Griddles have become my favorite way to cook outdoors because they offer versatility that traditional grills simply can’t match. Whether it’s a pancake breakfast for the family, smash burgers for game night, or stir-fry for friends, a large flat-top griddle makes outdoor cooking feel limitless.
Over the past few weeks, I had the chance to use both the Blackstone Iron Forged 2310 and the Blackstone Omnivore 1554. Both are 36-inch beasts designed for crowd-pleasing feasts, but they do have subtle differences that may sway your decision.
Let’s break them down so you can see which one truly deserves a spot on your patio.
Key Difference at a Glance: Blackstone Iron Forged vs Omnivore Griddle
Both griddles share the same 768-square-inch cooking surface and the new Omnivore griddle plate technology. However, the Iron Forged 2310 has an X-braced hood for heat retention, sturdier side tables, and a more rugged “heavy-duty” design. The Omnivore 1554, on the other hand, is the simpler option with folding side shelves, the same high-performance griddle plate, and slightly different dimensions.
In short: The Iron Forged is the premium, more durable option, while the Omnivore 1554 offers classic functionality at a lower price point.
- Omnivore Griddle Plate: The Omnivore griddle plate with built-in wind guards is designed and tested to prevent warping, recover faster, and use less fuel to maintain high heat
- Spacious Griddle Top: Cook up to 30 burgers or 21 pancakes on this griddle top at a time. 768 square inches of cooking space provides plenty of room for cooking for a large group gathering
- Omnivore Griddle Plate - The Blackstone 36 inch griddle unit boasts an omnivore griddle plate, an improved heating plate that heats up rapidly and uniformly. This feature allows for efficient cooking...
- Four Burner Griddle - This 36 inch Blackstone griddle boasts four separate heat zones that provide unparalleled control over the cooking process, even when preparing multiple dishes simultaneously....
Quick Comparison Table: Blackstone Iron Forged vs Omnivore Griddle
| Feature | Blackstone Iron Forged 2310 | Blackstone Omnivore 1554 |
| Cooking Surface | 768 sq. in. | 768 sq. in. |
| Dimensions | 28″D x 64.5″W x 41″H | 62.5″D x 22″W x 36″H |
| Hood | X-Braced Hood (included) | No hood (griddle only) |
| Burners | 4 independently controlled | 4 independently controlled |
| Construction | Powder-coated steel, heavy-duty | Powder-coated steel |
| Side Shelves | Folding, heavy-duty | Folding side shelves |
| Grease Management | Rear Grease Management System | Rear Grease Management System |
| Cooking Capacity | 30 burgers, 21 pancakes | 30 burgers, 21 pancakes, 47 eggs, 27 steaks |
| Special Extras | Tool holders, rugged build | Slimmer, classic design |
| Latest Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
My Hands-On Experience
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Design and Build Quality
The Iron Forged looks and feels like a tank. It has thicker folding side tables, built-in tool holders, and the X-braced hood that not only keeps heat consistent but also helps with windy days. Standing in front of it, I felt like I was using something designed for serious outdoor chefs.
The Omnivore 1554, while still sturdy, feels more streamlined. Its folding shelves are convenient for saving space, but they’re not as rugged as the Iron Forged. It doesn’t come with a hood, which makes it more of a traditional open griddle setup. For casual weekend cooking, this is more than enough.
Winner in design: Iron Forged, thanks to its hood and beefier construction.
- Omnivore Griddle Plate: The Omnivore griddle plate with built-in wind guards is designed and tested to prevent warping, recover faster, and use less fuel to maintain high heat
- Spacious Griddle Top: Cook up to 30 burgers or 21 pancakes on this griddle top at a time. 768 square inches of cooking space provides plenty of room for cooking for a large group gathering
- Omnivore Griddle Plate - The Blackstone 36 inch griddle unit boasts an omnivore griddle plate, an improved heating plate that heats up rapidly and uniformly. This feature allows for efficient cooking...
- Four Burner Griddle - This 36 inch Blackstone griddle boasts four separate heat zones that provide unparalleled control over the cooking process, even when preparing multiple dishes simultaneously....
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Ease of Use
Both models come with four independently controlled burners, which means you can cook bacon on one side and pancakes on the other without burning anything. The controls are responsive, and the heat distribution across the Omnivore griddle plate is fantastic.
The Iron Forged does feel slightly easier to manage during windy evenings because of its hood and built-in wind guards. The Omnivore 1554, while not difficult to use, does require more attention when cooking in outdoor conditions without a lid.
