Battle of The Grills: Camp Chef vs Blackstone

Do you want to become a master chef in your backyard? If so, you may be debating between two popular outdoor cooking appliances: the Camp Chef vs Blackstone grills. Both brands offer powerful grills to cook delicious meals for you and your family. However, several differences between the Camp Chef and Blackstone grills should be considered before making a purchase decision.

This article will explore the differences between these two leading outdoor grill brands to help you decide which is best suited for your needs. We will compare features such as size, temperature control, portability, and price to help you make an informed decision. By the end of this article, you will have all the information necessary to determine which grill is right for you!

What is Camp Chef?

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As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I always look for ways to improve the experience. I was excited to discover Camp Chef, a company specializing in outdoor cooking equipment. So, what is Camp Chef exactly? At its core, it’s a brand that offers a wide range of products designed to help you cook delicious meals while camping, hiking, or simply spending time outside.

One thing that sets Camp Chef apart from other outdoor cooking brands is its sheer variety of products. Whether you’re looking for a portable stove to take on a weekend camping trip or a professional-grade grill for your backyard, they have you covered.

But it’s not just about the products themselves. I appreciate the fact that Camp Chef is committed to quality and innovation. They’re constantly coming up with new ideas and improving their existing products to ensure they’re the best they can be.

Another thing I love about Camp Chef is the community they’ve built around their brand. They have a blog and social media channels where they share recipes, cooking tips, and stories from other outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a great way to connect with like-minded people and get inspired for your next adventure.

Of course, all this talk about Camp Chef wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of their standout products. One of my personal favorites is the Everest Two-Burner Camping Stove. It’s compact enough to take on the go but powerful enough to cook up a feast. Plus, it’s easy to clean, which is always a bonus when camping.

The Woodwind Pellet Grill is a great option if you’re looking for something a bit more heavy-duty. It’s designed to give you the flavor of wood-fired cooking without the hassle of actually having to build a fire. It’s perfect for backyard barbecues or even catering events.

What is Blackstone?

The Blackstone Griddle brand is a line of outdoor cooking equipment specializing in flat-top grills. These grills are designed with a large, flat cooking surface perfect for cooking various foods. They are made with high-quality materials and are built to last, making them an excellent investment for anyone who loves to cook outdoors.

One of the things that set the Blackstone griddle brand apart from other outdoor cooking equipment is the versatility of their grills. With a Blackstone griddle, you can cook everything from pancakes and eggs to burgers and steaks. The large cooking surface allows you to cook multiple items at once, making it perfect for cooking for a crowd.

Another great thing about the Blackstone Griddle brand is how easy their grills are. They are designed with features that make cooking outdoors a breeze, including a built-in grease management system that helps to reduce mess and make cleaning up a snap. They also come with adjustable heat controls, so you can easily adjust the temperature to cook your food perfectly.

In addition to being easy to use and versatile, the Blackstone griddle brand is also known for its durability. These grills are built to last and are made with high-quality materials that withstand the elements. Whether using your grill in the backyard or on a camping trip, you can be confident it will hold up over time.

What Are The Similarities Between Camp Chef And Blackstone?

While each brand has its unique features and benefits, I’ve noticed several similarities between the two.

First and foremost, Camp Chef and Blackstone produce high-quality outdoor cooking equipment designed to last. These brands use durable materials and construction techniques to ensure that their products can withstand the elements and the wear and tear of regular use.

Additionally, both Camp Chef and Blackstone offer a wide range of products to meet the needs of different types of outdoor cooks. Whether you’re looking for a small tabletop griddle for camping trips or a large propane grill for backyard barbecues, you can find what you need from either brand.

Another similarity between Camp Chef and Blackstone is their focus on versatility. Many of their products are designed to be multifunctional, allowing you to cook various dishes with just one piece of equipment. For example, Camp Chef’s SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill can be used for smoking, grilling, and baking, while Blackstone’s 36″ Griddle Cooking Station can be used for everything from pancakes to stir-fry.

Camp Chef and Blackstone also offer a range of accessories and add-ons to enhance your outdoor cooking experience. From griddle covers and carrying bags to grilling utensils and cast iron skillets, these brands have thought of everything you might need to make your outdoor cooking experience more enjoyable.

