Head-to-head · Best Flat Top Griddles

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo vs Traeger Flatrock

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

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Large families hosting backyard gatherings who need to cook mains and sides simultaneously — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Flat Top Griddles

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo

4.7

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 Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Flat Top Griddles

Traeger Flatrock

4.5

7 sourcesall derived$799as of Oct 2

The Traeger Flatrock delivers exceptional thermal uniformity across its 594-square-inch carbon steel surface, a result credited by Theflattopking and SmokedBBQSource to its three U-shaped burners that eliminate hot spots. GearJunkie found the integrated propane fuel sensor with LED indicators essential for preventing mid-cook gas shortages, while AmazingRibs praised the heavy-duty construction and sturdy folding side shelves compatible with Traeger’s P.A.L. accessory system. However, the carbon steel cooktop requires rigorous initial seasoning and regular maintenance to prevent sticking, and SmokedBBQSource warned that heat exhaust from the front-mounted grease drain port poses a burn hazard near hands during cooking. This premium-priced griddle fits serious outdoor cooks who value precise temperature control and robust build quality, but those seeking low-maintenance surfaces or budget-friendly options should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Recessed carbon steel cooktop provides excellent wind protection and retains heat efficiently.
— Three U-shaped burners deliver highly consistent, even temperature distribution across the cooking surface.
— Integrated propane fuel sensor with LED indicators prevents running out of gas mid-cook.

Watch-outs

— Premium pricing makes it one of the more expensive options in the standalone griddle market.
— Requires regular seasoning and maintenance to prevent food from sticking on the carbon steel surface.
— Grease drain port is located at the front, posing a potential heat hazard near hands while cooking.

$799 · Buy at texasstargrillshop.com Full 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.

Traeger Flatrock

The Traeger Flatrock delivers exceptional thermal uniformity via three U-shaped burners, avoiding the hot spots noted in the Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo. It includes an integrated propane fuel sensor with LED indicators, a feature absent from models like the Weber Slate 30 Inch Griddle and Steelfire 22, though it requires rigorous seasoning similar to the Blackstone Omnivore 28-inch.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo	Traeger Flatrock
Burner Configuration	Four independent zones	3 U-shaped
BTU Output	60,000 BTUs	—
Cooking Area	756 square inches	594 square inches
Weight	Over 200 lbs	189 pounds
Material	Metal	—
Dimensions	30.59"D x 66.42"W x 42.87"H	—
Surface Material	—	carbon steel
Fuel Type	—	Propane
Max Temperature	—	600 degrees F

← See the full ranking of best flat top griddles