Blackstone griddles primarily run on liquid propane gas, though the brand offers an electric E-Series designed specifically for indoor cooking.
You see the black flat-top griddle on a patio and likely smell bacon or smash burgers. You assume there is a propane tank hidden underneath. For years, that assumption was correct. Blackstone dominated the market with gas-powered units that brought diner-style cooking to the backyard. They rely on combustion to heat thick rolled steel.
That changed recently. The demand for indoor grilling solutions grew. People living in apartments with strict fire codes wanted in on the action. Blackstone responded with the E-Series. These units look similar but function differently. They ditch the fire for heating coils and swap the seasoned steel for a high-tech non-stick surface.
Knowing the difference matters before you buy. The fuel source dictates where you cook, how you clean, and even what utensils you hold. A gas model works for high-heat searing outdoors. An electric model fits on a kitchen counter. We will break down exactly how these two lines differ so you pick the right one.
Are Blackstone Grills Electric Or Gas?
The vast majority of Blackstone units you see in hardware stores are gas-powered. They use liquid propane (LP) from standard portable tanks. These are the classic outdoor griddles responsible for the brand’s fame. They range from small 17-inch tabletop units to massive 36-inch stations with air fryers attached.
However, the answer to “Are Blackstone grills electric or gas?” is technically “both.” The introduction of the E-Series created a clear split in the product line. You now have two distinct categories. The gas models provide raw power and high BTUs for outdoor use. The electric models prioritize convenience and safety for indoor environments.
You cannot convert one to the other. A gas unit cannot plug into a wall. An electric unit cannot hook up to a propane tank. The heating mechanics are completely different. Gas units heat air which heats the steel plate. Electric units use direct contact elements beneath a coated surface. Your intended cooking location usually makes the decision for you.
Comparing The Core Features
This table breaks down the fundamental differences between the two lineups. It helps you identify which category fits your lifestyle immediately.
| Feature | Gas Models (Original) | Electric Models (E-Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Fuel Source | Liquid Propane (LP) | Electricity (120V Outlet) |
| Cooking Surface | Cold Rolled Steel | Ceramic Titanium Non-Stick |
| Seasoning Required? | Yes (Oil Polymerization) | No (Soap & Water Clean) |
| Indoor Use Safe? | No (Carbon Monoxide Risk) | Yes (Fume Free) |
| Utensils Allowed | Metal (Scrapers/Spatulas) | Silicone/Wood/Nylon Only |
| Heat Output | Very High (creates zones) | Moderate (consistent heat) |
| Natural Gas Compatible? | Yes (With Conversion Kit) | No |
| Size Range | 17″ to 36″ | 17″ to 22″ |
The Propane Standard: Power And Versatility
Gas remains the king of the griddle world. Most chefs prefer it because of the heat recovery time. When you throw a cold steak on a hot surface, the temperature drops. Gas burners roar back to life instantly to sear the meat. This creates the crust flavor profile known as the Maillard reaction.
These units use H-style burners. The flame creates an even distribution of heat across the heavy steel plate. You control the temperature by adjusting knobs that regulate gas flow. It feels mechanical and responsive. You can create a “hot zone” for burgers and a “cool zone” for toasting buns just by turning dials.
Propane also offers portability. You can take a 17-inch or 22-inch gas model camping or tailgating. You only need a small 1-pound propane bottle. You are not tethered to a power outlet. This freedom defines the gas lineup.
Understanding Natural Gas Conversion
Many homeowners confuse “gas” with only propane. Blackstone gas griddles can actually run on natural gas (NG) from your home’s supply line. This requires a specific modification. The units come set up for propane out of the box. The orifices—small brass fittings that release the gas—are sized for the high pressure of propane.
Natural gas flows at a lower pressure. To use it, you must swap the orifices and hose. Blackstone sells an official conversion kit for this purpose. Once converted, you never have to refill a tank again. You simply hook the grill into your patio’s gas stub. This option is only available for the larger gas models, not the electric ones.
