Best Blackstone Griddles for Every Setup

The best Blackstone griddles in 2026 are the 17-inch Tabletop for camping and tight spaces, the 22-inch Adventure Ready for portable versatility, the 28-inch with Omnivore plate for small patios, and the 36-inch Original Omnivore for large gatherings and full backyard setups.

Choosing between them comes down to cooking-surface area, burner count and control, how much you need to move it, and how much patio or garage space you can dedicate to storage. This guide matches each model to a specific setup so you can pick without overbuying or running out of room.

Blackstone® 1883 Original 28" Omnivore Griddle with Hood, Black

Included for 'Best Blackstone Griddles for Every Setup' because the listing specifies Black, details this guide uses to compare options.

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Blackstone® 1813 Original 22" Tabletop Griddle with Hood

Included for 'Best Blackstone Griddles for Every Setup' as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.

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Blackstone® 2350 OTG 22" Omnivore Griddle with Hood, Black

Included for 'Best Blackstone Griddles for Every Setup' because the listing specifies Black, details this guide uses to compare options.

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Blackstone Original Portable Griddle with Built-in Hood, Black, 36 Inch

Included for 'Best Blackstone Griddles for Every Setup' because the listing specifies Black and 36 Inch, details this guide uses to compare options.

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Best Blackstone Griddles at a Glance

All 2026 retail Blackstone models now ship with the Omnivore griddle plate design, which uses wind guards, improved heat deflectors, and a rear grease management system. Older Original models without Omnivore are still sold through some retailers but heat less evenly in wind.

How to Match Cooking Surface and Burners to Your Situation

1. For Camping, RVs, and Small Balconies: 17-Inch and 22-Inch Tabletops

A single-burner 17-inch griddle cooks about 9 burgers or 6-8 pancakes at once. The two-burner 22-inch adds a second heat zone, so you can sear on high on one side and hold eggs or vegetables on low on the other. That dual-zone control is the biggest practical difference for real meals.

Portability is where these win. The 17-inch and bare 22-inch tabletop sit on any stable table, truck tailgate, or picnic bench rated for at least 40 lbs. The 22-inch Adventure Ready bundle adds folding legs and a compact stand so you do not need to bring a separate table, though it adds about 14 lbs and folds to roughly 22″ x 22″ x 9″ for transport.

Storage and assembly are minimal. Both ship in one box around 35-50 lbs that fits through any standard 30-inch doorway and into a car trunk. Assembly is 10-15 minutes: attach the feet, regulator, and grease cup. No tools beyond what is included. For renters and anyone with no garage, these store vertically in a closet or under a workbench.

2. For Small Patios and Townhomes: 28-Inch

The 28-inch is the sweet spot if you have a 6×8 ft patio, small deck, or narrow side yard. With 470 sq. in., it handles 12-14 burgers or a full breakfast for four without crowding. The two H-style burners still give you two zones, but the wider plate means more even heat across the center than the 22-inch.

Measure your space before buying. The 28-inch needs at least 60 inches of width with the side shelf extended and 30 inches of depth, plus 36 inches of clearance in front for safe movement and 24 inches from any vinyl siding or railing due to radiant heat. On a typical 10×12 ft patio, it leaves room for a small bistro set but not a full dining table.

Assembly takes 30-45 minutes and requires two people to lift the griddle top onto the base. The boxed weight is usually 85-95 lbs and the carton is about 54″ x 32″ x 18″, so check that it can navigate apartment hallways, elevator doors, and any 90-degree turn into a patio gate. Once assembled, it rolls on two wheels but is not designed to be lifted into a vehicle regularly.

3. For Large Gatherings and Dedicated Outdoor Kitchens: 36-Inch

The 36-inch is built for families, meal prep, and entertaining. With 768 sq. in. and four independently controlled burners, you can run four heat zones at once – for example, high-heat searing, toasting buns, sautéing onions, and keeping finished food warm. It is the only size that comfortably cooks for 6-8 adults in one batch.

It is also the most demanding on space. You need a patio or deck at least 10×10 ft to accommodate the cart with both folding shelves and still allow safe traffic flow. The unit is 62.5 inches wide with shelves open and requires the same 36-inch front clearance and 24-inch wall clearance. Weight limits matter: at 120-135 lbs, avoid placing it on elevated composite decking without checking the joist rating if you also plan to store a propane tank and accessories on the lower shelf.

