When it comes to griddles, Blackstone has been my favorite griddle for such a long time. Its exceptional performance and reliability have won me over time and again and I never thought to compare it to another griddle brand.

But, recently, a new competitor has entered the market, Traeger Flatrock!

Traeger Flatrock is a brand that has gained popularity like wildfire. It reminded me of the excitement I felt when I discovered the Loco Griddle.

Traeger is a well-known and established brand. Traeger has a reputation for producing high-quality pellet grills, it’s no surprise that their foray into the flat top grill market has generated excitement.

Here is a little grillcuisines.com guide about Traeger Flatrock vs Blackstone. We’ll cover

• We will compare two griddles of different brands, Blackstone 36 inches, and Traeger Flatrock.

• We’ll explore each aspect, including price, size, compatibility, material, and warranty, heat distribution, durability, cleaning to know which is better among Blackstone vs Traeger Flatrock.

• Help you to make an informed decision for your griddling adventures.

Let’s explore this sizzling competition and find out which griddle reigns supreme. Check out the detailed comparison between Traeger Flatrock vs Loco Griddle here.

Related > > Loco Griddle vs Blackstone

TRAEGER FLATROCK VS BLACKSTONE GRIDDLE

Let’s delve deeper into the features and comparisons of these two renowned griddles to help you make an informed decision for your next outdoor cooking adventure.

Brand	TRAEGER FLATROCK	BLACKSTONE
Name	Flatrock 3 Cooking Zone 594 sq in Flat Top Propane Griddle in Black	36 in. Propane Gas Griddle Cooking Stations
Material	Carbon Steel	Cold-rolled steel
Price	$899	$469
Cooking Surface Size (Width in.)	36 in.	33 in.
Grill/Smoker Fuel Type	Propane	Propane
Griddle Features	Foldable Legs, Grease Pan, Storage Rack	Grease Pan, Locking Lid/Door, Propane Fuel Gauge, Rust Resistant, Storage Rack, Tool Holder
Fits No. of Burgers	32	24
Assembly Required	Yes	Yes

1- PRICE & VALUE

When it comes to purchasing a griddle, price, and value play an important role in the decision-making process.

We all want to ensure that we’re getting quality without breaking the bank. So, let’s see the price comparison of Blackstone Griddle vs Traeger Flatrock.

In terms of affordability, Blackstone takes the lead. With a price point of around $350 or even less on platforms like Amazon, it offers a budget-friendly option.

With a price of $900, the Traeger Flatrock is positioned as a high-end griddle alternative, competing with the Blackstone 28 XL, a model known for its high-end features.

The Trager Flatrock stands out with its solid and stable rounded structure, even though the Blackstone 28 XL gives a little bit more cooking space.

If Flatrock is a success, hopefully, Traeger will release a more cost-effective model in the future.

Related > > Blackstone Griddle Review (BEST STARTER GUIDE)

2- SIZE

Here is the size dimension of both griddles.

Traeger Flatrock Flat Top grill = 48″ x 26″ x 49″

Blackstone griddle (we are comparing largest model) = 62.5″ x 36″ x 22″

If we compare the size of the Traeger Flatrock with Blackstone, both are a winner. How?

The Traeger Flatrock offers a compact and efficient cooking surface that is ideal for smaller gatherings or limited outdoor spaces.

Its size makes it easy to transport and store when not in use.

The Blackstone griddle, such as the 28 XL, provides a larger cooking area, offering more space for cooking larger quantities of food, perfect for hosting larger parties or events.

Therefore, both the Traeger Flatrock and Blackstone griddles excel in their respective size categories, regardless of whether portability and convenience or the ability to cook for bigger numbers are more important to you.

When it comes to the weight and width of the griddles, the Traeger Flatrock is heavier as compared to most Blackstone griddles.

Blackstone griddles are generally lighter in weight, making them more portable and easier to maneuver.

In terms of width, Blackstone offers a variety of griddle sizes, ranging from compact tabletop models to larger freestanding ones.

This allows you to choose the width that best suits your needs and available space.

The Traeger Flatrock currently comes in one size, so you have a fixed-width option.

3- DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY

When it comes to comparing Traeger flat top vs Blackstone design and build quality, Traeger flat top grills are known for their attention to detail and robust construction.

I was amazed by the flawless fit of every component when I started assembling the Traeger Flatrock. Each bolt slid into position effortlessly.

Usually, grills and griddles use flimsy steel legs or delicate plastic wheels, that crack under the weight of the grill. But not this one!

The cooking surface of the Flatrock is made from sturdy carbon steel known for its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution properties.

While Blackstone is constructed of cold-rolled steel cooking surface that is thick and durable.

Related Article > > Top 4 Reasons For Blackstone Uneven Heating[Solutions]

Actually, both griddles are designed to withstand high temperatures and provide reliable cooking results.

4- BURNERS AND HEATING CAPACITY

Flatrock U-Shaped Burner

The Flatrock has three cooking zones, each equipped with a U-shaped burner that works diligently to maintain even heat across the entire surface.

U-burners essentially double the direct flame coverage on your griddle, eliminating hot spots and cold spots so that you can use every square inch.

The U-shape design is better for heat retention and reduced heat loss.

However, if you start with all zones on high heat, it may be challenging to cool one section without affecting the cooking process in others.

Blackstone Straight Burner System

Blackstone griddle has multiple independently controlled burners, typically two or more depending on the size of the griddle.

Blackstone griddles have straight tube burners rather than U-shaped burners. The straight tube burners provide even heat distribution across the cooking surface, ensuring consistent cooking results.

A straight burner system provides a concentrated and focused heat source, allowing for precise temperature control and targeted cooking zones.

The straight tube design also helps in efficient gas flow and faster heat-up times.

