There’s a certain romance to cooking over an open flame, but let’s be honest: the reality is often less idyllic. I can’t count the number of times a perfectly good burger has been sacrificed to a sudden flare-up, or a beautiful sausage has rolled between the grates into the charcoal abyss. For years, our outdoor cooking repertoire was limited by the constraints of a traditional grill—great for some things, but completely useless for others. Forget about a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes at the campsite. Forget about sizzling fajitas at a tailgate. We were stuck in a culinary rut, and the cleanup was always a greasy, sooty chore. This limitation doesn’t just mean boring meals; it means missing out on the joy of creating truly delicious, restaurant-quality food in the great outdoors.
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Griddle
A Propane Grills, specifically a tabletop griddle, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking incredible culinary versatility wherever you go. Unlike traditional grills with grates, a solid griddle surface opens up a world of possibilities, from delicate pancakes and eggs to perfectly seared smash burgers and hibachi-style fried rice. The main benefits are unparalleled versatility, even heat distribution from powerful burners, and remarkably easy cleanup. The solid steel surface holds heat consistently, creating that coveted crust on meats while gently cooking vegetables. For anyone who has ever felt limited by their portable cooking setup, a griddle is a game-changing investment.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who loves cooking outdoors but wants to move beyond the basics—campers, RV enthusiasts, tailgaters, and even apartment dwellers with a small balcony. It’s perfect for couples or small families who need a compact but capable cooking appliance. However, it might not be suitable for those who need to cook for very large crowds or who exclusively want the distinct flavor and grill marks that only a traditional charcoal or gas grill with grates can provide. For those individuals, a larger, stationary grill or a classic portable Weber might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Portability is key. Consider the overall footprint (D x W x H) and weight. The BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle weighs around 17.5 pounds, making it manageable for one person to carry from the car to the picnic table. Ensure you have a stable, level surface to place it on, as safety is paramount.
- Capacity/Performance: How many people are you cooking for? The 267 square inches of this griddle are advertised to feed 2-4 people, a claim we found to be accurate. Look at the BTU output—12,500 BTUs is substantial for this size, and the “H” style burner is designed for even heating, eliminating the hot and cold spots common on cheaper models.
- Materials & Durability: The griddle top is typically rolled steel, which requires seasoning and proper care to develop a non-stick surface and prevent rust—much like a cast-iron skillet. The body combines powder-coated steel with a stainless steel front plate, offering a balance of corrosion resistance and durability. Be prepared for the maintenance; this is not a “set it and forget it” appliance.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a push-button Piezo ignition and a simple temperature control knob are essential for a frustration-free experience. Critically, look at the grease management system. Blackstone’s patented rear grease trap is a standout feature, channeling runoff into a catch-can for simple disposal and making post-meal cleanup significantly faster.
After considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to decide if a portable griddle is the right tool to elevate your outdoor cooking adventures.
While the BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Unboxing the Adventure: First Impressions and Key Features
Pulling the BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle from its box, the first thing we noticed was its surprising heft. At 17.5 pounds, it’s not feather-light, but it has a reassuring solidity that speaks to its construction. It feels dense and durable, not flimsy. Assembly was mostly straightforward, though we did recall one user’s report of missing nuts for the legs. We inspected ours carefully and found all parts present, but it serves as a good reminder to do a quick inventory before you begin. The powder-coated black steel body feels robust, and the stainless steel front plate adds a touch of professional polish. The griddle top itself is thick, heavy-gauge steel, promising excellent heat retention. Setting it up on a picnic table, the non-slip feet held it firmly in place. The single control knob has a smooth action, and the Piezo igniter fired up the H-burner on the first click. It’s a simple, no-frills design that feels engineered for function over flash, which is exactly what we want in a portable outdoor cooktop. You can immediately see the practical design choices and features that make it a popular option.
Key Benefits
- Excellent portability with a compact, sturdy design
- Powerful H-style burner provides surprisingly even heat
- Incredibly versatile for cooking any meal, any time
- Patented rear grease management system simplifies cleanup
Potential Drawbacks
- Rolled steel top requires diligent seasoning and maintenance to prevent rust
- Reports of occasional quality control issues (missing parts, cosmetic damage)
Deep Dive: The Blackstone 17″ Griddle in Action
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a piece of cooking equipment, you have to get it greasy. We put the BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle through its paces over several weeks, cooking everything from sunrise breakfasts at a local park to late-night smash burgers in the backyard. Here’s our detailed breakdown of its real-world performance.
