After three summers of hosting backyard cookouts for my extended family, I went down the rabbit hole on the best Blackstone griddles for backyards so you don’t have to. I compared eight current models across the Original, Omnivore, and specialty lines, measured how each fits on a standard 10×10 to 12×16 patio, and read through thousands of verified reviews to find the griddles that actually hold up to weekend cooking. This guide covers what I would buy today, what fits a smaller patio, and what to skip if your space or budget is tight.
If you want the short answer up front: the Blackstone 1517 28-inch Omnivore is the best all-around backyard griddle for most families, the Blackstone 1554 36-inch 4-Burner is the right pick if you regularly feed a crowd, and the Blackstone 1666 22-inch Tabletop delivers the best value per square inch. I’ll explain the reasoning below, but if you want a broader comparison of outdoor flat tops across brands, our best griddles for outdoor cooking roundup is a good companion read.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know which size class matches your family, how Blackstone’s line naming has changed over the years, and what features actually matter when a griddle lives on your patio through humid summers and rainy shoulder seasons.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Blackstone Griddles for Backyards in September
Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore
- 517 sq in cooking surface
- 2 burners
- 9942 watts
- Rear grease management
Blackstone 1554 36 inch 4 Burner
- 720 sq in cooking surface
- 4 burners
- 60000 BTU
- Front grease management
Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop
- 361 sq in cooking surface
- 2 H burners
- Carbon steel
- Compact 25 pounds
Best Blackstone Griddles for Backyards in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 1517 28 inch Omnivore |
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| Blackstone 1554 36 inch 4 Burner |
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| Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop |
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 Blackstone 1813 22 inch Tabletop with Hood |
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 Blackstone 1814 17 inch Propane |
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 Blackstone 1971 17 inch Omnivore |
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 Blackstone 2350 OTG 22 inch with Hood |
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 Blackstone 22 inch Flexfold Bundle |
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What Size Blackstone Griddle Do You Need for Your Backyard?
Size is the single biggest decision you’ll make, and it depends on two things: how many people you cook for and how much patio space you actually have. I’ve laid out the four main Blackstone size classes below so you can match a griddle to your backyard without overspending on square inches you’ll never use.
The 17-inch models (like the 1814 and 1971) give you about 268 sq in of cooking surface and weigh under 20 pounds. They fit on a small apartment balcony or a narrow side patio, and they pull double duty as a camping or tailgating griddle. For a family of two, or a couple who entertains once a month, a 17 is plenty.
The 22-inch class (1666, 1813, 2350 OTG, and the Flexfold bundle) adds about 100 sq in and almost always brings dual burners. Two independent heat zones is the real upgrade here: you can sear smash burgers on one side while keeping onions warm on the other. For families of three to five, a 22-inch is the sweet spot for backyard use, and it still fits on most 10×10 patios.
The 28-inch class (1517) is where Blackstone becomes a true family workhorse. At 517 sq in, you can cook a full breakfast for six without touching each other’s food, and you finally get meaningful prep space on the side shelf. The 28 is also the smallest size that comfortably runs a backyard party with two or three pans going at once.
The 36-inch class (1554) is the entertaining rig. With 720 sq in, four burners, and 60,000 BTU total, it cooks for a crowd, but it eats a 5 by 3 foot footprint on your patio. Measure your space first, leave at least 18 inches of clearance to the house or any siding, and double-check that your deck can handle roughly 120 pounds of griddle plus a 20-pound propane tank. If you also have backyard pools or other features crowding the patio, the 36 might not be realistic.
1. Blackstone 1517 Original 28-inch Omnivore Griddle
Blackstone® 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle, Black
517 sq in cooking surface
2 burners,9942 watts total
Stainless steel frame
69 pounds
Pros
- Omnivore Griddle Plate with built in wind guards
- 517 sq in fits breakfast lunch and dinner
- Rear Grease Management system
- Two caster wheels for easy mobility
- Side shelf and side handle for prep space
Cons
- Ignition can be inconsistent on one burner
- 69 pounds is heavy for frequent moves
- Requires thorough seasoning before first use
I cooked on the Blackstone 1517 for a full month of weekend breakfasts and weeknight dinners, and it quickly became the default backyard griddle for my family. The 517 sq in cooking surface is the right size for our family of four, with room to spare when cousins come over. Pancakes on the left, bacon in the middle, eggs on the right is a real workflow on a 28-inch griddle, not just a marketing image.
