Portable vs Built-In Griddles: Which Should You Buy?
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You are comparing a portable vs built in griddle for your outdoor kitchen. Both options deliver flat-top cooking for burgers, breakfast, and vegetables. The Blackstone offers a standalone unit with its own burners, while the Napoleon acts as an insert for your existing gas grill. The main difference lies in power source and installation. One is a self-contained appliance, and the other expands the functionality of your current grill.
Key differences
| Aspect | Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle with Hood | Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Portable | Built-In |
| Fuel Type | Gas (4 burners) | Grill Insert |
| Cooking Area | 768 sq in | 26" x 16" |
| Surface Material | Not listed | Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 128 pounds | 26.1 pounds |
| Included Accessories | Built-in Hood | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle with Hood if
- You need a standalone unit with dedicated heat zones for large meals
- You want a built-in hood to protect the griddle between uses
- You prioritize maximum cooking surface area for batch cooking
Choose Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert if
- You already own a compatible Prestige or Rogue gas grill
- You prefer lightweight stainless steel construction for easy handling
- You want to expand your grill's versatility with quick conversion
Verdict: The Blackstone suits those who want a dedicated, high-capacity cooking station with its own power source. The Napoleon is better for grill owners who want to add flat-top capabilities without buying a new appliance. Choose based on whether you need a standalone unit or an accessory for your existing grill.
Portable vs Built-In Griddle Specs
Form Factor
The Blackstone is a standalone portable unit with caster wheels, allowing you to move it anywhere on your patio or deck. It includes a built-in hood for protection. The Napoleon is a built-in accessory designed to fit directly into specific Prestige, Prestige Pro, or Built-In gas grills. It transforms your existing grill rather than standing alone. This means the Blackstone offers total mobility, while the Napoleon integrates into a fixed outdoor kitchen setup for a seamless look.
Cooking Area
You get 768 square inches of cooking space with the Blackstone 36-Inch model. This large surface can handle up to 30 burgers at once. The Napoleon insert provides a 26-inch by 16-inch surface, totaling 416 square inches. The Blackstone offers significantly more room for large gatherings or batch cooking. If you need to sear steaks and sauté vegetables simultaneously without crowding, the larger footprint of the Blackstone is the clear practical advantage for high-volume meals.
Fuel Type
The Blackstone is a gas-powered griddle with four independently controlled burners. It uses its own fuel source and includes electric push-button ignition for quick starts. The Napoleon is a stainless steel insert that relies on your existing gas grill’s burners for heat. It does not have its own fuel system or ignition. You must use the grill’s controls to manage temperature. The Blackstone is a complete cooking system, while the Napoleon depends on the performance of the host grill.
Material
The Blackstone features a flat-top griddle plate with a powder-coated black finish. It includes a hood for coverage. The Napoleon is constructed from thick stainless steel, which delivers consistent heat for searing. Stainless steel is known for durability and easy cleaning. The Blackstone’s material focuses on even heat distribution for flat-top cooking, while the Napoleon’s stainless steel construction offers a different cooking surface feel. The choice depends on whether you prefer traditional flat-top coating or the premium feel of stainless steel.
Weight
The Blackstone weighs 128 pounds, reflecting its sturdy construction with side shelves, burners, and a hood. The Napoleon insert weighs only 26.1 pounds. This makes the insert much lighter and easier to handle during installation or removal. The Blackstone is a heavy, permanent-feeling fixture despite its wheels. The Napoleon is a lightweight accessory. If you plan to store the griddle away frequently, the lighter weight of the Napoleon insert is a practical benefit for ease of handling.
Features
The Blackstone includes dual folding side shelves, an extendable side shelf, built-in hooks, and rear grease management. It also features the BAR System for accessory customization. The Napoleon focuses on the core cooking surface with no additional shelves or storage mentioned. It offers easy conversion with quick installation and removal. The Blackstone provides a full cooking station with prep space and tool storage. The Napoleon is a minimalist insert that relies on your grill’s existing features for a complete setup.
Choose Your Griddle Based on Needs
You want a standalone unit with high capacity
The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle provides a large 768 square inch cooking area with four independent burners. This allows you to manage different heat zones for burgers and vegetables simultaneously. Its portable design includes caster wheels and folding shelves, making it easy to move and store while offering ample prep space.
You prefer a compact stainless steel insert
The Napoleon Griddle Insert is a built-in accessory made of thick stainless steel. It fits directly into compatible Prestige or Rogue gas grills, adding a 26 by 16 inch cooking surface. This lightweight option weighs only 26.1 pounds and transforms your existing grill for searing and sautéing without needing a separate unit.
