Blackstone Natural Gas Griddles: Native Lines vs. Conversion Setups

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Investing in a blackstone griddle natural gas setup eliminates the recurring inconvenience of swapping and refilling portable propane tanks during outdoor cooking sessions. Outdoor chefs generally choose between two functional paths: purchasing a factory-built natural gas cooking station designed for permanent island integration, or pairing a standard liquid propane cart model with an official conversion package. Deciding which blackstone griddle natural gas to buy hinges on whether your priority is an architectural outdoor kitchen drop-in or a mobile, freestanding station that connects to an exterior utility line.

The Blackstone lineup organizes its outdoor cooking range into distinct product formats, spanning specialized built-in griddle tops, full-sized mobile carts, and compact tabletop units. Native natural gas plumbing is reserved primarily for high-end drop-in island units, whereas freestanding 28-inch and 36-inch griddles ship configured for liquid propane out of the box. For those cart models, official conversion kits supply the necessary orifices and quick-connect hardware, while compact tabletop units remain strictly tied to propane fuel. Understanding how these hardware categories align ensures you select the proper griddle surface without running into fuel compatibility roadblocks.

Criteria matrix What each model in this report is credited with

Rows are the criteria that come up in the pros and cons listed for this lineup. A check means the criterion is named in this report’s write-up of that model; a dash means it is not. Criteria that apply to every model, or to only one, are left out because they separate nothing.

Criterion	36-Inch Built-In Natural Gas 9.4/10	5249 Propane to Natural 9.2/10	1883 Original 28" Omnivore 8.8/10	1517 Original 28" Omnivore 8.2/10	1813 Original 22" Tabletop 8.2/10	36 Inch 4 Burner 8.0/10
Natural gas	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named
Rear grease	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named
Omnivore griddle plate	Not named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named
Conversion hardware	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	Not named
Stainless steel	✓Named	Not named	Not named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named
Caster wheels	✓Named	Not named	Not named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named
Side shelves	Not named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named
Integrated protective hood	Not named	Not named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	Not named
Criteria named	4 / 8	2 / 8	6 / 8	5 / 8	4 / 8	5 / 8

Built from the wording of this report, not from a bench test. A dash is not a fault: it only means the write-up does not mention that point for that model. Scores next to each model are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback.

Blackstone Griddles Lineup at a Glance

The Models in Detail

Blackstone 36-Inch Built-In Natural Gas Griddle

Best for: Custom outdoor kitchen islands

Pros

• 304 stainless steel body
• Factory-plumbed natural gas
• Flame failure safety shutoff
• Front-access rear grease cup

Cons

• Requires permanent island structure
• Listing omits surface area specs

The Blackstone 36-Inch Built-In Natural Gas Griddle provides an integrated cooking solution engineered specifically for permanent outdoor kitchen installations. Built with a 304 stainless steel body, this drop-in station delivers superior weather resistance and structural longevity compared to standard painted steel carts. Because it is engineered at the factory for natural gas plumbing, you do not need to replace burner valves or drill out orifices before connecting to your home fuel line. A dedicated Flame Failure Device enhances safety by actively shutting down the gas valve if combustion is interrupted or a burner fails to ignite.

Operational control centers on ergonomic knobs equipped with LED indicators that visually communicate flame status across individual zones. For low-light evening cooking, adjustable LED puddle lighting casts ambient ground illumination across the base of your counter. Cleanup is managed by Blackstone’s Front Access Rear Grease Management System, enabling direct maintenance of the rear grease collection cup from the front face of the griddle island without reaching over hot surfaces. The listing does not specify total square inches or individual burner BTU ratings, but its 40.94-inch overall width provides broad capacity for large gatherings.

This premium built-in appliance suits homeowners designing permanent outdoor barbecue islands who want factory-plumbed natural gas convenience. If your outdoor living space requires a mobile cart with caster wheels for easy patio storage, this stationary drop-in model gives way to Blackstone’s freestanding product line.

Blackstone 5249 Propane to Natural Gas

Best for: Converting 28-inch and 36-inch propane griddles

Pros

• Solid brass fittings
• 10-foot quick-connect hose
• Includes thread gauges and wrench

Cons

• Incompatible with tabletop units
• Requires manual orifice disassembly

The Blackstone 5249 Propane to Natural Gas conversion package delivers the certified mechanical parts necessary to hook an existing freestanding griddle to a residential utility line. Manufactured in the USA from solid brass, this six-piece assembly includes a 10-foot fuel hose with a 3/8-inch interior diameter, a 3/8-inch quick-connect fitting, precision natural gas orifices, two thread check gauges, and a 7mm orifice wrench. The durable brass hardware ensures corrosion resistance and a secure seal under sustained natural gas line pressure.

Carrying out a blackstone griddle natural gas conversion with this kit involves swapping the factory propane orifices for larger natural gas apertures to maintain proper heat output. The 3/8-inch quick connect collar enables swift attachment and detachment at your outdoor patio gas stub without requiring wrenches after the initial fitting. Listing data specifies compatibility with Blackstone 28-inch and 36-inch griddles, while explicitly stating it is not optimized for 17-inch or 22-inch tabletop units, griddles with air fryers, or outdoor pizza ovens. Cooks evaluating a compact 17 inch blackstone griddle should note that smaller form factor cannot utilize this kit.

