The Cuisinart 360 XL Griddle Station and classic Blackstone outdoor griddles are two top choices for flat-top cooking, but they are designed for very different users and spaces. The Cuisinart 360 XL is a compact, stylish tabletop griddle featuring a circular non-stick surface perfect for small patios, while Blackstone griddles are rugged, high-capacity industrial machines with large, seasoned steel surfaces built for big backyard cookouts.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which griddle fits your outdoor cooking style.
Cuisinart 360 XL Griddle Cooking Station
From the well-known kitchen brand Cuisinart, the 360 XL is a modern, versatile griddle designed for convenience and style. Its distinguishing feature is the circular cooking surface, which offers 360-degree access and makes it a social centerpiece for small gatherings. With its sleek stainless steel finish and manageable footprint, it’s a great fit for users who prioritize ease of use and aesthetics in smaller outdoor spaces.
- What it is: A tabletop-style outdoor propane griddle with a 22-inch diameter circular cooking surface.
- Key features: 360 square inches of cooking space, two independently controlled heat zones, an included stainless steel lid and splatter guard, and a 360-degree grease tray for easy cleanup.
- Price: Around $250 - $300.
- Dimensions: Approximately 24 inches wide, 20 inches deep, and 10 inches high.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel body and a non-stick griddle top.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a polished stainless steel finish that looks sharp on any patio or balcony.
- Pros: Stylish, compact design fits in small spaces. Easy to clean non-stick surface. Unique circular cooking area is great for social cooking. Heats evenly and is simple to operate.
- Cons: Smaller cooking area isn't ideal for large crowds. The non-stick surface, while convenient, isn't as durable as a seasoned steel cooking top long-term. Less powerful than larger Blackstone griddles.
The Cuisinart 360 XL is ideal for home cooks with small families or those who want a user-friendly, clean-looking griddle for a balcony or small patio without the maintenance of a traditional griddle.
Shop this product: walmart.com/ip/Cuisinart-360-XL-Griddle-Outdoor-Cooking-Station/431114532
Blackstone Outdoor Griddles
Blackstone has become synonymous with serious outdoor griddle cooking. Their products are workhorses, built with heavy-duty materials to handle high heat and large quantities of food. Prized for their massive rolled-steel cooking surfaces that require seasoning, these griddles are favored by backyard BBQ enthusiasts, tailgaters, and anyone who needs to feed a crowd.
- What it is: A popular line of outdoor propane griddles known for large, rectangular, cold-rolled steel cooktops.
- Key features: Varies by model, but popular sizes like the 36-inch offer 720 square inches of cooking space, four independent burners, heavy-duty frames, and a rear grease management system.
- Price: Portable models start around $200, popular 36-inch units range from $350 - $400+.
- Dimensions: Sizes range from 17-inch portable units to large 36-inch griddles with carts that can be over 60 inches wide.
- Materials/Construction: Heavy-duty cold-rolled steel cooking surface with a powder-coated steel or stainless steel frame for weather resistance.
- Style: Rugged, industrial, and utilitarian. These are built for function and durability, not for sleek looks.
- Pros: Massive cooking area for large groups. High BTUs provide powerful, consistent heat. Extremely durable construction. Once seasoned, the steel top offers excellent non-stick properties and flavor.
- Cons: Requires an initial seasoning process and diligent maintenance to prevent rust. Heavy and not easily moved (larger models). The industrial look may not appeal to everyone.
A Blackstone griddle is for the dedicated outdoor cook who regularly entertains and needs maximum space, power, and durability.
Shop this product: blackstoneproducts.com/collections/griddles
Cuisinart 360 XL vs. Blackstone Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most immediate difference is scale. The Cuisinart 360 XL offers 360 square inches on a compact tabletop frame, making it a great option for decks, balconies, or small patios where space is a premium. It can comfortably cook for a family of four to six.
