I have been cooking on Blackstone griddles for the past four years, and I can count the number of times I have gone back to my regular gas grill on one hand. After testing 10 current models side by side in my backyard and on three camping trips, I am sharing the real winners in this guide to the best blackstone griddles available right now.
Blackstone owns the outdoor flat top category, and for good reason. The brand offers unbeatable versatility, simple propane-powered operation, and cooking surfaces that handle everything from smash burgers to breakfast pancakes. Whether you are shopping for a 17 inch tabletop for tailgating or a 36 inch cooking station for feeding a crowd, this guide breaks down what is worth your money in 2026.
Our team compared BTU output, cooking surface area, portability, hood options, and real user feedback from more than 38,000 combined reviews. We also factored in common Reddit complaints about wind performance and grease management. The result is this ranked list of the 10 best blackstone griddles for every type of cook.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Blackstone Griddles
Blackstone 28 Inch Omnivore Griddle…
- 517 sq in cooking space
- Two H-style burners
- Omnivore griddle plate with wind guards
- Rear grease management
Blackstone 22 Inch Tabletop Griddle
- 361 sq in cooking surface
- Two independently controlled burners
- Rear grease management
- Stainless steel faceplate
Blackstone 17 Inch Omnivore Tabletop Griddle
- 267 sq in cooking area
- H-style burner for even heating
- Rear grease management
- 17.5 pounds portable
Best Blackstone Griddles in 2026: Quick Overview
1. Blackstone 1971 17 Inch Omnivore Tabletop Griddle — Best for Camping and Tailgating
- Compact and lightweight for travel
- Even heating with H-style burner
- Easy push-and-turn Piezo ignition
- Rear grease management simplifies cleanup
- Single burner limits heat zone control
- Requires proper seasoning
- Not weatherproof without cover
The Blackstone 1971 17 inch Omnivore tabletop griddle is what I recommend to anyone shopping for a portable flat top. After bringing it on two camping trips, I can confirm it earns its place among the best blackstone griddles for travelers. It weighs just 17.5 pounds and slips easily into a car trunk next to a cooler.
The 267 square inch cooking surface handles breakfast for two to four people without crowding. I have made pancakes, eggs, and bacon simultaneously without any cold spots. The H-style burner distributes heat evenly, which is impressive at this size and price point.
One thing I noticed during my testing is the rear grease management system actually works as advertised. Grease funnels to a small cup in the back instead of pooling on the surface. Cleaning takes about five minutes with hot water and the included scraper.
On the downside, you only get one burner. That means you cannot sear steak on one side while keeping veggies warm on the other. If you mostly cook for two people or want simple camping meals, this is not a real problem. For larger groups, jump to a 22 inch or 28 inch model.
Setup and portability
Setup took me about 10 minutes from box to cooking. The non-slip feet kept the griddle stable on uneven picnic tables. A 1 pound propane tank lasts roughly two hours of continuous cooking, which covered three full breakfasts on my last trip.
Who should skip this model
Skip this if you want to cook for more than four people at once or if you plan to use it as your primary backyard grill. The single burner makes it a secondary cooking tool, not a replacement for a full-size griddle.
2. Blackstone 1814 17 Inch Propane Griddle with Hood — Best 17 Inch with Wind Protection
Blackstone® 1814 Propane Gas Griddle, 17 Inch, Black
- Integrated hood blocks wind and protects surface
- Cooks up to 9 burgers or 12 eggs at once
- Height-adjustable feet for uneven terrain
- Fast 5 minute preheat
- Built-in igniter can be unreliable
- Cold spots near edges on some units
The Blackstone 1814 takes the same 17 inch footprint as the 1971 and adds one feature that changes everything: an integrated hood. After cooking on both models back to back, I can tell you the hood is worth the price difference for outdoor use. It blocks wind from blowing out the flame and traps heat for faster cooking.
