BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill Review: The Ultimate Backyard Cooking Upgrade?

For years, my backyard cooking was a predictable cycle of triumphs and frustrations. I loved the smoky flavor of a traditional grill, but I was constantly battling its limitations. Flare-ups would char my chicken to a crisp, vegetables would tragically fall through the grates into the fiery abyss below, and the idea of cooking a full breakfast outdoors was a logistical nightmare. I was tethered to the limitations of grill grates, forever dreaming of a more versatile, controlled, and creative outdoor cooking experience. The problem wasn’t just about the occasional burnt burger; it was about the untapped potential of my patio. I wanted to cook delicate pancakes, sear perfect smash burgers with a full-surface crust, and sauté vegetables without losing a single one. This is the exact dilemma that leads so many of us to search for a better way, a tool that can transform a simple backyard into a true outdoor kitchen. The BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill promises to be that solution.

What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Flat Top Griddle

A Propane Grills, specifically a flat top model, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary versatility in an outdoor setting. Unlike traditional grills with grates, a flat top provides a solid, expansive cooking surface that opens up a world of possibilities. It solves the problem of uneven heating with its direct, consistent surface temperature, and eliminates the risk of losing smaller food items. The main benefits are unparalleled control, the ability to cook anything from eggs and bacon to hibachi-style dinners, and the ease of cleanup with a well-designed grease management system. It essentially brings the efficiency and variety of a restaurant kitchen to your backyard.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of a standard BBQ. This includes families who want to cook multiple items at once for breakfast, home chefs who love experimenting with different cuisines like teppanyaki or street tacos, and anyone who entertains guests and wants to put on a show. It’s for the person who values a perfect sear and crust on their burgers and steaks. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who are die-hard traditionalists and live for the specific char-grilled flavor that only comes from open flames and grate marks. If your primary goal is low-and-slow smoking, a dedicated smoker would be a better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A 28-inch griddle is a fantastic mid-range size. Before buying, measure your patio, deck, or balcony space. The BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill has a footprint of 46.45″ wide (including the side shelf) by 21.88″ deep. Ensure you have enough clearance for safe operation and comfortable movement around the unit.
• Capacity/Performance: The 527 square inches of cooking space on this model is substantial. This translates to roughly 12-15 burgers, a couple dozen hot dogs, or a full family breakfast of eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns all at once. The dual-burner system is a critical performance feature, allowing you to create two distinct temperature zones for maximum cooking flexibility.
• Materials & Durability: Look for a sturdy frame and a thick, high-quality griddle top. This model features an alloy steel frame for stability. The griddle plate itself is the star; Blackstone’s Omnivore technology is designed to be warp-resistant and provide excellent heat retention, which is crucial for long-term performance and consistent results.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a rear grease management system are non-negotiable for a pleasant experience. This system funnels grease away from your food into a catch cup, making cleanup dramatically simpler. Remember that a steel griddle top requires an initial “seasoning” process and regular light oiling to maintain its non-stick surface and prevent rust.

Choosing the right outdoor cooking appliance is a significant decision that impacts your entire culinary experience. This griddle represents a specific style of cooking that many find incredibly rewarding.

While the BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill 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:

Unboxing and First Impressions: The BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill

The moment the box arrived, we were keen to see if the build quality lived up to the Blackstone reputation. As one user noted, the unit “came well padded/packaged,” and our experience was identical. Each component was securely braced, minimizing the risk of shipping damage. Assembly was straightforward and took under an hour with basic tools. The instructions were clear, and most parts fit together seamlessly. We did encounter one minor issue, echoed by another user, where the cast iron griddle top didn’t sit perfectly flush on its mounts, causing a slight wobble. A couple of small, heat-resistant washers placed strategically under the mounting pins leveled it out perfectly—a simple five-minute fix. Once assembled, the unit feels robust and stable. The alloy steel frame is solid, the side shelf feels sturdy enough for a full tray of ingredients, and the griddle plate itself is impressively heavy, hinting at its heat-retaining capabilities. It has a no-nonsense, utilitarian aesthetic that screams “I’m here to cook.” You can immediately see the quality in the construction and materials.

