Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle Review (2026): Best Flat-Top for Small Spaces

The Blackstone 28-inch is the right griddle when you want full Blackstone quality in a smaller, lighter package. Half the weight of the 36-inch, two independent burner zones, and 448 sq in of 10-gauge cold-rolled steel — enough to cook for 2–4 people without crowding. If your outdoor space is limited or you cook for a small household, start here before sizing up.

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At a Glance

Spec	Value
Cooking surface	448 sq in
Burners	2 independent
Total BTU	34,000 (2 × 17,000)
Weight	75 lbs
Dimensions	44.5” × 19.5” × 33.5”
Steel	10-gauge cold-rolled
Best for	Couples, small families, compact spaces

Pros

• 75 lbs — one person can manage it alone
• 10-gauge cold-rolled steel (thicker than many competitors)
• 2 independent burner zones for high/low cooking simultaneously
• Same front grease management system as the 36-inch
• More affordable than the 36-inch
• Fits on small decks, balconies, and patios

Cons

• 448 sq in limits you to cooking for 2–4 people per batch
• Only 2 burner zones vs. 4 on the 36-inch
• No lid/hood on the base model
• Propane tank not included

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You cook for 1–4 people, have a small deck or patio, want a Blackstone you can manage solo, or are testing flat-top cooking before committing to the full 36-inch.

Skip it if: You regularly cook for 5+ people or want to batch cook. The Blackstone 36-inch is the better investment — the extra surface area is worth it for families.

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How Does the 28-Inch Perform vs. the 36-Inch?

The cooking experience is identical — same steel, same seasoning process, same food quality. The difference is surface area: 308 fewer square inches means fewer items cooking at once. On the 28-inch you can comfortably cook 6–8 burgers; on the 36-inch it’s 12–16. For a household of 1–4 people, you’ll never feel limited. For 5+ people, you will.

The 10-gauge steel thickness is worth noting — it’s thicker than what many competitors put on their full-size griddles, which means excellent heat retention and fewer temperature drops when you add cold food to the surface.

What’s the Per-Burner BTU Difference?

The 28-inch actually has higher per-burner output than the 36-inch: 17,000 BTU per burner vs. 15,000. Total output is lower (34k vs 60k) simply because there are fewer burners, but each zone fires hard. In practice, the 28-inch heats up slightly faster than the 36-inch because it’s a smaller surface to heat. You’re not giving up cooking power by choosing the smaller model.

How It Compares

• vs. Blackstone 36” — Same quality, 308 sq in less surface, half the weight, lower price. Choose based on how many people you cook for. Full 36” review →
• vs. Blackstone 28 ProSeries — ProSeries adds a built-in hood, cabinet for propane storage, and 519 sq in cooking area. Base 28” has higher BTU (34k vs 30k) and costs less. ProSeries 28” review →
• vs. Pit Boss PB336GS tabletop — Pit Boss is a true tabletop at 320 sq in. Blackstone 28” comes on a cart, has more surface, and is more suitable for regular use. Pit Boss PB336GS review →

Our Verdict

The Blackstone 28-inch delivers the same cooking quality as the 36-inch in a form factor that’s manageable for one person, fits on small outdoor spaces, and costs less. For 1–4 people, it’s the right size. For anyone who regularly cooks for more, step up to the 36-inch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many burgers fit on a Blackstone 28?

Comfortably 6–8 standard burgers, or 4–5 smash burgers (which need space when pressed flat). For a family of 4, this handles a full meal in one batch.

Is the Blackstone 28 good for camping?

Better for backyard use. At 75 lbs on a cart, it’s not practical for a campsite. For camping, the Blackstone 17-inch tabletop at 25 lbs is the right choice.

What’s the difference between the Blackstone 28 and 28 ProSeries?

The ProSeries adds a built-in hood, cabinet that hides the propane tank, slightly more cooking area (519 vs 448 sq in), and convenience features (paper towel holder, magnetic toolbar). The base 28” has higher BTU (34k vs 30k) and costs less. Full ProSeries comparison →

Does the Blackstone 28 come with a cover?

No — covers are sold separately. A cover is strongly recommended to prevent rust if the griddle lives outside. Blackstone sells compatible covers, and third-party options also fit.