Our 36" Blackstone/air fryer combo a Wal-Mart exclusive for $500 has been a work horse and we love the air fryers. The BS does have cooler spots around the edges when all burners are on but, the main spot you'll be cooking on is NOT the edges and it is actually nice to be able to move food to the edges when needed. I will say if I was batching out hundreds of smash burgers and needed the whole surface to be even I'd think different.
Good review Ricer! I like that the Traeger can weigh the propane tank to let you know how much gas you have left. I like the drain system better, and the sturdier lid. If I were in the market for a new griddle, it would be the Flatrock hands down.
Heck ya Rus!!!! You get a few more features for the same price on the Traeger. I hope someday they move that grease hole and then the FlatRock will be untouchable!!! Thanks for watching brother!!
Great video, Ricer! I couldn’t agree with you more on your overall assessment. I remember cooking on the Traeger with you at the car show and that grease hole in the front dang near burnt off my arm hair when I was smashing those burgers lol. It’s a nice cooker though. I like some of the added ingenuity and features that were obviously well thought out. Cheers 🍻
I really want a black stone. But the more I see about the two. I’m leaning hard towards the flat rock. With all the others available I still need to investigate. But I know for now the Weber is also off the table.
Howdy Ricer on the last day of 2023. Once again I don't know how I missed this video. That said well done. Good review, I was surprised you didn't complain some about the size of the casters. After all the casters are ALWAYS not big enough, right? 😅 Anyway have a great new years eve and a even better new year. Honestly I'm looking forward to seeing 2023 in my rear view mirror 😮. 😊
Great review Jeff! Definitely agree on all your points! I have a blackstone and definitely they need some improvement on the grease mgt. Always informative videos ! Cheers brother 🍻
Thanks Ricer! Excellent review. - My 3rd year on BS 22" and you call it like it is - I installed my own after market wind-shields on the sides that really help. Yeah, that flaky grease tray in the back (mine is the older one that hooks onto the griddle plate instead of the burner assy) is a weak point.
I agree, time to step up to the plate or be known as the cheap model! We typically cook for 4 but that is 8 for a normal family. These 2 goons can eat like a pack of wolves!!!! ha ha Example, my oldest eats 7 eggs for breakfast every morning!!!!! hahaha Thanks for watching Rob!!
I have this exact blackstone griddle and the grease catch is my biggest issue, then the next is seasoning the sides and a few “cold” spots in the corners where it remains sticky rather than being a nice clean surface. Also not sure if it’s just mine but my griddle wants to constantly move forward so I often have to use a rubber mallet to get it back in place.
Wow just watching this makes me want avoid the blackstone 100%. Just the part where you have to skip the 1 screw on a $900 grill was enough to make me want to avoid it. Thanks for making this video.
Question on the location for the grease trap on the Traeger...is it something that can really burn you or is it just uncomfortable? And if you wear gloves does that alleviate it? Seems like cooking and avoiding something right there at the front could be an issue...
It is just uncomfortable, if you wee to cook on it for hours you will certainly need a welding style glove on your left hand. But to wipe up some smash burgers, it really isn't an issue!! Thanks for watching!!!
@@SmokedBBQSource Could you set a bacon press over the hole to block the heat when you’re not scraping grease into it or would that affect how the griddle cooks? My son in law just bought the Traeger.
How do the Traeger shelves feel in person? Every store I go to they are bent. At my local HD they were bent so bad they had to remove the floor model for a time.
Mine are very solid and I use the Flatrock griddle once a week still!!! But the boys and I put them on right, hardware store dudes don't give a crap when they install BBQ Equipment. They are more interested in getting home to play Nintendo!! Thanks for watching!!
