Camp Chef Flat Top Grill Vs. Blackstone: Which One Is Better?

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

The grilling world is extremely competitive, and companies are constantly producing new and revolutionary equipment. Two of the top grill-producing companies in the world are Camp Chef and Blackstone Products. Their top products, the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill and the Blackstone Grill are extremely popular, but which one is better?

The biggest difference between the two types of grills, is that the Blackstone is collapsible and easy to move. While the Camp Chef does have a grill that’s collapsible, it isn’t as large as the Blackstone. If you want a large grill that’s easy to move, then the Blackstone is the grill for you.

However, that’s far from the end of the story with Camp Chef grills versus Blackstone grills. Each of them has many pros and cons and deciding which one to choose isn’t always an easy matter. This article will try to lay out the major difference between the two. Hopefully, you’ll be able to decide which grill is the right one for you.

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Are Camp Chef Flat Top Grills Similar to Blackstone Grills?

The fact that Camp Chef grills and Blackstone grills are so similar is part of what makes it tough to choose between the two. While the flat top grill made by Camp Chef and the griddle made by Blackstone are similar, there are a few big differences.

How the Cooking Surface is Heated

One of the main differences between the Flat Top grill and the Blackstone is how the surfaces are heated. The Flat Top has a series of round heating elements that heat the surface similar to an electric stovetop. A Blackstone griddle, on the other hand, has one long rectangular shaped heating element for the entire surface.

Materials Usable on the Two Surfaces

While different things like pots and pans can be used for cooking with flat top grills, they shouldn’t be used with the Blackstone. This is because of how the cooking surface is heated and the material that the surface is made of.

Different Materials Comprising the Cooking Surface

Flat Top grills are made of a heavier steel material than what’s used in the Blackstone griddle. This is part of the reason that pots and pans can be used on the surface of the Flat Top but not the Blackstone.

Pros and Cons of Camp Chef Flat Top Grills

The differences between the two grills listed above could sway your decision, but they’re fairly minor. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of each type of grill, starting with the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill.

Pros

  • Has multi-use functions of being used as a grill or a griddle.
  • Comes in different sizes and styles to accommodate every individual.
  • Very stable and sturdy for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Retains heat very well for a flat top grill.

Cons

  • Can be a bit bulky and hard to move from place to place.
  • Doesn’t have as much cooking and storage space as other grills.
  • It’s size and lack of mobility makes it a mostly stationary cooking appliance.

Pros and Cons of Blackstone Grills

Now that we’ve taken a bit of a deeper look at the Camp Chef Flat Top grill, let’s look at the Blackstone grill.

Pros

  • It usually has four wheels making it easier to move around.
  • Has multiple storage shelves which are great for cooking and food prep.
  • Most of their grills have ample surface area making them perfect for large groups.
  • Blackstone grills are well-made and their company has great customer service.

Cons

  • They aren’t quite as sturdy as the Flat Top grills.
  • While they’re mobile, they’re also bulkier which makes them harder to store.
  • The initial seasoning time takes longer than most other grills.

Price Comparison of Camp Chef Flat Top Grills Versus Blackstone Grills

Both the Camp Chef Flat Top and the Blackstone grills have several different products and many different retailers. Their overall price comparison is extremely similar because different vendors charge different prices. Overall, however, Blackstone grills are usually slightly cheaper than Camp Chef grills.

Each of these companies offer flat top grills or griddles, gas grills, and smokers. Pound for pound, they both make some of the best products in the U.S. and offer competitive prices. In the end, however, Blackstone grills are usually slightly cheaper than Camp Chef Flat Top grills.

For example, a four-burner grill from Camp Chef currently retails for $499.99. A four-burner Blackstone grill currently retails for $399.99.

Which One is Better?

Overall, the Camp Chef Flat Top’s are touted for their overall size, sturdy construction, and ease of storage. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a group of people, the Camp Chef is a great option that will produce incredible food.

On the other hand, the Blackstone griddle is often chosen for similar reasons. Blackstone griddles also have a large surface area designed for individual or group cooking. They also heat up faster and it’s easier to control the temperature than with Flat Top grills. Blackstone also offers better warranty and customer service than Camp Chef does.

Why Choose Camp Chef?

Camp Cheff wins out in several different areas such as ease of assembly, maintenance, and ease of use. Both grills take around the same time to put together, but Camp Chef grills don’t need to be seasoned. As soon as you put it together, it’s ready to start cooking. Along with this advantage, Camp Chef grills are also easier to clean, maintain, and ignite.

Why Choose Blackstone?

If you need to cook a ton of food for a large group in a hurry, then the Blackstone wins out. The cooking surface heats up faster and is more controllable than the Camp Chef. They’re also more affordable, which makes them great for someone on a budget.


Related Questions

Are Camp Chef grills smaller than Blackstone grills?

Based on overall surface area, Blackstone grills are larger than Camp Chef grills. They’re also bulkier and more difficult to store than Camp Chef grills.


Can you use Camp Chef and Blackstone grills indoors?

As long as you use your gas grill in a ventilated and open area, you can use either one indoors or outdoors. However, make sure you’re aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning before doing so.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you decide to purchase a Camp Chef Flat Top grill or a Blackstone grill, you’re getting an excellent appliance. Both companies produce quality products and reliable grills, and you likely won’t go wrong with either one.

However, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of both grills to help make your decision easier. Depending on what your goals are and your cooking environment, you might prefer one over the other. Do your research and don’t rush your decision.

Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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