Finally, Camp Chef and Blackstone have a strong online presence and community. They offer resources and support for their customers, including recipe ideas, instructional videos, and customer service assistance. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor cook or a beginner, these brands make it easy to get started and stay engaged with the outdoor cooking community.

What Are The Main Differences Between Camp Chef vs Blackstone?

Camp Chef and Blackstone are popular brands dominating the outdoor gas griddle market. While both brands offer similar features and capabilities, there are some notable differences between them.

Firstly, Camp Chef is known for its advanced technology and high price tag, making it ideal for BBQ experts who desire accurate temperature control and heat zone management. Conversely, Blackstone offers large, affordable griddles perfect for cooking food for big groups. Secondly, both brands’ design is similar, with an easily portable cart style. However, Camp Chef takes the lead if you need a skillet that can also be used as a grill.

Ultimately, the decision between Camp Chef and Blackstone depends on personal preferences and cooking needs.

Cooking Surface

The Camp Chef Flat Top Grill offers a considerable 604 square inches of cooking space, while the Blackstone 36-inch Outdoor Griddle has an even more spacious 720 square inches cooking surface. This gives Blackstone a slight advantage in terms of usable surface area for large families or parties.

However, both griddles have wide flat cooking surfaces perfect for handling all sorts of food, from eggs and pancakes to finely chopped or sliced vegetables. The lack of grates or gaps on the griddle surface also means they can tackle food that gives regular grills trouble.

Ignition System

Camp Chef typically uses a matchless ignition system, meaning you do not need to light the burner with a lighter or match manually. This system is designed to make starting the grill easier and more convenient for users. On the other hand, Blackstone griddles usually come with a manual ignition system, which requires you to light the burner using a lighter or match. While this might be less convenient than a matchless system, it is usually considered more reliable.

Versatility

While Camp Chef offers a wide range of cooking equipment, including pellet grills, flat-top grills, griddles, cast iron burners, pans, and attachments, Blackstone primarily focuses on griddles and flat-top grills.

This means that if one is looking for a multifunctional cooking device that can be used for various outdoor cooking needs, Camp Chef may be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prioritize an affordable and practical griddle or flat-top grill for cooking large amounts of food may find Blackstone’s offerings more suitable.

Storage

Camp Chef griddles typically come with more storage options, such as shelves, drawers, and hooks for utensils. This is especially useful for those with limited outdoor cooking equipment space who need a grill to store all the necessary accessories. On the other hand, Blackstone griddles tend to have a more compact design without as many storage features, making them easier to transport and store in smaller spaces.

Which One Is More Portable: Camp Chef Or Blackstone?

In terms of portability, both brands offer cart-style designs that can be taken from one place to another easily. However, Blackstone grills are generally more portable than Camp Chef due to their lighter weight and smaller size. So, if portability is a key factor for outdoor cooking, Blackstone may be the better choice.

Burners

The Camp Chef Flat Top Grill features four propane burners, each rated to provide 12,000 BTU, for a total heat output of 48,000 BTU. In contrast, the Blackstone 36-inch Outdoor Griddle has four gas burners that offer a combined heat output of 60,000 BTU. This means that the Blackstone griddle has a more powerful heating system that can cook food faster and more evenly than the Camp Chef model. If speed and power are important factors in outdoor cooking, Blackstone griddles may be the better choice.

Heat Output

Camp Chef grills are known for their high heat output, allowing fast and efficient cooking. On the other hand, Blackstone grills are designed to distribute heat evenly across the griddle surface, which is important for cooking multiple items at once. The heat output of Blackstone grills is still impressive but not as high as Camp Chef grills.

Fuel Source

While Blackstone grills are exclusively gas-powered, Camp Chef offers gas, charcoal, and wood pellet grills. This allows customers to choose the fuel that suits their cooking preferences and gives them more flexibility in their outdoor cooking. However, Blackstone may be a better option if gas is the preferred fuel source, as their grills are optimized for gas use and provide efficient heating.

Grease Management System

Camp Chef griddles have a grease tray on the side of the grill, making it easy to access and dispose of the grease. This system also prevents the grease from dripping onto the burners, which can cause flare-ups and potentially dangerous situations. On the other hand, Blackstone has a rear grease management system, which requires the user to tilt the griddle and slide out the grease tray from the rear of the grill. This system may not be as convenient as Camp Chef’s, but it does allow for a larger grease capacity and less frequent emptying.