I don't have either but am looking hard. IMHO Blackstone is flimsy and grease catcher is especially poor. I've looked at several at many different places...including Costco. Bread test on both from other TH-camrs shows a big hot spot in the center of the Blackstone and some people say you can't season the corners 'cause you can't get them hot enough. This isn't a problem on the Traeger which won the bread test on another TH-camr's review of six brands/models. Can't beat the large shelves on the Traeger, they look and feel great when I've looked at them at Ace Hardware stores near me. I've had a Camp Chef 36" Woodwind smoker for years and that is a big problem...not enough flat space for things you need while cooking. A knock on the Traeger is while the pop 'n lock system looks good, seems to work well, the only cover for the Traeger requires the shelves to be folded down and the pop 'n lock accessories have to come off...maybe not the hooks, but everything else. Traeger needs to make a cover that is generous enough in size to cover the unit with shelves up and pop 'n lock accessories attached. Here in Florida we have super high humidity and temp which makes everything rust. If I spend this kind of money, I don't want to be fighting back the rust after 3 or 4 years like I am on my smoker. I like the wrinkle paint on the Traeger better bc it would seem to be a heavier film thickness, which is going to be better at resisting rust. Blackstone seems like ordinary single coat of spray paint. I'm really interested in the new-ish Recteq Ironwood 600 griddle. I like wood pellets as a fuel source, easier to buy, easier to deal with. People online debate whether or not it adds smoke flavor with some saying top up means no smoke flavor, top down adds a little. Honestly I don't think I care, But mainly, for $100 more it looks like a tank and uses real 304 stainless steel vs. mild stainless for the shiny parts (cover especially). Much less likely to rust, but I haven't laid my hands on one yet to check out the build quality for myself. When i'm pushing or pulling it around my patio it needs to feel super solid. Full line Reqtec dealers are hard to find. Knock on Recteq might be single zone heating, but there doesn't appear to be any restriction on cooking with the lid down for melting cheese, steaming veggies, or just protecting if it happens to rain during a cook. How well any of these roll is a big deal for me. Where I would keep it and where I cook on it are two different places. Same with my smoker which is built very well and has been wheels that turn freely.. BTW - I also can't find a Weber Slate anywhere, and I've yet to find a CampChef griddle anywhere either. Appreciate any/all comments.
I still have the FlatRock and I plan to keep it. I also have the new Weber Searwood and I am super impressed with the griddle accessory, does a great job because of the heat deflector design. Stays pretty even across the whole griddle top. It isn't perfect and the wheels and peg legs are horrible but I am happy with what Weber did with that unit too. Good luck on your search but it sounds like you got a good idea on what to expect from each model you are looking at. Thanks for watching!
@@SmokedBBQSourceThank you. The Recteq went on sale for Labor Day and I pulled the trigger. Delivery in a few days. I’m a little nervous taking the road less traveled. Bought from Ace Hardware bc they will assemble and deliver and they honored Reqteq’s online price.
@@SmokedBBQSource yeah I can’t find too much online myself. I think it’s just a Home Depot voluntary buy back. I’m a truck driver and I’ve picked up everyone Home Depot has in my area the last couple weeks all going back to the distribution center
Blackstone has since discontinued the 1901 Pro 28" we reviewed in this comparison. The closest model would be the 28" Griddle W/Air Fryer blackstone-products.sjv.io/6eNBQN You can get the Traeger Flatrock here: traeger.uym8.net/R594N7
I wouldnt touch those $900 treager or blackstones grills with a 10foot pole. The walmart $397 blackstone for $500 less is a much better deal and heres why. While the traeger has u shaped burners thats where the upsell ends, the blackstone 36 4 burner at walmart for 397 has both of these grills beat hands down with a few mods. 1st off the walmart version uses the cross braced hood just like the treager wich helps with warpring, for $15 you can add wind shields to the walmart version wich comes stock with 4 360° casters and a useless towel bar, why useless, let a lil wind blow and watch how fast the towels come flying off. Next is the regulator upgrade, shltcan the blackstone oem 1psi reg and replace it with a bayou classic 10psi adjustable or a amazon no name and youll have a better grill than either of these and lastly the treager doesnt appear to have any way to block off the grease trap, why is that important? Because youre gonna continously drop food into to hole,, while the blackstone isnt much better the verticle hole permits the addition of a magnetic gate to block food loss,, so dollar for dollar the walmart blackstone $397 special is hands down the grill you want to purchase... Not to mention its a very easy build, legs just fold out, oh and lastly the not included under storage boxes can be had at home depot for under $10 vs the blackstone $57ea price, buy the yellow top hdx 7gal storage bins theyre a perfect fit for the rails...