In the Field: A Performance Deep-Dive of the Blackstone Omnivore Griddle

A griddle’s true worth is only revealed through cooking. It’s about how it handles the delicate heat for pancakes and the roaring flame needed for a steakhouse sear. We put the BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill through a series of culinary tests, from a full-scale breakfast feast to a weeknight smash burger showdown, to see how its key features translate into real-world performance.

The Omnivore Griddle Plate: A Revolution in Heat and Fuel Efficiency

The centerpiece of this model is undoubtedly its Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology. Blackstone claims this design ensures even heating, minimizes warping, and reduces fuel consumption. Our testing confirmed these claims emphatically. The first step, as with any steel griddle, was seasoning. After washing the surface, we applied thin layers of cooking oil, heating the griddle until the oil smoked off, and repeating the process several times. This created a beautiful, dark, non-stick patina. The heating process itself was revealing; using an infrared thermometer, we noted a remarkably consistent temperature across the entire 527-square-inch surface, with no significant hot or cold spots. This is a common failure point for lesser griddles, but the Omnivore plate distributed the heat from the two burners with exceptional efficiency.

The first big test was smash burgers. We cranked both burners to high, and the griddle was ripping hot in under 10 minutes. We placed balls of ground beef on the surface and smashed them thin. The result was a deep, mahogany-colored crust that covered the entire surface of each patty—something impossible to achieve on traditional grill grates. The heat recovery was instantaneous; even after placing eight patties on the surface, the griddle temperature barely dipped. This ability to maintain high, even heat is the secret to a perfect crust. We also noticed that we were able to achieve these high temperatures without having the burner knobs turned to their absolute maximum, which speaks directly to the fuel efficiency promised by the Omnivore tech. This is a feature that really sets it apart from older models and competitors in its price range.

Dual-Zone Cooking: Mastering the Art of Multitasking

The true genius of the BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill lies in its two independently controlled burners. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it fundamentally changes how you can cook outdoors. It transforms the single-temperature surface of a basic grill into a dynamic, multi-zone cooking station. We put this to the ultimate test with a classic “diner-style” breakfast. On the left burner, set to medium-high, we cooked a pound of bacon and a pile of shredded hashbrowns, getting them perfectly crispy. Simultaneously, on the right burner, set to low, we gently cooked scrambled eggs and poured out perfectly golden-brown pancakes that didn’t burn.

This level of control is simply not possible on most standard outdoor cookers. Trying to manage such different items on a single-zone grill would result in either burnt pancakes or undercooked bacon. Here, it was effortless. The separation between the zones was distinct, allowing us to hold the finished bacon on the warm side while the eggs finished cooking. This versatility extends to every meal. For dinner, we seared thick-cut ribeye steaks on the high-heat side while simultaneously sautéing mushrooms and onions on the low-heat side. This ability to manage an entire meal on one surface without dirtying multiple pans in the kitchen is a massive advantage and a core reason why so many people are converting to griddle cooking. The dual-zone capability makes it feel like a professional piece of equipment, and you can explore this cooking flexibility for yourself.

Design, Usability, and Cleanup: The Practical Details

Beyond its core cooking performance, the griddle’s design incorporates several thoughtful features that enhance the overall experience. The integrated side shelf is a prime example. It’s more than just a place to set things down; the built-in tool hooks are perfectly placed to hang spatulas, tongs, and scrapers, keeping them within arm’s reach but off the prep surface. The shelf provided ample space for a tray of burger toppings, a bowl of pancake batter, and our seasonings. While it lacks a second shelf, the one provided is spacious and sturdy.

However, the most appreciated design element during our testing was the rear grease management system. After cooking a pound of bacon followed by eight greasy burgers, a significant amount of fat had rendered onto the griddle top. With a simple bench scraper, we were able to guide all of the excess grease into a channel at the back of the griddle, which funnels it directly into a disposable catch cup. The process took less than 30 seconds and left the cooking surface ready for a quick wipe-down. This system is efficient, clean, and vastly superior to front-grease troughs that can drip onto the patio or the propane tank. Finally, the two wheels and handle make it reasonably mobile. While it’s a substantial unit, we had no trouble rolling it from its storage spot against the house out to the center of the patio for cooking. These practical, user-focused design choices make the BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill a joy to use from start to finish.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is largely mirrored by the feedback from the wider community of owners. There’s a strong consensus that the griddle “works great,” with many, like one user, specifically praising it as a “perfect size” for areas with limited space. This sentiment reinforces our view that the 28-inch model hits a sweet spot between capacity and footprint. The “two separate burners for dual cooking” is another frequently highlighted feature, confirming that users are taking full advantage of the griddle’s primary selling point for multitasking during meals.

