Our dads and grandfathers don't really know what it's like today.
A couple of decades earlier, if you wanted to make a weekend lunch with family, you'd bring out the old, traditional grill, put some logs in the firebox, and start grilling.
However, technology has advanced, and there are so many different types of grills out there.
In this case, we'll cover some of the best propane-fueled grills and griddles that Blackstone has to offer.
It is a verified brand of cooking griddles, and the manufacturers and designers from Blackstone have been supplying us with quality griddles for decades now, so it makes sense to feature some of the best ones right here.
Stay tuned, and we'll give you a sneak peek into their history and overall characteristics.
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We'll kick things off with the review part of the 5 best Blackstone griddles and grills, but first, here's some info on our favorite picks from this company.
The Best Blackstone Griddle and Grill - Top 5 Reviews
Naturally, we'll kick off the griddle and grill reviews with the best one there is, and that's undoubtedly the Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4 Burner Griddle Station.
So, since this is a griddle, it is powered by a 20 lbs propane tank, which is an ideal replacement for the old grills that utilize wood and charcoal.
You won't get your hands dirty, there's no need to monitor the fire, and your grilling experience will transform into something entirely different.
The propane tank is subtly tucked away under the left side of the griddle, right underneath the shelf, so it won't get in the way, and it'll last you for a long time. Moreover, propane is also a much cheaper alternative to other natural fuels.
The griddle itself weighs 120 pounds and measures 62.5 x 22 x 36 inches, which is perfectly reasonable in terms of space management and general bulkiness.
It is made of steel, has a powder-coated steel frame, and the flat-top griddle plate is incredibly easy to clean with the right tools.
Furthermore, the cooking surface amounts to 720 square inches, which will fit more food than you'll ever need for a weekend lunch.
The controls are easy to learn, and basically, everything is written just above the control knobs.
You have four heat zones underneath the plate that dish out 15,000 BTUs each, 60,000 BTUs total. You'll be able to cook anything that comes to mind, from quesadillas to steaks and potatoes.
Overall, it is one of the best griddles that we've seen so far, and it's undoubtedly the winner of this article in terms of quality and efficiency.
- Steel build and powder-coated steel frame
- 36 inches of cooking surface
- Compact
- Easy to use and clean
- 60,000 BTU power
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The next Blackstone griddle we're about to talk about is the absolute best station with a standard-sized less than 36-inches plate.
So, let's see what the Blackstone 28 inch Outdoor Gas Griddle Station is all about.
This product is the perfect solution for people that love outdoor cooking and don't have enough space on their balcony or out in the backyard. It weighs only 75 lbs, and it measures 44.5 x 19.5 x 33.5 inches, and these must be the dimensions that'll work for everyone.
Even though it has less cooking surface than our previous product, 470 square inches, it is still a force to be reckoned with. It has two incredibly strong and controlled burners that dish out 15,000 BTUs, which amounts to 30,000 in total.
Also, the propane tank measures 20 lbs as well, so you'll be able to cook for longer periods than what you'd get with the 36-inch model.
This is also probably the most compact griddle on this list. It's easily portable thanks to its design that features two wheels, fold-up legs, and a completely removable griddle surface plate.
In terms of durability, it has all the trademarks of the Blackstone brand - incredible steel structure, a powder-coated black steel frame, and industrial-grade accessories, such as the legs and the wheels.
Aside from the fact that it can't fit as much food as you'd hope for, the only real flaw we can tell you is that you have to wash it regularly and dry it as soon as you finish since the build is delicate and you want to prevent it from rusting.
If you take care of it, you'll even be using it for decades to come.
- The best compact model
- 470 square inches of cooking surface
- Full steel build
- Two 15,000 BTU controlled burners
- Rust issues
If the weather's not treating you right and you have the urge to eat some juicy steaks, it is time to bring out the Blackstone 1666 Tabletop Propane-Fuelled Outdoor Grill.
This mini Blackstone griddle is the perfect solution for everyone that enjoys both indoor and outdoor grilling. It is a hoodless tabletop model with a 22-inch cooking surface, and it's propane-fuelled.
It weighs only 32 lbs and measures only 22.5 x 19 x 9 inches, meaning you can fit it on your kitchen counter or bring out a backyard table and place it there.
