Enterthedeals Blackstone 36" Outdoor Griddle with 4 Burners
Introduction
The Blackstone Original Outdoor Griddle, 4-Burner 36″ Flat Top Grill with Hard Cover is a large, propane-fueled griddle designed for outdoor cooking. Manufactured by Blackstone — a widely recognized brand in the outdoor cooking category — this unit targets backyard cooks, grillmasters, and groups who want a versatile flat-top surface for everything from burgers and steaks to pancakes and stir-fries. Priced at $297 (as listed) and supported by a large user base (84,208 user reviews in the provided data), this model is one of Blackstone’s best-known mid/large-format griddles.
Overview
– Manufacturer: Blackstone
– Product category: Outdoor griddle / flat-top grill
– Intended use: Backyard parties, barbecues, tailgating, camping cook stations, breakfast/brunch service, and any situation where a flat, high-heat surface and multi-zone control are useful.
Appearance, Materials & Design
The Blackstone 36″ presents a professional, utilitarian aesthetic: a wide rectangular cooking surface with a low-profile body and a hard cover that protects the griddle top during storage and transport. The cooking plate is the primary visual element — a continuous flat top that gives the griddle its signature look. The body and cover are finished in a dark powder-coated or painted steel, which is practical for outdoor use and hides wear well.
Materials and construction emphasize durability and functionality. The griddle plate (marketed as the Blackstone Omni Griddle Plate in the product description) is designed to be the work surface; the rest of the unit is steel and metal hardware. The hard cover adds weather protection for the griddle surface and doubles as a storage/transport accessory. Design elements to note include four independently controlled burners (giving you four cooking zones) and a simple, open-cart style station that focuses on easy access to the griddle surface.
Key Features & Specifications
- Cooking surface: 36″ flat-top griddle plate (Blackstone Omni Griddle Plate)
- Burners: 4 independently controlled burners (multi-zone control)
- Fuel type: Propane (LP)
- Hard cover included for protection and transport
- Intended for outdoor use: backyard, camping, tailgating, events
- Price (as listed): $297
- User reviews (data provided): 84,208 reviews
- Typical uses: searing, griddling, breakfast items, stir-fry, large batch cooking
Using the Griddle — Real-world Experience
Initial Setup & Seasoning
Assembly is straightforward but involved: expect to unpack several metal pieces, attach the legs/cart elements, install the burners, and place the griddle plate and hard cover. I recommend two people for assembly because of the size and weight of the 36″ plate. After assembly, plan to follow Blackstone’s seasoning process for the griddle plate (heat, oil, repeat) before first cooking — seasoning builds a non-stick patina and protects the steel surface.
Heat-Up & Temperature Control
The four independently controlled burners allow you to create distinct temperature zones across the 36″ surface. That makes it easy to sear at high heat on one side, keep foods warm on a lower-heat zone, and use a medium zone for delicate items. Heat-up time with a propane tank is quick; the griddle can reach cooking temperatures in minutes. In normal use you get responsive control from low to high, and the multiple zones mean you can multitask without moving food around constantly.
Cooking Performance
The continuous flat surface is excellent for:
- Burgers, hot dogs, and steaks — solid searing and even browning when the surface is properly preheated and oiled.
- Breakfast service — pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns are simple and fast; the wide surface lets you cook many portions at once.
- Stir-fry and vegetables — the flat top provides an expansive area for tossing and charring vegetables or stir-fry proteins.
- Large gatherings — the 36″ width accommodates cooking for groups quickly and efficiently.
In use, the griddle plate produces consistent results. You can exploit the four zones to simulate multiple pans at once. Expect some edge temperature variance (edges sometimes run slightly cooler than the center), but for most home and party uses this is easy to manage by moving food inward or outward between zones.
Cleanup & Maintenance
Cleaning a flat-top grill is different than a grates-style barbecue. Plan to scrape the surface with a flat scraper after each cook, and wipe down while the plate is warm. Because the griddle plate is steel, regular seasoning/oiling is necessary to maintain a non-stick surface and prevent rust. The included hard cover helps protect the surface from weather when stored outdoors, but you should still store the griddle in a sheltered area if possible.
Portability & Storage
The 36″ size means the unit is large and not especially compact — it’s best suited as a semi-permanent backyard station or for car-based tailgating where size/weight are manageable. The hard cover makes transporting the griddle safer and protects the cooking surface from dings and the elements.
Pros
- Large 36″ cooking surface — excellent for feeding families or parties.
- Four independently controlled burners — flexible multi-zone cooking.
- Hard cover included — protects the griddle plate during storage/transport.
- Versatile — handles breakfast, searing, stir-fry and batch cooking well.
- Propane-fueled — fast heat-up and easy fuel sourcing.
- Relatively affordable for a 36″ four-burner griddle (listed at $297).
Cons
- Requires regular seasoning and maintenance to keep the griddle plate in good condition; steel surfaces can rust if neglected.
- Large and somewhat heavy — not as convenient to move frequently as smaller grills; two people recommended for assembly and transport.
- Open flat-top design limits enclosed/indirect cooking (no oven-like lid for roasting or smoking).
- Some edge temperature variance is possible; managing zones requires attention.
- Propane supply is required and sold separately (standard for this type of grill).
Conclusion
The Blackstone Original 36″ 4-Burner Griddle with Hard Cover is a strong choice if you want a versatile, sizable outdoor cooking platform that excels at batch cooking and multi-dish service. Its four burners and large flat surface give you the flexibility to cook for crowds and handle a wide variety of foods — from breakfast to seared steaks to stir-fry. The included hard cover is a welcome addition for protection and transport.
The trade-offs are typical for a product of this class: you need to invest time in assembly and in routine maintenance (seasoning and scraping) to preserve the griddle plate, and the size makes it less convenient for frequent transport. If you value cooking versatility and capacity for outdoor gatherings, this Blackstone 36″ griddle offers excellent value and performance for the price point.
Product: Blackstone Original Outdoor Griddle, 4-Burner 36″ Flat Top Grill with Hard Cover, Black — Price: $297 — User reviews (provided): 84,208
