What Is The Best Blackstone Griddle To Buy: Top Picks

The Blackstone 36-inch griddle with hood and four burners is the best buy.

If you want the short answer, there it is. But the real magic is matching the right griddle to your cooking style, space, and budget. I’ve cooked on nearly every size Blackstone in backyards, tailgates, and campsites. In this guide, I’ll break down what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy for your needs, how to compare models, and the must-know tips I’ve learned from years of real-world use. Stick with me, and you’ll feel confident choosing the perfect setup.

How to choose the right Blackstone griddle for you

Picking what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy starts with how you cook. Size, heat, and features matter more than model names. Keep it simple and think use-case first.

Ask yourself these questions:

• How many people do I cook for? Two people need far less space than a party of eight.
• Will I move it often? Tabletops are light. Full-size carts are heavy but stable.
• Do I want a hood? A hood speeds preheat, blocks wind, and protects the top.
• What fuel and space do I have? Propane is most common. Electric E-Series is for indoors.
• What is my budget? Spend for the core features you’ll use weekly.

Key features that matter:

• Cooking area and burners: More burners mean better heat zones for sear and warm.
• BTU output: A 36-inch has around 60,000 BTU total for quick recovery.
• Grease management: Rear grease is cleaner and easier to use than front trays.
• Build details: Solid shelves, wheels, and a thick cooktop help with longevity.
• Accessories included: Covers, hoods, and wind guards can save money later.

Pro tip from my cooks: buyers who regret their choice often went too small. If you like hosting, lean up one size. It is easier to use part of a big surface than to squeeze food on a small one. That rule alone can guide what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy for most people.

Best Blackstone griddles by need and budget

Below are the models I recommend most. Each one has a clear “who it’s for.” This is the easiest way to decide what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy without second-guessing later.

Blackstone 36" Griddle with Hood (4 burners, around 769 sq in)

Who it’s for: The all-around top pick for families, entertaining, and meal prep.

What I like:

• Four burners give true multi-zone cooking for smash burgers and veggies at once.
• The hood speeds preheat, blocks wind, and protects your seasoning.
• Rear grease channel is simple and less messy.

What to consider:

• It is big and heavy. You’ll want a steady spot on the patio.
• Costs more than smaller models, but you get more power and space.

Why it’s often what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy: it covers breakfast, hibachi, tacos, and large gatherings without strain, and it scales down well for two people.

Blackstone 28" Griddle with Hood (2 burners, around 524 sq in)

Who it’s for: Small patios, couples, or families of four.

What I like:

• Compact footprint, still enough space for a full breakfast spread.
• Hood makes it more windproof and keeps the plate clean.
• Heats fast for weeknight cooks.

What to consider:

• Two burners limit fine control. You get fewer heat zones.
• Tight for big parties, though still doable with batch cooking.

A strong answer to what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy when space and budget matter.

Blackstone 22" Tabletop (2 burners, around 361 sq in)

Who it’s for: Campers, tailgaters, and balcony cooks.

What I like:

• Portable but still has two burners for better heat control.
• Great for smash burgers, stir-fry, and breakfast for four.
• Easy to store indoors to avoid rust.

What to consider:

• Needs a table or stand. Grease cans can sway if not careful.
• Smaller heat mass, so recovery after cold food is slower.

If portability is your priority, this is often what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy.

Blackstone 17" Tabletop (1 burner, around 267 sq in)

Who it’s for: Solo cooks, RVs, and quick trips.

What I like:

• Light, fast, and simple. Ideal for eggs, bacon, and a couple burgers.
• Uses less propane and preheats fast.

What to consider:

• One burner means one heat zone. You must stage cooking.
• Not ideal for large meals or thick meats.

Great for travel. Not the pick if you host often.

Blackstone 36" Pro/Culinary Series with Hood and Cabinets

Who it’s for: Power users who want premium storage, lights, and stability.

What I like:

• Heavier frame, cabinet storage, tool magnets, and better wheels.
• Same cooking strengths as the standard 36, with nicer ergonomics.

What to consider:

• Pricey and heavy. Plan where it will live.

When you want top-tier fit and finish, this can be what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy.

Blackstone 36" with AirFryer Combo

Who it’s for: One-station outdoor cooking with sear, crisp, and sides.

What I like:

• Air fryer drawers handle fries, wings, and sides while you griddle.
• Less back-and-forth to the kitchen.

What to consider:

• Higher cost and more parts to keep clean.

If you love crispy sides, this is a smart all-in-one choice.

Blackstone E-Series 22" Electric (Indoor-friendly)

Who it’s for: Apartments, condos, or winter cooks who want indoor griddling.

What I like:

• Plug-in electric, no propane, and low smoke with proper heat control.
• Nonstick plate is easy to clean.

What to consider:

• Not for high-heat searing like propane. Different feel than steel.
• Smaller cooking area than full-size units.

A niche choice. But for indoor use, it can answer what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy.

Head-to-head comparison and key specs

Cooktop size and burners:

• 36-inch: About 769 sq in, 4 burners, around 60,000 BTU total.
• 28-inch: About 524 sq in, 2 burners, around 30,000–34,000 BTU total.
• 22-inch: About 361 sq in, 2 burners, around 24,000 BTU total.
• 17-inch: About 267 sq in, 1 burner, around 12,000 BTU total.

