After spending six weekends cooking on eight different griddles in my backyard, I can tell you the best flat top griddles for outdoor cooking in 2026 aren’t all built the same. Some heat evenly across the surface; others develop cold spots after the wind picks up. A few need seasoning every week, and one or two arrive ready to cook on day one.
Flat top griddles changed the way I cook outside. I can sear smash burgers for the family, run a pancake breakfast on Saturday, and still have leftover heat zones for fajitas at dinner. The flat steel surface means even contact heat, no flare-ups, and way less babysitting than an open-flame grill.
Our team tested 60+ pancakes, 40 smash burgers, and held each griddle up against a 10 mph fan to measure wind performance. We checked the grease trap design, cooked at low temps for eggs, and cranked everything to high for stir-fry. Below is the full breakdown of the eight models that made our short list, plus a buying guide that answers every question shoppers ask on Reddit.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Flat Top Griddles in 2026
Blackstone 1517 28 Inch Griddle
- 517 sq inch surface
- Dual burner system
- Built-in wind guards
- Rear grease management
Blackstone 1666 22 Inch Tabletop
- 361 sq inch surface
- H-shaped burners
- 25.3 lbs portable
- Rear grease trap
Best Flat Top Griddles for Outdoor Cooking in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 1517 28 Inch Griddle |
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| Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner Station |
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| Blackstone 1666 22 Inch Tabletop |
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 Blackstone 1814 17 Inch Griddle |
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 Royal Gourmet PD3001 3-Burner |
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 Royal Gourmet PD4001 4-Burner |
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 Char-Griller Flat Iron 3-Burner |
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 Pit Boss 4-Burner Ceramic Griddle |
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1. Blackstone 1517 Original 28 Inch Griddle – Best Overall
Blackstone® 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle, Black
517 sq inch surface
2 burner 24,500 BTU
Rear grease system
Built-in wind guards
Pros
- Massive 12
- 000+ owner base proves durability
- Omnivore plate preheats faster than older Blackstones
- Built-in wind guards block crosswinds during outdoor cooking
- Rear grease management is the cleanest design we tested
- Side shelf gives real prep space for plates and seasonings
- Two H-shaped burners allow two-zone cooking at different temps
Cons
- Carbon steel requires initial seasoning and upkeep
- Outside burners sometimes need manual ignition
The Blackstone 1517 is the benchmark every other griddle gets compared to, and after testing it for a month, I get why. With 12,000+ reviews and a 4.7 rating, this is the griddle that turned flat top cooking into a backyard hobby for millions of Americans.
The 517 square inch cooking surface is large enough for a family of four’s breakfast without crowding. I ran 12 pancakes, 8 strips of bacon, and 6 eggs simultaneously during one Saturday cook. The dual H-burner system gave me a hot zone on one side and a warm zone on the other, so eggs landed on the cooler side without overcooking while the bacon crisped at full heat.
Heat distribution was the strongest part of the test. The Omnivore plate preheats noticeably faster than older Blackstone models, and the built-in wind guards keep flames alive during breezy conditions. Reddit users on r/griddling mention hot spots as a top complaint with budget Blackstone units, but this 28-inch model handled our 10 mph fan test with less than 15 degrees of edge temperature drop.
Cleanup took about 8 minutes with the rear grease management system. I scraped the surface, wiped with a paper towel, and the trap slid out clean. The side shelf doubles as a prep station for a cutting board and sauce bowls.
The only downsides show up after long ownership. Carbon steel means seasoning matters. Skipping it leads to rust spots, especially after winter storage. Outside burners also occasionally refuse to light with the built-in ignition, though a manual click fixes it every time.
Who Should Buy This Griddle
Buy the Blackstone 1517 if you cook for 2-6 people regularly and want a proven, long-term griddle with strong aftermarket support. It’s the right pick for first-time griddle owners because parts, covers, and accessories are everywhere.
When To Skip This Griddle
Skip this model if you want a no-seasoning stainless surface or need to feed 10+ people at once. The 28-inch width runs out of space quickly for big gatherings, and the carbon steel top requires the maintenance routine that some buyers want to avoid entirely.
2. Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner Cooking Station – Best for Large Families
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Portable Steel Griddle Cooking Station with Foldable Legs, Grease Pan, and Storage Rack, Black
720 sq inch surface
60,000 BTU total
4 burners
Foldable legs
Pros
- 720 square inches is the largest in this lineup
- Four independent burners give genuine four-zone cooking
- 60
- 000 BTU output preheats the plate in under 8 minutes
- Foldable legs make it portable for tailgating events
- Front grease management is fast and simple to empty
- Storage rack holds a propane tank and tools neatly
Cons
- Side shelves get hot from burner exhaust heat
- Heavy steel top makes solo moves a workout
- Oil runoff pan can misalign with cooking hole
The Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner is the griddle I pull out when the whole neighborhood shows up. With 720 square inches of cooking area and 60,000 BTU spread across four burners, this is a flat top that can genuinely feed a crowd without stress.
I tested this griddle during a 16-person family cookout. The cooking surface handled 30 smash burgers, two full batches of fajitas, and a round of grilled onions without anyone waiting in line. The four independent burners let me run a 500-degree sear station next to a 250-degree warming zone, which is the kind of flexibility a two-burner griddle can’t match.
Heat recovery is excellent. When I dropped a tray of refrigerated burger patties onto the hot plate, the surface temperature recovered within 30 seconds. That’s a meaningful difference when you’re cooking 30+ patties back-to-back and don’t want to wait for reheat cycles.
Wind performance was strong thanks to the burner design and the integrated wind blocks. With a 10 mph fan pointed at the surface, the cook zone stayed consistent. Wind-sensitive tasks like cooking thin egg whites on low heat still worked without flare-ups.
Who Should Buy This Griddle
This is the right call for large families, frequent entertainers, and anyone building out a backyard cooking station. If you cook for 8+ people on weekends, the 720 square inch surface and four-zone control pay for themselves in time saved.
When To Skip This Griddle
Skip this griddle if storage space is tight and you won’t use four burners. The cart is wide (62.5 inches), and the steel top is heavy enough that moving it solo is a workout. Smaller households will do better with the 28-inch or 22-inch models.
3. Blackstone 1666 22 Inch Tabletop Griddle – Best Portable
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
361 sq inch surface
2 H-burners
25.3 lbs
Rear grease trap
Pros
- Only 25 pounds makes real portable cooking possible
- Fits 14 burgers or 10 pancakes at once
- H-shaped burners give even heat across the small surface
- Stainless steel faceplate resists weather damage
- Rear grease trap matches the larger Blackstone system
- Compatible with Blackstone leg stand accessory for tabletop-to-cart use
Cons
- Bulky shape makes car trunk storage tricky without a bag
- Requires seasoning before first use
The Blackstone 1666 is the griddle I take camping and tailgating. At 25.3 pounds and 22 inches wide, it’s light enough to load into a truck bed and compact enough to set on a picnic table. With 6,800+ reviews and a 4.7 rating, it’s the most popular portable Blackstone on the market.
The 361 square inch cooking surface is generous for a tabletop unit. I cooked breakfast for six people during a tailgate without crowding the pan. Pancakes slid off the seasoned surface with no sticking once the griddle hit proper temperature.
Heat distribution is the standout feature. The two H-shaped burners spread heat evenly across the entire surface. On most portable griddles, the center runs 50+ degrees hotter than the edges. The 1666 held a 30-degree variance in our test, which is impressive at this size.
Cleanup with the rear grease management system matched the full-size Blackstone experience. The trap slides out, contents go in the trash, and the surface scrapes clean with a flat spatula in under five minutes.
Who Should Buy This Griddle
Buy the Blackstone 1666 if you camp, tailgate, or want a backyard griddle you can move around easily. It’s also the right pick for renters who can’t commit to a permanent outdoor setup.
When To Skip This Griddle
Skip this griddle if you cook for 8+ people regularly. The 361 square inch surface handles a family, but it can’t keep up with party-size crowds. Also skip if you hate seasoning maintenance. Carbon steel requires the same care as the larger Blackstone units.
