These flat tops also have large casters that make it easier to maneuver them over flat surfaces for short distances. Though these grills are portable, moving them is a two-person operation since they can weigh upwards of 100 pounds or more. Blackstone also eliminates one end table, opting instead for a handle. This design makes it easier to lift and roll the grill, while also making it more compact by shortening its overall length. The primary reason why so many people love Blackstone griddles is because they are insanely reliable.
Most grills and griddles will have heat spots where the grill burns hotter than elsewhere on the pan. Blackstone’s smaller tabletop grills come with single 12,500-BTU burners, while its 28-inch models come with two 17,000-BTU burners. As we said earlier, one of the best things about Blackstone griddles is that they do not suffer from heat spots, like a lot of grills do. The only other type of griddle that doesn’t suffer from heat spots are cast iron griddles, and this is why a lot of people get this confused. Second, pay attention to the oil you use to cook with and season your flat top grill with.
It also runs off a small 16-ounce propane canister, so there’s no need to tow along a 20-pound tank. Though its cooking surface is smaller at 267 square inches, it’s still large enough to grill up blackstone grills to 10 burgers. It also boasts a hood, which is a feature not typically found on portable griddles. Blackstone applies its expertise in outdoor flat-top griddles to this indoor electric model.
Though smaller, this griddle doesn’t compromise on cooking power, thanks to two 17,000-BTU burners. Blackstone’s premium flat-top griddle is also its largest and most feature rich. Its 36-inch size boasts an impressive 769 square inches of cooking surface, plenty of room for handling large tailgating events or Fourth of July backyard barbecue blowouts.
Keep in mind that Blackstone’s griddles can take up a fair amount of real estate on a deck or patio, so be sure to consider the griddle’s overall size when shopping for one. In assembling our list of the best Blackstone griddles, we evaluated each model that the company offers and considered a variety of factors. Since budgets for a flat-top griddle can vary, we assembled affordably priced Blackstone griddles as well as top-of-the-line models that are loaded with convenient features. All of the griddles we selected have burners capable of providing the output needed to reach high cooking temperatures and evenly heat the cooking surface. While Blackstone may indeed be the go-to brand for this style of grill, deciding on which model to buy can be a challenge.
It trades a cast-iron cooking surface for a nonstick titanium-coated surface. Like its larger gas-powered cousins, which feature multiple burners, this electric model allows the chef to create two cooking zones. Two separate heating elements, a characteristic not typically found on electric griddles, power the 307 square inches of cooking surface. How many cooking zones the chef can create depends on the number of burners. For example, a griddle with two burners can create two different zones. Blackstone’s 28-inch models come with two burners, while its larger 36-inch griddles offer more cooking versatility with four.
So, if you prefer cooking on cast iron, you can get a cast iron plate to go on top of your Blackstone griddle. In short, yes, Blackstone technically is a Walmart brand as the company has an exclusive deal with Walmart to sell certain models of their griddles. So, while they are an independent brand, Blackstone is also part of the Walmart brand too. The main difference between the models that they sell under their own name, and the ones that they sell under the Walmart brand, is the appearance. Walmart Blackstone griddles are black, whereas Blackstone griddles sold by Blackstone are made of stainless steel.
This model also boasts nice additional features not found on all Blackstone outdoor grills. The hood allows for roasting thicker meats at lower temperatures, while two large side tables and an ample bottom shelf provide space for food prep and storage. This Blackstone’s legs will also fold up, making it possible to take this griddle on the road to the next tailgating event or camping trip. Some Blackstone grills also have hoods that make it easier to cook certain types of foods evenly.