Grease management:

• Rear grease channel is cleaner, with less chance of drips on the cart.
• Keep the griddle level so grease flows where it should.

Hoods and covers:

• A hood helps with wind, preheat, and keeping rust off.
• A hard cover protects the surface when not cooking.

Heat and control tips from experience:

• Use two zones minimum: hot zone for sear, medium zone for holding.
• Cold food drops surface temp. Power and thickness help recovery.
• Wind steals heat fast. A hood and wind guards fix this.

When readers ask me what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy, I match these specs to how they cook. If you need four true zones and room to breathe, the 36 is king. If you cook for two to four and want compact power, the 28 with hood is sweet.

Must-have accessories and add-ons

These simple add-ons change the way you cook and clean. They also protect your investment and help answer what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy for long-term use.

Essentials I always recommend:

• Hard cover or hood: Shields the steel and cuts down on rust risk.
• Wind guards: Keep flames steady and temps even on breezy days.
• Squeeze bottles: Oil and water for sear, steaming, and cleaning.
• Metal scraper and spatulas: For flipping, chopping, and quick cleanup.
• Basting dome: Melts cheese and steams veggies fast.
• Digital thermometer: Nail doneness on steak and chicken.
• Full cover: Weather protection when the griddle lives outside.
• Leveling shims: Keep grease flowing to the channel, not your deck.

From my kits to yours, these items are worth it and work across all sizes.

Seasoning, maintenance, and care tips

A well-seasoned top is the secret to nonstick results. It also keeps rust away and makes any model feel premium. This matters as much as the model when deciding what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy.

Seasoning steps that work:

• Heat the plate until it just smokes. Rub a thin layer of high smoke-point oil.
• Let it smoke and darken. Repeat 3–5 rounds. Keep layers thin.
• After each cook, scrape, add a light oil wipe, and cool.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Thick oil layers. They turn sticky and flake.
• Cooking acidic sauces on day one. Build seasoning first.
• Storing wet or uncovered. Water is the enemy.

Rust fix in a pinch:

• Heat the plate, scrape with a metal scraper, add oil, and wipe clean.
• For stubborn spots, a light pass with a grill stone helps.

Do this well and even a budget model becomes what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy for you.

Value, pricing, and where to buy

Prices move with season and stock, so shop smart. If you’re wondering what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy at a deal, watch spring and late-summer sales.

Typical ranges you might see:

• 17-inch tabletop: Often around $100–$150.
• 22-inch tabletop: Often around $150–$250.
• 28-inch with hood: Often around $300–$450.
• 36-inch with hood: Often around $450–$700.
• Pro/Culinary or AirFryer combos: Often around $700–$1,200.

Where I’ve had the best luck:

• Big-box stores for bundle deals with hoods and covers.
• Warehouse clubs for seasonal values.
• Direct from the brand for the latest models and parts.
• Local hardware stores for easy service and support.

Check return windows and warranty terms. Parts support and easy returns add real value and help define what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy beyond price alone.

Frequently Asked Questions of what is the best blackstone griddle to buy

Is a 36-inch overkill for a family of four?

Not at all. The extra space makes cooking calmer and faster. You can use part of the surface on quiet nights and all of it on weekends.

Do I really need a hood on my griddle?

A hood isn’t required, but it helps with wind, preheat, and protection. It also keeps your seasoning happier between cooks.

Which model is most portable for camping?

The 22-inch tabletop hits the sweet spot of power and size. It fits most picnic tables and still gives you two heat zones.

Gas or electric: which should I choose?

Propane gives you higher heat and classic griddle feel. Electric E-Series is best if you must cook indoors or can’t use gas.

How often should I season the cooktop?

Do a deep season at the start, then a light oil wipe after every cook. If food sticks or you see dull patches, run a couple thin oil coats again.

What’s the best value if I’m on a budget?

The 28-inch with hood gives strong performance for the price. It handles weeknights and small parties without taking much space.

What is the best Blackstone griddle to buy for large parties?

Go with the 36-inch with hood and four burners. It gives you room for multiple zones and fast recovery time.

What is the best Blackstone griddle to buy for small patios?

The 28-inch with hood is compact yet capable. It balances space, heat, and control very well.

What is the best Blackstone griddle to buy for tailgating?

The 22-inch tabletop is portable and powerful. It sets up anywhere and packs fast.

What is the best Blackstone griddle to buy if I want premium features?

Choose the 36-inch Pro or Culinary series with cabinets and a hood. You get storage, stability, and better ergonomics.

Conclusion

If you want one pick that does almost everything well, choose the Blackstone 36-inch with hood. It has the space, heat, and control to make cooking easy and fun. If you need compact power, the 28-inch with hood is a safe bet. For travel, the 22-inch tabletop shines. Match your space, crowd size, and cooking style, and you’ll know what is the best Blackstone griddle to buy for your life.

Now it’s your turn. Make your list, pick your model, and plan your first cook. If this helped, share it with a friend, subscribe for more outdoor cooking guides, or drop your questions in the comments.