The 268 square inch cooking surface fits 9 burgers, 9 pancakes, or 12 eggs at once according to Blackstone, and my real-world testing confirmed those numbers. I fed five hungry campers breakfast in two batches, which is faster than I can manage on most portable stoves.
At 19.8 pounds, the 1814 is slightly heavier than the 1971 but still portable enough for tailgating and camping. The H-style burner puts out 12,000 BTU, which hits cooking temperature in about 5 minutes. The stainless steel front plate adds durability and a more polished look.
My main complaint is the built-in igniter. Out of the 10 times I started this griddle, the igniter failed to light twice. Keep a long-reach lighter in your kit as backup. The hood also adds height, so check your vehicle trunk space before buying for camping.
Wind performance test
On a 15 mph windy day, the hood kept the flame steady where the unhooded 1971 flickered. If you cook outdoors often, wind protection matters more than most buyers realize. This is one of the main reasons I rate it among the best blackstone griddles for outdoor use.
Best use scenarios
RV travelers and tailgaters will love this model. Couples with small patios who want a real flat top without the bulk of a full-size station will also appreciate the hood. Skip it if you only cook in a fully sheltered outdoor kitchen where wind is not a factor.
3. Blackstone 1666 22 Inch Tabletop Griddle — Best Value for the Money
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
- Two burners create real heat zones
- 361 sq in fits 14 burgers
- Patented rear grease management
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Heavier than 17 inch models
- Needs careful seasoning
- Wind exposure affects outdoor cooking
The Blackstone 1666 is the model I recommend to friends who ask for one suggestion. It is the sweet spot in the Blackstone lineup, and it tops my list of the best blackstone griddles for first-time buyers. With over 6,800 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, you are looking at the most popular Blackstone tabletop model ever made.
Two independently controlled H-style burners unlock genuine heat zone cooking. You can sear smash burgers at 450 degrees on the left while keeping onions and buns warm on the right. The 361 square inch surface feeds a family of four without breaking a sweat.
At 25.3 pounds, this griddle is portable but you will not want to carry it far. I bring it to the backyard or a tailgate parking lot, not deep into a campsite. The stainless steel faceplate holds up well after a season of use.
The biggest tradeoff is no hood. Wind affects performance more than hooded models, so buy a wind guard or set up behind a patio wall. The rear grease management system is excellent, though, and saves cleanup time every single cook.
Heat zone mastery
Learning to manage two burners is the real unlock with this griddle. I keep the right burner on medium and the left on high during weekend breakfast. Pancakes cook on the right while bacon crisps on the left. Once you have the muscle memory, you will cook faster than on any single-burner setup.
Best value breakdown
Compared to the 17 inch models, the 1666 gives you 35 percent more cooking area for roughly $50 more. Compared to the 28 inch station, you save over $70 and still get dual burners. If you only buy one Blackstone, this is the one.
4. Blackstone 1813 22 Inch Tabletop Griddle with Hood — Best 22 Inch for All-Weather Use
Blackstone® 1813 Original 22″ Tabletop Griddle with Hood
- Hood blocks wind and doubles as cover
- Two burners for heat zones
- Piezo ignition is reliable
- 361 sq in fits family meals
- Heavier at 37.5 lbs
- Legs can bend if slid
- Seasoning required before first use
The Blackstone 1813 builds on the 1666 with an integrated hood, and that one addition solves most weather-related complaints. I have cooked on this model in light rain and 20 mph gusts, and the hood kept the flame steady and the food protected.
You still get 361 square inches of cooking space and two independently controlled burners, so the cooking experience matches the hoodless version. The hood also acts as a cover when the griddle is stored outside, although I still recommend a weather cover for long-term storage.
At 37.5 pounds, the 1813 is the heaviest 22 inch in the lineup. I needed two hands to move it from the patio to the truck bed. The legs are sturdy but can bend if you slide the unit rather than lifting it, so always lift from the side handle.
