Blackstone 2322 Original Omnivore 36 Inch Griddle with Hood,

The Verdict

If you’ve been eyeing a flat-top griddle for weekend breakfasts or backyard smash burgers, the Blackstone 2322 Original Omnivore 36" is the model that keeps showing up in “best of” lists. With 220 Amazon ratings averaging 4.4 stars, it’s clearly doing something right. But is it the right griddle for you? Let’s break down what the Omnivore plate actually changes, where the hood earns its keep, and what buyers wish they’d known before unboxing.

What You Actually Get

The 2322 arrives in a box that’s heavier than you expect — roughly 120 pounds of steel, four burners, and a powder-coated frame. Inside you’ll find the griddle body, the hood with a heat-resistant handle, a rear grease cup, the Omnivore cooking surface, and the inevitable hardware bag. There’s no side shelf and no air fryer attachment; this is a dedicated 720-square-inch cooking surface on a sturdy cart with locking casters.

The headline feature is the Omnivore top. Blackstone’s older rolled-steel plates had notorious hot spots — burners directly under certain zones, dead zones elsewhere. The Omnivore uses a thicker, cold-rolled steel construction with a “v” shaped channel system that distributes heat across the entire surface. One reviewer put it plainly: “My old Blackstone had a hot corner that burned everything. This one cooks evenly edge to edge. I can do 20 pancakes with zero flipping spots.”

Performance and Real-World Use

Firing up all four burners, the 2322 hits 400°F in about 8 minutes — the hood is the difference-maker here, trapping heat that older open models let escape. That same hood lets you roast vegetables, melt cheese on burgers, or finish a steak after a hard sear. It also cuts wind interference, which matters if your patio faces open space.

The rear grease management system is a genuine upgrade over the front chute designs. The cooking surface slopes slightly toward the back, funneling grease into a removable cup. Multiple owners noted this keeps the front of the griddle clean, though one cautioned: “Make sure the cup is seated right. If it’s off by a millimeter, you’ll have grease on your patio floor.”

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The even-heat claim dominates positive feedback. At this price point, most griddles have a “sweet spot” you learn to work around. The Omnivore plate minimizes that learning curve. Owners also praise the flavor — the cold-rolled steel develops a seasoning over time that makes eggs slide off without butter, and the hood lets you trap smoke for a subtle char on vegetables.

The four independently controlled burners (12,000 BTU each) give you real temperature zoning. You can run one side at 350°F for pancakes while the other pushes 500°F for searing. That’s the flexibility that makes this a weekend-workhorse rather than a novelty.

Where It Falls Short

Assembly is the most common complaint. Expect 60–90 minutes of work, and the included Allen wrenches are borderline useless. One reviewer recommended: “Buy a ratchet set before you start. The bolts strip if you look at them wrong.” Plan for that.

The hood prop rod — a thin metal arm that holds the hood open — has drawn criticism. Several long-term owners report it bending or failing after 6–12 months, leaving the hood to flop down while cooking. It’s a cheap fix, but it’s annoying on a griddle at this price.

There’s also no wind guard on the sides, so a gusty day can still affect flame stability despite the hood. And if you’re expecting Bluetooth probes or a built-in thermometer display, you’ll be disappointed — this is analog cooking, temperature gauges on the hood only.

Who Should Buy This

Get the Blackstone 2322 if you’re a serious home cook who wants restaurant-style smash burgers, fajita spreads, or Sunday brunch for a crowd without babysitting hot spots. It’s ideal for anyone who cooks outdoors year-round — the hood genuinely extends your season into fall and early spring. Skip it if you’re a casual griller who mostly wants hot dogs and burgers a few times a summer; a smaller 28-inch model or a traditional gas grill will save you money and assembly headaches.

FAQ

Does the hood actually help, or is it just a cover? It’s functional. It traps heat for faster preheat and holds temperature when you’re cooking with the lid down — great for melting cheese or warming tortillas. It also protects the surface from rain when closed.

How do I season the Omnivore plate for the first time? Wash it with mild soap and water, dry completely, then coat with a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (flaxseed or canola). Heat on high until it smokes, then repeat 3–5 times. The surface will turn dark brown to black — that’s correct.

Can I use metal utensils on it? Yes, the cold-rolled steel is durable enough for metal spatulas and scrapers. Avoid sharp knives that can scratch the seasoning, and never use abrasive cleaners.

The Verdict

Buy it if you’re upgrading from a smaller griddle or want even, reliable heat for serious outdoor cooking. Skip it if you’re a fair-weather griller who won’t use the hood or needs extra storage shelves.

The Blackstone 2322 isn’t perfect — the assembly is tedious, and the hood prop is a weak point. But the Omnivore plate delivers on its core promise: even heat across the entire surface. At 4.2 out of 5 stars, it’s a strong buy for the dedicated outdoor cook who values performance over extras.

Rating: 4.2/5

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.