Last Updated on September 5, 2023
If you’re an outdoor cooking enthusiast, you’re likely no stranger to the sizzling appeal of griddles.
Among the multitude of options available, two contenders have risen to the forefront of the griddling world: the Members Mark Griddle and the Blackstone Griddle.
These griddles have garnered their fair share of attention, and rightfully so.
The Blackstone Griddle, with its even cooking prowess and culinary versatility, stands tall as a go-to choice for those seeking perfectly seared delights.
It boasts a powerful BTU rating of 24,000, ensuring swift cooking and reaching the high temperatures needed for certain dishes.
On the flip side, the Members Mark Griddle shines with its robust cast iron construction, promising longevity and durability.
Weighing in as the lighter option at 29.5 pounds, it’s also more portable for those who love to take their culinary skills on the road.
This article aims to provide an unbiased and informative comparison of these griddles, examining their features, performance, and other aspects.
Members Mark vs Blackstone Griddles: Features, Performance, and More
In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into the features and performance of these griddles, leaving no sizzle unturned.
From the cooking surface material to portability, grease management, burner power, and cooking space – we’ll dissect it all to help you make an informed decision for your next outdoor cooking companion. So, let’s fire up the griddles and get cooking.
Cooking Surface Material
Hot-rolled steel is renowned for its durability and ability to distribute heat evenly, while heavy-duty steel is utilized in the cooking surface of the Member’s Mark Griddle, offering reliable performance at a budget-friendly price point.
Hot-rolled steel is a popular choice for cooking surfaces due to its strength and even heat distribution.
This material is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures and resist warping or bending.
It provides a consistent cooking experience by ensuring that heat is evenly distributed across the surface, resulting in evenly cooked food.
In contrast, heavy-duty steel used in the Member’s Mark Griddle is designed to withstand heavy use and provide long-lasting performance.
This makes it suitable for those seeking a durable griddle without breaking the bank.
Weight and Portability
The Member’s Mark Griddle weighs 29.5 pounds, making it a lighter option for those who prioritize portability.
This makes it more convenient for activities like camping trips or tailgating, where ease of transport is important.
Conversely, the Blackstone Griddle weighs 32 pounds, slightly heavier than the Member’s Mark Griddle.
However, it compensates for its weight by offering foldable legs, which enhance its portability and facilitate convenient storage.
These foldable legs allow the Blackstone Griddle to be easily transported and stored, making it a viable option for those seeking a balance between weight and portability.
Grease Management System
The Blackstone Griddle is equipped with a built-in grease channel, which efficiently directs the grease away from the cooking surface.
This channel ensures that the grease is collected in a centralized location, making it easier to dispose of.
Alternatively, the Member’s Mark Griddle utilizes a disposable grease tray. This tray is strategically placed beneath the cooking surface and can be easily removed and replaced when it becomes full.
This system allows for quick and convenient cleanup, as users can simply discard the grease tray without the need for extensive scrubbing or wiping.
Burner BTU Rating
Comparing the burner BTU ratings, the Member’s Mark Griddle offers a slightly lower rating of 20,000 BTUs, while the Blackstone Griddle boasts a higher rating of 24,000 BTUs, indicating a potential difference in cooking performance and efficiency.
A higher BTU rating generally means that the griddle can generate more heat, allowing for faster cooking times and better heat distribution.
With a rating of 24,000 BTUs, the Blackstone Griddle has a greater capacity to reach and maintain high temperatures, which can be advantageous for searing and cooking food quickly.
On the flip side, the Member’s Mark Griddle’s 20,000 BTU rating still provides sufficient heat for most outdoor cooking needs, although it may take slightly longer to reach desired temperatures.
Cooking Surface Area
In terms of cooking surface area, the Blackstone Griddle provides a larger space for cooking with approximately 330 square inches, while the Member’s Mark Griddle offers a slightly smaller area of around 260 square inches.
This means that the Blackstone Griddle can accommodate larger meals and more ingredients, making it ideal for cooking for a larger group or family.
The larger cooking surface area of the Blackstone Griddle allows for more flexibility in cooking different types of food simultaneously, making meal preparation more efficient.
Meanwhile, the Member’s Mark Griddle’s slightly smaller cooking surface area may be more suitable for individuals or smaller households who do not require as much cooking space.
Price Comparison
The Member’s Mark Griddle is known for its affordability, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking a cost-effective cooking solution.
Despite its lower price, the Member’s Mark Griddle still offers satisfactory performance and functionality.
In Comparison, the Blackstone Griddle is priced slightly higher, reflecting its advanced features and technology.
This higher price may be justified for individuals who prioritize enhanced cooking capabilities and durability.
It is important to note that the pricing difference between the two griddles should be considered in the context of personal needs and preferences.
Overall Durability
The Blackstone Griddle, known for its robust construction, is designed to withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions.
Its solid steel frame and thick cooking surface ensure durability and longevity.
On the other hand, the Member’s Mark Griddle may not match the Blackstone’s durability but still offers a reliable option.
Its construction is sturdy enough to withstand regular use and occasional outdoor exposure.
While not as heavy-duty as the Blackstone, the Member’s Mark Griddle is cost-effective for those who prioritize longevity without breaking the bank.