There’s nothing high end about any of the top selling brands of these, have a black stone griddle and a Traeger pellet smoker/grill. The only thing traeger does better is put heavier layer of pain on all the defects and horrible welds. It helps it look and feel better by touch but there were no quality differences between the two.
I received a 22 inch Blackstone as a gift on June 21, 2024. While assembling the unit a problem arose. Due to a manufacturing defect the grill would not fit onto the grill body. I notified customer support on the same day. They requested pictures of the problem which I sent that day. FOR ALMOST TWO (2) WEEKS I HEARD NOTHING FROM BLACKSTONE CUSTOMER SUPPORT. THEN AFTER TWO WEEKS THEY WANTED MORE PICTURES!! I responded that they had all the pictures they needed and should quit the runaround and send me the part! Today is July 8th and still nothing from them! They have the WORST CUSTOMER SUPPORT OF ANY COMPANY I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH AND I AM IN MY 70s!!! Good luck if you ever buy anything from this company!!
Ok let me dumb it down for you, Traeger has 1 model, Blackstone has 100's of different models. I compared a Blackstone that was in the same price range to the ONLY Traeger flattop made so far.
I love the fact that Blackstone is getting pushed by competitors to help advance the whole griddle market. Nice job my man.
Agree Tommy!! They either step up and make im provements of they get lost in the weeds!! Thanks for watching bud!!!
I’ve got a Traeger. Friend has a Blackstone.
I made the right choice.
I agree!! I like the Traeger a tad better! Thanks for watching!!
Our 36" Blackstone/air fryer combo a Wal-Mart exclusive for $500 has been a work horse and we love the air fryers. The BS does have cooler spots around the edges when all burners are on but, the main spot you'll be cooking on is NOT the edges and it is actually nice to be able to move food to the edges when needed. I will say if I was batching out hundreds of smash burgers and needed the whole surface to be even I'd think different.
Good review Ricer! I like that the Traeger can weigh the propane tank to let you know how much gas you have left. I like the drain system better, and the sturdier lid. If I were in the market for a new griddle, it would be the Flatrock hands down.
Heck ya Rus!!!! You get a few more features for the same price on the Traeger. I hope someday they move that grease hole and then the FlatRock will be untouchable!!! Thanks for watching brother!!
Great video, Ricer! I couldn’t agree with you more on your overall assessment. I remember cooking on the Traeger with you at the car show and that grease hole in the front dang near burnt off my arm hair when I was smashing those burgers lol. It’s a nice cooker though. I like some of the added ingenuity and features that were obviously well thought out. Cheers 🍻
Same Mike, that grease hole can get very toasty but overall the build quality is very solid!!! Thanks for watching brother!!!!
I really want a black stone. But the more I see about the two. I’m leaning hard towards the flat rock.
With all the others available I still need to investigate. But I know for now the Weber is also off the table.
They don't even make this Blackstone model anymore. At least the FlatRock will be around a very long time! Thanks for watching!
Great video. Helped me decide on the Traeger. I noticed on the Blackstone site that their griddles do not have the wind shields either.
Ya, Blackstone already discontinued this model!!! Weird!! Great pick!!
“Pop and lock system”… Definitely a missed opportunity for some breakdancing. Where were you on that? Get your head the game Rice! ;-)
Hahahaha I could dance and I would certainly break something!!! hahaha Thanks for watching brother!!!!
Have you seen the new Rec Teq smoke stone flattop that uses pelllets for cooking.
Yes I have seen it, we are trying to get one in here to review!!! Thanks for watching!
