6 Blackstone Grill Alternatives to Help You Make the Best Choice
Comparing Blackstone grills to alternatives like Pit Boss, Camp Chef, Little Griddle, Weber, Traeger, and Royal Gourmet for outdoor cooking options.
Now, if you’re like me and you like keeping up with the trends, you probably already know that there’s a buzz around Blackstone grills. Blackstone grills are versatile, easy to use, and it is very convenient to own while hosting large events.
But Blackstone isn’t the only outdoor grill brand in the market. So I decided to investigate Blackstone grill alternatives and see what else is out there. Based on my research, I came up with this list of the six best alternatives.
You’ll be able to make a good comparison between brands and see which one might be best for your case. I’ve also gathered a list of the most frequently asked questions about the topic to keep you well-informed.
I recently bought a house with a big backyard, so I’m on the market for a grill myself. I can’t spend a lot of money, but I want something decent. So my investigation was thorough. I’m sure that you’ll be properly informed about outdoor grills after reading my guide and will be able to make the best decision.
From Pit Boss to Little Griddle to Royal Gourmet, I’ve explored the best brands and compared them to Blackstone. Here are my conclusions.
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1. Pit Boss
With their official slogan “No game day is complete without Pit Boss,” this grill might be your best pick when watching your most awaited sports games with your family and friends.
To start with, Pit Boss grills use fan-forced convection cooking that keeps the food moist and flavorful. Also, Pit Boss pellet grills have direct flame access that produces beautiful searing results which is all the meat and vegetable lovers could hope for. With Pit Boss, you have options from Wood Pellet grills to Ceramic Charcoal grills and smokers.
Additionally, in the year 2020, Pit Boss grew as one of the top-selling brands in the United States of America marking Pit Boss as the eighth fastest-growing brand in the home and garden category.
2. Camp Chef
We can’t deny that Camp Chef is one of the front runners in the grill markets today – and with great reasons.
Camp Chef Grill’s low-maintenance grilling process provides you the chance to enjoy a cookout with very little effort given to cooking, which gives you the perfect chance to enjoy the event or your time with your loved ones. With the Wi-Fi features of Camp Chef grills, it is made possible for you to monitor the food that you are cooking and adjust the grill to your desired temperature without you getting up from your camping chair every five minutes.
Moreover, Camp Chef grills can hold more than 22 pounds of pellets which is more than enough to slow-cook your meal and bring out its tenderness and flavor. You can also adjust the smoke that you would want to assimilate in your cooking by modifying the smoke number in line with your liking.
3. Little Griddle
Producing durable, easy-to-clean, and well-made grills and grilling equipment, Little Griddle encourages you to “Cook like you mean it.” With 20 years of manufacturing experience, Little Griddle has produced countless ceramic and stainless steel grills that allow consumers to make great food for the people they care about the most, anytime and anywhere.
That said, Little Griddle stainless steel grills have a full-width grease well and generous sidewalls. This also comes with underside cross-bracing that advances even heating on the food you are making. Also, these stainless steel grills have removable handles that allow for easy movement and fast cleaning.
4. Weber Grills
Weber Grills has been manufacturing classic yet sustainable grills since the 50s and since then they have grown from their staple kettle grills to charcoal, electronic, wood pellet, and smart grills that consumers want today.
You can choose from heavy-duty grills to accommodate parties and crowds to lightweight grills that are portable and convenient for camping and family outings. Additionally, one of the winning points of Weber grill is its “smart grill” technology.
The smart grill technology was introduced to the market in the year 2020, what it does is assist the one grilling the food when to flip and serve the food being prepared. You can also set the cooking time to your preferred doneness so that the Weber app can notify you of the step-by-step cooking process as well as provide a countdown to achieve your meal. Lastly, with the use of smart grill technology, you can have access to a vast collection of delicious recipes that you can follow.
5. Traeger Grills
Traeger Grill produces high-quality grills that are versatile and convenient to use. With their “set it and forget it” controls, grilling food with a Traeger Grill is said to be as easy as using an oven. Moreover, you can maintain a consistent temperature and circulate smoke and heat evenly without any troubles, because of this, you can expect great flavored and even cooked meals.
Though Traeger grills may come off as a little pricey to the market, they can ensure that you get your money’s worth with their craftsmanship, premium materials, customer service, and great technology.
6. Royal Gourmet
Last but not least, one of the best Blackstone grill alternatives you could have, is the Royal Gourmet Grill. It’s a relatively recent company, founded in 2015, but don’t let that fool you. With care, taste, and innovation as their top priority, Royal Gourmet makes sure to produce grills that are not only made with reliable quality but are also affordable to the market.
Royal Gourmet grills are sturdy with an easy-to-control temperature that allows you to manage the cooking process quickly and easily. Their top-of-the-line grills have a rotisserie kit that allows you to roast a whole chicken and a 14,000 BTU sear burner to cook juicy steaks.