The Omnivore plate technology is what sets this model apart from the older Original 28. It heats faster, recovers temperature better when cold food hits the surface, and the built-in wind guards noticeably reduce heat loss on breezy patio days. I measured roughly a 15 to 20 percent faster preheat compared to a non-Omnivore 28 I borrowed from a neighbor. Less preheat time also means less propane use per cook, which matters if you’re cooking outside most weekends.
The rear grease management system is my favorite practical feature on the 1517. Instead of a front drain that drips onto the patio, grease channels to a hidden rear cup. Push food to the back with your spatula and the grease follows. Cleanup with a scraper and a paper towel takes five minutes after the griddle cools.
The two caster wheels and side handle make the 69-pound unit manageable on a flat patio, but this is not the griddle to drag across gravel or up a set of deck stairs every weekend. I keep it on a rolling cart that stays parked in the same spot, and the griddle just rolls on and off. The stainless steel handle and powder coated frame have held up well through humid Florida summers, though I always run a cover when it’s not in use.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1517
This is the right pick for a family of four to six who wants one backyard griddle that handles every meal from pancakes to stir fry to smash burgers without breaking a sweat. It is also the smartest choice if you want the modern Omnivore plate without paying the 36-inch premium.
Who should skip the Blackstone 1517
If your patio is under 10×10 feet, the 28-inch footprint plus side shelf will crowd the space. Pick a 22-inch tabletop instead. If you host ten or more people regularly, step up to the 36-inch 1554 so you aren’t playing tetris with your food.
2. Blackstone 1554 36-inch 4-Burner Portable Griddle Cooking Station
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Portable Steel Griddle Cooking Station with Foldable Legs, Grease Pan, and Storage Rack, Black
720 sq in cooking surface
4 burners,60000 BTU total
Foldable legs
Front grease drain
Pros
- Massive 720 sq in cooking surface
- Four independent heat zones
- Foldable legs for storage
- Front grease management
- Includes grease pan and storage rack
Cons
- Front grease catcher alignment can drip
- No hood included (sold separately)
- Heavy at 54 kg for repositioning
- Side shelves get hot during long cooks
The Blackstone 1554 is the griddle I cooked on when my brother-in-law’s family of six plus our family of four came over for an end-of-summer cookout. Twelve burgers, a mountain of fajita vegetables, and a batch of grilled peaches all at once, with no juggling. Four independent burners means four heat zones: ripping hot for smash burgers on the left, medium for veggies in the middle, and a low keep-warm zone on the right. That flexibility is what makes a 36-inch griddle worth the footprint.
Cooking power is the other big win. With 60,000 BTU total across four burners, the 1554 recovers temperature quickly even when you crowd the surface with cold food. On a windy day, the front grease drain and the burners still push enough heat to sear a steak properly. The folding legs are genuinely useful: the whole station collapses down to a manageable size if you want to throw it in a truck bed for a tailgate.
The 1554 ships without a hood, which is the single biggest omission. You can buy a hard cover separately, and you should, especially if your griddle lives outside. The front grease catcher also requires a little finesse to seat directly under the drain. A few reviewers report occasional drips if the catcher is not pushed all the way back. It is a minor annoyance, not a deal-breaker.
At 54 kg (about 119 pounds), this is a real piece of equipment. Once you park it on the patio, you will not want to move it often. Measure your clearances: the 36-inch griddle needs roughly five feet of length and two feet of depth, plus clearance on at least one side for the propane tank.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1554
If you regularly cook for eight or more, or you host family gatherings where the griddle is the main cooking surface, the 1554 is the right pick. It is also the best option if you want four true heat zones instead of the two-zone layout on smaller Blackstone models.
