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Cooking and Recipes, Griddle, Product Reviews, Traeger Grills

Traeger Flatrock Grill vs Blackstone Griddle

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When it comes to outdoor cooking, griddles have gained immense popularity for their versatility and efficiency. If you read my blog you know I love my griddle cooking. Blackstone is the current leader in the griddle world, but Traeger has a new entry with their Flatrock Grill. Let’s compare the Traeger Flatrock Grill and the most popular Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle and see what we find out…

Overview of Traeger Flatrock Grill and Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle

Traeger Flatrock Grill

The Traeger Flatrock Grill offers a robust build, precise temperature control, and versatile cooking capabilities. You can read my full review here: What is the Traeger Flatrock?

Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle

Blackstone is a well-established name in the griddle market, renowned for its reliable and versatile products. The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle is a flagship model that offers a large cooking surface (769 sq inches!), powerful burners, and user-friendly features, making it a favorite among grilling enthusiasts.

Key Features Comparison

Let’s evaluate the Traeger Flatrock Grill and the Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle based on several key features: cooking surface, burners and heat distribution, versatility, temperature control, ease of use, build quality, and value for money.

1. Cooking Surface

Traeger Flatrock Grill:

  • The Traeger Flatrock Grill features a cooking surface of approximately 600 square inches.
  • The surface is made of cold-rolled steel, which is known for its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution.

Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle:

  • The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle offers a larger cooking surface, around 770 square inches!
  • The surface is constructed from cold-rolled steel, similar to the Traeger, ensuring good heat retention and distribution.

Comparison:
The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle provides a larger cooking area, making it more suitable for cooking for large groups or preparing multiple dishes at once. Both griddles use cold-rolled steel, which ensures consistent heat across the surface. WINNER BLACKSTONE

2. Burners and Heat Distribution

Traeger Flatrock Grill:

  • The Flatrock Grill comes with a three-burner system.
  • Each burner can be controlled independently, allowing for different cooking zones and precise heat management.

Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle:

  • The Blackstone Griddle is equipped with a four-burner system.
  • Independent control for each burner allows for versatile cooking zones and efficient heat distribution.

Comparison:
The Blackstone griddle has an additional burner compared to the Traeger, providing more control over heat zones and potentially better heat distribution across the larger cooking surface. However, both models offer excellent heat control capabilities. WINNER – BLACKSTONE

3. Versatility

Traeger Flatrock Grill:

  • The Traeger Flatrock Grill excels in versatility, capable of cooking a wide variety of foods from breakfast items to dinner entrees.
  • The flat top surface allows for searing, sautéing, and frying.

Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle:

  • The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle is also highly versatile, accommodating a wide range of cooking styles.
  • It can handle everything from pancakes and eggs to steaks and stir-fries.

Comparison:
Both griddles offer similar versatility, allowing users to cook a wide range of foods. The choice between the two might come down to personal preference or specific cooking needs, but in terms of versatility, both models perform exceptionally well. WINNER – TIE

4. Temperature Control

Traeger Flatrock Grill:

  • Features precise temperature control knobs for each burner.
  • A built-in thermometer helps monitor the cooking surface temperature.

Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle:

  • Equipped with individual control knobs for each burner.
  • Lacks a built-in thermometer, but the controls are intuitive and responsive.

Comparison:
The Traeger Flatrock Grill has an edge with its built-in thermometer, providing an additional layer of temperature monitoring. However, both griddles offer precise and responsive temperature control through their burner knobs. WINNER – TRAEGER

5. Ease of Use

Traeger Flatrock Grill:

  • Features a push-button ignition system for quick startup.
  • Includes side shelves and hooks for utensils, enhancing convenience.

Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle:

  • Also features a push-button ignition system for easy lighting.
  • Comes with a side shelf and a bottom shelf for storage, as well as hooks for utensils.

Comparison:
Both griddles are designed with user convenience in mind. They feature push-button ignition systems and include additional storage and organization options, making them both easy to use. WINNER – TIE

6. Build Quality

Traeger Flatrock Grill:

  • Constructed with high-quality materials, including a powder-coated finish to resist rust and corrosion.
  • The build quality reflects Traeger’s reputation for durable and reliable products.

Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle:

  • Built with robust materials designed to withstand outdoor conditions.
  • Features a powder-coated steel frame and a thick cold-rolled steel griddle top.

Comparison:
Both griddles are constructed from high-quality materials and are built to last. Traeger and Blackstone both have strong reputations for producing durable outdoor cooking equipment, so build quality is excellent in both models. WINNER – TIE

7. Value for Money

Traeger Flatrock Grill:

  • Priced at a premium, reflecting its high-quality construction and advanced features.
  • Offers excellent value for those seeking a versatile and reliable griddle.

Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle:

  • Generally more affordable than the Traeger Flatrock Grill.
  • Provides a large cooking surface and versatile features at a competitive price point.

Comparison:
The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle offers better value for money, especially for those on a budget or needing a larger cooking surface without a high investment. The Traeger Flatrock Grill, while more expensive, justifies its price with its additional features and build quality. WINNER – BLACKSTONE

Features Winner: BLACKSTONE

User Feedback and Reviews

Don’t just take my word for it, let’s see what other people have to say…

Traeger Flatrock Grill

Users of the Traeger Flatrock Grill often praise its versatility and build quality. The precise temperature control and even heat distribution are highlighted as significant advantages. However, some users note the premium price as a potential drawback.

Common Praises:

  • Excellent heat retention and distribution.
  • Versatile cooking capabilities.
  • High-quality construction.

Common Criticisms:

  • Higher price point.
  • Slightly smaller cooking surface compared to some competitors.

Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle

The Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle receives positive feedback for its large cooking surface, powerful burners, and affordability. Users appreciate the griddle’s ability to cook large quantities of food efficiently and its overall ease of use.

Common Praises:

  • Large cooking surface.
  • Affordable price.
  • Powerful and efficient burners.

Common Criticisms:

  • Lack of built-in thermometer.
  • Occasional maintenance required to prevent rust.

Video Comparison

I also found this video review of both griddles to be a helpful discussion. It’s from a 3rd party I have no affiliation with but the information shared is good…

Final Verdict: Which One to Choose?

Choosing between the Traeger Flatrock Grill and the Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a summary to help you decide:

Choose the Traeger Flatrock Grill if:

  • You prioritize high build quality and advanced features like a built-in thermometer and the Traeger name.
  • You are willing to invest in a premium product.
  • You prefer a smaller, somewhat more manageable cooking surface.

Choose the Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle if:

  • You need a larger cooking surface for cooking for large groups.
  • You are looking for a more affordable option.
  • You value powerful burners and efficient heat distribution.
  • You want the market leader

Both the Traeger Flatrock Grill and the Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle offer exceptional performance and versatility. The decision between the two will depend on your budget, cooking needs, and preference for specific features. Either way, both griddles are excellent choices for enhancing your outdoor cooking experience.

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Cooking and Recipes, Griddle, Product Reviews, Traeger Grills

Traeger Flatrock Griddle Review

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The Traeger Flatrock Grill is an innovative addition to the world of outdoor cooking, bringing a new dimension to the classic grilling experience. Known for their pioneering work with pellet grills, Traeger has ventured into the realm of flat top griddles with the Flatrock, aiming to offer a versatile and high-performing appliance that caters to a wide range of culinary styles and preferences AND tries to compete with the current griddle king BLACKSTONE.

Does the Flatrock stand up to the hype? Let’s find out.

Features of the Traeger Flatrock Grill

The Traeger Flatrock Grill stands out due to its robust build, advanced temperature control, and versatile cooking surface. Here’s a detailed look at the key features:

1. Cooking Surface and Build Quality

The Flatrock Grill boasts a substantial cooking surface, typically around 600 square inches, made from cold-rolled steel. This material is known for its excellent heat retention and even distribution, ensuring that the entire surface remains consistently hot. The grill’s structure seems to be sturdy and designed to withstand outdoor elements, with a powder-coated finish that resists rust and corrosion.

2. Three-Burner System

Equipped with a three-burner system, the Flatrock Grill provides independent temperature control across different sections of the grill. This feature allows users to cook multiple items simultaneously at different temperatures, a significant advantage when preparing a variety of dishes that require precise heat management.

3. Versatility

One of the main things I love about griddle cooking is versatility.