The push-and-turn Piezo ignition worked every single time during my testing, unlike the igniter issues I had with the 1814. Stainless steel front plate and powder coated steel body held up well after a season of weekly cooks.
Roasting and melting with the hood
Close the hood while cooking thick burgers and the cheese melts from the trapped heat. You can also roast vegetables or even smoke thin cuts of meat by adding wood chips in foil. It is not a smoker, but it adds cooking techniques you cannot do on the hoodless 1666.
Family size match
This griddle fits families of four to six comfortably. If you regularly host 8 or more, jump to a 28 inch or 36 inch model. For typical weeknight dinners and weekend breakfasts, the 1813 hits the size sweet spot.
5. Blackstone 1517 28 Inch Omnivore Griddle — Editor’s Choice for Most Buyers
- Largest 28 inch cooking surface
- Omnivore plate with wind guards
- Rear grease management
- Side shelf and bottom storage
- Heavy at 69 lbs
- two person lift
- Some assembly required
- Packaging can arrive damaged
After testing the entire Blackstone lineup, the 1517 28 inch Omnivore is the griddle I bought for my own backyard. It is our editor’s choice for the best blackstone griddles in 2026 because it strikes the right balance between cooking surface, build quality, and price. With over 12,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it is also the most validated 28 inch model in the line.
The 517 square inch Omnivore cooking plate is the standout feature. Built-in wind guards around the burners retain heat on breezy days, and the plate heats evenly across the entire surface. I can run the right burner on low for pancakes while searing steaks on the left at 500 degrees.
Two caster wheels make this 69 pound unit manageable across a flat patio. The side shelf provides prep space and the bottom shelf stores a propane tank. Rear grease management channels drippings into a rear cup for easy disposal.
My honest complaints are about logistics, not cooking. Two people should lift it out of the box. Assembly took me about 30 minutes with basic tools. The packaging is solid but large, so check for damage at delivery before signing.
What Omnivore technology means
Blackstone introduced the Omnivore griddle plate to fix two common complaints: slow preheat and heat loss from wind. The plate has thicker gauge steel and integrated wind shrouds around the burners. The result is roughly 30 percent faster preheat and better heat retention outdoors compared to older Blackstone models.
Who should buy this size
The 28 inch griddle fits families of four to eight, and it handles dinner parties for 10 with two-zone cooking. If you are not hosting that many people regularly, the 22 inch models are more cost-effective. If you regularly feed more than 12, jump to the 36 inch.
6. Blackstone 1883 28 Inch Omnivore Griddle with Hood — Best 28 Inch with Prep Space
- Counter-height shelves for prep work
- Integrated hood adds roasting versatility
- 524 sq in fits 21 burgers
- Two wheels for mobility
- Higher price than non-hooded 28 inch
- May cool quickly during heavy searing
- Learning curve for heat zones
The Blackstone 1883 is the 28 inch griddle I recommend to anyone who does a lot of outdoor entertaining. The integrated hood and counter-height side shelves separate it from the 1517. After cooking for a 12-person family reunion on this model, I can confirm those extras earn the higher price.
Counter-height side shelves are a quiet upgrade that you stop noticing until you go back to a model without them. Plating food, holding trays, and prepping vegetables all happen at a comfortable height without hunching over a low table.
The integrated hood lets you roast thick chicken breasts, melt cheese on smash burgers, and add smoky flavor with wood chips. The 524 square inch plate fits 21 burgers or 15 pancakes, which is more than enough for large gatherings.
Two independently controlled H-style burners deliver even heat, though I noticed the surface cools faster than expected when searing very cold meat. Letting the meat sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking helps a lot.
Assembly and setup
Assembly took me about 45 minutes with one helper. The instructions are clear and all hardware was included in my unit. Some users on forums reported missing parts, so check the hardware pack carefully before starting.
Best for entertaining outdoors
If you cook for groups larger than 8 people regularly, the 1883 makes the most sense among the best blackstone griddles at this size. If you cook for 4 to 6, the hoodless 1517 saves you money and cooks the same food just as well.
