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REAL FYREBest Flat-Top Griddles 2025: How 304 Stainless Steel Leaves Blackstone Behind in Built-In Outdoor Kitchens
Best Flat Top Griddle 2025: Why Stainless Steel Models Outperform Blackstone
If you’re searching for the best flat top griddle for your backyard in 2025, you’ve likely come across popular names like Blackstone, Blaze, Coyote, Wildfire, and Twin Eagles. While Blackstone griddles dominate the entry-level market, their carbon steel surfaces can struggle in permanent outdoor kitchens where durability, rust resistance, and low maintenance matter most. In this guide, we break down why premium stainless steel griddles consistently outperform Blackstone for long-term use—so you can choose the perfect model for your space, cooking style, and backyard goals.
Why Blackstone Griddles Fall Short for Built-In Outdoor Kitchens
Neglected carbon steel griddles can rust quickly outdoors—especially when built into BBQ islands without proper protection or care.
Premium 304 stainless steel griddles like this Blaze Griddle are designed to resist rust, making them a smarter long-term choice for outdoor kitchens.
While the 36-inch Blackstone griddle is a backyard favorite for casual cooking, it’s not always the right choice for a built-in outdoor kitchen. Blackstone’s carbon steel surface requires constant seasoning, careful cleaning, and full protection from moisture—otherwise, rust can set in fast, especially in humid or coastal climates. Unlike premium stainless steel griddles, Blackstone models can warp, corrode, and become high-maintenance when exposed to the elements year-round.
Pro Tip: A built-in griddle should be as durable as the island around it. If you’re investing in an outdoor kitchen, look for 304 stainless steel griddles from brands like Blaze, Coyote, Twin Eagles, or Wildfire. These models are designed to withstand the weather, require less upkeep, and maintain their sleek look over time.
Blackstone vs. the Competition—Which Backyard Griddle Really Delivers?
Griddle performance isn’t just about size, BTUs, or flashy features—it’s about materials, durability, and long-term value. While Blackstone griddles offer affordability, they fall short in built-in outdoor kitchens where rust resistance and low maintenance matter most. Below, we’ve compared the best flat top griddles of 2025 to help you choose the right model for your cooking style, space, and backyard setup.
| Griddle Model | Cooking Performance | BTUs / Burners |
|---|---|---|
 36 Inch Blackstone Griddle | Single-sheet carbon steel top that’s prone to rust, warping, and uneven heat. Lacks true zoned heat control and isn’t ideal for built-in use. A decent starter griddle, but requires frequent upkeep and protection from the elements. | 60,000 BTUs (4 burners) |
 Blaze LTE+ 30-Inch Gas Griddle | 304 stainless steel, reinforced cold-rolled steel surface, dual griddle burners (30,000 BTUs), flame thrower ignition, LED-lit knobs, spring-assisted hood. | 30,000 BTUs (2 burners) |
 Twin Eagles 30-Inch Teppanyaki Griddle | Made in USA with 304 stainless steel, dual burners (40,000 BTUs), hot surface ignition, LED control lights, solid stainless top cover for durability. | 40,000 BTUs (2 burners) |
 Wildfire Ranch PRO 15-Inch Gas Side Griddle | Compact built-in design with black 304 stainless steel, single burner (17,000 BTUs), LED knob, heat indicator, perfect for sides & small meals. | 17,000 BTUs (1 burner) |
 Coyote 30-Inch Flat Top Griddle | 304 stainless steel body, dual burners (34,000 BTUs), flame-thrower ignition, LED knobs, compact built-in for outdoor kitchens. | 34,000 BTUs (2 burners) |
Pro Tip: When designing a permanent outdoor kitchen, think beyond just size—look for griddles with true heat zoning and 304 stainless steel construction. Premium models let you cook different foods simultaneously while offering rust resistance and low-maintenance durability for years of backyard grilling
At the end of the day, it’s not just about how many burners your griddle has—it’s about how those burners deliver heat and how the griddle surface holds up over time. While Blackstone griddles remain popular for portable backyard cooking, they simply can’t match the durability, refined heat control, and rust resistance of built-in stainless steel griddles from brands like Blaze, Coyote, Wildfire, and Twin Eagles. For homeowners building a permanent outdoor kitchen, investing in a premium stainless steel flat top ensures better performance, easier maintenance, and a cleaner, more professional look.