On the constructive side, the feedback is also consistent and helpful for potential buyers. The minor wobble of the griddle top that we experienced was also noted by a user who fixed it with a washer, validating our quick and easy solution. The most common point of feedback is the absence of an included lid or cover. As one reviewer points out, “It does not come with a lid but the correct Blackstone lids are under $100 and the off brands are about half of that.” This is a crucial piece of information for budgeting, as a cover is essential for protecting the griddle surface from the elements.

How Does It Compare? BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill vs. The Competition

No product exists in a vacuum. The BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill shines in its category, but depending on your specific needs, an alternative might be a better fit. Here’s how it stacks up against other popular outdoor cooking appliances.

1. ROVSUN 3 Burner Propane Gas Stove

The ROVSUN 3 Burner Propane Gas Stove is a completely different beast, built for power rather than finesse. With a massive 225,000 BTU output, this is a high-intensity burner stand designed for large pots, woks, and turkey fryers. It’s not a griddle. Someone would choose the ROVSUN for large-scale outdoor cooking tasks like brewing beer, canning, or hosting a crawfish boil. It excels at boiling huge quantities of water or oil quickly. If your primary need is cooking directly on a flat top surface for items like burgers, pancakes, or cheesesteaks, the Blackstone is unequivocally the correct choice. The ROVSUN is for the user who needs raw, powerful flame for large-vessel cooking.

2. BLACKSTONE 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle

Here we have a direct sibling, the Blackstone 22″ Omnivore Flexfold Griddle. The core technology—the Omnivore plate and dual burners—is similar, but the form factor is different. The 22-inch model is significantly smaller and features a “Flexfold” stand designed for maximum portability. This is the griddle you buy for camping, tailgating, or if you have a very small balcony. You sacrifice significant cooking surface area for that portability. The BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill is the superior choice for a primary backyard griddle where you’ll be cooking for four or more people regularly. The 22″ model is the perfect companion for adventures on the go.

3. Monument Grills Mesa415BZ 4+1 Propane Grill

The Monument Grills Mesa415BZ represents the traditional alternative to a flat top griddle. This is a classic propane grill with four main burners under grates and a separate side burner. It’s designed for those who want the quintessential barbecue experience: distinct sear marks, the smoky flavor from drippings vaporizing on flavorizer bars, and the ability to do indirect cooking with a closed lid. You would choose the Monument Grill if your heart is set on grilling classic steaks, chicken breasts, and corn on the cob over an open flame. You would choose the Blackstone if your culinary ambitions include breakfast, fried rice, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly crusted smash burgers—things a traditional grill simply cannot do.

The Final Verdict: Is the BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill Right for You?

After extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently say that the BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill is a superb outdoor cooking appliance that delivers on its promises. Its key strengths lie in the technologically advanced Omnivore griddle plate, which provides incredibly even heat and fuel efficiency, and the highly versatile dual-burner system that unlocks true multi-zone cooking. The generous 527-square-inch surface is the perfect size for most families, and thoughtful design touches like the side shelf and rear grease management make it a pleasure to use. While the lack of an included lid and the potential need for a minor assembly tweak are small drawbacks, they don’t detract from its outstanding core performance.

We wholeheartedly recommend this griddle to any home cook looking to break free from the constraints of a traditional grill and expand their outdoor menu. If you dream of making diner-style breakfast on your patio, searing perfect hibachi dinners, or creating the ultimate smash burgers, this is the tool that will make it happen. It offers an incredible combination of performance, size, and value that is hard to beat. If you’re ready to transform your backyard cooking experience, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability for the BLACKSTONE 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle 2 Burner Flat Top Grill.