This conversion hardware suits current owners of full-sized 28-inch and 36-inch propane griddles seeking an uninterrupted natural gas fuel supply. It serves as an essential accessory rather than a standalone cooking surface, giving way only when a shopper chooses a native natural gas unit like the built-in 36-inch model.

Blackstone 1883 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle

Best for: Mid-sized patio cooks wanting hood protection

Pros

• 524 square inch cooking top
• Omnivore plate with wind guards
• Integrated protective hood
• Dual H-style burner controls

Cons

• Ships configured for propane
• Conversion kit sold separately

The Blackstone 1883 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle is a mid-sized freestanding outdoor station designed for high thermal efficiency. Equipped with a 28-inch Omnivore Griddle Plate providing 524 square inches of cooking space, this griddle can hold up to 21 burgers or 15 pancakes in a single batch. The Omnivore plate features integrated wind guards that block cool outdoor gusts, enabling quicker preheat cycles, faster heat recovery when cold food is loaded, and lower overall fuel consumption by requiring fewer BTUs to maintain target surface temperatures.

Heat is generated by two independently controlled H-style burners powered by an electric ignition system, allowing users to sear proteins on high heat on one half of the plate while holding side dishes on low heat on the other. Convenience features include an integrated protective hood that shields the steel plate between uses, two counter-height side shelves engineered for ergonomic meal prep, two durable cart wheels for repositioning, and a patented Rear Grease Management system for rapid food residue cleanup. The manufacturer backs this durable black steel unit with a 1-year limited warranty.

The Blackstone 1883 Original 28 Omnivore Griddle suits homeowners who want mid-sized capacity with integrated lid protection on an open patio. Paired with the 5249 conversion hardware, it creates a dependable blackstone natural gas griddle setup. It gives way to the open-frame 1517 model if side handles and bottom storage shelves are preferred over an integrated hood.

Blackstone 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle

Best for: Outdoor cooks wanting open flat-top prep

Pros

• Fuel-efficient Omnivore griddle plate
• Two side shelves and bottom rack
• Two caster wheels and side handle

Cons

• Lacks an integrated protective hood
• Requires separate conversion hardware

The Blackstone 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle offers an open-format cooking surface designed for maximum accessibility during high-heat cooking sessions. Offering 517 square inches of flat-top space, its Omnivore Griddle Plate incorporates built-in side wind guards that reduce thermal loss in windy backyard conditions. This specialized plate geometry ensures even heat distribution across the rolled steel surface, resulting in faster temperature recovery times and lower fuel usage per cook.

Maneuverability and gear storage stand out on this model. The black steel cart features two caster wheels paired with a sturdy side handle, facilitating smooth transit across patio surfaces. Prep space includes two wide side shelves for holding condiment bottles and spatulas, complemented by a bottom wire shelf for storing bulk tools or supplies. Grease is directed away through Blackstone’s patented Rear Grease Management system into a collection cup. While some grillers investigate a blackstone top for gas grill insert, the 1517 provides a dedicated dual-burner outdoor cooking station backed by a 1-year limited warranty.

The Blackstone 1517 Original 28 Omnivore Griddle suits outdoor cooks who prefer an open cooking top without a hinged hood and value integrated bottom shelf storage. When paired with the 5249 conversion kit, it operates seamlessly on natural gas. It gives way to four-burner 36-inch units if you routinely cater large backyard parties.

Blackstone 1813 Original 22″ Tabletop Griddle

Best for: Portable off-grid and campsite cooking

Pros

• Compact 361 square inch area
• Dual H-style burner zones
• Protective hood and non-slip feet

Cons

• Incompatible with natural gas kits
• Restricted to portable propane

The Blackstone 1813 Original 22″ Tabletop Griddle provides dual-zone flat-top functionality in a compact, travel-ready format. Measuring 23.6 inches wide and deep, this tabletop station yields 361 square inches of cooking space, accommodating up to 14 burgers at once. The cooking surface is powered by two independent H-style burners delivering 24,000 BTUs of heat (listed at 7,034 watts), ignited via a dependable push-and-turn Piezo ignition mechanism. Non-slip feet keep the unit firmly anchored to picnic tables, tailgating surfaces, or outdoor countertops.

Construction details include a stainless steel front plate and a black powder-coated steel body designed for weather resistance. An integrated protective hood locks down over the rolled steel top to guard against scratches and moisture during transit. Scraping and grease collection rely on Blackstone’s Rear Grease Management system. Outdoor adventurers seeking a portable blackstone grill for camping frequently select this unit due to its balance of dual-zone heat and manageable exterior dimensions, backed by a 1-year warranty.

In any blackstone griddle natural gas comparison, the 1813 serves as an important boundary marker: it is explicitly incompatible with the 5249 natural gas conversion kit. It is engineered strictly for portable propane fuel. Choose this unit for tailgates, camping trips, or tabletop storage, but bypass it if you plan to connect your griddle to a residential natural gas stub.

Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000

Best for: Large crowd catering on home patios

Pros

• Expansive 768 square inch surface
• Four 60,000 BTU independent burners
• Foldable legs with caster wheels
• Omnivore wind guard technology

Cons

• Conversion kit required for natural gas
• Substantial storage footprint

The Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU Cooking Station is the brand’s expansive flagship cart designed for high-volume entertaining. Featuring 768 square inches of cooking surface, this unit is powered by four independently controlled stainless steel burners generating a combined output of 60,000 BTUs (listed at 17.58 KW / 17,584 watts). The Omnivore Griddle Plate includes built-in wind guards, delivers enhanced thermal shock stability, heats up rapidly, and consumes less fuel per cooking session compared to older plate profiles.

This quad-burner layout offers four separate temperature zones, giving the cook precise heat control across the expansive griddle surface. The freestanding frame is built with foldable legs and heavy-duty caster wheels, making it possible to collapse the entire cart for transport or compact garage storage. A front grease management system streamlines grease collection into a removable front pan. Staging space includes two side shelves and a lower wire storage rack for platters and utensils. The Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner station provides the ultimate capacity in Blackstone’s freestanding catalog.

This high-output station suits serious backyard entertainers who need to feed dozens of people at once. When paired with the 5249 natural gas conversion kit, it runs continuously on patio utility lines without cylinder changes. It gives way to the 36-inch built-in griddle if you require 304 stainless steel cabinetry for a custom masonry island.

Matching a Model to Your Setup

• Custom Outdoor Kitchen Countertops: The Blackstone 36-Inch Built-In Natural Gas Griddle drops directly into masonry islands with factory-installed natural gas plumbing and 304 stainless steel construction.
• High-Volume Patio Entertaining: The Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 paired with the Blackstone 5249 Propane to Natural Gas kit provides 768 square inches of continuous plumbed cooking space.
• Mid-Sized Patio Cooking with Weather Protection: The Blackstone 1883 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle converted via the 5249 kit delivers dual-zone cooking and an integrated protective hood.
• Open-Air Staging and Storage: The Blackstone 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle combined with the 5249 conversion hardware offers broad bottom-shelf storage and two prep surfaces.
• Off-Grid, Campsite, or Tailgate Cooking: The Blackstone 1813 Original 22″ Tabletop Griddle provides portable dual-burner heat strictly powered by propane tanks.

Before You Buy

Before purchasing hardware to connect a griddle to a home natural gas line, inspect your exterior plumbing configuration. The Blackstone 5249 natural gas conversion kit includes a 10-foot hose, a 3/8-inch quick-connect fitting, thread check gauges, replacement orifices, and a 7mm wrench, but the listing does not include the home shut-off valve, specialized pipe adapters, or pipe thread sealant required to tap into your exterior gas stub. Furthermore, the listing for the 36-Inch Built-In Natural Gas Griddle does not specify the exact hose length or fitting adapters included in the shipping box, making it necessary to verify your island pipe dimensions prior to final placement.

Operating dynamics also change between liquid propane and natural gas fuel sources. When converting a standard cart griddle using replacement orifices, the product listings do not specify post-conversion BTU figures, as heating performance depends directly on municipal line pressure. Finally, verify compatibility across Blackstone’s product lines: 17-inch and 22-inch tabletop models, units featuring built-in air fryers, and pizza ovens are explicitly incompatible with natural gas conversion kits according to manufacturer listing data.

FAQ

Can you convert any Blackstone griddle to natural gas?

No. According to manufacturer listing specifications, the Blackstone 5249 natural gas conversion kit is engineered exclusively for 28-inch and 36-inch griddles. The listing explicitly states that the kit is not optimized for 17-inch or 22-inch tabletop models, outdoor pizza ovens, or griddles equipped with air fryers.

Does the Blackstone 36-Inch Built-In Natural Gas Griddle require a conversion kit?

No. The Blackstone 36-Inch Built-In Natural Gas Griddle is engineered at the factory specifically for natural gas utility lines. It arrives with native natural gas burner components, eliminating the need to purchase external conversion orifices or disassemble valve assemblies.

What tools are included in the Blackstone natural gas conversion kit?

The Blackstone 5249 conversion package includes a 7mm orifice wrench and two thread check gauges alongside the orifices, 10-foot hose, and 3/8-inch quick connect. The listing does not specify standard hand tools, such as screwdrivers or pliers, which may be needed to access burner tubes during disassembly.

Why is the Blackstone 1813 22-inch tabletop griddle incompatible with natural gas?

The listing for the 5249 conversion kit explicitly excludes 22-inch griddles from compatibility. Tabletop models feature compact internal manifolds, specialized regulators, and burner assemblies engineered strictly to operate on low-volume liquid propane bottles.

What are the benefits of the Omnivore griddle plate on natural gas setups?

The Omnivore Griddle Plate features integrated wind guards, quicker preheat and temperature recovery times, and even heat distribution. Its improved fuel efficiency requires fewer BTUs to maintain optimal griddling temperatures, ensuring strong cooking performance on natural gas lines.