Blackstone invented the modern backyard griddle category.
Since 2017, Blackstone has grown from a niche outdoor cooking brand to the default answer when someone asks “what is a flat top griddle?” Their lineup in 2026 covers portable 17″ tabletop units all the way to 36″ ProSeries stations. This guide covers every major Blackstone size, who each is for, and the honest choices at each price tier.
In this guide (jump ahead)
- Why buy a Blackstone (vs a griddle insert)
- The Blackstone lineup in 2026
- Best all-round: Blackstone 36″ Original
- Best for smaller households: Blackstone 28″ Original
- Best premium: Blackstone Culinary Pro 36″
- Best portable: Blackstone 22″ Tabletop
- Best hybrid: Blackstone OmniVore
- Blackstone lineup comparison
- Essential Blackstone accessories
- Editor’s ranking
- Related PitPrimer guides
Disclosure: PitPrimer earns commission on qualifying purchases through Amazon Associates.
Why buy a Blackstone (vs a griddle insert)
A dedicated Blackstone gives you:
See also: Best Blackstone Griddle Size 2026: 17-inch vs 22-inch vs 28-inch vs 36-inch Compared
- Significantly more cook area than any grill insert
- Dedicated grease management system
- Full outdoor kitchen ergonomics (storage shelves, side tables, wind guards)
- Consistent heat across the entire cook surface
If you already have a grill and cook flat-top less than 3-4 times a month, a griddle insert (see our Best Griddle for Gas Grill 2026) is more space-efficient. If you cook flat-top weekly, a dedicated Blackstone is the right call.
The Blackstone lineup in 2026
- 17″ Tabletop — portable single-burner, $150-200.
- 22″ Tabletop — portable dual-burner, $200-280.
- 28″ Original — 2-burner freestanding, $300-400.
- 36″ Original — 4-burner freestanding, $400-550.
- Pro Series 28″/36″ — upgraded features (rear grease, side burner, air fryer), $500-900.
- Culinary Pro 36″ — hood, storage cabinets, integrated air fryer, $1,000-1,400.
- OmniVore — hybrid griddle + grill grate system, $550-800.
Best all-round: Blackstone 36″ Original
The 36″ 4-burner Original is the sweet spot for most households. 720 square inches of cook surface handles 8-10 smash burgers, family breakfast for 6, or full teppanyaki dinner for 8. 4-zone heat control lets you sear on one end while eggs cook gently on the other.
See also: Ooni Karu 12 vs Karu 16 vs Volt 12 Compared 2026: The Ooni Lineup Head-to-Head
What you give up vs Pro Series: no rear grease management (still front-drain), no air fryer, no side burner. What you keep: the same cast iron cooktop that made Blackstone famous.
- Blackstone 36″ Original
- 36-Inch Flat-Top Griddle: Large 36″ Omnivore griddle plate delivers fast heating, even heat distribution, and improved fuel eff…
- 4 Heat Zones, Ultimate Control: Four independently controlled burners let you cook multiple foods at once at different temperat…
- One-Button Ignition: Electric push-button ignition provides a quick, reliable spark so you can start cooking instantly without…
- Blackstone 36″ with hard cover
- KEEP OUT THE ELEMENTS: Sun, snow, hail, dust, dirt, or grime, don’t let anything ruin your expensive investment. Blackstone bar…
- RELIABLE & DURABLE: Made with heavy-duty canvas, Griddle cover can take up the beating without wearing out. The all-weather res…
- WINDPROOF: The durable poly-resin buckles of our heavy duty Griddle cover clips underneath the griddle base and keeps the cover…
Best for smaller households: Blackstone 28″ Original
2-burner, 470 sq in. Fits 5-6 smash burgers or breakfast for 4. Better for smaller patios and couples. Same cast iron surface, same build quality.
