Head-to-head · Best Outdoor Griddles

Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle vs Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone Griddle

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone Griddle comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.9 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about serious griddle cooks seeking reliability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Outdoor Griddles

Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle

3.9

$399as of Jul 1

The Blackstone 1883 Original 28 Griddle delivers robust performance with its steel frame and 448 square inch cooking surface, making it ideal for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Reviewers praise its durability, even heat distribution, and ease of use for large meals. While users appreciate the side shelves and grease management, some report burner ignition problems that may require manual intervention. This griddle suits serious outdoor cooks looking for a reliable, spacious cooking solution, though those seeking flawless ignition might want to consider alternatives.

Strengths

— Sturdy steel frame ensures longevity and durability
— Two independently controlled burners provide versatile temperature management
— Industrial-strength wheels enable easy mobility

Watch-outs

— Some users report ignition issues with the leftmost burner requiring manual ignition
— Burners are noted as not being high quality by some reviewers

$399 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Outdoor Griddles

Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone Griddle

4.3

$899as of Jul 1

Traeger's Flatrock 2 Zone Griddle represents a significant departure from the company's pellet grill dominance, entering the gas griddle market with a well-designed product. Reviewers praised its wind protection, even heat distribution, and fuel sensor that prevents mid-cook fuel depletion. The griddle's recessed design and U-shaped burners deliver consistent temperatures across the 594 sq in cooking surface. However, some users noted the grease drain location creates heat exhaust that requires careful hand placement. The product is positioned as a premium option with a 5-year warranty, making it suitable for serious griddle cooks seeking reliability and ease of use, though the price may be prohibitive for casual users.

Strengths

— Excellent wind protection due to recessed design that shields burners
— Even heat distribution across the 33" x 18" cooking surface with U-shaped burners
— Fuel sensor provides accurate fuel level monitoring to prevent running out mid-cook

Watch-outs

— Grease drain location causes heat exhaust that requires careful hand placement while cooking
— High price point for a 3-burner model in the griddle category

$899 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle

The Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle stands out for its sturdy steel frame and industrial-strength wheels, but it falls short compared to the Blackstone 28" XL Omnivore Griddle with Hood, which offers three independent cooking zones and electric ignition. Unlike the Weber 36 Inch Gas Griddle, it lacks rust-resistant construction and has reported ignition issues that the Weber doesn't suffer from.

Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone Griddle

The Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone Griddle excels with its recessed design and fuel sensor, features not found in the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle or the Weber 36 Inch Gas Griddle. However, it's more expensive than the Solo Stove Steel Fire Griddle, which heats up faster and is more portable, though it lacks Traeger's wind protection and even heat distribution.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle	Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone Griddle
Burners	2	3 Horseshoe burners
BTU Output	34,000 BTUs total	18,000 BTU
Cooktop Material	cast iron	Carbon steel
Cooking Surface	28" griddle with hood	594 Sq. In.
Dimensions	32.7″D x 21.7″W x 17.7″H	18 x 26 inches
Weight	108 lb	189 lb

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