Researched comparisonLast updated September 2026 · How we review
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Quick Answer
For the lowest price, the Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner at $399 is the standard choice and lists 720 square inches of cooktop with 60,000 BTUs. Blackstone’s version with a built-in hood costs $539.99. The Camp Chef Gridiron Pro 36 ($599.99) adds a hinged lid, a side burner, and a preseasoned surface, and the Traeger Irontop ($599.99) lists 648 square inches with wind guards on all sides and a 3 year warranty.
- Blackstone 36 in 4 Burner: best for buyers who want a 720 sq in, 60,000 BTU griddle at the lowest price and don’t need a hood.
- Blackstone Original 36 in with Hood: best for buyers who want a built-in hood and the largest cooking area here (768 sq in).
- Camp Chef Gridiron Pro 36: best for buyers who want a hinged lid, a side burner and a preseasoned surface (634 sq in).
- Traeger Irontop 4-Burner: best for buyers who want 360 degree wind guards and a hinged lid with 648 sq in and a 3 year limited warranty.
Prices as of September 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT.
Outdoor griddles have taken over a lot of backyard grill space because they cook breakfast, smash burgers, and fried rice equally well. This comparison covers four 36 inch class, four burner griddles from Blackstone, Camp Chef, and Traeger, so you can see what the extra money buys at each step.
How We Chose
We picked the three best known outdoor griddle brands that sell a four burner, 36 inch class flat top on Amazon, and included two Blackstone models because the hood is a common upgrade question. We compared price, cooking area, lid or hood, weight, and warranty, taking each value from the manufacturer’s page where it gave one for the model and from the Amazon listing otherwise, and each cell says which. Where a manufacturer page did not name the exact model we say so, and the weights are not all measured the same way (Traeger gives assembled and packaged weight, the Amazon listings do not say). This is a researched comparison, not a hands-on test of these griddles, so the comparison rests on manufacturer specifications and Amazon listing details. All four listings are available on Amazon. Prices are Amazon prices checked in September 2026 and can change. The warranty column comes from each manufacturer’s own website, checked in September 2026, and for the Camp Chef we also show the Amazon listing’s longer terms because its page is brand-wide. Where a manufacturer page covers a product line and does not name the model, or gives no length, the cell says so, and terms can differ by size or color, so confirm before you buy.
The Lineup
Prices as of September 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Amazon may show a different seller than the brand or Amazon.com. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner Griddle Cooking Station
$399.00 as of Sep 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT on Amazon · 720 sq in, best price
Best for: buyers who want a 720 sq in, 60,000 BTU griddle at the lowest price and don’t need a hood.
This is the classic Blackstone flat top. The listing describes four independently controlled stainless steel burners totaling 60,000 BTUs, a 720 square inch steel griddle, a front grease management system, foldable legs, a grease pan, and a storage rack. It is freestanding and wheeled, and the listing does not include a lid or hood. It costs $200 less than the Camp Chef and Traeger models. It is available on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon →Blackstone Original 36 Inch Griddle with Built-in Hood
$539.99 as of Sep 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT on Amazon · adds a hood
Best for: buyers who want a built-in hood and the largest cooking area here (768 sq in).
This version of Blackstone’s 36 inch griddle has a built-in hood and four burners with multiple heat zones. The hood helps with wind protection and lets you cover foods to melt cheese or steam vegetables. It costs $140.99 more than the standard Blackstone above, and the Amazon listing gives 768 square inches of cooking area and no BTU number in the fields we checked. Blackstone’s page for model 2322 lists the hood and a weight of 135 pounds. It is available on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon →Camp Chef Gridiron Pro 36 Flat-Top Grill with Side Burner
$599.99 as of Sep 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT on Amazon · lid, side burner, and preseasoned surface
Best for: buyers who want a hinged lid, a side burner and a preseasoned surface (634 sq in).
Camp Chef’s Gridiron Pro has a factory seasoned non stick griddle surface, a built in hinged lid for wind protection, a flamethrower ignition, an included Sidekick open flame burner for searing and sauteing, and a heavy duty bottom shelf. It is the most feature heavy, it is about 72 inches wide with the side burner attached, and Camp Chef’s page for the closest model (FTG36CK42) lists 634 square inches of cooking area, 134 pounds and 48,000 BTUs. We show Camp Chef’s weight rather than the Amazon listing’s. Camp Chef’s brand-wide warranty page lists 1 year on flat top grills, while the Amazon listing lists up to 6 years on the body, lid and grates, so confirm before you buy. It is available on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon →Traeger Irontop 4-Burner Griddle
$599.99 as of Sep 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT on Amazon · 648 sq in, 3 year warranty
Best for: buyers who want 360 degree wind guards and a hinged lid with 648 sq in and a 3 year limited warranty.
Traeger, best known for pellet grills, sells this four burner griddle with 648 square inches of cooktop and 360 degree wind guards to hold heat in windy conditions. The listing describes a rust resistant, heat treated griddle coating, compatibility with Traeger’s P.A.L. accessories, and a 3 year limited warranty. Traeger’s support page gives 113 pounds assembled (165 pounds packaged), and says the hinged lid is meant to stay open while you cook. It is available on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon →Our Take
If you just want a large griddle at the lowest price, the Blackstone 36 Inch at $399 is the easy call. If you want a hood, Blackstone’s hooded model is $140 more. If you want a side burner and a preseasoned surface, the Camp Chef Gridiron Pro is the most complete package, and if wind protection and a longer warranty matter most, the Traeger Irontop is worth a look.
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Related in other categories: Best Camp Stoves 2026 · Best Hard Coolers 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Griddle or grill: which should I buy?
A griddle is better for breakfast foods, smash burgers, and stir fry because the whole surface is flat and hot. A grill is better for open flame char and smoke. Many households own both.
How do I keep a steel griddle from rusting?
Season it with a thin coat of cooking oil after each cook and keep it covered. The Camp Chef listing says its surface is preseasoned, and the Traeger listing describes a rust resistant coating, but oiling and covering helps any griddle.
Do I need a lid or hood on a griddle?
It is optional. A lid or hood helps with wind, melting cheese, and steaming, and it protects the surface when not in use. A cover can serve the storage need at a lower price.
What size griddle do I need?
A 36 inch griddle fits most families and small gatherings and offers roughly 650 to 720 square inches of cooking area. A 28 inch griddle suits smaller patios, and larger models suit bigger groups.
