The Best Of Blackstone: Grills And Griddles Reviews (2022)

Blackstone is a reputable kitchen brands and leading producer of high-quality cooking equipment. In this guide, I will showcase some of the best Blackstone grills, and provide you with reviews that you’ll never see on the internet.

A griddle, or cooking grill, is an ergonomic cooking appliance that allows you to simplify the process of grilling food. They are not the most important devices in your kitchen, but they will greatly benefit you. Delicacies like steaks, pancakes, and breakfast items can be prepared perfectly with them.

A griddle has various uses, and can be used outdoors as well as in the home. If you have an RV or camping vehicle, then you can bring them along without a problem.

There are a variety of griddle brands that you can see today. But if you want to get a reputable product, always prioritize Blackstone’s devices. Their grills offer a premium design and great features without compromising on either the cost or value. 

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Blackstone Grills & Griddles Buying Guide

The Blackstone Grill Reviews: Full User Specifications

1. Blackstone 36 inch Stainless Steel Outdoor Cooking Gas Grill Griddle Station

Image from Amazon.com

This is probably the best device that the brand can offer. It has a restaurant-grade construction with a large cooking surface and impeccable ergonomics. It provides up to 720 square inches of cooking surface that you can use for grilling purposes. It also has a flexible cooking capability that allows you to cook Teppanyaki delicacies, cheese, egg, pancakes, and a myriad of other ingredients.

Starting up this device is not difficult as it features an electronic ignition that can be operated with just the press of a button. You don’t have to deal with matches, kerosene, charcoal, or other forms of fuel. Even strong winds won’t affect the heating element.

The Blackstone 36” Stainless Steel Outdoor Griddle is also portable. It comes with a set of four caster wheels of industrial-grade construction, so you can take it anywhere without worrying about its safety. It is made to withstand the harshest of outdoor elements, as the surface is both corrosion and rust resistant, which makes it a perfect choice for picnics or parties.

The griddle has a bottom and side shelves, which you can use for food storage and preparation. It can also work as your portable kitchen while you are outdoors. Meanwhile, the cooking top is removable, which enables you to clean it quickly and transport it easily without any hassle.

• Restaurant-grade construction.
• Large cooking surface.
• Has controllable cooking zones.
• Smooth and seamless ignition.
• It is durable and impervious to both rust and corrosion.
• It’s grease catcher design is somewhat quirky.

2. Blackstone 36″ Outdoor Griddle – Best Outdoor Griddle With Large Cooking Surface

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This is the non-stainless steel counterpart of the first griddle I’ve featured, so it has similar capacities. The large cooking surface means you will never run out of space, however big the meal is. The surface is also perfectly flat, which allows you to cook your food nice and evenly.

As this griddle offers 720 square inches of uncluttered cooking space, it can cater for large servings at any time. And since it has a set of controllable heat zones, you can ensure that every ingredient in the meal is cooked properly. The feature also allows you to warm one serving of food while cooking another at the same time.

Another impressive feature is its rugged design. It is among the most durable griddles on the market today and it is easy to maintain. All of its parts, including the caster wheels, are engineered and designed to be durable and tough.

As the casters can be locked, the device stays in place even when you are cooking on uneven surfaces. The Blackstone 36” Outdoor Griddle also features an electronic ignition system, so you can start the device without any prior preparation.

If this device is too big for you, try the 28-inch version here.

• Large and flat cooking surface.
• Four controllable heat zones.
• Lockable and stable caster wheels.
• Quick startup mechanism.
• Durable construction.

• Cleaning it is quite difficult.
• The grease drain’s construction is not foolproof.

3. Blackstone Tailgater – Best Portable Blackstone Griddle

Image from Amazon.com

Portability is this griddle’s best selling point. It is the perfect option for grilling at tailgating and outdoor picnics. The Blackstone Tailgater assembly is ergonomic too. This is because the device requires minimal setup and preparation. You don’t have to spend hours just to assemble its parts, so you can start using the equipment straight away.

The Blackstone Tailgater parts are both durable and intuitive, and none of its components seem shabby. The legs and base have a spread design, ensuring that it remains stable, even if the ground is not even. The legs of this equipment also have an adjustable feature, making it more stable.

You can try a variety of different setups. For example, you can use the griddle and grill box simultaneously or remove them altogether so that you can utilize the factory-built burners. You can cook with pots and pans or, alternatively, open the griddle or grill box to operate one of the burners. This functionality is proof that the device can cater for all your cooking needs.

This grill is designed to last for a long time. Even if you regularly take it on outdoor excursions, its toughness and durability will never decrease. The construction of the components is solid enough to resist cracks, or dents, and it is immune from rust and corrosion.

