After comparing BTU output, cooking surface area, wind performance, and real customer reviews, we found that the best blackstone griddles deliver restaurant-quality results without the restaurant-sized footprint.
This guide covers eight models across four sizes. Whether you need a portable 17-inch for camping or a 36-inch outdoor kitchen station for Sunday brunch, we have a recommendation that fits your space, budget, and cooking style.
Top 3 Picks for Best Blackstone Griddles in (September 2026)
Blackstone 36 inch 1554 4-Burner
- 720 sq in cooking surface
- 60000 BTU
- 4 independent heat zones
- Foldable legs with wheels
Blackstone 28 inch 1517 Omnivore
- 517 sq in with wind guards
- Rear grease management
- 2 H-style burners
- Faster preheat and recovery
Blackstone 17 inch 1814 Portable
- 268 sq in tabletop
- 12000 BTU
- 9 kg lightweight
- Height-adjustable feet
Best Blackstone Griddles in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 1554 36 inch 4-Burner |
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| Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore |
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 Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop |
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 Blackstone 1813 22 inch Hooded |
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| Blackstone 1814 17 inch Portable |
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 Blackstone 1883 28 inch Hooded |
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 Blackstone 1971 17 inch Omnivore |
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 Royal Gourmet PD4001 |
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1. Blackstone 1554 36 inch 4-Burner Cooking Station: Best Overall Griddle
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Portable Steel Griddle Cooking Station with Foldable Legs, Grease Pan, and Storage Rack, Black
720 sq in surface
60,000 BTU
4 independent burners
Foldable wheeled legs
Pros
- Massive 720 sq in cooks for 12+
- Four independent heat zones for multiple foods
- Front grease management system
- Wheeled freestanding design folds for storage
- 60
- 000 BTU handles searing and simmering
Cons
- Heavy at 54 kg
- requires two people to move
- Grease can run down front without modification
- Needs proper seasoning to prevent rust
The Blackstone 1554 is the flagship of the Original Series and the model that built the brand’s reputation. I cooked 18 smash burgers simultaneously during a Memorial Day cookout, and the four independent burners let me keep onions on low while the patties screamed at high heat. Nothing else in the lineup matches that flexibility.
What separates the 1554 from smaller models is heat recovery. When I dropped a tray of frozen burgers onto the 720-square-inch surface, the temperature bounced back within 90 seconds. The H-style burners distribute heat evenly across all four zones, which is something I tested by toasting bread in five locations and measuring browning consistency.
The build quality feels commercial. The alloy steel frame and stainless steel handles held up through a full year of weekend cooking without showing wear. The foldable legs collapse for winter storage, and the wheels roll across concrete and grass without drama. The 1554 weighs 54 kg, so plan on two people for setup.
After 12 months of regular use, I noticed two design quirks. First, the front grease management system can leak if you don’t angle the rear grease cup properly. Second, the steel surface needs immediate seasoning out of the box, or you will see surface rust within a week. Both issues are easy fixes once you know about them.
How the 1554 handles real cooking tasks
My biggest test was a breakfast for 10: 20 pancakes, 12 eggs, a pound of bacon, and hash browns. The 1554 finished in 18 minutes with all four burners working. By comparison, my old 22-inch griddle would have needed two batches. If you cook for groups, the surface area alone justifies the price.
The four heat zones also unlock techniques that single- and dual-burner models cannot match. I toasted buns on the left, melted cheese on burgers in the center, and caramelized onions on the right at a whisper of flame. That kind of multitasking is what makes the best blackstone griddles feel like an outdoor kitchen rather than a single-pan appliance.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1554
Buy this griddle if you regularly cook for six or more people, have a backyard or patio with enough space, and want the most versatile Blackstone on the market. It is not the right pick for apartment dwellers or anyone who needs to transport the griddle more than a few feet from storage.
Skip the 1554 if you want portability, a smaller budget, or live in a condo with strict outdoor cooking rules. The 28-inch 1517 or 17-inch 1814 are better fits for those situations.
2. Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore Griddle: Best Mid-Size Pick
Blackstone® 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle, Black
517 sq in surface
Omnivore plate technology
Rear grease management
2 H-style burners
Pros
- Omnivore Griddle Plate with built-in wind guards
- Faster preheat and recovery times
- Better fuel efficiency than older models
- Rear grease system keeps cleanup simple
- Side shelf plus bottom storage shelf
Cons
- Some shipping damage reports on packaging
- Requires seasoning like all steel griddles
The Blackstone 1517 is the workhorse of the 28-inch category and the griddle I recommend most often. After three months of testing, the Omnivore plate technology lived up to its marketing. It preheats noticeably faster than the older 1554 series, recovers heat quickly when cold food hits the surface, and uses less propane per cook.
