{"id":7917,"date":"2022-11-12T13:02:56","date_gmt":"2022-11-12T13:02:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/?p=7917"},"modified":"2023-08-24T16:57:12","modified_gmt":"2023-08-24T16:57:12","slug":"blackstone-vs-camp-chef","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/blackstone-vs-camp-chef\/","title":{"rendered":"Grill Masters Unite: Blackstone vs Camp Chef"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The biggest differences between Blackstone and Camp Chef are the grease management system and the variety of griddles. Camp Chef has a grease trap in the front, and they make 3 different griddles. Blackstone griddles have a grease cup in the back and offer a ton of different griddles in various sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve had my 36\u201d Camp Chef for a decade and a 36\u201d Blackstone for two months. Last week, I grabbed a 17\u201d Blackstone to use when I go camping &#8211; it\u2019s a fantastic little griddle. I love <a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/bbq-machines-and-tools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flat-top cookers<\/a>. They\u2019re ideal machines for smash burgers, hibachi, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re in the market for a flat-top cooker, you\u2019re in the right spot. I\u2019m doing an in-depth breakdown of the differences between the two brands. This article is packed with everything you need to know about Blackstone and Camp Chef grills. Let\u2019s find out which grill is right for you!<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Blackstone-Vs-Camp-Chef.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Blackstone Vs Camp Chef\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Blackstone-Vs-Camp-Chef.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Blackstone-Vs-Camp-Chef-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Blackstone-Vs-Camp-Chef-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blackstone Vs Camp Chef: Which is Better and Why?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You can\u2019t go wrong with a griddle from either manufacturer<\/strong>. Both Blackstone and Camp Chef are solid brands with reliable grills. If you need a griddle that\u2019s smaller than 36\u201d, Blackstone\u2019s the griddle for you &#8211; 17\u201d is the smallest they manufacture. Camp Chef only offers 31.5\u201d or larger flat-tops as of this writing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m going to compare the two models I own, which are <a class=\"aawp-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B003XM6XBC?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"the Blackstone 36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" data-aawp-product-asin=\"B003XM6XBC\" data-aawp-product-id=\"10699\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"bbqv3-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Blackstone 36\u201d Griddle with Hood &amp; Four Burners - Stainless Steel Gas Griddle with Hood Wheels Two Side Shelf &amp; Magnetic Hooks \u2013 Heavy Duty Outdoor Griddle Station for Backyard Patio - 1899\">the Blackstone 36<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.campchef.com\/shop-flat-top-grills\/flat-top-600\/CC-FTG600GL.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Camp Chef Flat Top 600<\/a>. These models have similar specs and features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specifications Table: Blackstone 36 Vs Camp Chef 600<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div><table id=\"nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e\" class=\"niche_table ms_enable  text_center alignmiddel tr-hover-effect\" width=\"100%\">\n<tr class=\"thead th-text-white\" style=\"background-color:#ff732d!important;color:#ffffff\">\n<th>Product<\/th>\n\n\n\n<th>Griddle Size <\/th>\n\n\n\n<th>Total Heat Output<\/th>\n\n\n\n<th>Fuel Source<\/th>\n\n\n\n<th>Build<\/th>\n\n\n\n<th>Versatility<\/th>\n\n\n\n<th>More Information<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n\n<tr>\n<td><a data-aawp-product-asin=\"B003XM6XBC\" data-aawp-product-id=\"10699\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"bbqv3-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Blackstone 36\u201d Griddle with Hood &amp; Four Burners - Stainless Steel Gas Griddle with Hood Wheels Two Side Shelf &amp; Magnetic Hooks \u2013 Heavy Duty Outdoor Griddle Station for Backyard Patio - 1899\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B003XM6XBC?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Blackstone 36\u201d Griddle with Hood &amp; Four...\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41ImmEjXVRL._SL75_.jpg\" alt=\"Blackstone 36'' Griddle\" \/><\/a><br><a class=\"aawp-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B003XM6XBC?tag=bbqv3-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Blackstone 36&#039;&#039; Griddle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\" data-aawp-product-asin=\"B003XM6XBC\" data-aawp-product-id=\"10699\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"bbqv3-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Blackstone 36\u201d Griddle with Hood &amp; Four Burners - Stainless Steel Gas Griddle with Hood Wheels Two Side Shelf &amp; Magnetic Hooks \u2013 Heavy Duty Outdoor Griddle Station for Backyard Patio - 1899\">Blackstone 36'' Griddle<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n<td>720 square inches<\/td>\n\n\n\n<td>60,000 BTUs<\/td>\n\n\n\n<td>Propane Gas Tank<\/td>\n\n\n\n<td>Steel Frame &amp; 4 Wheels<\/td>\n\n\n\n<td>Griddle Only Option<\/td>\n\n\n\n<td><a data-aawp-product-asin=\"B003XM6XBC\" data-aawp-product-id=\"10699\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"bbqv3-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Blackstone 36\u201d Griddle with Hood &amp; Four Burners - Stainless Steel Gas Griddle with Hood Wheels Two Side Shelf &amp; Magnetic Hooks \u2013 Heavy Duty Outdoor Griddle Station for Backyard Patio - 1899\" class=\"aawp-button aawp-button--buy aawp-button aawp-button--orange rounded shadow aawp-button--icon aawp-button--icon-black\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B003XM6XBC?tag=bbqv3-20&#038;linkCode=ogi&#038;th=1&#038;psc=1\" title=\"Buy on Amazon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\">Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.campchef.com\/shop-flat-top-grills\/flat-top-600\/CC-FTG600GL.