Winner in ease of use: Tie, but the Iron Forged edges ahead in harsher outdoor environments.
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Cooking Performance
I cooked the same meals on both to compare results:
- Pancakes and eggs: Both handled them beautifully, but the Iron Forged retained heat better when I lifted the hood to check.
- Smash burgers: Both models seared well, but the hood on the Iron Forged allowed me to “steam melt” cheese without improvising a cover.
- Stir-fry: The Omnivore 1554 did this just as well, proving it can keep up with high-heat dishes.
The Omnivore plate technology shines in both—fast recovery times, even heating, and efficient fuel use.
Winner in cooking: Iron Forged, by a small margin, thanks to the hood advantage.
- Omnivore Griddle Plate: The Omnivore griddle plate with built-in wind guards is designed and tested to prevent warping, recover faster, and use less fuel to maintain high heat
- Spacious Griddle Top: Cook up to 30 burgers or 21 pancakes on this griddle top at a time. 768 square inches of cooking space provides plenty of room for cooking for a large group gathering
- Omnivore Griddle Plate - The Blackstone 36 inch griddle unit boasts an omnivore griddle plate, an improved heating plate that heats up rapidly and uniformly. This feature allows for efficient cooking...
- Four Burner Griddle - This 36 inch Blackstone griddle boasts four separate heat zones that provide unparalleled control over the cooking process, even when preparing multiple dishes simultaneously....
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Cleanup
Both models use Blackstone’s rear grease management system, which I’ve grown to love. Simply scrape grease and debris toward the back, and it slides neatly into the grease cup. It’s simple, efficient, and way less messy than side-draining systems I’ve used on other brands.
Cleaning the Iron Forged is slightly trickier because of the hood, but not by much. I usually just wipe it down along with the griddle top.
Winner in cleanup: Tie.
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Portability and Space
The Iron Forged is bulkier at 41 inches tall and a little wider with its beefed-up design. It’s ideal if you have a dedicated outdoor cooking space. The Omnivore 1554, with its slimmer profile and folding shelves, works better if you’re tight on patio space or want something easier to roll around.
Winner in portability: Omnivore 1554.
Blackstone Iron Forged 2310 Griddle
- Omnivore Griddle Plate: The Omnivore griddle plate with built-in wind guards is designed and tested to prevent warping, recover faster, and use less fuel to maintain high heat
- Spacious Griddle Top: Cook up to 30 burgers or 21 pancakes on this griddle top at a time. 768 square inches of cooking space provides plenty of room for cooking for a large group gathering
Pros:
- X-braced hood improves heat retention and wind resistance
- Heavy-duty build with folding side tables and tool holders
- Even heating and quick recovery with Omnivore plate technology
- Rear grease management system makes cleanup easy
- Great for all-day outdoor cooking events
Cons:
- Bulkier and heavier than the Omnivore 1554
- Hood adds slightly more cleanup work
- Pricier compared to the Omnivore
Blackstone Omnivore 1554 Griddle
- Omnivore Griddle Plate - The Blackstone 36 inch griddle unit boasts an omnivore griddle plate, an improved heating plate that heats up rapidly and uniformly. This feature allows for efficient cooking...
- Four Burner Griddle - This 36 inch Blackstone griddle boasts four separate heat zones that provide unparalleled control over the cooking process, even when preparing multiple dishes simultaneously....
Pros:
- Spacious 768 sq. in. cooking surface
- Slimmer design with folding shelves for easy storage
- Four independently controlled burners for versatile cooking
- Omnivore griddle plate technology ensures efficient heating
- More budget-friendly option
Cons:
- No hood included, so less heat retention
- Folding side shelves not as heavy-duty as Iron Forged’s
- Slightly less rugged overall
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both griddles impressed me, but they serve slightly different needs:
- The Blackstone Iron Forged 2310 is the choice if you want premium durability, better heat retention, and a hood for more versatile cooking. It feels like a long-term investment for serious griddle enthusiasts.
- The Blackstone Omnivore 1554 is perfect if you want a simpler, more compact, and budget-friendly model without sacrificing performance. It’s great for families who cook outdoors often but don’t necessarily need a hood or extra bulk.
For me, the Iron Forged 2310 was the winner simply because I do a lot of cooking for large gatherings, and the hood really improved my results. But if I had limited space or wanted to save a bit of money, I’d happily go with the Omnivore 1554.
My Recommendation: Choose the Iron Forged if you’re serious about outdoor cooking and want a griddle that feels like it can handle anything. Go with the Omnivore 1554 if you need something more compact, affordable, and straightforward.
