Gossip Grill: Big Green Eggs and Blackstones – Do I Need One?

When there’s hundreds of options for items such as barbecue sauce, dog food, sunscreen, and microwaves, it’s no surprise that there are SO many grill choices on the market today!  You might already have a grill (in fact, there’s a really good chance that you do), but you might be wondering…am I missing out on something?  Do I really need a Blackstone, or maybe a Big Green Egg? Why is it so hard to decide?  Before you start spiraling into a grill-based panic attack, let’s step back and take a look at two of the most popular alternative grills on the market, and examine if they are a good fit for your lifestyle.  Let us leave you with one takeaway – adding another grill to your collection is fun if you have the money and the space, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the 20 year old grill you’ve made thousands of fabulous recipes on!

Let’s Look At: The Blackstone

A Blackstone grill is a brand of flat-top griddle that’s popular for outdoor cooking. Unlike traditional grills with grates, a Blackstone has a smooth, flat cooking surface made of rolled steel, which heats evenly and allows you to cook a wide variety of foods.

Key Features:

• Flat-top griddle surface (not open flame grill grates)

• Propane-fueled (most models use a standard propane tank)

• Large cooking area (great for cooking for a crowd)

• Multiple burners for adjustable heat zones

• Grease management system for easy cleanup

What You Can Cook on a Blackstone:

• Breakfast: pancakes, eggs, bacon

• Lunch: burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese

• Dinner: stir-fries, fajitas, steaks, seafood

• Sides: veggies, hash browns, fried rice

Why People Love It:

• Versatility – it handles everything from breakfast to hibachi-style dinners.

• Easy to use – no flare-ups like with traditional grills.

• Even heating – great for cooking delicate or high-volume foods.

Popular Sizes:

• 17″, 22″, 28″, and 36″ models – the 36″ is a favorite for backyard chefs.

It’s especially popular among campers, tailgaters, and anyone who loves cooking outdoors.

The Downsides:

While Blackstone griddles are super popular and versatile, there are a few downsides to consider:

Requires Regular Maintenance

• The cooking surface is cold-rolled steel, so it must be seasoned regularly (like cast iron) to keep it nonstick and rust-free.

• If you don’t keep it oiled or covered, it can rust quickly, especially in humid or wet climates.

Bulky and Heavy

• Even the smaller models are heavier than standard grills of the same size.

• Not ideal for small patios or balconies due to their size and footprint.

• Large models can be difficult to store or move.

Wind Can Be a Problem

• The flat surface isn’t enclosed, so wind can blow out the burners or make it hard to maintain heat.

• Many people end up buying or rigging wind guards.

Propane Usage

• Since it has a big surface and multiple burners, it goes through propane quickly, especially for long cookouts.

• Not as energy-efficient as some other outdoor cookers.

No Smoky Grill Flavor

• Unlike charcoal or even gas grills with grates, there’s no open flame contact, so:

  • You don’t get grill marks

  • You don’t get that smoky, charred flavor

Cleanup Can Be Messy

• While it has a grease trap, cleaning a big flat surface with oils and scraps can be messier than cleaning grill grates.

• If the grease trap gets clogged or overflows, it can be a pain.

Learning Curve

• Beginners may find it tricky to manage multiple heat zones at first.

• Foods can overcook quickly if you’re not used to griddle cooking.

In short, a Blackstone is amazing if you love cooking outdoors and want restaurant-style results, but it does require maintenance, space, and a bit of know-how to get the best out of it.  Also, there is the cost – you can expect to pay anywhere from around $150 for a compact, entry-level model to $600–$700+ for fully loaded, large-capacity units. For many users, the sweet spot tends to be the 22″–28″ models, which typically land in the $150–$350 range and offer solid features and cooking space.

Let’s Look At: The Big Green Egg

The Big Green Egg is a high-end outdoor cooker shaped like a giant green egg. It’s made from thick, heat-retaining ceramic (inspired by ancient Japanese kamado ovens) and uses lump charcoal as fuel.

What Can It Do?

It’s not just a grill—it’s a:

• Grill – for burgers, steaks, veggies, etc.

• Smoker – for low-and-slow BBQ (ribs, brisket, pulled pork)

• Oven – for pizza, bread, casseroles

• Roaster – for whole chickens, turkeys, roasts

The ceramic body allows it to hold steady temperatures from low (200°F) to searing hot (700°F+), making it extremely versatile.

Why People Love It

• Unmatched flavor – real charcoal smoke and ceramic cooking create juicy, flavorful results

• Fuel efficiency – holds heat for hours on a single load of lump charcoal

• Durability – built to last decades with proper care

• Temperature control – precise airflow vents make it easy to maintain cooking temps

Why Would You Want It?

You Want Amazing Flavor

• The Egg runs on 100% lump charcoal, which gives food rich, wood-fired taste that gas grills or griddles (like Blackstone) can’t match.

• Its airtight, ceramic body locks in moisture and smoke, making meats juicier and more flavorful.

You Love Low-and-Slow BBQ

• Ideal for making brisket, pulled pork, ribs, or smoked chicken with steady, precise temperatures for 8+ hours.

• Once dialed in, it holds heat like an oven—no constant monitoring needed.

You Want Versatility in One Unit

• Grill burgers and steaks at 700°F

• Bake wood-fired pizza, bread, or pies

• Roast a whole turkey or prime rib

• Smoke ribs, pork shoulder, or salmon

• It’s like having a grill + smoker + outdoor oven all in one.

You Value Durability and Efficiency

• Made of thick ceramic—it’s built to last decades.

• Extremely fuel-efficient—a single load of charcoal can last hours.

• Weather-resistant and performs great year-round, even in cold weather.

You Don’t Mind a Hands-On Cooking Experience

• Lighting and controlling the Egg takes some practice, but many people enjoy the ritual.

• Ideal for people who enjoy mastering the art of outdoor cooking.

The Downsides:

• Expensive – entry-level sizes start around $400–$500, and large models run $1,000+

• Heavy – very difficult to move without a sturdy stand (or help)

• Takes practice – learning temp control and charcoal lighting has a learning curve

• Accessories often sold separately – including cooking grates, pizza stones, covers, etc.

When You Might Not Need One:

• You just want something quick and easy (propane grill or Blackstone may be better)

• You’re only cooking for 1–2 and don’t plan to smoke or bake

• You don’t want to invest $800–$1,500+ in a grill

Hopefully, this has helped you narrow your decision down slightly!  If you decide to purchase a Blackstone or Big Green Egg, here are two very helpful guides to help you get started! The Flat Top King discusses everything Blackstone, and The Grill Girl talks about the Big Green Egg a bunch on her blog. 

What will you be cooking on this summer?

XOXO,

Gossip Grill