Size

The Camp Chef Flat Top Grill has a cooking surface area of 604 square inches, while the Blackstone 36-inch Outdoor Griddle has a more spacious 720 square inches cooking surface. This gives the Blackstone model an advantage when cooking for large groups of people. The bigger cooking surface allows more food to be cooked at once, making it perfect for large families or outdoor parties. However, the Camp Chef model is still a good option for those who don’t need as much cooking space and prefer a smaller grill.

Accessories

When it comes to accessories, Camp Chef offers a wider variety than Blackstone. Along with their griddles and flat top grills, Camp Chef also provides attachments for grill boxes, cast iron burners and pans, pellet grills, and even apparel for grilling. On the other hand, Blackstone offers accessories such as sauces, seasoning, griddling kits, and maintenance tools. While both companies offer useful accessories for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, Camp Chef has a more extensive range of products.

In Terms Of Heat Distribution, Which Griddle Performs Better – Camp Chef Or Blackstone?

While Blackstone uses cold-rolled steel, which offers great control of the cooking surface, Camp Chef griddles are made from cast iron, providing even heat distribution and retention. Regarding performance, both griddles can produce high heat. Still, Blackstone’s 36-inch Outdoor Griddle outperforms the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill in terms of heating power, with its four gas burners offering a combined heat output of 60,000 BTU compared to Camp Chef’s 48,000 BTU output.

Propane

Camp Chef grills have a tank holder on the side of the unit, while Blackstone grills have a tank holder on the back. This may impact the accessibility and ease of use for the user depending on their needs and preferences. Additionally, some users may find it more convenient to have the propane tank out of sight and tucked away on the back of the grill, while others may prefer having it more easily accessible on the side.

Temperature control

When it comes to temperature control, there is a main difference between Camp Chef and Blackstone. Camp Chef offers more advanced technology for accurate temperature control of heat zones, making it an ideal choice for BBQ experts. On the other hand, Blackstone offers great control of the cooking surface thanks to their use of cold-rolled steel, which guarantees even heat distribution. This makes it a great option for those who want an affordable griddle to cook food for large crowds and host dinner parties.

Durability

Camp Chef grills are known for their high-quality materials and construction, making them a durable choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. The brand uses premium materials that withstand high heat, weather conditions, and long storage periods.

On the other hand, while Blackstone grills are affordable and offer good value for money, they are not as durable as Camp Chef grills. Some users have reported issues with the griddle surface, which can rust over time and require frequent maintenance.

Therefore, if durability is a top priority for a buyer, they may want to consider a Camp Chef grill over a Blackstone grill.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Camp Chef has a grease trap at the front of the griddle, making it easier to collect and dispose of grease. On the other hand, Blackstone has a grease cup situated at the back, making it slightly more challenging to access and remove.

Both grills require regular cleaning, and it is recommended to scrape off excess grease and food debris with a spatula and wipe down the griddle with a soft cloth or paper towel. It is also essential to clean the griddle surface with soap and water after every use to prevent bacteria buildup and ensure optimal health and safety.

Ease of Assembly

Camp Chef griddles are generally known to be more difficult to assemble than the griddles offered by Blackstone. This is mainly because Camp Chef griddles come with more components and require more complex assembly procedures. On the other hand, Blackstone griddles are generally easier to put together and come with fewer parts.

Blackstone might be the better option if easy assembly is your top priority. However, it should be noted that with some basic DIY skills, both Camp Chef and Blackstone griddles can be assembled reasonably.

Price

Generally, Camp Chef grills tend to be more expensive compared to Blackstone. This may be because Camp Chef grills come with added features like a grease management system and a higher-quality cooking surface. On the other hand, Blackstone grills are more affordable and offer larger cooking surfaces. However, it’s worth noting that both brands offer a range of models with varying price points, so it’s possible to find a Camp Chef or Blackstone grill to fit any budget.

Blackstone vs. Camp Chef: Warranty

Camp Chef provides a three-year warranty on their grills, while Blackstone only offers a one-year warranty. If any issues arise with the product, customers can receive repairs or replacement parts at no extra cost, but the length and terms of coverage may vary.

Consumers must consider the warranty when purchasing a grill, as it can provide peace of mind and protection against unexpected defects or malfunctions. While Camp Chef’s longer warranty may appeal to some, others may find Blackstone’s products more budget-friendly.

