Head-to-head · Best Flat Top Griddles

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo vs Steelfire 22

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

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The short answer

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Large families hosting backyard gatherings who need to cook mains and sides simultaneously — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Flat Top Griddles

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo

4.7

4 sources2 derived$1,074.29as of Oct 2

The Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo combines a massive 756-square-inch griddle with two active air fryer baskets and a warming drawer, allowing simultaneous cooking of mains and sides. Smoke & Sear found the unit delivers strong searing power via four independent burners but noted significant heat variation that creates intense hot spots above each burner. The analog gas-powered air fryer drawers lack precise digital temperature control, operating instead as convection ovens with broad heat ranges determined by airflow dials. Additionally, the air fryer component requires a separate electrical outlet to power its internal fan, limiting placement options for off-grid use. This heavy, stationary unit fits large families hosting backyard gatherings but is too cumbersome and complex for small households or frequent movers.

Strengths

— Includes two active air fryer baskets and a warming drawer to cook sides and hold food simultaneously on one unit.
— Features four independently controlled gas burners providing 60,000 BTUs of total cooking power.
— Offers a massive 756-square-inch cold-rolled steel griddle surface capable of feeding large crowds.

Watch-outs

— Air fryer baskets operate as analog convection ovens lacking the precise temperature control of countertop electric units.
— Griddle surface exhibits significant heat variation, creating intense hot spots that complicate even seasoning.
— Requires a separate electrical outlet to power the air fryer fan while running on propane.

$1,074.29 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Flat Top Griddles

Steelfire 22

4.5

4 sources2 derived

The Steelfire 22 heats from cold to searing temperatures in approximately seven minutes, reaching over 460°F quickly thanks to its single 14,000-BTU racetrack burner. The Barbecue Lab found that the three-ply 304 stainless steel surface resists rust and eliminates cold corners, though it requires no seasoning unlike traditional griddles. However, the oval shape lacks defined zones, making food placement less intuitive than rectangular designs, and users must purchase a separate long-nipple adapter to connect to standard 20-lb propane tanks. This portable tabletop unit fits campers seeking quick searing on stainless steel but may frustrate those accustomed to traditional griddle layouts or bulk fuel connections.

Strengths

— Heats from cold to searing temperatures in approximately seven minutes, reaching over 460°F quickly.
— Features a three-ply 304 stainless steel cooking surface that resists rust and requires no seasoning.
— Racetrack burner layout provides even edge-to-edge heating for consistent cooking results.

Watch-outs

— Oval shape lacks corners and defined zones, which can make food placement less intuitive than rectangular griddles.
— Includes only a single burner with lower total BTU output compared to the larger 30-inch model.
— Requires purchasing a separate long-nipple adapter to connect to standard 20-lb propane tanks.

Buy at scheels.com Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo

Unlike the Blackstone Omnivore 28-inch, which relies on two burners for heat zones, this unit adds active air fryer baskets and a warming drawer to its four-burner configuration. It offers significantly more total cooking power (60,000 BTUs) than the Weber Slate 30 Inch Griddle (36,000 BTUs), though it lacks the precise digital temperature control found in electric countertop units.

Steelfire 22

The Steelfire 22 distinguishes itself with a three-ply 304 stainless steel surface that requires no seasoning, unlike the carbon steel surfaces of the Traeger Flatrock or Weber Slate 30 Inch Griddle. It is significantly lighter (~38 lbs) and more portable than all other listed griddles, though it offers only a single burner compared to the multi-burner configurations of competitors like the Blackstone Omnivore 28-inch.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo	Steelfire 22
Burner Configuration	Four independent zones	Racetrack (Single)
BTU Output	60,000 BTUs	14,000-BTU
Cooking Area	756 square inches	321.7 sq in
Weight	Over 200 lbs	~38 lbs
Material	Metal	—
Dimensions	30.59"D x 66.42"W x 42.87"H	—
Surface Material	—	304 Stainless Steel
Fuel Type	—	Propane
Max Temperature	—	460°+ range

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