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Blackstone Grill - Different models (quality) /prices at different stores?

Posted on 5/30/25 at 2:32 pm
Posted by meeple
Carcassonne
Member since May 2011
10291 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 2:32 pm
Looking to get the 36” 4-burner. Is there a difference in model quality depending on where I get it? Are Walmarts cheaper for any reason due to the product itself, or just find one I like at a good price and go?
Posted by DarthRebel
Tier Five is Alive
Member since Feb 2013
23330 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 2:39 pm to
Check the product numbers. If the 36" at Walmart, has a different one than on the Blackstone website, then it could be a specific build for them. Walmart, Sams, Costco and Amazon can get manufacturers to build specific models for them, that are usually of slightest less quality to provided a cheaper version. They leverage their volume selling to entice the manufacturers.

I have had a 4 burner blackstone from Lowes for the past 2 years, still going strong. Great product.
Posted by frequent flyer
USA
Member since Jul 2021
3340 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 3:10 pm to
quote:

Walmart, Sams, Costco and Amazon can get manufacturers to build specific models for them, that are usually of slightest less quality to provided a cheaper version.


This. Lowes and Home Depot do it too.
Posted by TigersHuskers
Nebraska
Member since Oct 2014
12461 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 3:21 pm to
Just get one on Facebook for half the price that someone already put together
Posted by DevilDagNS
Member since Dec 2017
2898 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 4:14 pm to
I have the 36" 4 burner. Had it two years. Love it.

BUT, you need to maintain it after every cook. If you do not, you will come back to a big slab of rust next weekend.

This doesn't sound like a big deal, but when you are hammered and slinging smashburger's, fajitas and whatever, the last thing in the world you want to do is clean and oil the damn thing but you have to force it, especially on the big model.

Also recommend getting the grill matt. This helps alot.

Amazon
Posted by meeple
Carcassonne
Member since May 2011
10291 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 4:16 pm to
Does it matter where I get it from? Will it fall apart if I save money getting it at Walmart?
Posted by RedPop4
Santiago de Compostela
Member since Jan 2005
14770 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 4:18 pm to
Yes, it will. Even name brand stuff at WalMart is of inferior quality
This post was edited on 5/30/25 at 4:20 pm
Posted by Croacka
Denham Springs
Member since Dec 2008
61450 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 4:19 pm to
The biggest differences will be things like an extra shelf, a hinged lid, etc. I don’t think the build quality will vary all that much.

Look for the features you want.

Hinged lid would be a major plus
Posted by DevilDagNS
Member since Dec 2017
2898 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 4:35 pm to
quote:


Does it matter where I get it from


I convinced Academy to sell me a floor model so I did not have to assemble.
Posted by TimeOutdoors
LA
Member since Sep 2014
12907 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 4:53 pm to
I got mine from Walmart and love it. Super easy to assemble as well.

Get the seasoning paste as well. I thought for sure it would come with it, but it didn’t.
This post was edited on 5/30/25 at 4:55 pm
Posted by FireawayLSU
Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2023
1181 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 5:14 pm to
Unless you are cooking for a small army as in 20 people don’t get the 36. I have one and I host a good bit of parties so went with the big size. Only time I’ve used more than half was hosting a breakfast for my girl high school soccer team. I Cooked full course breakfast eggs, sausage patties, hash browns and pancakes. I did it all except pancakes in one go and then two goes for the pancakes to put it into perspective. When I do my outdoor kitchen I’m getting a 26 installed. Still cook for plenty and room to keep the cooked things warm on one side
Posted by wm72
Brooklyn
Member since Mar 2010
8784 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 5:17 pm to
quote:

Walmart, Sams, Costco and Amazon can get manufacturers to build specific models for them, that are usually of slightest less quality to provided a cheaper version.



A family friend's food company got a contract with Walmart and makes versions of their products with much cheaper, unhealthier ingredients for Walmart shelves than what goes to other supermarkets like Publix etc.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
This post was edited on 5/30/25 at 6:18 pm
Posted by ArkBengal
Benton, AR
Member since Aug 2004
2083 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 9:36 pm to
quote:

Unless you are cooking for a small army as in 20 people don’t get the 36


I would disagree with this. I have the two burner 28” but there are cold and hot spots. I think the 4 burner would be better at even heat on the surface unless there is a big price difference. Not sure you couldn’t find the 36” on sale for about the same cost
Posted by Trevaylin
south texas
Member since Feb 2019
8725 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 10:48 pm to
The Blackstone is a griddle. Very limited in cooking meat that is greater than 3/8 inch thick. That means no chicken, ribs or thick steaks. The fat/oil rendered from the meat accumulation is copious .

Blackstone is good for pancakes and fried eggs, but do not give up your char broiler
Posted by tadman
Member since Jun 2020
4824 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 10:51 pm to
Shop hard and get the cheapest one you can find. They are a total riot but the quality is garbage and a lot of the differences in price are for total BS like "fine corinthian leather knobs" and "limited edition rust in orange instead of charcoal-tan".

I have had to wire wheel and spray mine a few times. It's made some great times for friends. I encourage you to get one, just know what you are getting into. Super low quality so shop hard.

Also if you have any ability to be handy, check out FB market or Craigslist. Many people cannot figure out how to clean/wire wheel and reseason so they sell them for 1/4 the cost with almost nothing wrong other than a thick layer of rust. use a drill and wire wheel, spend an hour cleaning it up and enjoy.
Posted by LA_KY
'Merica
Member since Mar 2018
172 posts
Posted on 5/30/25 at 11:27 pm to
I’m a fan of the 22” for portability and less space - ie you want a griddle and smoker and don’t want to take up 15 feet.

If you want bigger one the new 28” omnivore three burner looks ideal - a bit deeper and three burners to fix the cold spots on the 28” two burner. Academy has them.
Posted by MardiGrasCajun
Dirty Coast, MS
Member since Sep 2005
5722 posts
Posted on 5/31/25 at 1:05 am to
quote:

That means no chicken, ribs or thick steaks.


Learn to use your griddle. Each one of these are two pound steaks almost 2” thick. Cooked to perfection.






I make blackened chicken at least once a week on it…

Posted by MardiGrasCajun
Dirty Coast, MS
Member since Sep 2005
5722 posts
Posted on 5/31/25 at 1:15 am to
Get the 36” and don’t look back. Kind of like a gun, better to have and not need it than need it and not have it. We cook all the time on ours. No way would a 22 or 28 work. It’s so handy for making blackened chicken, fajitas, breakfast burritos, egg McMuffins, and large quantities of meatballs when making a big batch of spaghetti.






Posted by Gusoline
Jacksonville, NC
Member since Dec 2013
10004 posts
Posted on 5/31/25 at 1:19 am to
Even lowes and home depot get inferior for a lot of things.

Their paint brushes are hot garbage compared to one bought from sherwin williams or ppg.
Posted by MardiGrasCajun
Dirty Coast, MS
Member since Sep 2005
5722 posts
Posted on 5/31/25 at 1:24 am to
But, big fan of my Ninja Woodfired oven, too. Can make all kinds of stuff however making gourmet $5 pizza is next level.






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