Blackstone Propane Griddles Compared: Choosing the Best Setup for Family Cooking

Best for: Large family gatherings and backyard entertaining

Pros

• 524 square inches of cooking space
• Efficient Omnivore plate with wind guards
• Dual counter-height side prep shelves
• Integrated protective hood

Cons

• Heavier footprint requires dedicated storage space

The Blackstone 1883 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle serves as a complete outdoor kitchen centerpiece for families who need generous cooking space without occupying an entire deck. Built around a 28-inch Omnivore plate that spans 524 square inches, this unit easily accommodates batch cooking, holding up to 21 burgers or 15 pancakes at a time. The Omnivore plate design incorporates built-in wind guards that keep ambient drafts away from the flames while utilizing fewer BTUs to reach and maintain high temperatures. This thermal efficiency produces faster preheating and rapid recovery times when cold ingredients touch the hot metal.

Meal preparation on the 1883 Omnivore griddle benefits from dual independently controlled H-style burners. This burner profile creates distinct temperature zones across the flat top, allowing home cooks to sear meats on one side while warming buns or softening onions on lower heat on the other. Dual counter-height side shelves supply ample space for cutting boards, squeeze bottles, and serving platters, reducing the need to run back and forth to the indoor kitchen. Electric ignition ensures fast startups, while two integrated wheels make positioning the cart straightforward.

Cleanup remains simple thanks to the patented rear grease management system, which lets you direct excess cooking oils and food scrapings down a rear collection chute into a removable grease cup. The built-in hood protects the seasoned steel top from outdoor humidity and debris between cooking sessions, extending the longevity of your surface seasoning. While this substantial wheeled station offers immense long-term value for backyard family dinners, households that prioritize mobility for road trips or camping will find the smaller tabletop selections far easier to transport.

Best for: Patio cooks wanting open shelf storage

Pros

• 517 square inches of cooking space
• Bottom shelf and dual side shelves
• Maneuverable caster wheels with side handle
• Fuel-efficient Omnivore griddle design

Cons

• Lacks an integrated protective hard hood

Designed for straightforward family meals and dependable durability, the Blackstone 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle delivers 517 square inches of versatile cooking space. Like its sister cart models, it features the fuel-efficient Omnivore griddle plate, which reduces gas consumption per cook and incorporates wind guards along the rim to protect burner flames from cross-breezes. From breakfast staples like scrambled eggs and hash browns to lunchtime grilled cheese or Teppanyaki-style dinners, the wide surface allows cooks to feed a full household in a single cooking cycle.

The 1517 griddle emphasizes practical organization and maneuverability. It is outfitted with two heavy-duty caster wheels and a sturdy side handle, allowing you to wheel the station smoothly across a patio to escape changing wind patterns or tuck it against a wall after it cools down. Dual side shelves provide immediate prep staging areas for cooking tools, while a built-in bottom shelf offers open storage for utility bins or larger accessories. The unit also includes Blackstone’s signature rear grease management system to prevent messy grease overflows.

This model is ideal for families who want a dedicated outdoor cooking station with open access and plenty of storage shelves. Because the 1517 griddle does not include an integrated metal hood, cooks must rely on an aftermarket soft cover or separate hard top to protect the griddle plate from moisture. Home chefs seeking built-in metal hood protection straight out of the box may prefer the 1883 model instead.

Best for: Camping trips and small family breakfasts

Pros

• Compact lightweight tabletop construction
• Roomy 268 square inch cooking surface
• Height-adjustable rubber feet for stability
• Includes front plate and protective hood

Cons

• Single burner limits two-temperature cooking

The Blackstone 1814 Propane Gas Griddle brings authentic flat-top capability to smaller backyards, tailgates, and outdoor excursions. Measuring 17.5 inches long by 18 inches wide and 8.5 inches high, this compact appliance fits neatly into a vehicle trunk while providing a 268-square-inch cooking surface. Despite its portable tabletop profile, the plate comfortably handles up to 9 burgers, 9 pancakes, or 12 eggs at once, making it well suited for preparing breakfast for a family of four.

Equipped with a single H-style burner pushing 12,000 BTUs (equivalent to 3,516 watts), the 1814 griddle heats up rapidly and distributes warmth consistently across the entire steel plate. A built-in igniter provides fast lighting and easy temperature control from low warmth to high searing heat. Height-adjustable rubber feet keep the griddle stable and level, ensuring cooking fats drain properly toward the integrated large-capacity grease tray even when cooking on rough grass, picnic tables, or uneven terrain. Shoppers evaluating smaller footprints can read our comprehensive blackstone 17 inch portable griddle breakdown for setup recommendations.

