Blackstone Range Top Combo 28-Inch Griddle with Fryer Review (2026): The Ultimate Backyard Cooking Station
The Blackstone Range Top Combo is the most versatile single outdoor cooking unit in the Blackstone lineup: a 28-inch flat-top griddle powered by 3 burners underneath, two independent side burners for pots and pans, and a 4.3-liter deep fryer drawer — all running on propane, total 65,000 BTU. If you want to griddle, boil, sauté, and deep-fry simultaneously in your backyard without separate appliances, this is the unit that does it.
At a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Griddle surface | 28-inch (3 burners underneath) |
| Side burners | 2 independent |
| Deep fryer | 4.3 L propane-powered |
| Total BTU | 65,000 |
| Weight | 190 lbs |
| Dimensions | 68.25” × 27.5” × 41.25” |
| Fuel | Propane only |
| Best for | Backyard cooks who want a full outdoor kitchen in one unit |
Pros
- 5 cooking zones simultaneously: 3 griddle zones + 2 side burners
- Built-in 4.3L deep fryer powered by propane — no electricity needed
- 65,000 BTU total — more raw output than the 36-inch griddle (60,000 BTU)
- Side burners handle full-size pots, Dutch ovens, and woks
- All-propane — no electrical outlet required for any function
- Replaces a griddle, a camp burner set, and a deep fryer in one footprint
Cons
- 190 lbs — this is a permanent backyard installation, not portable at all
- Walmart exclusive
- Deep frying outdoors requires managing hot oil safely (fire risk if mishandled)
- The 28-inch flat-top has slightly less surface than the 36-inch
- Large footprint at 68.25” wide
Who Should Buy This
Buy it if: You cook for large groups in your backyard and want to do everything — griddle breakfast, boil crawfish on a side burner, deep-fry fish or wings — all at once in one permanent outdoor station. This is a backyard kitchen replacement, not just a griddle.
Skip it if: You mainly just want a flat-top griddle. The Blackstone 36-inch gives you more griddle surface for less money, and adding a separate camp burner for pots is much cheaper than this unit’s premium. The Range Top Combo makes sense when you genuinely use all the cooking modes.
What Can You Do Simultaneously?
The 5-zone setup makes complex outdoor meals possible in one cook. A typical multi-use scenario: griddle side running eggs and breakfast sausage on zones 1–2, leftover griddle zone 3 on low for keeping warm, side burner 1 with a pot of grits or potatoes, side burner 2 holding a sauce. Or: fish frying in the deep fryer, coleslaw being tossed next to the griddle, hush puppies on the griddle itself. These combinations are the reason this unit exists.
How Does the Built-In Deep Fryer Work?
The 4.3L propane deep fryer is the standout feature. It sits in a drawer-style housing on the side of the unit, heats oil to frying temperature entirely on propane, and gives you genuine deep-frying results — crispy fish, wings, doughnuts, funnel cakes. The 4.3L capacity handles a batch of fish fillets or about 1.5 lbs of wings at once. For large groups, you’ll run multiple fry batches.
Important: always use a thermometer, maintain proper oil levels, and never leave hot oil unattended. Deep frying outdoors is lower risk than indoors (no enclosed space), but still requires basic fire safety awareness.
How It Compares
- vs. Blackstone 36” base — 36” has more griddle surface (756 vs ~448 sq in), is much cheaper, and lacks the side burners and fryer. 36” review →
- vs. Blackstone 36” + Air Fryer (1868) — 1868 has air frying (not deep frying) and a larger griddle surface. Range Top has deep frying and side burners. 1868 review →
- vs. Blackstone 28” with Electric Air Fryer — 28” electric air fryer is much simpler; Range Top Combo is the more powerful and versatile option for serious outdoor cooking stations. 28” air fryer review →
Our Verdict
The Blackstone Range Top Combo is the right unit for cooks who want a true outdoor kitchen rather than just a griddle. Five simultaneous cooking zones and a deep fryer powered entirely by propane is a combination nothing else in the Blackstone lineup offers. The 190-lb weight and the premium price mean it’s not for everyone — but for the cook who wants maximum outdoor cooking capability in one unit, this delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cooking zones does the Blackstone Range Top Combo have?
Five: three burner zones under the 28-inch griddle surface, plus two independent side burners. The deep fryer is also powered by a dedicated propane burner, making it effectively six heat sources total.
Is deep frying on the Blackstone Range Top Combo safe?
Yes, with proper technique: maintain correct oil levels, use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature, never leave hot oil unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher accessible. Deep frying outdoors is actually safer than indoors because spills and fire hazards are in an open space rather than a kitchen.
Does the Range Top Combo need electricity?
No — everything runs on propane, including the deep fryer. No outlet is required for any function.
Where can you buy the Blackstone Range Top Combo?
It’s a Walmart exclusive — available at walmart.com and Walmart stores when in stock.
Weber Slate Griddle Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
Weber Slate griddle review — how it compares to Blackstone on cooking surface, heat distribution, cleaning, and price. Who should buy it and who should stick with Blackstone.
Should the Traeger Flatrock Griddle be Your Next Outdoor Cooking Upgrade?
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Traeger is well known for their wood pellet grills & smokers, but they’ve recently gotten into the increasingly popular…
Blackstone Pizza Oven Add-On Review (2026): 750°F Pizza in 2–4 Minutes
Blackstone Pizza Oven conversion kit review — fits 22-inch Blackstone models only, 750°F max, 2 cordierite stones, built-in temp gauge, 50 lbs. 2–4 minute pizza cook time.