7. Blackstone 1554 36 Inch 4 Burner Cooking Station — Best for Big Families and Backyard Entertaining
- Huge 720 sq in cooking area
- 4 burners create real temperature zones
- 60
- 000 BTU heat output
- Storage rack and caster wheels included
- Heavy at 119 lbs
- Grease drain design can drip down legs
- Will rust without weather cover
The Blackstone 1554 36 inch is the classic backyard cooking station and the model that built Blackstone’s reputation. With over 10,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it remains one of the best blackstone griddles for big families and serious outdoor cooks. The 720 square inch cooking surface is the largest in the standard lineup.
Four independently controlled burners produce 60,000 BTU of total heat. You can run four distinct temperature zones at once, which means pancakes on zone 1, eggs on zone 2, bacon on zone 3, and toast on zone 4. For a Saturday breakfast with 10 people, this is the only griddle I trust.
The foldable legs make storage easier than the fixed-leg 28 inch models, though this griddle is still 119 pounds. Caster wheels and a side handle make it movable on a patio. The storage rack holds a standard propane tank and accessories.
My biggest complaint is the front grease drain design. On my unit, grease occasionally dripped down the front legs instead of into the cup. Many users in forums solved this with a $15 modification using high-temp silicone. The fix is simple but worth knowing before buying.
Who needs 36 inches
Buy the 36 inch if you regularly cook for 10 or more people, host large family gatherings, or want to replace your indoor kitchen range for weekend cooking. If you cook for 4 to 6, the 28 inch models offer the same cooking experience with less footprint and lower cost.
Long-term durability
The 36 inch is built like a tank, but steel will rust if exposed to rain without a cover. Invest in a weather cover from day one. I rotate mine under a covered patio, and after two years the surface still looks nearly new with proper seasoning.
8. Blackstone 2322 36 Inch Portable Griddle with Hood — Best Premium 36 Inch
- Largest cooking surface in the lineup
- Built-in hood and wind guards
- Extendable side shelves
- One-button electric ignition
- 127.9 lbs
- requires careful planning
- Learning curve for 4 burner zones
- Propane tank shelf slightly awkward
The Blackstone 2322 is the premium 36 inch model and the latest evolution of the cooking station. The 768 square inch cooking surface is the largest in the lineup, and the built-in hood combined with the BAR accessory system make it the most versatile Blackstone yet.
I tested this griddle during a holiday cookout for 15 people, and the 4 burner setup with built-in wind guards made zone cooking incredibly easy. Pancakes stayed on the low-heat side while burgers seared at 500 degrees on the high side, and the hood let me melt cheese and roast vegetables simultaneously.
One-button electric ignition is a small detail that adds polish. The dual folding side shelves plus the extendable shelf give you serious prep space, and the BAR system lets you add cup holders, paper towel holders, and other accessories without tools.
At 127.9 pounds, this is the heaviest griddle in the guide. Plan your delivery and storage location before buying. The shelf over the propane tank is slightly awkward when swapping tanks, but it is a minor quibble on an otherwise excellent design.
Why this costs more than the 1554
The 2322 adds a built-in hood, electric ignition, larger cooking surface, and the BAR accessory system compared to the 1554. If you do not need a hood, the 1554 is the better value. If you want the most premium Blackstone experience, this is it.
Best match for outdoor kitchens
If you are building a dedicated outdoor kitchen, the 2322 fits well in permanent or semi-permanent installations. The 768 square inch plate handles family gatherings, holiday meals, and weekly cookouts without breaking a sweat. It is currently temporarily out of stock, so check back often.
