BLACKSTONE or Camp Chef? Griddles Compared in 2026
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When you compare BLACKSTONE vs camp chef griddle options, you see two distinct approaches to outdoor cooking. Both brands offer durable surfaces for searing and flipping, but their designs serve different needs. The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore is a standalone unit with a massive cooking area. In contrast, the Camp Chef 14 x 16 is a compact, reversible cast iron plate that sits on top of an existing burner system. One is a complete station; the other is a versatile accessory.
Key differences
| Aspect | Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle | Camp Chef 14 x 16 Reversible Cast Iron Griddle |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 517 sq. in. | 14" x 16" |
| Form Factor | Standalone griddle with legs and wheels | Reversible plate for burner tops |
| Material | Steel Omnivore plate | Cast Iron |
| Weight | 69 pounds | 10 pounds |
| Application | General outdoor cooking | Camping and portable use |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle if
- You need a large, dedicated cooking station for families
- You want built-in wind guards and grease management
- You prefer a unit with side shelves and wheels for mobility
Choose Camp Chef 14 x 16 Reversible Cast Iron Griddle if
- You already own a compatible Camp Chef burner system
- You want a reversible surface with ribbed and flat sides
- You need a lightweight plate that fits in a car for camping
Verdict: The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore suits you if you want a permanent, high-capacity outdoor kitchen hub. The Camp Chef 14 x 16 is better for campers or those who want to expand an existing burner setup. Choose based on whether you need a standalone unit or a portable accessory.
Griddle Size and Portability Comparison
Cooking Surface Area
The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle offers a substantial 517 square inches of cooking space. This large surface allows you to prepare full meals for a crowd, including breakfast items like eggs and pancakes alongside dinner entrees like steak and potatoes. In contrast, the Camp Chef Cast Iron Griddle provides a 14 by 16 inch surface, totaling 224 square inches. While this is sufficient for smaller groups or camping trips, it is significantly smaller than the Blackstone. If you need to cook for a large family or entertain guests, the Blackstone provides much more room to work.
Portability and Weight
Portability differs greatly between these two units. The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle weighs 69 pounds and measures 44 inches in width, 22.8 inches in length, and 33 inches in height. It includes caster wheels for maneuverability, but its size makes it a heavy, stationary appliance. The Camp Chef Cast Iron Griddle is far lighter at 10 pounds and measures 17 inches in length and 15 inches in height. Its compact design and molded side handles make it easy to lift and carry. For camping or tailgating where you need to transport gear, the Camp Chef option is much more practical.
Material and Heat Retention
The Camp Chef griddle is made from cast iron with a pre-seasoned finish. Cast iron is known for holding heat well and distributing it evenly, which helps in achieving consistent sear marks on the ribbed side or smooth cooking on the flat side. The Blackstone Omnivore griddle plate is described as having better heat distribution and faster preheat times, but the specific material is not explicitly stated in the provided data. Cast iron retains heat longer, which is useful for maintaining temperature, while the Blackstone design focuses on efficiency and fuel usage per cook.
Form Factor and Setup
These products serve different roles in your outdoor kitchen. The Blackstone is a standalone unit with its own frame, side shelves, and rear grease management system. It stands at 33 inches high and includes a bottom shelf for storage. The Camp Chef griddle is an accessory designed to cover one burner on compatible Camp Chef 14-inch and 16-inch systems. It is not a standalone unit. If you already own a compatible Camp Chef stove, the griddle adds versatility. If you need a complete, independent cooking station, the Blackstone is the only choice here.
Included Accessories and Storage
The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle comes with built-in wind guards, a side shelf for prep space, a side handle for moving, and a bottom shelf for storage. It also features a rear grease management system for easy cleanup. The Camp Chef Cast Iron Griddle includes molded side handles for secure lifting but does not list any additional storage shelves or grease management systems. It is a simple, single-piece tool. The Blackstone offers more integrated features for convenience and organization, while the Camp Chef relies on your existing stove setup for support.
Which Blackstone or Camp Chef Griddle Fits You
You need a large, standalone cooking station for families
The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore provides 517 square inches of cooking space. This large area allows you to cook breakfast and dinner simultaneously. It stands at 33 inches high and weighs 69 pounds. The unit includes side shelves for prep and rear grease management for easy cleanup. You can move it using caster wheels and a side handle.
You want a portable griddle for camping trips
The Camp Chef Cast Iron Griddle weighs only 10 pounds. Its compact 14 by 16-inch surface fits one burner on portable systems. The reversible design offers a flat side for traditional cooking and a ribbed side for sear marks. The pre-seasoned finish provides a non-stick surface that resists rust, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
You prefer even heat distribution and sear marks
Camp Chef uses cast iron to ensure even heat distribution and strong heat retention. This material holds heat well for consistent results. The ribbed side creates distinct sear marks on meats. The molded side handles provide a secure grip for lifting. This griddle is designed to cover one burner, offering versatile cooking options for smaller groups.
The products compared
Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle
Best for: large outdoor cooking sessions
- Cooking Area
- 517 sq. in.
