Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Flat Top Griddles

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo vs Weber Slate 36" Rust-Resistant Griddle

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

Weber Slate 36" Rust-Resistant Griddle comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.8 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about Users prioritizing long-term durability and reduced maintenance on their cooking surface — read the strengths below before deciding.

Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo
Ranked #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.
Weber Slate 36" Rust-Resistant Griddle
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Flat Top Griddles
Weber Slate 36" Rust-Resistant Griddle
4 sources1 derived

The Weber Slate 36 features a case-hardened carbon steel cooktop that Grillpicker found genuinely resists rust, addressing common durability issues in budget models. It delivers 48,000 BTUs across four independent burners and includes an enclosed cabinet for weather-protected storage. However, the unit costs roughly double comparable mid-range options and requires up to two hours of assembly due to numerous cart panels. Additionally, the built-in digital thermometer reads only one spot and can disagree with infrared measurements by 30-50°F. This griddle fits users prioritizing long-term durability and reduced maintenance, while occasional cooks may prefer cheaper alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Case-hardened carbon steel cooktop is pre-seasoned and marketed as rust-resistant, addressing a common flaw in competitor models.
  • — Built-in digital temperature gauge allows users to monitor cooktop heat without using external tools.
  • — Enclosed cabinet storage keeps propane tanks and grilling accessories protected from weather.
Watch-outs
  • — Premium pricing is approximately double that of comparable mid-range flat-top griddles.
  • — Assembly involves numerous cart panels and screws, commonly taking up to two hours to complete.
  • — Digital thermometer reads only one spot on the cooktop and can disagree with infrared measurements by 30-50°F.

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.

Weber Slate 36" Rust-Resistant Griddle

This griddle features a case-hardened carbon steel cooktop that Grillpicker found genuinely resists rust, addressing the maintenance issues common to the Traeger Flatrock and Blackstone Omnivore 28-inch. It provides 48,000 BTUs across four independent burners, offering more power than the Weber Slate 30 Inch Griddle (36,000 BTUs) but less than the Blackstone 36 Air Fryer Combo (60,000 BTUs).

Specs side-by-side

SpecBlackstone 36 Air Fryer ComboWeber Slate 36" Rust-Resistant Griddle
Burner ConfigurationFour independent zones4 independent burners
BTU Output60,000 BTUs48,000 BTUs
Cooking Area756 square inches756 sq in
WeightOver 200 lbs198 lbs
MaterialMetalRust-resistant carbon-steel
Dimensions30.59"D x 66.42"W x 42.87"H—
Surface Material—Rust-resistant carbon steel
Fuel Type—Propane / Natural Gas
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