There’s something special about outdoor cooking — that blend of sizzling sounds, smoky aroma, and gathering friends or family around good food. Over the years, I’ve tried quite a few griddles, and two that stood out for me are the Blackstone Omnivore and the Blackstone On the Go Griddle. They both come from the same trusted brand, but they serve two very different types of cooks. After spending time cooking on both, I can confidently say each has its strengths — it just depends on how and where you like to grill.
Key Difference at a Glance: Blackstone Omnivore vs On the Go Griddle
If I had to sum it up in one line — the Omnivore is built for big backyard feasts, while the On the Go Griddle is designed for portability and quick meals on the move.
The Omnivore offers a massive 768 sq. in. cooking area with four burners, giving you the freedom to cook for large groups or family gatherings. In contrast, the On the Go Griddle is all about compact convenience, with a 267 sq. in. surface and a single 12,500 BTU H-style burner, perfect for camping or tailgating.
- Cook for a Crowd: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks on this spacious 768 square inch griddle. Invite family and friends over for a...
- COOK YOUR FAVORITE MEALS IN WOODS OR THE ON PATIO with Blackstone On the Go 17 Inch Portable Griddle. It is the perfect portable cooking station, whether you...
Comparison Table: Blackstone Omnivore vs On the Go Griddle
| Features | Blackstone Omnivore (1554) | Blackstone On the Go Griddle (1939) |
| Cooking Surface | 768 sq. in. | 267 sq. in. |
| Burners | 4 Independently Controlled | 1 H-Style Burner |
| BTU Output | Approx. 60,000 BTUs | 12,500 BTUs |
| Material | Powder-Coated Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Special Feature | Folding Side Shelves, Rear Grease Management | Fold-and-Go Design, Built-in Hood |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| Dimensions | 62.5″D x 22″W x 36″H | 24″D x 22″W x 22″H |
| Cooking Capacity | Up to 47 eggs / 30 burgers | Up to 9 burgers / 12 eggs |
| Mobility | Heavy-duty wheels | Lightweight & portable |
| Best For | Backyard gatherings, family cookouts | Camping, tailgating, small spaces |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design & Build Quality
The Blackstone Omnivore immediately impressed me with its solid, professional look. It’s not just large — it feels like a serious outdoor cooking station. The powder-coated steel frame gives it durability and resistance to outdoor conditions, while the folding side shelves make it easier to prep ingredients or rest utensils. The rear grease management system is something I didn’t realize I needed until I used it — cleanup is so much faster with this setup.
On the other hand, the On the Go Griddle is built for practicality and movement. It’s much smaller, lighter, and has an integrated hood that doubles as protection for the griddle surface when not in use. The stainless steel design doesn’t just look sleek; it holds heat remarkably well for such a compact unit. Plus, the fold-and-go legs make it effortless to set up whether I’m camping, tailgating, or cooking on a small balcony.
If space isn’t an issue, the Omnivore wins hands down in terms of sturdiness and working area. But for anyone who values mobility over size, the On the Go is a smartly designed piece of equipment.
- Cook for a Crowd: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks on this spacious 768 square inch griddle. Invite family and friends over for a...
- COOK YOUR FAVORITE MEALS IN WOODS OR THE ON PATIO with Blackstone On the Go 17 Inch Portable Griddle. It is the perfect portable cooking station, whether you...
Cooking Performance
Performance is where both griddles show the true difference in their personalities.
The Omnivore’s four burners are a dream for multi-zone cooking. With independent temperature controls, I could have one side on high heat for searing steaks while keeping the other side at a moderate temperature for veggies or pancakes. The heat distribution is beautifully even, and with 768 square inches of space, I could easily cook for an entire family reunion — over 30 burgers or 47 eggs at once, no exaggeration.
Switching to the On the Go Griddle, the performance feels scaled down but still powerful for its size. The 12,500 BTU H-style burner offers quick, even heating across the 267-square-inch surface. I managed to cook nine burgers at once with no cold spots in the center. However, with only one burner, you lose the flexibility of having multiple temperature zones — everything cooks at one consistent level. It’s ideal for quick breakfasts, burgers, or grilled sandwiches on the road, but not for big meals with varied ingredients.
In short, the Omnivore is your go-to for serious outdoor cooking, while the On the Go excels at convenience and portability.
- Cook for a Crowd: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks on this spacious 768 square inch griddle. Invite family and friends over for a...
Ease of Use & Cleanup
Both models are incredibly user-friendly, but they cater to different lifestyles.
The Omnivore might look intimidating at first, but it’s straightforward to use. The push-button ignition, wide surface, and clear heat controls make cooking simple even for beginners. What stood out most for me was the rear grease management system — it collects drippings efficiently, keeping the cooking area clean. Cleanup takes minutes, not half an hour.
The On the Go Griddle keeps things just as easy but with a more compact experience. The foldable design, built-in hood, and portable structure make it ideal for quick setups. The griddle surface wipes clean easily, though without the rear grease channel, you’ll need to be a bit more careful with drippings. For smaller meals, the cleanup is nearly effortless.
If you cook large meals often, the Omnivore’s design will save you time and hassle. If you’re cooking for two to four people and want minimal cleanup on the road, the On the Go Griddle is much easier to manage.
- COOK YOUR FAVORITE MEALS IN WOODS OR THE ON PATIO with Blackstone On the Go 17 Inch Portable Griddle. It is the perfect portable cooking station, whether you...
Fuel Efficiency & Heat Control
I noticed the Omnivore uses less fuel per cook compared to older models I’ve tried — the even heat distribution ensures no wasted energy. Despite its four burners, it’s surprisingly efficient, especially when cooking large batches.
The On the Go Griddle, on the other hand, is exceptionally frugal with fuel. With just one 12,500 BTU burner, it consumes far less propane. For camping trips or weekend getaways, one small propane tank can last multiple cooking sessions.
Blackstone 1554 Omnivore Griddle
- Cook for a Crowd: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks on this spacious 768 square inch griddle. Invite family and friends over for a...
Pros:
- Massive 768 sq. in. cooking surface
- Four independently controlled burners for multi-zone cooking
- Rear grease management system for easy cleanup
- Durable powder-coated steel construction
- Foldable side shelves and built-in tool hooks
Cons:
- Heavy and less portable
- Takes more storage space
- Overkill for small families or solo cooks
Blackstone On the Go Griddle With Side Shelf
- COOK YOUR FAVORITE MEALS IN WOODS OR THE ON PATIO with Blackstone On the Go 17 Inch Portable Griddle. It is the perfect portable cooking station, whether you...
Pros:
- Lightweight, compact, and portable
- Built-in hood for protection and faster cooking
- Stainless steel body retains heat efficiently
- Fold-and-go design perfect for travel and camping
- Quick setup and easy cleanup
Cons:
- Limited cooking surface
- Single burner — no multi-temperature zones
- Smaller grease capacity
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After spending plenty of time with both, I’d say it really depends on your cooking style.
If you love hosting outdoor cookouts, big family dinners, or backyard BBQ parties, go for the Blackstone Omnivore. Its four burners, huge surface area, and precise temperature control make it one of the best large-format griddles you can buy. It’s built for performance and serious cooking sessions.
However, if your idea of cooking outdoors involves weekend getaways, tailgating, or small family meals, then the Blackstone On the Go Griddle is the smarter choice. It’s compact, efficient, and easy to carry anywhere — without sacrificing that signature Blackstone quality.
My Recommendation:
If you have the space and budget for it, the Omnivore gives you far more versatility and cooking power. But if portability and convenience are your top priorities, the On the Go Griddle will make you just as happy — and your food just as delicious.