The E-Series Innovation: Indoor Grilling
The E-Series answers the question regarding indoor safety. Gas grills emit carbon monoxide. You cannot use them inside a house, garage, or screened-in porch without severe health risks. The E-Series removes combustion entirely. It uses a heating element similar to an electric skillet but engineered into a griddle format.
The biggest change here is the cooktop material. Gas Blackstones use cold-rolled steel that rusts if not oiled. The E-Series uses aluminum with a proprietary ceramic titanium coating. It looks like the classic steel but acts like a high-end non-stick pan. You can cook eggs without oil, and they slide right off.
This sounds convenient, but it comes with rules. You cannot use the famous metal spatulas or scrapers on an E-Series. Metal will scratch the coating and ruin the unit. You must use nylon or silicone tools. This changes the tactile experience of “griddling.” You aren’t clanging metal on metal; you are gently flipping food.
Electricity Requirements And Limits
Electric units plug into a standard 120V outlet. They draw significant power. A 22-inch E-Series unit might pull close to 1500 or 1600 watts. This is near the limit of a standard household 15-amp circuit. If you plug the griddle into the same circuit as a microwave or a blender, you will likely trip the breaker.
The heat-up time is also slower than gas. Resistance heating takes minutes to soak into the plate. The integrated LCD screen allows you to set a precise temperature, which the machine maintains. Gas requires you to guess the temp; electric manages it for you.
Restrictions That Dictate Your Choice
Sometimes the choice isn’t about what you want. It is about what you are allowed to have. This is where the distinction between fuel types becomes a legal or policy issue rather than a preference.
Apartment And HOA Rules
Many apartment complexes and condo associations strictly ban open-flame cooking devices on balconies. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides guidelines that many local fire codes adopt, often requiring gas grills to be at least 10 feet away from combustible structures. On a small balcony, 10 feet is impossible.
This is where the electric Blackstone wins. Since there is no open flame, it is generally classified like a George Foreman grill or an electric skillet. You can use it on a balcony or even inside your kitchen legally. If you live in a high-rise, the E-Series is likely your only option.
Maintenance: Rust Vs. Coating
The ownership experience differs wildly depending on the answer to “Are Blackstone grills electric or gas?” for your specific model. The gas models require a relationship with the steel. You must season it. This involves heating the steel and applying thin layers of oil until it turns black. This polymer layer protects the metal and creates a non-stick surface.
If you leave a gas Blackstone uncovered in the rain, it will rust. You then have to scrape, sand, and re-season it. It requires labor. Many owners enjoy this ritual, but it is work.
The electric models require zero seasoning. The ceramic coating is ready to cook immediately. Cleaning involves wiping it down with a wet paper towel or using mild soap and water. In fact, you cannot season the electric ones. Adding layers of burnt oil will just ruin the non-stick properties and make the heat transfer worse.
Cost Breakdown And Value
Price often drives the final decision. You might expect the simpler technology (gas) to be cheaper, and you would be right. The engineering required to make a large electric heating element consistent is expensive.
Upfront Purchase Price
A standard 22-inch gas Blackstone is relatively affordable. It is a steel box with burners. A 22-inch electric Blackstone E-Series costs significantly more—often double the price of its gas counterpart. You are paying for the technology, the glass hood, the digital display, and the specialized cooking surface.
