Which Blackstone Griddle Is The Best: Top Picks And Guide

The Blackstone 36-inch 4-burner griddle is the best for most cooks.

If you want a quick, expert take on which Blackstone griddle is the best, you’re in the right place. I test griddles year-round and cook for crowds often. In this guide, I break down real heat output, evenness, size, and long-term care. By the end, you’ll know exactly which Blackstone griddle is the best for your space, your budget, and your style.

How I tested and what really matters

I get asked which Blackstone griddle is the best almost every week. So I use a simple plan to keep it fair. I test heat-up time, heat zones, and edge-to-edge browning with pancakes and smash burgers. I also check flare control, wind effects, grease flow, and cleanup time.

Here is what matters most in daily use:

Surface size: how many people you can feed in one go
Burner layout: number of zones and how well they blend
BTUs and recovery: how fast it bounces back after a cold load
Build details: plate thickness, frame strength, and grease path
Mobility: weight, wheels, foldability, and hood coverage
Power type: propane for power and range, electric for balconies
Accessories: hard cover, wind guards, stand, and bottle holders

These points drive my picks and answer which Blackstone griddle is the best for each type of cook. I balance data with day-to-day cooking to reflect real life.

Best overall: Blackstone 36-inch 4-burner (60,000 BTU)

If you want one griddle that can do it all, this is it. The 36-inch, 4-burner setup gives you a huge 769 square inches of space. It heats fast, recovers well, and holds steady even on breezy days. Four zones let you sear steaks on one side and toast buns on the other.

Why it wins for most cooks:

Power and control: 60,000 BTUs and four true zones
Capacity: feeds large families and game day crowds
Upgrade path: hoods, hard covers, shelves, and wind guards fit well
Durability: thick cold-rolled steel seasons fast and stays smooth

Trade-offs to note:

Size and weight: needs patio space and a solid spot to park
Fuel use: power needs propane; keep a spare tank if you host often

My field notes: I’ve run back-to-back breakfasts for 12 people with no sweat. The outer edges stayed hot enough to hold, and the center seared hash with crisp edges. If you ask which Blackstone griddle is the best for all-around cooking, this is the one.

Best portable pick: Blackstone 22-inch tabletop with stand and hood

If you camp, tailgate, or cook on a small deck, this is a sweet spot. The 22-inch gives about 361 square inches, which is plenty for four to six burgers at once. Two burners offer real zone control. The hood cuts wind and speeds preheat.

Why it shines on the go:

Packable: tabletop size with a folding stand option
Even heat: dual zones outperform most small grills
Easy cleanup: front or rear grease flow depending on model

What to consider:

Less headroom: big bone-in cuts are not ideal
Smaller drip cup: empty it often on bacon-heavy cooks

I rely on this model for quick weekday dinners. It handles smash burgers, quesadillas, and fried rice like a champ. For folks asking which Blackstone griddle is the best for travel and small spaces, the 22-inch wins.

Best value for beginners: Blackstone 28-inch 2-burner

If you are new to flat top cooking, start here. The 28-inch gives a generous 524 square inches with two strong burners. It is big enough for a family but not a beast to move.

What makes it a smart buy:

Price-to-performance: strong heat without the 36-inch size
Simple setup: fewer parts and less weight
Real zones: run one side hot and one side for hold

Heads-up:

Less expansion: two zones limit complex, multi-temp cooks
Smaller frame: can flex a bit if pushed hard

I suggest this model to first-time buyers who ask which Blackstone griddle is the best under a tight budget. It is easy to love, easy to season, and easy to store.

Best for apartments and balconies: Blackstone E-Series 22-inch electric

Gas is not always allowed. The E-Series electric griddles solve that. The 22-inch electric model brings a nonstick ceramic-titanium surface and precise digital control. It plugs into a standard outlet and keeps neighbors happy.

Why it fits tight rules:

Electric power: no propane tanks or open flame
Temp control: dial in exact heat for eggs and crepes
Indoors or covered spaces: check your local rules and safety notes

Watch-outs:

Lower sear ceiling than big gas models
Needs a good extension cord and a dry setup

If you wonder which Blackstone griddle is the best when you cannot use gas, this is your answer. It is gentle, clean, and great for daily cooking.

Best feature-packed pick: Blackstone 36-inch with air fryer drawers

Want an all-in-one patio machine? The 36-inch with built-in air fryer drawers is a time saver. Sear burgers on top, then crisp fries and wings below. It shortens the cook and keeps heat outside the kitchen.

