BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle Review: The Ultimate Portable Cooking Companion?

There’s a unique frustration that comes with planning an outdoor adventure, whether it’s a weekend camping trip, a pre-game tailgate, or a simple picnic at the park. You meticulously plan the menu—pancakes and bacon for breakfast, smash burgers for lunch, fajitas for dinner—only to be thwarted by your cooking equipment. I’ve been there countless times, struggling with a tiny camp stove that can only handle one small pan at a time, or lugging a cumbersome, messy charcoal grill that takes an eternity to heat up and cool down. The dream has always been a single, portable device that offers the versatility of a full kitchen with the convenience of a grab-and-go setup. It’s a challenge that many outdoor enthusiasts and small-space dwellers face: finding a solution that doesn’t compromise on cooking power, surface area, or portability. This search is what led us to test the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle, a product that promises to be the answer to this very problem.

What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Griddle

A Propane Grills, specifically a flat-top griddle, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary creativity in the great outdoors or on your patio. Unlike traditional grills with grates, a griddle provides a solid, even cooking surface that opens up a world of possibilities beyond burgers and hot dogs. You can cook delicate items like eggs, pancakes, and fish without them falling apart or through the cracks. It allows for perfect searing on steaks and burgers (hello, smash burgers!), sautéing vegetables, and preparing complex one-pan meals like hibachi or fried rice. The primary benefit is this unmatched versatility, combined with the precise temperature control and convenience of propane.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who craves variety in their cooking and values convenience. This includes avid campers, tailgating fanatics, RV owners, and families with small patios or balconies where a full-sized grill is impractical. It’s for the foodie who wants to replicate their favorite diner breakfast in the woods or host a fajita night in their backyard without dirtying a dozen kitchen pans. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who are barbecue purists, dedicated to the smoky flavor that only charcoal or wood can impart. It’s also not for the person who exclusively grills a few burgers and wants the distinct char lines from a grate. For them, a traditional kettle grill or a larger, stationary gas grill might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider both the cooking area and the storage footprint. The BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle offers 361 square inches of cooking space, which is ample for a family of 3-5. More importantly, its Flexfold design allows it to collapse into a much more compact form, making it easy to store in a garage, RV compartment, or the trunk of a car. Always measure your intended storage space before buying.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at the number of burners and the technology behind the heat distribution. This model features two independently controlled burners, allowing you to create different heat zones for cooking multiple types of food at once. The new Omnivore griddle plate technology is a key performance metric here, designed to heat more evenly and use less propane, which is a significant advantage for long trips.
• Materials & Durability: The griddle top is the most critical component. The carbon steel surface on this Blackstone is heavy and designed for great heat retention, but it requires proper seasoning and care to prevent rust. The powder-coated alloy steel frame is built to withstand the elements, and its substantial 78-pound weight, while a factor in portability, speaks to a solid, durable construction.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a rear grease management system are non-negotiable for easy cleanup. A simple tray that catches all the runoff saves immense time and effort. Also, consider the assembly process and the portability features, such as wheels and collapsible legs, which drastically affect the day-to-day user experience.

While the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Alpine Green Adventure

Pulling the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle from its box, the first thing we noticed was its surprising heft and the striking Alpine Green color. This isn’t your standard-issue black outdoor cooker; the color gives it a modern, adventurous personality that feels right at home in a campsite or on a stylish patio. At 78 pounds, it’s clear this isn’t a flimsy, disposable piece of gear. The components feel substantial, from the thick carbon steel griddle plate to the sturdy steel frame.

Assembly is where we encountered the widely reported fork in the road. The instructions are relatively clear, and for many, the process is straightforward, taking under an hour. However, we have to confirm the findings of a vocal group of users who faced manufacturing inconsistencies. During our build, we had to use a bit of muscle to align a few bolt holes for the legs, a frustrating but ultimately surmountable issue. This QC lottery is a significant point to consider, and we strongly advise assembling it at home well before your first planned outing. Once built, however, the patented ‘Roll & Go’ design with its collapsible Flexfold legs is genuinely impressive, transforming the sturdy station into a manageable, rolling unit that truly lives up to its “Adventure Ready” name.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Omnivore to the Test

A product can look great and have an impressive feature list, but the real test happens when the propane is flowing and the food hits the steel. We spent several weeks using the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle for everything from dawn patrol breakfasts to late-night dinners, evaluating the features that matter most: its cooking performance, its much-touted portability, the overall user experience, and the controversial assembly process.