You need easy ignition and wind protection
This Blackstone model features a one-button electric ignition for quick starts without matches. It also includes built-in wind guards to maintain consistent heat during outdoor cooking. The integrated hood protects the griddle when not in use, and the four-burner system ensures even heat distribution across the large flat-top surface.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle with Hood | Large outdoor cooking capacity | Check price of Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle with Hood on Amazon |
| 2 | Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert | expanding cooking space on compatible grills | Check price of Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert on Amazon |
The products compared
Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle with Hood
Best for: Large outdoor cooking capacity
- Form Factor
- Portable (what this guide is about)
- Cooking Area
- 768 square inches
- Burners
- 4
- Cover Type
- Built-in Hood
- Placement
- Outdoor
- Application
- Backyard
View on Amazon: Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle with Hood Affiliate link
This portable griddle features a 36-inch flat-top surface with 768 square inches of cooking area. It includes four independent burners for precise heat control and a built-in hood for protection. The unit weighs 128 pounds and moves on caster wheels. Dual folding shelves provide prep space. It suits you if you need a large, mobile cooking station for outdoor meals.
Pros
- 768 square inch cooking surface
- Four independent burners
- Built-in hood for protection
- Electric push-button ignition
Cons
- Heavy at 128 pounds
- No remote control
- No smartphone app connectivity
Good fit if
- You want a large cooking surface
- You need independent heat zones
- You prefer a covered griddle
Skip if
- You need a lightweight unit
- You want smart home integration
- You prefer a built-in installation
Verdict: Blackstone 36-Inch Portable Griddle with Hood offers substantial cooking space and independent burners. It fits you if you prioritize capacity and portability over weight and smart features.
Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert
Best for: expanding cooking space on compatible grills
- Form Factor
- Built-In (what this guide is about)
- Fuel Type
- Grill Insert
- Surface Material
- Stainless Steel
- 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 is a stainless steel griddle insert for Napoleon Prestige, Prestige Pro, and Built-In gas grills. It provides a 26 by 16 inch cooking surface. The thick steel construction ensures even heat distribution for searing and stir-frying. It weighs 26.1 pounds and measures 28.2 inches wide. You can install and remove it quickly to convert your grill. It suits those who want a built-in look without buying a new unit.
Pros
- 26 by 16 inch stainless steel cooking surface
- Compatible with Prestige and Rogue gas grills
- Thick steel for even heat performance
- Quick installation and removal
Cons
- Limited to specific Napoleon grill models
- No built-in hood or cover included
- Heavy at 26.1 pounds
Good fit if
- You own a compatible Napoleon gas grill
- You want to add griddle cooking to an existing grill
- You prefer stainless steel construction
Skip if
- You need a portable standalone unit
- You do not own a compatible Napoleon grill
- You want a built-in hood
Verdict: Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert is a dedicated insert for specific gas grills. It fits owners who want to expand their cooking options without replacing their grill.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle with Hood | Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 768 square inches | not stated |
| Fuel Type | not stated | Grill Insert |
| Burners | 4 | not stated |
| Surface Material | not stated | Stainless Steel |
| Form Factor | not stated | Insert Top |
| Cooking Dimensions | not stated | 26" x 16" |
| Cover Type | Built-in Hood | not stated |
| Placement | Outdoor | not stated |
| Application | Backyard | not stated |
| Material | not stated | Stainless Steel |
| Features | Wheels, Side Shelf | not stated |
| Compatible Appliance | Griddle | Griddle |
| Cover | Hood | not stated |
| Weight | 128 pounds | 26.1 pounds |
| Dimensions | not stated | 3.2 × 28.2 × 18.3 inches |
| Size | Griddle w/Hood | 3.2" x 28.2" x 18.3" |
| Color | Powder Coated Black | White |
| Model | 2322 | 56094 |
Frequently asked questions
Is a portable griddle better for small patios?
Yes, if space is limited. The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle with Hood weighs 128 pounds and includes a hood for protection. Its portable design allows you to move it easily. This makes it suitable for patios where you need flexible placement without permanent installation.
Can I use a built-in griddle with my current grill?
Only if it matches your grill model. The Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert is designed specifically for compatible gas grills. It acts as an insert to expand cooking space. You must verify compatibility before purchasing, as it is not a standalone unit.
Which griddle is heavier and harder to move?
The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle is significantly heavier. It weighs 128 pounds, making it a substantial unit despite its portable wheels. In contrast, the Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert weighs only 26.1 pounds. The insert is lighter because it is designed to sit within an existing grill frame.
Does a portable griddle come with a cover?
Some models include protective covers. The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle with Hood features a built-in hood. This provides protection for the cooking surface when not in use. The Napoleon insert does not include a hood, as it integrates into a larger grill system.
What material is the Napoleon griddle made of?
It is constructed from stainless steel. The Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert uses this durable material for its cooking surface. The Blackstone griddle features a powder-coated black finish. Both materials offer durability, but the construction methods differ based on the form factor.
Is the Napoleon griddle a standalone unit?
No, it is not standalone. The Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert is a built-in accessory. It is designed to fit directly into specific gas grills to expand cooking options. You cannot use it independently without a compatible grill base.
Which griddle is better for large outdoor cooking capacity?
The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle is better for large capacity. It offers substantial cooking space with independent burners. This allows you to cook more food simultaneously. The Napoleon insert is designed to expand existing space rather than provide a large standalone cooking area.
Do I need to replace my grill to use the Napoleon insert?
No, you do not need to replace your grill. The Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert is designed to work with your existing compatible gas grill. It expands your cooking options without requiring a new appliance. This makes it a cost-effective upgrade for specific grill owners.