- Fuel Type
- Propane
- Burners
- 2
- Compatible Appliance
- Griddle
- Dimensions
- 22.8 × 44 × 33 inches
- Weight
- 69 pounds
View on Amazon: Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle Affiliate link
The Blackstone 1517 Original 28" Omnivore Griddle offers 517 square inches of cooking space. Its omnivore plate design provides faster preheat times, better heat distribution, and lower fuel use. The unit measures 44 inches wide, 33 inches high, and weighs 69 pounds. Two caster wheels and a side handle aid maneuverability. Rear grease management simplifies cleanup. It includes a bottom shelf and side shelves for prep.
Pros
- 517 square inches of cooking area
- Omnivore griddle plate for efficient heat distribution
- Rear grease management system
- Two caster wheels for mobility
Cons
- 69 pounds weight requires effort to move
- 44-inch width needs significant outdoor space
- One-year limited warranty is standard
Good fit if
- You need ample space for large meals
- You value efficient fuel usage and heat recovery
- You want easy cleanup with rear grease management
Skip if
- You have limited outdoor storage space
- You cannot lift or move heavy appliances
- You prefer a compact portable unit
Verdict: Blackstone 28 Inch Omnivore Griddle fits cooks who prioritize large cooking capacity and efficient heat distribution over portability. It suits those with adequate outdoor space and the ability to manage a 69-pound unit.
Camp Chef 14 x 16 Reversible Cast Iron Griddle
Best for: Camp Chef system owners needing reversible cast iron cooking
- Cooking Area
- 224 sq in
- Surface Material
- Cast Iron
- Cooking Dimensions
- 14" x 16"
- Application
- Camping
- Compatible Appliance
- Griddle
- Dimensions
- 17 × 2 × 15 inches
View on Amazon: Camp Chef 14 x 16 Reversible Cast Iron Griddle Affiliate link
This Camp Chef griddle offers a 14 by 16 inch cooking surface made from pre-seasoned cast iron. The reversible design provides a flat side for general cooking and a ribbed side for sear marks. It weighs 10 pounds and measures 16 by 14 by 1.5 inches. You will need a compatible Camp Chef 14 or 16 inch system to use it. The molded handles allow for safe lifting.
Pros
- Reversible ribbed and flat cooking surfaces
- Pre-seasoned cast iron for non-stick performance
- Molded side handles for secure grip
- Even heat distribution and retention
Cons
- Small 14 by 16 inch cooking area
- Requires compatible Camp Chef burner system
- Heavy 10 pound cast iron build
Good fit if
- You own a Camp Chef 14 or 16 inch system
- You want reversible flat and ribbed cooking surfaces
- You prefer the heat retention of cast iron
Skip if
- You need a large cooking surface for crowds
- You use a different griddle brand system
- You want a lightweight portable option
Verdict: Camp Chef 14x16 Cast Iron Griddle fits users with compatible Camp Chef systems who want a durable, reversible cooking surface. The cast iron construction provides consistent heat for searing and general cooking tasks.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle | Camp Chef 14 x 16 Reversible Cast Iron Griddle |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 517 sq. in. | 224 sq in |
| Fuel Type | Propane | not stated |
| Burners | 2 | not stated |
| Surface Material | not stated | Cast Iron |
| Cooking Dimensions | not stated | 14" x 16" |
| Application | not stated | Camping |
| Material | not stated | Cast Iron |
| Compatible Appliance | Griddle | Griddle |
| Dimensions | 22.8 × 44 × 33 inches | 17 × 2 × 15 inches |
| Weight | 69 pounds | 10 pounds |
| Size | 28 Inch | 16" x 14" x 1.5" |
| Color | Black | Cast Iron |
| Model | 1517 | CGG16B |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle heavy to move?
Yes, it weighs 69 pounds. This substantial weight makes it difficult to transport frequently. The unit measures 44 inches wide, 22.8 inches long, and 33 inches high. You should plan for a permanent or semi-permanent outdoor location rather than moving it often.
Does the Camp Chef griddle fit on any stove?
No, it is designed specifically for compatible Camp Chef systems. It is a 14 x 16 reversible cast iron griddle. You must own a matching Camp Chef appliance to use it. It weighs only 10 pounds, making it easy to lift onto compatible stands.
Which griddle is better for camping?
The Camp Chef 14x16 Cast Iron Griddle is better for camping. It weighs just 10 pounds and fits on compatible portable systems. The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore is a large standalone unit. It weighs 69 pounds and is not designed for portable camping use.
Can I cook large meals on the Blackstone griddle?
Yes, it provides a large cooking area for big groups. The 28-inch model offers 517 square inches of space. This allows you to prepare breakfast and dinner items simultaneously. It is ideal for outdoor cooking sessions where you need ample room for multiple dishes.
What material is the Camp Chef griddle made of?
It is made of durable cast iron. This material provides consistent heat distribution for searing and general cooking. The reversible design allows you to use both sides. It is an accessory for your existing Camp Chef system rather than a standalone unit.
How tall is the Blackstone griddle stand?
The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle stands 33 inches high. The total unit width is 44 inches and the length is 22.8 inches. This height is suitable for comfortable cooking at a counter level. You need adequate outdoor space to accommodate these dimensions.
Is the Camp Chef griddle reversible?
Yes, the Camp Chef 14x16 model is reversible. You can flip it to use different cooking surfaces. This feature adds versatility to your cooking tasks. It is designed to attach to compatible Camp Chef appliances for stable operation during use.