Blackstone vs. Camp Chef Griddle: Which Is Better for Burgers?

Blackstone and Camp Chef both make solid outdoor griddles for burgers. The main difference is focus: Blackstone builds a wide lineup of dedicated griddles in many sizes, from 17-inch tabletop units to 36-inch stations and electric models, while Camp Chef leans toward flat tops that fit into a modular system, with grill-and-griddle setups and accessories that share a 14-inch format. Pick Blackstone for the most size and style choices; pick Camp Chef if you want a flat top that can also do other jobs.

Below we compare the two brands using features listed on their official product pages. We haven't tested these griddles ourselves, so this is a guide to what each brand offers and what matters for cooking burgers.

Blackstone at a glance

Blackstone's lineup, as listed on its official site, is organized by surface size:

• 17-inch and 22-inch: tabletop and portable griddles, including models with hoods, stands and folding legs.
• 28-inch and 28-inch XL: mid-size freestanding griddles.
• 36-inch: full-size griddle stations, including models with hoods and combo units with a built-in air fryer.
• E-Series: electric tabletop and built-in griddles.

Blackstone also sorts its griddles into product lines such as Original, Iron Forged, Adventure Ready and Pro Series. As one example, the official page for the 36-inch Omnivore griddle lists about 769 square inches of cooking space, four independent heat zones, electric ignition and a patented rear grease management system.

Camp Chef at a glance

Camp Chef sells several flat tops on its official site:

• Flat Top Grill 600: the official page lists a 604-square-inch griddle surface, 48,000 BTUs of total output, a griddle grease drain with a catch cup, leg levelers and two fold-down side shelves. Camp Chef sells versions with and without grill grates, so the same unit can work as a griddle or a grill.
• Gridiron 36: a 36-inch flat top that Camp Chef describes as having new grease management and griddle leveling, plus folding side shelves.
• Gridiron Pro: a flat top with a hinged lid, flamethrower ignition, a Sidekick side burner and the option to add a 14-inch accessory such as a pizza oven or BBQ box.
• 14-inch Flat Top Griddle: a pre-seasoned griddle insert for Camp Chef's 14-inch stove system.

Camp Chef describes these cook surfaces as pre-seasoned, and its 14-inch griddle page calls the coating a True Seasoned Finish that's ready to use out of the box.

Blackstone vs. Camp Chef: key differences for burgers

Size options

Blackstone offers more sizes, from compact 17-inch units to 36-inch stations, plus electric models. If you want a griddle that fits a small patio, a camping trip or a big backyard, Blackstone has more choices. Camp Chef's range is smaller but covers portable, mid-size and 36-inch units.

Versatility

Camp Chef's main advantage is flexibility. The Flat Top Grill 600 can be bought with grill grates, and the Gridiron Pro works with 14-inch accessories. That appeals if you want to grill thick burgers over open flame one day and smash them on a flat top the next. Blackstone counters with combo units that add an air fryer, which is handy for fries alongside burgers.

Grease management

Burgers render a lot of fat, so grease handling matters. Blackstone's 36-inch Omnivore uses a rear system; Camp Chef's Flat Top Grill 600 uses a griddle grease drain into a catch cup, and the Gridiron 36 highlights new grease management. Either approach works if you scrape grease toward the drain between batches.

Leveling and heat control

Camp Chef lists leg levelers on the Flat Top Grill 600 and griddle leveling on the Gridiron 36, which helps keep grease from running where you don't want it. Blackstone lists independent heat zones on the 36-inch model, which lets you sear on one side and toast buns or hold patties on another.

Which one is better for burgers?

• Choose Blackstone if you want a dedicated griddle in a specific size, plan to cook lots of smash burgers for a crowd, or want an electric option.
• Choose Camp Chef if you want a flat top that can also grill, already own Camp Chef stoves, or like the idea of adding accessories later.

Whichever you choose, a full-size griddle makes it easy to cook a dozen smash burgers at once while toasting buns and caramelizing onions. Our guide to the best outdoor griddle for burgers breaks down what to look for by size and type, and our flat-top griddle page has a pick if you're ready to buy.

Questions to ask before you buy

• How many people do you usually cook for, and how much patio or storage space do you have?
• Do you want a dedicated griddle, or one unit that can also grill?
• Will you take it camping or tailgating, where a tabletop model is easier to carry?
• Can you easily reach and empty the grease cup on the model you're considering?

Specs and bundles change often, so confirm the current features on each brand's official product page before you buy.

Tips for great burgers on either griddle

1. Preheat for about 10 minutes on medium-high before adding meat.
2. Use a thin layer of high smoke point oil. See the best oil for smash burgers.
3. Smash cold beef balls within the first 30 seconds, then leave them alone. Our press vs. spatula guide helps you choose a tool.
4. Cook ground beef to 160°F, the USDA safe minimum.
5. Scrape and oil the surface after every cook to protect the seasoning.

For step-by-step technique, read how to cook burgers on a Blackstone griddle or our general guide to cooking burgers on a griddle.

FAQ

Is Camp Chef or Blackstone better for smash burgers?

Both work well. Smash burgers need a hot, flat steel surface and room to work, which both brands provide. Blackstone offers more sizes; Camp Chef offers more grill-and-griddle flexibility.

Can a Camp Chef flat top be used as a grill?

Some models can. Camp Chef sells the Flat Top Grill 600 in versions with grill grates as well as griddle-only versions.

Does Blackstone make electric griddles?

Yes. Blackstone's official site lists E-Series electric griddles, including tabletop and built-in models.

What size griddle do I need for burgers?

A 22-inch griddle suits a small household, while 28- to 36-inch griddles are better for families and crowds.