We are Blue Star fanatics at our house. My first choice always: a work horse, easy to repair (no expensive electronics to go wrong), powerful burners, easy clean, in my opinion. I have the infrared grill, which I absolutely love; moving to a new house soon, and got a great deal on a Blue Star with a griddle. I will miss the grill for sure, but think the griddle will be useful. Sounds like you are looking at a 36". Go get it.

is it a flat griddle like for pancakes? what a about large pans that might need extra space? like a large creuset? will they be

evenly heated?

What BS model? Capped, sealed burner tray or uncapped, open burner tray? BTUs?

Flat griddle for pancakes and such, yes. With the grill, (which is the same size as the griddle, so I believe this applies) there is plenty of room for very large pans on the burners. I regularly use a 12" skillet, and big stock pots, etc. I actually like the grill and cover; I use it for overflow, when I want to move a pan completely off residual heat.

OOOPs!!! It's Five Star NOT Blue Star! Thoughts?

Ah! Well that's a different thing. No idea. Rick Bayless, whom I greatly admire, is a spokesman for them......have no idea if that means anything at all! Good luck.