BLACKSTONE vs Napoleon: Griddles Compared by Specs
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When you compare BLACKSTONE vs napoleon griddle options, you are looking at two very different tools. Both provide a flat cooking surface for outdoor meals, but their designs serve distinct needs. The Blackstone model is a standalone unit with a large cooking area and wheels for mobility. The Napoleon option is a stainless steel insert designed to fit inside specific gas grill models. You need to decide if you want a dedicated station or an accessory for your existing grill.
Key differences
| Aspect | Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle | Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standalone unit | Grill insert |
| Cooking Area | 517 sq. in. | 416 sq. in. (26" x 16") |
| Material | Not listed | Stainless Steel |
| Mobility | Caster wheels and side handle | Not listed |
| Weight | 69 pounds | 26.1 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle if
- You want a dedicated, mobile cooking station with extra storage shelves.
- You need the largest possible flat cooking surface for large groups.
- You prefer a unit that includes rear grease management and wind guards.
Choose Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert if
- You already own a compatible Prestige or Rogue gas grill.
- You want to add griddle capabilities to your existing grill setup.
- You prefer a lightweight stainless steel accessory that is easy to store.
Verdict: Choose the Blackstone if you need a versatile, standalone griddle with significant cooking space and mobility. Select the Napoleon insert if you want to expand the functionality of your existing gas grill without adding a new standalone unit to your patio.
Griddle Specs Compared Side by Side
Cooking Surface Area
The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle provides a generous 517 square inches of flat cooking space. This large surface allows you to cook breakfast items like eggs and pancakes alongside dinner staples such as steaks and potatoes simultaneously. In contrast, the Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert offers a 26 by 16 inch area, which equals 416 square inches. While still spacious for most meals, the Blackstone unit gives you about 101 more square inches to work with. If you frequently host large gatherings or need to prepare multiple dishes at once, the standalone Blackstone design offers more total room for your ingredients.
Form Factor and Portability
These two products serve different placement needs. The Blackstone is a standalone unit measuring 44 inches wide and weighing 69 pounds. It features two caster wheels and a side handle, allowing you to move the entire unit to fit your outdoor layout. The Napoleon is a griddle insert designed to sit inside specific Prestige or Rogue gas grills. It weighs only 26.1 pounds and measures 28.2 inches wide. You install it directly onto your existing grill, transforming it into a griddle instantly. If you need a mobile cooking station that moves with you, the Blackstone is the better choice. If you want to expand your current grill, the Napoleon insert is the practical solution.
Material and Heat Performance
The Napoleon griddle insert is constructed from thick stainless steel. This material is chosen for its ability to deliver even heat performance, which supports consistent searing and multi-zone cooking. Stainless steel is also known for durability and resistance to rust. The Blackstone specifications do not explicitly list the steel type or thickness in the provided data. However, it features an Omnivore griddle plate designed for faster preheat and recovery times, along with better heat distribution and less fuel use. Without specific material details for the Blackstone, we cannot definitively compare the metal quality. The Napoleon clearly states its stainless steel construction for even heating.
Compatibility and Installation
The Napoleon griddle insert is not a standalone appliance. It is specifically designed to fit Prestige/PRO 500 and Rogue 525 gas BBQ grills. You must already own one of these compatible models to use this insert. It converts your grill instantly with quick installation and removal. The Blackstone 1517 is a standalone griddle that requires no other appliance to function. It includes its own stand, wheels, and side shelves. If you do not own a compatible Napoleon grill, the insert is not an option for you. The Blackstone works independently, making it accessible to anyone looking for a dedicated griddle.
Included Accessories and Storage
The Blackstone unit comes with built-in features to support your cooking workflow. It includes a bottom shelf and two side shelves for food storage and prep. A rear grease management system helps with cleanup after every use. The Napoleon insert is a single piece of equipment. It does not include shelves, storage, or grease management systems in the provided data. You rely on your existing grill for those functions. The Blackstone provides a more complete package with dedicated prep space and storage solutions built directly into the frame. The Napoleon relies entirely on the grill it sits in for auxiliary support.
Which Blackstone or Napoleon Griddle Fits You
Cooking for large groups on one surface
The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle offers 517 square inches of cooking area. This expansive space lets you prepare breakfast and dinner items simultaneously. You can cook eggs, pancakes, steaks, and potatoes all at once. The large footprint supports high-volume outdoor cooking without needing to batch your meals.
Existing grill owner wanting griddle capability
The Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert transforms your existing Prestige or Rogue gas grill. It fits directly into the grill for instant conversion. You gain a 26 by 16 inch cooking surface without buying a separate unit. This insert allows for searing and sautéing using your current grill setup.
Moving the equipment to different locations
The Blackstone model includes two caster wheels and a side handle for easy maneuverability. You can conveniently move the 69-pound unit to fit your available space. The standalone design means you do not need to install or remove it from another appliance. You simply roll it where you need it.
The products compared
Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle
Best for: large batch outdoor cooking
- 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
This 28-inch Blackstone griddle offers 517 square inches of cooking area. It features an Omnivore griddle plate for faster preheat and better heat distribution. The unit weighs 69 pounds and includes two caster wheels for movement. Side shelves provide prep space, while a rear grease management system simplifies cleanup. It is designed for outdoor cooking versatility.