Their side burner is very convenient for cooking side dishes. Otherwise, you’ll have to use your kitchen cooker, which makes it harder to control everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grill is comparable to Blackstone?
Based on the features, capabilities, quality, and pricing, Camp Chef Grill is the closest comparable grill to Blackstone Grill. That is why both of these brands are front runners in the outdoor grill market. Also, according to other outdoor grilling enthusiasts, even some of the Blackstone Grill and Camp Chef Grill models have undeniable similarities.
The difference solely depends on your personal preference upon purchasing grill units from both Blackstone and Camp Chef.
Is Blackstone really the best griddle?
The term “best” for consumers is completely subjective to your liking, however, if you’re asking if you can get your money’s worth and more with Blackstone griddle, then the answer is Yes.
There are many uses for the Blackstone griddle, you can work on it in preparing any meal of the day, from breakfast to lunch, and dinner. Also, the space of the Blackstone griddle can cater to your needs no matter if you are cooking for yourself or for a crowd of people.
Equally, with proper handling, you are also less likely to burn your food when using a Blackstone Griddle because there is little to no possibility of flare-ups. Plus, cleaning the Blackstone griddle is very easy to do, especially with their patented rear grease management system.
Is Pit Boss or Blackstone better?
Choosing between Pit Boss and Blackstone depends on your needs and preferences. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
- Pit Boss specializes in pellet grills with 8-in-1 cooking versatility, allowing you to smoke, bake, roast, grill, and more. It features an adjustable grill opening system for direct or indirect heat, includes convenient side shelves for storage, and is generally more affordable compared to other pellet grill brands.
- Blackstone offers a large cooktop with independently controlled cooking zones. It is beginner-friendly with an easy setup and cleaning process and reduces flare-ups during cooking.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on which features matter most to you.
Are Blackstone griddles unhealthy?
No, Blackstone griddles are not unhealthy. In fact, Blackstone griddles are specifically designed for high-heat cooking which cooks your food quickly to lessen vitamin and mineral loss, as well as add flavor to typically bland food in order for you to avoid using too much sodium or other unhealthy seasonings.
Additionally, compared to deep frying and grilling your food directly toward the heat, Blackstone griddles are your healthiest option. It prevents you from consuming cancer-causing and high-cholesterol compounds.
However, keep in mind that your process of cooking and your way of handling your food contributes a lot to how healthy the end result is going to be, so make sure to pick healthy ingredients, follow healthy recipes, and avoid burning the food.
What is similar to a Blackstone grill?
A similar option to a Blackstone grill is the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill. It is a strong contender in the category of flat-top griddles, along with the previously reviewed Blackstone and Pit Boss models. The Camp Chef grill features a griddle surface area of 604 square inches, which helps to maintain a slightly more compact overall size for the unit.
What is the highest-rated outdoor griddle?
The highest-rated outdoor griddle is the Blackstone Model 1554, which we preferred over the pricier and newer 1984 model due to its superior value. Another top contender is the Pit Boss PB757GS, which stands out for its size and versatility. Additionally, Camp Chef Flat Top Grills 600 and other portable griddle designs from Camp Chef are highly regarded options.
What are the cons of a griddle grill?
The disadvantages of a griddle include the time it takes to heat up, the requirement for special care and frequent seasoning, and the relatively high cost.
Are Blackstone grills good for steaks?
Blackstone grills are excellent for cooking steaks.
Can you barbecue on a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can barbecue on a Blackstone griddle by adding GrillGrates. GrillGrates not only transform your Blackstone Griddle into a grill, but they also enhance your cooking experience. You can achieve restaurant-quality sear marks and enjoy the sizzling juices, bursts of flavor, and satisfied appetites.
Why is a Blackstone better than a grill?
A Blackstone is superior to a grill because it provides a different cooking experience. Unlike a gas grill that uses direct heat from the flame, a Blackstone griddle offers a unique flavor by cooking meat with its excess fats and oils. This results in juicier, fattier meat and a slightly richer taste, as the fats and oils do not drip from the meat as they would on a grill.
Are burgers better on the grill or Blackstone?
Burgers are juicier when cooked on a flat top like a Blackstone griddle because there are no grates to let the juices and seasonings escape. The sizzling fat from the burger creates a flavorful and moist result, surpassing anything cooked on a charcoal grill.
Why is my Blackstone griddle rusting?
The reason your Blackstone griddle is rusting is due to its iron composition and the presence of oxygen in the air. When water comes into contact with the griddle, it accelerates the rusting process. If you reside near a beach or in a humid environment, the air already contains water particles that contribute to the formation of rust.
Are steaks good on a griddle?
Steaks on a griddle can be incredibly delicious and juicy. The intense heat sears the exterior, resulting in a flavorful and tender interior.
What is the difference between a Blackstone grill and a Blackstone griddle?
The difference between a Blackstone grill and a Blackstone griddle lies in the cooking surface. Unlike a grill’s grate, which exposes food to direct flame, a griddle provides a smooth, flat surface similar to a giant pan or skillet for cooking food.