In terms of overall durability:
- Blackstone Griddle: Superior construction and technology for heavy use and harsh weather conditions.
- Member’s Mark Griddle: Sturdy construction for regular use and occasional outdoor exposure.
Recommended for Outings
The Member’s Mark Griddle’s compact design and lightweight construction make it easy to transport and set up in various outdoor settings.
Its portability allows users to enjoy outdoor cooking in remote locations without the hassle of carrying heavy equipment.
As a consequence, the Blackstone Griddle’s foldable legs provide added convenience during outings.
The legs can be easily folded and unfolded, allowing for quick setup and storage. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals needing to maximize space or frequently move their griddle between locations.
Ignition Mechanism Type
The Blackstone Griddle is equipped with a push-button battery-powered ignition system. This system allows for a hassle-free startup experience, eliminating the need for matches or lighters.
The griddle ignites by simply pressing the button, making it convenient and easy to use.
Furthermore, the Member’s Mark Griddle utilizes a click starter mechanism. This mechanism involves clicking a button to light one burner, which then ignites the rest of the burners.
While this method may require more effort than the push-button ignition, it still provides a reliable and efficient way to start the griddle.
Accessories and Add-Ons
The Blackstone Griddle comes with a scraper, cloth cover, and windshields recommended for optimal performance.
These accessories provide convenience and protection while cooking, ensuring that your griddle stays in top condition.
The scraper helps to remove food residues easily, while the cloth cover keeps the griddle clean when not in use.
The windshields offer protection against wind, preventing any disruptions to the cooking process.
Nevertheless, the Member’s Mark Griddle provides towel bars, hooks, and proper windshields for added convenience.
These accessories allow you to hang towels and utensils within easy reach, making cooking more efficient.
The windshields also play a crucial role in protecting the griddle from wind interference.
Is a Blackstone griddle healthy?
While the griddle itself does not inherently impact the healthiness of the food, the ingredients used can greatly affect the nutritional value of the meals prepared.
Cooking on a Blackstone griddle provides the opportunity to cook with less oil compared to traditional methods, which can lead to lower fat content in the food.
Additionally, vegetables and lean proteins can be easily cooked on the griddle, allowing for a healthier meal option.
However, if unhealthy ingredients such as processed meats or excessive amounts of oil are used, the health benefits of cooking on a Blackstone griddle may be diminished.
It is crucial to make mindful ingredient choices when utilizing this cooking method.
| Pros | Cons | Considerations |
| Lower fat content | Potential for unhealthy ingredient choices | Mindful ingredient selection |
| Versatile cooking options | Possibility of excessive oil usage | Balanced meal preparation |
| Easy cooking of vegetables and lean proteins | Limited impact on nutritional value | Overall dietary choices |
Can you damage the Blackstone griddle?
Accidental scratches can occur on the durable surface of a Blackstone griddle. Despite its overall durability, the griddle surface is not impervious to damage.
Users need to be aware of the potential for scratching and take necessary precautions to prevent it.
Here are three reasons why it is important to avoid damaging a Blackstone griddle:
- Maintaining the aesthetic appeal: Scratches can detract from the appearance of the griddle, making it look worn and less visually appealing.
- Preserving the functionality: Scratches can create uneven surfaces, affecting the griddle’s heat distribution and cooking performance.
- Ensuring longevity: By preventing scratches, the griddle’s lifespan can be extended, allowing for years of reliable use.
Avoiding accidental scratches will help keep the Blackstone griddle in optimal condition and ensure its longevity.
Are burgers better on a grill or griddle?
While grills allow for fat to drip down through the grates, potentially reducing the moisture content of the meat, griddles provide a different approach by frying the patties in their own juices.
As a result, burgers cooked on griddles tend to develop a uniformly brown coating known as the Maillard reaction, which contributes to a flavorful crust. This cooking technique on a griddle can result in moist, juicy burgers packed with extra flavor.
In contrast, grilling on a traditional grill may lead to a slightly different flavor profile due to the drippings and charring that occur.
Is the members Mark Griddle cast iron?
The Member’s Mark griddle cooking surface is made of heavy-duty steel, which is known for its ability to retain heat.
However, it should be noted that this material may not heat up as fast as other options.
When comparing the Member’s Mark griddle to other griddles, such as the Blackstone, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Heat distribution: The heavy-duty steel cooking surface of the Member’s Mark griddle ensures even heat distribution, allowing for consistent cooking results.
- Durability: The steel construction of the Member’s Mark griddle provides durability, ensuring that it can withstand high heat and heavy use.
- Cooking versatility: The steel cooking surface of the Member’s Mark griddle is suitable for various cooking techniques, including searing, sautéing, and grilling.
Griddles Galore: Find Your Flavorful Finale
The decision between these two griddles comes down to personal preferences and specific cooking requirements.
Whether you prefer the convenience of a built-in grease channel or the ease of a disposable grease tray, or if you prioritize higher BTU ratings for faster cooking times, both griddles offer impressive features.
So, whether you sizzle your burgers on a griddle or prefer the traditional grill method, rest assured that these griddles will elevate your culinary endeavors.
Choose the one that aligns best with your needs, and you’ll be well-equipped to create delicious outdoor meals for years.