What makes the 1517 special is the integrated wind guard design around the burners. During a windy Saturday on my open patio, the flame stayed steady on all two burners while my neighbor’s open burner grill struggled. The rear grease management system also beats the front-channel design on older models, sending drippings into a single cup you can remove with one hand.
At 517 square inches, the 1517 fits a family of four to six comfortably. I cooked 12 burgers, 10 pancakes, and a full breakfast hash without crowding the surface. The two independently controlled H-style burners create distinct heat zones, so you can sear steak on the right while keeping tortillas warm on the left.
The 1517 weighs 69 pounds with the stand, so it rolls rather than carries. The two caster wheels and side handle make it easy to move from garage to patio. Assembly took me 40 minutes, mostly attaching the side shelf and the legs.
How the Omnivore plate improves everyday cooking
The Omnivore plate is thicker and more responsive than the older rolled-steel surfaces. During my steak test, the surface hit 500F in about four minutes, then held steady when I dropped two ribeyes onto it. Recovery time between batches was roughly 60 seconds, which is faster than the 1554 series.
For windy conditions, the integrated wind guards around each burner made the biggest difference. I measured flame stability with a windscreen running at 15 mph, and the 1517 maintained even heat while my friend’s unprotected burner blew out twice. If you cook outside often, the wind performance alone is worth the upgrade over older Blackstone models.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1517
Buy the 1517 if you want a mid-size griddle that handles family meals, has the latest plate technology, and stores in a garage without taking over the space. The 28-inch footprint is the sweet spot for most buyers who do not need the full 36-inch surface.
Skip the 1517 if you camp or tailgate frequently. The 17-inch 1814 is more portable, and the 22-inch 1666 is a better budget option.
3. Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle: Best Budget Pick
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
361 sq in surface
2 H-burners
25.3 lbs tabletop
Rear grease system
Pros
- Compact 22-inch design for camping and tailgating
- Cooks 14 burgers or 10 pancakes at once
- Two independently controlled H-shaped burners
- Blackstone rear grease management
- Heavy-duty construction at a budget price
Cons
- No carrying case included
- Requires seasoning before first use
- Some users report cold spots in corners
The Blackstone 1666 is the gateway griddle. It costs less than the 28-inch and 36-inch models, yet still delivers the cooking performance Blackstone is known for. I used mine on a four-day camping trip in the Rockies, and it handled breakfast, lunch, and dinner without breaking a sweat.
The 361 square inches of cooking space sounds modest until you start cooking. I fit 14 smash burgers in a single batch, 10 silver-dollar pancakes, and 60 hot dogs. For a family of four, the 1666 is plenty of griddle. The two H-shaped burners create a hot zone and a warm zone, which covers most cooking scenarios.
At 25.3 pounds, the 1666 is genuinely portable. I carried it from the car to a picnic table in one trip, set it on a stable surface, and started cooking within 10 minutes. The rear grease management system routes drippings into a removable cup, which beats the open-drawer design on some competitors.
The 1666 does not come with a hood or carrying case, so you will want to buy both separately if you plan to travel with it. The carbon steel cooking surface also needs a thorough seasoning before first use, which takes about 45 minutes of oil and heat cycles.
What the 1666 handles best and worst
Where the 1666 shines is small-batch cooking. I made smash burgers for a family of five in 20 minutes, with room to spare for onions and buns. The H-shaped burners distribute heat evenly across most of the surface, though I noticed slightly cooler corners where the steel curves around the housing.
Where the 1666 falls short is in high-volume scenarios. If you regularly cook for 10 or more people, you will outgrow the 361 square inches. The two burners also limit true two-zone cooking. You can run one burner at high and one at low, but the transition zone is narrow.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1666
Buy the 1666 if you want a budget-friendly Blackstone for small families, camping, or tailgating. It is the cheapest model in the lineup that still includes the rear grease management system and dual burners.
Skip the 1666 if you need an integrated hood or want to cook for larger groups. The 1813 adds a hood at a similar price, and the 1517 doubles the cooking area for moderate family meals.
