Blackstone 28 vs. 36 Griddle Complete Review – Which is for you?

Are you undecided about Blackstone 28 vs 36 griddle? You must have been caught by the stunning utility of both of these top-of-the-line flat top grills by Blackstone grills, yet choosing the better one is pretty challenging. Don’t worry , in the following article, we intend to review both models in detail, draw similarities between them, and pinpoint the main difference between the two grills.

Before we go, it’s important to note that both grills deliver even heat irrespective of weather conditions. The standard Blackstone burner outputs 15,000 BTUs of heat. Both grills feature black powder-coated steel frames with cooking surfaces procured from cold-rolled steel.

Cold rolled steel produces a better finish than hot rolled steel. It’s used where high-end tolerance, surface condition, concentricity, and straightness are required.

Blackstone Griddle 28 vs 36: Blackstone 36 Griddle Review

Here we begin with our compare and contrast guide for Blackstone griddle 28 vs 36. 

Overview of Blackstone 36″ Gas Grill

The Blackstone 36 inch griddle station is a multi-purpose, versatile cooking tool. The beast-like grill features four 15000 BTUs independently heated stoves where you can cook for a large circle of family and friends or the entire neighborhood. It is not simply a large patio but also a fun place for grilling enthusiasts. The large surface ensures a good stick or sizzle of all kinds of meat. Simultaneously, it allows you to toast many potatoes on the sides.

The beast-style grill has made a name for itself in the grilling community. It offers restaurant-grade cooking with a commercial shape and a massive space of more than 700 square meters. It’s, literally, a grilling giant.

Blackstone 36″ Gas Grill Features

Blackstone’s 36-inch grill is an all-in-one solution for all of your grilling needs. It features an innovative, open-cart, foldable design. Blackstone Griddle Station 36 inches has four controllable heat zones, with each dispersing 150000 BTUs. The cooking surface of this grill is 720 sq. It means you’d make lots of different foods at once.

Furthermore, it’s a good size to cater for an event or party outdoors.

The 22×36″ cold-rolled removable stainless steel grilling surface has support across the sides and back. Thus you can prevent your food and accessories from falling to the ground.

The grill comes with two large side shelves for tools and food storage.

Pros

• The 36-inch Blackstone grill has a black powdered steel construct, making it easy to clean.
• It features electronic ignition, meaning you don’t need to worry about having matches or a lighter.
• It includes four sturdy caster wheels, making it easy to move the grill outdoors.
• The grill top is removable.
• It has foldable legs.

Cons

• The grill only comes with a 90-days warranty. It reflects a lousy return policy.
• The grill needs care. Otherwise, it can rust because it’s not stainless steel.

Blackstone Griddle 28 vs 36:  Blackstone 28 Griddle Review

After looking at the Blackstone 36-inch flat top grill, it’s time to see how Blackstone 28 inch griddle can benefit you.

Overview of Blackstone 28″ Gas Grill

Blackstone’s 28-inch griddle gained popularity with fans as it whipped up food for the whole family in just under an hour. It comes with two independently controlled burners with high outputs of heat. At the top, it has a grilling surface of cold-rolled steel. Besides an exceptional finish, it functions very well to dissipate and retain heat for a long time. Blackstone 28’s design is excellent for outdoor use, though you can use it indoors too.

Blackstone 28″ Gas Griddle Features

Blackstone’s 28-inch griddle is in line with the needs and expectations of its customers. The product dimensions of this grill are ‎44.5 x 19.5 x 33.5 inches. The cooking space is about 470 inches.

The grill has two stainless steel burners with 30,000 BTUs in flexible cooking conditions. The propane tank goes on the grill’s left side.

Pros

• The grill has a sturdy black powder steel construction.
• It has excellent mobility and stability through two caster wheels and a holder on the opposite side.
• The 28-inch model includes a removable bottom tray.
• The grill top is removable.
• It has folding legs.

Cons

• This grill only comes with a 90-day warranty.

Blackstone Griddle 28 vs.36 Comparison Feature-by-Feature 

Comparison is essential as it gives you an insight into why these two peers are so similar. Here is the head-to-head comparison of Blackstone griddles 28 vs. 36.

Heat Retention and Distribution

Both grills can hold the heat for a long time and evenly distribute it over the surface, thanks to the cold-rolled steel construction of their cooking surfaces.

Excellent heat retention and even distribution of heat are the two qualities that a grill must have. In most cases, the two factors alone speak enough of the worth of a grill. Cheap manufacturers don’t consider this aspect because they often neglect the subtleties and delicacies of engineering and technology.

In terms of heat retention and distribution, both grills provide value for money.

Affordability

Blackstone 28″ is less pricey as opposed to the Blackstone 36″, which comes at a whopping price of $380+.

