New Blackstone or Old Blackstone

lahlooha

Hi All, 
Is it worth paying the extra $$ for the newer model or just go with the Walmart special on the 36"?

It seems that the grease trap and the paper towel holder are the only new things in it. And I saw that the grease trap on the old model can be fixed pretty easily...

Advise please.

WeberWho

Get the cheaper one. I don't think one is much better than the other. The old grease trap isn't a deal breaker. You'll be happy with either one

blasting

I like the design of the new one, but it wouldn't work for me - in fact it would be a significant pia.

johnnyp

I actually prefer the old grease trap.  I think its just easier.  The new one has a sleeker, more streamlined look.  But the old trap is more functional, IMO

lahlooha

I really don't think the grease trap being at the back is a good idea. I plan to back up my grill against the side deck rails. With a safe distance of course... but can't imagine it on the back of the grill...

EGGHEAD83

I don’t think that I would like the new style. I love my old style with the surround table. 

mlc2013

I just ordered mine from home depot they gave me 20% off there price to match the BBB 20% off coupon plus they beat BBB price $10.00 to begin with before the discount. ( I went with the 36" stainless). Im not sure which one Im getting yet as HomeDepot didn't know either I would assume the front grease as so BS can get rid of there old stock first. When I called BS about the surround they said the surround works with both models you just have to move the rear shelf bracket. Hope this helps maybe give HD a call and see if the can beat Walmart special right now they are $32.00 more but if they give you the $279.99 - 20%= 223.99 plus free delivery that I believe is cheaper the walmart

BobDanger

I went with the old model as well...the rear grease trap wouldn't work for me, plus I like to cook against the back.

JohnnyTarheel

Old model works great for me

pgprescott

A bit more $ but check out Camp Chef as well. 

lahlooha

Picked it up from Walmart yesterday. I have to admit, it is really bigger than I thought. 
My homedepot doesn’t carry them in store. Will set it up today and report after the first cook!

MaskedMarvel

My fix for the old style drip hole works well. 

...Can’t load pics from the beach...  it’s a fencing nail. They look like a big U. Poke thru hole, bye bye leak. 

MaskedMarvel

chuckytheegghead

No issues with the old design for me. Go for the cheaper one.

dharley

I have the new design. If the older one is cheaper, get that. The pros and cons are evenly off set. FWIW

Cashfan

I see the OP already bought one, but thought I would contribute anyway.

I went from an old model 28 to a new model 36. The new drain works well, no mods needed. One advantage to the new one is that there are sides on all four sides, so less spillage of food. I dumped some food and grease over the front of the 28 a few times, that was annoying. One drawback is that I will probably forget to check and dump the catcher at some point, and will have a mess. Maybe the dog will find the grease catcher, and keep it clean. He emptied the one on my 28 a couple of times.

Seems like it boils down to where you want the grease catcher, in the front or back.

CincyEgg

I ordered one from amazon a few weeks ago. They basically told me they couldn’t guarantee which model I would get but they have the new one with the paper towel holder and trash bag holder as a completely different model. I paid $197 and the model they sent me has the rear grease trap without the extras. Saved me 50 bucks and I didn’t think I’d use the new accessories anyways. I really like the rear grease trap but don’t think it would make much of a difference if it was on the front or back.

In other words, I would just get the cheapest option

lahlooha

update: I just purchased the new one off of Amazon prime day. Was $200, couldn't resist. The one I got from Walmart is still sitting pretty in its box and will be going back.

lahlooha

Update 2: I picked up a free blackstone off of Facebook marketplace 

WeberWho

lahlooha said:

Update 2: I picked up a free blackstone off of Facebook marketplace 

Dang!

YukonRon

I have just received from Amazon Prime the new 36" with all the extras. That is one big piece of cooking tool.......I was planning to sort of build it in to the plans of my outdoor kitchen, but.......with the grease trap in the back, I will need access to that and of course the bottled gas canister.
I will figure something out. 
Anybody built one of these in????

TEXASBGE2018

YukonRon said:

I have just received from Amazon Prime the new 36" with all the extras. That is one big piece of cooking tool.......I was planning to sort of build it in to the plans of my outdoor kitchen, but.......with the grease trap in the back, I will need access to that and of course the bottled gas canister.
I will figure something out. 
Anybody built one of these in????

This was the very reason I stuck with the front trap model. If its an individual unit it makes a lot of sense to put it in the back. But as a built in its gonna be awfully difficult.  Below is the easiest I could explain it. Where you mount the griddle top and drain plug elevated above the counter top. Probably doesn't look as clean as if the griddle top was flush mounted but might solve your issue. 

You could just create an open shelf there to sit the blackstone in so you have easy access to the grease trap. Kinda like how a lot of folks do with their eggs. See below.

I know I'm not giving the best visualization but hopefully you get the idea.