Before discovering the world of portable griddles, outdoor cooking often felt like a compromise between smoky charcoal flavor and uneven gas grill heat. I yearned for a versatile, mess-free way to whip up everything from a full breakfast spread to searing perfect burgers outside, avoiding the splatters and smells indoors. This struggle with traditional methods made me realize there had to be a better solution for convenient, high-quality outdoor meals.
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Important Factors When Choosing an Outdoor Griddle
Outdoor griddles offer a fantastic solution for those seeking a more versatile cooking experience than traditional grills. They excel at cooking foods that fall through grates or require a flat, consistent surface, like eggs, pancakes, fried rice, vegetables, and smash burgers. Anyone who loves cooking outdoors, enjoys camping, tailgating, or needs an extra cooking surface for gatherings would benefit from one. However, if you primarily want the charred flavor and grill marks only a grate can provide, or you only cook for very large crowds requiring extensive surface area, a small tabletop griddle might not be your sole solution. For those considering a purchase, think about the cooking surface size needed for your typical group, the griddle’s portability and weight, the heat output and distribution, ease of cleaning, material durability, and whether it includes features like a hood or grease management system.
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Meet the Blackstone 1814 Griddle
The Blackstone 1814 Portable Griddle is designed to bring the convenience of flat-top cooking wherever you go. It promises easy and delicious outdoor meals, suitable for everything from breakfast staples to dinner favorites. When you purchase this 17 inch model, you get the tabletop griddle unit itself, featuring a stainless steel front plate and hood. This specific Blackstone griddle is ideal for individuals or small families, campers, tailgaters, or those with limited patio or balcony space who still want a dedicated outdoor cooking surface. It might not be the best fit if you consistently cook for large parties (say, more than 6-8 people) where a larger 28″ or 36″ model would be more practical.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Excellent portability and compact size.
* Surprisingly large cooking surface for its footprint.
* Even heat distribution thanks to the “H” style burner.
* Integrated grease management system makes cleanup easy.
* Versatile for cooking a wide range of foods.
Cons:
* Can be susceptible to rust if not properly cared for and stored, especially the griddle top.
* Some users have reported minor quality control issues upon arrival (e.g., missing parts).
* Stainless steel components can scratch easily.
* Gas regulator issues have been reported by a small number of users over time.
* Heavier than expected for *some* users looking for extreme lightweight portability.
Diving Deep into Performance and Perks
Having used the Blackstone 1814 Portable Griddle extensively over time, I can share my insights on how its features translate into real-world cooking benefits.
Portability and Compact Design:
One of the standout features of this flat top griddle is its portability. Weighing in at about 35 pounds and with relatively compact dimensions (21.7″D x 20.5″W x 14.7″H), it genuinely lives up to its name. I’ve easily packed it in the trunk of my car for camping trips and tailgating events. It sets up quickly on a picnic table, tailgate, or a sturdy stand. The benefit here is immense flexibility. Instead of being confined to backyard grilling, I can take the joy of outdoor cooking anywhere. This mobility is perfect for weekend getaways, picnics, or even just moving my cooking station around the patio to stay out of the sun. While it’s not feather-light, the weight feels substantial enough to indicate durability, yet manageable for transport by one person.
Generous Cooking Surface:
Despite its 17 inch size, the 268 square inches of cooking surface feels surprisingly ample. The product description boasts the ability to cook 9 burgers, 9 pancakes, or 12 eggs at once, and I’ve found this to be quite accurate for practical purposes. For my family of four, I can easily cook breakfast for everyone simultaneously – bacon on one side, eggs in the middle, and pancakes or hash browns on the other. This saves a tremendous amount of time compared to cooking in batches indoors or on a smaller surface. The benefit is efficiency; I can serve everyone hot food at the same time, making group meals outdoors much more enjoyable and less stressful.
Even Heat Distribution and Control:
The 12,000 BTU “H” style burner is truly the workhorse of this portable griddle. Unlike some burners that create hot and cold spots, the “H” shape disperses heat remarkably evenly across the thick steel cooking surface. This is crucial for consistent results, whether you’re searing a steak or gently cooking delicate fish or eggs. The built-in igniter makes startup easy, and the control knob allows for good temperature regulation, from a low simmer to high heat for searing. I’ve found it excellent for achieving that perfect crispy edge on smash burgers and bacon, or cooking vegetables to tender-crisp perfection. The ability to control different heat zones (by positioning food closer or further from the burner) also adds versatility, although it’s primarily a single-burner system. This even heating is a major benefit, eliminating the frustration of burnt edges and undercooked centers common with less sophisticated setups.
