Blackstone Air Fryer Review 2026: Griddle Combo Worth Your Money?

If you love outdoor cooking, you have probably heard about Blackstone griddles. They have become a backyard staple across America. But Blackstone did something bold. They added built in air fryer drawers to their flat top griddles. The result is a combo unit that can sear smashburgers on top and crisp up french fries down below at the same time.

Sounds amazing, right? But does it actually deliver? Is the air fryer feature a real game changer or just a marketing gimmick? I dug deep into user reviews, expert opinions, and real world performance data to give you a complete picture.

In this Blackstone air fryer review, I cover everything you need to know. From cooking performance and build quality to cleaning, pricing, and honest pros and cons. Whether you are looking at the 28 inch model or the 36 inch version, this guide will help you make a smart decision before spending your hard earned money.

Let’s get into it.

Key Takeaways

• Blackstone air fryer griddle combos combine a flat top griddle with propane powered air fryer drawers, giving you two cooking methods in one outdoor unit. This saves space and lets you cook full meals without running back inside.
• The 36 inch model offers 768 square inches of cooking surface, four independent burner zones with 60,000 BTUs, dual 4 quart air fryer drawers, and a warming drawer. The 28 inch model provides 524 square inches and two burners with a single air fryer drawer.
• The air fryer performance is solid but not top tier. Most reviewers rate it around 6 out of 10 compared to a dedicated countertop air fryer like a Ninja. It works more like a strong convection oven. It handles fries, wings, and chicken well but takes longer to preheat.
• Build quality is a major highlight. The powder coated steel frame, heavy duty caster wheels, and Omnivore griddle plate technology make this unit feel premium. Assembly takes about 90 minutes and requires a helper for some steps.
• Pricing ranges from about $400 to $1,000 depending on the model and where you buy. Walmart typically offers the best prices. The combo costs roughly $300 to $400 more than a standard Blackstone griddle without air fryer drawers.
• Cleaning is straightforward. The rear grease management system works well. Air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe. Seasoning the griddle plate takes ongoing effort, especially with uneven heat spots across burners.

Blackstone 36 Inch Griddle with Air Fryer Combo Overview

The Blackstone 36 inch Griddle with Air Fryer Combo is the flagship model in the lineup. It gives you a massive flat top cooking surface paired with integrated air frying below the griddle. This is a full outdoor cooking station.

You get four independently controlled burner zones that produce a combined 60,000 BTUs. The griddle surface measures 768 square inches. That is enough room to cook breakfast for a crowd or line up a dozen smashburgers side by side.

Below the griddle surface, you will find two 4 quart air fryer drawers and one 4 quart warming drawer. The air fryer runs on a separate propane burner rated at 13,000 BTUs. A 75 watt electric fan circulates hot air through perforated stainless steel baskets. You will need to plug this fan into a nearby outlet.

The unit includes a metal hinged hood that covers the griddle surface. This hood traps heat and helps food cook faster. It also protects the cooking surface from the elements. Folding side shelves provide prep space. The BAR system on the shelves lets you attach compatible accessories like tool hooks and magnetic strips.

The latest models use Omnivore griddle plate technology. This cold rolled steel plate heats faster, distributes heat more evenly, and recovers temperature quicker after placing cold food. It also includes built in wind guards along the sides.

Blackstone 28 Inch Air Fryer Griddle Combo

The Blackstone 28 inch Air Fryer Griddle Combo (Model 1962) is the smaller sibling. It suits people who have less patio space or cook for smaller groups. The price point is also lower, making it a good entry option.

This model features two burners and a 524 square inch cooking surface. It comes with a stainless steel hood, two foldable side shelves, and sturdy wheels. The overall footprint is more compact than the 36 inch version.

The air fryer setup on this model is a single drawer rather than the dual drawer system on the 36 inch. It still uses propane heat with an electric fan. You can roast, bake, and air fry foods like wings, fries, and vegetables.

User feedback on the 28 inch model is positive overall. People appreciate the size for small families. The griddle heats up quickly and holds temperature well. The air fryer drawer works well for basic tasks but has limited capacity compared to the 36 inch version.

One common note from buyers is that the air fryer can operate independently from the griddle. You can fire up just the air fryer to reheat leftovers without lighting all the burners. This adds flexibility and saves propane.

How Does the Blackstone Air Fryer Actually Work?

The Blackstone air fryer is propane powered, not electric like most countertop air fryers. A dedicated burner beneath the air fryer drawers heats the air. Then a 75 watt electric fan blows that hot air around the perforated stainless steel baskets.

