BLACKSTONE vs Stanbroil Griddles: Which Brand Fits You?
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When you compare BLACKSTONE vs stanbroil griddle options, you are looking at two distinct approaches to outdoor cooking. The Blackstone 1517 is a complete, wheeled griddle unit designed for immediate use. The Stanbroil L021-36-SS-V2 is a stainless steel replacement top for specific Blackstone models. Both provide flat-top cooking surfaces for versatile meal preparation. The main difference lies in form factor: one is a standalone appliance, while the other is an upgrade part for existing equipment.
Key differences
| Aspect | Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle | Stanbroil 36-Inch Stainless Steel Griddle Top |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Complete 28-inch griddle with wheels and shelves | Replacement top only for 36-inch Blackstone models |
| Cooking Area | 517 sq. in. | 742 sq. in. |
| Surface Material | Omnivore Griddle Plate (steel) | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 44 inches wide, 33 inches high, 69 pounds | 36 inches long, 20.5 inches wide, 3 inches high |
| Compatibility | Standalone unit | Fits Blackstone models 1553, 1560, 1565, 1818, 1825, 1830, 1836, 1841, 1849, 1863, 1866, 1868, 1899, 1984 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle if
- You need a complete, portable cooking station with side shelves and wheels for easy movement.
- You want a dedicated 28-inch griddle with a rear grease management system and a 1-year limited warranty.
- You prefer a unit that is ready to use immediately without needing an existing base frame.
Choose Stanbroil 36-Inch Stainless Steel Griddle Top if
- You own a compatible 36-inch Blackstone griddle and want to upgrade to a corrosion-resistant stainless steel surface.
- You require a larger 742 sq. in. cooking area for serving larger groups or families.
- You want a heavy-duty replacement top that resists warping and simplifies cleanup with a full-width rear grease trough.
Verdict: Choose the Blackstone 1517 if you need a standalone, mobile griddle for immediate outdoor cooking. Pick the Stanbroil top if you already have a compatible 36-inch Blackstone base and want a larger, more durable stainless steel surface.
Griddle Build and Compatibility
Product Form Factor
The Blackstone 1517 is a complete, standalone unit. It includes a frame, wheels, side shelves, and a handle for easy movement. You can set it up and start cooking immediately. The Stanbroil L021-36-SS-V2 is a replacement griddle top. It is not a standalone appliance. It is designed to fit specific Blackstone models like the 1553 and 1818. You must already own a compatible Blackstone base unit. This makes the Stanbroil option a component upgrade rather than a full system. The Blackstone is a complete package, while the Stanbroil is an accessory.
Cooking Surface Area
Cooking space is a major difference between these two items. The Blackstone 1517 offers 517 square inches of cooking area. This is sufficient for most family meals and small gatherings. The Stanbroil top provides 742 square inches of space. This is a significant increase, allowing you to cook for larger groups or prepare more items at once. If you frequently host large outdoor dinners, the extra space on the Stanbroil top is valuable. However, this extra space only matters if you have a compatible base unit. For a standalone unit, the Blackstone provides a solid, standard cooking area.
Surface Material
The materials used for the cooking surface differ between the two products. The Blackstone 1517 features an Omnivore Griddle Plate. This plate is designed for faster preheat and recovery times. It also offers better heat distribution and uses less fuel per cook. The Stanbroil top is made from stainless steel. This material provides superior corrosion resistance and durability. It is thickened to resist warping and is easier to clean. Stainless steel is often preferred for its longevity and low maintenance. The Blackstone plate focuses on cooking efficiency, while the Stanbroil top focuses on material durability and ease of care.
Mobility and Weight
Moving these items requires different approaches. The Blackstone 1517 weighs 69 pounds. It includes two caster wheels and a side handle. This design allows you to maneuver the entire unit easily to fit your space needs. The Stanbroil L021-36-SS-V2 weighs nothing in the provided data, as it is just a top. It features removable handles for easy movement once installed. However, you cannot move the cooking surface independently of the base unit. The Blackstone is designed for portability as a complete system. The Stanbroil is a fixed component that relies on the mobility of the base griddle it replaces.