The Omnivore Griddle Plate: A Game-Changer in Heat and Efficiency?

Blackstone makes bold claims about its new Omnivore griddle plate technology, promising more even heat, reduced fuel consumption, and better stability against thermal shock. We were skeptical, but our testing proved these aren’t just marketing buzzwords. The difference is palpable. After a proper seasoning process (we followed the instructions using canola oil, though one user noted great success with coconut oil), the surface developed a beautiful, non-stick patina. Our first test was the classic: pancakes on one side, bacon on the other. With two independent burners, we could maintain a steady medium heat for the pancakes while crisping up the bacon on high. We found virtually no hot spots; the pancakes browned evenly from edge to edge, a feat that eludes many lesser griddles. As one user aptly put it, the “surface gets super hot and cooks evenly.”

We then moved on to smash burgers, the ultimate test of a griddle’s searing power. The Omnivore plate got screaming hot, and the moment the seasoned beef hit the steel, it created that perfect, crusty sear that is the hallmark of a great smash burger. This raw power is a feature that really sets it apart from typical camp stoves. Furthermore, the built-in wind guards, a key upgrade in this model, proved their worth during a breezy afternoon cookout. One owner confirmed our findings, noting it “performs well at the beach.” This design maintains consistent temperatures, preventing frustrating heat loss and, by extension, saving propane—a critical factor when you’re off the grid. The efficiency is noticeable; we got more cooking time out of a single 1lb propane canister than we’ve experienced with other portable cooktops.

“Roll & Go” Portability: The Flexfold Design in Action

The single greatest innovation of the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle is its portability system. For years, Blackstone owners have had to choose between a tabletop model that requires a separate, sturdy table, or a larger cart model that’s mostly stationary. This griddle brilliantly bridges that gap. The Flexfold legs are the star of the show. With a few simple latches, the entire stand collapses inward, and the griddle can then be tilted back onto its sturdy wheels, allowing you to roll it like a piece of luggage. We wheeled it across grass, gravel, and pavement with ease. It’s an elegant and incredibly effective solution.

However, let’s address the 78-pound weight. While the “Roll & Go” system makes moving it on the ground effortless, lifting it into the back of an SUV or truck is still a two-person job for many, or a significant lift for one strong person. It’s not “lightweight,” but it is “portable” in the truest sense of being easy to transport and set up anywhere. Users who gifted it for camping confirmed it is “awesome and will be absolutely perfect for camping as well as home use.” It completely eliminates the need to pack a separate table, saving valuable space and setup time. Compared to a Coleman camping stove, one user declared it “Much easier,” and we wholeheartedly agree. The integrated design is a massive quality-of-life improvement for anyone who frequently cooks away from home.

The Assembly Gauntlet: A Tale of Two Experiences

We cannot, in good faith, write this review without dedicating a section to the most polarizing aspect of this product: assembly. Reading through user feedback reveals a stark dichotomy. On one side, you have numerous owners who state it was “easy to put together” or that they “had it built and ready to season in under an hour.” On the other, a significant and vocal group reports a nightmare scenario of misaligned holes, bad welds, stripped threads full of slag, and parts damaged in transit. One user described it as the “biggest POS I’ve ever had to assemble,” detailing how they needed to hammer out a smashed grease tray and use an angle grinder to make parts fit.

Our experience fell somewhere in the middle, confirming that these quality control issues are real. While most of the griddle went together smoothly, we encountered one leg bracket where the bolt holes were slightly misaligned, requiring considerable force and careful maneuvering to secure the screw. This seems to be a common complaint. The issue appears to stem from inconsistent welding and manufacturing tolerances at the factory. Our advice is simple and urgent: assemble the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle the day you receive it, not at the campsite on the evening of your husband’s 50th birthday, as one deeply disappointed user learned the hard way. When you get a well-manufactured unit, it’s a joy. When you don’t, it can be an immense source of frustration, so it’s wise to check the latest user reviews for recent feedback on quality control before purchasing.

