Most Blackstone griddles run on liquid propane, but the brand also manufactures an electric “E-Series” line designed for indoor and outdoor cooking.
Outdoor cooking changed when flat-top griddles became accessible for home use. You might see these large black cooktops at tailgates, campsites, and backyard patios. The vast majority of these units rely on propane tanks to generate the high heat needed for searing steaks or smashing burgers. However, not everyone can use gas appliances.
Apartment dwellers and indoor cooks often have different restrictions. Blackstone addressed this by releasing the E-Series. This specific line uses electricity and features a different cooking surface compared to the traditional rolled steel found on their gas models. Understanding the difference involves more than just looking at the plug or the tank. It requires a look at heat output, maintenance, and where you plan to cook.
Quick Comparison Of Fuel And Features
The distinction between the two power sources dictates how you cook and clean. Gas models offer raw power and durability, while electric models offer convenience and indoor safety. This table breaks down the core differences across the product lines.
| Feature Category | Gas Models (Original/Omnivore) | Electric Models (E-Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Fuel Source | Liquid Propane (20lb tank or 1lb bottle) | Standard Electrical Outlet (120V) |
| Cooking Surface Material | Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel | Ceramic Titanium Non-Stick |
| Cooking Location | Strictly Outdoors | Indoors and Outdoors |
| Heat Output (Max) | High (500°F – 600°F+) | Moderate (Up to 500°F) |
| Seasoning Required | Yes (Oil polymerization) | No (Pre-coated surface) |
| Cleaning Method | Scrape, water, re-oil | Soap, water, soft sponge |
| Average Warm-Up Time | Fast (10-15 minutes) | Slower (15-20 minutes) |
| Utensil Compatibility | Metal spatulas allowed | Plastic/Silicone only |
The Gas Griddle Standard
When people ask, “Are Blackstone grills gas or electric?”, they usually picture the classic gas version. These units make up the bulk of the company’s catalog. They range from small 17-inch tabletop units to massive 36-inch stations with air fryers attached. The defining feature of these gas griddles is the cold-rolled steel top.
Gas models rely on burners that sit underneath the heavy steel plate. You connect a propane tank, turn the ignition dial, and a flame runs along stainless steel tubes. This flame heats the metal plate directly. The steel retains heat exceptionally well, allowing for the crust you see on diner-style burgers.
Propane Versatility
Portability drives the design of the smaller gas units. The 17-inch and 22-inch models often run on 1-pound green propane bottles. This makes them easy to pack for camping trips. Larger units, like the 28-inch and 36-inch models, use the standard 20-pound tanks found at gas stations and hardware stores. The gas system provides high BTUs (British Thermal Units), which translates to rapid recovery times. When you throw a cold steak on a hot surface, the temperature drops. Gas burners pump out enough energy to bring that temperature back up quickly.
Natural Gas Conversion
You are not stuck with propane tanks forever. Many owners choose to convert their compatible gas griddles to natural gas. This connects the unit directly to your home’s gas line. You never run out of fuel in the middle of a cook. Blackstone sells specific conversion kits for this purpose. You must check your specific model number, as not every gas unit supports this switch. The conversion involves changing the orifices in the valves and the hose connection to handle the lower pressure of natural gas.
The Electric E-Series Exception
The E-Series answers the needs of people who cannot use open flames. Many HOA rules, apartment leases, and city ordinances ban gas grills on balconies. The E-Series bypasses these rules because it has no open flame. It functions like a large, high-end electric skillet but with the aesthetic and form factor of a griddle.
These units plug into a standard wall outlet. They use a heating element coil beneath the griddle plate. A major difference here is the “EZ-Touch” control dial. Instead of a vague Low-to-High knob, you set a specific temperature on a digital display. The griddle cycles the power on and off to maintain that target heat.
Surface Material Differences
The steel plate on a gas model requires seasoning. You must burn layers of oil onto it to create a non-stick surface. The E-Series uses a ceramic titanium coating. It comes out of the box ready to cook. You do not season it. In fact, adding layers of oil to “season” an E-Series will ruin the coating.
This coating changes how you handle food. You cannot use metal scrapers or spatulas on the electric models. Metal tools will scratch the ceramic layer, destroying the non-stick properties. You must use nylon, silicone, or wood tools. Cleanup involves wiping it down with a paper towel or, for the smaller units, removing the plate and washing it in the sink with soap. This is strictly forbidden on the gas steel plates, where soap destroys the seasoning.
Performance And Heat Dynamics
Cooking on gas feels different than cooking on electric. Gas burners create heat zones. The area directly above the tube is the hottest, while the edges might be cooler. Experienced cooks use these zones to manage different foods at once. You might sear meat in the hot center and toast buns on the cooler edges.
Electric griddles aim for uniformity. The heating coil winds back and forth to cover the entire surface area. The glass hood on the E-Series helps trap heat, which is vital because electric elements produce fewer BTUs than gas burners. The hood allows the unit to bake and steam more effectively than an open gas top. If you plan to cook thick cuts of meat or steam vegetables, the electric hood system works very well.
Wind And Weather Factors
Gas flames struggle in high wind. A strong gust can blow out a burner or push the heat away from the plate. While modern designs include wind guards, it remains a factor for outdoor cooking. Electric units do not suffer from wind issues regarding the heat source itself. The coil stays hot regardless of the breeze. However, electric units have a different limitation: water. You cannot leave an electric unit out in the rain unprotected, as moisture poses a shock hazard and can damage the electronics.