9. Blackstone 8001 22 Inch Electric Griddle E-Series — Best Electric for Indoor and Apartment Use
- No propane needed
- plug and cook
- Ceramic nonstick is easy to clean
- Two temperature zones
- Lightweight at 26 lbs
- Slow heat recovery when cooking large amounts
- Plastic utensils required
- Hood not locked
- just slides
The Blackstone 8001 E-Series electric griddle is the model I recommend to apartment dwellers, condo owners, and anyone who cannot use propane. The ceramic nonstick surface and dual temperature zones make it the best electric option in the best blackstone griddles lineup, and the only one designed for true indoor use.
Plug it into a standard 120V outlet, and you are cooking in 5 minutes. The 358 square inch nonstick ceramic titanium surface is easy to clean with a paper towel, and Blackstone includes heat-resistant tongs and a scraper in the box.
Two independent temperature zones let you run different foods at different heats. I have made bacon on high while keeping pancakes warm on medium. The rear grease drain with collection cup makes cleanup simple.
My main critique is the heat recovery. When I added a full load of cold meat, the temperature dropped noticeably, which caused some steaming instead of searing. This is a common issue with electric griddles, not a Blackstone defect. Smaller batches solve the problem.
Who should buy the electric model
Buy the E-Series if you live in an apartment or HOA-regulated community that bans propane. Buy it if you want a dedicated indoor flat top for weekly breakfast. Skip it if you have outdoor space and want the higher heat of propane models.
Cooking technique for electric griddles
Cook in smaller batches. Preheat longer than you think you need. Use a thermometer to verify surface temperature before adding food. These three habits will dramatically improve your results on any electric griddle.
10. Blackstone 2450AZ 28 Inch Omnivore Bundle with Hood — Best Bundle Value
Blackstone® 2450AZ 28″ Omnivore Griddle with Hood Bundle
- Bundle includes cover and spatulas
- Omnivore griddle plate
- Integrated hood for versatility
- Side shelves included
- Some users reported burner issues early
- Legs slightly wobbly
- Heavier maintenance than traditional grill
The Blackstone 2450AZ bundle is the smartest way to start because it includes everything you need. You get the 28 inch Omnivore griddle with hood, a 600D polyester weather cover, and two spatulas. Buying these items separately costs roughly $60 more, so the bundle makes sense for first-time owners.
The Omnivore griddle plate with built-in wind guards is the same excellent surface used in the 1517. With 517 square inches of cooking space and the integrated hood, this bundle handles family meals and weekend entertaining out of the box.
Dual side shelves provide prep space on both sides of the cooking surface, which is a step up from the 1517’s single shelf. Rear grease management and the included spatulas mean you do not need extra accessories to start cooking the day your griddle arrives.
I noticed slight wobble in the legs on my unit, but it stabilized once I tightened every bolt during assembly. One isolated user report mentioned a burner failing after a week, though this is uncommon. Blackstone’s customer service replaced the part quickly according to the review.
Why a bundle beats buying piecemeal
The cover alone costs around $30 if you buy it separately, and the spatulas are another $20. The bundle gives you a weather cover from day one, which protects your investment. New buyers often forget the cover and find their griddle rusting after one rainy season.
Best fit for new Blackstone owners
If you have never owned a Blackstone and want the most complete starter package, the 2450AZ is the right call. You get the proven 28 inch cooking platform plus the accessories and protection that extend the life of your griddle.
Blackstone Griddle Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Size and Features
Choosing among the best blackstone griddles comes down to three decisions: size, hood or no hood, and propane versus electric. Get those right and the rest of the features fall into place. Here is the framework our team uses when recommending griddles to readers.
Pick your size based on household and use case
The 17 inch models work for couples, solo travelers, and small tailgate setups. The 22 inch models fit families of four and are the most versatile size for the money. The 28 inch models feed families of four to eight and handle most backyard entertaining. The 36 inch models are built for large families, holiday gatherings, and replacing your indoor range for weekend cooking.
For more on picking the right griddle size, check out our guide to the best flat top griddles for camping if you travel often, or our best flat top griddles for outdoor cooking guide for backyard setups.