Why it stands out:

Two-zone cooking plus air fry: cook full meals at once
Fewer trips: no need to run inside to use the oven
Party-ready: perfect for game days and big brunch spreads

Things to note:

Higher price and more parts to clean
Needs power for the drawers plus propane for the top

For cooks asking which Blackstone griddle is the best for big events, this combo is hard to beat.

Buying guide: choose the right Blackstone for you

Before you choose, ask where and how you cook. That decides which Blackstone griddle is the best for your needs.

Key questions to guide you:

Headcount: how many people do you feed most nights?
Space: patio size, storage room, and access to power or gas
Use case: quick weeknight meals or weekend feast mode
Wind: open yards may need hoods and wind guards
Moving needs: will you roll it out, fold it, or pack it?

Simple size guide:

17-inch: one to two people, ultra portable, light tailgates
22-inch: two to four people, portable and flexible
28-inch: four to six people, best value starter
36-inch: six or more, best control and capacity

If you weigh these points, you can decide which Blackstone griddle is the best for your home in minutes.

Must-have accessories and setup tips

A few smart add-ons can level up your cook. They also make it easier to answer which Blackstone griddle is the best for daily life.

Top accessories:

Hard cover: guards the plate from rain and pollen
Hood: reduces wind and speeds up preheat
Wind guards: keeps flames steady on breezy patios
Squeeze bottles: oil and water for smash and steam
Spatulas and scraper: stiff, flat edges for clean flips
Thermometer: instant-read for steak and chicken safety

Setup tips:

Check level: a slight tilt helps grease flow where you want
Season right: thin oil layers, heat to smoke, repeat three to five times
Preheat plan: low for eggs, medium for pancakes, high for sear

These simple steps make any pick feel like the pro answer to which Blackstone griddle is the best for you.

Care, seasoning, and mistakes to avoid

Good care keeps the plate slick and black. That nonstick patina is your best friend.

What to do:

Clean hot: scrape while warm, add water to lift bits, wipe dry
Oil thin: add a light coat after each cook to prevent rust
Cover it: use a hard cover and keep it dry

Mistakes to avoid:

Heavy soap: it strips the seasoning and causes sticking
Big water shock: can warp the plate if you flood it cold
Skip preheat: uneven browning and pale sear

With these habits, your pick for which Blackstone griddle is the best will stay that way for years.

Value and timing: how to save on a Blackstone

Price swings happen all year. If you can wait, you can save without guessing which Blackstone griddle is the best for deals.

Smart timing:

Spring launches: new models drop, older stock goes on sale
Holiday weekends: Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and Black Friday
End of season: late fall clearance on floor models

Buying tips:

Check for hoods and covers in bundle deals
Inspect frames and plates in person when possible
Read owner reviews with months of use, not just first cooks

This way, you get more gear for less and still pick which Blackstone griddle is the best for your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions of which blackstone griddle is the best

What size Blackstone should I buy for a family of four?

A 28-inch or 22-inch works well. If you host often, the 28-inch gives more room and better heat control.

How many BTUs do I need for good sear?

For gas, aim for 12,000 to 15,000 BTUs per burner. More matters, but plate thickness and wind control also count.

Is the electric E-Series good for steak?

It can cook steak, but sear is milder than gas. Pat dry, preheat long, and finish with a butter baste for best crust.

Do I need a hood or just a hard cover?

A hood helps cooking and preheat. A hard cover protects the surface after you are done.

How do I stop rust on the griddle?

Keep it seasoned, keep it oiled, and keep it covered. If rust forms, scrub it off, re-season in thin layers, and cook often.

Can I use my Blackstone in winter?

Yes, but preheat longer and use wind guards. Propane can run cooler in the cold, so keep tanks warm if possible.

Conclusion

Here is the bottom line. The Blackstone 36-inch 4-burner is the best for most cooks. The 22-inch tabletop is the best portable pick. The 28-inch is the best value starter. The E-Series 22-inch is the best where gas is not allowed. The 36-inch with air fry is the best for feature lovers. If you match size, power, and space to your life, you will know which Blackstone griddle is the best for your kitchen or patio.

Ready to level up your cooks? Pick your model, grab a hood and cover, and cook three times this week. Share your wins, ask questions, and join the discussion in the comments.