When we consider the capabilities of the Blackstone 36″, the price difference becomes insignificant. The larger model has two additional burners, more cooking space, and large dimensions.

In the end, it all depends on your needs. If you need to cook for a large circle of family and friends, you should opt for the 36-inch model. If you occasionally grill for a small family of five or six, the 28″ model is ideal.

Number of Burners per Unit

Blackstone griddle 36 has four H-shaped burners capable of producing a whopping 60,000 BTUs of heat together. Since each burner can be individually controlled, you can customize the cooking area you need.

Blackstone Griddle 28 comes with two burners, each capable of producing up to 15,000 BTUs of heat. The maximum heat output for the 28″ grill is 30,000 BTUs.

Both grills are fueled by 20 lbs. propane tanks, which can be mounted to a side hook.

Weight & Cooking Surface

Blackstone griddle 36″ weighs 120 pounds with item dimensions of 62.5 x 22 x 36 inches (LxWxH). On the other hand, Blackstone 28″ grill weighs 69 pounds with product dimensions of 44.5 x 19.5 x 33.5 inches.

Similarly, the first model comes with a cooking surface of 720 square inches compared to the 28″ model, which has only 470 square inches.

A professional grill should be able to prepare meals for at least ten people. Considering this, the 36″ model is the best option for you. Because each burner is battery-powered and individually operated, you can also use this model for cooking for small numbers.

Assembling

Both grills sport the same design. The main difference lies in weight, size, number of burners, and cooking area. The grills come protected in a box with parts contained in bubble wrap. To unbox the grill, you have to cut the plastic straps. As soon as you cut the straps, the box lid lifts off itself.

You’ll need an adjustable wrench, a 10 mm wrench, and a screwdriver to set up the grills. It takes about 15 minutes to set up the grill. The bulkier model may need more time to assemble, or you may need to call someone for help.

Cleaning Convenience

Blackstone offers a handy cleaning system. Both grills are provided with channels to allow grease to pass through quickly. The 36″ grill holds and manages the grease and food drippings better than the griddle Blackstone 28″ model.

Prep Areas

Both grills come with side shelves and under-grill trays. Side tables serve as excellent prep areas.

You can use the under-grill tray to place grilling tools and equipment.

Construction Materials

Both designs use the same heavy-duty stainless steel metal coated with a black powder for excellent rust resistance. The cooking surface is rigid and can resist heat easily. 

Other parts of the grease management system, including the grease cup and burners, are stainless steel across the 28-inch griddle and 36-inch griddle by Blackstone. Both are rugged and durable, with a dense steel base. The cooking tops are cold-rolled stainless steel to ensure a consistent heat distribution and the grill’s durability.

Shelves

Both models have a bottom bracket for storing food. Both grills feature side shelves on which you can place spices and cooking sauces, as well as griddle tongs. These shelves are valuable extra items to have on your grill as they reduce the need to make a table for storing all the necessary things.

You can also use the bottom tray to store cooked food.

Assembly

The assembly process is also the same for both models. They come with an assembly manual with many images to help you quickly do everything, even when it’s your first experience. The only thing that might feel slightly different is that you’re dealing with oversized items in the 36-inch model. Both grills are generally easier and faster to install.

Cooktops are very easy to open and un-assemble for simple cleaning and general griddle service.

Fuel Source

The two models have the same standard 20lb propane tank as the fuel source. Each device has an accommodating gas cylinder hook hidden under the left side to secure your gas cylinder firmly.

Warranty

Blackstone covers these gridded vehicles with the same 1-year limited warranty. The warranty covers material, parts, and the finish

Key Similarities Make them Twins from Blackstone

In many ways, both models are similar except in size, the number of burners, and heat output.

For example, both grills come with an updated grease management system. Cooking plates on both grills have a hole in the back support. The grease flows through this hole down a tube and ultimately collects into a grease tray. You can also choose between the front drain and rear drain for both models’ grease management systems.

Both griddles feature an easy start, battery-powered, push-button ignition. You don’t need to have a propane torch or matches to light the grill. Press the front-mounted button to power the grill.

Since both grills have independently controlled burners, you can turn on as many as you need.

Both grills operate on a 20lb propane tank.

Blackstone Griddle 28 vs 36: What Makes Them Different

For a Blackstone 36-inch griddle, the dimensions seem much sturdier than the Blackstone 28 griddle. Yet, it’s not enough to let you decide. So, here is what makes anyone preferable when it’s about Blackstone griddle 28 vs 36.

Design

The 36-inch griddle includes four caster wheels, as opposed to the 28-inch model, which has only two caster wheels under its left legs. The 28-inch model, however, contains a handle on the right side. So you can easily uplift the right side using the handle and move the grill.