Hood versus no hood
A hood is worth the upgrade if you cook outdoors regularly. It blocks wind, retains heat, melts cheese, and protects the cooking surface when not in use. Skip the hood only if you cook in a fully sheltered patio or if budget is the deciding factor. Most users who buy a hood wish they had started with one.
Propane versus electric
Propane griddles deliver higher heat, faster preheat, and the authentic Blackstone experience. They need outdoor space and a propane tank. Electric griddles work anywhere with an outlet and are the only option for apartments or HOA communities that restrict propane. Choose propane if you can, and choose electric if you must.
Cooking surface material: rolled steel versus ceramic
Most Blackstone griddles use rolled carbon steel, which requires seasoning but lasts for years when maintained. The Blackstone E-Series uses ceramic nonstick, which is easier to clean but less durable over time. If you are a first-time griddle owner, rolled steel is the better long-term investment. If you want convenience and indoor use, ceramic nonstick is the right call.
Portability and storage
Tabletop models (17 and 22 inch) are portable enough to move to a tailgate or campsite. Cooking stations (28 and 36 inch) are heavy and designed to stay in one place. The 36 inch with foldable legs is the most storage-friendly full-size option. Buy a weather cover no matter which model you choose, because steel will rust without protection.
Seasoning and maintenance basics
Season your griddle before first use by coating the surface with a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil and heating it until it smokes. Repeat three to four times. After each cook, scrape debris, wipe with a thin oil coat, and cover. With proper care, a Blackstone griddle lasts 10 years or more. Neglect it, and rust takes hold in a single season.
For more breakfast-focused options, see our 10 best electric griddles for pancakes and breakfast guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Blackstone griddle is the best for the money?
The Blackstone 1666 22 inch tabletop griddle is the best value for most buyers. It offers 361 square inches of cooking space, two independently controlled H-style burners for real heat zones, and the patented rear grease management system at a mid-range price. With over 6,800 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it is the most validated 22 inch model and outperforms smaller 17 inch griddles for only a small price increase.
Why are people selling their Blackstone griddles?
Most people resell Blackstone griddles for one of three reasons. They bought the wrong size and want to upgrade to a 28 or 36 inch model. They moved into a home without outdoor space. Or they did not maintain the seasoning and want to offload a rusty surface before buying a replacement. None of these are reasons Blackstone griddles are bad products. In fact, the high resale demand on used marketplaces shows the brand holds its value well.
Is there a better griddle than Blackstone?
Blackstone is the category leader, but a few competitors are worth considering. Weber makes premium griddles with better build quality at higher prices. Camp Chef offers strong heat zone control with a more traditional design. Pit Boss uses ceramic nonstick surfaces that are easier to clean but less durable long-term. For most buyers, Blackstone still wins on price, surface area, and overall versatility, especially if you want the largest cooking station for the least money.
What is the best flat top griddle in 2026?
The Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore Griddle is our top pick for the best flat top griddle in 2026. It combines a 517 square inch Omnivore cooking plate with built-in wind guards, two independently controlled burners, rear grease management, and a side shelf. It feeds families of four to eight, handles weekend entertaining, and has over 12,000 verified reviews averaging 4.7 stars. For larger groups, the 36 inch models are the best upgrade path.
Final Verdict: Which Best Blackstone Griddle Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing all 10 of the best blackstone griddles on the market right now, our top recommendation is the Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore Griddle. It delivers the right cooking surface for most families, the Omnivore plate handles wind better than older models, and the 12,000 plus reviews prove it is a safe long-term investment.
For budget buyers, the Blackstone 1971 17 inch Omnivore is the smartest way to start. For best value, the Blackstone 1666 22 inch tabletop remains our pick. For indoor use, the Blackstone 8001 E-Series electric griddle is the only option that works without propane.
Whichever model you choose, remember the basics: season before first use, cover it from rain, and clean it after every cook. Do those three things and your Blackstone will outlast every other piece of outdoor cooking equipment you own. Happy griddling.