See also: Best Meat Thermometer for BBQ 2026: ThermoWorks, MEATER, BBQOVN, and Inkbird Head-to-Head
- Blackstone 28″ Original
- 28-Inch Flat-Top Griddle: Large 28″ Omnivore griddle plate delivers fast heating, even heat distribution, and improved fuel eff…
- 2 Heat Zones, Ultimate Control: Two independently controlled burners let you cook multiple foods at once at different temperatu…
- One-Button Ignition: Electric push-button ignition provides a quick, reliable spark so you can start cooking instantly without…
- Blackstone 28″ Pro Series
- Compatibility: This Blackstone griddle cover is designed to fit Blackstone 28″ griddles with hood other models with similar dim…
- Durable and Heavy-duty Material: The Blackstone Griddle bag 28 inches is made with heavy-duty 600 D Polyester which ensures lon…
- Weather-resistant Material: The Blackstone 28inch Griddle Cover is made of specially-curated, fade-resistant fabric with a wate…
Best premium: Blackstone Culinary Pro 36″
The Culinary Pro line adds a hood (for retaining heat and steaming), integrated air fryer drawer, propane storage cabinet, rear grease management, and hidden cord routing. Effectively a full outdoor kitchen station. $1,000-1,400.
- Blackstone Culinary Pro 36″
- 【36 Inch 4-Burner Griddle Cover Size】This GuardKove griddle cover measures 68″W x 28″D x 33″H and is comparable to the Blacksto…
- 【Upgraded 1000D Thickened Fabric – Tear Resistance Improved by 200%】The flat top grill cover is made of upgraded 1000D high-den…
- 【100% Waterproof Structure – Prevents Rust and Water Accumulation】Our outdoor grill cover features a triple protection system w…
- Blackstone Pro Series 36″
- 【Custom Fit】Dimensions: 69″W x 25″D x 40″H, fits for 36″ ProSeries Griddle Grill w/Cabinet 1818 1820 2006 2078 2309, for 36 inc…
- 【Durable Material】Blackstone pro series 36 inch griddle cover is made with heavy duty 600D polyester with waterproof PVC coatin…
- 【Velcro Strap】This blackstone culinary 36 inch griddle cover has additional velcro closure straps on both sides for better fit…
Best portable: Blackstone 22″ Tabletop
Best portable flat top on the market. 2-burner, 330 sq in, integrated legs, fits in a car trunk. Perfect for tailgates, camping, RV cooking, small patios.
- Blackstone 22″ Tabletop
- Griddle on the Go: This griddle is compact and portable so you can take it to the beach, on a picnic, camping, to a tailgate, a…
- Surprisingly Spacious Cooking Area: This compact griddle is more spacious than you would think. Cook up to 14 burgers at a time…
- Versatile Cooking Space: A griddle top is a versatile cooking surface that can handle a variety of foods such as bacon, pancake…
- Blackstone 17″ Tabletop (smaller)
- MAKE EVERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DELICIOUS with Black Stone griddle. Perfect for the backyard or the great outdoors, this flat top…
- PORTABLE CONVENIENCE: Take your grilling experience beyond your backyard because our tabletop griddle is compact and lightweigh…
- FAMILY SIZE COOKING SURFACE: The roomy and spacious 17 inches (268 sq. inch) cooking surface of our stainless steel griddle can…
Best hybrid: Blackstone OmniVore
Innovative combo — standard Blackstone griddle surface plus a removable grill grate insert that sits over one burner. Grill steaks on the grate side, cook smash burgers on the griddle side simultaneously. Best for cooks who want both griddling and traditional grilling in one appliance.
