Blackstone Grills and Griddles: Which Size Suits Your Backyard?
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If you have never cooked on a flat top before, here is the idea: instead of grill grates, a Blackstone griddle has one big sheet of steel heated by propane burners underneath. That solid surface lets you cook things a barbecue cannot, such as pancakes, eggs, fried rice, crispy potatoes and smash burgers pressed thin. Blackstone is the brand most people picture when they think of backyard griddles, and it is known for its Omnivore griddle plate, its rear grease cup and its range of sizes from compact tabletop units to 36-inch stations.
The six Blackstone griddles below differ mainly in three things: size (22, 28 or 36 inches), the number of burners, and whether they come with a hood, the lid that covers the cooking surface between uses. This first-griddle guide explains each of those terms simply, so new outdoor cooks and gift-givers can find the size that suits their backyard.
Blackstone Griddles Compared
| Model | Size | Cooking space | Burners | Hood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle | 28 in | 517 sq in | Not listed | Not listed |
| Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner Griddle Station | 36 in | 768 sq in | 4 (60,000 BTU total) | Not listed |
| Blackstone 1666 22″ Tabletop Griddle | 22 in | 361 sq in | 2 H-shaped | No |
| Blackstone 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2206 | 28 in | 527 sq in | 2 | Not listed |
| Blackstone 1883 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle | 28 in | 524 sq in | 2 H-style | Yes, integrated |
| Blackstone Original Portable Griddle with Built-in Hood | 36 in | 768 sq in | 4 | Yes, built-in |
Blackstone 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle for a Classic First Griddle
Blackstone
Blackstone® 1517 Original 28" Omnivore Griddle, Black
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Blackstone 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle
Best for: First griddle for a family patio
Pros
- 517 sq in cooking space
- Bottom shelf plus two side shelves
- Two caster wheels
Cons
- No hood listed
- Burner count not listed
The Blackstone 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle is a no-fuss 28-inch station with 517 square inches of cooking space. The listing suggests eggs, pancakes, quesadillas, grilled cheese, steak, potatoes and teppanyaki-style dishes, the Japanese way of cooking on a hot iron plate.
It uses the Omnivore griddle plate, which Blackstone says has built-in wind guards, faster preheat and recovery times, better heat distribution and less fuel use per cook. In plain terms, “recovery” means how quickly the plate gets hot again after you drop on cold food. A bottom shelf and two side shelves give storage and prep space, two caster wheels and a side handle help you move it, and Rear Grease Management guides drippings into a cup at the back. It carries a 1-year limited warranty and measures about 22.75 x 44 x 33 inches. The listing does not specify the burner count, ignition type or a hood.
This suits a family trying griddle cooking for the first time. If you want a lid to shield the surface from rain and leaves, the 1883 is the version with a hood.
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Griddle for Big Cookouts
Blackstone
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Portable Steel Griddle Cooking Station with Foldable Legs, Grease Pan, and Storage Rack, Black
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000
Best for: Cooking for big groups
Pros
- 768 sq in surface
- 4 burners, 60,000 BTU
- Foldable legs and storage rack
Cons
- No hood listed
- Grease system described two ways
The Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Portable Steel Griddle Cooking Station is built for crowds. The description lists 768 square inches of cooking space and four independently controlled stainless steel burners, which together produce 60,000 BTU. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a measure of heat output, and four separate burners mean four heat zones you can set differently.
The package includes foldable legs, a grease pan and a storage rack, and the freestanding wheeled design makes it easier to move into a shed or garage. The feature list mentions front grease management, while the description refers to Omnivore plate technology with wind guards and better thermal shock stability, so the version delivered may vary. The listing does not mention a hood.
This is the pick for large families, block parties and anyone who hosts often. If you want the same 36-inch surface with a protective lid, look at the Original Portable Griddle with Built-in Hood at the end of this list. Our 4-burner griddle guide dives deeper into this size.
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle for Small Spaces and Travel
Blackstone
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle
Best for: Camping, tailgates and small balconies
Pros
- 361 sq in, up to 14 burgers
- Runs on a small propane bottle
- Two H-shaped burners
Cons
- Needs a table
- No shelves or hood
The Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle is the smallest here and sits on a table or tailgate. It has a stainless steel faceplate, powder-coated steel body and 361 square inches of rolled steel cooking space, enough for up to 14 burgers, 10 pancakes or 60 hot dogs according to the listing.
Two independently controlled H-shaped burners spread heat evenly and let you run two temperatures. It runs on a small propane bottle, which makes it easy to take camping, and it uses the Blackstone-patented Rear Grease Management System. It measures about 22.4 x 22.9 x 9.8 inches.
