Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle
BBQSource Score
Based on performance, value, and user satisfaction
The iconic 28" flat top griddle with 470 sq in cooking surface, 2 burners, and rear grease management.
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Quick Verdict
BBQSource Score: 91/100
The Blackstone 1883 28" Griddle is the best entry-level flat top griddle on the market. It delivers incredible versatility — from smash burgers to full breakfast spreads to hibachi-style dinners. The 28" size hits the sweet spot for most families. If you've never cooked on a flat top, this will change your outdoor cooking game forever.
Who This Is For
- Families wanting breakfast outside
- Smash burger enthusiasts
- Cooks wanting hibachi at home
- Backyard entertainers needing versatility
Who Should Avoid This
- Requires seasoning before first use
- No lid included (sold separately)
Top Strengths
- +470 sq in of flat top cooking surface — cook everything at once
- +Two independently controlled burners for heat zone management
- +Rear grease management system for easy cleanup
Weaknesses
- -Requires seasoning before first use
- -No lid included (sold separately)
- -Surface can rust if not properly maintained and covered
Bottom Line
At $227, the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle is a strong buy for families wanting breakfast outside.
Key Features
Who Is This Best For?
The Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle is ideal for specific types of outdoor cooks. Here is who we recommend it for:
Families wanting breakfast outside
Smash burger enthusiasts
Cooks wanting hibachi at home
Backyard entertainers needing versatility
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BBQSource Score: 91/100
Our BBQSource Score is calculated from hands-on testing, verified buyer sentiment analysis, spec comparison, and value-for-money assessment. A score of 91 means this is a strong recommendation with excellent performance.
Tested by BBQSource
Hands-on review by Sarah Chen, Recipe Developer
What We Cooked
Smash burger crust is genuinely better than anything a grill grate can produce. Full surface contact changes everything.
Cleanup after smash burgers is gross. Hot grease everywhere. You MUST scrape while it's hot or you're in for a bad time.
About This Product
The first time I made smash burgers on a Blackstone, I genuinely couldn't believe the crust. The full contact between the patty and the screaming-hot steel creates a Maillard crust that a grill grate just cannot replicate — you need surface-to-surface contact, and the griddle delivers it. But smash burgers are just the entry point. The real revelation is what else this thing handles. Weekend breakfasts where you're cooking scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, and hash browns simultaneously across different heat zones. Hibachi-style chicken and fried rice for 10 people without doing any dishes. Stir-fries. Fajitas. Grilled cheese. Quesadillas. The flat top makes things possible that a traditional grill just can't do. The 28" size is the right call for most families. The 36" is amazing but requires a dedicated corner of your patio. The 28" fits in most spaces and the 470 sq in surface handles 4 burgers, 8 strips of bacon, and a pile of eggs simultaneously. Perfect for a family of 4-5. The honest part: cleanup after smash burgers is kinda gross. Hot grease everywhere, cheese stuck to the sides. You need a good scraper and about 5 minutes while it's still warm. If you let it cool with grease on it and leave it overnight uncovered, you're going to have a bad time. Scrape it clean while it's hot, lay on a thin layer of oil, done. Also — buy a cover. Seriously. Surface rust happens fast without one.
Our Verdict
The Blackstone 1883 28" Griddle is the best entry-level flat top griddle on the market. It delivers incredible versatility — from smash burgers to full breakfast spreads to hibachi-style dinners. The 28" size hits the sweet spot for most families. If you've never cooked on a flat top, this will change your outdoor cooking game forever.
What We Loved
The cold-rolled steel surface seasons beautifully. After 5 rounds of seasoning, we cooked eggs with zero oil and they slid around like it was a non-stick pan.
Smash burgers are life-changing on this griddle. The Maillard reaction you get — that deep brown crispy crust — is something no regular grill can replicate.
Breakfast for 6 people, all at once. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, hash browns — everything fits and everything cooks evenly. The dual burners let us keep one side low for warming.
What Annoyed Us
You MUST season this properly before first use. Skip this step and food will stick like crazy. It's a 30-minute process but non-negotiable.