And this is true of the Flatrock Grill too. Unlike traditional grills that are limited to direct and indirect grilling, the flat top surface opens up a plethora of cooking possibilities. Users can easily sear steaks, sauté vegetables, cook breakfast foods like pancakes and eggs, or prepare stir-fry meals. The flat surface is also ideal for foods that might fall through traditional grates, such as small seafood or finely chopped vegetables.

4. Temperature Control

The Flatrock Grill features precise temperature control knobs, enabling users to fine-tune the heat output for each burner. This precision is crucial for cooking delicate items that require lower temperatures or for achieving a perfect sear on high heat.

Additionally, the grill includes a built-in thermometer to monitor the cooking surface temperature accurately – that’s really convenient!

5. Ease of Use and Maintenance

Ease of use is a hallmark of the Traeger brand, and the Flatrock Grill is no exception. My Traegers have never let me down and they are easy to maintain.

I find the flat top surface easier to clean than traditional grill grates, and the inclusion of a grease management system ensures that cooking residue is efficiently collected and disposed of. The grill also features a push-button ignition system, making startup quick and straightforward.

Review of the Traeger Flatrock Grill

Now let’s evaluate the Traeger Flatrock Grill based on several criteria: performance, versatility, ease of use, build quality, and value for money.

Performance

The performance of the Traeger Flatrock Grill is exceptional. I expect this is due to its advanced burner system. The cold-rolled steel surface heats evenly and maintains consistent temperatures, which is crucial for achieving optimal cooking results. The three-burner system allows for precise heat control, making it easy to cook a wide range of foods simultaneously. Users have reported that the grill reaches desired temperatures quickly and retains heat efficiently, minimizing fuel consumption.

Versatility

Like I said before – versatility is where the Flatrock Grill truly shines. The flat top surface is perfect for a variety of cooking techniques that traditional grills struggle with. From breakfast foods like pancakes and bacon to complex dishes like stir-fried noodles or fajitas, the Flatrock Grill handles it all with ease. The ability to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously adds a layer of convenience.

Ease of Use

The Flatrock Grill is designed with convenience in mind. The push-button ignition system ensures a hassle-free start, and the temperature control knobs are intuitive and responsive. Cleaning the grill is straightforward due to the flat top surface and the effective grease management system. Additionally, the grill’s design includes side shelves and hooks for utensils, enhancing the overall experience by keeping everything within easy reach.

Build Quality

Traeger’s reputation for quality is evident in the Flatrock Grill. The materials used, including the cold-rolled steel cooking surface and the powder-coated exterior, are durable and built to withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking. The overall construction feels solid and reliable, with attention to detail that ensures longevity and consistent performance.

Value for Money

While the Traeger Flatrock Grill is priced higher than some of its competitors, I’d like to believe the extra cost is justified by its (hopefully) long term superior performance, versatility, and build quality. If you’re looking for versatile griddle grill, you’ll find that the Flatrock offers excellent value for money.

Traeger Flatrock Video Overview

User Feedback

Don’t just take my word for it on the Flatrock. Look at the many user reviews out there and I’ll think you’ll find that the reviews for the Traeger Flatrock Grill is overwhelmingly positive. Many praise the grill for its versatility and ease of use like I told you about. Others say the even heat distribution and precise temperature control are standout features.

On the other hand, some users have pointed out minor drawbacks, such as the grill’s weight and size, making it less portable than smaller grills and if you need a portable griddle, this is probably not your best choice.

Is the Flatrock your next griddle?

The Traeger Flatrock Grill is a standout product in the realm of outdoor cooking, offering a versatile, high-performing, and durable solution for a wide range of griddle endeavors. Its combination of precise temperature control, even heat distribution, and a spacious cooking surface makes it a valuable addition to any outdoor kitchen. While it comes at a higher price point than most Blackstone models, the investment is well worth it for those who know the reliability of a Traeger and for a unit that is large enough to handle everything from breakfast to dinner with ease.

Overall, I think the Traeger Flatrock Grill lives up to the Traeger reputation for innovation and quality, providing users with a premium grilling experience that is both enjoyable and efficient. Whether you are a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, the Flatrock Grill is designed to enhance your outdoor cooking adventures, making it a worthwhile addition to your culinary arsenal.

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