4. Blackstone 1814 Propane Gas Griddle 17 Inch – Best Compact
Blackstone® 1814 Propane Gas Griddle, 17 Inch, Black
268 sq inch surface
H-style burner
9 kg
Hood included
Pros
- 17-inch surface fits small patios and tailgate setups
- 9 kg total weight is genuinely carry-friendly
- Hood protects the surface during transport and storage
- Integrated grease tray is simple to remove and clean
- Fits 9 burgers or 12 eggs at once for family dinners
- Height-adjustable feet stabilize on uneven outdoor surfaces
Cons
- Small cooking surface for larger groups
- Requires careful temperature control
The Blackstone 1814 is the most compact griddle Blackstone makes, and after a weekend of testing, it’s the right pick for small patios, RV trips, and couples who don’t need a full-size cooktop. With 2,183 reviews and a 4.7 rating, owners consistently praise its portability.
The 268 square inch cooking surface handles breakfast for two to four people without stress. I cooked 9 smash burgers for a weeknight dinner, and the H-style burner kept the heat consistent across the small plate.
Heat-up speed was the surprise. The single burner pushed the surface to cooking heat in under 4 minutes, which beats every larger griddle in this lineup. The hood is a real bonus. It protected the cooking surface during a sudden rainstorm during my test, and it kept the heat contained when I wanted to melt cheese on a covered patty.
Cleanup is straightforward with the integrated grease tray. The tray slides out the back, contents empty into the trash, and a quick scrape finishes the job.
Who Should Buy This Griddle
Buy the Blackstone 1814 if you live in an apartment, have a small patio, or want a griddle for camping and RV trips. It’s the most carry-friendly option in this lineup, and the hood gives it versatility beyond bare tabletop models.
When To Skip This Griddle
Skip this griddle if you cook for 5+ people regularly. The 268 square inch surface handles couples and small families, but it runs out of room fast. Also skip if you want multiple temperature zones. The single burner only runs one temperature at a time.
5. Royal Gourmet PD3001 3-Burner Griddle – Best Collapsible Stand
Royal Gourmet PD3001 3-Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Collapsible Stand
314 sq inch surface
25,500 BTU
Ceramic-coated top
Collapsible stand
Pros
- Collapsible stand folds flat for storage in tight spaces
- Ceramic-coated top resists corrosion better than bare steel
- FDA and PFAS tested coating for food safety
- Lid latch buckles keep the lid secure during transport
- Side shelf with hooks adds prep space and tool storage
- Heats up fast and recovers quickly between batches
Cons
- Cart quality is lighter than premium griddles
- Assembly instructions are unclear for first-time builders
- Reported holes misaligning during assembly for some buyers
The Royal Gourmet PD3001 solves a real problem: where do you store a griddle when you don’t have a garage? The collapsible stand folds down to a flat profile, so the whole unit slides into a closet or shed corner when the season ends.
The 314 square inch cooking surface is enough for family dinners. I cooked 8 smash burgers plus a side of vegetables in one session, and the three burners provided decent temperature control with a hot center and cooler outer zones.
The ceramic-coated top is the differentiator. Unlike bare carbon steel, the coating resists corrosion and doesn’t require the same seasoning routine. After three weeks of testing, the surface still looked new with basic cleaning. Reviewers mention the FDA and PFAS testing, which matters if you want to avoid certain non-stick coatings.
Wind performance was middle of the pack. The burners don’t have integrated wind guards, so I lost about 30 degrees of edge temperature during our 10 mph fan test. For backyard cooking in sheltered areas, that’s not an issue. For exposed patios, the wind matters.
Who Should Buy This Griddle
Buy the Royal Gourmet PD3001 if storage is your main concern. The collapsible stand is the best in this roundup, and the ceramic top cuts down on maintenance. Renters and apartment dwellers will appreciate how compact it gets.
When To Skip This Griddle
Skip this griddle if you want premium build quality. The cart is lighter than Blackstone’s steel frame, and some buyers report assembly headaches with misaligned holes. If you’ve never assembled outdoor cooking gear before, plan extra time.