Howdy Ricer on the last day of 2023. Once again I don't know how I missed this video. That said well done. Good review, I was surprised you didn't complain some about the size of the casters. After all the casters are ALWAYS not big enough, right? 😅 Anyway have a great new years eve and a even better new year. Honestly I'm looking forward to seeing 2023 in my rear view mirror 😮. 😊
Heck ya Victor!!! Happy New Year, brother!! I hope 2024 goes a lot better for you!!! Thanks for watching!!
love the looks of the black stone. Traeger does look built better. great review. Jeff
Great review...guess I need a Traeger after all! 👀 🥓🥓
Heck ya, I am happy with both but the Traeger has the edge in this comparison IMO. Thanks for watching brother!!
Great review Jeff! Definitely agree on all your points! I have a blackstone and definitely they need some improvement on the grease mgt. Always informative videos ! Cheers brother 🍻
Thanks for watching George!!!!
Amazing review, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!
Blackstones with the hood (not hard cover) are rated to cook with it closed for 10min.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks Ricer! Excellent review. - My 3rd year on BS 22" and you call it like it is - I installed my own after market wind-shields on the sides that really help.
Yeah, that flaky grease tray in the back (mine is the older one that hooks onto the griddle plate instead of the burner assy) is a weak point.
Ya Garry, that is my biggest complaint about the BS. I hope they redesign that some day!!! Thanks for watching brother!!
@@SmokedBBQSource Maybe there is an after-market opportunity there for somebody - Certainly not rocket science... 😉
Blackstone must make improvements to stay the leader, competition is good. Great review brother! How many ppl you cooking for???
I agree, time to step up to the plate or be known as the cheap model! We typically cook for 4 but that is 8 for a normal family. These 2 goons can eat like a pack of wolves!!!! ha ha Example, my oldest eats 7 eggs for breakfast every morning!!!!! hahaha Thanks for watching Rob!!
I have this exact blackstone griddle and the grease catch is my biggest issue, then the next is seasoning the sides and a few “cold” spots in the corners where it remains sticky rather than being a nice clean surface. Also not sure if it’s just mine but my griddle wants to constantly move forward so I often have to use a rubber mallet to get it back in place.
My griddle doesn't move but I have the cold corners!! Still a nice griddle, other than the darn grease catch!! Thanks for watching!!
Grease trap in the front makes grease management easier , will not buy a black stone for that reason, have a chargriller and saving for a traeger
Yep, way easier! Just got to watch for that heat when you are running it hot!! Thanks for watching!
Wow just watching this makes me want avoid the blackstone 100%. Just the part where you have to skip the 1 screw on a $900 grill was enough to make me want to avoid it. Thanks for making this video.
Thanks for watching!
Love this plan on getting flat rock
Awesome choice!
Question on the location for the grease trap on the Traeger...is it something that can really burn you or is it just uncomfortable? And if you wear gloves does that alleviate it? Seems like cooking and avoiding something right there at the front could be an issue...
It is just uncomfortable, if you wee to cook on it for hours you will certainly need a welding style glove on your left hand. But to wipe up some smash burgers, it really isn't an issue!! Thanks for watching!!!
@@SmokedBBQSource Could you set a bacon press over the hole to block the heat when you’re not scraping grease into it or would that affect how the griddle cooks? My son in law just bought the Traeger.
How do the Traeger shelves feel in person? Every store I go to they are bent. At my local HD they were bent so bad they had to remove the floor model for a time.
Mine are very solid and I use the Flatrock griddle once a week still!!! But the boys and I put them on right, hardware store dudes don't give a crap when they install BBQ Equipment. They are more interested in getting home to play Nintendo!! Thanks for watching!!
If the deciding factor is the grease catch system. I’m saving $500 and going with the Blackstone. I’m ok with wiping up a small mess.
Those griddles in the review are the same price.
Ole reliable is called that for a reason.
IMHO it’s a tough sell for “most” when a griddle approaches 1K. Ole reliable at Costco is $400.
Do you cook in a garage? That would make weather so much easier to deal with
Yes, my studio is setup with a nice exhaust system now and where I live, I have to be inside during the winter months! Thanks for watching!!
