Choose the model and fuel first. Then plan the island around the exact griddle, any required insulating jacket, and the manufacturer’s installation drawing.
A Blackstone built-in griddle gives an outdoor kitchen a dedicated flat-top cooking station. Breakfast, vegetables, burgers, and stir-fry can all become part of the patio routine. The right purchase starts with more than the cooking surface: your island materials, gas supply, ventilation, and opening all need to work together.
Make the cooking station part of the gathering.
Think about how you will use the island when food is on the griddle. Leave convenient space for ingredients and serving dishes, and plan access for cleaning and maintenance. Keep the cooking area clear of the main seating and circulation routes.
A built-in appliance belongs in the design from the beginning. Choose a purpose-built drop-in model, then have the installer review the instructions before cutting the countertop or enclosing the appliance.
Blackstone 6331 versus Select 6336: compare the useful differences.
| Feature | 6331 / 6331NG | Select 6336 / 6336NG |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | 36-inch drop-in gas griddle | 36-inch drop-in gas griddle |
| Plate technology | Blackout Omnivore | Blackout Omnivore |
| Burner design | Omnizone flat burners | Stainless steel Omnizone flat burners |
| Exterior lighting | LED knobs and dimmable puddle lighting | LED knobs and dimmable puddle lighting |
| Built-in hood lighting | Not listed in the supplier feature list | Listed in the supplier feature list |
| Fuel choices at Smokeforges | Propane or natural gas variant | Propane or natural gas variant |
The Select 6336 adds built-in hood lighting to the features listed above. Decide whether that feature matters for your evening cooking setup. Compare current prices on the product pages and include any required jacket and installation work in the budget.
Blackstone 6331: a 36-inch drop-in cooking station.
Consider the 6331 when you want the shared plate technology and exterior lighting without selecting the model specifically for built-in hood lights. Choose propane or natural gas to match the supply your installer has approved.
Do not use the cooking size class as a countertop measurement. Have the exact 6331 or 6331NG installation drawing approved before construction.
Blackstone Select 6336: choose it for the lighted hood.
The Select 6336 is the model to compare when built-in hood lighting is on your wish list. Its supplier-listed features also include a Blackout Omnivore plate, stainless steel Omnizone flat burners, LED knobs, and dimmable lighting beneath the griddle.
Use the variant selector to match the appliance to your gas supply. Outdoor cabinetry, countertop, and a required insulating jacket are separate parts of the installation.
Fuel Details: choose propane or natural gas before ordering.
Propane and natural gas are separate configurations in the Smokeforges catalog. For the models covered here, 6331 and 6336 identify the propane versions; 6331NG and 6336NG identify the natural gas versions. Select the correct SKU before adding the appliance to your cart.
Have a qualified installer check the gas connection and the manufacturer’s pressure, regulator, and installation requirements. Do not assume that a fuel conversion is permitted or that a different model’s conversion kit will work. Include any lighting or ignition power requirements in the same review.
Does your island need an insulating jacket?
Blackstone’s drop-in guidance requires its insulating jacket when the supporting cabinet or structure uses combustible materials. A jacket is part of the installation design, not a substitute for the required clearances and ventilation. Have your installer confirm the exact appliance-and-jacket combination and enclosure materials.
For the 36-inch jacket, model 6430, the manufacturer’s shared 6228/6430 manual identifies the cavity dimensions below. These apply to the jacket cavity—not to the griddle installed without a jacket.
| Drawing reference | 6430 jacket cavity | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| A · Width | 43.35 in. | Use the 36-inch jacket row |
| B · Depth | 26.09 in. | Follow the drawing’s measurement points |
| C · Height | 9.16 in. | The manual cautions that a greater height interferes with the hood |
A “36-inch” griddle does not mean a 36-inch cabinet opening. Do not transfer jacket dimensions to a bare-griddle installation or use another model’s cutout.
Plan the Blackstone 6430 jacket with the island.
Review the jacket before construction if your approved installation requires it. Confirm compatibility, supporting substructure, utility routing, and the finished countertop arrangement with your installer.
The griddle is sold separately. This jacket selection does not establish that every 36-inch Blackstone model uses the same opening or installation requirements.
Outdoor placement, care, and warranty
Gas griddles are outdoor cooking appliances. A covered patio still needs the open-air conditions, clearances, and ventilation required by the exact manual. Do not treat a garage, an enclosed room, or a screened space as automatically suitable. Ask your installer to review the proposed location before ordering.
Plan access to the grease collection area and gas components. After cooking, follow the manufacturer’s plate-cleaning, drying, and seasoning instructions. A protective hood does not replace routine care.
Review the written warranty for the exact model. Blackstone’s published 6331NG page lists a one-year manufacturer warranty; confirm the supplied terms and exclusions for your selected SKU. Current availability and delivery estimates should be checked on the product page or with Smokeforges.
Jacket installation document
We have not substituted an estimated bare-griddle cutout. Obtain the current drawing for your exact griddle and fuel configuration before fabrication.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build a regular cart griddle into an island?
Choose a model designed and documented for a built-in installation. A freestanding cart model’s dimensions or instructions do not establish approval for an enclosed island.
Do propane and natural gas versions use the same connections?
Do not assume they do. Select the correct fuel SKU and follow its installation instructions. Have your installer confirm the gas connection and supply requirements.
Is the 6430 jacket opening the bare-griddle cutout?
No. The dimensions shown here are the insulating jacket cavity references. The appliance installed without a jacket requires its own applicable drawing.
What should I send with a project-quote request?
Include the griddle model, fuel type, island materials, proposed placement, delivery ZIP code, and any drawings you have. Identify whether the project includes an insulating jacket so the product list can be reviewed.
Choose the Blackstone that fits your outdoor kitchen.
Select your model and fuel configuration, then review the installation documents with your builder. Need help assembling the griddle and accessory list? Send us the project details.