• Multi-functional cooking platform.
• Adjustable and rugged base.
• Comes with two burners.
• Has a durable and corrosion-resistant construction.
• Grills food evenly.

• Grilling surface is not large.
• Should have caster wheels.

4. Blackstone Grill+Kabob Powered Rotisserie – Best Blackstone Grill For Versatility

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When it comes to cooking versatility, this device is almost peerless. It can smoke, grill, and create kebabs. It also features eleven heavy-duty skewers for grilling and an energy-efficient motor that rotates the kebabs perfectly.

You can grill and make kebabs in this device simultaneously, thanks to its detachable grill components. The same feature also allows you to add the charcoal and arrange it comfortably. You can lower the hot charcoals and add new ones if you want to keep it grilling continuously. There are eleven industrial-grade skewers included in this package, which eliminate the need for you to use traditional wooden skewers.

Another good feature of this Blackstone grill is the presence of a built-in thermometer, which can precisely detect tiny changes in temperature and, therefore, allows you to cook your ingredients correctly. You can also make use of its front shelf for storage and food preparation.

The body of this grill has a convenient, lowered platform for small people who use it. Unlike the Tailgater, this unit doesn’t have an adjustable leg, but it does have two caster wheels that make it portable, so you can take it wherever you want to and it will remain stable. 

• It’s capable of different types of cooking.
• Has removable grill parts that provide easier access.
• Features a built-in thermometer.
• Has a portable and moderately weighted design.
• Comes with vents for smoking purposes.

• It is susceptible to dents.
• The skewer attachments to the motor should be improved.

5. Blackstone Dash Portable Grill – Best Blackstone Grill For Tailgating

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The Blackstone Dash is one of your best options when it comes to tailgating purposes and portability. In fact, it is one of the most compact of Blackstone’s griddles and can be stored in your vehicle without taking up too much space. The cooking surface of this grill is around 240 square inches, which is sufficient for simple grilling.

Despite its compact size, this grill features a griddle on its side, which gives you cooking versatility. The griddle is powered by a 7000-BTU burner for better cooking results, it is ergonomic and it features both a flipping feature and grease collection system to enable you to clean the equipment quickly.

The enclosed design improves the equal heat distribution of the device, which is capable of maintaining a constant temperature for an extended period. It also enhances the fuel-efficiency of this cooking equipment.

Because of its small frame, setting up the Blackstone Dash is pretty easy. It features two front legs and one telescopic leg on the back, which is designed for terrain adjustment. The base is stable so that it can manage slippery platforms. In fact, once you mount this grill, it won’t move at all.

• Portable and compact design.
• Has adjustable legs for better terrain stability.
• Ideal for camping and tailgating purposes.
• The grease collection system is great.
• It features a built-in griddle.

• The handle tends to get hot.
• It cannot generate high heat output.

6. Blackstone 17″ Table Top Griddle – Budget-Friendly Blackstone Griddle

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If the price is the biggest factor that you consider when choosing a griddle, I have to introduce the best choice you have in this category, which is the Blackstone Table Top Griddle. Even if the price is pretty low, the quality it offers is premium. It has a durable construction, well-engineered parts, and a large cooking surface. Specifically, it can provide a heavy-duty grilling top that is 260 square inches.

You can take this griddle anywhere you want because it is so compact, and it can easily be stored because of its unique design. You just have to flip the griddle upside down so that it takes up less storage space. The device doesn’t come with caster wheels or legs. Instead, it just uses a flat base that you can place on any type of terrain.

This stainless steel propane griddle also features an intuitive start-up mechanism. There is an igniter that you can press to utilize the fuel inside the one-pound propane tank, so there are no stressful preparations needed to power up this equipment.

The Blackstone Table Top Griddle comes with a stainless steel burner, which heats up quickly and features an H-shape design. This layout enables the burner to create equal heat distribution. Meanwhile, its 12,000 BTU heat output means you can quickly cook various delicacies. Just put the ingredients on the griddle and they will be prepared after a couple of minutes.

• Has a simple but effective operation.
• Lightweight and portable design.
• Provides no-fuss grilling.
• Easy to clean.
• Will evenly distributes the heat throughout the cooking surface.

• It doesn’t work well in windy conditions.
• Its maximum heat output is not sufficient for some recipes.

What Is A Griddle?

Before I talk about the factors that you will need to consider when choosing a griddle, it is important that you first know how food smokers work. The art of grilling is technically related to smoking, and if you want to know more about this cooking approach, check out the smoking course I have made here.

