Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Breakdown: Omnivore vs Standard Models

Best for: Mid-sized backyard cooks wanting fuel-saving Omnivore plates

Pros

• Omnivore plate prevents warping
• Dual independent cooking zones
• Side shelf with tool hooks

Cons

• Lacks protective hood
• Only two wheels

The Blackstone 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle is a dedicated two-burner freestanding outdoor cooking station built around a 527-square-inch griddle surface. Designed under model number 2206, this unit introduces Blackstone’s patented Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology to intermediate-sized backyard stations. The plate is specifically engineered to distribute heat evenly across the steel surface, actively preventing warping under prolonged high-temperature exposure while simultaneously reducing propane fuel consumption compared to earlier structural designs.

Underneath the griddle plate, two independently controlled gas burners allow operators to establish dual cooking zones simultaneously. This thermal layout enables searing steaks or smash burgers on one section while holding buns, delicate vegetables, or eggs at lower temperatures on the adjacent zone. A dedicated side shelf provides workspace and includes integrated tool hooks, keeping cooking spatulas and scrapers within arm’s reach. Cleanout is handled via a rear grease management system where residual oils and food debris route directly through a back opening into an exterior catch cup.

Mobility is anchored by a two-wheel base paired with a sturdy side handle, allowing the 21.88-inch-deep by 46.45-inch-wide frame to be tipped and rolled across flat patio surfaces. While this unit delivers ample capacity for family gatherings, buyers seeking enclosed weather protection or four distinct thermal zones will find higher flexibility in the larger 36-inch stations.

• 527 square inches of dual-zone cooking surface
• Patented Omnivore Griddle Plate engineered to prevent warping and lower fuel usage
• Rear grease discharge opening with hooked collection cup
• Side preparation shelf equipped with integrated hanging tool hooks

Best for: Campers and tailgaters needing compact portability

Pros

• 12,000 BTU H-style burner
• Adjustable rubber feet
• Compact 17.5-inch chassis

Cons

• Single cooking zone
• Smaller 268-square-inch plate

The Blackstone 1814 Propane Gas Griddle is engineered specifically for mobile setups, tabletop cooking, and off-grid adventures. Built with an ultra-compact footprint measuring 17.5 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 8.5 inches high, the model 1814 packs easily into vehicle trunks for tailgating, camping trips, or patio meals. Despite its small chassis, the 17-inch griddle plate offers 268 square inches of usable heavy-duty steel cooking space, accommodating up to nine burgers, nine pancakes, or a dozen eggs simultaneously.

Heat generation relies on a single high-efficiency “H” style burner rated at 12,000 BTUs (equivalent to 3,516 watts of electrical heating power). The H-shaped burner geometry routes dual lines of flame across the underside of the plate to mitigate hot spots, while an integrated rotary igniter allows smooth flame adjustment from low simmer up to aggressive searing heat. To maintain level cooking conditions on backcountry outings, Blackstone fitted the base with height-adjustable rubber feet that stabilize the unit on uneven terrain, grassy fields, or sloped picnic tables.

Cleanup on the 1814 model is managed through an integrated high-capacity grease tray designed to catch runoff without overflowing mid-cook. While it serves as an exceptional blackstone table top grill for individuals and small groups of up to four, users wanting separate simultaneous heat zones will need to step up to a dual-burner chassis.

• 268 square inches of heavy-duty steel cooking surface
• Single H-style burner generating 12,000 BTUs of targeted heat
• Height-adjustable rubber feet engineered for leveling on uneven ground
• Integrated large-capacity grease tray and built-in flame igniter

Best for: High-volume cooks demanding maximum heat and efficiency

Pros

• 60,000 BTUs across four burners
• Omnivore plate with wind guards
• Front grease management pan

Cons

• Higher fuel consumption
• No hard hood included

Best for: Backyard hosts cooking large multi-dish feasts

Pros

• Massive 768-square-inch plate
• Four independent burners
• Integrated protective station hood

Cons

• Heavy wide footprint
• Standard steel plate

The Blackstone 36 Inch Gas Griddle represents a full-sized commercial-grade outdoor station engineered for high-volume family catering and backyard entertaining. Featuring an expansive 768-square-inch flat top cooking surface, this freestanding unit gives cooks the physical room to prepare complete multi-course meals simultaneously. Construction is centered around powder-coated steel for structural durability, supported by an integrated lower storage shelf and dual folding side prep tables.

Thermal control is divided across four independently operated gas burners, creating four isolated temperature zones from front to back and left to right. This quad-burner configuration makes it straightforward to maintain rapid searing temperatures on one side while gently warming delicate side dishes or sauces on the other. Ignition is handled by a battery-powered push-button module that eliminates matches or external lighters, firing the burners instantly under consistent pressure.

