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The 28-inch and 36-inch Blackstones look similar but serve very different needs. The size difference affects everything — cooking capacity, heat zones, portability, and who you can feed. Here's how to pick the right one.
Quick Verdict
Buy the 36" ($349) if you have the space and cook for 4+ people regularly. Buy the 28" ($249) if space is limited, you cook for 1-3 people, or you want portability. The 36" is the better griddle; the 28" is the better fit for smaller setups.
The Contenders
Blackstone 28" Griddle
$249
Smaller households, limited patio space, and cooks who want portability
Check PriceBlackstone 36" Griddle
$349
Families and entertainers who want maximum flat-top cooking space
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
Cooking Capacity
Winner: 36"The 36" has 720 sq in vs the 28"'s 470 sq in — 53% more cooking surface. Four burners vs two. The 36" comfortably handles a full breakfast for 8: eggs, bacon, pancakes, and hash browns simultaneously. The 28" handles 4 people comfortably but gets crowded beyond that.
Heat Zone Control
Winner: 36"Four independently controlled burners on the 36" give you true multi-zone cooking — screaming hot on one end, low on the other, with two zones in between. The 28" has two burners, giving you hot side/cool side. For complex cooks with multiple foods at different temperatures, the 36" is significantly better.
Portability
Winner: 28"The 28" weighs 62 lbs with foldable legs — one person can load it into a truck. The 36" weighs 120+ lbs and doesn't fold. If you camp, tailgate, or need to store your griddle in a garage, the 28" is dramatically easier to manage.
Value
Winner: 36"The 36" at $349 delivers more cooking surface per dollar — $0.48/sq in vs $0.53/sq in for the 28". But the 28" at $249 is a lower total investment and easier to justify if you're griddle-curious. Both are excellent values in outdoor cooking.
Final Verdict
The 36" is the better griddle in every performance metric. But size isn't always better — if you don't have the space, don't need four zones, or value portability, the 28" is the smarter buy. Most people who buy the 28" wish they'd gotten the 36". Most people who buy the 36" never regret it.
Buying Advice
If you're unsure, buy the 36". Regret over 'too big' is far less common than regret over 'too small.' The only exception: if you specifically need portability for camping or tailgating, in which case the 28" is the clear choice — and the [Best Tabletop Griddles guide](/guide/best-tabletop-griddles) covers the truly-portable 17" and 22" options that beat the 28" on transport.
