Grills and Griddles
Intermediate Outdoor Cooking Setup: Weber Genesis and a 36-Inch Griddle Station
Quick answer
The intermediate outdoor cooking setup pairs the Weber Genesis E-325 gas grill with a Blackstone 36-inch griddle with hood, so you can sear and griddle for 6 to 10 people at once. A prep cart, two gauged tanks, a Bluetooth scale, griddle tools and cleaning gear bring it to $1,956.
This is the buy-once cooking station for a household that grills most nights in season and hosts gatherings of 6 to 10 people. It gives you two full-size cooking surfaces side by side with a prep and storage cart between them, all freestanding, so nothing needs a contractor and everything moves with you. The full list comes to $1,956.
The Genesis sits a clear step above the Spirit in Weber's lineup, with PureBlu tapered burners, an extra-large sear zone and grates that accept Weber Crafted inserts like a griddle plate, wok and pizza stone. The Blackstone 36 is the full-size flat top most griddle recipes and accessories are designed around. Size the pair with the griddle size calculator and the grill size calculator, and compare the grills in Weber Spirit vs Genesis. For wood-fired pizza, see PizzaOvenCalc.
The complete intermediate build: $1,956
What cooks the food
| Item | Why this one | Qty | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill (Propane) | A three-burner Genesis with PureBlu burners and an extra-large sear zone. The expert Blaze built-in head adds a fourth burner and a rear infrared burner, but only as part of a permanent island. | 1 | $849.00 | Price |
 Blackstone 36 in. Original Griddle with Built-in Hood | The full 36-inch Blackstone flat top with a built-in hood that protects the seasoned surface and helps melt cheese and steam vegetables. The expert Traeger Flatrock adds zone dividers and a propane level sensor. | 1 | $539.99 | Price |
| What cooks the food subtotal | $1,388.99 | |||
Prep and storage
| Item | Why this one | Qty | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Keter Unity XL Outdoor Prep Table and Storage Cart | A 52.7-inch resin cart with a stainless top and 78 gallons of storage that sits between the grill and griddle, so plates, tools and seasonings stay outside. The expert build replaces it with island counters. | 1 | $237.99 | Price |
| Prep and storage subtotal | $237.99 | |||
Fuel
| Item | Why this one | Qty | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Flame King YSN230 20 lb Propane Tank with Gauge | Two DOT-certified 20 lb tanks with gauges, one for each cooker. A 36-inch griddle burns propane much faster than a grill, so each appliance needs its own tank. | 2 | $139.98 | Price |
 Flame King Smart Bluetooth Propane Tank Scale | Sits under the griddle tank and reports the propane level to a phone app over Bluetooth, so you know before a party whether the tank will last. | 1 | $19.99 | Price |
| Fuel subtotal | $159.97 | |||
Tools and cleaning
| Item | Why this one | Qty | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Blackstone Pro 22-Piece Griddle Tool Kit | Spatulas, scrapers, tongs, a ladle and squeeze bottles in dishwasher-safe stainless. A 36-inch griddle needs two long spatulas and a scraper at minimum; this kit covers all of it. | 1 | $58.99 | Price |
 TempPro TempSwift 0.5 Sec Instant-Read Meat Thermometer | A half-second thermocouple thermometer rated to plus or minus 0.9 F. With two cooking surfaces running, fast readings keep you from overcooking one while tending the other. | 1 | $29.99 | Price |
 Mr. Bar-B-Q Steam Clean Bristle-Free Grill Brush (Scrub Daddy) | A bristle-free, water-activated brush with stainless mesh that steam-cleans hot grates. The beginner build uses a coil brush that costs a little more. | 1 | $19.99 | Price |
 Cuisinart 65 x 36 in. Non-Slip Grill Mat | A 65 by 36-inch mat under the griddle, which throws more grease and oil splatter than a grill, to protect the deck or patio surface. | 1 | $59.99 | Price |
| Tools and cleaning subtotal | $168.96 | |||
The total includes the Genesis grill, the 36-inch griddle with hood, the prep cart, two empty propane tanks, the Bluetooth scale, griddle tools, thermometer, brush and mat. It excludes a grill cover sized for the Genesis, propane fills, seasoning oil and sales tax.
- Cooking for
- 6 to 10 people when hosting
- Patio space
- about 14 x 5 ft for grill, cart and griddle, plus clearances
- Fuel
- propane, one 20 lb tank per cooker
- Surface
- level concrete, pavers or deck with mat
Prices were accurate when this list was compiled and change often, so confirm each one on Amazon before ordering. Quantities are multiplied into the total. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
On this page
What can you skip in this build?
- The prep cart ($237.99). The biggest optional line; skip it if your kitchen door is steps from the grill.
- The Bluetooth scale ($19.99). The tank gauges give a rough reading on their own.
- The 22-piece tool kit ($58.99). Two spatulas and a scraper from your kitchen will do at first.
- The mat ($59.99). Skip it on concrete.
The griddle itself is not optional in this build: it is what makes the intermediate tier a different kit from the beginner one. If you will not use a flat top, buy the Genesis alone and add a cover like Weber's Genesis cover.
What should you upgrade first?
Upgrade griddle control first if you cook a lot of breakfasts and mixed orders. The Traeger Flatrock at $649.99 uses three U-shaped burners behind TruZone dividers and a propane level sensor, so one side can hold eggs while the other sears. Read Traeger Flatrock vs Blackstone.