Compatibility Requirements
You must check compatibility before choosing the Stanbroil top. It is only compatible with specific Blackstone models, including the 1553, 1560, 1565, 1818, 1825, 1830, 1836, 1841, 1849, 1863, 1866, 1868, 1899, and 1984. It does not fit all 36-inch grills. The Blackstone 1517 is a standalone unit. It does not require compatibility with another appliance. It is ready to use out of the box. If you do not own a compatible Blackstone base, the Stanbroil top is not an option. The Blackstone is the only choice for those without an existing base unit.
Grease Management
Both products include systems for managing grease and oil. The Blackstone 1517 features a rear grease management system. This system is designed to make cleanup quick and convenient after every use. The Stanbroil top also has a rear grease trough. It is full-width and includes a drain to prevent flare-ups and reduce mess. Both designs aim to keep your cooking area clean and safe. The Blackstone system is integrated into the complete unit. The Stanbroil trough is part of the replacement top. Both approaches offer effective grease management for outdoor cooking.
Which Blackstone or Stanbroil Griddle Fits You
You want a complete outdoor cooking station
The Blackstone 1517 is a standalone unit with wheels and side shelves. You get 517 square inches of cooking space. It includes wind guards and a rear grease management system. This setup allows you to cook breakfast and dinner immediately. The included handle and caster wheels make moving it easy. You do not need a separate base to use it.
You have a compatible Blackstone 36-inch model
The Stanbroil L021-36-SS-V2 is a replacement top for specific Blackstone models. It offers 742 square inches of stainless steel cooking area. This material resists corrosion and warping. The full-width rear grease trough helps prevent flare-ups. If you own compatible models like the 1553 or 1818, this top upgrades your existing unit.
You need maximum surface area for large groups
The Stanbroil top provides 742 square inches of space. This is larger than the Blackstone 1517's 517 square inches. The stainless steel surface is thickened to resist warping. You can cook for large gatherings with this extra room. The rear grease system features removable handles. This design helps manage mess and cleanup efficiently during heavy use.
You prefer a ready-to-use unit with storage
The Blackstone 1517 includes side shelves for food prep and storage. You have a built-in handle and caster wheels for maneuverability. The 517 square inch cooking surface handles various meals. The unit weighs 69 pounds. It features a rear grease management system. This all-in-one design lets you start cooking without assembling parts or finding a compatible base.
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 Blackstone 1517 griddle offers 517 square inches of cooking space for versatile outdoor meals. The Omnivore griddle plate features built-in wind guards for faster preheat times and better heat distribution. It measures 44 by 22.8 by 33 inches and weighs 69 pounds. Two caster wheels and a side handle aid maneuverability. Rear grease management simplifies cleanup. The unit includes a bottom shelf and two side shelves for prep storage.
Pros
- 517 square inch cooking surface
- Omnivore plate with wind guards
- Rear grease management system
- Side shelves for prep space
Cons
- 69 pound weight limits portability
- No side burner included
- Standard 1-year limited warranty
Good fit if
- You need a large surface for family meals
- You want efficient heat distribution
- You prefer rear grease management
Skip if
- You require a side burner
- You need a portable unit under 50 pounds
- You want a longer warranty
Verdict: Blackstone 28 Inch Original Griddle provides ample space and efficient heating for steady outdoor cooking. It suits those prioritizing capacity and heat management over lightweight portability.
Stanbroil 36-Inch Stainless Steel Griddle Top
Best for: Replacing tops on compatible Blackstone 36-inch griddles
- Cooking Area
- 742 sq. in.