What Other Users Are Saying

Beyond our own testing, we analyzed dozens of user reports to get a comprehensive picture. The consensus is clear: the cooking performance of the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle is almost universally praised. Users rave about its versatility, with one new owner exclaiming, “I bought this just before my stove went out. Now I don’t want to use the stove again. I love it!” Another, a self-described 70-year-old veteran of many grills, called it “by far the easiest to cook on” and lauded its simple cleanup.

The negative feedback, however, is just as consistent and focuses almost exclusively on quality control during manufacturing and shipping. One user’s experience was a comedy of errors: “The grease tray was completely smashed… threads for wheels misaligned… holes for the legs didn’t line up.” Another user received a unit with “shotty welding” where drill holes were completely off-center, making assembly impossible and forcing a frustrating return process. These experiences highlight a significant gamble for potential buyers. While the design is brilliant and the performance is top-tier, the execution from the factory can be a hit-or-miss affair that mars an otherwise outstanding product.

How Does the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle Compare to the Competition?

No product exists in a vacuum. To understand its true value, we need to compare the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle to other popular options in the outdoor cooking space. We’ve selected three distinct alternatives that cater to different needs and priorities.

1. Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner

The Char-Broil represents the traditional, stationary backyard gas grill. It’s a completely different category of cooker, focused on providing a large, permanent grilling station for a patio or deck. With four main burners and a side burner, it offers immense cooking capacity for large gatherings. Someone would choose the Char-Broil over the Blackstone if their priority is backyard entertaining, they demand traditional grill grates for char marks, and portability is not a factor. The Blackstone, in contrast, is for the user who values versatility (griddling over grilling) and the freedom to take their cooking station anywhere.

2. EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill

Similar to the Char-Broil, the EUHOME grill is a large-format, stationary BBQ designed for backyard use. It boasts a massive 46,500 BTU output and enameled cast iron grates, positioning itself as a powerful centerpiece for outdoor kitchens. The choice between the EUHOME and the Blackstone comes down to lifestyle. If your cooking world revolves around your home’s patio and you’re feeding big crowds, the EUHOME’s size and power are appealing. However, if you’re a family of three who wants to cook breakfast on the patio one day and take the same unit camping the next, the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle offers a level of flexibility the EUHOME simply cannot match.

3. Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill

The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is the most direct competitor in terms of portability. It’s a beloved classic among campers for its compact, tabletop design and light weight. However, the core difference is function. The Coleman is primarily a portable grill with interchangeable cooktops (griddle plates sold separately), whereas the Blackstone is a dedicated griddle with a fully integrated stand. The Coleman is the better choice for someone prioritizing minimal weight and packing space above all else. The Blackstone is for the user who wants a larger, more stable, and more versatile griddling surface and is willing to accommodate its larger size and weight for a vastly superior cooking experience.

Our Final Verdict: A Superb Performer with a Caveat

After extensive use and analysis, we can confidently say that the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle is a brilliant piece of outdoor cooking engineering. When it works, it works phenomenally well. The Omnivore griddle plate delivers on its promise of even, efficient heating, turning out fantastic food every time. The Flexfold and “Roll & Go” design is a masterclass in convenience, finally solving the puzzle of true griddle portability. For campers, tailgaters, and small-space dwellers, it offers an unmatched combination of performance and mobility.

However, this strong recommendation comes with a significant caveat: the troubling inconsistency in manufacturing quality control. The risk of receiving a unit with assembly-halting defects is real and should not be ignored. If you’re willing to potentially navigate a frustrating setup or a possible return, the reward is one of the best and most versatile portable cookers on the market. We recommend it for the adventurer who values performance above all, but with the strong advice to build it at home first. If you’re ready to revolutionize your outdoor cooking, you can check the latest price and availability for the BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle right here.