If grill space is the limit, the Weber Genesis S-415 stainless at $1,299.00 adds a fourth burner and stainless grates, and the Genesis E-435 at $1,499.00 adds a side burner. If you have a natural gas stub on the patio, consider a natural gas grill before either upgrade; see propane vs natural gas grills.
How does this build compare with the beginner and expert setups?
| Beginner | Intermediate | Expert | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas grill | Weber Spirit E-325, freestanding | Weber Genesis E-325, freestanding | Blaze Premium LTE+ 32, built-in head |
| Grill highlights | 3 burners, Boost Burner sear zone | PureBlu burners, extra-large sear zone, Crafted inserts | 4 burners plus rear infrared burner, lift-assist hood |
| Griddle | Blackstone 22 in. tabletop, 361 sq in (optional) | Blackstone 36 in. with hood | Traeger Flatrock, 594 sq in, 3 zones |
| Prep space | Grill side tables | Keter Unity XL cart, 52.7 in | Island countertop (built separately) |
| Extra burners and cold storage | None | None | Blaze double side burner and Whynter 24 in. fridge |
| Propane tracking | Tank gauge plus hook scale | Tank gauges plus Bluetooth scale | Tank gauges, Bluetooth scale, Flatrock level sensor |
| Installation | Assemble and roll out | Assemble and roll out | Island build, gas and electrical by licensed pros |
| Build total | $1,037 | $1,956 | $5,483 |
| Best for | Family of 4, weeknight grilling | Hosting 6 to 10, grill plus big griddle | A permanent outdoor kitchen for frequent entertaining |
How big a griddle do you need to cook for 10 people?
A 36-inch griddle is the practical size for 6 to 10 people. Its four burners give you distinct heat zones for different foods, and a full-size flat top fits roughly 15 to 20 smash burgers or a dozen pancakes at once, depending on size. A 22 or 28-inch griddle can serve six but forces cooking in rounds for larger groups. For 12 or more, consider running the griddle and grill at the same time, which this build is designed for: burgers on the griddle, chicken and vegetables on the grill. See what size griddle for a party of 12 and best 36-inch griddles.
How do you keep a griddle from rusting outdoors?
Seasoning is what protects a steel griddle. After every cook, scrape the surface while it is warm, wipe it clean and apply a very thin coat of cooking oil, then let the hood close over it. If the griddle will sit for weeks, oil it and store it covered in a dry spot. Humid climates and coastal air speed up rust, and water left pooled on the plate is the most common cause. If rust spots appear, scrub them off with a scraper and re-season those areas. The how to season a griddle guide covers both first seasoning and rust repair. Our Blackstone 36 with hood review covers what owners report about the hood.
How should you clean a gas grill and griddle after hosting?
Clean both while they are still warm. On the grill, run the burners on high with the lid closed for 10 to 15 minutes to char residue, then brush the grates with the bristle-free brush and empty the grease tray once it cools. On the griddle, scrape food and grease into the rear or front grease cup, squirt a little water on the hot plate to lift stuck bits, scrape again and wipe dry, then apply a thin coat of oil before closing the hood. Every few months, remove the grill grates and flavor bars, scrape the cook box, and check burner ports for blockages such as spider webs, which can cause uneven flames. Our how to clean a gas grill guide has the deep-clean steps.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Weber Genesis worth it over the Spirit?
For households that grill most nights, usually yes. The Genesis E-325 adds PureBlu tapered burners, an extra-large sear zone and compatibility with Weber Crafted inserts, for about 350 dollars more than the Spirit E-325. If you grill once a week for two to four people, the Spirit is enough. Read our Genesis E-325 review.
Do I need a separate propane tank for my griddle and grill?
Yes, in practice. Each appliance connects to its own 20 lb tank through its own regulator, and a 36-inch griddle can burn through propane much faster than a grill. Running separate tanks, like the two Flame King tanks in this build, also means one cooker running out does not stop the other. Keep spare tanks outdoors, upright and away from heat.
Should I get a griddle with a hood?
A hood is worth it outdoors. It protects the seasoned surface from rain, pollen and debris between cooks, traps heat for melting cheese and steaming vegetables, and keeps the plate cleaner. The Blackstone 36 with built-in hood costs more than the hoodless four-burner station. If you already own a hoodless 36-inch Omnivore, the Blackstone 5856 hood adds one.
What tools do I need for a flat-top griddle?
At minimum: two long spatulas, a scraper for cleaning, squeeze bottles for oil and water, and tongs. A melting dome and a ladle help with cheese and sauces. The Blackstone Pro 22-piece kit covers all of those in dishwasher-safe stainless. A fast thermometer is worth adding for chicken and thick burgers.
How much patio space does a grill and griddle setup need?
Plan on about 14 feet of wall-free length and 5 feet of depth for a full-size grill, a prep cart and a 36-inch griddle side by side, plus the clearance each manual requires from the house, railings and anything overhead. Leave a clear path behind the cook. A grill mat under the griddle protects the surface from grease splatter.
Can I use a Weber Crafted griddle insert instead of buying a griddle?
You can for small batches. The Genesis E-325 grates accept Weber Crafted inserts, including a griddle plate, which handles eggs and vegetables for a few people. It does not match a 36-inch flat top for volume, heat zones or smash burgers for a crowd. If you host often, the separate griddle station in this build is the better buy.
Researched, not professional advice. This page is compiled from published specifications, manuals, labels and owner-review consensus, not hands-on testing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and product label, and consult a qualified professional where safety, chemicals, fuel or structures are involved. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.