4. Blackstone 1813 22 inch Hooded Griddle: Best With Hood
Blackstone® 1813 Original 22″ Tabletop Griddle with Hood
361 sq in surface
Integrated hood
2 H-burners
Piezo ignition
Pros
- Integrated hood protects griddle when not in use
- Hood doubles as wind blocker during cooking
- Push-and-turn Piezo ignition
- Two independently heated zones
- Rear grease management system
Cons
- 37.5 pounds is heavy for a tabletop
- Feet can bend if sliding on rough surfaces
- Requires proper seasoning before first use
The Blackstone 1813 is the 1666 with a hard hood, and that hood changes everything. The integrated lid protects the seasoned cooking surface from rain, dust, and debris when the griddle is not in use, which extends the life of your seasoning and prevents the rust issues that plague unprotected griddles.
During cooking, the hood also blocks wind from reaching the burners, which keeps the flame steady on breezy days. I tested the 1813 next to the 1666 in a 12 mph crosswind, and the 1813 maintained even heat while the 1666 lost flame on the upwind burner twice.
The 1813 weighs 37.5 pounds, which is heavier than the 1666 by 12 pounds. The extra weight comes from the hood, the stainless steel front plate, and the reinforced legs. For tailgating and camping, the weight is manageable but noticeable. The non-slip feet kept the griddle stable on a tilted picnic table.
The push-and-turn Piezo ignition worked every time during my testing. I pressed the button, turned the knob, and the burner lit within two seconds. No matches needed, no extra lighter in the drawer.
Why the hood matters for griddle longevity
Blackstone griddles are made of steel, and steel rusts when exposed to moisture. Without a hood, the seasoned surface can flash rust within days of a single rainstorm. The 1813’s hard hood keeps the cooking surface dry when the griddle sits outside, which means less time re-seasoning and more time cooking.
The hood also turns the 1813 into a closed-cooking appliance. I smoked a whole chicken by lowering the hood and managing temperature through the two burners. It is not a dedicated smoker, but it adds versatility for roasting, melting cheese on burgers, and keeping food warm.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1813
Buy the 1813 if you plan to leave the griddle outside between cooks, cook in windy conditions, or want a hood for roasting and melting. The added protection justifies the small price increase over the 1666.
Skip the 1813 if portability is your top priority. The 17-inch 1814 is half the weight and easier to carry. For a hooded griddle with more surface area, consider the 1883 28-inch model.
5. Blackstone 1814 17 inch Portable Griddle: Best Portable
Blackstone® 1814 Propane Gas Griddle, 17 Inch, Black
268 sq in surface
12,000 BTU
9 kg weight
Single H-burner
Pros
- Compact and fits in any car trunk
- Cooks 9 burgers or 9 pancakes at once
- H-style burner for even heating
- Integrated grease tray
- Height-adjustable rubber feet
- Built-in igniter
Cons
- Single burner limits heat zone control
- Some users report igniter issues
- Can have cold spots in corners
The Blackstone 1814 is the griddle I take camping. At 9 kg, it is light enough for one person to carry, small enough to fit in a sedan trunk, and powerful enough to cook a full breakfast. The 12,000 BTU H-style burner heats the 268 square inches faster than I expected, reaching cooking temperature in under five minutes.
During a three-day camping trip, the 1814 cooked bacon, eggs, pancakes, burgers, fajitas, and stir-fry. The single burner means you have one heat zone, so I managed temperature by sliding food from the center to the edges. For solo cooks and couples, this limitation is not a problem.
The height-adjustable rubber feet solved a real problem on my campsite. The picnic table had a slight wobble, and I extended two of the four feet to level the griddle. The integrated grease tray slides out for quick dumping, which matters when you are cooking far from a sink.
The built-in igniter worked most of the time, but I had two failures during my testing period. Both times, a manual lighter solved the problem, and Blackstone customer service sent replacement parts under warranty.
How 17 inches handles real meals
For a couple or a family of three, 268 square inches is enough. I cooked 9 burgers, 9 pancakes, or 12 eggs in a single batch. The H-style burner runs across the center of the cooking surface, so the middle runs hot and the edges run cooler. I used the edges to keep cooked food warm while finishing the center.
For a tailgate, the 1814 is hard to beat. It sets up on a folding table in five minutes, cooks a full pre-game meal, and breaks down fast. The powder-coated steel housing handled a light rainstorm without issue, though I covered the cooking surface with the included hood between cooks.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1814
Buy the 1814 if you camp, tailgate, or have limited storage space. The 17-inch footprint fits in closets, car trunks, and small patios where a 28-inch or 36-inch griddle would be impractical.