Long-Term Operating Costs
Table 2 below outlines the ongoing costs and maintenance factors. While the electric unit costs more upfront, the “fuel” is generally cheaper depending on your local electricity rates compared to swapping propane tanks.
| Cost/Maintenance Factor | Gas Models | Electric Models |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Cost Per Hour | $3.00 – $5.00 (Propane Tank Exchange) | $0.15 – $0.30 (Electricity) |
| Cleaning Supplies | Oil, Scraper, Pumice Stone | Dish Soap, Sponge, Paper Towel |
| Parts Replacement | Regulators, Igniters (Common) | Control Board, Cord (Rare) |
| Storage Needs | Cover + Dry Place (Rust Prone) | Cabinet or Counter (Rust Proof) |
| Life Expectancy | Decades (If maintained) | 5-10 Years (Electronics limit) |
| Weather Sensitivity | Wind affects flame | Ambient temp affects heat-up |
| Grease Management | Rear Grease Trap (High Volume) | Pull-out Tray (Low Volume) |
Performance Differences In The Cold
Weather impacts gas and electric units differently. If you plan to griddle in the winter, you need to know this.
Propane loses pressure as the temperature drops. If it is freezing outside, your tank might struggle to deliver high pressure, resulting in a smaller flame. However, the raw BTU output of gas is usually high enough to overcome the cold air. You can still get a good sear on a burger in January.
Electric units struggle more in extreme cold. The heating element has a fixed maximum output. If the ambient air is freezing and wind is hitting the griddle plate, the element has to work much harder to maintain temp. The E-Series comes with a glass hood for this reason. You must keep the hood down to trap heat during the warm-up phase, or you might wait 20 minutes for it to reach cooking temperature.
Flavor Profile: Is There A Taste Difference?
Purists argue that gas tastes better. There is some truth to this, but not because of the fuel itself. Propane burns cleanly; it doesn’t add flavor like charcoal or wood. The flavor comes from the seasoning on the steel and the high heat.
Gas units get hotter. They can reach 500-600 degrees Fahrenheit easily. This extreme heat vaporizes meat juices instantly, creating smoke that wafts back into the food. That is the “outdoor flavor.”
Electric units are often capped around 400 to 500 degrees to protect the non-stick coating. You get less smoke and a slightly milder sear. The food tastes cleaner, more like it came from a restaurant kitchen than a backyard BBQ. It is delicious, but different. If you chase that heavy, smoky char, gas helps you get there faster.
Checking Your Model Before Buying
If you are looking at a used market or a box in a store, how do you know what you are looking at? Confusion happens. Here are the visual cues to determine “Are Blackstone grills electric or gas?” for the unit in front of you.
Look for the knobs. Gas units usually have simple, mechanical plastic or rubberized knobs that turn 180 degrees. They feel loose until they click the igniter. Electric units have a digital interface or a dial with temperature numbers printed clearly around it (e.g., 200, 300, 400).
Look at the surface. If the griddle top is a matte, dark grey metal that looks heavy and industrial, it is gas. If the surface looks sleek, possibly with a speckle pattern, and feels smooth like a frying pan, it is electric. Also, look for the cord. A gas unit has a rubber hose for the tank; an electric unit has a heavy-duty three-prong plug.
The Verdict On Size
Size dictates fuel type in the Blackstone universe. If you want a 36-inch, 4-burner station to feed a party of twenty, you are buying gas. The electric technology simply does not scale up to that size yet efficiently. A 36-inch electric griddle would require more power than a standard wall outlet could provide.
If you need a 17-inch or 22-inch unit, you have a choice. This is the overlap zone where you must weigh the pros and cons of power versus convenience. For anything larger, gas is currently your only path.
Making The Final Decision
Choosing between gas and electric comes down to your environment. Do not buy a gas model if you hope to cook in your kitchen on rainy days. You will poison the air. Do not buy an electric model if you plan to leave it uncovered on a patio all winter. The electronics will eventually fail.
Go with the classic gas models if you have the outdoor space and want the authentic experience. The maintenance is part of the hobby. You are building a seasoning layer that tells the story of every meal you cooked. Visit the Blackstone support page to see the specific manuals for the model you are eyeing to check dimension requirements.
Choose the electric E-Series if you want a hassle-free meal. It is perfect for quick breakfasts, easy clean-up, and apartment living. You plug it in, cook your food, wipe it down, and you are done. There is no tank to refill and no rust to fight. Both make excellent food, but they serve very different masters.