Blackstone 36” Omnivore Griddle Review – Expert Outdoor Cooking
Introduction
Tired of uneven heating that ruins your burgers? Frustrated with grills that struggle to sear a steak properly? The Blackstone 36” Omnivore Griddle tackles these common outdoor cooking challenges head-on. It’s designed to deliver consistent heat, exceptional versatility, and the convenience that busy families and weekend BBQ warriors crave. This isn’t just a griddle; it’s a complete outdoor cooking platform designed to handle everything from crispy pancakes to smoky, slow-cooked meals.
Overview
The Blackstone 36” Omnivore Griddle isn’t your average flat-top grill. Featuring Blackstone’s innovative Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology, it’s engineered for rapid heating, even heat distribution, and superior fuel efficiency. With a generous 768 square inches of cooking space, four independently controlled burners, and handy folding side shelves, this griddle is perfect for those who love to cook for a crowd or enjoy a wide range of culinary styles. It’s ideal for backyard grillers, families who love breakfast outdoors, and anyone seeking a convenient and versatile alternative to traditional grills or smokers.
This robust griddle is built around a durable alloy steel frame and boasts a sleek, black powder-coated finish that stands up to the elements. The included wind guards and tool hooks enhance the cooking experience, while the easy-clean design simplifies maintenance. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor chef or just starting your grilling journey, the Blackstone Omnivore 36” Griddle is a fantastic addition to any outdoor kitchen.
Features
Folding Side Shelves & Tool Hooks: The convenient folding side shelves provide extra prep and serving space when needed, and fold down for easy storage or transport. Integrated tool hooks keep your essential grilling tools within easy reach, minimizing clutter and maximizing efficiency.
Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology: This revolutionary design incorporates built-in wind guards, resulting in significantly faster preheating, more even heat across the entire cooking surface, improved thermal shock stability (resisting warping or cracking), and reduced fuel consumption per cook. This means less waiting, more consistent results, and a lighter impact on your propane tank.
Durable Alloy Steel Construction: Built to last, the Blackstone Omnivore Griddle features a robust alloy steel frame and a powder-coated finish that resists rust and corrosion. This ensures years of reliable performance, even with regular outdoor use.
Four Independently Controlled Burners: With four distinct burners, you can create four separate heat zones on the griddle top. This allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously – searing steaks on one side while keeping pancakes warm on the other. It offers unparalleled versatility and precision.
Spacious 768 Square Inch Cooking Surface: This expansive cooking area comfortably accommodates a large gathering. Prepare up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks with ease, making it ideal for family barbecues, tailgating, or feeding a hungry crew.
Benefits
Consistent Cooking Results: The Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology and independent burner controls eliminate hot spots and ensure even cooking, so every burger, pancake, or steak turns out perfectly.
Reduced Fuel Costs: The fuel-efficient design minimizes propane consumption, saving you money and extending your grilling sessions.
Versatility for Every Craving: From breakfast pancakes to savory stir-fries and perfectly seared steaks, this griddle can handle a wide range of culinary creations.
Easy Cleaning & Maintenance: The flat-top surface and easy-clean design make cleanup quick and simple, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Effortless Meal Prep: The spacious cooking surface and folding side shelves simplify meal prep and reduce clutter, making cooking for a crowd a breeze.
Usages
Smash Burger Night: The high heat and expansive cooking surface are perfect for creating juicy, crispy smash burgers for a fun and delicious gathering.
Tailgating & Outdoor Events: The Blackstone’s portability and versatility make it a fantastic choice for tailgating, camping, or any outdoor event.
Grilling & Smoking with Accessories: While primarily a griddle, adding a smoker box can infuse your food with a smoky flavor, extending its cooking capabilities.
Weekend Family Breakfast: Whip up a hearty breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and eggs for the whole family, all cooked on a single, convenient griddle.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional heat distribution thanks to Omnivore Plate Technology
- Generous cooking surface ideal for large groups
- Four independently controlled burners for versatility
- Durable and weather-resistant construction
- Convenient folding side shelves and tool hooks
Cons
- Requires propane fuel (not included)
- Assembly required
- Large size may require significant storage space
- Can be prone to flare-ups with certain foods if not managed properly
- May require a windbreak in windy conditions
FAQs
Can I use it in all weather conditions?: While the powder-coated steel construction provides good protection, it’s best to avoid extended exposure to harsh weather conditions and cover it when not in use.
How easy is it to clean?: The flat-top surface is designed for easy cleanup. Regular scraping and occasional soap and water are all that’s typically needed.
Does it come assembled?: The griddle requires some assembly, but the process is relatively straightforward and well-documented.
What type of fuel does it use?: The Blackstone 36” Omnivore Griddle is fueled by propane, ensuring convenient and readily available heat.
What’s the cooking capacity?: The griddle can comfortably cook for a party of 8-10 people, with ample space for a variety of dishes.
Product Specifications
| Burner Power | 17.58 Kilowatts |
| Warranty | 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty |
| Dimensions | 62.5″D x 22″W x 36″H |
| Included Accessories | Tool hooks, paper towel holder |
| Temperature Range | Up to 500°F |
| Material | Alloy Steel (Frame), Alloy Steel (Griddle Plate) |
| Cooking Area | 768 square inches |
| Weight | 120 pounds |
| Fuel Type | Propane |
| Ignition System | Electronic |
Ratings
| Overall | 4.7 |
| Cooking Versatility | 4.6 |
| Durability | 4.8 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Heat Distribution | 4.9 |
Recommendation
The Blackstone 36” Omnivore Griddle is an outstanding choice for families who love to cook outdoors and entertain guests. Its versatility, robust construction, and innovative features make it a step above standard grills or griddles.
If you’re new to outdoor cooking and looking for a user-friendly, all-in-one solution, the Blackstone Omnivore is an excellent starting point. It’s forgiving, easy to clean, and delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
Conclusion
The Blackstone 36” Omnivore Griddle delivers on its promise of versatile, high-performance outdoor cooking. Its innovative design, generous cooking space, and user-friendly features make it a standout option in the crowded grill and griddle market. While requiring propane fuel and some assembly, the benefits – consistent cooking, easy cleanup, and endless culinary possibilities – far outweigh the minor drawbacks. This is a true workhorse for any outdoor kitchen, offering exceptional value and years of grilling enjoyment.