This creates a convection oven style environment. Hot air circulates around the food from all sides. The result is crispy, browned food with less oil. It follows the same basic principle as any air fryer. The difference is the heat source.

The air fryer baskets slide in and out like drawers. They are well machined and firm. The third drawer on the 36 inch model is a warming drawer. It keeps finished food hot while you cook the next batch.

You should know that the preheat time is longer than a countertop air fryer. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A kitchen air fryer typically gets there in 3 to 5 minutes. Plan ahead and start the air fryer before you light the griddle burners.

The temperature range sits between 325 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit depending on your burner setting. This covers most standard air fryer recipes. There is no digital thermostat or display. Temperature control is analog through the burner knob.

Top 3 Alternatives for Blackstone Air Fryer Griddle Combo

If the Blackstone air fryer combo is not the right fit, here are three strong alternatives worth considering.

The Blackstone 2310 Iron Forged 36 Inch Omnivore Griddle is a great pick if you want a premium Blackstone griddle without the air fryer drawers. It features the same Omnivore plate technology with an X braced hood. The build quality is excellent. You save money and can pair it with a separate countertop air fryer.

The Blackstone 2258 Pellet Grill and Air Fryer Combo takes a different approach. It combines a pellet smoker with air fryer capability. This is ideal if you want smoky flavor plus air frying. It weighs 175 pounds and measures 53 inches wide. The pellet grill adds versatility the flat top models cannot offer.

The Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo is a budget friendly option. It offers a grill and griddle combo with a portable design. You will not get integrated air frying, but the price is significantly lower. It is a strong choice for people who want outdoor cooking flexibility without spending $600 or more.

Cooking Performance on the Griddle Surface

The griddle surface on the Blackstone air fryer combo is one of its strongest features. The Omnivore plate heats up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit in about 5 minutes. That is fast for a propane griddle.

Heat distribution does vary across the surface. The areas directly above each burner run hotter. The center line of the griddle tends to be the hottest zone. Edges and corners stay cooler. This temperature difference can reach up to 100 degrees from one spot to another.

Experienced griddle users see this as an advantage. You sear burgers and steaks in the hot center. You toast buns and keep finished food warm along the cooler edges. The four independent burner controls let you create custom heat zones for different foods.

Smashburgers are a standout. The high heat and flat surface produce a perfect crust. You can cook eggs, pancakes, bacon, grilled cheese, fajitas, stir fry, and much more. The large surface handles big batches easily.

The metal hood helps with foods that need melting or steaming. Close the hood and cheese melts faster on burgers. Chicken breasts cook more evenly. Vegetables get tender. The hood also cuts preheat time by trapping heat.

Air Fryer Drawer Performance

The air fryer drawers work well for most common air fryer foods. French fries come out crispy and golden in about 15 minutes. Chicken wings get a nice crunch on the outside while staying juicy inside. Frozen snacks like mozzarella sticks and tater tots cook evenly.

However, the air fryer drawers are not as precise as a dedicated countertop air fryer. There is no digital temperature readout. No preset cooking programs. No timer with auto shutoff. You control everything manually with the burner knob and a separate timer.

One reviewer cooked a 1.7 kilogram whole chicken in one of the baskets. It came out juicy with crisp skin. The basket was tight but it worked. Corn on the cob, baked potatoes, and breakfast hash browns are also popular items people cook in these drawers.

The warming drawer is a hidden gem according to many users. It keeps bacon, sausages, and finished sides warm while you prepare the rest of the meal. This solves a common outdoor cooking problem. No more cold food sitting on a plate while you finish the last batch.

The biggest criticism is preheat time. You need to plan ahead. Start the air fryer 15 to 20 minutes before you plan to add food. Also, the fan makes noticeable noise. It is not extremely loud, but you will hear it running.

Build Quality and Assembly

Blackstone built this unit to last. The frame uses powder coated steel with a solid, heavy feel. The griddle plate is thick cold rolled steel that resists warping. The caster wheels are metal, not plastic, and they lock in place.

The side shelves fold down for storage. They include pegs for hanging utensils and one shelf has a magnetic strip along the front. This keeps your spatulas and tongs close while cooking. Small touches like the protective plastic cover on the fan switch show attention to detail.

Assembly takes about 90 minutes for one person. The instructions are clear and well labeled. Most users compare them to building furniture from a box. The hardest part is lifting the griddle plate onto the frame. It is heavy. Having a second person for that step makes it much easier.