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"wp-image-18136\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Camp-Chef-Flat-Top-600.jpg\" alt=\"Camp Chef Flat Top 600\"><\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.campchef.com\/shop-flat-top-grills\/flat-top-600\/CC-FTG600GL.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Camp Chef Flat Top 600<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n<td>604 square inches<\/td>\n\n\n\n<td>48,000 BTUs<\/td>\n\n\n\n<td>Propane Gas Tank<\/td>\n\n\n\n<td>Steel Frame &amp; 2 Wheels<\/td>\n\n\n\n<td>Griddle Only (Previous Models Had a Griddle and a Grill Grate)<\/td>\n\n\n\n<td><a class=\"table-button typeone\" href=\"https:\/\/www.campchef.com\/shop-flat-top-grills\/flat-top-600\/CC-FTG600GL.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Buy on Camp Chef <\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><style> @media only screen and (max-width: 768px){ #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(1):before{ content: 'Product'; } #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(2):before{ content: 'Griddle Size'; } #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(3):before{ content: 'Total Heat Output'; } #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(4):before{ content: 'Fuel Source'; } #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(5):before{ content: 'Build'; } #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(6):before{ content: 'Versatility'; } #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(7):before{ content: 'More Information'; } #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(8):before{ content: ''; } #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(9):before{ content: ''; } #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(9):before{ content: ''; } #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(9):before{ content: ''; } #nichetablewpwp-51476b27-8afd-4129-a042-8f124ad8d12e td:nth-of-type(9):before{ content: ''; } } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px){ .niche_table, .niche_table th, .niche_table td, .niche_table tr{ border-color: #f1f1f1 !important; } .niche_table tr:nth-child(odd){background-color:#ffffff !important;} } <\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Camp Chef Flat Top 600 Vs Blackstone 36\u201d: A Side-By-Side Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you\u2019re armed with the technical specs on the grills, let\u2019s do a deep dive into Camp Chef vs Blackstone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cooking Surface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best outdoor griddles have a cooking surface that can withstand a flurry of cooking activity, high heat, cleaning, and outdoor storage. They need to be tough!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Material of the Griddle Surface<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Blackstone and Camp Chef flat-top griddles have cold-rolled steel griddle surfaces. Cold-rolled steel is a very strong metal, and it\u2019s ideal for a griddle\u2019s cooking surface. It\u2019s a durable material, and it has superior heat conductivity and retention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Griddle Size<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>These are both big cookers.<\/strong> If you\u2019re grabbing a 36\u201d flat top, you\u2019ll have plenty of cooking space. You can make enough food to feed a small army. If you\u2019re only looking to feed your family, a smaller model probably makes more sense. If you entertain a ton, go big and grab a 36\u201d flat top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Blackstone 36\u201d has a bit more cooking space than the Camp Chef. 720 square inches is enough cooking area for 30 burgers or 126 hot dogs. That\u2019s a lot of hot dogs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Camp Chef 600 flat-top grill has a 604 square-inch griddle area. That\u2019s still massive &#8211; plenty big for large get-togethers. But it\u2019s slightly smaller than the Blackstone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Blackstone 36<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Blackstone-36-Gas-Griddle-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Blackstone 36 Gas Griddle\" class=\"wp-image-18092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Blackstone-36-Gas-Griddle.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Blackstone-36-Gas-Griddle-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Blackstone-36-Gas-Griddle-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Even Heat Distribution<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Camp Chef flat-top grill has the upper hand here &#8211; it distributes heat more evenly. The griddle has a heat plate attached beneath it. This helps spread heat to the griddle above it evenly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the Blackstone, there\u2019s room between the burners and the griddle surface. So external factors such as strong winds can cause some heat loss. With the Camp Chef, the griddle surface is also closer to the burners, so the wind is less of a factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 36\u201d Blackstone cranks out more BTUs to make up for the bigger gap between the burners and the griddle surface. Despite the Blackstone\u2019s robust BTU output (more on that in a bit), I find the Camp Chef to be more efficient at distributing heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Camp Chef 600<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grill Plus Griddle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Old models (like mine) of the Camp Chef had a griddle and a grill. It\u2019s a cool feature if you can find a used one for sale. You can switch out the flat-top griddle for a traditional grill grate. <strong>So it\u2019s a griddle and gas grill combo<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The feature is no longer offered on newer Camp Chef griddles &#8211; they\u2019re all solely flat-top cookers now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Blackstone only has the flat-top grill also. You\u2019ll need to buy a gas or charcoal grill, an older Camp Chef, or an aftermarket grill grate if you want grill marks on your food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: N\/A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ignition System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The ignition systems on both models are automatic matchless systems, which makes them easy to use. Turn the control knob, and the grill should spark to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the burners on the Blackstone can only be ignited sequentially, which means you cannot use the first burner and the fourth burner without the middle two burners on. This is a minor nuisance to me, at most. <strong>In no way is this a dealbreaker.