Blackstone vs. Pit Boss Comparison Review
The Blackstone vs. Pit Boss debate rules almost all bbq forums. Some BBQ enthusiasts say Blackstone, a relatively new brand, has matched the legendary Pit Boss. But who’s the real boss when it comes to griddles? That’s what this article is all about.
Griddles have come a long way, from the age of stone, brick, and clay permanent setups to the new age of sophisticated, portable modern aluminum or stainless steel griddles that use gas or electricity and tag along with various features for modern barbecuing. They are also large enough to prepare meals for large armies.
Blackstone and Pit Boss are two of the best griddle brands. The two promise graceful searing, grilling, and frying. However, some differences should inform your purchase decision.
The main difference between Blackstone and Pit Boss is the griddle material and the convenience features. Blackstone has stainless steel griddles which are more advantageous than Pit Boss’ cast iron griddles. Besides, Blackstone griddles have better convenience features than Pit Boss. Regarding portability, Pit Boss is a better choice courtesy of the foldable design, which Blackstone doesn’t have.
For more regarding how griddles from the two brands compare, keep reading.
Blackstone vs. Pit Boss
To the main segment of this Blackstone vs. Pit Boss comparison review, how do the two brands stack up against each other?
To help you make the right purchase decision, we have reviewed two of the best-selling models from each brand, highlighting the pros and cons of each.
We have also compared the two brands based on the essential factors considered when buying outdoor griddles. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Comparison Table
Best Blackstone Outdoor Griddles
Blackstone has a wide range of griddles. For this review, we have the Blackstone 1984 Original and Blackstone 1517 Flat Top, the brand’s best sellers on Amazon. The two also attract huge discounts. So, what’s the deal with the Blackstone 1984 and 1517?
1. Blackstone 1984 Original
The Blackstone 1984 Original 36 Inch is a great deal for buyers looking for a large outdoor grill to feed huge groups. It is best for preparing all kinds of meals, from meat to vegetables. It also has plenty of features that make it a cut above the rest.
The Blackstone 1984 is a powerhouse when it comes to outdoor grilling. It boasts a strong and sturdy heavy-duty metal construction design that guarantees durability. The dimensions are 64.5 x 36.25 x 31 inches, while the weight is 145.5 lbs. While it looks bulky, we are glad it offers excellent portability courtesy of 4 casters, so it is suitable for camping and outdoor grilling.
The Blackstone 1984 Original uses propane gas and has been rated 60,000 BTUs. It ignites faster courtesy of the electric igniting system and delivers exceptional heating. We also love that it has 4 burners with individual controls, so you get 4 independent heat zones.
When it comes to cooking, 1984 is a versatile griddle that cooks savory meals, from meat to vegetables. Regarding the cooking surface, this griddle has a 769-square-inch 3.175mm thick rolled steel griddle plate. It is a large batch griddle that can handle a meal for 20-30 adults.
As for convenience, this griddle is well-endowed. It comes with a front and side shelf for convenient storage and a paper towel holder. There’s also a magnetic tool bar and 8 tool hooks for easy tool storage.
Also worth mentioning is the rear grease management system so you can keep the front part clean, free of spatters. Other features include a cutting board and a garbage bag hanger.
- Robust build quality
- 4 locking casters
- Excellent cooking
- Large cooking area
- Hooks, magnetic toolbar
- Double shelves
- Rather bulky design
2. Blackstone 1517 Flat Top
If you are looking for a compact outdoor griddle for outdoor use, we recommend the Blackstone 1517 Flat Top. It is much more portable, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, and parties. It’s also a versatile model that can prepare different kinds of meals, but this time, a meal for a smaller group.
The Blackstone 28 inches Griddle is also a great griddle for outdoor use and boasts the same heavy-duty metal construction as the Blackstone 1984 Original. But it is much smaller and lighter, measuring 28.75 x 18.75 x 18.25 inches, and weighs just 84 lbs. Unlike the 36-inch model, this 28-inch model comes with just 2 casters.
The Blackstone 1517 Flat Top is also a propane gas model, but you have to purchase the tank separately. The BTU rating is 34,000 BTUs. This griddle is also equipped with a reliable electric ignition system but comes with 2 burners, independently controlled.
As for cooking, it promises the savory dishes Blackstone is known for, from tasty ribs to burgers. The plate is still a 3.175mm rolled steel griddle plate but much smaller at 524 square inches. The Blackstone 1517 Flat Top can prepare a meal for up to 10 people.