The knobs feel soft touch and ergonomic. The ignitor system works for all burners and the air fryer burner. The heavy duty outdoor power plug connects the electric fan. The build inspires confidence. You feel like you own a serious piece of outdoor cooking equipment.

One downside is the weight and size. The 36 inch model is not portable. You will need a dedicated spot for it. Moving it requires effort even with the wheels. The 28 inch model is more manageable but still heavier than a basic griddle.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Blackstone air fryer combo is easier than most grills. The flat griddle surface scrapes clean with a griddle scraper. Squirt some water on the hot surface, scrape the residue, and wipe it down.

The rear grease management system works exceptionally well. Grease flows naturally toward a rear cutout and drips into a removable grease cup. Several reviewers call it the best grease system among all griddles they have tested. Use foil liner trays in the cup for fast disposal.

The air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe. They disassemble easily for cleaning. Note that the baskets take up significant space in a dishwasher. Hand washing with warm soapy water also works quickly.

Seasoning is the ongoing commitment. You need to season the griddle plate before first use and maintain that seasoning over time. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil after each cleaning. The uneven heat distribution can cause seasoning to build up unevenly. Areas above burners may burn off seasoning faster.

The key is to not worry about perfect seasoning color. It evens out over multiple cooking sessions. Experienced users recommend heating on low first, then increasing gradually. This prevents warping and helps oil bond to the steel surface.

Pricing and Value for Money

The Blackstone 36 inch Griddle with Air Fryer Combo typically sells for $500 to $1,000 depending on the retailer and model variant. Walmart tends to offer the lowest prices, often around $397 to $578 for the 36 inch version. Amazon prices run higher, sometimes over $900.

The 28 inch model sells for roughly $300 to $500. It offers a more affordable entry point. The savings come from the smaller surface, fewer burners, and single air fryer drawer.

A standard Blackstone 36 inch griddle without air fryer drawers costs around $300 to $400. So you pay a $200 to $400 premium for the integrated air fryer system. Is that worth it?

It depends on how often you will use the air fryer. If you cook fries, wings, or sides every time you griddle, the combo saves you from running inside or setting up a separate appliance. The warming drawer alone adds real value during multi item cooks.

If you rarely air fry, the basic griddle plus a countertop air fryer may be a better deal. A quality countertop air fryer costs $50 to $150 and performs better than the Blackstone drawers. However, you lose the convenience of a single outdoor station.

Pros of the Blackstone Air Fryer Griddle Combo

The massive cooking surface stands as the biggest advantage. You can cook for 8 to 10 people or more without feeling cramped. Breakfast spreads, taco bars, and burger nights all fit on this griddle.

Multi zone temperature control gives you flexibility. Cook bacon on high heat in one zone while eggs cook gently in another. This feature alone sets Blackstone apart from cheaper single zone griddles.

The integrated air fryer and warming drawer add real convenience. You prepare complete meals outdoors without extra appliances. Fries crisp up below while burgers sear above. The warming drawer keeps everything at serving temperature.

Build quality inspires long term confidence. Heavy steel construction, quality wheels, solid hardware, and a well designed grease system all point to durability. Users report these griddles lasting many years with basic care.

The hood is a major upgrade over open griddles. It traps heat, speeds up cooking, and protects the surface when not in use. The hinged design makes it easy to raise and lower with one hand.

Cons of the Blackstone Air Fryer Griddle Combo

The air fryer is not as powerful as a countertop unit. It takes longer to preheat. It lacks digital controls. The results are good but not top tier. If you expect Ninja level crispiness, you may feel disappointed.

No propane gauge is included. You have no easy way to check how much gas remains in your tank. Running out mid cook is frustrating. You will want to invest in an aftermarket propane gauge or keep a backup tank handy.

The unit is big, heavy, and not portable. The 36 inch model needs a permanent spot on your patio or deck. Moving it requires physical effort. This is not a tailgating griddle.

Temperature varies across the cooking surface. Hot spots above burners and cooler edges take some learning. Seasoning builds up unevenly because of this. New users need time to understand how the heat zones behave.

The air fryer requires an electrical outlet for the fan. You need a nearby plug or an extension cord. This adds a cord to your outdoor setup. Some people find this inconvenient, especially if their patio lacks outlets.

Who Should Buy the Blackstone Air Fryer Griddle Combo?

This griddle combo is ideal for people who cook outdoors frequently and serve groups. If you host weekend breakfasts, backyard burger nights, or family gatherings, this unit delivers on every front.

Families with kids love it. You can cook burgers on top and fries in the air fryer at the same time. No separate trips inside. No extra cleanup of kitchen appliances. Kids get hot food fast. The warming drawer keeps plates ready.

