Comparison: Blackstone Griddle With Side Burner (Updated | Jan 13th)
If you’re serious about outdoor cooking, you’ve probably heard of Blackstone griddles—but adding a side burner takes things to a whole new level. Imagine searing burgers on the griddle while simmering onions or heating sauces right beside them. We’ve tested several Blackstone models with side burners to see which delivers the best performance, durability, and value. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or mastering backyard gourmet, this comparison will help you pick the perfect setup without the guesswork. Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
- The Editor’s Choice offers a large 524 sq in cooking area for versatile meal prep.
- Dual burners provide precise heat control for simultaneous cooking tasks.
- Superior grease management ensures easy cleanup and safer operation.
- Choose a model with durable steel construction and counter-height shelves for comfort.
- Prioritize cooking space and burner control when selecting a griddle with side burner.
BLACKSTONE 1883 Original 28” Griddle with Integrated Protective Hood and Counter Height Side Shelves
Crowd-Cooking Powerhouse
- Large 524 sq in cooking area
- Dual burners with precise control
- Excellent grease management system
- BEST FOR CROWD-COOKING POWERHOUSE: BLACKSTONE 1883 Original 28” Griddle with Integrated Protective Hood and Counter Height Side Shelves Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PORTABLE 3-IN-1 GRILL: Grills House 3-Burner Portable Propane Gas Griddle with Side Burner Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT TABLETOP PRO: Blackstone 1813 Original 22” Tabletop Griddle with Hood and Stainless Steel Front Plate Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CAMPING BRIEFCASE GRIDDLE: Blackstone 2363 20” x 14” Camping Griddle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CONVERTIBLE STAND DESIGN: Royal Gourmet PD4001 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Removable Standing Cart Read More ↓
- BEST FOR TRAVEL-READY BUNDLE: Blackstone 22″ Omnivore Tabletop Outdoor Griddle Travel Bundle – Dual Stainless Steel H-Burners Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Blackstone Griddle With Side Burner
BLACKSTONE 1883 Original 28” Griddle with Integrated Protective Hood and Counter Height Side Shelves, Powder Coated Steel, Black
The BLACKSTONE 1883 Original 28” Griddle is perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who love to feed a crowd. With 524 square inches of cooking space powered by two independently controlled H-style burners totaling 34,000 BTUs, it offers precise heat control across different zones.
The integrated protective hood keeps the surface clean when not in use, while the rear grease management system simplifies cleanup. Dual counter-height side shelves provide ample prep space and improve ergonomics.
Durable steel construction ensures long-term performance, making it ideal for backyard barbecues, morning pancakes, or searing steaks. It’s a solid investment for serious griddle cooks.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Large 524 sq in cooking area
- Dual burners with precise control
- Excellent grease management system
- Durable steel build
- Comfortable counter-height shelves
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy and hard to move
- Higher price point
- Requires propane tank storage
Grills House 3-Burner Portable Propane Gas Griddle with Side Burner, 3-in-1 Grill and Griddle Combo with Lid, Outdoor Cooking, 29,000 BTU, Silver, PD1305H-SC
The Grills House 3-Burner Portable Propane Gas Griddle combines versatility and portability in one compact unit. Featuring 200 sq.
in. of griddle space and 205 sq.
in. of grill area, it’s great for small families or on-the-go cooking at campsites, tailgates, or picnics.
The 3 mm thick porcelain-enameled griddle ensures even heating and easy cleaning, while the side burner adds extra cooking flexibility. Its battery-free piezo ignition delivers reliable starts every time.
The multifunctional lid doubles as a side shelf, saving space. Lightweight and easy to transport, this 3-in-1 grill and griddle combo offers solid performance without sacrificing convenience.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Portable and lightweight design
- 3-in-1 griddle, grill, and side burner
- Battery-free piezo ignition
- Even heat with porcelain coating
- Dual-purpose lid shelf
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Smaller cooking surface
- Less durable than heavy-duty models
- Shelf has low weight capacity
Blackstone 1813 Original 22” Tabletop Griddle with Hood and Stainless Steel Front Plate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
The Blackstone 1813 Original 22” Tabletop Griddle brings restaurant-quality cooking to your backyard or outdoor adventures. With 361 square inches of cooking space, it comfortably sears up to 14 burgers at once, making it ideal for small gatherings.
Dual burners deliver 24,000 BTUs and create two independently controlled heat zones for versatile meal prep. The stainless steel front plate adds durability, while the rear grease management system simplifies cleanup.
Its compact design is perfect for tailgating, camping, or patio use, and the included hood helps trap heat for even cooking. Durable construction ensures long-term performance, and the griddle heats up quickly for efficient use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Large cooking space
- Dual heat zones
- Durable stainless steel
- Easy grease management
- Portable design
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy for transport
- No built-in cover
- Requires separate propane tank
Blackstone 2363 20” x 14” Camping Griddle
The Blackstone 2363 20” x 14” Camping Griddle is a compact, portable solution for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Its briefcase-style design features secure latches and a comfortable carry handle, making it easy to transport for camping, hiking, or beach trips.