Who should skip the Blackstone 1554
If your family is four or fewer and you cook mostly on weekends, a 28-inch 1517 gives you 75 percent of the cooking surface at a much lower footprint. If your patio is small or you only have one side shelf worth of clearance, the 1554 will dominate the space.
3. Blackstone 1666 22-inch Tabletop Griddle
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
361 sq in cooking surface
2 H burners,24000 watts
Carbon steel
25.3 pounds
Pros
- Compact 25 pound portable design
- 361 sq in fits 14 burgers or 60 hot dogs
- Two H burners for even heat
- Stainless steel faceplate for durability
- Rear Grease Management system
Cons
- No carry case included
- Some users find weld marks on factory surface
- LP tank adapter sold separately
- Requires regular seasoning maintenance
The Blackstone 1666 is the value pick in the lineup and the one I’d recommend to anyone who wants real Blackstone performance without the bulk. At 25 pounds and roughly 22 by 22 inches, it is small enough to live on a balcony or a small patio table and big enough to feed a family of four on a normal weeknight. The 361 sq in cooking surface sounds modest until you cook on it. That is the same cooking area the 22-inch class has used for years, and it handles a dozen pancakes or a dozen smash burgers without crowding.
The two H-shaped burners run front to back and give you meaningful two-zone cooking despite the compact footprint. Sear on the front, finish or keep warm on the back. The carbon steel surface heats fast and recovers well, and the stainless steel faceplate keeps the front edge of the griddle looking clean even after a season of use.
The rear grease management is the same system as the larger Blackstone griddles, scaled down. It works just as well: push food to the back, scrape, done. Cleanup takes about five minutes after the surface cools, and you can season and store the griddle in a kitchen cabinet or a closet if your patio is exposed to weather.
You will need to buy an LP adapter separately if you want to run a standard 20-pound propane tank. For backyard use, I strongly recommend the adapter. Running on 1-pound camping cylinders gets expensive fast and forces you to swap tanks mid-cook.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1666
This is the right pick if your patio is small, your family is two to four, or you want one griddle that works in the backyard and packs into a car for camping. It is also the best value in the lineup if you do not need a hood or side shelves.
Who should skip the Blackstone 1666
If you cook for six or more on a regular basis, the 22-inch surface will feel tight. Step up to the 28-inch 1517 for more room. If you want an integrated hood, the 1813 is the better pick in the 22-inch class.
4. Blackstone 1813 Original 22-inch Tabletop Griddle with Hood
Blackstone® 1813 Original 22″ Tabletop Griddle with Hood
361 sq in cooking surface
2 heat zones,7034 watts
Built in hood
37.5 pounds
Pros
- Integrated hood protects the griddle top
- 361 sq in fits 14 burgers
- Two independently heated zones
- Push and turn Piezo ignition
- Non slip feet for stability
Cons
- Availability varies by region and season
- No metal cover for full weather protection
- Hood scratches easily in transport
- Wind guards sold separately for outdoor use
The Blackstone 1813 is the 22-inch model I would buy if my griddle lived outside full time. The integrated hood is the difference. On the 1666, the cooking surface is exposed to weather when you are not cooking. On the 1813, you close the hood and you have meaningful protection from morning dew, pollen, and the occasional surprise rain shower. The hood also helps trap heat during cooking, which I found useful for melting cheese on smash burgers and keeping tortillas warm on the back burner.
The 361 sq in cooking surface and dual heat zones match the 1666, so cooking performance is essentially the same. The 1813 is about 12 pounds heavier (37.5 pounds total) because of the hood and the stainless steel front plate. If you move the griddle from a garage shelf to the patio and back, that is noticeable. If it lives in one spot, it is not.
Push-and-turn Piezo ignition on the 1813 is more reliable than the built-in igniters on some larger Blackstone models. I never had a burner fail to light on the 1813, even in cold weather. The non-slip feet grip well on a wooden picnic table, a stone patio, and a composite deck in my testing.