BBQ enthusiasts who already own smokers or grills will appreciate this as an addition. It fills a different role. The flat top surface handles foods that fall through grill grates. The air fryer adds a cooking method you cannot replicate on a standard grill.

If you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, the 28 inch model may fit. But even it requires a decent patio area. The 36 inch model needs a backyard or large deck.

People who rarely cook outside or who only make occasional burgers may find it overkill. A basic Weber or charcoal grill might serve them better. The investment in a Blackstone air fryer combo makes sense when you plan to use it multiple times per week.

Blackstone Air Fryer vs Countertop Air Fryer

This is a common question. How does the Blackstone propane air fryer stack up against a kitchen countertop air fryer?

A countertop air fryer heats up in 3 to 5 minutes. It has digital controls, preset programs, and auto shutoff. Temperature is precise. Results are consistent. Popular models from Ninja, Cosori, and Philips score 8 to 10 out of 10 for air frying performance.

The Blackstone air fryer takes 15 to 20 minutes to preheat. Temperature control is analog. There is no digital display. Reviewers rate it around 6 out of 10 compared to a dedicated countertop fryer. It works more like a strong convection oven.

But the Blackstone has one major advantage. It sits right under your griddle. You do not leave the cooking station. You do not run inside. Everything stays in one spot. This matters a lot during big outdoor cooking sessions.

The Blackstone air fryer baskets also have more capacity than most countertop models. Two 4 quart drawers give you room for larger batches. A typical countertop basket holds 2 to 5 quarts total.

If you already own a great countertop air fryer, the Blackstone air fryer adds outdoor convenience. If you do not own one yet, the Blackstone alone may not replace the need for a kitchen unit. Both have their place depending on where and how you cook.

Final Verdict on the Blackstone Air Fryer Griddle Combo

The Blackstone Air Fryer Griddle Combo is a strong outdoor cooking station with a unique twist. The griddle performance is excellent. The build quality is premium. The air fryer drawers add useful functionality, even if they do not match a dedicated countertop fryer.

This is best for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want an all in one setup. It saves time, reduces cleanup, and lets you cook complete meals in one spot. The warming drawer alone justifies the combo for many people.

The air fryer is not perfect. Slow preheat, analog controls, and moderate crispiness keep it from being a true replacement for a kitchen air fryer. But as a bonus feature built into your griddle, it delivers solid results that most users enjoy.

If you cook outdoors regularly and feed groups, this combo is worth the investment. Pick the 36 inch model for large families and frequent entertaining. Choose the 28 inch version for smaller spaces and tighter budgets. Either way, you get a versatile, well built cooking machine that can handle breakfast, lunch, and dinner with ease.

FAQs

Is the Blackstone air fryer worth the extra cost over a regular griddle?

For most frequent outdoor cooks, yes. The air fryer drawers and warming drawer add real functionality. You pay roughly $200 to $400 more than a standard griddle. If you cook fries, wings, or sides alongside your griddle meals, the combo pays for itself in convenience. If you rarely use air frying, a basic griddle plus a cheap countertop air fryer is a more cost effective setup.

Can you use the Blackstone air fryer without turning on the griddle?

Yes. The air fryer burner operates independently from the main griddle burners. You can fire up just the air fryer to reheat leftovers, cook frozen snacks, or prepare sides without lighting the full griddle. This saves propane and adds flexibility to the unit.

How long does the Blackstone air fryer take to preheat?

The air fryer drawers take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit on high. This is significantly longer than a countertop electric air fryer. Plan to start the air fryer first, before you begin heating the griddle surface. This ensures your fries or sides finish around the same time as your main dish.

Does the Blackstone air fryer need electricity?

Yes, partially. The heat comes from a propane burner. But the fan that circulates hot air runs on electricity. You need to plug the 75 watt fan into a standard outlet. An extension cord may be necessary if your patio outlet is not close to the griddle.

What foods cook best in the Blackstone air fryer drawers?

French fries, chicken wings, tater tots, and frozen snacks are the most popular choices. Users also report great results with corn on the cob, breakfast potatoes, and even whole small chickens. The drawers work well for any food that benefits from circulating hot air. Avoid overfilling the baskets. Leave room for air to flow around the food for best results.

How do you clean the Blackstone air fryer baskets?

The air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe and disassemble easily. You can also hand wash them with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Let them dry completely before sliding them back into the unit. The griddle surface cleans with a scraper and water while still warm. Apply a thin coat of oil after every cleaning to maintain the seasoning.

Last update on 2026-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API