For years, my backyard cooking routine was a story of compromises. I loved the char and flavor of my traditional gas grill, but I was constantly frustrated by its limitations. Sliced onions and bell peppers would inevitably sacrifice themselves to the fiery depths below the grates. Cooking breakfast outside was a clumsy dance of balancing a cast iron skillet on one side while trying not to burn the bacon. Trying to feed a crowd meant cooking in batches, with the first round of burgers getting cold while the last ones were still sizzling. I knew there had to be a better, more versatile way to embrace outdoor cooking, a way to cook everything from pancakes to Philly cheesesteaks with ease and precision. This search for a unified, high-capacity cooking surface led me to the world of flat-top griddles, and specifically, to the behemoth of backyard cooking: the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Side Shelves.
- Cook for a Crowd: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks on this spacious 768 square inch griddle. Invite family and friends over...
- Cook for a Crowd: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks on this spacious 768 square inch griddle. Invite family and friends over...
What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Griddle
A propane griddle is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming your outdoor space into a true open-air kitchen. Unlike a traditional grill with grates, a flat-top griddle provides a solid, expansive cooking surface that opens up a world of culinary possibilities. It eliminates the problem of food falling through the cracks, offers more even heat distribution, and allows you to cook with liquids and smaller ingredients you’d never attempt on a standard grill. From hibachi-style stir-fries and smash burgers to a full breakfast spread for the entire family, the main benefit is unparalleled versatility and capacity. It turns cooking for a party from a stressful, multi-batch chore into a fun, social event.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who loves to entertain, has a large family, or simply wants to move beyond the limitations of traditional grilling. If you find yourself cooking for crowds, wishing you could make breakfast on the patio, or are tired of juggling multiple pans in your indoor kitchen, a large propane griddle is a game-changer. However, it might not be suitable for those with very limited patio space or for the solo griller who only cooks a couple of burgers at a time. For them, a smaller, more compact grill might be a better fit. Likewise, the purist who craves the specific smoky flavor imparted by charcoal might find the clean heat of a propane griddle less satisfying.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A 36-inch griddle is a substantial piece of equipment. With its side shelves extended, the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Side Shelves measures 62.5 inches wide. You need to ensure you have adequate, level space on your deck or patio, with safe clearance from walls and railings. Measure your intended area carefully before you make the investment.
- Capacity/Performance: The cooking surface area is the main event. 768 square inches is massive, capable of holding dozens of burgers or pancakes. Equally important is the burner system. This model features four independently controlled burners, allowing you to create different heat zones for searing, sautéing, and warming simultaneously, a crucial feature for complex meals.
- Materials & Durability: The griddle top is typically made of heavy-duty rolled steel, which requires seasoning like a cast iron pan to develop a non-stick surface. This material offers excellent heat retention and durability. The frame is powder-coated steel, which provides good resistance to the elements, but we still recommend a quality cover for long-term protection.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that make life easier. Integrated tool hooks, paper towel holders, and sturdy wheels are all pluses. Most importantly, evaluate the grease management system. An effective system channels grease away from the cooking surface into a collection cup, making cleanup significantly faster and less messy.
While the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Side Shelves is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- High-Heat Propane Gas BBQ Grill – This 4-burner gas grill with an additional 8,500 BTU side burner delivers a total of 46,500 BTU. Enjoy rapid...
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition...
- Heavy-Duty Griddle Plate – Built with a 4mm thick, reinforced hot-pressed steel griddle that ensures excellent heat retention and durability. Perfect for...
First Impressions: Unboxing a Backyard Behemoth
The arrival of the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Side Shelves is an event in itself. The box is large and heavy—at 120 pounds, this is definitely a two-person lift, a fact echoed by numerous users who recommend having a friend on hand. Once opened, the components were well-packed and protected. Assembly was surprisingly straightforward. With a few common household tools like a screwdriver and a wrench, we had it unpacked and fully assembled in under 45 minutes. Several users reported even faster times, with one noting it took “from opening the box to turning it on in just over ten minutes.” The frame feels solid, the casters lock securely, and the main attraction—the heavy rolled steel griddle top—sits impressively atop the four-burner base. It immediately feels like a serious, purpose-built cooking machine, a significant upgrade from the often-flimsy construction of department store grills. The folding side shelves click into place with reassuring stability, ready to hold trays of ingredients and tools. You can immediately see the value and explore its impressive feature set online before it even gets lit.