A stainless steel front plate and an included protective hood elevate the exterior durability of this tabletop unit, shielding the flat top against physical scratches during travel. The smooth steel cooking surface wipes down easily with a paper towel after grease drains away. Although the single-burner design offers remarkable portability for quick adventures, it does not allow for simultaneous two-zone temperature cooking, which becomes necessary when managing diverse dishes at the same time.

Best for: Mobile cooks needing dual temperature zones

Pros

• Two independent H-style burner zones
• Generous 361 square inch cooking plate
• Push-and-turn Piezo electric ignition
• Integrated hood preserves seasoned surface

Cons

• Heavier than single-burner portable alternatives

Bridging the gap between ultra-compact single-burner units and full-sized patio carts, the Blackstone 1813 Original 22″ Tabletop Griddle delivers multi-zone versatility in a portable package. Offering 361 square inches of cooking area, this 22-inch model accommodates up to 14 burgers simultaneously. It features a powder-coated steel body with a stainless steel front panel and an integrated hood that safeguards the seasoned griddle plate during storage, transport, and adverse weather conditions.

The defining advantage of the 1813 tabletop griddle is its dual H-style burner setup, which generates 24,000 BTUs across two independently regulated heating zones. This configuration gives cooks the freedom to sear smash burgers on high heat on one side while toasting buns or cooking delicate vegetables at lower temperatures on the other. Non-slip feet keep the chassis grounded on picnic benches, and push-and-turn Piezo ignition makes lighting each burner completely hassle-free. For families exploring dual-burner portable options, our review of the blackstone 2 burner liquid propane tabletop outdoor griddle black details real-world capacity advantages.

Cleanup is fast and controlled via the patented rear grease management system that funnels oils into a back-mounted tray. While the 1813 tabletop griddle is heavier than the 17-inch version, its superior surface area and two-zone flexibility make it the top choice for mobile families who refuse to compromise on meal complexity during camping trips or park outings.

Best for: Tabletop owners seeking continuous propane supply

Pros

• Connects tabletop units to bulk tanks
• Industrial-strength rubber and brass build
• Integrated regulator ensures consistent pressure
• Three-foot length offers flexible placement

Cons

• Designed only for compatible low-pressure griddles

Small tabletop griddles generally rely on standard 1-pound disposable propane bottles, which can run out quickly during prolonged cooking sessions or freeze up in colder weather. The Blackstone 5471 Propane Adapter Hose & Regulator provides a practical upgrade that connects 17-inch and 22-inch tabletop griddles directly to a standard 20-pound bulk propane tank. By transitioning away from small disposable cylinders, families can cook multiple consecutive meals without the constant worry of fuel starvation.

Constructed from industrial-strength rubber and fitted with commercial-grade heavy-duty brass connectors, this 3-foot extension hose offers robust weather resistance and long service life. The integrated regulator is calibrated to provide an airtight connection and a consistent, balanced gas flow to the griddle burners, preventing flame flutter and preserving precise surface temperature control. Eliminating disposable canisters also reduces packaging waste during extended summer road trips.

The hose length gives you flexibility to position the heavy 20-pound fuel tank safely beneath or beside a sturdy picnic table. It is specifically designed to fit Blackstone 17″ and 22″ Tabletop Griddles as well as the Griddle Charcoal Grill Combo. While this accessory does not provide a cooking surface on its own, it is an essential hardware addition for any household that wants the cost-effective fuel longevity of a backyard tank on their portable griddle.

Best for: Outdoor chefs needing organized prep space

Pros

• 527 square inches with dual burners
• Omnivore plate prevents thermal warping
• Side shelf with integrated tool hooks
• Smooth-rolling wheels and sturdy handle

Cons

• Open-top style requires separate weather cover

The Blackstone 28 Inch Original Omnivore Griddle (Model 2206) is engineered for outdoor home cooks who value dedicated prep space and reliable structural stability. Boasting 527 square inches of flat-top space, this dual-burner gas station provides ample room to handle large quantities of meats, seafood, and sides all at once. The plate integrates Blackstone’s patented Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology, which is engineered to prevent thermal plate warping, optimize heat distribution, and reduce overall propane consumption while sustaining high surface heat.

Organization is a core benefit of this model’s layout. The broad side shelf features integrated tool hooks, giving you a dedicated spot to hang spatulas, tongs, and scraper blades off the prep surface. Two distinct cooking zones operated by separate control dials let you manage varying heat requirements for complex family menus. A sturdy side handle and a pair of smooth-rolling wheels allow you to steer the griddle across concrete patios or wooden decks with minimal effort.

Grease control is managed through the rear discharge opening, which safely directs rendering fats straight into a back-mounted collection cup. This open-frame cart design provides excellent rigidity and ample work space, making it a strong contender for value-minded homeowners who want commercial-style cooking capacity. However, because it lacks the protective metal hood found on the 1883 model, keeping a weather-resistant soft cover on hand is recommended.