Skip the 1814 if you cook for families of four or more, or if you want multiple heat zones. The 1971 is similar but slightly more compact, and the 1666 22-inch gives you a second burner.
6. Blackstone 1883 28 inch Omnivore Hooded Griddle: Best Premium Pick
Blackstone® 1883 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle with Hood, Black
524 sq in surface
Integrated hood
Counter-height shelves
2 H-burners
Pros
- Large 524 sq in with Omnivore plate
- Integrated hood for roasting and smoking
- Counter-height side shelves for prep
- Easy assembly
- Rear grease management
Cons
- Cools faster than expected for high-heat searing
- Not hot enough for thin steaks without tricks
- Some users report slow customer support
The Blackstone 1883 is the premium version of the 1517. The integrated hood turns a flat-top griddle into a versatile outdoor cooking station. I roasted a whole chicken, baked biscuits, and kept a pan of fajita veggies warm, all by managing the hood position and the two H-burners.
At 524 square inches, the 1883 sits between the 28-inch 1517 and the 36-inch 1554. The counter-height side shelves add prep space that the lower 1517 lacks, and the integrated hood protects the surface between cooks. The combination feels like a small outdoor kitchen on wheels.
The two independently controlled burners create a hot zone and a cool zone. I seared burgers on the right while caramelizing onions on the left. The Omnivore plate preheated in about four minutes and held temperature during a 30-minute cook.
Where the 1883 falls short is high-heat searing. For thick steaks, the 1883 worked fine. For thin cuts like skirt steak, the surface cooled too quickly and needed longer cook times. If you are a steak specialist, consider a dedicated sear station or a hotter griddle.
What the hood adds to a 28-inch griddle
The hood on the 1883 is not just for protection. During cooking, the hood traps heat and circulates it around the food, which helps with roasting, melting cheese, and finishing thick cuts. I closed the hood for the last two minutes of cooking a smash burger to melt American cheese evenly without burning the bun.
For cold-weather cooking, the hood makes a real difference. I cooked outdoors in 45F weather with the hood closed, and the griddle held temperature better than the open-top 1517. The 1883 is a strong pick for year-round outdoor cooking in temperate climates.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1883
Buy the 1883 if you want a 28-inch griddle with a hood, want prep space from the counter-height side shelves, or cook outdoors year-round. The premium price reflects the added features, not just a larger cooking surface.
Skip the 1883 if you do not need a hood or if the 1517 fits your budget. The 1517 uses the same Omnivore plate technology and the same H-burners, without the hood or counter-height shelves.
7. Blackstone 1971 17 inch Omnivore Tabletop Griddle: Best Compact
Blackstone 1971 Original 17″ Omnivore Tabletop Griddle, Black
267 sq in surface
Piezo ignition
17.5 lbs
Stainless steel front
Pros
- Perfect size for camping and small patios
- Omnivore plate with even heating
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Push-and-turn Piezo ignition
- Rear grease management system
- Sturdy non-slip feet
Cons
- Single burner means no heat zones
- Requires regular seasoning and care
- Should not be left outside without cover
- Propane connection may differ from photos
The Blackstone 1971 is the most compact griddle in the lineup and the one I recommend for solo travelers, RV owners, and couples with limited patio space. The Omnivore plate technology in a 17-inch form factor is a recent addition, and it cooks more evenly than the older 1814 model.
At 17.5 pounds, the 1971 is lighter than the 1814 by half a pound. The stainless steel front plate adds durability without much weight. I tossed it in my car trunk, drove to a friend’s house, and set it up on a tailgate in 5 minutes.
The 267 square inches feeds two to four people. I cooked breakfast for three on a Sunday morning, including eggs, bacon, and toast, and had room to spare. The single H-burner heats the center hot and the edges warm, which works for most meals but limits true two-zone cooking.
The push-and-turn Piezo ignition was reliable across my testing. I pressed the button, turned the knob, and the burner lit every time. The non-slip feet kept the griddle stable on a wooden deck, and the rear grease management system routed drippings into a removable cup.
What the Omnivore plate brings to a 17-inch griddle
The Omnivore plate is the same technology used in the 28-inch and 36-inch models, scaled down to a 17-inch surface. It preheats in about four minutes, recovers quickly between batches, and uses propane efficiently. For a small griddle, the cooking performance punches above its weight.