Assembly is 45-75 minutes with two people. The box typically weighs 130-145 lbs and measures about 65″ x 30″ x 22″ – it will not fit in a sedan and may not fit through a 32-inch interior door in the box. The cold-rolled steel griddle top alone is about 45-50 lbs. Plan to assemble near its final location. Durability is excellent if seasoned correctly, but the cart, side shelves, and folding legs are where wear appears first: hinges loosen and powder coating chips at weld points if moved frequently over rough concrete.

Decision Matrix: Which Blackstone Griddle Fits Your Setup?

Assembly, Moving, and Durability Realities

Blackstone griddles are not plug-and-play furniture. The cold-rolled steel cooktop requires initial seasoning (3-4 thin coats of high-smoke-point oil heated until smoking) and regular oiling after each cook to prevent rust, especially in humid or coastal climates. This is true for all sizes.

• Box weight and doorways: 17-inch and 22-inch boxes can be carried by one person. 28-inch and 36-inch boxes require two people and a hand truck. Measure your narrowest doorway or gate – anything under 32 inches will require opening the box outside and carrying parts in.
• Propane setup: Tabletops include a regulator for 1 lb cylinders; an adapter hose for a standard 20 lb tank is usually sold separately for $25-$45. Cart models include the 20 lb tank hose and storage. One 20 lb tank lasts roughly 8-12 hours on a 28-inch and 5-8 hours on a 36-inch at medium-high heat.
• Grease management: Since 2023, all models use rear grease management with a removable cup. The cup must be checked every 1-2 cooks. On windy sites, position the rear away from prevailing wind to avoid grease blowback.
• What wears first: Igniter batteries and electrodes, the non-stick seasoning layer if scraped with excessive force, and the painted cart frame. The steel plate itself lasts for years if kept seasoned and covered. A fitted hard cover or soft cover, usually $50-$120 depending on size, significantly reduces rust and is worth budgeting for.
• Storage footprint: With shelves folded, the 36-inch narrows to about 36″ x 22″, but it never becomes portable. The 28-inch narrows to about 32″ x 26″. Both need a garage wall or covered patio corner with a breathable cover, not a tight indoor closet.

For most buyers, price follows size. In 2026, general market ranges are usually $150-$250 for 17-inch tabletops, usually $250-$400 for 22-inch models depending on the stand, usually $350-$500 for the 28-inch, and usually $450-$650 for the 36-inch cart models with Omnivore plate and cover. Bundles with lids, hoods, or accessory kits push higher.

Which Should You Buy?

If you need a griddle you can carry, choose the 22-inch. It is the most versatile size for both home and away. If you cook primarily at home on a modest patio and rarely move the griddle, the 28-inch gives you 30% more cooking area without the full weight and patio domination of the 36-inch. If you regularly cook for a crowd or want to replace multiple pans for weeknight dinners, the 36-inch with four burners is the only model that truly eliminates batch cooking.

Whichever size you pick, confirm your available footprint with tape on the ground, verify propane storage rules for your building, and budget for a cover and seasoning oil. Those three practical checks matter more than small differences in BTU ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Blackstone griddle on a wood deck or composite deck?

Yes, with precautions. Keep 24 inches of clearance from railings and siding, use a grill mat rated for grease and heat to protect decking, and never leave a hot griddle unattended. Check your deck manufacturer’s heat rating – some composite boards can scorch or warp with prolonged radiant heat.

Do I need the model with a hood or lid?

A hinged hood helps with heat retention, light wind protection, and storage, but it is not required for basic griddling. For windy patios or if you store the griddle uncovered, a hood plus a soft cover is the best combination. For camping tabletops, a separate hard lid is useful for transport.

What is the difference between Omnivore and the older griddle plate?

Omnivore plates have built-in wind guards, redesigned burner shields, and improved heat distribution that reduces hot spots and fuel use in breezy conditions. They also use the rear grease cup system exclusively. Performance is noticeably better in wind, while indoor or sheltered results are similar to older plates.