Weber Slate 36 vs Weber Slate 30
Quick take: The Weber Slate 30 costs $400 less; the Weber Slate 36 offers more cooking space (756 vs 540 sq in); the Weber Slate 30 reaches a higher max temp (NaN vs NaN°F).
| Spec | Weber Slate 36 | Weber Slate 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$1,049 | ~$649 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (506) | 4.6★ (325) |
| Type | Griddle | Griddle |
| Cooking Area | 756 sq in | 540 sq in |
| Max Temp | 550°F | 500F°F |
| Fuel Type | Propane/Natural Gas | Propane |
| Build Material | Carbon Steel / Powder-Coated 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 | 65 x 47 x 28 in | 70.8 x 23.5 x 39.5 in |
| Weight | 150 lbs | 140 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years (3 years cooktop rust-through) | 5 years |
Pros & cons
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
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