Regarding convenience, Blackstone 1517 Flat Top is also well endowed, but not as the 36-inch model. It comes with a single side shelf and a storage shelf. Unfortunately, you don’t get the premium features such as tool hooks and magnetic tool bar. But we are glad the rear grease management system has been retained.
- Compact and lightweight design
- Strong build quality
- Excellent cooking
- Affordable price
- Single shelf
- No hooks, magnetic tool bar, or towel holder
- Smaller cooking surface
- Comes with just 2 casters
Best Pit Boss Outdoor Griddles
Pit Boss has a wide range of griddles designed for specific market segments. However, in this review, we have focused on two of the brand’s most popular models. These are Pit Boss PB757GS Standard and Pit Boss 10762 Deluxe. So, how do the two compare?
1. Pit Boss PB757GS Standard
The Pit Boss PB757GS is among the best griddles we have come across. While it is a full-size griddle, it has been designed for easy portability. You can rely on it for on-the-go grilling or take it out to the backyard and put it back inside quite easily. If you want to prepare a meal for a 20-man army, it fits the bill.
The Pit Boss PB757GS may not be your typical compact griddle, but moving it from one place to another shouldn’t be a problem for two reasons. First, it comes with 4 casters that make pushing and pulling a buzz. Second, it boasts a foldable design that allows you to fold the legs and side shelves. The dimensions are 76.97 x 24.09 x 35.04 inches, while the weight is 116.84 lbs. As for build quality, many of the parts and frames have been crafted from high-grade stainless steel.
Pit Boss PB757GS Standard is a propane gas grill with an easy push-and-turn ignition. It has been rated 62,000 BTU and comes with 4 independently controlled stainless steel gas burners with heat-protecting burner shrouds. You can set 4 independent heat levels.
When it comes to cooking, the Pit Boss PB757GS Standard is ideal for a variety of meals, from meat to veggies. It has been equipped with 748 square inches of cooking surface made from a 4.7mm thick cast iron. It is a large batch griddle that can prepare a meal for up to 20 adults.
As far as convenience features are concerned, this griddle is top-rated. First, it has sizeable foldable shelves on either side and a storage tray below. On the right side, we also have a towel holder. One of the main differences between Blackstone and Pit Boss is the grease management system. This one has a front grease catch.
- Strong and sturdy design
- Compact and lightweight
- Excellent cooking
- Premium thick griddle
- Front grease management system
- No hooks
2. Pit Boss 10762 Deluxe
If you want a Pit Boss for cooking a big meal, you have one in the Pit Boss Deluxe. It shares a lot of features with the Pit Boss Standard, but this one is a 5-burner. It is also suitable for on-the-go grilling, besides setting it up on the patio or backyard. This is courtesy of the foldable legs and foldable side shelves.
The Pit Boss Deluxe, like the Standard, comes in a robust design with a sturdy frame and materials made from heavy-duty stainless steel, so it can take any abuse. Regarding portability, the foldable design and 4 casters go a long way, ensuring you can move the unit effortlessly. The Pit Boss Deluxe measures 77.1 x 24.2 x 35.2 inches and weighs approximately 120.1 lbs.
Pit Boss 10762 Deluxe is a propane gas griddle that draws propane for a cylinder under the unit. However, note it doesn’t come with a cylinder. You will need to purchase it separately. Rated 62,000 BTUs, it packs a punch and offers savory dishes.
On cooking, there is not much difference from the Pit Boss Standard. The Pit Boss PB757GS comes with a 4.5mm thick cast iron griddle. The only difference is the cooking area, 748 square inches, to be precise. This is enough cooking area to prepare a meal for 20 to 30 adults all at once.
As for the convenience features, nothing changes. The Deluxe comes with two foldable side shelves, a tray below, a towel holder on the right, and a front grease management system.
- Strong and sturdy design
- Excellent cooking
- 5 burners
- Premium thick griddle
- Front grease management system
- 2 side handles
- Bulkier
- No hooks
Blackstone vs. Pit Boss Face-to-Face Comparison Review
Now that you know a thing or two about two of the best-selling models from Blackstone and Pit Boss, let’s compare the two on a face-to-face basis. The comparison will be based on the factors considered when buying griddles. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
1. Brand Trust
Blackstone is a renowned brand in the barbecue and grilling market. Established in 2005, the company is known for high-quality griddles trusted by top grillards.
We checked Amazon reviews and even reviews from other consumer sites, and we are glad it is rated highly. Most of the reviews on Amazon were positive, but of course, there are some disgruntled customers, with most issues being poor customer support.