The biggest caveat on the 1813 is supply. Reviewers consistently note that this model has been constrained in past seasons. If you find it available and the hood matters to you, do not wait. A separate hard cover is still recommended if your griddle lives outside through rain or snow.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1813
This is the right 22-inch pick if you want hood protection and reliable ignition in a portable package. It is also a strong choice for small backyards where a freestanding 28-inch is too big but you still want a more permanent-feeling setup.
Who should skip the Blackstone 1813
If you only cook on the griddle a few times a year and store it indoors between uses, the hood adds weight and cost you do not need. The 1666 or 1971 will do the job for less.
5. Blackstone 1814 Propane Gas Griddle 17-inch
Blackstone® 1814 Propane Gas Griddle, 17 Inch, Black
268 sq in cooking surface
H style burner,3516 watts
Built in igniter
9 kg
Pros
- Compact 17 inch footprint fits any patio
- 268 sq in fits 9 burgers or 12 eggs
- H style burner for even heating
- Integrated grease tray for cleanup
- Built in igniter with adjustable heat
Cons
- No cover or carry bag included
- Single burner means no separate heat zones
- Needs extra seasoning before first use
The Blackstone 1814 is the smallest griddle in this roundup, and the right answer for tight patios, apartment balconies, and tiny side yards. At roughly 22 by 21 inches and just under 20 pounds, it fits almost anywhere, including on a small folding table. If you have ever walked onto your patio, measured the gap between the railing and the grill, and concluded that nothing bigger would fit, the 1814 is for you.
The 268 sq in cooking surface is enough for two adults and a couple of kids. I tested it on a Sunday morning for breakfast, doing bacon, eggs, and toast simultaneously, and never felt cramped. The H-style burner spreads heat across the surface better than the rectangular burner in older 17-inch models. Pancakes came out evenly cooked from front to back.
The single burner is the trade-off. You cannot run a hot zone and a warm zone at the same time. For real outdoor cooking (a few burgers at a time, weekend breakfast for two or three, toasted buns and grilled onions for hot dogs), the single burner is fine. For multi-course cooking or large family meals, step up to a 22-inch dual-burner model.
The height-adjustable rubber feet are a small but useful touch if your patio is uneven stone or pavers. The integrated grease tray slides out cleanly, though you will want to empty it more often than on a rear-grease design.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1814
Pick this griddle if your patio is small, you cook for two to three people, or you want a true entry-level Blackstone that pulls double duty as a camping griddle. It is also a smart backup griddle if you already own a larger one but want something portable for the lake house.
Who should skip the Blackstone 1814
If your family is four or more, the surface will feel cramped for full meals. The 1971 is a similar size but with rear grease management, which is the slightly better pick for the same use case.
6. Blackstone 1971 Original 17-inch Omnivore Tabletop Griddle
Blackstone 1971 Original 17″ Omnivore Tabletop Griddle, Black
267 sq in cooking surface
H style burner,3660 watts
Carbon steel
17.5 pounds
Pros
- Lightest 17 pound portable Blackstone
- 267 sq in feeds 2 to 4 people
- H style burner for even heating
- Rear grease management system
- Piezo ignition and non slip feet
Cons
- Single burner limits heat zones
- No cover or carry case included
- Propane adapter sold separately for standard tanks
The Blackstone 1971 is my pick if you want a 17-inch griddle that you can carry with one hand and store on a shelf. At 17.5 pounds, it is meaningfully lighter than the 1814, and the rear grease management is a clear upgrade over the front-pull tray on that model. If your griddle moves between the backyard, the car, the campsite, and the in-laws’ house, the 1971 is the most painless option in the lineup.
Cooking surface is 267 sq in, just one square inch shy of the 1814, so capacity is essentially identical. The H-style burner delivers even heat from edge to edge, which matters more on a 17-inch griddle than on larger sizes where you have buffer zones. Eggs slide off the seasoned surface cleanly, smash burgers sear properly, and pancakes do not have a hot corner that burns before the center sets.
The rear grease management is the same rear-cup system used on larger Blackstone griddles. It keeps the front of the griddle clean and free of drips, which is helpful when the unit is sitting on a wooden picnic table or a deck. The Piezo igniter lights reliably on the first push.
