Ultimate Blackstone Griddle Guide for Outdoor Cooking

Blackstone griddles have revolutionized outdoor cooking, transforming backyards and campsites into versatile cooking stations capable of producing restaurant-quality meals. Whether you're flipping pancakes for a weekend breakfast, searing smash burgers for a summer cookout, or stir-frying vegetables for a healthy dinner, a flat top grill offers unmatched versatility that traditional charcoal grills and gas grills simply cannot match.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Blackstone griddles, from choosing the right model for your cooking style to selecting essential accessories that will enhance your griddle cooking experience. We've researched the most popular models, tested various accessories, and compiled expert tips to help both new buyers and experienced griddle enthusiasts get the most out of their outdoor griddle setup. Whether you're looking for a full-size 36-inch griddle to feed a crowd, a compact tabletop model for tailgating and camping, or the essential tools and covers to protect your investment, this guide has you covered.

We'll walk you through the key features to consider, recommend the best products available, and share proven techniques for seasoning, cooking, and maintaining your Blackstone griddle for years of delicious meals.

Quick Comparison

Quick comparison of Ultimate Blackstone Griddle Guide for Outdoor Cooking products.

Griddle	Type	Cooking Area	Best For	Where to Buy
Blackstone 2310 Iron Forged 36″ Omnivore Griddle, X-Braced Hood	36″ Full-Size	768 sq in	Best Full-Size	See at Amazon
Blackstone 22″ Tabletop Griddle with Hood	22″ Tabletop	361 sq in	Best Tabletop	See at Amazon
Blackstone 2350 OTG 22″ Omnivore Griddle	22″ Portable	361 sq in	Best Portable	See at Amazon
35PCS Griddle Accessories Kit	Accessory Kit	—	Best Accessory Kit	See at Amazon
Blackstone 22″ Cover & Carry Bag	Cover + Bag	—	Best Cover (Tabletop)	See at Amazon
Blackstone 36″ Griddle Top Carry Bag	Carry Bag	—	Best Cover (Full-Size)	See at Amazon

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How to Choose a Blackstone Griddle

Selecting the right Blackstone griddle depends on several factors including your cooking needs, available space, and how you plan to use it. Understanding the key differences between models will help you make an informed decision.

Blackstone offers griddles in four main sizes, each suited for different cooking scenarios: 17-inch Griddles: The most compact option, perfect for solo cooking or couples. These tabletop units are highly portable and ideal for camping, RV trips, or small balconies. The cooking surface accommodates about 8-10 burgers at once. 22-inch Griddles: A popular mid-size option that balances portability with cooking capacity. With 361 square inches of cooking space, you can cook up to 14 burgers simultaneously. These griddles work well for small families or tailgating. 28-inch Griddles: An excellent choice for families of four to six.

The increased cooking surface allows you to prepare complete meals with multiple items cooking at once, making it easier to serve everyone hot food at the same time. 36-inch Griddles: The flagship size for serious outdoor cooks. With 768 square inches of cooking surface, you can feed large groups and prepare elaborate meals. These full-size griddles typically feature four burners with independent heat zones for maximum cooking flexibility.

BTU (British Thermal Units) measures the heat output of your griddle's burners. Higher BTU ratings mean more heat potential, which is important for achieving proper searing temperatures and quick heat recovery when adding cold food. Most Blackstone griddles feature H-style burners that distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. The 22-inch models typically offer 24,000 BTUs across two burners, while 36-inch models deliver up to 60,000 BTUs through four independent burners. Independent heat zones are crucial for versatile cooking. With separate burner controls, you can maintain a high-heat searing zone on one side while keeping a gentler warming area on the other.

This allows you to cook proteins at high temperatures while simultaneously preparing more delicate items like eggs or vegetables.

Consider how and where you'll use your griddle: Tabletop Models: Designed for portability, these griddles sit on any flat surface and are easy to transport. They're perfect for camping, tailgating, RV trips, or small outdoor spaces. The trade-off is reduced cooking capacity. Full-Size Models with Carts: These larger griddles include integrated stands, side shelves, and wheels for mobility within your backyard. While not designed for frequent transport, they offer maximum cooking space and convenience features like paper towel holders and tool hooks.

Foldable/On-The-Go Models: A newer category that combines the cooking capacity of larger grills with enhanced portability through folding legs and compact storage designs. These portable flat top grills are perfect for adventurers.

When comparing Blackstone griddle models, pay attention to these important features: Grease Management System: All Blackstone griddles feature rear grease management, directing oils and drippings to a collection cup at the back. This design makes cleanup easier and keeps your cooking surface cleaner during use. Ignition System: Look for push-and-turn piezo ignition for reliable, match-free starting. This electronic ignition system creates a spark to light the burners without needing matches or lighters. Wind Guards: Built-in or accessory wind guards protect your burner flames from gusts, ensuring consistent heat even on breezy days.