So you must be thinking which one is better?

In terms of performance, both types of burners can deliver excellent results. In the end, everything boils down to personal preference.

Some people may prefer the even heat distribution of U-shaped burners, while others may appreciate the precise control of straight burners.

5- TRAEGER GRIDDLE VS BLACKSTONE – COOK TOP

Traeger Flatrock Recessed Cooktop

The Flatrock has a unique recessed cooking surface that keeps heat in and keeps the wind out.

They named it FlameLock. FlameLock prevents heat from escaping from the sides and wind from entering the cooking cavity, allowing you to cook your food more quickly and effectively than you could with a typical elevated cooking surface.

I think this feature will come in handy if you are living in a cold or windy area.

Blackstone Raised Cooktop

Blackstone griddles have a raised cooktop design. The cooking surface sits above the burner tubes, creating a slightly elevated area for cooking.

This design is better for heat retention and prevents excess grease and food from spilling onto the burners. But it may not be a good choice in windy areas.

In windy and cold conditions, a recessed cooktop design may offer some advantages over a raised cooktop. With a recessed cooktop, the cooking surface is slightly lower than the surrounding edges, which can help to provide some protection against wind gusts.

This design helps to reduce heat loss and maintain a more stable cooking environment. But you can always use wind guards or set up the griddle in a sheltered area, to optimize cooking conditions in windy and cold weather.

6- PORTABILITY AND EASE OF STORAGE

Both Traeger Flatrock and Blackstone griddles offer portability and ease of storage, although there are some differences between them.

Starting with Traeger Flatrock, it has sturdy legs and wheels. You can easily move it around your outdoor space or transport it for outdoor events or camping trips. The Flatrock’s small size makes it easy to store when not in use, saving you room in your garage or storage area.

While Blackstone griddles are known for their portability. They often come with foldable legs and built-in handles, making them highly portable and easy to transport.

You can fold the legs and wheel the griddle like a cart, which is particularly useful for tailgating, picnics, or camping.

Blackstone griddles are also designed for easy storage, as the foldable legs and compact size allow them to be stored in smaller spaces.

Both griddles offer practical features in terms of portability and simplicity of storage. The degree of portability and storage convenience, however, may vary depending on the particular type and size of the griddle.

7- Blackstone Vs Flatrock – Taste Test

When it comes to the taste test, the Traeger Flat top grill and Blackstone griddles both deliver delicious and flavorful food.

But they offer slightly different cooking experiences. Traeger Flatrock griddle has best heat distribution and versatile temperature control, which gives you a precise cooking experience.

Blackstone griddle is known for its high heat output, which is excellent for getting a delectable sear on meats and vegetables.

We know the taste test can vary depending on personal preferences and the specific recipes or ingredients used.

You can experiment with different recipes, seasonings, and techniques to bring out the best flavors from each griddle.

8- Grease Trap System

There is a difference between the Blackstone and Traeger Flatrock griddles grease trap systems.

The Blackstone griddle features a rear grease management system. It has a rear-mounted grease cup or tray that collects the excess grease and drippings during cooking.

The grease cup is removable, making it easy to clean and dispose of the accumulated grease.

Traeger Flatrock griddle has a front grease trap system. It has a slanted griddle top that helps in efficient grease runoff.

The slant allows the excess grease and drippings to flow toward the grease trap located at the front of the griddle.

The grease trap is designed to catch and collect the grease, making it easier to manage and clean after cooking.

The Flatrock’s grease trap system helps in reducing the risk of flare-ups.

9- Blackstone Vs Flatrock – Other Features

When it comes to fuel gauge and customization options, both the Blackstone and Traeger Flatrock griddles have their unique features.

Traeger’s Flatrock griddle comes with a fuel gauge, which keeps you informed about the gas level in the tank.

As a result you don’t run out of fuel unexpectedly during your cooking sessions.

Blackstone griddle does not have a built-in fuel gauge, so you would need to keep track of the gas level in the tank manually.

Traeger’s Pop and Lock system of accessories allows you to seamlessly integrate your existing Traeger smoker accessories with the Flatrock griddle.

The secure roller is a standout feature that can hold a paper towel or butcher paper, adding practicality to your cooking setup.

The Flatrock also has foldable shelves on either side of the hotplate, providing extra workspace when needed.

Flatrock griddle has a well-designed grease trap, a slanted griddle top for efficient grease runoff, a simple propane tank holder for easy access, and convenient burner lights that indicate the on/off status.

All these features make a Traeger Flatrock a user-friendly griddle.

8- WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

Blackstone offers a limited warranty for their griddles, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years depending on the model.

The warranty covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions.

Blackstone stands out when it comes to customer service. If you have any problems with your griddle, they are more than happy to help you and resolve the issue quickly.

Traeger Flatrock is backed by Traeger’s 5-year limited warranty. Flatrock warranty provides customers with peace of mind and shows their commitment to the quality and durability of their products.

Traeger is also known for its strong customer support, providing assistance and guidance to customers through various channels.

CONCLUSION: Traeger vs Blackstone Griddle

It is obvious from comparing the Blackstone vs Traeger griddle that each product has unique strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you’re looking for convenience or features, both griddles have something to offer and something to lack.

Ultimately, the decision between the Traeger flat top griddle and the Blackstone griddle will come down to individual needs and preferences.

The Traeger Flatrock is not cheap and is not in everyone’s budget. I know that the higher price reflects its construction, durability, and performance.

If you’re a first-time buyer or looking for a more budget-friendly option, I think the Traeger Flatrock may not be the ideal choice due to its higher price point.

There are certainly decent griddles available at a more affordable price range.

If you’ve got a large family, or frequently cook for large groups, the Blackstone Griddle may be a better fit.