It heats up in a matter of minutes, and, despite its size, it can dish out as much as 24,000 BTUs, thanks to the two H-style controlled burners. This 22-inch outdoor flat top gas griddle can cook almost anything - quesadillas, eggs, bacon, steaks, burgers, and even roast vegetables - you name it!
Also, if you're not a fan of hoodless models, this one comes in four styles - two 17-inch models with and without hoods, and the same goes for the 22-inch models.
They're all quite affordable, and you'll never worry about them giving up on you - that's the Blackstone guarantee.
One flaw that was pretty weird was that the quick heat-up actually both benefits the user and doesn't. It'll take some time for you to learn the time gaps and how fast you should place the food on top, but it'll take you a couple of tries to get the hang of it.
Aside from the heat-up, it is an excellent outdoor and indoor model for a fair price that you should check out.
- Compact and lightweight
- Hoodless
- Two H-style burners – 24,000 BTUs
- Affordable
- Very fast heat-up
We've mentioned in the previous review that Blackstone also offers tabletop models with hoods.
So, we've done our research and found the best tabletop griddle with a hood, the Blackstone 1814 Tabletop 17" Flat Top Gas Griddle.
Unlike the previous griddle, this one has a 17-inch cooking surface, and it measures 21.7 x 20.5 x 1 4.7 inches.
It's similar in overall size, but you'll have to limit the amount of food you place at the time. However, this doesn't mean that it won't be able to produce extreme numbers in terms of heat and strength.
It also features two strong burners that have 12,000 BTUs each, and they heat up extremely fast. It'll be a while until you develop a feel for it, but it'll be worth it in the future since you'll be able to cook everything you want within minutes.
The cooking surface in total is 268 square inches, which is not that impressive, but it can still hold enough food for a whole family or a small group of friends.
Keep in mind that this is a lightweight and compact product that weighs only 36 pounds, which is why it'll only hold that amount of food.
A cool addition is the integrated drip tray that's located underneath the griddle that collects the extra juices and oil that would normally be stuck in the griddle. This way, you'll not only save your countertop, but you'll also make your life way easier in terms of cleaning.
Also, this is the most affordable product on our list, which makes it excellent if you're planning a trip in nature or a getaway.
On the other hand, it is way less impressive than some of the other products, but that's what you'll get from a griddle that's under $200.
- Fast heat-up
- Lightweight
- Integrated drip tray
- 24,000 BTUs
- Not impressive compared to the competition
Lastly, we have one more Blackstone griddle to review before we move on to the Blackstone introduction.
Without further ado, here's the Blackstone 22" Tabletop Grill.
The thing that makes this griddle different from the rest of the products that we've reviewed is actually the steel griddle plate.
It's been made using the cold rolling technique, which is essentially shaping and strengthening the metal by using mechanical force instead of high temperatures. The resulting steel has a quality finish, and it is generally viewed as 20% stronger than high-rolled steel.
As far as its characteristics go, it is a two-burner tabletop grill that can successfully dish out 24,000 BTUs over 339 square inches of cooking surface.
Thanks to the cold-rolled steel, the surface heats up really fast, and it's even easier to clean afterward.
Since this is a tabletop model, you can use both the standard 1 lb propane bottle or you can connect a 20 lbs tank with the right accessories.
Unfortunately, they don't come with the package so you'll have to order them separately. However, this is one of the cheapest products from Blackstone, so it shouldn't amount to a large sum once you add the accessories.
When it comes to cons, you should know that you can expect it to run as some commercial-grade products. For example, even though the heat distribution is quick, you'll still see that the edges take some time to heat up.
Still, this is a fantastic griddle for someone that needs quick meals in the summertime.
- 24,000 BTUs
- Cold-rolled stainless steel
- Very affordable
- Edges take a while to heat up
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A Brief History Lesson
Unlike some of the larger names in this industry that have existed for decades, Blackstone is one of those younger companies that has emerged as a strong competitor in the last decade and so.
They were founded in 2005, and their main goal at the time was to create products that are to be used outside, so the whole family doesn't have to be stuck in the house while one man's operating the grill.