Pros
- 517 square inch cooking surface
- Omnivore griddle plate for efficient heat
- Rear grease management system
- Two caster wheels for mobility
Cons
- Heavier at 69 pounds
- Only 1-year limited warranty
- No side handle mentioned in data
Good fit if
- You need a large cooking surface
- You want efficient heat recovery
- You prefer rear grease drainage
Skip if
- You need a portable unit under 50 pounds
- You require a warranty longer than one year
- You prefer a model with a hood included
Verdict: Blackstone 28" Omnivore Griddle fits users who prioritize cooking capacity and heat efficiency over portability. It suits those who want a dedicated outdoor cooking station with ample prep space.
Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert
Best for: expanding compatible Napoleon gas grill versatility
- Fuel Type
- Grill Insert
- Surface Material
- Stainless Steel
- Form Factor
- Insert Top
- Cooking Dimensions
- 26" x 16"
- Compatible Appliance
- Griddle
- Dimensions
- 3.2 × 28.2 × 18.3 inches
View on Amazon: Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert Affiliate link
This Napoleon stainless steel griddle insert transforms compatible Prestige or Rogue gas grills into a flat-top cooking surface. The 26 by 16 inch cooking area provides ample space for searing, sautéing, and stir-frying. Thick stainless steel construction ensures even heat distribution for consistent results. It weighs 26.1 pounds and measures 3.2 inches in height. You get a versatile accessory that expands your outdoor cooking capabilities without needing a separate standalone unit.
Pros
- 26 by 16 inch stainless steel cooking surface
- Thick construction delivers even heat performance
- Quick installation and removal for instant conversion
- Compatible with Prestige and Rogue gas grills
Cons
- Requires a compatible Napoleon gas grill
- Not a standalone griddle unit
- Limited to grilling accessories category
Good fit if
- You own a compatible Napoleon Prestige or Rogue gas grill
- You want to expand your grilling options to flat-top cooking
- You prefer stainless steel for easy cleaning and durability
Skip if
- You do not have a compatible Napoleon gas grill
- You need a standalone griddle without a base grill
- You prefer cast iron over stainless steel surfaces
Verdict: Napoleon 26" Stainless Steel Griddle Insert is a practical upgrade for owners of compatible Prestige or Rogue gas grills who want to add flat-top cooking capabilities. It fits users who value even heat distribution and easy maintenance on a large surface.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle | Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 517 sq. in. | not stated |
| Fuel Type | Propane | Grill Insert |
| Burners | 2 | not stated |
| Surface Material | not stated | Stainless Steel |
| Form Factor | not stated | Insert Top |
| Cooking Dimensions | not stated | 26" x 16" |
| Material | not stated | Stainless Steel |
| Compatible Appliance | Griddle | Griddle |
| Dimensions | 22.8 × 44 × 33 inches | 3.2 × 28.2 × 18.3 inches |
| Weight | 69 pounds | 26.1 pounds |
| Size | 28 Inch | 3.2" x 28.2" x 18.3" |
| Color | Black | White |
| Model | 1517 | 56094 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blackstone griddle a standalone unit or an insert?
The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle is a standalone unit. It stands independently on its own frame with wheels, measuring 44 inches wide and 33 inches high. You do not need another grill to use it. This design suits users who want a dedicated outdoor cooking station with ample prep space and mobility.
Does the Napoleon griddle work as a separate appliance?
No, the Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert is designed to fit inside compatible gas grills. It is a built-in accessory for Prestige or Rogue models. You cannot use it as a standalone unit. It adds flat-top cooking capabilities to your existing grill, expanding its versatility without taking up extra floor space.
Which griddle is better for cooking large batches of food?
The Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle is better for large batches. It offers a substantial 517 square inches of cooking surface. This generous space allows you to cook eggs, pancakes, steaks, and potatoes simultaneously. The Napoleon insert has a smaller footprint and is intended for use within an existing grill, limiting total surface area.
How much space does the Blackstone griddle require?
The Blackstone unit requires significant outdoor space. It measures 44 inches in width, 22.8 inches in length, and 33 inches in height. The total weight is 69 pounds. You need a flat, stable surface to set it up. Its size makes it a permanent fixture rather than a portable item for small patios.
What material is the Napoleon griddle made from?
The Napoleon griddle is constructed from stainless steel. This material is noted for its durability and resistance to corrosion. It provides a smooth cooking surface that is easy to clean. The insert is designed to integrate seamlessly with compatible Napoleon gas grills, maintaining a consistent aesthetic and functional build quality.
Can I move the Blackstone griddle around easily?
Yes, the Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle is designed for mobility. It comes with wheels that allow you to reposition it within your outdoor area. Weighing 69 pounds, it is substantial but manageable for moving. This feature helps you store it away or shift it for better wind protection or cooking convenience.
Is the Napoleon griddle compatible with all gas grills?
No, the Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert is only compatible with specific models. It fits Prestige or Rogue gas grills from Napoleon. It is not a universal accessory for all brands or models. You must verify your grill compatibility before purchasing to ensure the insert fits correctly into your existing appliance.