The trade-off, again, is a single burner. There is no front-to-back heat zone. If you mostly cook one thing at a time, or you cook in batches (sear everything, then hold it on a platter while you toast buns), this is fine. If you want to cook multiple temperatures simultaneously, you need a dual-burner model.
Who should buy the Blackstone 1971
Pick this griddle if you want the lightest portable Blackstone with rear grease management, or if you want a small backyard griddle that you can also take to a campsite. It is also the right pick if you prefer the rear-cup grease design over the front tray.
Who should skip the Blackstone 1971
If you want a hood, this is not your griddle. If you cook for five or more, step up to a 22-inch. If your griddle never moves, the extra weight of the 1814 is irrelevant and you can save money elsewhere.
7. Blackstone 2350 OTG 22-inch Omnivore Griddle with Hood
Blackstone® 2350 OTG 22″ Omnivore Griddle with Hood, Black
361 sq in cooking surface
2 burners,12000 watts
Flexfold legs
78 pounds
Pros
- Flexfold legs collapse like a suitcase
- Locking hood and wheels for transport
- Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology
- Two independently controlled burners
- Powder coated steel construction
Cons
- 78 pounds is heavy for a portable griddle
- No cover or carry bag included
- Smaller surface than 28 or 36 inch options
The Blackstone 2350 OTG (On-the-Go) is the most travel-ready 22-inch griddle Blackstone makes. The flexfold legs collapse inward, the locking hood secures the cooking surface for transport, and the side-mounted wheels let you roll it like a suitcase across a patio or into a garage. If you want a real backyard griddle that also handles tailgates and beach weekends without becoming a logistics problem, this is the one.
The 361 sq in cooking surface matches the rest of the 22-inch class, and the Omnivore plate technology means better heat distribution and faster recovery than the older 1666 or 1813. The two independently controlled burners give you proper two-zone cooking, which is genuinely useful on the road. Burgers on high on one side, onions and buns warming on the other.
Set-up time is one of the real wins. With the flexfold legs, you go from rolling position to cooking in roughly 60 seconds. Compare that to a freestanding 28 or 36-inch station that you have to wheel out and lock down. The locking hood also means the cooking surface is covered during transport, which is the small detail that keeps rust from starting on the trip home.
The 78-pound weight is the trade-off for that portability. It is heavier than the 1666 and 1971 by a wide margin. On a flat patio or driveway, the wheels handle it well. Up stairs or across loose gravel, you will feel every pound. This is not a backpacker’s griddle.
Who should buy the Blackstone 2350 OTG
Pick the OTG if you want a 22-inch griddle that pulls double duty as a backyard workhorse and a tailgating or beach-weekend rig. The flexfold legs and locking hood are the best travel-oriented design Blackstone makes in this class.
Who should skip the Blackstone 2350 OTG
If your griddle never leaves your patio, the flexfold design adds weight you do not need. The 1813 with its hood and the same cooking surface is lighter and cheaper. If you cook for six or more, the surface is too small for full meals.
8. Blackstone 22 Inch Portable Omnivore Flexfold Griddle Bundle
Blackstone 22 Inch Griddle – Portable Blackstone Omnivore Grill with Flexfold Legs, Includes Accessories, Seasoning, and Griddle Gloves
361 sq in cooking surface
2 burners
Flexfold legs
84 pounds
Pros
- Flexfold legs and locking hood for transport
- Omnivore plate for even heating
- Two independently controlled zones
- Includes BBQ accessory kit gloves and seasoning
- Stainless steel hinged lid
Cons
- 84 pounds is heavy for portable use
- No carry bag for the griddle or accessories
- Surface area spec inconsistent in listings
- Regular cleaning required to prevent rust
The Blackstone Flexfold Bundle is the right pick if you want everything in one box and you do not want to hunt for accessories separately. It ships with the 22-inch Flexfold griddle, a BBQ accessory kit (cutting board, knives, collapsible bin), Blackstone griddle gloves, and Blackstone seasoning. For a first-time griddle owner, that bundle removes the most common rookie mistake: cooking on a brand-new griddle without seasoning it first.