Key Benefits
- Massive 768 sq. in. cooking surface for feeding large crowds
- Four independently controlled heat zones for ultimate cooking flexibility
- Omnivore Griddle Plate technology improves fuel efficiency and heat distribution
- Convenient features like folding side shelves, tool hooks, and paper towel holder
Potential Drawbacks
- Grease management system design can be messy without modification
- Heavy weight (120 lbs) makes it less portable than some might hope
Deep Dive: Performance Under Fire
A griddle’s spec sheet is one thing; its real-world performance is another. We spent weeks putting the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Side Shelves through its paces, cooking everything from delicate pancakes and eggs to heaps of hibachi-style fried rice and perfectly crusted smash burgers. This is where the unit truly separates itself from the pack and redefines what’s possible in backyard cooking.
The Omnivore Cooking Surface: A Universe of Flavor
The heart and soul of this machine is its 768 square inch rolled steel cooking surface, now enhanced with Blackstone’s Omnivore technology. This isn’t just a gimmick; the built-in wind guards and improved plate design translate to noticeably better performance. It heats up quickly and, more importantly, maintains its temperature more evenly across the vast surface, even on breezy days. This also means it consumes less propane to stay hot, a welcome benefit for frequent grillers. The first, and most critical, step is the seasoning process. As many seasoned users advise, this is not a step to be skipped. Following Blackstone’s instructions, we applied several thin layers of cooking oil, heating the griddle until the oil smoked off, gradually building a dark, slick, non-stick surface. It’s just like seasoning a cast iron skillet, and the reward is a beautiful patina that makes cooking and cleanup a dream. We found that after a proper seasoning, food released effortlessly. The sheer size is liberating. We cooked 2 pounds of bacon, a dozen eggs, and a pile of hashbrowns simultaneously, with room to spare. One user aptly noted they could fit up to 30 burgers at once. We also confirmed what some users pointed out: the far left and right corners tend to be slightly cooler than the center. Rather than a flaw, we found this to be an advantage, creating perfect warming zones to hold finished items while the rest of the meal comes together. It’s this kind of massive, controllable surface that truly changes how you cook outdoors. You can see the impressive scale of this cooking surface in online galleries and videos.
Four Burners, Infinite Possibilities: Mastering Zone Cooking
The true genius of the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Side Shelves lies in its four independently controlled stainless-steel burners. Pumping out a combined 17.58 Kilowatts (around 60,000 BTUs), they provide immense power, but it’s the control that matters most. This isn’t a simple on/off system; it’s a dynamic cooking station. During one cookout, we had the two right-side burners on high for searing beautiful crusts on smash burgers. The third burner was on medium for caramelizing a mountain of onions. The far-left burner was on low, gently toasting the buns and melting cheese. This ability to create distinct temperature zones across one continuous surface is something you simply cannot replicate on a traditional grill. It eliminates the need for multiple pans and frantic running back and forth to the kitchen. We made chicken shawarma, slicing the meat and searing it on one side while warming pita bread on the other. We cooked steakhouse-style dinners with perfectly seared ribeyes on one zone and gently sautéed asparagus and mushrooms on another. This level of control invites creativity and makes complex, multi-component meals feel streamlined and manageable. It’s a feature that really sets it apart and is the primary reason so many owners, including ourselves, say they rarely use their old grills anymore.
Design and Usability: The Good, The Bad, and The Greasy
Beyond the cooking surface, Blackstone has included several thoughtful design features. The two folding side shelves are robust and provide essential prep space. The integrated magnetic tool strip, hooks for spatulas, and the paper towel holder are small touches that make a huge difference in workflow, keeping your space organized and efficient. The steel frame and legs are sturdy, and the four industrial-strength casters (two of which lock) make moving the 120-pound unit around a patio surprisingly easy.