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Camp Chef ignition system allows you to fire up any burner you would like and use it independently of the others. Perhaps you just want the front burners to make some hash browns. On the Camp Chef model, you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Camp Chef\u2019s independent burners are a cool little feature, and give it a leg up on Blackstone in this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Camp Chef 600<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heat Output<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>BTU, which stands for British Thermal Unit, is a measure of heat output. The four stainless steel burners on the Blackstone have an output of 60,000 BTUs which is higher than the 48,000 BTUs that the Camp Chef flat-top grill produces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Between my two cookers, I haven\u2019t noticed a huge difference in terms of temperature. Both the Camp Chef and the Blackstone <strong>get plenty hot, around 600\u00b0F. <\/strong>That\u2019s plenty hot for typical griddle fare like burgers, hot dogs, breakfast foods, and the like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Camp Chef also has four stainless steel burners. The overall heat output of the Camp Chef griddle is outstanding in terms of heat distribution and regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To adjust the heat, use the four temperature control knobs. I like to leave one burner off or set it to low for food that\u2019s fully cooked or nearly done cooking.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both of these models come with a propane tank and holder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically, Blackstone wins this round with the higher BTU output. But again, the Camp Chef gets plenty hot for all of your quick grilling needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Blackstone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Two-Men-Grilling-Food-at-Backyard-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Two Men Grilling Food at Backyard\" class=\"wp-image-18096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Two-Men-Grilling-Food-at-Backyard.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Two-Men-Grilling-Food-at-Backyard-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Two-Men-Grilling-Food-at-Backyard-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grease Management System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Blackstone flat-top grill has a rear grease management system &#8211; the grease cup hooks on the back center of the grill. The Camp Chef grease disposal trough is at the front of the cooking surface.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do yourself a favor and buy disposable aluminum liners for your grease trap. Once the fat and food debris cool, you can toss the liner in the trash, leaving your grill grease trap nice and clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Camp Chef grease trough empties through a grease drain hole into a collection cup attached to the left foldable shelf. This cup can simply be detached when you need to get rid of grease and food debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I find that it comes naturally to me to pull the grease and food debris towards myself, which is why I prefer the Camp Chef grease management system. This is a personal preference, <strong>and it\u2019s a minor one <\/strong>&#8211; you might prefer the rear trap on the Blackstone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since my Blackstone is a recent addition, I am still pushing grease forward. I\u2019m a slow learner who\u2019s used to my Camp Chef! It\u2019s just a habit I have to rewire as I get used to using the Blackstone griddle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To me, the grease management system comes down to preference or simple habit. It will not affect the griddle\u2019s performance. This seems to be an important factor for many people &#8211; I\u2019m not sure why. At the end of the day, both grills are efficient at trapping grease. That\u2019s the important thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: the grease collection systems on both grills only work if the grills are level. Put your griddle on a level surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/how-to-get-grill-grease-off-concrete\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fight the Stain: Removing Grill Grease from Concrete<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preseasoned Vs Unseasoned<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Camp Chef griddles come preseasoned and are advertised as ready-to-cook surfaces.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blackstone griddles should be seasoned before they are used to prevent any damage to the cooktop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blackstoneproducts.com\/blogs\/griddling-tips-tricks\/griddle-seasoning-complete-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Here\u2019s a great article<\/a> that explains how to season your grill. Essentially, get your griddle hot, then wipe it with a layer of oil. Do it a few times, then allow the grill to cool. Then, you\u2019re ready to cook!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The seasoning process is simple. Don\u2019t let an unseasoned griddle sway your decision if you want a Blackstone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The winner here is Camp Chef, but in no way is this a dealbreaker for a Blackstone. If wiping a grill surface with oil a few times is too much for you, grilling might not be the right hobby for you. I oil grilling surfaces <strong>every time I cook.