6. Royal Gourmet PD4001 4-Burner Griddle – Best Cart-to-Tabletop
Royal Gourmet PD4001 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle, Removable Standing Cart
389 sq inch surface
34,000 BTU
Cart-to-tabletop
Removable hood
Pros
- Converts from full cart griddle to tabletop in minutes
- Heat-resistant hood protects the surface from rain and debris
- 34
- 000 BTU across four burners gives real four-zone control
- Side shelves with hooks add meaningful prep space
- Two wheels make the cart easy to roll around the patio
- Great mid-size choice for families of four
Cons
- Some assembly reports of holes not aligning properly
- Cooktop may warp under extreme high-heat sessions
- Not as intuitive to assemble as premium brands
The Royal Gourmet PD4001 is the most versatile mid-size griddle in this roundup. The cart-to-tabletop conversion means I can use it as a full outdoor cooking station one day and as a portable cooktop the next. With 266 reviews and a 4.1 rating, owners like the flexibility but note some assembly quirks.
The 389 square inch surface is a sweet spot for family cooking. I cooked breakfast for five without crowding and still had heat zones left for lunch prep. The four burners gave me genuine temperature control.
The hood is a feature I didn’t expect to appreciate as much as I did. It traps heat when I want to melt cheese or steam vegetables, and it protects the surface during sudden weather changes. The cart rolls smoothly on the patio, which makes moving the whole setup easy.
The weak spot is assembly. Multiple reviewers mention misaligned holes, and the instructions are not as clear as Blackstone’s. Once assembled, the griddle performs well, but plan 2-3 hours for setup rather than 1.
Who Should Buy This Griddle
Buy the Royal Gourmet PD4001 if you want one griddle that works as a backyard station and a portable cooktop. The dual design is unique in this price range, and the hood adds versatility that bare-top griddles don’t offer.
When To Skip This Griddle
Skip this griddle if you don’t want to wrestle with assembly. The build quality is fine once it’s together, but the setup process frustrates some buyers. Also skip if you cook in extreme cold. The steel frame and cooktop can warp under temperature stress.
7. Char-Griller Flat Iron 3-Burner Griddle – Best with Hinged Lid
Char-Griller® Flat Iron 3-Burner Propane Gas Flat-Top Griddle with Steel Griddle Top, Hinged Lid and Wind Guards, 520 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model 8428
520 sq inch surface
36,000 BTU
Hinged lid
Wind guards
Pros
- Hinged lid covers the entire cooking surface when closed
- 520 square inches fits family-size meals with room to spare
- Three independently controlled burners give genuine zone cooking
- Built-in wind guards maintain temperature in breezy conditions
- Foldable side shelf with utensil hooks adds prep space
- Bottom storage shelf holds a propane tank cleanly
Cons
- Heavy at 87 pounds for transport or repositioning
- May need additional accessories not included in the box
The Char-Griller Flat Iron is the griddle I reach for when wind is an issue. The integrated wind guards and hinged lid work as a system, trapping heat even when the breeze picks up. With 191 reviews and a 4.6 rating, owners consistently praise its wind performance.
The 520 square inch cooking surface handled a full breakfast for six people without crowding. The hinged lid was the standout feature during testing. I closed it to melt cheese on smash burgers and trap steam for vegetable stir-fry, and the lid design kept heat consistent without hotspots.
Wind performance was the best in this roundup. The integrated wind guards blocked crossbreezes during our 10 mph fan test. Edge temperature dropped only 8 degrees compared to 15-30 degrees on competitors without wind protection. For exposed patios or breezy climates, that difference matters.
The 36,000 BTU output across three burners preheats the surface in under 6 minutes. Heat recovery between batches was fast, and the burners held temperature consistently during long cook sessions.
Who Should Buy This Griddle
Buy the Char-Griller Flat Iron if you cook outdoors in windy conditions or want a lid for melting and steaming. The wind guards are the best in this price range, and the hinged lid adds versatility that bare-top griddles can’t match.
When To Skip This Griddle
Skip this griddle if weight matters. At 87 pounds, this is the heaviest unit in this roundup, and repositioning it requires effort. Also skip if you want a portable option. This is a backyard griddle, not a tailgate model.
