Blackstone 36" Griddle with Hood vs Blackstone 28" XL Griddle with Hood

Both are Blackstone Omnivore flat-tops with hoods, so the real split is size and heat control. The 36" gives you four independently controlled zones and a much larger 768 sq in cooking surface, which matters when you cook different foods at different temperatures at once. The 28" XL is smaller, lighter and easier to move, with three zones and a higher total BTU rating, but its 613 sq in surface fills up faster. Owners of both praise easy cleanup and the family-cookout experience; the 36" is the better long-term pick for big groups, the 28" XL for smaller yards and simpler storage.

• Choose the 36" Griddle if you regularly cook for a crowd and want four separate heat zones plus the largest cooking surface in this pair.
• Choose the 28" XL Griddle if you cook for a few people at a time and want a lighter, more compact griddle that is easier to move and store.