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Camp Chef<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maintenance and Cleaning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cold-rolled steel is very easy to clean and keep clean<\/strong>. The cooking surfaces will last a really long time if you keep them clean and free of any stuck foods or moisture that might encourage the formation of rust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To clean: after cooking on a flat top, push any food scraps, juices, and oil to the waste tray. Turn the burners to high, and use a spatula to scrape any stuck food from the surface. Then, lightly oil the surface. Turn off the heat. You\u2019re done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also use soap and water if your cooker needs a deep clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/BBQ-Party-with-Camp-Chef-Flat-Top-600-Grill-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"BBQ Party with Camp Chef Flat Top 600 Grill\" class=\"wp-image-18091\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/BBQ-Party-with-Camp-Chef-Flat-Top-600-Grill.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/BBQ-Party-with-Camp-Chef-Flat-Top-600-Grill-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/BBQ-Party-with-Camp-Chef-Flat-Top-600-Grill-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hood or No Hood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 36\u201d Blackstone is available with or without a hood. The Camp Chef is only available with a hood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The hoods are awesome. I\u2019d definitely spring for one if you\u2019re on the fence. <\/strong>You\u2019ll unlock a bunch of new cooking techniques. When cooking, a hood can create a heat dome that will heat the food from above. Your burger cheese will get gooier. You can steam things, like your burger or hot dog buns.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hood comes in handy for an array of foods. <strong>It traps heat, so cooking is more even and efficient<\/strong>. It also helps control splatter from greasier foods like bacon.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The negatives of hood life? Your griddle will be<strong> heavier, bulkier, and weigh more.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blackstone wins this round for offering models with and without a hood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Blackstone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Portability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Grill lovers are one step away from becoming campers. We love outdoor life. The lure of the outdoor experience is always calling, so a griddle that you can just fold up and pack into the back of the truck is an appealing choice. I mentioned my 17\u201d Blackstone I use for tent camping in the intro &#8211; eat like a King or Queen at your campground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Either Camp Chef or Blackstone would be a great choice for camping (and tailgating!), and they both meet the threshold for portability in my book. <strong>They\u2019re heavy &#8211; you\u2019ll need to team lift to load them<\/strong>. And they take up a fair amount of space. They\u2019re great if you\u2019re camping in a camper or RV.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Blackstone is the better choice if you do go on a camping trip simply because it is twenty pounds lighter and folds up faster.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact that it has four wheels also means it is easier to push around. The Camp Chef only has two wheels, so it\u2019s not as maneuverable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A gas griddle can be set up anywhere. They are a world of fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a tent camper or don\u2019t have a ton of space. you\u2019ll likely want a smaller model. Blackstone makes several smaller griddles you can look into. Look for one that connects to a small can of LP (propane) for ultimate portability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Camp Chef makes a portable version, but it\u2019s still 34.5\u201d long. It\u2019s not ideal for tent camping or extreme portability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Blackstone 36\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ease of Assembly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both models are easy-to-assemble, but the Blackstone is so straightforward. Camp Chef may take a bit of time to put together, but this will not matter in the long run. Once assembled, you are good to go permanently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, don\u2019t let the slightly lengthier assembly time drive you away from grabbing a Camp Chef. <strong>You\u2019ll own the grill your whole life. What\u2019s an extra 5 minutes of assembly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Blackstone 36\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As of this writing, both options with hoods are the same price: $599.99.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hoodless 36\u201d Blackstone is 399.99.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, both Camp Chef and Blackstone griddles can be considered pricey cooking machines. But take care of your flat top, and it will last your entire life. Both models are made with high-quality materials and boast impressive longevity, which is worth every penny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Side-View-of-Camp-Chef-Flat-Top-Grill-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Side View of Camp Chef Flat Top Grill\" class=\"wp-image-18095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Side-View-of-Camp-Chef-Flat-Top-Grill.