Blackstone Vs Camp Chef Griddle: The Proven Winner

For most people starting out, the Blackstone griddle is the proven winner. It offers a simpler design, fantastic heat for searing, and a huge community for tips and recipes. However, the Camp Chef griddle wins on versatility, acting as an all-in-one outdoor cook station with options for grilling and baking.

Are you ready to join the world of outdoor flat top cooking? It’s a fantastic way to make everything from pancakes to smash burgers. But choosing your first griddle can feel tough. Two names stand out above all others: Blackstone and Camp Chef. Both are great, but they are different in important ways. It’s easy to get confused.

Why a Flat Top Griddle is a Game-Changer

First, let’s talk about why you want a flat top griddle. Unlike a traditional grill with grates, a griddle has a solid, flat surface. Think of it as a giant frying pan for your backyard. This simple change opens up a whole new world of cooking.

With a griddle, you can:

• Cook Breakfast Outdoors: Imagine making pancakes, bacon, eggs, and hash browns for the whole family all at once. You can’t do that on a regular grill.
• Get the Perfect Sear: The solid surface gives you an amazing, edge-to-edge crust on burgers and steaks. This is how restaurants make smash burgers so good.
• Cook Small and Delicate Foods: Veggies like onions, peppers, and asparagus won’t fall through the grates. You can even cook delicate fish or shrimp with ease.
• Easy and Fast Cleanup: Instead of scrubbing grates, you just scrape the surface clean, wipe it down, and you’re done. It’s much faster.

A flat top griddle brings the fun and flavor of diner-style cooking right to your patio. It’s a fun and versatile tool that many people find they use more than their old grill.

Meet the Contenders: Blackstone and Camp Chef

Blackstone and Camp Chef are the top two players in the flat top griddle market. They both make quality products, but they come from different philosophies. Understanding this will help you make the right choice.

Blackstone: The Griddle Giant

Blackstone really created the backyard griddle craze. They focus almost entirely on making great, easy-to-use flat top griddles. They are known for their simple, effective designs and incredible heating performance. When people think of a “griddle,” they often picture a Blackstone.

Their key features often include:

• A patented rear grease management system.
• Powerful “H” shaped burners for even heat.
• A massive community of users online who share recipes and tips.
• A wide range of sizes, from small tabletop models to large 36-inch units.

Blackstone is all about the griddling experience. They’ve perfected the art of creating a simple, powerful cooking machine that does one thing exceptionally well.

Camp Chef: The Versatility King

Camp Chef comes from a broader outdoor cooking background. They make smokers, pellet grills, and camp stoves. Their approach is about creating a complete outdoor “cook system.” Their flat top grills are often part of a modular design.

Their key features often include:

• A front grease management system.
• Interchangeable cooktops. You can often remove the griddle top and use a grill box, pizza oven, or just the burners with pots and pans.
• Robust construction designed for camping and rugged use.
• Features like folding legs and side shelves for convenience.

Camp Chef is for the person who wants more than just a griddle. They want an all-in-one unit that can grill, smoke, bake, and griddle.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Blackstone vs Camp Chef

Let’s put these two brands side-by-side and look at the details that matter most. This is where you’ll see the real differences that will help you decide.

Cooking Performance and Heat Distribution

How well a griddle heats up and distributes that heat is the most important factor. Both brands do a great job, but they do it differently.

Blackstone typically uses multiple “H” shaped burners. This design is fantastic for creating even heat across the entire surface. It’s easy to get the whole griddle top ripping hot for searing a lot of burgers at once. You can still create cooler zones by turning some burners down, but their strength is powerful, even heat.

Camp Chef often uses round, tube-style burners, similar to what you’d find on a gas grill. This can create more distinct hot and cool zones on the griddle top. Some people love this, as it allows them to sear steaks on one side while keeping veggies warm on the other. It might take a little more practice to learn the hot spots, but it offers great control.

Winner: Blackstone for pure, even heat. Camp Chef for controlled heat zones.

