Quick Overview: The Titans of Flat Top Cooking
If you are looking to revolutionize your backyard cooking game, you have likely narrowed it down to two names: Blackstone and Camp Chef. These brands dominate the flat-top griddle market, but they cater to slightly different chefs.
Blackstone is the household name. They popularized the dedicated outdoor griddle and offer a vast ecosystem of accessories. Their units are user-friendly, widely available, and generally more affordable.
Camp Chef, born from the rugged outdoors of Utah, builds equipment designed for versatility. Their “Flat Top Grill” series often includes interchangeable grates, allowing you to switch between a griddle top and a traditional grill grate—something Blackstone generally does not offer on standard models.
So, do you want a dedicated griddle master (Blackstone) or a versatile outdoor kitchen (Camp Chef)? Let’s break it down.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Blackstone (36″ Model) | Camp Chef (FTG600) |
|---|---|---|
| Grease Management | Rear Grease Trap (Excellent) | Side/Front Cup (Good) |
| Versatility | Dedicated Griddle | Interchangeable Tops |
| Heat Control | 4 Burners (60,000 BTUs) | 4 Burners (48,000 BTUs) |
| Build Quality | Powder Coated Steel | Stainless Steel accents |
| Leveling | Standard Feet | Leg Levelers (Built-in) |
Design and Build Quality
Blackstone griddles have a distinct industrial look. They use a heavy rolled steel cooktop on a powder-coated steel frame. It feels solid but utilitarian. The standout design feature is the Rear Grease Management System. This patented design allows you to push grease straight back into a removable cup without it dripping down the legs—a common issue with older griddles.
Camp Chef leans more towards a commercial kitchen aesthetic. The Flat Top Grill series (like the FTG600) often features stainless steel burner housings and sturdy shelves. However, the Camp Chef’s grease management system (usually a hole in the front left corner leading to a bucket) can be trickier to aim for when scraping hot oil compared to Blackstone’s wide rear slot.
Blackstone 36″ Cooking Station
The industry standard. 4 burners, 60,000 BTUs, and the best grease management system in the game.
Check PriceCooking Performance & Versatility
This is the main battleground. If you only want to cook smash burgers, pancakes, and cheesesteaks, the Blackstone is phenomenal. The rolled steel top seasons easily and becomes non-stick quickly. The high BTU output (60,000 on the 36″) creates a searingly hot surface perfect for crust formation.
However, Camp Chef has an ace up its sleeve: Versatility. On models like the FTG600, the heavy griddle top is removable. Underneath, you will find traditional grill grates and heat diffusers. This means you can lift off the griddle and use it as a standard gas grill for searing steaks or roasting chicken. With Blackstone, you are stuck with the flat top unless you buy a specific combo unit.
Choosing the right fuel matters for flavor. Read our breakdown of propane vs natural gas grills to see which setup suits your home best.
Heat Distribution & Control
Camp Chef is renowned for even heat distribution. Their burner design creates fewer “hot spots” and “cold spots” than the Blackstone. If you are cooking 50 pancakes at once, you will appreciate the uniformity of the Camp Chef surface.
Blackstone burners are powerful but can be a bit more aggressive directly over the tubes. However, experienced cooks often use this to their advantage, creating “sear zones” directly over the burners and “warming zones” in between. Blackstone’s controls are large and easy to grip, allowing for precise flame adjustment.
Portability and Setup
Both brands offer portable “tabletop” versions (17″ and 22″) for camping. In this category, Blackstone generally wins on ease of transport. Their portable units are compact, use 1lb propane tanks easily, and fit into carrying bags well.
For the large standalone units (36″), neither is truly “portable.” However, both feature folding legs. Camp Chef’s legs typically fold inward individually, while Blackstone’s often fold in pairs. Camp Chef includes leg levelers on the feet, which is a massive advantage if you are cooking on an uneven patio or driveway. With Blackstone, you might be using cardboard shims to get the oil to flow correctly.
Taking your grill on the road? Make sure you have the right tools. Check our list of best barbecue tools for portable setups.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning a griddle is mostly about scraping. Here, Blackstone takes the crown. Their patented Rear Grease Management System is wide, accessible, and foolproof. You just push everything to the back, and it falls into the cup. It is almost impossible to miss.
Camp Chef’s grease drain is typically a small hole in the front corner. It works, but if you are scraping a large pile of onion bits and grease rapidly, it is easy to overshoot the hole and make a mess on the side shelf. Additionally, the grease chute on Camp Chef can clog more easily with solid debris.
Keeping your gear clean extends its life. Learn about best grill cleaners to maintain your investment.
Accessories and Add-Ons
Blackstone has built a lifestyle brand. You can buy Blackstone branded spatulas, covers, wind guards, egg rings, basting covers, and even seasoning blends. The ecosystem is massive, and you can find accessories at almost any Walmart or hardware store.
Camp Chef focuses more on modular cooking systems. Their “Sidekick” attachment allows you to add a pizza oven or a searing box to the side of your grill. While they have spatulas and covers, their accessory line is more focused on expanding the function of the grill rather than just tools.
Camp Chef Flat Top Grill
The versatile choice. Includes interchangeable flat top and grill grates. Features leg levelers for uneven ground.
Check PricePrice and Value
Generally speaking, Blackstone is the value option. You can often pick up a 36″ Blackstone for significantly less than a comparable Camp Chef unit. They frequently go on sale and offer excellent bang for your buck.
Camp Chef commands a premium price, usually $100-$200 more than Blackstone for similar sizes. However, you are paying for the stainless steel construction, the included grill grates (essentially getting two grills in one), and the leg levelers. If you value versatility and build quality, the extra cost is justified.
Both brands make exceptional products that will cook delicious food. The choice comes down to your cooking style.
Choose Blackstone If:
- You want the best grease management system (Rear Grease Trap).
- You want the most affordable entry into griddling.
- You plan to use it strictly as a griddle (pancakes, burgers, stir-fry).
- You want widespread availability of accessories.
Choose Camp Chef If:
- You want a 2-in-1 unit (Griddle + Grill Grates).
- You cook on uneven surfaces (Leg Levelers are huge).
- You prefer even heat distribution over raw BTU power.
- You want a more commercial/stainless steel look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any rolled steel griddle will rust if not seasoned and stored correctly. Blackstone is no more prone to rust than Camp Chef. You must keep a thin layer of oil on the surface and use a hard cover or soft cover to protect it from humidity.
Yes, both brands sell Natural Gas Conversion kits. However, you must ensure the specific model you buy is compatible, as some big-box store exclusives may differ.
The Blackstone generally has a higher BTU output (60,000 on the 36″ vs 48,000 on the Camp Chef 600). This means the Blackstone can reach searing temperatures slightly faster, though both get plenty hot (over 500°F) for any cooking task.
No, both units typically take 30-45 minutes to assemble. Camp Chef’s leg system is slightly more robust, which might add 5 minutes to the process, but instructions for both are generally clear.
Yes, but you should cover them. Cold won’t hurt the steel, but moisture (snow/rain) will cause rust. If possible, bring the griddle top indoors or keep it heavily oiled and covered under a waterproof tarp.