Clarifying If Blackstone Grills Are Gas Or Electric For Buyers
You need to check the model number and description closely before you buy. Visually, they look similar from a distance. Both have the black base and the flat top. The easiest tell is the control panel. Gas models have manual turn-knobs and usually an igniter button. Electric models feature a digital LCD screen with a dial.
Another indicator is the power cord. Gas units have no power cord unless they are the specific “Air Fryer” combo models. Those combo units are hybrids: the griddle heats with gas, but the air fryer fans and ignition require electricity. If you buy a gas model with air fryers, you need both a propane tank and an extension cord. This often confuses new buyers who wonder, “Are Blackstone grills gas or electric in this combo configuration?” The answer for the cooking surface is gas, but the accessories are electric.
The Indoor Factor
Safety dictates where you operate these machines. Burning propane produces carbon monoxide. You must never use a gas Blackstone indoors, in a garage with the door closed, or in a tent. It is a serious health risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association, grilling fires are a significant hazard, and proper placement away from structures is necessary for gas units.
The electric models produce no exhaust. You can safely use them on your kitchen counter. This makes the E-Series the only viable option for year-round grilling in cold climates where you do not want to stand outside in the snow.
Cost Of Ownership And Fuel
The initial price tag is just the start. You must calculate the ongoing cost of fuel. Propane prices fluctuate with the market. A standard 20-pound tank fill might last you 15 to 20 hours of cook time, depending on how high you run the burners. Electric costs depend on your local utility rates per kilowatt-hour.
Generally, electricity is cheaper per cook than propane bottles (the small 1lb green ones). However, bulk propane refill stations can be very cost-effective. The real cost difference comes in longevity and maintenance. A well-maintained steel top on a gas unit can last decades. It is nearly indestructible. If it rusts, you scrape it and re-season it. The non-stick coating on the electric unit will eventually wear out. Once the coating scratches or flakes, you must replace the entire plate.
Detailed Maintenance Requirements
The work required to keep the unit running varies largely by fuel type. Gas owners spend more time on the surface. Electric owners spend more time protecting the electronics.
| Maintenance Task | Gas Models | Electric Models |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Cook Routine | Scrape, water steam, thin oil coat | Wipe with damp cloth/paper towel |
| Long-Term Storage | Dry place, cover to prevent rust | Indoors, protect cord/screen |
| Rust Risk | High (if not oiled) | Zero (Ceramic/Aluminum base) |
| Grease Management | Rear grease trap (high volume) | Front/Rear tray (lower volume) |
| Part Replacement | Regulator, ignition battery | Power cord, control board |
| Deep Cleaning | Griddle bricks on steel | Dishwasher (removable plate only) |
The Taste Test Debate
Flavor profile drives many people toward gas. The higher heat of propane allows for a more aggressive sear. This creates the Maillard reaction—browning of the meat—more effectively than the regulated heat of the electric versions. Also, as juices drip and vaporize on a gas unit’s hot steel, they create a distinct localized smoke that flavors the food.
The electric E-Series cooks cleanly. You get the browning, but it lacks the slight “combustion” flavor note associated with gas cooking. However, the E-Series excels at delicate items. Pancakes, eggs, and fish often turn out better on the electric model because the heat is consistent. You do not get hot spots that burn one pancake while the other stays raw.
Portability For Travel
Camping often involves locations without power hookups. In this scenario, the question “Are Blackstone grills gas or electric?” becomes a matter of utility. Gas wins for boondocking and primitive camping. You can carry enough propane to cook for a week. The electric units require a generator or a campsite with shore power. Running a high-wattage heating element off a battery bank is inefficient and drains power quickly. If your travel involves RV parks with full hookups, the electric model works well and saves you from hauling fuel tanks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Each fuel type has its own set of gremlins. Gas models often face regulator issues. If you open the tank valve too fast, the safety mechanism trips, and you get a tiny “low flow” flame. Resetting this requires disconnecting the tank and waiting. Ignition wires can also get knocked loose, forcing you to use a match to light it.
Electric models are simpler but tech-dependent. The most common issue is an error code on the digital display. This usually happens if the plug is loose or the plate is not seated correctly on the sensors. Since there are circuit boards involved, a failure in the control unit usually means contacting support rather than a DIY fix with a wrench.
Choosing The Right Model
Your living situation makes the decision for you. If you have a backyard and love the ritual of outdoor cooking, the gas models offer the authentic griddle experience. The steel surface improves with age, becoming darker and more non-stick the more you use it. It is a tool that requires care but rewards you with durability.
If you live in a condo, apartment, or simply prefer cooking inside with air conditioning, the electric model is the solution. It brings the flat-top style to the kitchen counter without the smoke and danger of gas. While it lacks the raw power of the propane burners, it makes up for it with precision and ease of cleaning.
For those who want the best of both worlds, owning a large gas unit for the patio and a smaller electric unit for Sunday morning pancakes inside is a popular setup. Just remember that the tools and cleaning methods do not cross over. Keep your metal scrapers with the gas grill and your silicone turners with the electric one.
Summary Of Power Needs
Before purchasing, check your outlets. The larger E-Series models draw significant amperage. Using them on the same circuit as a microwave or toaster oven might trip your breaker. For gas models, check your local laws regarding propane storage. Some multi-unit buildings restrict storing 20-pound tanks on balconies.
For specific details on safe cooking temperatures to ensure your food is done regardless of the heat source, refer to FoodSafety.gov. This is helpful when learning to manage the different heat outputs of gas versus electric.
The Blackstone lineup covers every chef. Whether you turn a dial to ignite a flame or push a button to heat a coil, the goal remains the same: great food cooked on a flat surface. Choose the fuel that fits your home, and you will enjoy the process.