The non-stick ceramic titanium-coated griddle surface ensures food doesn’t stick and simplifies cleaning. Integrated leveling feet help stabilize the griddle on uneven terrain, enhancing safety and cooking performance.
The Stowaway Rear Grease Management system keeps your setup clean and minimizes mess. Compatible with Propane-Chain units (adapter sold separately), it offers efficient fuel use.
Lightweight and user-friendly, this griddle is perfect for minimalists who want reliable performance on the go.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ultra-portable briefcase design
- Non-stick ceramic surface
- Lightweight and compact
- Includes leveling feet
- Easy to clean
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Smaller cooking area
- No temperature control dial
- Accessory hose sold separately
Royal Gourmet PD4001 4 Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Removable Standing Cart, Convertible to Tabletop Design, Flat Top Grill with Hood for Camping, Tailgating, Backyard, Black
The Royal Gourmet PD4001 is a versatile 4-burner propane griddle designed for serious outdoor cooking. With a spacious 389 sq.
in. sand-cast steel cooking surface and 34,000 BTU output, it delivers even heat distribution for consistent results.
The removable standing cart allows conversion from a free-standing to tabletop setup, perfect for different outdoor environments. A heat-resistant hood doubles as a wind deflector while protecting the griddle when stored.
Dual side shelves offer ample prep space and include hooks for tools. Two wheels and sturdy legs ensure easy mobility and stability.
Ideal for family meals, tailgating, or backyard gatherings, this griddle combines durability with user-friendly features for a seamless cooking experience.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Large 389 sq. in. cooking surface
- Removable cart for flexible use
- Even heating with 4 burners
- Helpful side shelves and tool hooks
- Stable and mobile design
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy at 85 pounds
- Hood not meant for closed cooking
- Higher price than basic models
Blackstone 22″ Omnivore Tabletop Outdoor Griddle Travel Bundle – Dual Stainless Steel H-Burners, 24,000 BTUs – Includes Propane Adapter and Soft Cover
The Blackstone 22″ Omnivore Tabletop Griddle is a compact, portable solution for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Boasting a 361 sq.
in. non-stick cooking surface and dual stainless steel H-burners delivering 24,000 BTUs, it heats quickly and evenly—perfect for pancakes, burgers, or stir-fries on the go.
Weighing just 42 pounds, it’s easy to transport and fits snugly on tables or tailgate setups. The included travel bundle comes with a 3-foot propane hose with regulator and a durable soft cover for protection.
A built-in grease management system simplifies cleanup, while high-quality stainless steel ensures long-term durability. Whether camping, beachside, or at a picnic, this griddle offers reliable performance and convenience in a compact form, making it a top pick for mobile cooks.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Portable and lightweight design
- Comes with essential accessories
- Efficient dual H-burners
- Non-stick surface for easy cleaning
- Great for camping or tailgating
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Smaller cooking area than full-size griddles
- No side shelves for prep space
- Table required for use
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for when choosing a Blackstone griddle with a side burner?
Look for cooking surface size, BTU output, and build quality. A larger griddle area allows for more simultaneous cooking, while a powerful side burner is ideal for pots and pans. Check for features like grease management systems and portability options. Durable materials like cold-rolled steel ensure longevity and better heat retention.
How do Blackstone griddles with side burners compare to standard models?
Models with side burners offer added versatility for boiling, sautéing, or using cookware. Standard griddles lack this secondary heat source, limiting meal complexity. The side burner saves space and fuel compared to using a separate stove. This makes combo units ideal for outdoor kitchens or tailgating setups.
Are Blackstone griddles with side burners worth the extra cost?
They are worth it if you frequently cook multiple dishes at once. The side burner enhances functionality without needing additional equipment. Over time, the convenience and efficiency can justify the higher initial price. For serious outdoor cooks, the added value is significant.
What size griddle should I choose?
For families or small gatherings, a 36-inch model offers ample space. Larger 44- or 54-inch griddles suit big groups or frequent entertainers. Consider storage and portability—bigger models are heavier and need more space. Balance your cooking needs with available outdoor area.
Do Blackstone griddles with side burners use propane or natural gas?
Most come pre-configured for propane, ideal for portability and ease of use. Some models offer natural gas conversion kits for permanent installations. Propane tanks are widely available and simple to replace. Choose based on your setup—mobile use favors propane, fixed locations may prefer natural gas.
How important is BTU output?
Higher BTUs mean faster heating and better searing capability. Look for at least 20,000–30,000 BTUs for the griddle and 10,000+ for the side burner. Even heat distribution matters as much as raw power. Well-designed burners with proper spacing prevent hot spots.
Can I use cast iron on a Blackstone griddle with a side burner?
Yes, the side burner is perfect for using cast iron skillets or Dutch ovens. The griddle surface itself works well with spatulas and scrapers. Preheat cast iron gradually to avoid warping. This combination expands your cooking techniques significantly.
What accessories should I consider?
Essential accessories include a griddle cover, scraper, grease management tray, and cooking utensils. A griddle hood adds versatility for smoking or焖 cooking. Grill covers protect against weather and extend lifespan. Investing in quality tools improves safety and cooking results.