Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle
Last Updated
First Published
Not everyone has room for the 36-inch Blackstone. The 28-inch model delivers the same flat-top griddle experience in a more manageable package — and at $249, it's the sweet spot for most backyard cooks entering the griddle world.
What We Love
- +Two independently controlled burners
- +470 sq in of cooking surface
- +Significantly lighter and more portable than the 36"
- +Same cold-rolled steel cooking surface quality
- +Foldable legs for easier storage
- +Lower price point — great entry to griddle cooking
Watch Out For
- −Two burners vs four on the 36" limits zone cooking
- −Smaller surface struggles with large groups
- −Grease management could be improved
- −Wind can affect heat on exposed patios
Specifications
Cooking Area
470 sq in
BTUs
34,000
Burners
2 (independently controlled)
Fuel
Propane
Weight
62 lbs
Dimensions
45" x 22" x 36"
Warranty
1 year
The Full Review
The 28-inch Blackstone is the griddle I recommend to anyone who doesn't regularly cook for more than 6 people. It has 470 sq in of cold-rolled steel cooking surface — enough for a solid breakfast spread of pancakes, eggs, and bacon simultaneously.
Two independently controlled burners deliver 34,000 BTUs. You can run one side screaming hot for smash burgers while keeping the other at medium for vegetables. It's not the four-zone control of the 36-inch, but for most cooks, two zones is plenty.
The foldable legs are a genuine advantage. This griddle stores in a garage corner, fits in a truck bed for camping, and sets up in under two minutes. At 62 lbs, one person can manage it.
Seasoning the cold-rolled steel surface is essential and takes 3-4 sessions to build a proper non-stick coating. Once seasoned, eggs slide around like they're on Teflon. The key is thin layers of flaxseed oil burned past the smoke point.
I used this as my primary weeknight cooking surface for two months. Tuesday smash burgers, Wednesday hibachi chicken, Thursday breakfast-for-dinner. The griddle surface handles everything and cleanup is a scrape and wipe.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest flat top griddle rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle (this) | 4.5 | $249 | The compact Blackstone that fits smaller spaces without sacrificing flat-top performance. |
| Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 475 | 4.6 | $299 | The best mid-size portable griddle. |
| Blackstone 36" 4-Burner | 4.6 | $349 | Flat-top grilling is exploding and Blackstone owns the category. |
Who Is It For?
Anyone curious about griddle cooking who doesn't need the massive 36-inch surface. Smaller households cooking for 2-4 people regularly. Campers and tailgaters who want a portable flat-top. Patio and balcony grillers with limited space.
Final Verdict
The 28-inch Blackstone is the smarter entry point for most people. It does everything the 36-inch does, just for fewer people. At $249, it's a low-risk way to discover why griddle cooking is taking over backyards.
Check Price on Amazon