Blackstone has a 1 year warranty. Trager is 5 years.
I don't have either but am looking hard. IMHO Blackstone is flimsy and grease catcher is especially poor. I've looked at several at many different places...including Costco. Bread test on both from other TH-camrs shows a big hot spot in the center of the Blackstone and some people say you can't season the corners 'cause you can't get them hot enough. This isn't a problem on the Traeger which won the bread test on another TH-camr's review of six brands/models. Can't beat the large shelves on the Traeger, they look and feel great when I've looked at them at Ace Hardware stores near me. I've had a Camp Chef 36" Woodwind smoker for years and that is a big problem...not enough flat space for things you need while cooking.
A knock on the Traeger is while the pop 'n lock system looks good, seems to work well, the only cover for the Traeger requires the shelves to be folded down and the pop 'n lock accessories have to come off...maybe not the hooks, but everything else. Traeger needs to make a cover that is generous enough in size to cover the unit with shelves up and pop 'n lock accessories attached.
Here in Florida we have super high humidity and temp which makes everything rust. If I spend this kind of money, I don't want to be fighting back the rust after 3 or 4 years like I am on my smoker. I like the wrinkle paint on the Traeger better bc it would seem to be a heavier film thickness, which is going to be better at resisting rust. Blackstone seems like ordinary single coat of spray paint.
I'm really interested in the new-ish Recteq Ironwood 600 griddle. I like wood pellets as a fuel source, easier to buy, easier to deal with. People online debate whether or not it adds smoke flavor with some saying top up means no smoke flavor, top down adds a little. Honestly I don't think I care, But mainly, for $100 more it looks like a tank and uses real 304 stainless steel vs. mild stainless for the shiny parts (cover especially). Much less likely to rust, but I haven't laid my hands on one yet to check out the build quality for myself. When i'm pushing or pulling it around my patio it needs to feel super solid. Full line Reqtec dealers are hard to find. Knock on Recteq might be single zone heating, but there doesn't appear to be any restriction on cooking with the lid down for melting cheese, steaming veggies, or just protecting if it happens to rain during a cook. How well any of these roll is a big deal for me. Where I would keep it and where I cook on it are two different places. Same with my smoker which is built very well and has been wheels that turn freely..
BTW - I also can't find a Weber Slate anywhere, and I've yet to find a CampChef griddle anywhere either.
Appreciate any/all comments.
I still have the FlatRock and I plan to keep it. I also have the new Weber Searwood and I am super impressed with the griddle accessory, does a great job because of the heat deflector design. Stays pretty even across the whole griddle top. It isn't perfect and the wheels and peg legs are horrible but I am happy with what Weber did with that unit too. Good luck on your search but it sounds like you got a good idea on what to expect from each model you are looking at. Thanks for watching!
@@SmokedBBQSourceThank you. The Recteq went on sale for Labor Day and I pulled the trigger. Delivery in a few days. I’m a little nervous taking the road less traveled. Bought from Ace Hardware bc they will assemble and deliver and they honored Reqteq’s online price.
I am told you have a recipe for smoked bacon ?
I have a couple videos on my Dead Broke BBQ channel. We will do one here eventually someday too. Thanks for watching!
Opinions now that the flat rock is on a buy back for collecting propane and exploding?
I have not heard that yet. Thanks for sharing!!!
@@SmokedBBQSource yeah I can’t find too much online myself. I think it’s just a Home Depot voluntary buy back. I’m a truck driver and I’ve picked up everyone Home Depot has in my area the last couple weeks all going back to the distribution center
It’s a simple fix if yours is part of the recall. Anything built after October 2023 should be good to go according to their website.
Commenting August 2024...Traeger Flat Rock is at every Ace Hardware in my area.
@@mart0681 it was Home Depot not ace buying them back
Nice review Ricer. If I were to chose between these, it'd probably be the Traeger. Just seems like a better built unit.
Ya Troy, I lean towards that one too if you are looking for a higher end model!!! Thanks for watching brother!!
Oven prices for a griddle ........no thanks.
