Blaze LTE vs LTE+ Grills: What the Upgrade Really Gets You

Choosing between Blaze LTE vs LTE+ grills is less about brand loyalty and more about understanding how Blaze structures its gas grill lineup for different outdoor cooking needs. Both models are built to anchor a serious outdoor kitchen, but they are designed for different types of grill owners and expectations.

This comparison breaks down where each Blaze grill fits, what actually changes as you move from LTE to LTE+, and how those differences matter in real-world grilling—not just on a chart.

Blaze Outdoor Products builds its gas grill lineup in clear steps, and the LTE and LTE+ series sit in the premium grade grill tier. Both are designed for homeowners who want professional-style performance, long-term durability, and a grill that belongs in a permanent outdoor kitchen.

The Blaze LTE series is the core premium option. It focuses on what most serious grillers care about first: heavy-duty 304 stainless steel construction, cast stainless steel burners rated at 14,000 BTUs each, precise heat control, and thick triangular cooking grates built for strong searing and heat retention. LTE grills deliver high output and consistency without adding extra electronics or safety systems that some users do not need.

The Blaze LTE+ series builds on that same foundation but adds modern usability upgrades. These include features designed to improve day-to-day interaction with the grill, such as enhanced hood movement and additional control and safety elements. LTE+ does not replace LTE—it exists for buyers who want the same cooking power, with more assistance and visibility built into the grill’s operation.

Seen together, LTE and LTE+ are not different classes of grills. They are two premium Blaze gas grills designed for different preferences within the same quality level.

Both Blaze LTE and LTE+ grills are built on the same premium foundation. They use the same core materials, burner system, and overall grill design. The differences between them are not about how food cooks, but about how the grill operates during everyday use.

These changes affect convenience, visibility, and ease of operation—areas that matter differently depending on how and when someone grills.

Buyers comparing Blaze to other performance-focused grill brands may also want to see how it stacks up against Bull in our Blaze vs Bull grills comparison, which looks at build quality, cooking capability, and overall value.

The most noticeable difference between Blaze LTE and LTE+ is how the grill communicates burner off-and-on status. LTE+ models include illuminated control features that make it easier to see when your burners are active, lighting up in red when on and lighting up in blue when the burners are off. This is especially helpful when grilling at night or when managing multiple burners at once.

LTE models do not include burner indicator lights and use traditional manual controls instead. Many experienced grillers prefer this simpler setup because it keeps the focus on heat control rather than visual cues. The exterior still features Blaze’s signature red LED accents, and cooking performance remains the same. LTE+ simply adds more visual feedback while the grill is in use.

Blaze LTE+ grills include a spring-assisted hood designed to reduce the effort needed to open and close the lid. This is most noticeable on Blaze's larger 40-inch model grills, where the hood carries more weight and is opened more frequently during long cooks.

Blaze LTE grills use a standard, non-assisted hood. It is solid and well-balanced, but fully manual. Some users prefer this direct feel and do not see added value in assisted movement.

This difference affects comfort, not cooking results.

Both Blaze LTE and LTE+ grills include built-in lighting to illuminate the cooking surface. The difference is how that lighting behaves during use. LTE+ models feature an updated halogen lighting system designed to stay on while the grill is operating, providing more consistent visibility throughout the cook.

The LTE+ system also adds automatic operation. A magnetic switch turns the interior lights on when the hood is opened, removing the need to manage lighting manually. In addition, the control knob lights on LTE+ models change to red when a burner is in the on position, making it easier to monitor burner status at a glance.

LTE grills use a more traditional interior lighting setup without these added control and automation features. For grillers who cook mostly during the day, this difference may have little impact. For those who grill at night or entertain outdoors, the added visibility and feedback on LTE+ can be useful.

While these differences shape how each grill performs and who it’s best for, they don’t tell the whole story. Despite taking different approaches, both grills share a strong core foundation that will feel familiar regardless of which one you choose.

Both Blaze LTE and LTE+ grills are built on the same premium cooking platform. From materials and burner construction to overall build quality, these gas grills are designed to deliver reliable heat, confident searing, and long-term durability in an outdoor kitchen setting. While each series adds its own enhancements, the core cooking performance and construction standards remain consistent across both models.

Blaze builds both LTE and LTE+ grills using heavy-duty 304 stainless steel, selected for its strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability in outdoor environments. The double-lined grill hood helps retain heat inside the firebox while protecting the exterior from heat discoloration, supporting stable temperatures during longer cooks.

Both grills also feature thick stainless steel cooking grids, which hold heat efficiently and transfer it evenly to food. This added mass improves searing performance while reducing temperature drops when food is placed on the grates, helping deliver consistent results across the entire cooking surface.

The firebox is designed with ample front-to-back depth, allowing the cast stainless steel burners to distribute heat evenly across the grilling area. The solid firebox construction resists warping under high heat and holds up well to repeated use, making it well suited for frequent grilling and permanent outdoor kitchen installations.

Blaze LTE and LTE+ grills use the same core burner system built for steady, reliable heat. Each grill features cast stainless steel burners rated at 14,000 BTUs per burner, providing consistent heat for searing and everyday cooking. Cast stainless steel is used for its durability and ability to hold up under repeated high heat.

The burner system includes crossover channels that allow flame to carry from burner to burner, improving ignition reliability. Heat zone dividers help manage different cooking temperatures across the grill. Above the burners, 14-gauge stainless steel flame tamers distribute heat evenly and reduce flare-ups, with optional ceramic flame tamers available for added heat retention.