The Ritual: Seasoning and the First Sizzle
Before any food touched the surface, we embarked on the most critical step: seasoning. This isn’t optional; it’s the process that transforms the raw steel top into a slick, black, non-stick cooking surface. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and echoing the advice of seasoned users, we applied thin layers of high-smoke-point oil (we used Blackstone’s own seasoning blend, but canola or flaxseed oil work well), heating the griddle on high until the oil smoked off, and repeating the process five times. The steel transformed from a dull gray to a deep, rich bronze, and finally to a beautiful black. The H-burner was crucial here, providing consistent heat across the entire surface, ensuring an even cure without major hot spots. For our inaugural cook, we opted for the ultimate griddle test: smash burgers with thinly sliced onions. We preheated the griddle for about 10 minutes, and the surface became ripping hot. Placing balls of ground beef on the surface and smashing them down with a spatula produced an immediate, roaring sizzle—the sound of success. The crust that formed in under 90 seconds was magnificent: deep brown, crispy, and full of flavor. The onions caramelized beautifully alongside the patties. This first test confirmed it: the heat output and retention are absolutely phenomenal for its size.
The Freedom of Portability: Cooking Beyond the Backyard
The true purpose of the BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle is to take great food on the road. We tested its portability on a camping trip and at a friend’s tailgate. At 17.5 pounds, it’s easy for one person to carry, and its compact dimensions (roughly 17″ x 22″) meant it fit easily in the trunk of a sedan with plenty of room for a cooler and chairs. We agreed with one user who noted it’s “perfect for camping, light and compact,” though we also understand the sentiment of another who found it “heavier than I thought.” It hits a sweet spot between being substantial enough to be stable and light enough not to be a burden. Setting it up on a wooden picnic table was a breeze, and the rubber feet kept it from sliding. One critical observation we made, which a user also pointed out, is its performance in wind. On a breezy day, we noticed some temperature fluctuation. While it still cooked effectively, investing in a set of wind guards would be a wise decision for anyone planning to use it frequently in exposed locations. We also confirmed a user’s report about fuel sources: while it can be adapted to a larger 5lb or 20lb propane tank, it seems to run most consistently and powerfully on the standard 16oz disposable cylinders.
Unmatched Versatility: From Sunrise Pancakes to Sunset Stir-Fry
This is where the BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle truly leaves traditional portable grills in the dust. Its flat top surface is a blank canvas. One morning, we cooked a full breakfast for three people: six strips of bacon, four fried eggs, and three silver-dollar pancakes, all cooking simultaneously. The bacon crisped up perfectly, the eggs cooked gently on a lower-heat zone we created by adjusting the knob, and the pancakes were golden brown. Cleanup between foods was as simple as a quick scrape into the rear grease trap. Later that week, we made shrimp fajitas, just as one happy user reported doing. The griddle got hot enough to put a beautiful sear on the shrimp and vegetables, creating that signature sizzle. The 267 sq. inch surface provided ample room to cook the components separately before combining them. From Philly cheesesteaks to fried rice, the possibilities feel endless. This isn’t just a burger-flipper; it’s a complete outdoor kitchen in a box. The versatility alone is worth the price of admission and fundamentally changes what’s possible for an outdoor meal.
The Reality of Ownership: Durability and Long-Term Care
No product is perfect, and ownership of a steel griddle comes with responsibilities. We paid close attention to the negative reviews concerning durability to see if we could replicate the issues. The most common complaint is rust. After one cook, we intentionally left a small area un-oiled and exposed to morning dew. Sure enough, by midday, a fine layer of surface rust had appeared. As one user, a chemist, correctly noted, this can happen incredibly fast. However, as Blackstone support advised, it’s easily remedied. A quick scrub with steel wool, a wipe-down, and a fresh application of oil completely removed the rust and restored the surface. This underscores the most important rule: you *must* clean and oil your griddle after every single use. It must be treated like a cast-iron pan. Leaving it exposed to the elements is a recipe for rust. Other users mentioned issues like paint flaking on the lid and a faulty gas regulator. While we did not experience these problems during our extensive testing, they highlight potential inconsistencies in quality control. The regulator failing after 10 uses is a legitimate defect, and paint flaking suggests issues with heat resistance in some batches. While our unit has been flawless, prospective buyers should be aware of these reported issues and the absolute necessity of proper, consistent maintenance.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across thousands of reviews, a clear picture emerges. The vast majority of owners are enthusiastic converts to the “griddle life.” Many, like the user who already owned a 22″ model, find the BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle to be the “perfect” size for cooking for two or a small family, praising its even heating and fantastic results on everything from fajitas to smash burgers. Another user, previously a “100% wood griller,” called it the “best investment ever” for its ease of use and delicious results, proclaiming his first meal “GLORIOUS!!!”. The sentiment that “the hype is true” is a common refrain.