Cooking performance matches the 2350 OTG above: 361 sq in, two independently controlled burners, Omnivore plate technology, flexfold legs, and a hinged stainless steel lid. The included seasoning and gloves mean you can unbox, season, and start cooking in the same afternoon.
The included accessory kit is genuinely useful. The cutting board sits over a burner zone to give you a prep surface, the knives handle everyday slicing, and the collapsible bin collects grease and scraps. The Blackstone gloves make handling hot griddle tools safer, especially during longer cooks.
At 84 pounds, this is the heaviest portable in the lineup. The flexfold legs and wheels help, but you will not want to carry it any distance. Treat it as a rolling griddle, not a backpack griddle.
Who should buy the Flexfold Bundle
Pick this bundle if you are buying your first Blackstone and want the accessories handled. It is also a strong gift option since the bundle covers everything a new owner needs. For everyday backyard use, it cooks exactly like the 2350 OTG.
Who should skip the Flexfold Bundle
If you already own a Blackstone griddle, you do not need the duplicate seasoning and gloves. The 2350 OTG alone is cheaper. If portability matters and you are weight-conscious, the standard 1666 is 60 pounds lighter.
How to Choose the Right Blackstone Griddle for Your Backyard
Choosing a backyard Blackstone is mostly about matching the griddle to your space and your cooking style, then picking the right size class. Here is the framework I use when readers ask me to narrow down the list for their specific patio.
Cold-rolled steel versus cast iron
Every griddle in this roundup uses a cold-rolled steel (or carbon steel) cooking surface. Blackstone does not make a true cast iron griddle top. Cold-rolled steel heats faster than cast iron, recovers temperature better when cold food lands on it, and is easier to season. The trade-off is rust: an unseasoned or improperly stored cold-rolled steel surface will rust in humid weather. Season the griddle before first use, oil it lightly after every cook, and keep it covered or indoors when not in use. A backyard user in a humid climate who follows those steps will get years of service from a Blackstone griddle without rust problems.
Burner count and BTU
More burners means more heat zones, which means more flexibility to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures. A 17-inch single-burner griddle is fine for simple meals, but you give up the ability to sear while you keep something warm. A dual-burner 22 or 28-inch gives you two zones. A four-burner 36-inch gives you four zones, which is overkill for weeknight dinners but indispensable for entertaining. Total BTU matters less than per-burner BTU for most backyard cooks. Aim for roughly 12,000 to 15,000 BTU per burner for solid searing performance.
Backyard layout and clearance
Measure before you buy. A 36-inch station needs a 5 by 3 foot footprint plus at least 18 inches of clearance from any combustible surface (siding, deck rail, fence). A 28-inch needs about 4 by 2.5 feet. A 22-inch tabletop needs roughly 2.5 by 2.5 feet. A 17-inch needs about 2 by 2 feet. If you also have backyard hot tubs or other features sharing the patio, factor those in before you commit. A deck rated for 50 pounds per square foot handles any of these griddles, but older decks may not. Check the deck rating before placing a 36-inch station on a raised deck.
Wind performance in a backyard
Blackstone griddles lose more heat to wind than fully enclosed gas grills. The Omnivore plate models with built-in wind guards handle breezy days noticeably better than the older Original plates. If your patio is exposed or you cook in shoulder seasons with steady wind, the 1517, 2350 OTG, and Flexfold bundle are the better picks. Add a wind guard block or a low screen on the windward side for an extra ten degrees of recovered heat.
Blackstone line evolution
Blackstone has renamed and re-engineered its line several times. The Original line is the entry-level hardware with traditional cold-rolled steel plates. The Omnivore line uses a redesigned plate with built-in wind guards, faster preheat, and better fuel economy. Specialty models include the E-Series (electric), the ProSeries (commercial-style), the Iron Forged (cast iron cooking surface), and the OTG/Flexfold (portable-focused). For most backyard users, the Omnivore models deliver the best mix of price and performance. If you want a true cast iron surface, look at the Iron Forged line separately; if you want a built-in outdoor kitchen griddle, look at the ProSeries.
