Customers Love This Flat-Top Grill That's 'So Much Better Than The Blackstone'

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Blackstone is no longer the only option for those looking to purchase a griddle for outdoor cooking. Weber, the brand commonly associated with kettle grills, has cemented itself into the flat-top lineup with its own Slate category, and fans who have owned both are leaning towards the Weber. On Reddit and website reviews, home chefs are touting the benefits of the Weber, writing on Reddit that the company's Slate checks "all the boxes." Other customers on the same thread describe barely touching the stove since bringing the Slate home, and several highlight how the modular side table can be reconfigured to fit specific cooking needs. Several posters in the thread call it the best griddle experience they've had. One fan on YouTube said they'd nearly bought a Blackstone but backed out after hearing about rust complaints and stand by the Slate as "made better [and] worth the extra cost." Meanwhile, someone else on another Reddit thread said it was "so much better than the Blackstone."

Not every comparison is for Weber, however. Some shoppers have described the Weber griddle as overpriced. A 36-inch four-burner Slate can cost around $900 while a 30-inch option sells for under $800. Blackstone griddles can be found for less, at around $500 for the 36-inch griddle. Yet for those who have the cash to shell out upfront, Weber Slate owners insist that the durability is worth the ticket price. 

Cooks appreciate the space of the Slate's table surface and the sturdiness of the assembly, noting that there is no wobbling or movement that can be experienced with Blackstone equipment. Beyond the ability to customize the setup with an array of spice racks, hooks, grilling tools, and prep boards, the pre-seasoned surface is one of Slate's top selling points, and the griddle's rust-resistant surface is backed by Weber's five-year warranty. Several users have noted that the griddle does indeed stay rust-free, even when exposed to the elements. One cook based in South Florida admitted that while a Blackstone has a "huge" rust problem, the Weber remains free from rust. "Very disappointed with the Blackstone, my next griddle will be stainless," the cook wrote on YouTube. In comparison, the Blackstone griddle has just a one-year warranty.

Other highlights of the Slate include even edge-to-edge heat and a digital thermometer that displays the surface temperature, though some customers have noted inconsistencies when comparing with an infrared thermometer while also observing that the griddle does have cool zones on the surface. The four burners of the Slate can be controlled independently, and wind guards protect cooking to ensure temperature remains consistent while in use. Though fans of the Weber Slate admit that the Slate isn't for every cook, as the large unit can be difficult to move once set up, those who appreciate the build are vocal about their purchase.