The grease management cup is small. If you're cooking a pound of bacon, you'll need to empty it mid-cook or risk overflow.
No lid included. If you want to melt cheese on burgers or steam vegetables, you'll need to buy the separate lid accessory or improvise with a foil pan.
None of these are dealbreakers — just real frustrations you'll encounter. We mention them so you know exactly what you're getting into.
Cleanup & Maintenance
Real talk on keeping your Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle in fighting shape. Skip maintenance and you'll be buying a replacement sooner than you think.
After-Use Cleanup
- 1Scrape the surface while still warm using a metal scraper. Get all food residue and grease off — anything left will bake on.
- 2Wipe with a damp cloth or paper towel. Some people use a little water to steam-clean stubborn spots.
- 3Apply a thin layer of oil after every cook. This maintains the seasoning and prevents rust. We use avocado oil for its high smoke point.
- 4Empty and clean the grease cup. Rancid grease smells terrible and attracts every bug in your yard.
Seasonal Maintenance
- Re-season the surface if you notice food starting to stick. A single round of oil + heat usually restores the non-stick patina.
- Check for rust spots monthly, especially if you live in a humid climate. Sand lightly with fine grit, re-oil, and heat to re-season.
- Cover the griddle when not in use. Water is the enemy of a seasoned steel surface.
Pro Tip: Never use soap on a seasoned griddle surface. It strips the seasoning you've worked hard to build. Water and a scraper are all you need.
Value For Money
Let's talk dollars and sense. Is the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle actually worth $227?
Our Verdict
Strong value — worth every dollar.
Durability Expectation
The steel cooking surface will outlast the frame if you maintain the seasoning. The burners are standard H-tube designs — replacements are cheap and widely available. Expect 4–6 years with a cover.
How It Compares Price-Wise
At $227, the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle is priced aggressively against competitors that offer less cooking area.
Resale Value
Blackstone griddles have strong resale demand. A well-seasoned unit sells for 60%+ of retail because the hard work of seasoning is already done.
Bottom line on value:
At $227 with a score of 91/100, this is a smart buy.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Not sure the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle is the one? Here are the other options we'd seriously consider in the same category.
The Blackstone 1813 Tabletop Griddle delivers surprisingly similar core performance for significantly less money. You sacrifice some premium features, but the fundamentals are there.
The Blackstone 1813 Tabletop Griddle performs almost identically at a similar price. The choice usually comes down to brand preference and which specific features matter more to you.
Want to see all Griddles side by side?
Browse all GriddlesRecommended Accessories
Gear we use alongside the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle for better results
Heavy-duty spatula, tongs, and scraper for flat top cooking
Prevent surface rust — it happens fast on steel griddles
Check smash burger internal temps for food safety
Season chicken, steak, and veggies before the flat top
How It Compares
Side-by-side specs vs. similar griddles. Full comparison coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions based on our hands-on testing and verified buyer feedback.
With a BBQSource Score of 91/100 and a 4.7/5 star rating from 8,412 verified buyers, the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle is a strong recommendation for most backyard cooks. It's best for families wanting breakfast outside. At $227 (down from $297), it offers excellent value for the money.
Griddle Cluster
Flat top cooking — from smash burgers to breakfast spreads to hibachi nights.
BBQSource Testing Methodology
- Every product purchased at retail price — no free samples
- Minimum 10 cooking sessions per product over 4–8 weeks
- Temperature logged every 15 minutes with calibrated probes
- Real weather conditions: wind, rain, cold mornings included
- Results validated against verified buyer reviews
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Our Final Take
The Blackstone 1883 28" Griddle is the best entry-level flat top griddle on the market. It delivers incredible versatility — from smash burgers to full breakfast spreads to hibachi-style dinners. The 28" size hits the sweet spot for most families. If you've never cooked on a flat top, this will change your outdoor cooking game forever.
As an Amazon Associate, BBQSource.com may earn from qualifying purchases. Price and availability subject to change.
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