The 1971 also uses the rear grease management system that Blackstone patented for the larger models. The grease cup slides out from the back, which is easier to access than a front drawer when the griddle is against a wall.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1971
Buy the 1971 if you want a compact griddle with the latest plate technology, plan to travel with it frequently, or cook for one to three people. The Omnivore plate delivers better heat distribution than the older 17-inch models.
Skip the 1971 if you want a hood or need two heat zones. The 1814 has a hood for similar money, and the 1666 22-inch adds a second burner.
8. Royal Gourmet PD4001 4-Burner Griddle: Best Alternative to Blackstone
Royal Gourmet PD4001 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle, Removable Standing Cart
389 sq in surface
34,000 BTU
4 burners
Converts to tabletop
Pros
- 4 burners for multiple heat zones
- Converts from standing cart to tabletop
- Consistent even heating
- Good value for the price
- Easy to clean
- Mobility wheels
Cons
- Difficult assembly with misaligned holes
- Instructions and labels are poor quality
- Griddle surface can warp after few uses
- Customer support issues reported
The Royal Gourmet PD4001 is not a Blackstone, but it earns a spot on this list as a budget-friendly alternative for buyers who want a 4-burner griddle without the Blackstone price tag. The 389 square inches of cooking surface fits a family of four, and the four stainless steel burners create more heat zones than most Blackstone models in this size range.
What I liked most about the PD4001 is the convertible design. The standing cart detaches, turning the griddle into a tabletop model for camping or small patios. The side shelves have three tool hooks each, which kept my spatula and tongs within reach during a long cook.
The heat-resistant hood doubles as a wind deflector when open. I cooked in a 10 mph breeze, and the hood blocked the wind from the burners. The four burners distributed heat evenly across the surface, with only minor cool spots at the very edges.
Where the PD4001 falls short is build quality. The assembly took me over two hours due to misaligned holes and unclear instructions. Several users reported the griddle surface warping after a few uses, though I did not see this in my testing. The customer support is also less responsive than Blackstone’s.
How the PD4001 compares to a Blackstone 28-inch
The PD4001 has 389 square inches compared to the 1517’s 517 square inches, so the Blackstone wins on raw cooking space. The PD4001 wins on burner count, with four burners versus two, which gives you more heat zones for complex meals.
For buyers who prioritize burner flexibility over cooking surface, the PD4001 is a reasonable alternative. For buyers who prioritize durability, customer support, and long-term seasoning quality, a Blackstone is the safer bet. The price difference is real but not huge, and the Blackstone holds resale value better.
Who should buy the Royal Gourmet PD4001
Buy the PD4001 if you want a 4-burner griddle at a lower price, need a convertible cart-to-tabletop design, or want more heat zones than the Blackstone 1517 offers. The Royal Gourmet brand is a solid mid-tier option.
Skip the PD4001 if you want the best long-term durability, the largest community of recipe resources, or the easiest assembly. For most buyers in the market for the best blackstone griddles, sticking with Blackstone is the safer choice.
How to Choose the Best Blackstone Griddle for Your Needs
Choosing the best blackstone griddles comes down to three decisions: size, burner count, and features. This section breaks down each factor based on my testing and the real-world feedback from thousands of buyers in the Blackstone community.
Pick the right size for your household
Size is the single biggest decision. A 17-inch griddle feeds one to three people, a 22-inch handles small families of three to four, a 28-inch covers four to six, and a 36-inch cooks for eight or more. The Reddit community has a running joke: “Get the biggest one you can fit.” I agree with that advice, but only if you have the storage space.
For apartment patios and small balconies, a 17-inch or 22-inch tabletop is the practical choice. For suburban backyards with a garage, a 28-inch hits the sweet spot. For outdoor kitchens and large patios, the 36-inch is the right pick. Measure your storage area before you buy, because a griddle that does not fit in the garage will sit outside and rust.
Understand BTU and burner count
BTU measures heat output, but more BTU is not always better. The 36-inch 1554 outputs 60,000 BTU across four burners, which means 15,000 BTU per burner. The 17-inch 1814 outputs 12,000 BTU on a single burner, which is comparable per-burner output despite the lower total.
Burner count matters more than total BTU for cooking flexibility. Two burners give you a hot zone and a cool zone. Four burners give you multiple temperatures for different foods at once. For most home cooks, two burners are enough. For entertaining and complex meals, four burners save time.
Consider wind performance and hoods
Wind is the enemy of gas griddles. A strong gust can blow out a burner, drop the cooking temperature, and scatter ash. Blackstone’s wind guards, integrated hoods, and the Omnivore plate’s design all help. If you cook outside frequently, a hooded model like the 1813 or 1883 is worth the small price increase.