Why Blackstone Griddles Fall Short—and What’s the Best Built-In Griddle Instead?
Wildfire’s stainless steel built-in griddles deliver powerful heat and everyday durability—no rust, no high-maintenance hassles.
While Blackstone griddles dominate the portable market, they’re not built for long-term use in custom BBQ islands. Even popular models like the Blackstone 36 griddle with hood are prone to surface rust, and without careful daily maintenance—seasoning, oiling, and covering—corrosion can set in fast. For homeowners investing in a permanent outdoor kitchen, that’s a headache waiting to happen.
That’s where premium built-in griddles like the Blaze LTE+ 30-Inch Griddle, Twin Eagles Teppanyaki Griddle, and Wildfire 15-Inch Side Griddle come in. Designed with durable 304 stainless steel, these griddles resist rust, require less upkeep, and offer smoother, more even cooking surfaces—making them the best built-in griddle solutions for upscale outdoor kitchens.
If you’re serious about outdoor cooking—and want your investment to last—choosing a griddle specifically engineered for built-in use is the smart move. Not only will you avoid the maintenance hassle of Blackstone’s steel plates, but you’ll also get better heat control, cleaner aesthetics, and peace of mind for years to come.
Final Thoughts: Which Flat Top Grill Wins?
When it comes to choosing the best flat top griddle for your outdoor space, it all depends on your cooking needs, design goals, and long-term expectations. While portable models like the 36-inch Blackstone griddle are popular for entry-level use, they often fall short in outdoor kitchen environments where rust, maintenance, and durability become real concerns.
For a truly built-in solution that offers long-lasting performance and premium style, stainless steel griddles from brands like Blaze, Coyote, Twin Eagles, and Wildfire deliver unmatched value and reliability.At Best of Backyard, we specialize in helping you create the ultimate outdoor kitchen with custom BBQ islands, high-end griddles, and everything you need to cook in comfort and style. Ready to bring your vision to life? Click below to explore our outdoor kitchen design services or browse our main site for inspiration and expert support.
Looking for help choosing the right built-in griddle? Visit our Riverside, CA showroom down below, or contact us for personalized outdoor kitchen advice.
❓ Blackstone Griddles FAQ
Does Best of Backyard sell Blackstone products?
No, Best of Backyard does not currently sell Blackstone griddles either in-store or online.
What are the best alternatives to Blackstone for an outdoor kitchen?
If you’re investing in an outdoor kitchen, skip the maintenance-heavy carbon steel and go for a Blaze griddle, Twin Eagles Teppanyaki Griddle, Coyote 30-Inch Griddle or Wildfire 15-Inch Griddle. These built-in models provide lasting performance, easier care, and stylish finishes—ensuring your backyard setup stays beautiful for years to come.
What is the best built-in griddle for a custom BBQ island?
The best built-in griddle depends on your cooking style and space, but top-rated options include the Blaze LTE+ Griddle, Coyote 30-Inch Flat Top Griddle, Twin Eagles Teppanyaki Griddle, and Wildfire 15-Inch Side Griddle. All of these models are specifically designed for built-in installation, long-term durability, and upscale outdoor cooking.
Why is stainless steel better than carbon steel for outdoor griddles?
Stainless steel resists rust, corrosion, and weather damage much better than carbon steel—especially in long-term outdoor installations. While Blackstone griddles need regular seasoning and care, 304 stainless steel models deliver a lower-maintenance and longer-lasting solution. That’s why they’re often considered the best flat top griddle for built-in BBQ islands.
How does a Blaze griddle compare to other premium griddles?
The Blaze griddle stands out for its combination of high performance, durability, and value. Made with 304 stainless steel and backed by a lifetime warranty, the Blaze LTE+ 30-Inch Griddle offers excellent heat control, an easy-to-clean surface, and premium features like LED knob lighting—all at a more accessible price point than some luxury competitors. For homeowners seeking the best built-in griddle without breaking the bank, Blaze remains one of the top choices.