Now that I have covered this information, let’s go back to our main question: what is a griddle and what does it do? In the world of cooking, a griddle is a modern kitchen device with a flat cooking surface. Its heat source is hidden underneath and usually powered by gas or propane.

Griddles can come in different forms. You can choose between electric and cast iron griddles that operate with propane or charcoal. Many griddles today cook food with the assistance of a burner.

You can prepare food directly on the griddle’s cooking surface. Breakfast treats like pancakes, bacon, and eggs can be cooked on this device. You can also cook sizzling hot burgers and sandwiches on it. In fact, almost all of your favorite delicacies can be prepared with this cooking appliance.

Because of its innate versatility, griddles become a necessity, especially for busy kitchens. Blackstone griddles and grills exist for this purpose, and fortunately, this brand has delivered what we need. 

The Difference Between A Griddle And Grill

A griddle and grill are cousins, but they are not the same. The line between them is thin and blurry, which is why a lot of people get confused between these two products. But for a clearer distinction, check out the description that I have written below.

Griddle

Via Blackstoneproducts.com

A griddle is distinguishable from most grills because of its cooking surface. Instead of using grills and skewered metals, the griddle uses a flat surface to cook food. The surface is typically rectangular or square, which makes it an excellent choice for making food like French toast, pancakes, sausages, and fries.

A griddle can work either as a grill or a frying pan. That’s why a lot of people call this device a grill. The biggest advantage that a griddle has is its stable cooking surface, which guarantees the reliability of its heating process for extended periods. Just put the ingredients on it and they will be cooked evenly. 

Grill

The grill has a distinct design, just like the griddle. There are ridges that paint tasty and aesthetically appealing grill marks on the food you are cooking. Barbecuing and smoking food is best done when you are using a grill. It is also an excellent choice for making sandwiches, steaks, and hamburgers. Vegetables can also be cooked with a grill.

The ridges prevent grease building up on the cooking surface and expel it instead, reducing the fatty content. Some modern grills feature extra components that collect the liquid fat that is released by the grilling process.

Grill And Griddle Units

Most of the Blackstone units I have featured here offer a grill and griddle function that allows you to choose between your desired cooking method.

How To Choose A Grill

When choosing a grill, there are only a few things that you have to remember. Here they are:

In these Blackstone grill reviews, I have featured multiple units that can work as both a griddle and grill at the same time. But if you are only looking for a grill, make sure you get the one that can serve your requirements, as well as your budget. If you are low on money, the best option is to get a charcoal grill. However, if you can spend more money, a gas grill is the right device to buy.

Electric smokers can either be in the middle of the high-end price level, and are a good choice if you don’t have enough space for traditional grilling. 

The size of the grill matters. Make sure you get a lightweight, compact model if you want a grill you can bring on camping trips or to outdoor parties, as storage and transport will never be a problem. Some grills have collapsible and removable features to maximize their portability but generally, the bigger the grill, the more people it can cook for. Grills that have a cooking surface that’s 500 to 700 square inches are perfect for serving a large number of people.

A small grill should be used if your living area doesn’t have enough space to mount or store one of these devices. So, size up how much space you have in your house and then get a grill that can be stored there. 

Features And Ergonomics

Blackstone grills are ergonomic and functional, and make cooking easier. A grill should have extra features that can improve its performance and utility. For example, the Blackstone Tailgater’s accessories include shelves you can use as a platform for food storage and preparation.

Other essential features should be a grease catcher, which means you don’t have to clean up afterwards, and a built-in thermometer that helps you to assess the progress of your cooking. This is the only way you can measure the internal temperature of the meat you are grilling.

The ignition system of the grill and griddle also matters. You don’t want a system with a quirky start-up as it will just waste the valuable time that could instead be spent on cooking your favorite delicacy.

Grills should also have caster wheels and adjustable legs, which are essential when you take the device outdoors onto unfamiliar terrain. These features also make transporting and setting up the equipment less stressful. 

The tastiness of a delicacy is dependent on two factors – the quality of the equipment and your familiarity with the ingredients. Since we are talking about grilling here, you will be cooking meat and vegetables. To discover more about these ingredients, check out the respective courses that I have made for each of them:

Final Wrap

I hope that this article has helped you to choose the best grill (or griddle) that matches your needs. Choosing this cooking equipment is quite difficult as there is a wide variety of griddle and grill manufacturers out there, but Blackstone stands out clearly above them all.

You can choose any of the Blackstone grills and griddles that I have featured here, as they are all high-quality devices. If you are looking for full-sized grills, the 36-inch Blackstone units are among the best you can buy, while the Tailgater and the Table Top Griddle will serve you perfectly well for both your tailgating and camping needs.

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