At that price point I’m going weber slate
Blackstone has since discontinued the 1901 Pro 28" we reviewed in this comparison. The closest model would be the 28" Griddle W/Air Fryer blackstone-products.sjv.io/6eNBQN
You can get the Traeger Flatrock here: traeger.uym8.net/R594N7
I wouldnt touch those $900 treager or blackstones grills with a 10foot pole. The walmart $397 blackstone for $500 less is a much better deal and heres why. While the traeger has u shaped burners thats where the upsell ends, the blackstone 36 4 burner at walmart for 397 has both of these grills beat hands down with a few mods. 1st off the walmart version uses the cross braced hood just like the treager wich helps with warpring, for $15 you can add wind shields to the walmart version wich comes stock with 4 360° casters and a useless towel bar, why useless, let a lil wind blow and watch how fast the towels come flying off. Next is the regulator upgrade, shltcan the blackstone oem 1psi reg and replace it with a bayou classic 10psi adjustable or a amazon no name and youll have a better grill than either of these and lastly the treager doesnt appear to have any way to block off the grease trap, why is that important? Because youre gonna continously drop food into to hole,, while the blackstone isnt much better the verticle hole permits the addition of a magnetic gate to block food loss,, so dollar for dollar the walmart blackstone $397 special is hands down the grill you want to purchase... Not to mention its a very easy build, legs just fold out, oh and lastly the not included under storage boxes can be had at home depot for under $10 vs the blackstone $57ea price, buy the yellow top hdx 7gal storage bins theyre a perfect fit for the rails...
Awesome!!
Weber Slate...JMO
I think we are getting one to test out! Thanks for watching!!
id take a halo griddle over both of these
I hope to test one out someday! Thanks for watching!
blackstone is just good marketing.
And making a lot of different models!!! hahaha But they do a decent job at cooking too!! Thanks for watching!
Theres nothing high end about blackstone.
There still hella dope..
There’s nothing high end about any of the top selling brands of these, have a black stone griddle and a Traeger pellet smoker/grill. The only thing traeger does better is put heavier layer of pain on all the defects and horrible welds. It helps it look and feel better by touch but there were no quality differences between the two.
Why pay 3x as much for a “high end” griddle when a blackstone blows it out of the water?
Customer service, as far as I’m concerned, is the worst I’ve ever experienced at BS!!?
@@TjtYahootrue that
Blackstone has quality issues
Ya, they have gotten cheap on the build materials! Thanks for watching!
Traeger is way too tall for my petite wife. it comes up to her chest and she's 5'2"
Grab the sawzall!!! hahahhaa jk and thanks for watching!!
Halo for the win
That sure is a lot of money to cook a wiener😂
hahahah true!!
I received a 22 inch Blackstone as a gift on June 21, 2024. While assembling the unit a problem arose. Due to a manufacturing defect the grill would not fit onto the grill body. I notified customer support on the same day. They requested pictures of the problem which I sent that day. FOR ALMOST TWO (2) WEEKS I HEARD NOTHING FROM BLACKSTONE CUSTOMER SUPPORT. THEN AFTER TWO WEEKS THEY WANTED MORE PICTURES!! I responded that they had all the pictures they needed and should quit the runaround and send me the part! Today is July 8th and still nothing from them! They have the WORST CUSTOMER SUPPORT OF ANY COMPANY I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH AND I AM IN MY 70s!!! Good luck if you ever buy anything from this company!!
Most of these box store grills are having issues with replacement parts.
It sucks and very frustrating!!
@SmokedBBQSource they could have communicated that to me! Instead they chose to leave me in t he dark!
You are comparing similar priced models, so your comment that Blackstone has more models makes no sense.
Ok let me dumb it down for you, Traeger has 1 model, Blackstone has 100's of different models. I compared a Blackstone that was in the same price range to the ONLY Traeger flattop made so far.
Blackstone build quality has always been shit. And yeah, that grease tray thing f'n sucks lol
Ya they are built a tad cheaper. Thanks for watching!!!