Brand Reputation

Camp Chef has been in the market for a longer time, having started their operations in 1990, and is known for offering high-end products with advanced technology. They use materials of the highest quality, ensuring the durability of their grills for more than a decade. In contrast, Blackstone has been in the business since 2008 and is popular for offering affordable griddles ideal for those on a budget. Their expertise lies primarily in griddles and flat-top grills, but they also offer a range of accessories and maintenance tools.

Which Is Better: Blackstone Griddle Or Camp Chef

Camp Chef offers more advanced features and technology but comes at a higher price point, while Blackstone provides affordability and a greater focus on griddle-specific products.

Camp Chef offers a wider range of outdoor cooking equipment, including pellet grills, cast iron pans, and grill attachments, while Blackstone primarily specializes in griddles and flat-top grills.

Additionally, Camp Chef emphasizes stability and portability, while Blackstone focuses on even heat distribution and the ability to cook for large crowds.

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Which One Is More Durable: Camp Chef Or Blackstone?

Regarding durability, both Camp Chef and Blackstone griddles are made with high-quality materials that ensure they last long. Camp Chef utilizes advanced technology and materials of the highest quality to manufacture their grills, making them stand the test of time. On the other hand, Blackstone uses cold-rolled steel to manufacture their griddles, which guarantees even heat distribution and maintains the griddle surface.

Both brands provide maintenance tools and accessories to aid in keeping the griddle in good condition. Therefore, it is safe to say that each of these brands is durable and can withstand frequent usage and outdoor weather conditions.

What Type Of Foods Are Best Cooked On A Camp Chef Griddle

The camp Chef griddle is one of the most versatile and useful tools in your camping kitchen arsenal. But what types of foods are best cooked on a Camp Chef griddle? Let me break it down for you.

Breakfast classics: Pancakes, French toast, bacon, and eggs are perfect for cooking on a Camp Chef griddle. The large cooking surface allows multiple items to be cooked at once, and the even heat distribution ensures that everything cooks evenly.
Seafood: Camp Chef griddles are great for cooking seafood like shrimp, scallops, and fish fillets. The non-stick surface ensures the delicate seafood won’t stick to the griddle, and you can cook it perfectly with evenly distributed heat.
Sandwiches and burgers: Griddles are perfect for cooking sandwiches and burgers, allowing you to get that perfect caramelized crust on the bread or patty. The large surface allows you to cook multiple sandwiches or burgers at once, making it perfect for family meals.
Vegetables: Griddles are great for cooking vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, and onions. The even heat ensures that all vegetables cook at the same rate, and the large surface area allows you to cook a lot of veggies at once.
Stir-fry: Griddles are perfect for stir-frying vegetables and meats, as the large cooking surface allows you to cook everything at once. The even heat distribution ensures that nothing gets overcooked or undercooked, making for a perfectly cooked stir-fry every time.
esserts: Griddles are surprisingly versatile when it comes to desserts. You can cook pancakes or crepes and top them with fresh fruit and whipped cream, or make delicious fried bananas or s’mores.

What Type Of Foods Are Best Cooked On A Blackstone Griddle?

If you have never used a Blackstone griddle before, you might wonder what foods are best suited to this cooking surface. After all, not all dishes are created equal, and some require specific cooking methods to bring out their best flavors and textures. So, without further ado, here are my top picks for the best foods to cook on a Blackstone griddle:

Breakfast foods – Pancakes, bacon, and eggs are all classic Blackstone griddle recipes.
Smash burgers – The Blackstone griddle is perfect for cooking juicy, flavorful burgers with a crispy crust.
Grilled cheese sandwiches – This classic comfort food is easy to make on the griddle, with a perfectly toasted exterior and gooey melted cheese.
Fried rice – This versatile side dish can be made in various ways on the griddle, with endless variations of proteins and vegetables.
Fajitas – Sizzling fajitas cooked on the Blackstone griddle are a delicious and easy way to feed a crowd. Try steak or chicken fajitas with peppers and onions for a flavorful meal.
Kabobs – Load up skewers with marinated chicken, beef, or lamb and grill them on the griddle with veggies like peppers, onions, and zucchini for a healthy and delicious meal.
Philly cheesesteak – This classic sandwich can be made even better on the griddle with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and melted cheese.
Chicken breast – The Blackstone griddle is great for cooking up juicy, flavorful chicken breasts quickly and evenly.
Seafood – Try cooking up shrimp, scallops, mahi-mahi, or crab cakes on the griddle for a delicious seafood dinner.
Tacos – Whether you prefer shrimp, fish, or chicken tacos, the Blackstone griddle is the perfect tool for cooking up juicy, flavorful meat and vegetables for tacos bursting with flavor.