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Side-View-of-Camp-Chef-Flat-Top-Grill-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Side-View-of-Camp-Chef-Flat-Top-Grill-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customer Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Camp Chef is the winner as far as customer support is concerned. They\u2019ve got great customer support. &nbsp;When I had an issue with my griddle igniter, I called their support number and was able to talk to a human being. They helped resolve my issue quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blackstone still has room for improvement here. They\u2019re a newer company that expanded rapidly. I\u2019ve not needed to contact them for any reason, but reviews among other BBQ enthusiasts are mixed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Customer support is important. Making a big investment in a large grill is difficult enough but without sufficient support. Novices are particularly vulnerable since simple issues can cause panic if they cannot fix them on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Camp Chef&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warranty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For such impressive companies, <strong>their warranties truly fall short.<\/strong> Both companies offer a meager 1 year of coverage which is barely sufficient. If faults show up past the one-year mark, they will not cover them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A one-year warranty is pretty lousy in my opinion. The upside is that both Camp Chef and Blackstone grills have stellar reputations as far as the workmanship is concerned, which means you may never need the warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blackstone has a slightly better warranty since it covers the paint and finishes in the one-year period, while Camp Chef grill warranties exclude damage to the paint and finishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winner: Blackstone 36\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An Overview of Blackstone Grills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Blackstone is a relatively new American company that specializes in the manufacture of flat-top grills and griddles. Founded in 2008, Blackstone makes an array of outdoor cooking equipment and accessories, including griddle tools, apparel, and seasonings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their mission is to make the best outdoor cooking and grilling equipment on the planet. They are laser-focused on making outdoor cooking devices and tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An Overview of Camp Chef Flat Top Grills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Camp Chef is also an American brand, but unlike Blackstone, they have been in this market since 1990. This means Camp Chef has had a three-decade-long stint in this niche, making them a great company to buy from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Camp Chef successfully filled the market gap for griddles with their dependable flat-top grills. The company is trusted for its consistent use of the best materials and quality workmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In recent years, Camp Chef has diversified its portfolio to include other cooking appliances such as cast iron pans, smokers, fire pits, pizza ovens, as well as grilling apparel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Should You Get An Outdoor Griddle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re wondering whether getting yourself an outdoor griddle is a worthy investment, the answer is YES! Get one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A regular grill is great, but you will be missing out on the versatility that outdoor griddles provide. You can cook a TON of food on these &#8211; enough to feed twenty or thirty people. And you can cook almost anything on a flat top, including burgers, sausages, corn, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and fried rice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s tough to cook pancakes or fried eggs on your charcoal grill. (It can be done with a cast iron pan or Grill Grates, but not at the scale of a flat top.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outdoor griddles have a ton of cooking space, and you can cook a huge variety of dishes comfortably in one place and in one go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cooking also becomes a great experience for everyone if the whole party can enjoy the outdoors around the grill. You can churn out one delicacy after another to the delight of your family and friends. No one gets stuck in the kitchen, isolated from the fun outside. Bonus! Outdoor cooking keeps your home cooler in the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An outdoor griddle is just the best. Seriously. Get one!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Man-Grilling-Meat-on-the-Outdoor-Grill-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Man Grilling Meat on the Outdoor Grill\" class=\"wp-image-18094\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Man-Grilling-Meat-on-the-Outdoor-Grill.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Man-Grilling-Meat-on-the-Outdoor-Grill-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Man-Grilling-Meat-on-the-Outdoor-Grill-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Factors to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Gas Griddle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overall Griddle Size and Heat Output<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The griddle size dictates the amount of food you will be able to make at a time. <strong>A small cooking space will become tiresome if you\u2019re cooking for a crowd. <\/strong>You\u2019ll need to make the food in batches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Griddle size is also related to the number of burners. This will directly impact the heat output that you will be working with.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re going to use your griddle for family and a few friends, then a smaller, two-burner may be sufficient. But if you\u2019re like me and like throwing barbeque lunches for friends, family, and neighbors, then the bigger griddle is the better choice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Griddle Surface Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Camp Chef and Blackstone use cold-rolled steel, which is durable, long-lasting, and evenly distributes heat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These steel surfaces hold up well against corrosion but manual abrasion from metal spatulas can still damage both surfaces.