Finding the perfect grill can be difficult, especially when comparing two fantastic brands. Evo and Blackstone have been around since the early 2000s, and both have a good reputation and high-quality products. However, these companies excel at different styles of cooking.
When it comes to Blackstone grill versus Evo, which one is better? I will explain everything you need to know about both companies and their cooking products so you can make an informed decision.
The Blackstone grill is better than the Evo because you get more cooking space, customization, and portability at a lower price. Although Evos are outstanding and have an extremely long working life, they’re more niche and do well as part of a permanent outdoor kitchen setup. A Blackstone is a better balance of value and features for most outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
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Difference Between Blackstone Grill and Evo
Blackston grill versus Evo is an interesting comparison because the two companies have significant differences between them.
The most visually noticeable difference is in shape. Blackstone grills are more traditional looking with a rectangular shape for maximum available grill space.
Evos are circular and provide a slightly smaller cooking surface.
How you control temperature isn’t as easy to see, but Blackstones have up to four burners with independent controls as opposed to the inner and outer circles.
Additionally, the Blackstone grill has foldable legs, which makes it easier to store when you’re not grilling.
Why Is A Blackstone Better Than A Grill
To understand why a Blackstone is better than a grill, you need only look at them. A grill has a series of wires to support the food you cook.
Meanwhile, the griddle-style top of a Blackstone has a solid surface, so none of the food falls through, and you are using direct heat from the flames or coal to cook food which can cause burning and uneven heat.
You get more smoke and a lot more mess when the fat from meat drips on coals and flare-ups if it drips on a propane fire.
You have a nice, flat, even cooking surface with a griddle. Independent cooking zones for different dishes and no direct contact with fire mean you have better control when cooking.
Are Blackstone Grills Good Quality
Blackstone grills are of good quality, and the company is reputable, with numerous positive reviews from customers who have tested the grills in real-world conditions.
Blackstone grills are made almost entirely of steel, which makes them durable. This brand offers a variety of sizes, and they are easy to assemble and use, so you get the grill you need for any size meal.
Which Blackstone Grill Is Best
The best Blackstone Grill is the 4-Burner 36″ Griddle Cooking Station from Amazon. This sizeable outdoor cooking station is easy to use and highly durable.
The 7-gauge 3/16 of an inch thick, rolled steel cooking surface retains heat and offers better control and customization of cooking zones than a traditional grill.
Plus, a push-button ignition system uses only a single AA battery.
Your Blackstone 36″ Cooking Station is highly portable and folds up for easy travel or storage.
The propane tank can connect directly to your cooking station, and four burners provide a maximum heat output of 60,000 BTUs total, or 15,000 per burner. You also get two slide-out side tables for food prep.
Customers rave about everything from how surprisingly lightweight their Blackstone is to the excellent food it produces.
Peter Nassetta says, “… impressed with the packaging of the product to prevent damage in shipment. It was a breeze to put together, and the griddle is high quality and built to last.”
To order this exceptional grill, click here.
What Is Evo Grill Made Of
Most of an Evo grill is made from heavy-duty 304 stainless steel. The top is pre-seasoned and works like a giant, cast-iron surface.
Although these griddles have a few non-metal components like the knobs, they are mostly metal.
Are Evo Grills Good Quality
Evo grills are of good quality. The $5000 price tag comes with significant benefits like a lifetime of grilling without worries about defects or rust on the metal components.
The round, 2-temperature griddle is visually dynamic in any outdoor kitchen and easy to work with.
What Is The Best Evo Grill
- 30 in. black seasoned steel flattop cooking surface
- Provides ultimate versatility to grill, sear, toast, stir fry, sauté, steam, roast, smoke and bake
- 707 sq. in. cooktop
- 2 stainless steel gas tube burners allow for 1 or 2 temperature zones
- Variable temperatures 225ºF to 550ºF
Last update on 2025-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best Evo grill is the Affinity 30G Series, Built-in Grill. The black oil seasoned grill makes cooking a breeze, but you can get an optional ceramic-clad cook surface if you prefer.
The inner and outer tubes let you adjust for 2 different temperatures while retaining excellent, hot-spot-free heat.
Push-button ignition makes the Affinity easy to start and heats up using natural gas.
At 163 lbs, this hefty, rugged griddle can handle outdoor conditions and weather easily. Evo ships fast, and the company has exceptional customer service.
Customers are raving about mess-free, versatile cooking. Little John says, “This machine can do anything, nearly smokeless, and clean-up is a breeze.”
