Which is better for a family of five?

The 36-inch Original. Its 768 sq in and four zones let you cook everyone's food at once and keep finished items warm while you finish the rest.

Which is better for camping?

The Adventure Ready 17. At 7 lb with a built-in hood, it packs into a car and sets up on a picnic table in minutes.

Is the 36-inch worth the extra money and space?

If you cook outdoors often for a group, yes. You get roughly three times the cooking area, four heat zones and a full cart with storage. If you cook for two, the 17-inch does the job for far less.

Both use carbon steel plates that last for years if you season them and keep them dry. The 36-inch has more parts, including four burners and a cart, so there is more to maintain.

Do both need seasoning?

Yes. Both have cold-rolled carbon steel griddle plates that need an initial seasoning coat of oil and regular re-oiling to stay nonstick and rust-free.

Can the 17-inch cook for a crowd?

Not in one batch. At about 11 burgers max, you will cook in rounds. The 36-inch handles 24 to 30 at once.

Blackstone Original Outdoor Griddle, 36 Inch 4-Burner Flat Top Grill with Hood, Black vs Blackstone Adventure Ready 17

Buy the 36-inch Original if you cook for a family or a crowd and have a patio to park it on. Buy the Adventure Ready 17 if you want a griddle that fits in a car trunk for camping, tailgating or small balconies. The 36-inch gives you 768 sq in and four independent heat zones; the 17-inch gives you 267 sq in, one burner and 7 lb of portability. Prices vary by store, so check the latest price for each on Deal.ai before you decide.

Ask our shopping agent