Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle vs Weber Slate 36
Quick take: The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle costs $602 less; the Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle offers more cooking space (768 vs 756 sq in); the Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle reaches a higher max temp (600 vs 550°F).
| Spec | Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle | Weber Slate 36 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $397 | $999 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (18,000) | 4.7★ (463) |
| Type | Griddle | Griddle |
| Cooking Area | 768 sq in | 756 sq in |
| Max Temp | 600°F | 550°F |
| Fuel Type | Propane/Natural Gas | Propane/Natural Gas |
| Build Material | Rolled Steel | Carbon Steel / Powder-Coated Steel |
| Hopper Capacity | — | — |
| Burners | 4 | 4 |
| 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 | 65 x 47 x 28 in |
| Weight | 141 lbs | 150 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 5 years (3 years cooktop rust-through) |
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 36
- ✓The case-hardened, pre-seasoned carbon steel cooktop genuinely resists the rust that plagues Blackstone owners who leave their griddle outside
- ✓Four independently controlled burners give real multi-zone cooking - pancakes on low while smash burgers sear on high
- ✓The built-in digital cooktop thermometer takes the guesswork out of surface temp, something no Blackstone offers stock
- ✓48,000 BTUs heat the 756 sq in surface past 500°F quickly and evenly, with fewer cold corners than budget griddles
- ✓Weber's fit and finish is a clear step up - solid hinges, smooth-rolling casters, and an enclosed cart that keeps propane and tools out of the weather
- ✓The grease management system funnels into an easy-access catch pan instead of the messy rear-drip setups on cheaper flat tops
- ✓Flip-up side table and tool hooks add workspace without widening the footprint much
- ✓Backed by Weber's warranty and dealer network, so parts and service are far easier to get than for import-brand griddles
- ✗At $999 it costs roughly double a comparable 36-inch Blackstone, which is a hard sell for occasional griddlers
- ✗The digital thermometer reads one spot on the cooktop and can disagree with an IR gun by 30-50°F across zones
- ✗The cooktop is rust-resistant, not rust-proof - neglect the seasoning or leave it uncovered and it will still spot
- ✗No lid-down convection cooking - like all flat tops it's a one-trick pony compared to a grill/griddle combo
- ✗Assembly involves many cart panels and screws, commonly taking 1.5-2 hours
- ✗It's heavy (about 150 lbs) and wide with the side table up, so it needs real patio space
- ✗Propane-only out of the box - natural gas requires buying a different SKU, not a conversion kit
- ✗No WiFi or app connectivity even at this premium price, while Weber's own gas grills get Weber Connect