However, no product is perfect, and we must address the most commonly cited issue: the grease management system. This model features Blackstone’s rear-draining system, where grease is channeled to a hole at the back center of the griddle, which then drips into a catch pan. In theory, it’s a great idea. In practice, as many users have documented, the design can be flawed. We found that during heavy cooks with lots of grease (like a few pounds of bacon), the grease can sometimes miss the small drain opening and run along the underside of the griddle top, eventually dripping down the front right leg. This is, as one user put it, a “lame grease drip arrangement.” It’s a well-documented problem, and while it doesn’t affect the cooking performance, it can create a mess. Savvy owners have developed simple “mods,” often involving a small piece of metal or copper pipe to better direct the flow, but it’s a frustrating oversight on an otherwise well-engineered product. While we found it manageable with careful scraping, potential buyers should be aware of this quirk. You can examine the product’s design closely on its listing page to understand the setup.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are strongly corroborated by the broader community of owners. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with most users celebrating the griddle’s incredible value and versatility. One user, who has been using the griddle for over a year, states it’s an “outstanding value, especially for its price point,” adding, “You might be able to find a better griddle, but you will spend a LOT more money.” Another was “shocked with how happy I am with this product,” praising the easy assembly and simple cleanup.
The praise consistently centers on the joy of cooking a huge variety of foods that were previously impossible on a grill, from “pancakes, omlets, chineese fried rice” to “chicken shawarma, cheesesteaks, smash burgers.” However, the negative feedback is just as consistent, though more focused. The primary complaint, which we confirmed, is the grease trap. One reviewer bluntly calls it a “design flaw” that causes grease to run “down the front of the griddle, which is very messy.” Another recurring issue mentioned is the potential for shipping damage due to the product’s weight and size, with several users reporting minor dents or bent parts upon arrival, though this rarely seemed to affect the griddle’s performance.
How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?
While the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Side Shelves excels at flat-top cooking, it’s a different beast than a traditional grill. If you’re not sold on the griddle concept, here’s how it stacks up against some popular conventional gas grills.
1. Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Grill
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps...
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 16 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 6 steaks on 300-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the...
The Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner is a compact, conventional grill designed for smaller spaces and smaller households. Its primary advantage is its size and focus on classic grilling with grates. If you have a small balcony or patio and your main goal is to grill a few steaks or burgers for two to four people, this is a more space-efficient and straightforward choice. You’ll get the traditional grill marks and direct-flame flavor that a flat-top doesn’t provide. However, you sacrifice the immense versatility and capacity of the Blackstone; cooking breakfast or sautéing vegetables is not its strong suit.
2. Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill
- 512 SQUARE INCHES OF TOTAL COOKING SURFACE – Get your grill on with this Kenmore gas grill! With 381 square inches of primary grilling area and an extra...
- COMPACT & COLLAPSIBLE, FOLDABLE SIDE TABLES – Perfect solution for limited spaces! The Kenmore BBQ grill is a compact wonder measuring 51” wide with...
The Kenmore 3-Burner represents a standard, mid-size backyard grill. It offers more cooking space than the 2-burner Char-Broil and includes convenient folding side tables, similar to the Blackstone. This is a solid choice for someone who wants a classic, no-frills grilling experience for a family. It’s built for burgers, chicken, and steaks on cast iron grates. It’s a direct competitor to other traditional grills, but it serves a different purpose than the Blackstone. Choose the Kenmore if you are a traditionalist who prioritizes grate-based grilling over the boundless options of a flat-top surface.
3. Char-Broil Classic Series 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps...
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 14 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 5 steaks on 360-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the...
This Char-Broil Classic 3-Burner adds another layer of versatility with its included side burner. This feature allows you to heat a pot of sauce, boil corn, or use a skillet alongside your main grilling area—a function the Blackstone’s flat top essentially has built-in across its entire surface. This grill is for the user who wants to stick with traditional grates for their main cooking but also desires a dedicated spot for pot-based cooking. It bridges a small gap, but it still lacks the Blackstone’s ability to cook an entire, complex meal on one unified surface.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Blackstone 36″ Griddle Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can say with confidence that the BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Side Shelves is a phenomenal piece of outdoor cooking equipment that fundamentally changes the way you cook for family and friends. Its massive, evenly heated surface and four-zone temperature control unlock a level of versatility that traditional grills simply cannot match. From sun-up breakfasts to late-night hibachi, it turns your patio into a true culinary stage.
Yes, the oft-criticized grease management system is a notable design flaw that requires some mindfulness to manage. But when weighed against the sheer cooking power, immense capacity, and outstanding value, it feels like a minor, forgivable quirk rather than a deal-breaker. If you love to entertain, have a large family, or are simply an adventurous cook looking to expand your repertoire, this griddle is not just a purchase; it’s an upgrade to your entire outdoor lifestyle. For its price, the performance and possibilities it offers are nearly impossible to beat. We wholeheartedly recommend it. Ready to transform your backyard cooking? You can check the latest price and availability right here.
Last update on 2025-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API