Both series use 14-gauge stainless steel flame tamers positioned above the burners. Instead of letting drippings cause flare-ups, these flame tamers turn them into light flame contact, helping spread heat more evenly across the grill. This improves temperature consistency while keeping flare-ups under control.

For grillers who want even more heat retention, ceramic flame tamer upgrades are available. These hold heat longer during high-temperature cooking and add durability under repeated heat cycles, making the cooking surface more even during longer BBQ sessions.

Blaze LTE and LTE+ grills include a rear infrared rotisserie burner rated at 10,000 BTUs, designed to deliver steady, focused heat for slow, even roasting. This setup helps cook rotisserie foods evenly while keeping moisture locked in, making it well suited for items like whole chickens or roasts.

Ignition is handled by Blaze’s flame-thrower ignition system, with one igniter at each control valve for quick and reliable startups. The burner system also includes crossover channels that allow flame to carry from burner to burner, along with a backup flash-tube ignition for added reliability. Together, the rotisserie burner and ignition system support both advanced BBQ cooking and dependable everyday use.

Blaze positions the LTE PRO as a step above the LTE and LTE+ grills for homeowners looking to purchase a grill with a more refined, professional presence without moving into the brand’s luxury-tier lineup. Built on the same proven cooking platform, the LTE PRO focuses less on changing how the grill cooks and more on elevating how it looks and feels in a finished outdoor kitchen. Within the Blaze lineup, the LTE PRO gas grills stack as the next logical step for buyers who value fit, finish, and presentation just as much as performance.

The Blaze LTE typically falls in the $2,000 to $2,700 range, offering strong performance with solid construction and features. Available in built-in or freestanding models, it is ideal for grillers who want reliable cooking performance without paying for extra refinements.

The Blaze LTE+, priced between around $2,499 and up, comes with valuable features like upgraded burner systems, more precise control, and a more polished design. It’s perfect for those who want enhanced usability and an elevated aesthetic in their outdoor kitchen, with the same core cooking performance.

Value Summary:

• LTE offers excellent value for those focused on performance at a more budget-conscious price point.

• LTE+ justifies the higher cost with added usability features and a refined look for buyers looking for a more sophisticated grilling experience.

Homeowners also comparing Blaze with more design-forward brands may find additional context in our Blaze vs Napoleon grills comparison, which explores how Blaze pricing and features stack up at the premium end of the market.

The Blaze LTE gas grill is best suited for homeowners who want a high-performance outdoor grill built around the fundamentals of great cooking. Designed with a focus on power, reliability, and long-term durability, the Blaze LTE appeals to grillers who care more about consistent heat and strong searing than decorative upgrades. This series delivers the core experience that defines Blaze grills, making it a smart choice for those who prioritize cooking results over added refinements.

Buyers who are also comparing Blaze with other value-focused grill brands may find additional perspective in our Blaze vs Coyote grills comparison, which looks at how the two brands differ in build quality, performance, and overall value.

For many backyard cooks, the Blaze LTE represents the ideal balance between performance and value. Its construction and burner design support everything from high-heat searing to controlled, everyday grilling, making it well-suited for frequent use in a residential outdoor kitchen. As Steve Raichlen often emphasizes when evaluating great grills, the fundamentals matter most—steady heat, predictable results, and a platform that lets the cook stay in control. That philosophy is at the heart of the Blaze LTE.

The Blaze LTE is also a strong fit for homeowners building a functional outdoor kitchen where performance takes priority over aesthetics. While it doesn’t include the design-forward enhancements found in higher Blaze series, it shares the same commitment to cooking capability that runs throughout the lineup. For grillers who want a dependable gas grill that delivers where it counts—at the grates—the Blaze LTE remains a compelling option.

The Blaze LTE+ gas grill is designed for homeowners who want the same proven cooking performance as the LTE, but with added refinements that improve day-to-day usability and visual appeal in an outdoor kitchen. It sits in the middle of the Blaze lineup, appealing to grillers who value both performance and thoughtful upgrades that enhance the overall grilling experience.

For many backyard cooks, the Blaze LTE+ strikes the right balance between function and convenience. The series builds on the LTE platform with enhancements that make grilling easier and more controlled, particularly for users who cook frequently or like to experiment with different techniques. Whether managing multiple foods at once or dialing in precise heat, the LTE+ offers a more polished feel without changing the core way the grill performs.

The Blaze LTE+ is also a strong fit for homeowners who want their outdoor kitchen to look more finished without moving into a higher design tier. It maintains the same reliable construction and cooking foundation found across Blaze grills, while adding features that improve visibility, control, and overall ease of use. For grillers who want a step up from the basics—without overcomplicating the experience—the Blaze LTE+ is a natural choice.

Blaze Premium LTE Grill is well suited for performance-focused grillers looking for a dependable option at a more approachable price point. In a head-to-head grill comparison, it consistently stands out for delivering strong heat, reliable searing, and long-term durability, making it a solid choice for everyday grilling. Backed by a strong warranty and supported by positive expert reviews, the LTE remains a popular option among buyers shopping through authorized retailers.

Blaze Premium LTE+,Grill is on same foundation while adding refinements that appeal to more frequent cooks and design-conscious outdoor kitchens. Often referred to simply as the Premium LTE, this model enhances control, visibility, and overall fit and finish, making it a natural upgrade for those who want a more polished grilling experience without stepping into a higher tier.

Both grills share the same core performance, but the LTE+ is for those who want more convenience and a polished look, while the LTE is perfect for those who prioritize value and cooking essentials.

If you’re ready to explore your options further, you can browse our full selection of built-in and freestanding gas grills in our main Gas Grill Collection.