This suits small families, apartment balconies where propane is permitted, campers and tailgaters. It lacks shelves and a hood, so for regular backyard cooking a 28-inch station is more comfortable. See our 22-inch griddle guide for more compact choices.
Blackstone 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2206 for the Most 28-Inch Space
Blackstone
Blackstone 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2206, Blackstone 2 Burner Griddle Outdoor Flat Top Grill, Propane Portable Gas Grill
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Blackstone 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle
Best for: Largest 28-inch surface, easy to roll
Pros
- 527 sq in cooking area
- Side shelf with tool hooks
- Wheels and sturdy handle
Cons
- No hood listed
- Single side shelf
The Blackstone 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2206 has the largest cooking area of the 28-inch models here at 527 square inches. It uses the patented Omnivore plate, described as heating evenly, preventing warping and reducing fuel use while holding high temperatures.
Two burners create two separately controlled cooking zones. A side shelf with integrated tool hooks gives you prep and serving space. Grease drains through an opening at the rear into a cup hooked on the back. A pair of wheels and a sturdy stainless steel handle make it easy to roll around. It measures about 21.9 x 46.5 x 33.7 inches. The listing does not mention a hood.
This is a good fit for families who want a bit more room than the 1517 and appreciate tool hooks. For hood protection, the 1883 trades a few square inches for a lid.
Blackstone 1883 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle with Hood for Weather Protection
Best for: Mid-size griddle with lid protection
Pros
- Integrated hood
- Electric ignition
- Counter-height dual side shelves
Cons
- 524 sq in, two burners only
- Listed dimensions look incomplete
The Blackstone 1883 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle with Hood gives you 524 square inches, enough for up to 21 burgers or 15 pancakes. Two independently controlled H-style burners let you sear on one side and keep food warm on the other.
The integrated hood protects the griddle top when you are not cooking, which helps keep out rain, leaves and pollen. You also get electric ignition, two wheels, dual counter-height side shelves for more comfortable prep, the Omnivore plate with wind guards and Rear Grease Management. It carries a 1-year limited warranty. The listed dimensions of 32.7 x 21.7 x 17.7 inches look small for a full station and may describe packaging, so confirm the assembled size.
This is the sweet spot for most households: a 28-inch surface with a hood and push-start ignition. Larger families can step up to the 36-inch hooded model.
Blackstone Original Portable Griddle with Built-in Hood for the Full 36-Inch Setup
Best for: Serious hosts wanting 36 inches and a hood
Pros
- 768 sq in, up to 30 burgers
- Built-in hood
- Push-button ignition
- BAR accessory system
Cons
- Heavy at 127.9 pounds
- Widest footprint at 64.5 inches
The Blackstone Original Portable Griddle with Built-in Hood is the 36-inch model with every extra. Its 768-square-inch Omnivore plate holds up to 30 burgers, and four independently controlled burners give four heat zones. Electric push-button ignition lights it without matches.
Prep space comes from dual folding side shelves plus an extendable side shelf, with built-in tool hooks. It includes the BAR System for adding accessories, rear grease management, locking caster wheels and a hood to protect the surface between cooks. The finish is powder coated. It is big, though: 29.8 x 64.5 x 36.5 inches and 127.9 pounds.
Choose this if you host often and want the biggest surface with a lid. For smaller patios, the 1883 gives you a hood in a 28-inch size.
How to Choose the Right Blackstone Griddle
Size by guests. A 22-inch griddle suits two to four people. A 28-inch model (517 to 527 square inches) suits most families. A 36-inch model (768 square inches) suits crowds.
Count the burners. Each burner is a heat zone. Two burners let you cook hot and warm at once; four let you run a full breakfast spread.
Decide on a hood. A hood shields the cooktop from weather. The 1883 and the 36-inch Original Portable Griddle include one.
Check your space. Measure your patio. The 36-inch hooded model is 64.5 inches wide, while the tabletop 1666 fits on a picnic table. For camping setups, see our camping griddle guide.
FAQ
What is the Omnivore griddle plate?
Blackstone’s plate design with built-in wind guards, faster preheat and recovery, even heat and lower fuel use.
Which Blackstone griddle has a hood?
The 1883 Original 28-inch and the Original Portable 36-inch Griddle with Built-in Hood.
Is a 28-inch or 36-inch Blackstone better for a family?
A 28-inch model suits most families of four to six. Choose 36 inches if you regularly cook for larger groups.
What does 60,000 BTU mean?
It is the total heat output of the 36-inch four-burner station’s burners combined.
Which Blackstone is best for camping?
The 1666 22-inch tabletop griddle, which runs on a small propane bottle.