- Blackstone OmniVore
- Cook for a Crowd: Whether you are cooking for a large or small group this griddle is equipped to handle the load. This 28 inch…
- Versatile Cooking Space: Make a variety of foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on this griddle top. Whether you are in the m…
- 28″ Omnivore Griddle Plate: Quicker preheat and recovery times, even heat distribution, higher fuel efficiency with fewer BTUs…
Blackstone lineup comparison
| Model | Burners | Cook Area | Special Features | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17″ Tabletop | 1 | 270 sq in | Portable | $180 |
| 22″ Tabletop | 2 | 330 sq in | Portable | $250 |
| 28″ Original | 2 | 470 sq in | Freestanding | $350 |
| 36″ Original | 4 | 720 sq in | Freestanding | $500 |
| Pro Series 36″ | 4 | 769 sq in | Rear grease + side burner | $700 |
| Culinary Pro 36″ | 4 | 769 sq in | Hood + air fryer + cabinet | $1,200 |
| OmniVore | 4 | 720 sq in | Griddle + grill grate | $700 |
Essential Blackstone accessories
- Blackstone hard cover (weather protection)
- 【Perfect Fit】Perfect for Blackstone 36 inch Griddle. Compatible with PIT BOSS 4-Burner Gas Griddle. Compatible with Royal Gourm…
- 【Function】Made of high quality material with a heat-resistant coating. Thickness: 1.5 mm, more durable! Quickly steam vegetable…
- 【Feature】The Griddle Hard Cover can help keep your griddle clean between uses, as well as protect your griddle from the element…
- Bench scraper + spatula kit
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: Heavy-duty stainless steel spatula turner built for durability and long-lasting performance on flat top g…
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Multi-purpose tool perfect for flipping burgers, pancakes, and other foods while also functioning as an effic…
- CUTTING EDGES: Features sharp beveled edges ideal for chopping, dividing, and precise food handling during cooking
- Blackstone conditioning oil
- TLC for your griddle cooktop: All you need to build a slick, easy-release surface that’s protected from rust and easy to work w…
- 2 in 1 formula (conditions & protects): Our cast iron seasoning formula creates a nonstick seasoning layer that makes cooking a…
- Not just for griddles: Season or re-season your cast iron pans as well
- Smash burger press
- Smash Burger Transformation: Transform ground raw meat into crispy outside, juicy inside burgers with Blackstone burger press….
- Built to Last Construction: Just like your love for smash burgers, our griddle press is built to last. It’s constructed out of…
- Comfort Grip Handle: Our smash burger press is topped with an ergonomic handle that offers a firm, comfortable grip. The handle…
- Pancake dispenser + breakfast tools
- BECOME THE BREAKFAST MASTER: Set of breakfast making tools for your outdoor griddle so you can deliver the ultimate breakfast meal
- SET INCLUDES: Includes a trigger operated batter dispenser, (2) egg rings, and a bacon press with a handle
- DELIVER THE PERFECT PANCAKE: Batter dispenser has a 4 cup capacity and allows you to easily and efficiently pour batter onto yo…
Editor’s ranking
First Blackstone for most cooks: 36″ Original at $500. Sweet spot of cook area, price, and everyday usability.
Small household or tight patio: 28″ Original at $350. Full outdoor kitchen: Culinary Pro 36″ at $1,200. Tailgates/camping: 22″ Tabletop at $250.
Whichever you buy: season the cast iron on day one (3-4 layers of high-smoke-point oil), keep it covered when not in use, and clean while warm with a bench scraper. A well-cared-for Blackstone lasts 15+ years.
About this guide
Our recommendations synthesize manufacturer specifications, published editorial reviews (AmazingRibs, Wirecutter, Serious Eats, Meathead), and community feedback from BBQ forums (r/smoking, r/BBQ, Smoking Meat Forums), cross-checked against real-world reports. We do not accept payment for recommendations.
Last reviewed: July 2026
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- Best Pit Boss Grills 2026: Sportsman, Pro Series Elite, Navigator, and Lockhart Full Guide
- Weber SmokeFire EX6 vs Traeger Ironwood XL vs Pit Boss Pro Series 850 Compared 2026
- Blackstone vs Camp Chef vs Pit Boss Griddles 2026: 28-inch Class Head-to-Head
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.
Related BBQ guides
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