Blackstone 28-Inch XL Omnivore Griddle with Hood vs Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
This is Blackstone's 28-inch XL griddle fitted with the Omnivore griddle plate and a hood. Flat-top griddles cook differently from grates: the continuous steel surface means small food, eggs, onions, smash burgers and diced vegetables all stay on the cooktop instead of falling through, which is why griddles have taken over so much backyard cooking. The Omnivore plate is designed to maximise cooking efficiency and produce a more consistent cook across the surface, and the hood traps heat for melting and steaming as well as protecting the cooktop between uses. Blackstone has added the details that get used constantly: a magnetic toolbar for spatulas, side shelf hooks and a paper towel holder, all built in rather than sold as accessories.
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is a lightweight, portable propane grill designed for camping, tailgating, and backyard cookouts. Its fold‑flat design fits into a compact case, making transport and storage effortless. The grill delivers even heat across a 285‑square‑inch cooking surface and includes a built‑in temperature gauge for precise cooking. Features like a removable grease management system, interchangeable cooking grates, and a sturdy, rust‑resistant frame make it versatile for everything from burgers to low‑and‑slow smoking. With a quick‑connect propane hose and a detachable side table, the RoadTrip 285 balances performance with convenience for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Continuous surface handles food grates cannot
- Hood adds melting, steaming and cooktop protection
- Built-in tool storage that gets used constantly
- Large enough to cook for a crowd in one pass
- Compact, fold‑flat design for easy transport
- Large 285 sq in cooking area for a portable grill
- Integrated temperature gauge for precise cooking
- Removable grease management system simplifies cleanup
- Requires seasoning and regular maintenance to prevent rust
- Does not produce the char marks or smoke flavour of a grate grill
- Substantial footprint that needs outdoor storage space
- No built‑in smart or app connectivity
- Propane tank required, limiting use where gas isn’t available
- Limited to propane fuel; cannot use charcoal
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Blackstone 28-Inch XL Omnivore Griddle with Hood
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Gravity-fed charcoal grill, griddle and smoker with WiFi control and up to 10 hours of fuel.
Alternatives to Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill
View all →28-inch outdoor flat-top griddle with a hood, magnetic toolbar and integrated side shelf storage.
Two-burner portable camp stove with 20,000 BTU per burner and 215 square inches of cook space.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe Blackstone XL Omnivore griddle offers a larger, flat cooking surface with a hood and built‑in tool storage for backyard entertaining, while the Coleman RoadTrip 285 is a compact, fold‑flat propane grill designed for portability and camping.
Key differences
- •Cooking surface type: flat‑top griddle (A) vs. grates with interchangeable plates (B).
- •Portability: fold‑flat, case‑ready (B) versus stationary, larger footprint (A).
- •Hood and built‑in storage (A) versus integrated side table and temperature gauge (B).
- •Maintenance: seasoning required for griddle (A) vs. removable grease tray for easy cleanup (B).
- •Price: $449 (A) vs. $399 (B).
Price
Coleman costs $399, Blackstone $449; lower price favors B.
Capacity / Cooking Area
Blackstone provides a 28‑inch continuous flat surface, larger overall than B's 285 sq in grates.
Portability & Footprint
Coleman folds flat into a 32‑in case (31.5 × 20.5 × 13.5 in unfolded); Blackstone is a stationary unit needing outdoor storage space.
Features
Blackstone includes a hood, magnetic toolbar, side shelf hooks, and paper‑towel holder; B lacks hood and tool storage.
Ease of Cleaning / Maintenance
Coleman has removable grease tray and drip pan; Blackstone requires seasoning and regular rust prevention.
Warranty
Coleman provides a 1‑year limited warranty; Blackstone warranty not specified.
Smart Connectivity
Both products have no smart or app connectivity.
Choose Blackstone 28-Inch XL Omnivore Griddle with Hood if…
Backyard hosts who want high‑volume flat‑top cooking and don’t need to move the unit.
Choose Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill if…
Campers, tailgaters, or anyone needing a portable grill that fits in a car trunk.
Common questions
Which unit is cheaper?
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 costs $399, while the Blackstone XL Omnivore griddle costs $449.
Can I use the Blackstone griddle for camping trips?
It is not designed for portability; its large, stationary footprint makes it unsuitable for typical camping transport.
Which grill is easier to clean after cooking?
The Coleman’s removable grease tray and drip pan simplify cleanup, whereas the Blackstone requires seasoning and regular maintenance to prevent rust.