However, the feedback isn’t universally positive. A recurring theme in critical reviews revolves around quality control and durability. One user detailed receiving a unit with missing nuts and an unstable setup, requiring a trip to the hardware store to fix. Others have been frustrated by the griddle’s propensity to rust, with one stating it developed rust “48 hours later,” highlighting the critical importance of immediate post-cook care. We also saw reports of longer-term issues, such as a gas regulator failing after just 10 uses and paint bubbling or flaking off the lid, which points to potential manufacturing inconsistencies that buyers should be aware of.
How Does It Compare? The Blackstone vs. The Competition
The BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle carves out a specific niche, but it’s important to understand the alternatives. Depending on your primary cooking style, one of these might be a better fit.
1. Weber Q1000 Propane Grill
The Weber Q1000 is a titan in the portable grilling world, but it’s a fundamentally different tool. Its porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates are designed for traditional grilling—imparting sear marks on steaks, burgers, and chicken. It excels at direct-heat cooking. However, its design makes it impossible to cook eggs, pancakes, or chopped vegetables without them falling through. The Blackstone offers far more versatility, while the Weber is the specialist for those who prioritize classic grilling flavor and experience over the all-in-one capability of a flat top. Choose the Weber if you primarily cook whole cuts of meat and want that signature grilled taste.
2. Captiva Designs 4-Burner Propane BBQ Grill
Comparing the Captiva grill to the Blackstone is like comparing a moving truck to a sports car. The Captiva is a full-size, stationary backyard behemoth with four main burners, a side burner, and a massive cooking area. It’s designed to be the centerpiece of a patio, feeding a large party. Its competitor is not the 17″ Blackstone, but rather Blackstone’s 36″ four-burner griddle station. The Captiva is the choice for homeowners who need high capacity for backyard entertaining and have a dedicated space. The Blackstone is for the person who needs portability for camping, tailgating, or small-space living. There is almost no overlap in their intended use cases.
3. Char-Broil 1-Burner Propane Gas Grill
The Char-Broil Portable Gas Grill is a more direct competitor in the portable space. It’s often more compact and lighter than the Blackstone, making it appealing for hikers or those with very limited storage. Like the Weber, it uses a traditional grate system, limiting its versatility compared to the Blackstone’s flat top. It’s a solid choice for someone who wants to grill a couple of hot dogs or a chicken breast on the go and prioritizes minimal weight and size above all else. However, for anyone who wants to cook a full breakfast or a complex meal like stir-fry, the BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle offers a vastly superior and more capable cooking experience.
Final Verdict: Is the BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle Worth It?
After weeks of rigorous testing, our conclusion is a resounding yes. The BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle is a phenomenal piece of outdoor cooking equipment that punches well above its weight class. It transforms camping, tailgating, and even small-patio cooking from a chore into a culinary event. The powerful H-burner delivers even, consistent heat, and the versatility of the flat top surface is a true game-changer, allowing you to cook virtually anything, anywhere. While it demands proper care and maintenance to prevent rust, and while occasional quality control issues have been reported, the performance and sheer joy it brings to outdoor cooking are undeniable. It is the perfect solution for individuals, couples, and small families looking to dramatically expand their outdoor menu.
If you’re ready to ditch the boring burgers and unlock a new world of outdoor culinary creativity, the BLACKSTONE 1971 17” Tabletop Griddle is an outstanding investment. For its combination of portability, power, and versatility, it earns our enthusiastic recommendation. You can check the current price and grab yours to start your own griddling adventure.