The three major outdoor gas griddle brands compared at the 28-inch size class.
Outdoor gas griddles have become one of the fastest-growing backyard cooking categories. Blackstone, Camp Chef, and Pit Boss each dominate a different price and feature tier at the popular 28-inch size. This factual comparison covers cook area, burner configuration, and price positioning so you can match one to your cook style.
In this guide (jump ahead)
Disclosure: PitPrimer earns commission on qualifying purchases through Amazon Associates. This comparison is a factual synthesis of manufacturer specifications and publicly available product information. All products listed are widely regarded, well-supported by their manufacturers, and have active owner communities. The right choice depends on your specific use case; we recommend visiting each product page to review current pricing, live customer reviews, and detailed specifications before purchase.
The competitors in this comparison
- Blackstone 28-inch (E-Series or Original) — The mainstream U.S. griddle brand, four burner zones, extensive accessory ecosystem.
- Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900 — Modular design combining griddle surface with removable grate section for hybrid cooking.
- Pit Boss Ultimate Lift-off Griddle — Removable griddle top over a burner base, allowing conversion between griddle and gas grill.
Fastest way to pick by use case
- Best fit for pure griddle cooks: Blackstone 28-inch Original or E-Series. Largest accessory ecosystem, most established brand, dedicated griddle-only design.
- Best fit for hybrid griddle-and-grill: Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900. Modular grate section allows sear-and-griddle in one unit.
- Best fit for one appliance replacing both: Pit Boss Ultimate Lift-off Griddle. Griddle top lifts off entirely to reveal a functional gas grill underneath.
Blackstone 28-inch Original or E-Series
The mainstream U.S. griddle brand with the largest accessory ecosystem and most active owner community.
See also: Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe 2026: The Head-to-Head Comparison (Which Ranks Higher?)
Key specifications:
- Cook area: 470 sq in griddle surface
- Burners: 2 independent H-burners
- Weight: approximately 106 lb
- Total BTU: 34,000
- Griddle plate: rolled steel
Features often highlighted by owners:
- Rear grease management system
- Removable griddle top for cleaning
- Extensive Blackstone accessory line
- Optional hood accessory
Fits this cook style: Weekend breakfasts, teppanyaki-style cooks, quesadillas and smash burgers.
Check current price and reviews on Amazon →
Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900
Modular griddle-grill hybrid with removable grate section for sear-and-griddle combined cooks.
See also: Best Camp Chef Grills 2026: Woodwind Pro, Apex, Sherpa, and Explorer Lineup Guide
Key specifications:
- Cook area: 604 sq in total (griddle + grate)
- Burners: 4 independent stainless
- Weight: approximately 130 lb
- Total BTU: 48,000
- Griddle plate: rolled steel with matching grate insert
Features often highlighted by owners:
- Modular grate section for grill-style searing
- Larger surface area than typical 28-inch griddle
- Independent burner control per zone
- Front grease management
Fits this cook style: Mixed cooks that want griddle surface AND grill grates on the same appliance (steak with veggies).
Check current price and reviews on Amazon →
Pit Boss Ultimate Lift-off Griddle
Removable griddle top over a functional gas grill base, allowing full conversion between the two.
See also: Best Pit Boss Grills 2026: Sportsman, Pro Series Elite, Navigator, and Lockhart Full Guide
Key specifications:
- Cook area: 501 sq in griddle surface
- Burners: 3 independent under griddle, 3 under grill base
- Weight: approximately 148 lb
- Total BTU: 39,000
- Griddle plate: cold-rolled steel
Features often highlighted by owners:
- Removable griddle top reveals gas grill
- Push-button ignition
- Independent burner zones
- Integrated grease management
Fits this cook style: Single-appliance backyard setups that want a griddle AND a gas grill without buying two separate units.
Check current price and reviews on Amazon →
Head-to-head specification comparison
| Specification | Blackstone 28-inch | Camp Chef FTG 900 | Pit Boss Ultimate Lift-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Griddle surface area | 470 sq in | 604 sq in total | 501 sq in |
| Number of burners | 2 H-burners | 4 independent | 3 under griddle |
| Total BTU | 34,000 | 48,000 | 39,000 |
| Grill grate option | No | Yes (modular) | Yes (base underneath) |
| Weight | 106 lb | 130 lb | 148 lb |
| Approximate MSRP tier | $400-500 | $600-800 | $700-900 |
Which fits your cook style
- First griddle, dedicated griddle cooks: Blackstone 28-inch. Most established brand, biggest accessory line, focused griddle design.
- Combined griddle and grill cooks on one appliance: Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900. Modular grate section keeps both surfaces available simultaneously.
- Replacing a griddle and a gas grill with one unit: Pit Boss Ultimate Lift-off Griddle. Full conversion between griddle and gas grill modes.
Final note on this comparison
All three products in this comparison have strong owner communities, active manufacturer support, and long track records. The specifications above are drawn from manufacturer publications and are current at time of writing. Prices, promotions, and product revisions change frequently — check the Amazon listings directly for the most current information, current customer ratings, and any active discount or bundle offers.
Related PitPrimer guides
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- Best Blackstone Griddles 2026: 17″, 22″, 28″, 36″, Pro Series, and Culinary Pro Compared
- Masterbuilt MES 140S vs Pit Boss Analog Vertical vs Bradley Digital: Electric Smokers Compared 2026
- Best Blackstone Griddle Size 2026: 17-inch vs 22-inch vs 28-inch vs 36-inch Compared
Frequently asked questions
How were these products selected?
This guide is a research-based synthesis of product specs, brand reputation, current Amazon reviews, and category trends. It is not a hands-on review – use it to narrow options before you buy.
What price range should I expect?
Prices vary significantly across the categories above. Entry options start at the lower end of each tier listed, while premium picks can be several times more. Amazon pricing changes frequently, so confirm current numbers on the product listings.
Should I always buy the most expensive option?
Not necessarily. Premium products offer better materials, longer warranties, and higher-end features, but mid-tier picks meet the needs of most buyers. Match the pick to your actual use case rather than defaulting to the top of the price range.
How often is this guide updated?
This guide is refreshed as new products launch and older picks are discontinued. Amazon pricing and stock change daily – always confirm current price and availability on Amazon before purchase.
Where is the best place to buy?
Amazon is linked throughout this guide because it typically has broad selection, current pricing, and standardized return policies. Direct manufacturer sites and specialty retailers are also options depending on category and preference.
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