FAQs

Why Do People Like Blackstone Grills So Much?

One key reason why people love these grills is their versatility and convenience. Blackstone grills offer a large cooking surface that allows users to cook multiple items at once, from breakfast foods like eggs and pancakes to stir-fries or burgers. Additionally, Blackstone grills are incredibly easy to use and clean, with a patented rear grease management system that prevents flare-ups and reduces the risk of ruining food.

Another factor contributing to the popularity of Blackstone grills is flavor. Many users rave about the taste of their food cooked on a Blackstone grill, with some even preferring it to restaurant-quality meals. Finally, using a Blackstone grill can also lead to a more enjoyable outdoor experience, making it a popular choice for camping trips, backyard cookouts, and more.

Overall, the versatility, convenience, and delicious results of cooking on a Blackstone grill have made it a favorite among many home cooks and food enthusiasts.

Is A Blackstone Good For Camping?

A Blackstone griddle is a smart choice for camping cooking due to its convenience and versatility. Due to safety concerns or regulations, traditional cooking methods like open fires or barbecues can be a hassle or even restricted in certain areas.

A griddle is a safer and cleaner alternative, providing a ready-to-go cooking surface with no mess or need to tend a fire. Propane is a reliable and affordable fuel source for Blackstone griddles, unlike charcoal or wood, which can be restricted in certain areas or require a license.

The Blackstone camping griddle range includes different sizes and models with unique features, providing plenty of options to meet your camping needs.

Can I Leave My Blackstone Outside All Winter?

Leaving a Blackstone grill outside all winter is possible, but precautions must be taken to prevent rust and damage.

Cold-rolled steel is used to make the flat top of the grill, which is 20% stronger than hot-rolled steel and able to withstand unfavorable weather conditions. However, rain, snow, and other outdoor elements can cause rapid rusting and damage to the grill. It’s crucial to oil the cooking surface before storing it to protect it from rusting.

Finding a covered area, such as a garage or shed, is the best option to keep it safe from harsh weather conditions like hailstorms, extreme mud, or floods. Keeping the grill away from weather hotspots can also prevent rapid rusting. Investing in a good griddle cover is essential to keep the grill well-protected from the outdoor elements.

Which Grill Is Best For Camping?

When choosing the best grill for camping, both Camp Chef and Blackstone offer solid options with reliable features. However, the better choice ultimately depends on specific needs, and camping depends on personal preferences and cooking needs.

The Blackstone 36-inch Outdoor Griddle is an excellent option for those who frequently cook for large groups, with a spacious 720 square inch cooking surface and a combined heat output of 60,000 BTUs.

On the other hand, the Camp Chef Flat Top Grill is a good choice for those who prioritize easy grease management, with a front grease trap and a smaller cooking surface area.

Why Do People Like Flat Top Grills?

Flat-top grills have become popular among cooking enthusiasts due to their versatility and convenience. People love that they can cook almost anything on a flat-top grill, whether an egg-and-pancake breakfast or a seared steak. The appliance’s ability to evenly distribute heat across its flat cooking surface and built-in grease trap for a smoke-free experience have also made it a preferred choice.

Furthermore, its large cooking surface makes it possible to cook multiple dishes at the same time, thus saving time and effort. People also appreciate the social experience of cooking on a flat-top grill, as it allows them to gather guests around the grill for a teppanyaki-style cook session.

With these benefits, it’s no wonder why people enjoy using flat-top grills as a companion cookers alongside a built-in grill or as a primary cooking appliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no clear winner when choosing between Camp Chef vs Blackstone Griddles. Both brands offer high-quality griddles that are built to last and perform well. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your needs and preferences. So, take some time to consider what’s important to you, and then choose the griddle that best meets those needs.

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Chip Holland

Hey readers! Chip Holland here, and I’m a Manager of this website. My passion for writing about it only matches my passion for BBQ. Follow my blog for mouth-watering recipes, tips, and tricks for the perfect smoke, grill, and BBQ. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

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Battle of The Grills: Camp Chef vs Blackstone – Which One Comes Out On Top?