Blackstone vs. Traeger: Who Makes the Best High-End Griddle?

So, you want to buy a high-end griddle but don’t know which brand to choose. Today, we’ve got a battle on our hands: Blackstone vs. Traeger. Also known as old reliable versus the new kid.

I’ve cooked everything including fried rice, pancakes, and burgers on both griddles to see which is best.

Want to see both gas griddles in action? Check out the video below.

Blackstone vs. Traeger: Which griddle is better?

Blackstone

There’s no denying that Blackstone is the most recognizable brand in the flat-top grill market today. Beginning in 2005 and specializing in griddles exclusively, Blackstone really took off during the pandemic.

In fact, according to the brand, the hashtags #blackstone and #blackstonegriddle have more than 1.2 billion views on TikTok and 99% of videos are from fans.

Traeger

Traeger has been around since 1985. The company is known for inventing and selling the world’s original and number-one wood pellet grill. Traeger’s annual revenue was a casual $656 million in 2022.

Traeger recently decided Blackstone couldn’t have all the fun and threw their hat into the griddle ring with the Flatrock.

Head-to-head

The main difference between these two brands is that Blackstone has an extensive lineup of griddles in all shapes and sizes. This stretches from affordable electric tabletop grills, 36” models with cabinets, and even a griddle with a built-in air fryer.

In contrast, Traeger only has the Flatrock grill, which is high-end for this category. So today, I’m comparing this Traeger grill with a Blackstone version that’s similarly priced and sized: the Blackstone 1901 Pro 28″ Griddle.

Now, rest assured these grills have been put to the test. I’ve got two teenage boys to feed, after all.

Blackstone 1901 Pro 28” Griddle vs. Traeger Flatrock Flat Top Grill

Blackstone

There’s a reason Blackstone griddles are so popular. This 28” version is equipped with everything you need. This includes easy mobility, a large lid, and plenty of storage.

What we like:

• Great storage. This includes a detachable, easy-to-clean shelf and a magnetic utensil strip.
• You can cook with the lid closed as it has a protective layer.
• Inclusions. The shelves, accessories, and storage are all included in the final price.

What we don’t like:

• Not the easiest setup. In the video, you’ll notice we even had to skip a bolt because it just wouldn’t line up.
• The grease management system is quite flimsy and open to the elements. You really have to work to put it in place, and if you don’t, you’re likely to get drips.

Traeger

The Traeger Flatrock Flat Top Grill might be the new kid, but it certainly gives the Blackstone a run for its money. It has the same features as the Blackstone grill, just elevated. We’re talking about better grease management, solid tank storage, U-shaped burners, and a sturdier lid.

What we like:

• An easy-to-maneuver and large grease management system in the front. 
• The additional fuel gauge and flame sensors can be used when plugged in. This tells you when your propane is low so you never run out again.
• Very easy assembly, thanks to efficient labels and packaging.
• The three U-shaped burners with baffles mean better separation and even heat from end to end.

What we don’t like:

• Look, I really like the grease management system. But personally, I’d prefer if the same design was at the back. It’s positioned right where the temperature is nice and hot, so you have to be extra careful.
• You have to spend money on extra accessories included with the Blackstone. This includes a detachable shelf and paper towel holder.

Blackstone vs. Traeger: Head-to-head

Let’s pit these two flat-top grills head-to-head and see which comes out on top.

Cooking surface

Both flat-top griddles offer three burners for even cooking and quick heating. The Blackstone has three singular burners, while the Traeger has three U-shaped burners. 

We think the Traeger slightly pushes ahead as the U-shaped burners mean improved edge-to-edge heat. There are also baffles between the burners for better separation.

As for the cooking surface, the Traeger is 33” x 18” and the Blackstone is 28.5” x 21”. So one is longer while the other is wider. In other terms, this is 594 versus 613 square inches.

With TruZone individual temperature control and heat shield insulation, the Traeger offers three separate cooking zones. The Blackstone also has three adjustable heat controls for individual cooking zones.

So when it comes to cooking surface, we think the Traeger just comes out slightly on top with its innovative U-shaped burners.

Wind-dampening design

Both flat-top griddles feature wind-dampening design. This helps with temperature distribution and heat retention. Honestly, you’ll be shocked at how balanced and even the heat is across the cooking surface.

