Blackstone Iron Forged vs Original: Which 36″ Griddle Deserves a Spot in Your Backyard?

I’ve spent enough weekends behind a Blackstone griddle to know one thing for sure—outdoor cooking is addictive. There’s something about the sound of bacon sizzling or smash burgers hitting the hot surface that makes these flat-top griddles feel more like an experience than just cooking.

Recently, I had the chance to put two heavy hitters side by side: the Blackstone Iron Forged 36″ Omnivore and the Blackstone Original 36″ Omnivore. Both promise restaurant-style results at home, but after hours of flipping pancakes, grilling steaks, and testing their features, I found they cater to slightly different types of grillers.

Here’s my detailed breakdown to help you choose the right one for your backyard or camping adventures.

Key Difference Between Blackstone Iron Forged vs Original Griddle

The biggest difference comes down to durability and extras.

• The Iron Forged model focuses on strength and heat performance, with its X-braced hood, heavy-duty build, and improved fuel efficiency.
• The Original model, on the other hand, emphasizes convenience and customization, offering dual folding side shelves, an accessory rail system, and a full kit of tools and seasoning gear.

Think of the Iron Forged as the rugged workhorse, while the Original is more like a fully loaded starter kit.

Comparison Table: Blackstone Iron Forged vs Original 36″ Griddle

Feature	Blackstone Iron Forged 36”	Blackstone Original 36”
Cooking Surface	768 sq. in.	768 sq. in.
Burners	4 independently controlled	4 independently controlled
Griddle Plate	Omnivore with wind guards, warp-resistant	Omnivore, rapid heating & even cooking
Hood	X-braced hood for durability	Standard hood
Side Shelves	Folding side tables (heavy duty)	Dual folding side shelves (one extendable)
Accessory Rail System	Tool holder included	Customizable rail system + basket
Accessories	Minimal (griddle only)	Full accessory kit (spatulas, scraper, gloves, bottles, apron, etc.)
Portability	Heavy-duty, locking casters	Portable, folds compact for storage
Best For	Durability, long-term use	All-in-one starter kit and flexibility
Check Latest Price	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

My Hands-On Experience

1. Design & Build Quality

When I first unboxed the Iron Forged, it felt like a tank. The X-braced hood was immediately impressive—strong, sturdy, and clearly designed to handle years of outdoor use. I could tell this was built for people who cook often and need a griddle that won’t warp or wear down quickly.

The Original Omnivore, in contrast, had a sleeker, more approachable design. It’s still sturdy, but it comes across as more versatile for day-to-day cooking. The dual folding side shelves and accessory rail made me feel like I was cooking in a mini outdoor kitchen.

2. Cooking Space & Burners

Both models offer a 768 sq. in. surface—plenty of room to cook for a crowd. I cooked 20+ burgers at once on both and still had space for onions and buns.

The four burners work beautifully on either model. The Iron Forged seemed to recover heat a little faster after I loaded it up with food, thanks to its warp-resistant plate and wind guards. That made a difference when I was cooking in breezy conditions.

The Original wasn’t far behind—it distributed heat evenly across the surface and never gave me a cold spot. It just took slightly longer to bounce back after tossing on a large batch of cold food.

3. Features & Usability

This is where their personalities split.

• The Iron Forged is straightforward—no bells and whistles, just solid construction and dependable performance. The folding heavy-duty tables were enough space for prep, but nothing fancy.
• The Original felt more “fun” to use, with its extendable shelf and rail system. I loved being able to clip on the accessory basket and keep my oil bottles and tongs right where I needed them.

4. Accessories

If you’re new to outdoor griddling, the Original is unbeatable here. It comes with spatulas, scrapers, squeeze bottles, basting cover, apron, gloves, and even seasoning. That starter kit gave me everything I needed for a proper Blackstone session without buying extras.

The Iron Forged doesn’t come with much—just the griddle itself. But that’s fine if you already own Blackstone tools or want to customize your setup separately.

5. Cleanup

Both use Blackstone’s rear grease management system, which is honestly a lifesaver. On both models, grease funneled smoothly to the cup at the back, leaving me with very little to wipe up afterward.

Blackstone Iron Forged 36″ Griddle 

Pros:

• Extremely durable X-braced hood
• Strong heat recovery and fuel efficiency
• Heavy-duty build designed for long-term outdoor use
• Folding side tables for prep
• Smooth grease management system

Cons:

• Few included accessories
• Heavier and bulkier to move around
• More expensive upfront

Buy on Amazon

Blackstone Original 36″ Griddle 

Pros:

• Complete accessory kit included (great value)
• Dual folding side shelves with extendable option
• Customizable accessory rail system
• Even heat distribution across griddle surface
• Portable design folds down more compactly

Cons:

• Hood isn’t as rugged as Iron Forged
• Slightly slower heat recovery under heavy load
• Accessories add convenience but may not be needed by advanced users

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

Both of these 36″ griddles deliver fantastic results, but the decision depends on what type of cook you are.

• If you’re looking for long-term durability, rugged build, and a griddle that’s going to handle heavy, frequent cooking sessions, the Blackstone Iron Forged 36″ is worth the investment. It’s built like a fortress and performs beautifully in challenging outdoor conditions.
• If you’re newer to griddling or want a more complete, versatile package with accessories and customization options, the Blackstone Original 36″ Omnivore is the better value. It’s user-friendly, adaptable, and gives you everything you need in one box.

My Recommendation:

• Go Iron Forged if you see yourself cooking every weekend and want a premium, heavy-duty build.
• Stick with the Original if you’re after value, convenience, and versatility right out of the box.

Either way, you’ll end up with one of the best outdoor cooking experiences Blackstone has to offer.