Blackstone Griddle 28” vs 36”: Which One Should You Choose?

Looking for a new griddle is overwhelming. There are tons of options, each claiming to be the best. Among others, Blackstone is one name that stands out.

While they have several products, in this short guide, we will have a quick comparison of Blackstone Griddle 28” vs 36”.

They are both great, but if you should only buy one, what should it be? Read on and we’ll help you decide.

Comparing Blackstone Griddle 28” vs 36”

Let’s dig in and talk about the similarities and differences of the two models.

Size

This is the most obvious difference between the two. If you have limited space and if you cook only for a small group, then you are better off with the 28-inch griddle.

It has 448 square inches of cooking area. It can cook up to 44 hotdogs at a time, which means that it is still large considering that it is the smaller of the two products.

Meanwhile, with Blackstone 36-inch griddle, you will enjoy a cooking area of up to 720 square inches. This is enough for cooking 72 hotdogs or 28 burgers at a time.

This is ideal if you often entertain a large group in your home. To add, it can also be a great option if you are looking for a griddle that you can use for commercial purposes.

Heat Output

Grilling is frustrating when the heat output is too low. If the power is not enough, then you will end up waiting a long time before food is ready.

With this, you have to consider the heat output of the griddle you will choose, which is indicative of performance.

In Blackstone Griddle 28-inch, there is 34,000 BTU. On the other hand, in the 36-inch variant, you can expect 60,000 BTU, which is double.

This means that the latter is a better choice if you are looking for a more powerful griddle. It is designed to meet the needs even of the most demanding users.

Burners

The number of burners is another crucial consideration when you are choosing a griddle. This will depend on your needs.

Obviously, if you are cooking for yourself or a small group most of the time, then you are good with a single or dual-burner griddle.

With the 28-inch griddle from Blackstone, you will have two H-style burners. On the other hand, with the 36-inch counterpart, you will have four burners.

This is expected since larger models often have more burners. This is to produce more heat so that cooking is even and quick. The number of burners also indicate the number of controls.

The good thing is that for both models, you can control the burners individually. This means that you can have different temperatures on the different parts of the griddle. In turn, you can cook different foods simultaneously.

Grease Management System

A common feature that the 28 and 36-inch griddles from Blackstone share is that they both have a rear grease management system.

This means that when you are cooking, grease is channeled to the removable pan that catches grease. This keeps the surface free of oil Also, this will make clean-up a lot easier since there is minimal mess.

Shelves

Aside from the cooking surface, it is also good for a griddle to have side racks. In both the 28 and 36-inch models from Blackstone, you will find two side racks. The racks on the left and right will come handy if you need additional space.

You can use them when preparing ingredients or warming food. There’s no need to have another table to hold everything that you will need. Even better, they also both have a bottom rack for additional storage.

Tank Fastener

Both of the 28 and 36-inch griddle grills from Blackstone are powered by propane. So, you need a convenient place where you can mount the tank.

The good thing is that they both have propane tank fasteners. This means that you can easily secure the position of the tank.

Mobility

Whether you are choosing the 28 to 36-inch version of the grill, they are large. Plus, they have a solid construction, so they are quite heavy.

The good thing is that moving them around does not have to be difficult. They both have wheels. In the 28-inch model, you will find two wheels on the right side. Meanwhile, in the 36-inch model, there are four wheels.

The smooth rolling casters will enhance the mobility of the griddle grill. They also have locks, so you can easily secure the griddle’s position and prevent it from moving.

Price

This is a major consideration for most buyers. Blackstone is a reputable brand, so it is understandable that both of these products are quite expensive.

Nonetheless, given the size, features, and capabilities, the 28-inch model is expectedly cheaper compared to the 36-inch model. There is roughly a dollar difference in their price. If you will ask us, however, we believe that it is worth it splurging for the bigger model if you need a larger unit.

Which Blackstone Griddle Size Do I Choose? 17 vs 22 vs 28 vs 36

Review of Blackstone Griddle 28” vs 36”

No. 1: 28 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station

Blackstone 28 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station is one of the best-selling grills on the market from this brand. It was built for backyard use and has four caster wheels for easy transporting of the grill.

The griddle top is removable, and the legs are foldable for convenient storage. This model comes with a push button that ignites the grill. You don’t have to worry about getting matches, coal, or kerosene before putting on the burners.

Thanks to the extra side shelves and a bottom storage shelf, it is convenient for storing your ingredients and having them handy as you cook.

The side shelves also serve as worktops for food preparation. This grill is perfect for making all kinds of dishes such as pancakes, steak, eggs, grilled cheese, chicken, and teppanyaki-style foods.

This gas griddle is of commercial-grade quality with approximately 4700 square inch which is generous enough to cook in large quantities. It is easy to operate and simple to assemble even without the help of a professional. This model can serve as a replacement for your standard grill.

Pros:

Adjustable temperature zone

Integrated grease pan

Budget-friendly

Ample cooking surface

Powered coated base

Cons:

The grease collector is quite small

No. 2: Blackstone 36 Inch Cooking 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill

This grill is the largest model with 36 inches cooking surface and four burners with independent heat control. It is fueled by propane gas and is easy to regulate.

The temperature control can be adjusted to the bare minimum for low and slow cooking or the highest for high and fast cooking.

With its ample cooking surface, you can prepare a meal for many people in less than the regular cooking time.

This model is perfect for tailgating parties, picnics, camping, and for your outdoor kitchen. It is equipped with a bottom shelf for storing your grilling tools and ingredients with two side shelves for holding the cooked foods.

Igniting the grill is a seamless task as it comes with a simple push-button powered by a battery. Although this model is quite heavy, the top of the griddle is detachable after use, and it is transportable.

Thanks to the caster locking swivel and wheels.  The four stainless steel burners conduct, retain and distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface without hot or cold spots.

Pros:

Electric push-button igniter

Easy to assemble

Versatile cooking options

Suitable for preparing large meals

Cons:

The weight is quite heavy

Poor grease drainage system

Conclusion

Now that you have reached the end of this Blackstone Griddle 28” vs 36” comparison, it is time to make a decision. Nonetheless, picking a winner isn’t that easy.

They are both exceptional, and your needs will dictate which is the right fit for you. If you are on a budget and you often cook only for a small group, then go for the 28-inch griddle.

On the other hand, if you do not mind a bit of a splurge and you need a griddle that can cook for a large group, then the 36-inch version is the better choice.

Regardless of which one you choose, they are both from Blackstone, so you can be confident that the performance is unmatched.