This specific freestanding station includes an integrated cooking station hood featuring a heat-resistant stainless steel front handle, providing quick shield positioning during cooking and complete element protection between uses. For managing rendering fat, Blackstone integrated their patented rear grease discharge design. While this station offers tremendous volume, its wide 64.5-inch operational footprint requires dedicated storage space on your deck or patio.

• 768 square inches of heavy-duty flat top cooking area
• Four independently adjustable burners offering complete multi-zone control
• Integrated protective station hood with stainless steel front handle
• Battery-powered electronic ignition system and patented rear grease management

The Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle, identified under model number 1517, provides a mobile balance between portable camping units and permanent backyard stations. It features a 28-inch cold-rolled steel griddle surface delivering 470 square inches of cooking space. The cold-rolled steel top offers consistent heat retention across breakfast staples, steaks, and griddled sandwiches, pairing durability with predictable thermal performance.

The underlying dual-burner assembly provides two dedicated heat zones with three selectable power levels, regulated via front control dials. Ignition is facilitated by an easy-start, battery-powered push button. The entire frame is constructed from powder-coated steel, incorporating two collapsible side preparation shelves, a lower steel wire shelf, and a dedicated griddle hood featuring a front lift handle for protective storage and cooking coverage.

Where the 1517 model distinguishes itself is mobility: the unit is designed with a removable griddle top, folding structural legs, and an industrial caster wheel setup that allows users to pack the station flat for transport to hunting camps or tailgates. While it yields slightly less surface area than the 527-square-inch Omnivore 2206, its collapsible frame makes it distinctly more adaptable for transit.

• 470 square inches of cold-rolled steel flat top cooking area
• Two independent burners featuring three power levels and push-button ignition
• Collapsible leg architecture with industrial caster wheels for mobile transport
• Includes protective hood, dual side shelves, and rear grease management system

Best for: Campers wanting dual heat zones on countertops

Pros

• Dual H-burners producing 24,000 BTUs
• Two independent heat zones
• Adjustable leveling feet

Cons

• No hood included
• Hose adapter sold separately

The Blackstone 22″ Tabletop Grill without Hood (model 1666) is an intermediate portable griddle designed to deliver independent multi-zone cooking without requiring a permanent wheeled stand. Built with a stainless steel front panel and rolled carbon steel griddle plate, this unit provides 361 square inches of usable heavy-duty cooking space. Its layout bridges the gap between ultra-compact single-burner portable units and stationary backyard carts.

Heat is produced by two dedicated H-style burners that combine for an impressive total output of 24,000 BTUs. Because the burners are plumbed independently with separate control dials and built-in igniters, users retain genuine two-zone heat control across the plate. This allows simultaneous searing and low-heat holding on a countertop footprint. Rubber feet with built-in height adjustment ensure that fat drainage flows correctly toward the rear grease trap even when parked on unlevel surfaces.

Fuel routing is adaptable: out of the box, the 1666 operates via portable 1-pound propane cylinders, but it can connect to standard 20-pound propane tanks using an optional bulk tank adapter hose. While it lacks an attached hood or prep shelves, pairing it with accessories like a dedicated blackstone tool set turns this tabletop unit into a versatile campsite or tailgating workhorse.

• 361 square inches of rolled carbon steel cooking area
• Dual H-style burners delivering 24,000 BTUs of total heat output
• Two independently controlled temperature zones with built-in igniters
• Height-adjustable rubber feet and rear-facing grease management trap

The Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 is an industrial-output cooking station configured for high-heat efficiency, massive volume, and demanding culinary tasks. Outfitted with four independent stainless steel burners pushing a combined 60,000 BTUs (rated at 17.58 kW / 17,584 watts), this unit provides immense thermal recovery speed, making it suitable for high-turnover smash burgers, stir-fries, and large group gatherings.

The unit features Blackstone Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology spread across its full 768-square-inch steel surface. According to the blackstone omnivore griddle plate specs, this plate design features built-in wind guards, improves thermal shock stability to prevent metal warping under cold food loading, heats up more rapidly and uniformly, and reduces total fuel consumption during extended cooking sessions. Heat across the plate is governed by four front control dials offering four distinct power levels.

Unlike rear-discharge models, this station uses a front grease management system to capture rendered runoff directly into an accessible front grease pan. The freestanding cart incorporates folding legs, dual lower storage racks, and heavy-duty casters for site repositioning. While it demands significant propane capacity under continuous full-flame operation, its raw output and Omnivore thermal efficiency make it an elite choice for serious griddle chefs evaluating an outdoor gourmet griddle setup.

• 768 square inches of cooking space with Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology
• Four stainless steel burners generating 60,000 BTUs across four power levels
• Built-in wind protection baffles and enhanced thermal shock resistance
• Front grease management pan, folding leg frame, and rolling casters