The Traeger’s FlameLock Construction equals consistent cooking while using 28% less propane than standard griddles. Want fewer blowouts? You need wind protection.

When it comes to wind-dampening design, both grills are winners in my book.

Grease management

Let’s talk about grease management! Now, we love that both griddles include grease collectors, as they make clean-up a breeze. Especially if you’re cooking greasy meat like bacon strips.

But Blackstone’s patented rear grease management system isn’t our favorite. I mean, it’s at the rear, which wins points in my book. But it’s a flimsy aluminum tray you have to awkwardly maneuver into position.

It could definitely be easier to hook into place, as you can expect drips if you don’t line it up perfectly. It’s also a lot smaller than Traeger’s version. Plus, it’s not covered like Traeger’s, either. So if you forget to empty it or leave it outside, you might find a surprise or two in there the next time you use it.

The Traeger has a dishwasher-friendly grease chute that funnels grease and debris directly into the EZ-Clean Grease & Ash Keg in front. A pellet-style grill grease catcher, it effortlessly slides into place. After use, you simply empty the extra-large catcher, dispose of the keg liner, and add a replacement.

The only catch (see what we did there?) is that the temperature does get intense at the front. So you have to be extra careful. Traeger has said they did this primarily so customers don’t have to move their grill to access it from the back. They believe the front placement is both easier and safer.

Between the two, I prefer Traeger’s grease management system. It’s larger, easier to maneuver, and very quick to clean.

Storage

Both griddles have sturdy 17” foldable side shelves. The Blackstone has an additional easy-to-clean detachable front shelf. Its side shelf also includes a magnetic strip for utensils, as well as a paper towel holder.

If you want extra Traeger storage, you have to buy the official accessories part of the company’s Pop-And-Lock (P.A.L.) system. This includes accessory hooks, storage bins, a roll rack, and a cup holder.

As for propane tank storage, the Traeger has a fitted tank hook at the back. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to maneuver a full tank into its place. For the Blackstone, you just pop it underneath and you’re good to go.

Blackstone wins this round price-wise, as all the goodies are included.

Lid design

The Traeger lid is considerably flatter than the Blackstone and offers a very smooth transition. We find the Blackstone lid can sometimes lock for a flimsier transition.

According to the Traeger website, you should never cook with the lid closed. But the Blackstone’s rounder lid includes a heat-proof protective layer and can be closed. So depending on your cooking preferences, Blackstone might win this round.

Assembly and mobility

Both grills feature four caster wheels, which make mobility easy. But Traeger wins the assembly award. Everything was efficiently labeled and packaged.

Without labels, the Blackstone was trickier to assemble. As mentioned, we even skipped a bolt because it just wouldn’t line up. Don’t worry, Ricer assures us it’s still standing!

Cooking performance

We can’t fault either on their cooking performance. They’re both easy to season and heat up quickly. The flat surface and temperature controls meant we could cook lots of different things at the same time.

Traeger’s stand-out feature

It’s evident that both the Blackstone and Traeger grills are extremely similar. But the feature exclusive to the Traeger grill is the fuel gauge and flame sensors you can use with electricity. They’re part of the grill’s digital controller.

We mentioned Traeger’s tank hook at the back and this is fitted with sensors. Once you calibrate it with a full tank, it measures the weight and communicates the data to the fuel sensor. Displayed in 20% increments, with the fuel gauge, you’ll never run out of propane unexpectedly.

Final thoughts

So, does Blackstone or Traeger make the better high-end griddle? 

Use the Blackstone Griddle if:

• You don’t want to spend extra on accessories.
• You’re looking for good storage that includes a magnetic strip and a detachable shelf.
• You want to cook with the lid closed.

Buy today and find out why the Blackstone 1901 Pro 28” Griddle is TikTok’s favorite.

Use the Traeger Flatrock if:

• You want an easier setup.
• You want the added technology of the fuel gauge and flame sensors.
• You want a better grease management system.

Join the Traeger family and buy the Flatrock Flat Top Grill today.

From tacos to chicken fried rice and pancakes, you can cook so much on these griddles. They’re both game-changers worthy of a spot in your home.