TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Summertime is all about backyard cookouts. Whether you’re an expert grillmaster or this is your first time attempting a barbecue, there’s one tool that you shouldn’t be without. Actually, maybe there are two tools you shouldn’t be without if we’re counting a fire extinguisher (safety first). You can’t truly enjoy summer grilling without a Blackstone griddle. Those in the know will recognize the brand name immediately. For the uninitiated, Blackstone griddles deliver one of the greatest outdoor cooking experiences you could imagine. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and relatively inexpensive, all things considered. Even if you don’t know exactly what a Blackstone is, you’ve likely heard of the brand’s name. It’s practically the only thing on anyone’s lips lately when it comes to barbecue gossip. The company was founded in 2008, in part, as a response to the lack of quality outdoor griddles on the market. While Blackstone had seen respectable growth in its first decade, the lockdown orders of the pandemic led to a tidal wave of sales, thanks in part to online shopping. Outdoor grilling became the norm for many families at that time, and the versatility of a griddle vs. a traditional grill had people hooked.Another company to experience a similar growth explosion during the pandemic was TikTok. As its membership grew by hundreds of millions of users, #GriddleTok became a popular hashtag. People shared videos of their Blackstone griddles, highlighting their versatility and ease of use. That’s all it took to ignite the brand’s sales even more, which led to an explosion in popularity. That said, Blackstones are anything but a passing fad. There are so many reasons why they’re worth owning and making a part of your summertime barbecue regimen. One of the best things about outdoor griddle cooking with a Blackstone is that you can make liquid-based foods that simply aren’t possible with a standard grill. Eggs, pancakes, stir-fry, etc., are a breeze on an open griddle, whereas they’re simply not feasible on traditional grates of an ordinary grill. What’s more, cleaning a Blackstone flat griddle is far quicker and easier than scraping char off of a grilling grate. There are also many shapes, sizes, and trim levels now available from Blackstone. The company’s offerings have expanded greatly since the first prototype. Regardless of how and where you plan to use it, there’s probably a Blackstone model that’s right for you.Large Blackstone griddlesAs the saying goes, go big or go home. That’s a good rule of thumb when choosing your first Blackstone griddle. The standard large-sized Blackstone measures 36 inches. That measurement refers to the side-to-side length of the griddle’s cooking surface. The 36-inch might be the best option to begin with if you have a large family or are a routine host throughout the summer, as it allows you the greatest opportunity to cook an entire meal at one time. However, it may be overkill for a single person or couples, unless you’re meal prepping on a regular basis. This particular 36-inch Blackstone even comes with an attached hood. 36-Inch Original Blackstone Grill with Hood
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Check price at AmazonMedium Blackstone griddlesMost medium Blackstones have a measurement of roughly 28 inches across. This is a popular size because it’s in the cherished Goldilocks zone. It’s small enough to fit into tighter spaces than the large version, but also not so small that your cooking options are limited. Because the grill is available on wheels, it’s ideal for stowing in the corner of your patio and wheeling it out to the center when the time comes for cooking. A medium Blackstone is the way to go for those who want a highly mobile option or don’t want to take up a ton of space. This option is ideal for singles, couples, or families, but it’s not the best for accommodating large parties. 28-Inch Blackstone Flat Grill without Hood
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Check price at AmazonCheck price at WalmartSmall Blackstone griddlesA small Blackstone usually has a length of roughly 22 inches. Just shy of two feet, it’s the ultimate pick for a small townhouse, apartment patio, or balcony. It’s also the best option for camping or tailgating, as its compact design is easy to take on the go. You might even have this size on standby as your travel Blackstone while your main griddle, like the 28- or 36-inch, sits on your patio. While you may not be able to cook enough food for large numbers of people on the 22-inch griddle, that’s probably not your intention if this is the size you’ve chosen. The 22-inch option gives you the ability to enjoy outdoor grilling like everyone else, but makes it accessible if you have limited space.Blackstone On-The-Go 22-Inch Omnivore Grill
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Check price at AmazonBlackstone 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle
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Check price at AmazonCheck price at TargetWhen you look at the impact that Blackstone has had on grilling, it’s hard to imagine that we haven’t been griddling outside all along. Now you know the history, so you should be a veritable expert on the topic of Blackstone griddles. Now, the next time someone starts telling you all about their brand new Blackstone, you can tell them about yours, too.TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use. Read more about our Editorial Standards and How We Choose Our Shopping Deals.