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Head-to-head · Best Flat Top Griddles

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo vs Blackstone Omnivore 28-inch

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.7 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Large families hosting backyard gatherings who need to cook mains and sides simultaneously — read the strengths below before deciding.

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Flat Top Griddles
Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo
4 sources2 derived$1,074.29as of Oct 2

The Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo combines a massive 756-square-inch griddle with two active air fryer baskets and a warming drawer, allowing simultaneous cooking of mains and sides. Smoke & Sear found the unit delivers strong searing power via four independent burners but noted significant heat variation that creates intense hot spots above each burner. The analog gas-powered air fryer drawers lack precise digital temperature control, operating instead as convection ovens with broad heat ranges determined by airflow dials. Additionally, the air fryer component requires a separate electrical outlet to power its internal fan, limiting placement options for off-grid use. This heavy, stationary unit fits large families hosting backyard gatherings but is too cumbersome and complex for small households or frequent movers.

Strengths
  • — Includes two active air fryer baskets and a warming drawer to cook sides and hold food simultaneously on one unit.
  • — Features four independently controlled gas burners providing 60,000 BTUs of total cooking power.
  • — Offers a massive 756-square-inch cold-rolled steel griddle surface capable of feeding large crowds.
Watch-outs
  • — Air fryer baskets operate as analog convection ovens lacking the precise temperature control of countertop electric units.
  • — Griddle surface exhibits significant heat variation, creating intense hot spots that complicate even seasoning.
  • — Requires a separate electrical outlet to power the air fryer fan while running on propane.
$1,074.29 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Blackstone Omnivore 28-inch
Ranked #5 in Best Flat Top Griddles
Blackstone Omnivore 28-inch
3 sourcesall derived$399as of Oct 2

Revsmarts found that the Blackstone Omnivore 28-inch offers a solid, heavy-duty build with independent burners that create versatile heat zones for family meals. The unit includes practical features like built-in wind protection and an efficient rear grease management system to streamline outdoor cooking. However, users note that the carbon steel surface demands consistent seasoning and maintenance to avoid rust, and it may struggle to maintain high searing temperatures when heavily loaded. This griddle is best suited for cooks who enjoy diner-style breakfasts and mixed dishes rather than those seeking a low-maintenance, steakhouse-sear-only experience.

Strengths
  • — Solid frame and heavy-duty steel cooktop provide a sturdy, planted feel during use.
  • — Two independent burners allow for distinct heat zones to cook different foods simultaneously.
  • — Built-in wind protection helps maintain consistent heat performance on breezy days.
Watch-outs
  • — Requires regular seasoning and oiling of the carbon steel surface to prevent rust.
  • — Surface cools down faster than expected when adding large amounts of food at once.
$399 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo

Unlike the Blackstone Omnivore 28-inch, which relies on two burners for heat zones, this unit adds active air fryer baskets and a warming drawer to its four-burner configuration. It offers significantly more total cooking power (60,000 BTUs) than the Weber Slate 30 Inch Griddle (36,000 BTUs), though it lacks the precise digital temperature control found in electric countertop units.

Blackstone Omnivore 28-inch

This model provides a lighter, more manageable footprint at 73 lbs compared to the heavy Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo (over 200 lbs) and Weber Slate 30 Inch Griddle (145 lbs). While it shares carbon steel maintenance requirements with the Traeger Flatrock, its two independent burners offer less total power than the four-burner setups found in the Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo or Weber Slate 36" Rust-Resistant Griddle.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBlackstone 36 Air Fryer ComboBlackstone Omnivore 28-inch
Burner ConfigurationFour independent zonesTwo independent burners
BTU Output60,000 BTUs24,000 BTUs
Cooking Area756 square inches28 3/4 W x 18 1/4 D
WeightOver 200 lbs73 lbs
MaterialMetal—
Dimensions30.59"D x 66.42"W x 42.87"H47.25"L x 33.25"W x 23.5"H
Surface Material—28-inch flat top
Fuel Type—Liquid propane
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