So, a new idea was born, and with that idea came their most famous griddle, which is also the top product on our list, the 36-inch Blackstone griddle.
From that point on, they've established themselves as a pillar in the grill and cooking industry, and they've supplied the market with quality products and cooking appliances for the entire world.
As you could see in the griddle review, they offer a variety of griddle products, such as tabletop models, compact grills, and high-quality, industrial-grade cookers.
So, what is it that makes them authentic compared to the competition?
Everything You Should Know About Blackstone Griddles
Currently, there are tons of quality manufacturers and distribution firms for grills and griddles that are worth mentioning.
However, the topic of this article is Blackstone and their phenomenal griddles that you had the opportunity of reading about in the previous paragraphs.
So, let's expand on that and give you some additional information. Stay tuned!
1. Design
The first thing that strikes the eye when you have a Blackstone product in front of you is the design.
All of their griddle stations have a characteristic look to them with the patented manual knobs, side shelves, and the general Blackstone looks.
Each griddle's controls have the manuals and the instructions listed right next to them, which makes your life much easier since you don't have to sit down and read everything before you set the griddle up.
You can learn how to use it on the go and still have fun while doing it.
2. Durable
Also, as we mentioned, they put a lot of effort into making their griddles as durable as possible.
Their primary goal has always been longevity and efficiency, which is reflected in the materials that they use to construct their products.
We've seen instances where they used reinforced steel and cold rolling procedures to make sure their griddles stand the tests of time.
3. Cooking Space
Moreover, a common issue with griddles and grills is the lack of space, whether it be for maneuvering or general cooking surface.
Blackstone fights to exterminate that issue by focusing on expanding the cooking surface with each product, if the design allows it, and they make sure to leave you with more than enough space for maneuvering.
4. Portability
Since they focus on targeting their products for outdoor grilling sessions, it is only natural that one of their focus is on the general portability of their units.
Most Blackstone griddle stations have foldable designs, with almost all the parts being removable and easy to clean.
Furthermore, you've probably noticed that all of the griddles that we've incorporated into the griddle reviews are not bulky, and that's not a coincidence since they always try to cut on weight and size as much as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Blackstone griddles worth the money?
Absolutely yes. Firstly, their prices are quite low compared to the competition, and, secondly, the price to quality ratio is off the charts.
You'll never regret investing your money in a product that will most probably last you for decades.
Is a Blackstone griddle better than a grill?
It depends on your preferences.
Many people love grilled food, especially if they own a smoker grill that gives the food extra flavor.
On the other hand, griddles have their own perks that don't come with grills, such as fast cooking and excellent heat distribution.
Why are Blackstone griddles so popular?
Aside from being extremely affordable, Blackstone products are valued for their durability, efficiency, and the ability to make every outdoor hang a perfect gathering.
Which is the best Blackstone griddle to buy?
That has to be the cornerstone griddle that Blackstone has to offer, the Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4-Burner Griddle Station.
It has a 36-inch cooking surface, incredible heat-up abilities, and the resulting food tastes phenomenal.
How long do Blackstone griddles last?
If you take special care of them and remember to clean them on time after each cooking session, they should last you a decade or two without a hitch.
What sizes do Blackstone griddles come in?
They have a huge selection of different models, from different sizes to designs.
You can find tabletop models, 22-inch griddle stations, larger backyard models, and even compact mini-griddles for the kitchen counter.
Final Thoughts - Summary
Overall, you can browse around and find many griddle manufacturers, not just the ones that dominate the US market.
However, each of them has something authentic to offer, and Blackstone is nothing if not special.
They emerged as strong competitors on the market in 2008, and they're still going strong with some quality griddles, such as the Blackstone 28 inch Outdoor Gas Griddle Station and the Blackstone 1666 Tabletop Propane-Fuelled Outdoor Grill.
If you need a recommendation on what Blackstone product to purchase, it is definitely the Blackstone 1554 Cooking 4-Burner Griddle Station.
As we said, it presents the backbone of their company, and many have decided to put their trust in Blackstone thanks to this phenomenal griddle.
We still haven't found a product from their facilities that we haven't liked, so the only thing we can say to you is - try it, and you won't regret it.