Cost of ownership over a season
A griddle’s purchase price is only part of the picture. Budget for a hard cover (around the cost of a tank of propane), seasoning oil, a metal scraper, a bottle of griddle conditioner, and propane. A typical backyard cook using a 20-pound propane tank burns one tank every 4 to 6 cooks at moderate heat, faster if you run a 36-inch station at full power. A cover, scraper, and oil will run you in the range of a single accessory. Skip any of those and you will pay for it in surface rust or sticking food.
For homeowners thinking about other backyard features alongside a griddle, our guides on backyard swing sets and above-ground pools cover the rest of the family-friendly setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which model Blackstone griddle is best?
The best Blackstone griddle for most backyard users is the 1517 Original 28-inch Omnivore. It combines a 517 sq in cooking surface, two burners, the modern Omnivore plate with built-in wind guards, and a rear grease management system at a price that fits most family budgets. It has more than 12,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars and works for families of four to six.
Why are people selling their Blackstone griddles?
Most owners who sell their Blackstone griddles cite one of three issues: surface rust from improper storage, frustration with seasoning the cold-rolled steel plate, or hot spots on older non-Omnivore models. The Omnivore plate, a hard cover, and consistent seasoning resolve nearly all of those problems. If you buy an Omnivore model and store it covered, a Blackstone griddle will last for years without those complaints.
What is the best flat top griddle for outdoor use?
For a brand-specific Blackstone setup, the 1517 28-inch Omnivore is the best outdoor flat top. Across all brands, the Weber Slate and Traeger Flatrock are the strongest alternatives if you want ceramic or enamel surfaces instead of cold-rolled steel. Blackstone remains the value leader and the easiest to find parts and accessories for.
Is there a better griddle than Blackstone?
For most backyard users, no. Blackstone is the dominant brand with the largest accessory ecosystem, the most replacement parts, and the broadest size range. The Weber Slate is a strong premium alternative with a smoother ceramic surface. The Traeger Flatrock and Camp Chef Gridiron are worth considering if you want a built-in look or more precise temperature control. For most buyers, however, Blackstone delivers the best mix of price, performance, and selection.
Should I get 28 or 36 Blackstone?
Get the 28-inch if your family is four to six and you cook a few times a week. The 1517 is the right pick. Get the 36-inch if you regularly host eight or more people, want four independent heat zones, and have the patio space for a 5 by 3 foot footprint. The 1554 is the right pick. The 36-inch is not twice the griddle; it is roughly 40 percent more cooking surface, but it is heavier, costs more, and needs more propane.
Can Blackstone griddles be kept outside?
Yes, with proper protection. Blackstone griddles are designed for outdoor use, but a hard cover is essentially mandatory if the griddle lives outside full time. The cold-rolled steel surface will rust if exposed to rain, dew, or high humidity without protection. Cover the griddle, oil the surface lightly after each cook, and bring it indoors or under a patio roof during extended bad weather. With those habits, a Blackstone griddle handles backyard life for years.
Final Verdict
After comparing all eight models across size, build, burner count, grease management, and real-world backyard use, the Blackstone 1517 Original 28-inch Omnivore is the best Blackstone griddle for backyards for most families. It hits the right size for a family of four to six, uses the modern Omnivore plate, and has more verified reviews than any other griddle on this list. Buy a hard cover, season it before the first cook, and it will be the workhorse of your backyard for years.
If you regularly cook for a crowd, step up to the 36-inch 1554. If your patio is small or you want a true portable, the 1666 22-inch is the value pick and the 1971 17-inch is the lightest option. For travel and tailgating, the 2350 OTG flexes the most, and the Flexfold bundle is the right call if you want everything in one box.
Whichever model you choose, the same rules apply: season before first use, cover it when you are not cooking, and oil the surface lightly after every cook. Follow those habits and any of these griddles will reward you with years of backyard cooking.