To learn more about the Evo Affinity, click right here.
Pros and Cons of Blackstone Grill and Evo Grill
Whatever your budget and needs, every grill has its good side and its problems. I’ll break down the most important pros and cons of the Blackstone and Evo for you so you know what to expect before buying.
Blackstone Pros
- Good value for money
- Easy to assemble
- More burners and cooking space
- Relatively lightweight
- Foldable and portable
- Has extendable side tables
- Made in the USA
Blackstone Cons
- You need to cover a Blackstone if you plan to store it outside
- Not as cool looking
- Shorter warranty
- You have to season it yourself
Evo Pros
- Built to last for years
- Heavier
- Permanent-installation friendly design
- Pre-seasoned so you can cook right away
- Designed and made in the USA
Evo Cons
- Harder to install
- Only 2 cooking zones
- High price tag
- Only the metal parts are guaranteed for life
Blackstone Grill vs Evo Cost
Comparing Blackstone grill versus Evo is like comparing apples to exotic durian fruit. The Blackstone grills are notably less expensive with 3-digit price tags.
Meanwhile, an Evo will run you several thousand dollars at least, and most are in the $5000 range.
Buying a Blackstone grill is an excellent way to get a durable, reliable, high-quality outdoor cooking experience.
These grills are not cheap, but they are cost-effective because you get high value for your dollar on a fantastic portable grill for backyard barbecues.
Alternatively, selecting an Evo will set you back a lot more, and it also has wheels.
Still, this style of grill is ideal for a more permanent installation that a grill enthusiast might build into their yard more permanently for regular use.
Blackstone Grill vs Evo: Which Is Easier To Use
There are two ways to approach this question. If you are looking for simplicity and a more intimate, permanent setting, then the Evo is easier to use because there are only 2 different heat settings to worry about and no hot spots.
However, Blackstone is easier to use if you want customization options and portability for cooking anywhere, thanks to its 4 independent heat zones.
However, both options are versatile and can cook lots of food.
Blackstone Grill vs Evo: Which Is Easier To Put Together
A Blackstone grill is easier to put together than an Evo. It was created with an easy setup in mind.
These outstanding outdoor cookers’ design allows anyone to put them together with no tools.
Evos take more time and effort, though they are well worth it. You can get the instruction manual right here, it is 34 pages long.
Furthermore, countertop installation takes at least two people, one tool, and a licensed professional to install the gas line.
Blackstone Grill vs Evo: Which Lasts Longer
If you treat them well, you can expect the Blackstone and Evo grills to last for years with few repairs.
Yet, it’s important to note that the warranties are very different. The short version is that an Evo lasts much longer than a Blackstone grill.
Your Blackstone comes with a basic 1-year warranty like you would see on similar grills at that price point.
You can expect to pay at least three times as much for grills that offer even 5-year warranties because parts wear out, and manufacturing longer-lasting components is not cheap or easy.
That said, a well-cared-for Blackstone will outlast its warranty by several years.
An Evo has a 1-year warranty on its electronic and gas components. However, the metal parts have a lifetime guarantee covering any defects or rust issues.
Since these grills are very similar to a large cast-iron pan, they can last for decades without worries, which is why I recommend them to anyone who plans to build a more permanent grilling station outdoors.
Helpful Tips To Know About Blackstone Grill vs Evo Grill
People building outdoor kitchens should strongly consider an Evo griddle. However, those who want more portability might want to look into the reputable and rugged Blackstone grills.
Here are more helpful tips to know about Blackstone grill vs Evo Grill.
- Technically neither Blackstone nor Evo are ‘grills’ because they both utilize a griddle top.
- Evos tend to be significantly hotter in the center than toward the edges. Fortunately, this can be advantageous because it allows you to sear steaks and dense foods like other meats near the middle while simultaneously grilling vegetables out by the edges. The overall effect is more like cooking on a traditional charcoal grill than most griddle tops.
- Blackstone griddles are social media famous. These excellent cookers have influencers on staff and their own TikTok following. Surprisingly, these quality cookers saw a surge in fame during the middle of the pandemic, thanks to some smart and funny videos.
Final Thoughts
In the battle of Blackstone vs Evo, the winner is (usually) Blackstone. When choosing between a Blackstone and an Evo, the most important thing to consider is how you plan to use it.
For outdoor cooking enthusiasts who need outstanding portability and a great low price, Blackstone is for you.
However, if you plan to set up permanently and want the absolute top-of-the-line griddle cooker designed by foodies, then you need an Evo.