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Both these grills do the same trick: griddle on top, air fryer drawers underneath. They aim to be the only outdoor cooking appliance you need. Same concept, very different execution.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Blackstone 36" Air Fryer Combo ($699) if you want the bigger griddle surface and Blackstone's proven flat-top platform. Buy the Pit Boss Ultimate Plancha ($799) if you want the better-finished griddle plate and a more polished air fryer experience.
The Contenders
Blackstone 36" Air Fryer Combo
$699
Volume griddle cooks who want to add air-frying without sacrificing surface area
Check PricePit Boss Ultimate Plancha
$799
Cooks who want a refined plancha cooking surface with smart air fryer controls
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
Griddle Surface
Winner: BlackstoneBlackstone wins. 768 sq in vs the Pit Boss at 587 sq in. If you cook breakfast for crowds or do smashburger nights, the Blackstone is the obvious pick.
Griddle Plate Quality
Winner: Pit BossPit Boss wins. The plancha-style steel plate is thicker, retains heat better, and seasons more evenly than the Blackstone's standard rolled steel. For pure griddle quality, Pit Boss edges ahead.
Air Fryer Performance
Winner: Pit BossPit Boss wins. Larger air fryer baskets, better temperature consistency, and more refined controls. The Blackstone's air fryer is functional but feels like an add-on; the Pit Boss feels integrated.
Build Quality
Winner: Pit BossPit Boss wins narrowly. Better fit and finish, sturdier hood, nicer side shelves. The Blackstone is fine for the money but feels its price.
Value
Winner: BlackstoneBlackstone wins. $100 cheaper with significantly more griddle surface. Pure dollars-per-square-inch, Blackstone wins by a wide margin.
Final Verdict
Buy the Blackstone 36" Air Fryer Combo if maximum griddle surface and value matter most. Buy the Pit Boss Ultimate Plancha if you want the better-finished griddle and the more polished air fryer experience.
Buying Advice
If you'll use the air fryer drawers more than the griddle, Pit Boss is the right call. If the griddle is the main event and the air fryer is a bonus, Blackstone wins on cooking surface alone.