Material and Build Quality:
The Blackstone 1814 features a stainless steel front plate and hood. The stainless steel adds a touch of class and durability to the unit’s appearance. While the griddle top itself is cold-rolled steel, which requires seasoning and care to prevent rust (more on that later), the overall construction feels solid and built to last, especially for a portable unit. The hood is a welcome addition on this model, helping to trap heat and steam when needed, useful for melting cheese on burgers or steaming vegetables. However, it’s worth noting the disadvantage that the stainless steel front can be prone to scratching if not handled carefully, which is a minor cosmetic issue but something to be aware of.
Effortless Cleanup System:
One of the features I’ve come to appreciate most is the integrated grease management system. There’s a channel around the cooking surface that directs grease and food debris towards a cup or tray located on the back of the unit. This design makes cleanup incredibly simple. While the griddle is still hot, I use a scraper to push any leftover food bits and grease into the channel and towards the tray. A quick wipe with a paper towel, maybe a little water to steam off stubborn bits, and it’s usually clean in just a couple of minutes. This no-mess design is a huge benefit, especially when camping or tailgating where cleanup facilities might be limited. The tray is also large enough that it doesn’t need constant emptying during a cooking session.
Seasoning and Maintenance:
Like all steel griddles, the cooking surface requires proper seasoning before its first use and regular maintenance afterward. This involves applying a thin layer of oil and heating the surface to create a protective, non-stick polymer layer. I followed the instructions provided by Blackstone and have seasoned it multiple times, building up a durable surface. This initial effort pays off significantly in terms of cooking performance and preventing rust. The process is straightforward but essential. Neglecting the seasoning and leaving the griddle exposed to the elements, especially rain, is a significant disadvantage and can lead to rust relatively quickly. Proper cleaning after each use (while hot) and a thin coat of cooking oil as a protective layer are key to its longevity.
Versatility in Cooking:
The range of food you can cook on this flat top griddle is truly impressive. As mentioned, breakfast items are a natural fit, but it shines equally well for lunch and dinner. I’ve made everything from classic cheesesteaks (sautéing onions and peppers alongside the meat) to stir-fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and, of course, perfect smash burgers. The ability to cook with direct contact on a hot, flat surface creates fantastic searing and caramelization that’s different from grilling. The benefit is that this single appliance can handle dishes that would typically require skillets or pans indoors, making outdoor cooking sessions much more comprehensive.
Considering Potential Drawbacks:
While my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, it’s important to touch on the potential disadvantages reported by some users. A few people have mentioned minor quality control issues upon arrival, such as missing nuts or improperly welded parts, requiring a trip to the hardware store. While frustrating, these seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread problems. The susceptibility to rust if not maintained is a real factor, so proper storage and care are non-negotiable. Also, a few reports of the gas regulator failing after some use indicate that component longevity might occasionally be an issue, though this isn’t a common complaint in my experience or the majority of reviews I’ve seen. These points highlight the importance of inspecting the unit upon arrival and committing to the necessary maintenance for the griddle top.
What Others Are Saying: Real-World Experiences
Looking at feedback from other users online, the general consensus is quite positive. Many echo my findings about the ease of use and the fantastic results achieved, particularly with foods like smash burgers and breakfast items, praising the flavor and juiciness retained by cooking on the Blackstone 1814. The straightforward cleanup process is frequently highlighted as a major plus. However, some users did encounter frustrations similar to the potential cons I mentioned, such as receiving units with minor defects requiring DIY fixes or seeing rust develop after improper storage. A few noted disappointment with cosmetic issues like scratches on the stainless steel parts right out of the box. Despite these individual hitches, the overall sentiment is that this 17 inch griddle offers excellent value and a great cooking experience for its size and price point.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Struggling with limited versatility or messy cleanup during outdoor cooking sessions can take the fun out of enjoying meals al fresco. The compromises needed with traditional grills or constantly running back indoors can be a real hassle. The Blackstone 1814 Portable Griddle is a fantastic fit for solving these problems because of its impressive versatility, genuine portability, and incredibly simple cleanup process. It allows you to cook a much wider range of foods outdoors, easily transport your cooking setup wherever you need it, and spend less time scrubbing afterward. To explore this Blackstone griddle further and see if it’s the right addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal, Click here.
Last update on 2025-08-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API