Blackstone Omnivore 28” Griddle Review | Best Outdoor Griddle?
Introduction
Tired of limited grill space and the hassle of switching between searing and smoking? The Blackstone Omnivore addresses these common outdoor cooking frustrations head-on. Whether you’re battling inconsistent heat zones, struggling to achieve a perfect sear, or simply yearning for a versatile cooking surface that handles everything from breakfast pancakes to smoky BBQ ribs, the Omnivore promises to be a game-changer. Its unique flat-top design and dual-burner system open up a world of culinary possibilities, simplifying weekend cooking and elevating your backyard gatherings.
Overview
The Blackstone Omnivore 28” is a powerhouse griddle designed for the modern outdoor chef. Combining the expansive cooking surface of a flat-top with the controlled heat of a gas grill, it’s built for versatility and efficiency. This isn’t just a grill; it’s a full-fledged outdoor cooking station, perfect for families, avid entertainers, and anyone who appreciates the convenience of gas-powered cooking with the flavor potential of open-flame grilling. Ideal for those who want to expand their outdoor cooking repertoire beyond traditional grilling, the Omnivore bridges the gap between grilling and griddling, providing a truly all-purpose solution.
Features
High-Heat Searing & Precise Temperature Control: The Omnivore features two independently controlled propane burners delivering a robust 30,000 BTUs combined. This dual-burner system isn’t just about power; it’s about precise temperature zoning. You can create hot zones for searing steaks to perfection while maintaining lower temperatures for pancakes or vegetables, offering unparalleled cooking flexibility.
Spacious Flat-Top Cooking Surface: With an impressive 524 square inches of cooking space, the Omnivore provides ample room for preparing large meals. Imagine cooking dozens of pancakes for a weekend brunch or grilling enough burgers for a crowd – it’s all easily achievable. The flat-top surface ensures even heat distribution and eliminates those frustrating hot spots commonly found in traditional grills.
Durable and Weather-Resistant Construction: Built with a heavy-duty steel cooking surface and a powder-coated frame, the Omnivore is designed to withstand the elements. The robust construction ensures long-lasting durability, even with frequent outdoor use. The included hard cover provides additional protection from scratches and weathering when not in use.
Integrated Grease Management System: Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the Omnivore’s rear-mounted grease cup and strategically designed grease channels. This system efficiently directs drippings away from the cooking surface, minimizing flare-ups and making post-cooking cleanup significantly easier.
Foldable Side Shelves for Prep Space: The two foldable side shelves provide ample space for meal preparation and keeping your grilling tools organized. They fold down easily for compact storage and portability, making the Omnivore ideal for tailgating or taking to campsites.
Benefits
Versatile Cooking Capabilities: The Omnivore excels at everything from searing steaks and burgers to cooking pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, fajitas, and stir-fries. The dual-burner system allows you to create different heat zones for maximum versatility – sear on one side, simmer on the other.
Large-Scale Meal Preparation: The expansive cooking surface makes it effortless to prepare meals for large gatherings. No more multiple rounds of cooking – the Omnivore handles big families and parties with ease.
Easy and Efficient Cleanup: The integrated grease management system minimizes cleanup time and effort. Simply slide out the grease cup and dispose of the drippings – it’s that simple.
Weather-Resistant Design for Year-Round Use: The durable construction and powder-coated finish ensure that the Omnivore can withstand the elements, making it a reliable option for year-round outdoor cooking.
Compact Storage & Portability: The foldable side shelves and relatively compact footprint allow for easy storage when not in use. It’s also easily transportable for tailgating and camping adventures.
Usages
Weekend Breakfast Bonanza: Imagine starting your weekend with a mountain of fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs – all prepared simultaneously on the spacious Omnivore griddle.
Backyard BBQ Masterpiece: Grill burgers, steaks, chicken, and vegetables with ease, achieving those coveted sear marks and smoky flavors that elevate any barbecue.
Family Fajita Night: The Omnivore’s large cooking surface is perfect for preparing a vibrant and flavorful fajita feast for the whole family.
Tailgating & Camping Convenience: Its portability and easy setup make the Omnivore an ideal companion for tailgating and camping trips, allowing you to enjoy delicious grilled meals wherever you go.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Spacious cooking surface
- Dual-burner system for precise temperature control
- Durable construction
- Easy cleanup with grease management system
- Foldable side shelves for added convenience
Cons
- Requires a propane tank (not included)
- Assembly required
- May be bulky for small patios
- Steel surface can be prone to rusting if not properly cared for
- Can be susceptible to wind if not positioned carefully
FAQs
What type of fuel does the Omnivore use?: The Omnivore is propane-fueled, requiring a standard 20lb propane tank (sold separately).
How easy is it to clean?: The griddle surface is easy to clean with a scraper and a quick wipe-down after cooking. The grease management system further simplifies cleanup.
Is the Omnivore easy to assemble?: Assembly is relatively straightforward and can typically be completed in under an hour with basic tools.
What is the temperature range of the Omnivore?: The Omnivore can reach temperatures suitable for searing steaks (over 500°F) and low-temperature cooking.
What is the warranty on the Blackstone Omnivore?: Blackstone offers a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Product Specifications
| dimensions | 22.7″D x 53″W x 35.9″H |
| weight | 81 lbs |
| cooking area (sq. in.) | 524 |
| BTUs | 30,000 (combined) |
| temperature range | Up to 500°F+ |
| material type | Carbon Steel |
| fuel type | Propane |
| hopper capacity | N/A |
| grate material | Steel |
| ignition system | Push-button |
| included accessories | User manual, hard cover |
| wheels/mobility | 4 wheels with locks |
| warranty | Limited 1-year warranty |
| cleaning requirements | Scraping, wiping, occasional seasoning (for steel surface) |
Ratings
| overall | 4.6 |
| cooking performance | 4.7 |
| heat distribution | 4.5 |
| durability | 4.4 |
| ease of use | 4.8 |
| versatility | 4.6 |
Recommendation
The Blackstone Omnivore 28” is an excellent choice for backyard grillers seeking a versatile and high-performing cooking solution. Its spacious cooking surface, dual-burner system, and easy-to-use design make it perfect for both novice and experienced outdoor cooks. If you’re tired of cramped grills and limited cooking options, the Omnivore is a significant upgrade.
If you’re looking for a single piece of equipment to handle all your outdoor cooking needs, from breakfast to barbecue, the Blackstone Omnivore is an ideal investment. It offers a level of versatility and performance that few grills can match, and its relatively affordable price point makes it a compelling value proposition.
Conclusion
The Blackstone Omnivore 28” is more than just a griddle; it’s a complete outdoor cooking station that simplifies meal preparation and expands your culinary horizons. With its spacious surface, precise temperature control, and easy-to-use design, it’s perfect for families, entertainers, and anyone who loves to cook outdoors. While assembly is required, the resulting performance and versatility are well worth the effort. If you’re seeking a reliable, all-purpose griddle that delivers exceptional results, the Blackstone Omnivore is an investment that will elevate your outdoor cooking experience for years to come.