Established in 1999, Pit Boss, too, is a household name in the griddles market. It is also a trusted brand known for innovative and quality products that pass the test of time.
We also scoured grilling forums, Amazon reviews, and consumer review sites, and we are glad Pit Boss is also a fan favorite. On Amazon, many customers, verified purchases, praise Pit Boss, but still, the brand has its fair share of haters.
verdictIt is hard to call a winner in this round, as both griddles are from top brands. That said, this round ends in a draw. However, in our ratings and opinion, Pit Boss is ahead of the game.
2. Construction Quality
The knobs, too, look sturdy, and so is the ignition switch. To ensure it glides smoothly on rough terrain, Pit Boss laid emphasis on strong and sturdy canisters.
verdictIt is hard to call a winner here, but we go with Blackstone at the end of the day. It looks sturdier and has appealing aesthetics.
3. Usability
Blackstone griddles have been designed for easy usability. Most of the parts come assembled, but there is a little assembly required.
You can actually get it up in less than 10 minutes. When it comes to portability, we are glad that most Blackstone griddles are lightweight and compact. They also come with casters with locks for easy pushing and pulling.
Pit Boss, too, is a user-friendly griddle that doesn’t require much assembly. As a matter of fact, you can set it up yourself in a matter of minutes. One great feature is the foldable legs and side shelves, which reduce storage space and make transport a lot easier.
Like Blackstone, the Pit Boss griddle also comes with caster wheels with locking mechanisms.
verdictAs far as usability is concerned, both brands excel. They are easy to assemble and highly portable, courtesy of thoughtful designs and caster wheels with locking mechanisms.
4. Fuel Type
The two offer instant heating, less smoke, and can cook anything, from meat to vegetables.
verdictRegarding fuel type, there is no winner, as both brands have propane gas models alongside natural gas and electric.
5. Heat Output
For those who want high heat, the Pit Boss PB757GS and Pit Boss 10762 both fit the bill as they are rated 62,000 BTUs.
verdictHere again, we find it hard to call a winner as both brands have a range of griddles with different outputs, low to high. That said, the round ends in a draw.
6. Temperature Control
There’s also the Pit Boss PB757GS, a 4 burner griddle, and the Pit Boss 10762, a 5 burner suitable for preparing different kinds of meals.
verdictHere, it is hard to call a winner ass both brands allow for independently heated cooking sections with models that have more than one independently controlled burner.
7. Griddle Surface and Thickness
Also, they are harder to clean and require regular seasoning. Regarding thickness, the Pit Boss griddles come with thick griddles ranging from 4.5mm to 4.7mm. The advantage of thick griddles is even heat distribution, better heat retention, and lesser chances of warping.
verdictHere, Blackstone wins the battle as its griddles come with stainless steel griddles which are far much better than cast iron griddles.
8. Cooking Area
verdictWhether you are a small group of grilling enthusiasts or a crew of 20+, both brands have models that can prepare enough food for everyone, so this round ends in a draw.
9. Cleaning and Maintenance
Then, rinse and dry. When it comes to maintenance, you will also have to season the griddle, probably before a cooking session.
verdictHere, Blackstone is the best choice overall. While both models require cleaning and seasoning, Blackstones come with stainless steel griddles which are easier to clean and don’t often require seasoning. On the other hand, Pit Boss models come with cast iron griddles which are harder to clean and must be seasoned regularly.
9. Convenience Features
The grease catcher is on the front for easy access. However, the models in this review don’t come with the premium features such as magnetic toolbars and hooks.
verdictBoth brands excel when it comes to convenience features. However, comparing the models in this review, Blackstone is ahead of the game as the Blackstone 1984 Original has all the features you can think of, including a magnetic tool bar, 4 tool hooks, a rear grease management system, a towel holder, cutting board, garbage bag hanger, and double side shelves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many burgers fit on 36-inch Blackstone?
2. Are Pit Boss griddles pre-seasoned?
3. Are Blackstone griddles unhealthy?
4. Why are griddles better than grilles?
5. How long do Blackstone griddles last?
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks, a Blackstone vs. Pit Boss comparison review. As you have seen, both brands are known for top-quality griddles that offer excellent cooking and are built to last. So, what’s the best choice? Well, Pit Boss is a great brand, but ultimately, the stainless steel griddle of Blackstones makes it the best choice. Blackstone stainless steel griddles are efficient and easy to clean.
On the other hand, cast iron griddles take longer to heat, and cleaning is not easy. But they are still worthy, considering their heat retention. Check out all the best Blackstone and Pit Boss discounts on Amazon!