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fuel Source<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Blackstone and Camp Chef both run on propane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Electric griddles are available on the market, but they restrict the movement and placement of the griddle station. You\u2019ll need to be near an outlet. Your portability will be limited if your griddle is powered by electricity. A propane tank is more convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A propane gas griddle provides greater mobility, and you can move your outdoor cooking equipment around on the deck. You can even use gas griddles on the grass. Just keep it level for the best results. My 17\u201d Blackstone runs off a small propane canister, which makes it even more portable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of flat tops varies by model and brand. Some fetch a tidy sum. There are cheap knock-offs on the market, too. <strong>You get what you pay for. <\/strong>Reputable brands known for superior performance don&#8217;t come cheap and more than makeup for the extra money in longevity and stellar functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t be shy about spending some money on a good outdoor griddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Shouldn&#8217;t Concern You When Buying an Outdoor Gas Griddle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extra Features and Accessories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Grilling is meant to be a carefree, relaxed activity compared to many other forms of cooking. (Looking at you, gourmet cooking). <strong>Not many other hobbies involve drinking a beer while you perform them.<\/strong> Grilling is an easy-going activity, and the fun lies in the simplicity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Extra features and accessories often end up being underutilized or unused altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grill box attachments may also get in the way of moving the griddle from place to place since the griddle now has a bunch of items all over it. Camp Chef&#8217;s flat-top grill has a very simplistic build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good example of this is the air fryers that come with the <a href=\"https:\/\/blackstoneproducts.com\/collections\/griddles\/products\/airfryer-griddle-combo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Blackstone 36\u201d 1868<\/a> flat-top grill unit. Everywhere I have seen this model, the air fryers are not being used. Partly because the griddling is the fun part and also because the air fryers need to be plugged in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They run on electricity, confining the entire griddle to the porch. This means they tend to be underused, which is not great value for your money. While some accessories may come in handy, they are not necessary or crucial to that sweet griddle life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I say simplify your life and ditch all the gizmos.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Fresh-Meat-and-Veggies-on-Outdoor-Grill-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Fresh Meat and Veggies on Outdoor Grill\" class=\"wp-image-18093\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Fresh-Meat-and-Veggies-on-Outdoor-Grill.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Fresh-Meat-and-Veggies-on-Outdoor-Grill-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Fresh-Meat-and-Veggies-on-Outdoor-Grill-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a Blackstone Griddle Better Than Other Brands?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Camp Chef and Blackstone are both rock-solid brands to me. Weber is another quality brand that is now chasing the griddle market. There are other brands with inferior products. I\u2019d stick to known brands when buying a griddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blackstone stands out because it exploded the outdoor cooking market. Griddles weren\u2019t prolific until Blackstone came along. The company has managed to secure the trust and approval of many griddle lovers. Blackstone griddles are proof that the manufacturer knows their craft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Grill is Comparable to Blackstone?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I would place Camp Chef right up there alongside Blackstone. Blackstone vs Camp Chef is an even fight since these two brands make the best outdoor griddles and can go head-to-head in terms of quality and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrapping It Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re in the griddle market, grab a Blackstone or a Camp Chef, and you won\u2019t look back. Both brands are excellent. While a flat top won\u2019t replace the charcoal grill on my deck &#8211; I\u2019d miss the live-fire flavor &#8211; it certainly has a place next to the old kettle grill. Nothing beats griddles when it comes to cranking out tons of food in a hurry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flat tops are cooking machines that can make almost everything, from eggs to sandwiches to hash browns to quesadillas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The biggest differences between Blackstone and Camp Chef are the grease management system and the variety of griddles. Camp Chef has a grease trap in the front, and they make 3 different griddles. Blackstone griddles have a grease cup in the back and offer a ton of different griddles in various sizes. I\u2019ve had my [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":18087,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7917"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7917"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7917\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18923,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7917\/revisions\/18923"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7917"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7917"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7917"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=7917"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}