Grease Management System

This is one of the biggest and most debated differences between the two. Where the grease goes is a surprisingly big deal for cleanup.

Blackstone features a patented rear grease management system. There is a small hole or trough at the back of the griddle. You push all the grease and food scraps to this hole, and it falls into a catch pan hanging on the back. It’s out of the way and works very well.

Camp Chef uses a front grease management system. There is a trough at the front of the griddle that leads to a grease cup, usually on one of the legs. The main advantage is that you can see how full the cup is. The disadvantage is that it’s in the front where you are working, and some people find they bump into it.

Winner: Blackstone. Most users find the rear grease system cleaner and more convenient.

Build Quality and Materials

Both brands make sturdy, reliable products that are built to last. You aren’t choosing between a good and a bad product here, just different designs.

The griddle tops on both are made from heavy-duty rolled steel. This is what gives you that great cooking surface. The thickness is similar on comparable models. The process of seasoning the steel is also the same for both. You can learn more about the science behind seasoning from educational resources like this guide from Utah State University, as the principles for steel are very similar to cast iron.

For the cart and frame, both use powder-coated steel. Camp Chef’s background in camping gear often means their designs feel a little more rugged, with thicker legs and sturdier shelves on some models. Blackstone’s design is very functional and stable but can sometimes feel a bit lighter.

Winner: Tie. Both are well-made. Camp Chef might have a slight edge in ruggedness on some of their higher-end models.

Versatility and Accessories

This is where Camp Chef really shines. Their entire system is built around versatility.

Camp Chef’s main selling point is its “14-inch cooking system” on many models. You can lift off the griddle top to reveal the burners below. You can then add a BBQ Grill Box to turn it into a traditional grill. You can add an Artisan Outdoor Oven for making pizza. It truly is an all-in-one system.

Blackstone is a dedicated griddle. However, they have a massive ecosystem of first-party and third-party accessories. You can get covers, domes, spatulas, squeeze bottles, and more. They have accessories that help you steam, roast, and bake right on the griddle surface. While you can’t turn it into a traditional grill, you can still cook an amazing variety of foods.

Winner: Camp Chef, by a long shot. If you want one unit to do everything, Camp Chef is the clear choice.

Ease of Assembly and Use

You want to get cooking, not spend a whole day building your griddle. Both brands have made assembly fairly simple.

Blackstone assembly is known for being very straightforward. The instructions are clear, and most people can have a 36-inch model built in under an hour. Once built, using it is incredibly simple. Turn the knobs, push the igniter, and you’re cooking.

Camp Chef assembly is also quite easy. Because of their focus on portability and modular parts, some models come together even faster. Using the griddle is simple, but swapping out accessories like the grill box adds an extra step. It’s not hard, but it’s one more thing to do.

For both griddles, you must perform an initial seasoning before you cook. This involves applying thin layers of oil and heating the griddle to create a non-stick surface. The process is identical for both brands.

Winner: Blackstone. Its simplicity makes it slightly more beginner-friendly from box to first cook.

Price and Value

Price is always a factor. Generally, Blackstone and Camp Chef are priced very competitively. You can find entry-level models from both brands at similar price points.

Blackstone often offers slightly better value if all you want is a griddle. Because they are so popular, you can often find great deals, especially on their most popular 28-inch and 36-inch models.

Camp Chef might seem more expensive at first glance. However, when you consider that one unit can replace both a griddle and a grill, the value proposition is excellent. Buying a griddle and a separate grill would cost much more than one Camp Chef system.

Winner: Blackstone for the best price on a dedicated griddle. Camp Chef for the best overall value if you need an all-in-one cooker.

Feature Comparison Table: Popular Models at a Glance

Let’s look at two of the most popular models from each brand to see how they stack up directly. We’ll compare the Blackstone 36″ Griddle and the Camp Chef 4-Burner Flat Top Grill 600 (FTG600).

Which Griddle is Right for YOU?

