Member's Mark Pro-Series 5-Burner Gas Griddle

This is my first gas griddle. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing this griddle. Ultimately, I narrowed my search down to this griddle and the Blackstone 36-inch, four burner griddle. They both have very similar features and were identically priced when I purchased mine in August 2024. I got lucky and purchased the Members Mark griddle when it was on sale, so I saved $100 verses the Blackstone. For me, having the 36-inch-wide cooking surface was the way to go. Next, I decided that a hinged cover was a must have feature to protect the griddle surface. The stainless-steel finish verses the all-black finish is a personal choice that does not affect the performance of the griddle, but I prefer the appearance of the stainless-steel and it is easier to clean and maintain. Five burners verses four gives you more control over the temperature of your cooking surface, so in this instance, more is more. The Members Mark griddle is rated at 47,500 BTUs verses 38,000 BTUs for the Blackstone. The Members Mark griddle has an enclosed storage area under the griddle, which is great for storing paper towels and necessary accessories. One thing that I liked about the Blackstone 36-inch griddle is that you have the ability to remove the griddle top without tools from the frame of the griddle, and the legs on the frame of the griddle fold in so that you could technically carry this griddle in the back of your SUV and transport it. It is heavy and somewhat cumbersome, but it can be considered "portable". The Members Mark griddle cooking surface is also very easy to remove from the frame, but because the frame serves as a storage cabinet, you cannot fold it up, so it not quite as "portable" as the Blackstone. Both griddles offer a superb cooking experience. I was able to cook several meals on my friend's Blackstone griddle prior to purchasing the Members Mark griddle. The Blackstone griddle is great and the Members Mark griddle offers an equally great cooking experience with more features that I appreciate at a lower price. If you are the type of person that feels the need to "fit in", then you should probably purchase the Blackstone. However, if you are a self-confidant type of person and prefer quality and value over name-recognition, then the Members Mark griddle definitely is the better and smarter choice.