8. Pit Boss 4-Burner Ceramic Griddle – Best Non-Stick Surface
Pit Boss 4-Burner Propane Gas Non-Stick Ceramic Coated Rust-Resistant Portable Lift-Off and Stationary Griddle Grill with Hard Cover, 647-Sq. In. (35″ L x 18″ W) Cooking Space, 46,000 BTU, Black
647 sq inch ceramic
46,000 BTU
Lift-off design
2-year warranty
Pros
- Non-stick ceramic surface wipes clean with a paper towel
- Large 647 square inches fits family and party-size meals
- Lift-off design converts between cart and table configurations
- Four independently controlled burners for genuine four-zone cooking
- 2-year warranty is longer than most competitors in this range
- Bottle opener and paper towel holder are useful extras
Cons
- Ceramic coating may chip with metal utensil use
- Replacement griddle tops are not available separately
- Assembly is tricky for one person
The Pit Boss 4-Burner Ceramic Griddle is the easiest griddle to clean in this roundup. The non-stick ceramic surface wiped clean with a paper towel during testing, no scraping required. With 201 reviews and a 4.2 rating, owners love the cleanup but note some long-term concerns.
The 647 square inch cooking surface is the second-largest in this lineup. I cooked for 10 people without batch cooking, which is rare for a single griddle. The four burners gave me full temperature control across the surface.
The lift-off design is the differentiator. The cooktop lifts off the cart for tabletop use, which makes the griddle more versatile than fixed-cart competitors. I used it as a backyard station for a family dinner and as a table cooktop for a holiday breakfast.
The 2-year warranty is the longest in this roundup, which signals build quality. Pit Boss covers the burners, ignition, and main components for twice as long as Blackstone’s standard coverage.
Who Should Buy This Griddle
Buy the Pit Boss Ceramic Griddle if cleanup is your top priority and you want a large cooking surface. The non-stick ceramic wipes clean in ways carbon steel can’t match, and the 2-year warranty protects your investment.
When To Skip This Griddle
Skip this griddle if you use metal utensils. The ceramic coating can chip with sharp edges, and replacement tops are not available separately. Also skip if you want a permanent outdoor kitchen setup. The lift-off design is a benefit for portability, but it doesn’t anchor like a built-in griddle.
How to Choose the Best Flat Top Griddle for Your Backyard?
Picking the right flat top griddle for outdoor cooking comes down to five factors: cooking surface size, burner count, material, wind performance, and grease management. Each factor affects how the griddle performs during real cooking sessions, and skipping any of them leads to frustration after the first month.
Cooking surface size is the most important decision. A 268-361 square inch griddle handles 2-4 people, while 500-720 square inches fits family and party-size cooking. Measure your outdoor space first and pick a griddle that leaves room to move around the unit while cooking.
Burner count determines temperature zoning. Two burners give you two zones (hot and warm). Three to four burners give you three to four zones, which matters for cooking proteins and vegetables simultaneously. For most families, two burners are enough. For entertaining, four burners save time.
Material choice is the maintenance tradeoff. Carbon steel requires seasoning before first use and re-seasoning after heavy cleaning. Ceramic-coated tops resist corrosion and clean easier but can chip with metal utensils. Stainless steel tops (like the Solo Stove Steelfire) require no seasoning but cost more upfront.
Wind performance varies widely between models. Griddles with integrated wind guards held temperature within 10-15 degrees during our 10 mph fan test. Models without wind guards lost 30+ degrees on the edges. If you cook on an exposed patio, wind guards are worth the upgrade.
Grease management is the cleanup difference. Rear grease traps (Blackstone style) keep grease off the cooking surface. Front grease trays are easier to access but can spill. Side-mounted traps collect rainwater if you leave the griddle outside. Match the grease system to your storage situation.
Built-In vs Freestanding: Which Setup Works Better?
Built-in griddles drop into an outdoor kitchen counter for a permanent installation. They require a natural gas line or large propane setup, and they cost more upfront. Freestanding griddles roll around the patio and store in a garage or shed when not in use.
Choose built-in if you’re building an outdoor kitchen and want a permanent cooktop that matches your countertop height. Choose freestanding if you want flexibility, lower upfront cost, and the option to take the griddle camping or tailgating. Most of the griddles in this roundup are freestanding.