The “proven winner” is the one that best fits your cooking style and needs. After comparing the features, the choice should be getting clearer. Let’s make it even simpler.

Choose Blackstone If…

• You want the best pure griddling experience possible.
• You plan on cooking for large crowds and need maximum, even heat across the whole surface.
• You love the idea of a huge online community for support, recipes, and ideas.
• You appreciate the simple and effective rear grease management system.
• You already own a grill and just want to add a dedicated flat top to your outdoor kitchen.

Choose Camp Chef If…

• You want an all-in-one outdoor cooking station that can griddle, grill, and more.
• You value versatility and love the idea of swapping cooktops.
• You are looking for one unit to take the place of multiple cookers to save space or money.
• You prefer a more rugged build and features designed for portability, like folding legs and shelves.
• You like having more defined heat zones for different types of cooking at the same time.

Caring for Your New Griddle

No matter which brand you choose, proper care is key to a long-lasting, great-performing griddle. The steel top needs to be seasoned and maintained to prevent rust and keep it non-stick.

1. Initial Seasoning: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves washing the new griddle top, then heating it up and applying several thin coats of a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or avocado oil) until the surface turns dark and shiny.
2. Cleaning After Cooking: While the griddle is still warm, use a scraper to push all food debris and excess grease into the grease trap.
3. Wipe and Oil: Once scraped, wipe the surface with a paper towel. Then, apply a very thin layer of cooking oil across the entire surface to protect it from rust.
4. Use a Cover: A good cover is your best defense against rain and humidity, which are the main causes of rust. Always cover your griddle when it’s not in use.

Also, always practice good propane safety. Before each use, check your hoses for cracks or leaks. You can find excellent safety tips from official sources like the National Fire Protection Association to ensure your outdoor cooking is always safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which brand is better for a beginner?

For a true beginner who just wants to learn flat top cooking, Blackstone is often the easier choice. Its simple design, even heating, and massive online community make the learning curve very gentle.

Is seasoning a Blackstone different from a Camp Chef?

No, the process is exactly the same. Both have cold-rolled steel tops that need to be seasoned by applying thin layers of oil and heating them to create a protective, non-stick surface.

Can I use a Camp Chef grill box on a Blackstone?

No. The Camp Chef accessories like the grill box are designed to fit specifically on their own burner systems after the griddle top is removed. A Blackstone does not have a removable top in the same way.

How do I prevent my griddle from rusting?

The key is to keep the steel top seasoned with oil. After every cook, scrape it clean, wipe it down, and apply a thin coat of oil while it’s still warm. Most importantly, use a quality cover to protect it from moisture.

What’s the big deal about the rear vs. front grease trap?

It’s mostly personal preference. The Blackstone rear system is out of the way and keeps the front of the griddle clean. The Camp Chef front system is easier to see and access, but some find it gets in the way of cooking.

The Final Verdict: Who is the Proven Winner?

So, after all that, who comes out on top in the Blackstone vs. Camp Chef battle? The truth is, both are proven winners, but they win in different events. The right choice depends entirely on what you want to do in your backyard.

The Blackstone griddle is the proven winner for the person who wants the ultimate, dedicated flat top griddling experience. It delivers incredible, even heat that is perfect for searing, and its simplicity makes it a joy to use. If your goal is to make the best smash burgers, hibachi-style dinners, and big family breakfasts, Blackstone is your champion.

The Camp Chef griddle is the proven winner for the person who wants a versatile, all-in-one outdoor kitchen. It is a high-quality griddle that can instantly transform into a grill or a pizza oven. If you value flexibility, want to save space by having one cooker do it all, and love the idea of modular cooking, Camp Chef is your champion.

Think about the meals you dream of making. Do you see a perfectly seared steak next to grilled asparagus, or do you see a mountain of fried rice and vegetables covering every square inch of a hot steel surface? Your answer to that question will lead you to your perfect griddle. Either way, you’re on the path to some of the most fun and delicious cooking you’ve ever done.