Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle vs Weber Slate 30
Quick take: The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle costs $352 less; the Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle offers more cooking space (768 vs 540 sq in); the Weber Slate 30 reaches a higher max temp (NaN vs NaN°F).
| Spec | Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle | Weber Slate 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$297 | ~$649 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (69,854) | 4.6★ (325) |
| Type | Griddle | Griddle |
| Cooking Area | 768 sq in | 540 sq in |
| Max Temp | 600°F | 500F°F |
| Fuel Type | Propane/Natural Gas | Propane |
| Build Material | Rolled Steel | Rust-resistant pre-seasoned carbon steel cooktop, steel cart |
| Hopper Capacity | — | — |
| Burners | 4 | 3 |
| WiFi / App | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Meat probe | No | No |
| PID controller | No | No |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 64.5 x 26 x 36 in | 70.8 x 23.5 x 39.5 in |
| Weight | 141 lbs | 140 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 5 years |
Pros & cons
Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle
- ✓The massive 768 sq in flat top cooks for a crowd - dozens of smash burgers, full breakfast spreads, fajitas, and hibachi all at once
- ✓Four independently controlled burners create distinct heat zones, so you can sear on one side and keep food warm on the other
- ✓Smash burgers come out with an unbeatable crispy crust that you simply can't get on a grill grate
- ✓The rear grease management system funnels drippings into a rear cup for fast, clean cleanup
- ✓At under $400 it's an incredible value for the cooking real estate and versatility you get
- ✓It heats edge-to-edge quickly and the rolled-steel top, once seasoned, becomes a naturally non-stick surface
- ✓Casters make the big unit easy to roll around, and the side shelves give ample prep and plating space
- ✓The enormous owner community shares endless recipes, seasoning tips, and accessory ideas
- ✗The bare steel cooktop requires seasoning and ongoing rust prevention - leave it uncovered in the rain and it'll rust
- ✗It's purely a griddle, so you can't grill with grate marks or do low-and-slow smoking on it
- ✗Maintaining the seasoning is a chore - you oil it after every cook and re-season periodically
- ✗The base model has no lid/hood, so wind affects heat and you can't easily melt cheese or steam without a basting dome
- ✗Build quality is value-grade and the 1-year warranty is short; burners and igniters can need replacing over time
- ✗It's a big 64.5-inch footprint that takes up significant patio space and storage
- ✗The igniter is a common weak point that owners often end up lighting manually with a torch
- ✗Without a cover, condensation and humidity alone can cause surface rust between cooks
Weber Slate 30
- ✓Rust-resistant hardened cooktop genuinely reduces upkeep vs bare rolled steel
- ✓Very even heat across all 540 sq in - fewer hot/cold zones than Blackstone
- ✓36,000 BTU across 3 burners preheats fast and holds sear temps over 500F
- ✓Front-corner grease trap is simple and mess-free
- ✓Heavy, rigid cart with side tables, wind guards, and locking casters
- ✓5-year warranty is the best in the griddle category
- ✗Twice the price of a similar-size Blackstone
- ✗Base 1500014 trim lacks the premium model's digital temp display
- ✗Cooktop rust is excluded from the warranty despite the rust-resistant pitch
- ✗Weber Works accessories add up quickly
- ✗Still requires seasoning and oiling like any carbon-steel griddle