Some models like the Omnivore series include integrated wind guards. Side Shelves: Folding side shelves provide valuable prep and serving space right next to your cooking surface. Look for models with sturdy shelves that can support cutting boards, ingredient trays, and serving platters. Hood or Cover: An integrated hood protects your griddle top during storage and transport, preventing scratches and keeping debris off the cooking surface.

Product Reviews

Blackstone Griddle Cooking Tips

Mastering your flat top grill requires understanding a few key techniques that will elevate your griddle cooking from good to exceptional. Unlike traditional charcoal grills or gas grills, a flat top grill provides a completely flat cooking surface that opens up new culinary possibilities.

Proper seasoning is the foundation of successful griddle cooking. A well-seasoned cooking surface develops a natural non-stick patina that improves with each use. Initial Seasoning Process:

1. Clean your new griddle with warm soapy water to remove any manufacturing residue, then dry completely
2. Heat your griddle on high until the surface begins to darken (about 10-15 minutes)
3. Apply a thin layer of high smoke point oil (flaxseed, avocado, or vegetable oil) across the entire cooking surface
4. Allow the oil to smoke and polymerize completely (the surface will appear dry and slightly darker)
5. Repeat this process 3-4 times for a solid initial seasoning
6. Your griddle is ready to cook when it has a uniform dark appearance

Maintaining Your Seasoning: After each cooking session, apply a thin layer of oil to the warm (not hot) griddle surface. This protects against rust and continues building the non-stick patina. Avoid using soap on a seasoned griddle unless absolutely necessary, as it can strip the seasoning. If rust does appear despite regular oiling, it's recoverable -- see our full Blackstone cleaning and rust-removal guide for step-by-step light and heavy rust recovery.

One of the greatest advantages of a flat top grill is the ability to create multiple temperature zones across the cooking surface. High Heat Zone (400-500°F): Use for searing steaks, making smash burgers, achieving crispy bacon, and creating the Maillard reaction on proteins. This zone rivals the heat of commercial grills. Medium Heat Zone (325-375°F): Ideal for cooking chicken, pork chops, vegetables, and most everyday cooking tasks. Low Heat Zone (250-300°F): Perfect for keeping food warm, cooking eggs, melting cheese, and gently finishing proteins that need more time. Pro tip: Position your high heat zone near the grease trap so drippings flow away from other cooking areas.

Omnivore vs. Original: Which Blackstone Line Is This?

Every griddle reviewed on this list is from Blackstone's newer Omnivore line, which adds features like integrated wind guards and a rear grease-management system on top of the classic griddle formula. Blackstone's older Original-series griddles are still widely available and use the same cold-rolled steel cooktop, but typically skip those quality-of-life upgrades. If you're comparison-shopping and see an older Original model priced lower than an Omnivore of the same size, the price gap usually comes down to those extra features rather than cooking performance.

What size Blackstone griddle should I buy?

For most families of 2-4, the 22-inch tabletop griddle offers a great balance of cooking space and portability. For larger gatherings and serious outdoor cooks, the 36-inch Omnivore provides 768 square inches of cooking surface with four independent heat zones.

How do I season a new Blackstone griddle?

Clean the griddle with warm soapy water, heat on high until it darkens, apply a thin coat of high smoke point oil (flaxseed or avocado), let it smoke off completely, and repeat 3-4 times. This creates a natural non-stick surface that improves with use.

Can I use a Blackstone griddle for camping?

Yes. The Blackstone 22-inch On The Go Portable Griddle is specifically designed for camping and travel with foldable legs, compact storage, and propane fuel. The 22-inch Tabletop model also works well for camping when placed on a sturdy table.

What accessories do I need for my Blackstone griddle?

At minimum, you need a good spatula set, a scraper, squeeze bottles for oil and water, and a cover for protection. A comprehensive 35-piece accessory kit provides everything including basting covers for melting cheese, egg rings, and a storage bag.

How do I clean my Blackstone griddle after cooking?

While the griddle is still warm, scrape off food debris with a metal scraper, squirt water to create steam and loosen residue, wipe clean with paper towels, and apply a thin coat of oil for seasoning protection. Avoid using soap on a seasoned surface.

Final Verdict

Blackstone griddles have earned their reputation as the go-to choice for outdoor flat top cooking, and choosing the right model comes down to your specific needs. For the ultimate backyard cooking station, the Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore Griddle delivers unmatched cooking capacity with 768 square inches of surface area and four independent heat zones. If portability is your priority, the Blackstone 22-inch On The Go Portable Griddle packs full-size performance into a foldable, travel-friendly design.

No matter which griddle you choose, investing in quality accessories like a comprehensive tool kit and a protective cover will extend the life of your griddle and improve your cooking results. Proper seasoning and maintenance are the keys to building that perfect non-stick surface that makes flat top cooking so rewarding. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a daily griddle user, these Blackstone products deliver the performance and durability that outdoor cooking enthusiasts demand.