Another significant difference between the two grills is that the 28-inch model contains only the left side shelf, as opposed to the 36-inch model, which includes both right and left-side tables.

Other noticeable differences between the two models are the following:

Cooking Surface

The larger 36-inch model has a more spacious cooking area (up to 720 sq. inches). The largest model can cook up to 28 burgers or up to 72 hotdogs simultaneously. It is so ideal for cooking for a large family or in a gathering for a party. With more area comes the ease of spacing your food correctly and searing it instead of just toasting.

The Blackstone 28-inch griddle has a significantly smaller cooking surface of 470 sq. inches. It allows you to cook as many as 44 hotdogs, which is good because it’s a smaller model. But you would not want to use this grill if you’re going to cook for many people.

Number of Burners

A standard burner on a Blackstone griddle produces 15,000 BTU of heat. The larger model, which comes with four burners, should generate twice as much heat as the 28-inch model. The two additional burners you have with the 36-inch unit give you great control over griddle temperature in different cooking zones. It means you can cook different types of food at varied temperatures simultaneously.

On the other hand, having just two burners means you only have two cooking surfaces for groups larger than six people. It can be limiting if you feed a large group of people. 

Remember to control every burner individually.

Cost

The cost difference between the two models is approximately $50. The larger Blackstone 36 grill costs you nearly $400 as opposed to the smaller Blackstone 28 grill, which costs you about $350.

When you take into account the space and heat output, the price difference seems negligible.

Heat Output

A traditional burner on a Blackstone griddle delivers approximately 15,000 BTUs. The more burners a unit has, the more heat it generates. If you want more power for your grill, then a 36-inch model is more suitable. 

The Blackstone 36″ offers double the power compared to its smaller 28 inch brother, the Blackstone 28″ griddle. If you want to increase the griddling power, we suggest a more extensive 36-inch model.

The good news is also eating for you in the form of the Blackstone pro-series with more enhancements in griddles’ designs, quality, and performance. 

Blackstone Griddle 36 inch 1825 vs. 1554

How can we forget about discussing how both models of the Blackstone 36 griddle are different? After all, it can impact your choice significantly. So here is where Blackstone 1825 wins over Blackstone 1554 36 inches flat top grill.

• The Blackstone 1825-inch griddle has a removable cutting board on its right shelf.
• The material of Blackstone 1825 is of stainless steel. Thus, it’s more durable than Blackstone 1554 36.
• Blackstone 1554 36 is 14 pounds heavier because of its stainless steel material.
• Blackstone 1825 36-inch grill is also pricey with a nearly $20 difference; of course, it’s because of the side shelf enhancement and material quality. 
• The Blackstone 1825 griddle has a paper towel holder and garbage bag hook too. The little improvements in design are excellent for making the griddle more facilitating.

When you’re one to prefer a Blackstone 36-inch grill, indeed, with a difference of only 15-20 dollars, the model 1825 can ensure a better user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a 28-inch Blackstone flattop griddle big enough?

It’s big enough for a family of five or six. However, the Blackstone 28-inch model isn’t a grill a connoisseur would use.

With dimensions of 44.5 x 19.5 x 33.5 inches and a cooking area of 470 square inches, the Blackstone 28-inch griddle is large enough to cater to a small circle of family and friends. If you want more cooking space, the 36-inch model may be the right option for you.

• Do I need to season the Blackstone grill, or do they come pre-seasoned?

Blackstone grills don’t come pre-seasoned, so you must season your flat-top grill for the first time. Wash your grill off with mild soap, rinse, and let it dry. Put a little oil on the grill top, turn on the burners, and let it run hot for at least 15 minutes. You’re ready to go grilling.

• How to clean a Blackstone grill after cooking?

Shut off the grill to clean the flat-top grill. Pour some water on the cooking surface, and rinse the area with a clean rag. Steam, produced by water, cleans the grill efficiently.

• Can I remove the legs from my Blackstone 36-inch and 28-inch grills?

Yes, you can do that. You can fold and remove the legs to use the grill without legs. However, ensure you use the grill away from furniture and other combustible things.

Final Verdict

Both best Blackstone grills, the Blackstone 36-inch and 28-inch, are hallmarks of quality, utility, and longevity. They’re also cheaper than similar models from other manufacturers.

State-of-the-art engineering, design, and usefulness speak enough of the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction. Since both grills offer many similar features, two major decisive factors here are size and heat output.

If you have to cook for a large family or go for restaurant-style cooking, the 36-inch Griddle by Blackstone is the best. However, when you’re an occasional chef or have to cook for a small family, the 28 Blackstone grill is something you should opt for.