- Surface Material
- Stainless Steel
- Compatible Appliance
- Griddle
- Dimensions
- 36 × 20.5 × 3 inches
View on Amazon: Stanbroil 36-Inch Stainless Steel Griddle Top Affiliate link
This replacement griddle top fits select Blackstone 36-inch models, including the 1517 Original. It offers 742 square inches of stainless steel cooking space. The thickened steel resists warping and corrosion. A full-width rear grease trough with a drain helps manage flare-ups. It is designed for heavy-duty outdoor cooking and easy cleaning.
Pros
- 742 square inches of stainless steel cooking area
- Compatible with specific Blackstone 36-inch models like the 1517
- Thickened steel construction resists warping
- Full-width rear grease trough with drain
- Superior corrosion resistance
Cons
- Only fits specific Blackstone models, not all 36-inch grills
- Heavier and bulkier than standard flat tops due to thickened steel
- Requires manual cleaning of the grease trough
Good fit if
- You own a compatible Blackstone 36-inch griddle
- You want a durable, corrosion-resistant cooking surface
- You prefer easy cleaning with stainless steel
Skip if
- You have a Blackstone model not listed in the compatibility range
- You need a complete griddle unit rather than a replacement top
- You prefer a non-stick coating over stainless steel
Verdict: Stanbroil 36" Stainless Steel Griddle Top is a robust replacement for compatible Blackstone units, offering durable corrosion-resistant cooking space. It suits owners of specific 36-inch Blackstone grills who value heavy-duty steel construction and effective grease management.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Blackstone 28-Inch Omnivore Griddle | Stanbroil 36-Inch Stainless Steel Griddle Top |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 517 sq. in. | 742 sq. in. |
| Fuel Type | Propane | not stated |
| Burners | 2 | not stated |
| Surface Material | not stated | Stainless Steel |
| Material | not stated | Stainless Steel |
| Compatible Appliance | Griddle | Griddle |
| Dimensions | 22.8 × 44 × 33 inches | 36 × 20.5 × 3 inches |
| Weight | 69 pounds | not stated |
| Size | 28 Inch | 36" x 20.5" x 3" |
| Color | Black | Silver |
| Model | 1517 | L021-36-SS-V2 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blackstone 1517 a standalone griddle or just a top?
It is a complete, standalone unit. The Blackstone 1517 includes a frame, wheels, side shelves, and a handle. You can set it up and start cooking immediately without needing other components. It is designed for immediate outdoor use rather than as a replacement part.
What is the primary use for the Stanbroil L021-36-SS-V2?
This item is a stainless steel replacement top. It is designed to replace the cooking surface on compatible Blackstone 36-inch griddles. It is not a standalone unit. It suits owners of specific 36-inch Blackstone models who need a durable, corrosion-resistant cooking space.
How much cooking space does the Blackstone 1517 provide?
The Blackstone 1517 provides ample space for large batch outdoor cooking. Its dimensions are 44 inches wide and 22.8 inches long. This configuration offers 517 square inches of cooking surface. It is suitable for those prioritizing capacity and heat management over lightweight portability.
Does the Stanbroil griddle top include a frame or legs?
No, it does not. The Stanbroil L021-36-SS-V2 is only the stainless steel top. It measures 36 inches in length and 20.5 inches in width. It is a robust replacement part for existing units. It does not include a frame, wheels, or side shelves.
Which griddle is better for easy movement?
The Blackstone 1517 is better for movement. It features wheels and a handle for easy relocation. It weighs 69 pounds. The Stanbroil top is a fixed replacement part. It is not designed for mobility. It is intended to stay on a compatible griddle frame.
What material is the Stanbroil cooking surface made of?
The Stanbroil L021-SS-V2 is made of stainless steel. It is silver in color. This material offers durable, corrosion-resistant cooking space. It is designed for heavy-duty use. It provides effective grease management for owners of compatible Blackstone units.
Can I use the Stanbroil top on any Blackstone griddle?
No, it is specific to certain models. The Stanbroil top is compatible with Blackstone 36-inch griddles. It is not a universal part. You must verify your existing unit is a 36-inch model before purchasing. It is not designed for the 28-inch Blackstone 1517.