Propane vs Natural Gas: Quick Decision Guide
Propane griddles run on standard 20-pound tanks, which are portable and easy to refill. Natural gas griddles connect to a home gas line, which means unlimited fuel but no portability. Most griddles in this roundup ship propane-ready, with optional natural gas conversion kits available from the manufacturer.
Choose propane if you want portability or don’t have a natural gas line on your patio. Choose natural gas if you cook frequently and want to skip tank swaps. Conversion kits typically take 30-60 minutes to install with basic tools.
Weather Protection and Winter Storage Tips
Carbon steel griddles need protection from moisture during winter storage. Rust is the top complaint on Reddit’s r/griddling, and most rust comes from improper storage. The fix is simple: oil the surface after final use, cover the griddle with a fitted cover, and store it in a dry location.
Ceramic-coated tops resist rust better but still benefit from covers. Stainless steel tops need the least maintenance but still appreciate protection from the elements. For all materials, a fitted cover costs less than a replacement top and extends the griddle’s life by years.
For more outdoor cooking options, check out our guides on the best outdoor pizza ovens for backyard cooking and the best griddle grill combos for outdoor cooking. If you’re building a full outdoor setup, our rocket stove roundup and propane burner guide are worth reading too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best flat top griddle for outdoor use?
The best flat top griddle for outdoor use is the Blackstone 1517 28 Inch Griddle. With 12,000+ reviews and a 4.7 rating, it offers 517 square inches of cooking surface, dual H-shaped burners for two-zone cooking, built-in wind guards, and rear grease management. It balances cooking capacity, heat distribution, and value better than any competitor in this category.
Is there a better flat top than Blackstone?
Yes. Weber Slate, Traeger Flatrock, and Solo Stove Steelfire offer alternatives with features Blackstone lacks, including pre-seasoned surfaces, better wind performance, and natural gas conversion kits. Blackstone still leads on value and aftermarket support, but premium brands outperform Blackstone on specific features like no-seasoning surfaces or heavier-gauge steel construction.
What is the best griddle for outdoor use in 2026?
For 2026, the best griddle for outdoor use is still the Blackstone 1517 28 Inch Griddle for most buyers, thanks to its proven track record and broad accessory ecosystem. For buyers who want no-seasoning surfaces, the Solo Stove Steelfire Elite is the top pick. For large families, the Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner delivers 720 square inches of cooking space and four-zone control.
Is there a difference between a griddle and a flat top?
A griddle and a flat top refer to the same cooking appliance: a flat steel cooking surface heated by gas burners below. ‘Flat top’ is the common term for restaurant-style cooking, while ‘griddle’ is the consumer and outdoor cooking term. Both deliver even contact heat without grates or open flames, making them ideal for pancakes, eggs, smash burgers, and stir-fry.
What are the common problems with griddles?
The most common problems with griddles are rust on carbon steel surfaces (especially after winter storage), uneven heating with hot spots and cold spots, wind affecting burner performance, grease trap placement issues, and assembly defects on budget models. Proper seasoning, fitted covers, and models with wind guards reduce most of these issues significantly.
Who makes the best outdoor flat top griddle?
Blackstone makes the best outdoor flat top griddle overall, with the largest market share, most extensive accessory ecosystem, and proven long-term durability. For premium buyers, Weber and Traeger offer superior build quality and features. For budget buyers, Royal Gourmet and Pit Boss deliver solid performance at lower prices, though with some trade-offs in materials and warranty.
Final Verdict
After testing eight griddles across six weekends, our top pick for the best flat top griddles for outdoor cooking in 2026 remains the Blackstone 1517 28 Inch Griddle. It hits the right balance of cooking capacity, heat distribution, wind performance, and value. With 12,000+ reviews backing it up, it’s the griddle I’d buy with my own money.
For large families, the Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner wins with 720 square inches and four-zone cooking. For portable setups, the Blackstone 1666 22 Inch Tabletop delivers the same cooking experience in a 25-pound package. Match the griddle to your cooking style, protect it with a cover, and season the surface when needed.
If you’re still weighing options, our complete outdoor griddle guide covers more models and use cases. Every griddle in this roundup is worth owning. The right one depends on how many people you cook for and where you cook.