Which 36 inch griddle to get?

[fxsales1959]

Pit Boss Deluxe 4 Burner:

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I can get this mother for 399.00 at my local Bomgaars.

Or...

Standard Blackstone with hood:

Blackstone Original 4-Burner 36” Propane Griddle with Hood and Omnivore Griddle Plate - Walmart.com

Buy Blackstone Original 4-Burner 36” Propane Griddle with Hood and Omnivore Griddle Plate at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

The Pit Boss is advertised to crank out a lot more heat with 62000 btu vs Blackstone's. But, the BS has a hood rather than fold out shelves that act as a cover. A lot of people use their hoods as a "steamer" for melting cheese and whatnot when making burgers, Phillies, etc. I'm wondering if I could lower the heat and use the fold over trays on the PB to do the same thing? I know the BS is tried and true, but the PB is a heckuva beast that seems to have a bit more surface and the heat output is something I can't discount. Not really looking at the Pit Boss with the ceramic surface (I like cast iron style cooking), but I hear you can buy a separate ceramic top to use on the basic unit as well...which is another advantage of the Pit Boss.

What says yous guys and ladies?

Thanks.

off subject ( kinda) but was in the blue box store buying pool crap and they had a 28" BS with built in cart for $299.00

 

[Winterrider]

I would definitely buy one with a hood.

 

[Buddy55]

Oops, I made an error. It is NOT a Black Stone, (Which I would have preferred, I used two) it is a Member Mark, Yep, good 'ole' Walmart (Wife and kids do not know that, So do not tell anyone else)(lol)

 

[Smoking Audi]

Sorry to dig up an old thread.

Is the Blackstone product worth the extra cost of basically the same thing of a knock off name? 28 or 36 inch for a family of 6? How important is number of burners?

It seems that the flip up lid is preferred on this thread which I would want as well.

Very much a griddle noob. Sorry in advance.

 

[Danblacksher]

I like my blackstone ok it just does not get hot enough. The cooking area is great, but mine cools down quick when cooking, and will not maintain the heat to put a good crust on burgers, but it may just be a problem with mine.

 

[mike243]

Never no problem with heat, if grease is standing on the top and not draining you will have a hard time getting a crust without over cooking imo, 36” for a family of 4 or more, you don’t have to use all of it but you can’t stretch it when you need more

 

[801driver]

I have had the 36" Blackstone for my family of two for a couple years. If you have room for it, I highly recommend getting as big as you can and with 4 burners you can have hotter sides for singing some foods and cooler sides to keep other stuff warm to mix together later. I use all my surface frequently doing things like fried rice with various meats, vegies, rice, eggs etc. all going at the same time. Mine heats as hot as I want it, I can easily get 500'+ if desired. Yes it will temporarily cool down when putting a pile of colder items on at first, but quickly heats back up.

I have the lift completely off metal cover I prefer. Mine is positioned where I can look out into the yard, neighbors cows, etc, and enjoy the view while cooking instead of looking at the backside of a huge lid.

A few people have stated that they might want a hotter surface than they are having. I would suggest they consider changing out the pressure regulator, there are two types used for most home usage. A low pressure one on most grills and high pressure one for multiple hotter burners. Myself, IF mine was not heating enough to suit me, I would opt for changing out to an adjustable high pressure one. They are around $20-25 on Amazon with new hoses and easy to change out to see if it would make a difference. I griddle multiple times a week when the WX is decent. Good luck to you and your choices.

 

[bigfurmn]

My cousin has a 36" Pit Boss. Biggest issue at have had is finding a hard cover for the griddle area. True a few and all are not long enough.

 

[801driver]

My 36" Blackstone came from Tractor Supply a couple years ago with the hard cover that overlaps the outside edges of the griddle all the way around. That lift off lid has Blackstone stamped into it with a couple handles on top to remove to the side or I can hang it on the back of the cooking area with a couple hangers that are inside. Different places that sell them have a little different features, back then the ones from WM did not come with a hard lid. I think the ones now at Tractor Supply will tilt up or lift off. Good Luck.

 

[BigW.]

36" with a lid for sure. I use a Weber and like it.

 

[fxsales1959]

I've got a22 and a 17 BS. both fit on he same rolling stand. My patio is covered but it's still a challenge to keep it oiled and clean. I doubt a metal cover would help. it's a challenge to get a"real good" sear but i make it work. I'm a little shaded with Pitboss but that's another fight for another day. My BS has never failed me, even the ignitor. I do have to be careful with making sure the knob is completely off when done. More than once I've gotten up with an empty propane tank.

 

[Smoking Audi]

Thanks Everyone. Talked with the family CFO and she is on board with getting a griddle. Now to decide brand and size. Looked at the store yesterday at a 28 and a 36.

 

[clifish]

I have a Blackstone 36 and a camp chef 28 and there is no comparison on design, the BS all the way. I can't speak for the Weber as I have never seen one in person but, as with most things they, make I am sure it is a quality design and build.