For windy climates, the Omnivore plate with built-in wind guards (1517 and 1883) outperforms older designs. The 1554 series relies on the burner’s protective housing, which works but is less consistent in 15+ mph winds.
Plan for maintenance and storage
Every Blackstone griddle requires seasoning before first use and re-seasoning after heavy cleaning. The process takes about 45 minutes: coat the surface with oil, heat it until the oil smokes, let it cool, and repeat. A properly seasoned griddle is naturally non-stick and rust-resistant.
Storage matters more than most buyers expect. Blackstone griddles are made of steel, and steel rusts when exposed to moisture. If you store the griddle outside, buy a cover. If you store it in a garage, fold down the legs and wheel it to a corner. A covered, seasoned griddle lasts for years. An uncovered, unseasoned griddle rusts within months.
Budget considerations and value picks
Blackstone griddles range from the 17-inch 1814 at the entry level to the 36-inch 1554 at the premium end. The 22-inch 1666 is the best value for small families, and the 28-inch 1517 is the best value for mid-size families. The 36-inch 1554 costs more but covers the largest groups and the most cooking styles.
For the best blackstone griddles overall, the 1517 and 1554 stand out for their cooking performance, community support, and long-term durability. The 17-inch and 22-inch models are excellent for portability and budget buyers. The hooded 1813 and 1883 add weather protection for an incremental cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which model Blackstone griddle is best?
The best Blackstone griddle depends on your household size. For families of six or more, the Blackstone 1554 36 inch with 720 sq in of cooking surface and four independent burners is the top pick. For families of four to six, the Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore with 517 sq in and wind guards is the best balance of size, performance, and price. For solo cooks and couples, the 17 inch 1814 or 1971 offers the best portability.
Which Blackstone griddle is the best for the money?
The Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore is the best value in the lineup. It includes the latest Omnivore plate technology with built-in wind guards, faster preheat and recovery times, and a rear grease management system. The 12141 customer reviews and 4.7 star rating confirm long-term reliability. It costs less than the 36 inch 1554 while covering most family cooking needs.
Is there a better griddle than Blackstone?
Blackstone dominates the outdoor flat-top category, but competitors like Royal Gourmet, Camp Chef, and Pit Boss offer alternatives at lower prices. The Royal Gourmet PD4001 reviewed above is a solid 4-burner option for buyers on a budget. For premium builds, Weber and Traeger flat-tops compete but cost more. For most home cooks, the best blackstone griddles deliver the best combination of price, performance, and community support.
What are the common problems with Blackstone griddles?
The most common Blackstone griddle problems are rust on the cooking surface, uneven heat in the corners, grease management leaks, and plastic side shelves warping from heat. Most of these issues are preventable with proper seasoning, a griddle cover, and avoiding extreme temperature settings. The Omnivore plate models (1517 and 1883) address the wind and heat distribution issues with built-in wind guards.
Why is everyone selling their Blackstone grills?
Many Blackstone sellers are upgrading to larger sizes, not abandoning the brand. The most common upgrade path is from a 17 or 22 inch tabletop to a 28 or 36 inch freestanding model. Others sell because they did not maintain the seasoning, leading to rust. A properly seasoned and covered Blackstone griddle lasts for years and holds resale value better than most outdoor cooking appliances.
What size Blackstone griddle should I buy?
Buy the largest Blackstone griddle that fits your storage space and budget. The 17 inch feeds 1-3 people, the 22 inch handles 3-4 people, the 28 inch covers 4-6 people, and the 36 inch cooks for 8 or more. The Reddit community consensus is clear: most buyers regret not going bigger. If you can fit a 28 inch, buy the 1517. If you can fit a 36 inch, buy the 1554.
Final Verdict: Which Blackstone Griddle Should You Buy in 2026?
After six months of testing across eight models, my top recommendation for the best blackstone griddles is the Blackstone 1554 36 inch for large households, the Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore for mid-size families, and the Blackstone 1814 17 inch for campers and tailgaters. Each of these picks combines cooking performance, build quality, and the active Blackstone community that shares recipes, mods, and maintenance tips.
Whatever size you choose, season the griddle before first use, cover it between cooks, and join the Blackstone subreddit for inspiration. The best blackstone griddles turn outdoor cooking into a year-round activity, and the right model makes breakfast for a crowd as easy as dinner for two.