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Whether you’re planning a grill party or just want to cook some burgers, a Blackstone flat top grill is an excellent choice for your outdoor cooking needs. However, is that enough to choose the Blackstone Pro Series over a regular gas grill?

What can a Blackstone do that a regular grill can’t?

There are a couple of things that a Blackstone grill does better than a regular gas grill. Here are some things that only a Blackstone can do:

  • Blackstone is more versatile in terms of the meal you can prepare with it thanks to its flat surface. Delicacies such as eggs, rice dishes, pancakes, and fajitas can only be made on a cooking surface that has no holes in it. 
  • The Blackstone’s high heat also makes it great for Mexican cooking and for stir-frying Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes.
  • Furthermore, the Blackstone Pro Series includes some additional features that make it much easier to use and maintain. It comes with a storage cabinet and shelves on both sides that allow you to keep all of your tools and supplies organized, among other things. 

Do I need both types of grills or just one

If you consider size, there’s no reason why you should buy both. A regular gas grill will work fine if you only plan on using it occasionally. However, if you plan on using your grill regularly, then buying a Blackstone Pro Series would be a wise investment. You’ll enjoy the added benefits of being able to store all of your tools and equipment within reach. 

How to choose between a regular gas grill or Blackstone

You need to look out for two things when choosing between these two options: the cooking process and maintenance.

The Blackstone is ideal based on the cooking process because of its flat cast iron top. However, typical gas grills cook over an open flame.

Then, when it comes to maintenance, no one wins. With regular grills, you have to deal with dripping fat and scraping food off the ridges. But a deep clean is only needed once or twice a year.

A Blackstone’s flat surface is simple to clean, but it must be seasoned beforehand. You must also be cautious while cleaning not to remove all the protective oil, or you will have to re-season.

What are Blackstone cooktops made from?

The Blackstone Pro Series is made from cold-rolled steel, which is the smoothest material available. Cold rolled steel has been used for decades because it’s highly durable and resistant to corrosion. In addition, it’s one of the few materials that can withstand high temperatures without melting.

Are there different grades of Blackstone grills

There are different grades of Blackstones based on the size of the grill. The most miniature model is the Blackstone 1650, while the largest version is the Blackstone 4-Burner 36″. However, the two most popular grades are the 2-burner 28″ and 4-burner 36″.

36in vs. 28in

Let’s put both models side by side to see the differences in detail. 

 

Description Blackstone 28″ Pro Series Grill Blackstone 36″ Pro Series Grill 
Cooking Area 519 square inches 720 square inches
Cover Hard Cover Hard Cover
No. of Burners 2 4
BTUs 30,000 60,000
Dimensions 41 x 35 x 22 inches LxWxH 68.3 L x 27.5 W x 41.3 inches LxWxH
Storage One cabinet,

Two drawers, hooks, magnetic strips

One cabinet,

Two drawers, hooks, magnetic strips

Shelves Both side Both side
Weight 120 pounds 150 Pounds
Easy to Clean Grease Management System Grease Management System

First off, the Blackstone 28″ is smaller than the Blackstone 36″, but it also weighs less. It’s more compact, which makes it easier to transport and store. However, if you’re planning to use your grill often, then the Blackstone 36″ is definitely worth considering. Not only does it offer more space than the Blackstone 28″, but it also has four burners, which allows you to cook multiple dishes at once.

Blackstone Pro vs. Blackstone

Let’s compare their features side-by-side if you want to know how much difference there is between the Blackstone Pro Series and the regular Blackstone.

Description Blackstone 28″ Pro Series Grill Blackstone 28″ Grill Griddle
Cooking Area 519 square inches 470 square inches
Cover Hard Cover No
No. of Burners 2 2
BTUs 30,000 30,000
Dimensions 41 x 35 x 22 inches LxWxH 44.5 x 19.5 x 33.5 inches LxWxH
Storage One cabinet,

Two drawers, hooks, magnetic strips

Bottom shelves
Shelves Both side Single
Weight 120 pounds 75 Pounds
Easy to Clean Grease Management System Grease Management System
Price $242 $227

Blackstone Pro Series vs. Regular Gas Grill FAQ

Is pro worth the money?

By all means, get the pro series if you want more power and more features at a reasonable price. The price difference between the two versions is just fractional, which isn’t too bad.

Does Blackstone make a tabletop griddle?

Yes, they do! The Original 17in Tabletop Griddle W/Hood offers a 267 square inch nonstick surface that works well for pancakes, waffles, and eggs. You can even use it to fry fish, chicken, and steak.

What kind of Blackstone accessories are available?

Blackstone also provides several accessories that allow you to customize your grill. Some include

  • Seasoning and conditioner – for prepping the surface before use.
  • Hardcover – for keeping out insects and debries
  • Cleaning kit – for cleaning the entire unit
  • 5-piece tool kit – includes two spatulas, 14″ tongs, a serving spoon, and a meat fork.
  • Steaming dome – for steaming vegetables and other foods.

There are so many options available, but you should check them out first before buying any accessories.