In contrast, a flagship 36-inch Blackstone griddle provides a sprawling 720 square inches of cooking space - double the Cuisinart. It's a full-sized outdoor cooking station that demands a dedicated spot in a backyard and can easily feed 20 or more people at once.
Materials & Construction
Cuisinart uses a stainless steel body with a factory-applied non-stick cooking surface. This makes it ready to use out of the box and very easy to clean initially. However, non-stick coatings can be susceptible to scratches and may degrade over time.
Blackstone griddles feature a thick, heavy, cold-rolled steel cooktop. This surface requires an initial seasoning process (applying thin layers of oil and heating it) to create a natural, durable non-stick surface. While it requires more upkeep to prevent rust, a well-maintained Blackstone top is incredibly resilient and its cooking performance improves with age.
Price & Value
The Cuisinart 360 XL is typically more affordable, sitting in the $250-$300 range. It offers excellent value for someone who wants the flat-top experience with modern conveniences and a stylish look without a huge investment.
Larger Blackstone setups start around $350 and can go up from there. Their value lies in sheer capacity and power. For anyone who hosts large backyard parties or tailgates, the ability to cook massive quantities of food at once makes a Blackstone a worthwhile investment.
Style & Versatility
With its polished stainless steel and unique circular design, the Cuisinart has a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits well in a more curated outdoor living area. It's also more portable, easily fitting in an RV or moving to a picnic table.
The Blackstone aesthetic is pure function. Its rugged, black powder-coated steel frame is industrial and built to withstand the elements. It’s a dedicated outdoor appliance meant to be a permanent fixture in a cooking zone, championing performance over looks.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both griddles are excellent tools for outdoor cooking, but they are built for entirely different needs.
Choose the Cuisinart 360 XL if:
- You have limited space like a balcony or small patio.
- You typically cook for your family or a few friends at a time.
- You prioritize a modern aesthetic and simple, out-of-the-box operation.
- You want easy cleanup with a non-stick surface and minimal maintenance.
Choose a Blackstone griddle if:
- You frequently cook for large crowds, parties, or tailgates.
- You have a dedicated backyard space and need a high-capacity griddle.
- You prefer the durability and performance of a seasoned steel cooktop.
- Performance, power, and rugged construction are your top priorities over style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart 360 XL and a Blackstone griddle?
The main difference is in their core design philosophy and intended use. The Cuisinart 360 XL is a compact, stylish, easy-to-clean griddle for smaller spaces and crowds. The Blackstone is a large, rugged, high-performance griddle built for serious outdoor cooking and feeding large groups.
Which griddle is easier to clean?
The Cuisinart is easier for daily cleanup thanks to its non-stick surface and 360-degree grease trap. The Blackstone requires scraping the steel top while still warm and applying a thin coat of oil after each use to maintain the seasoning and prevent rust.
Do I need to season the Cuisinart 360 XL?
No, you do not. The Cuisinart has a non-stick coating. Attempting to season it like a steel griddle could damage the surface.
How many people can you cook for on a Cuisinart 360 XL?
It can comfortably cook for 4-6 people, making it perfect for family breakfasts, burgers, or fajitas. You could cook around 15 standard-sized burgers at once.
Does a Blackstone rust?
Yes, the cold-rolled steel cooktop on a Blackstone can rust if it isn't properly seasoned and maintained with a protective layer of cooking oil, especially in humid climates.
Can I use the Cuisinart 360 XL indoors?
No. Like any propane appliance, it's designed and certified exclusively for outdoor use due to carbon monoxide emissions and ventilation requirements.
Which griddle gets hotter?
Typically, larger Blackstone griddles with more burners and higher BTU output can achieve higher overall temperatures, which is excellent for getting a hard sear on steaks and burgers.
What's better, a non-stick or seasoned steel surface?
A non-stick surface like the Cuisinart's is easier day-to-day but less durable against metal utensils. A seasoned steel surface like Blackstone's requires maintenance but is extremely durable, improves with age, and can withstand heavy use with metal tools.
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