When it comes to outdoor flat top griddles, Blackstone makes some of the best, and most affordable ones on the market. From the small 28” two burner Blackstone 1605 up to the impressive 36” Blackstone Griddle 1825, there is something for every budget and aspiring backyard chef. If you’ve ever wanted to make the most mouthwatering breakfasts, epic smash burgers, and gooey Philly cheese steaks, you can’t go wrong picking one up. This article will cover in depth reviews of the following models.
- 36” Blackstone 1825 (4 burner)
- 36” Blackstone 1544 (4 burner)
- 28” Blackstone 1517 (2 burner)
- 28” Blackstone 1605 (2 burner)
If you’re simply looking for an all-around workhorse, and the one we consider the best Blackstone griddle out of the bunch, grab the Blackstone 1554 36” four burner griddle and be done with it. It’s a great mid ranged model that cooks extremely well and doesn’t have too many half-engineered bells and whistles which aren’t needed and jack up the price.
However, it’s our opinion that the slightly more expensive Camp Chef flat top grills are superior in pretty much every way. We’d highly recommend you check out our article on the Ultimate Comparison Guide to Camp Chef Flat Top Griddles before making a decision. (Hint, the Camp Chef 600 is truly the king of griddles)
Best Blackstone Flat Top Griddle – Blackstone 1544 36” Outdoor Griddle
- Easy assembly, and quick ignition button
- Griddle top is easily removable. Rolled Carbon 7-Gauge Steel Griddle Top
If you’re dead set on a Blackstone Flat top griddle, the Blackstone 1544 makes for an incredible, yet affordable, choice. It’s got an impressively large 720 sq. in. cold rolled steel cooktop and four burners which can put out a whopping 60,000 BTU’s of heat (550°F on high). You’ll also find an improved rear grease trap over earlier models prevents grease leakage. Furthermore, this model is fully collapsible and is great for campers and RV’er alike. The bottom and side shelves come off with simple thumbscrews and the legs fold in for added convenience.
When coupled with the easy to use electronic igniter, durable powder coated steel frame and the integrated carry handle, it’s got pretty much everything you’d ever desire in a mid ranged outdoor flat top griddle. In addition, the four wheels, two of which are locking casters, make moving this around a breeze. Seriously though, this thing is a bargain for the price you can grab it for and would make for a stunning addition to any backyard patio.
Blackstone Flat Top Griddle Buyers Guide
Buying your first outdoor flat top griddle is both exciting and daunting. However, by following a few guidelines, understanding what to look for, and having a budget, it becomes a lot easier. In this section, we’ll aim to give you a bit better idea of what to expect. In addition, we’ll cover a few frequently asked questions and try to make the selection process as transparent as possible. After all, our goal is to get you out of the house and into the backyard!
Blackstone Griddles Vs. Camp Chef Griddles
There are a lot of thoughts and non-violent altercations surrounding the comparison of Blackstone griddles to Camp Chef Griddles. Some folks swear by one or the other and would spit in a boot and toss it at you before giving in. In the end however, Blackstone Griddles are more affordable yet not quite as user friendly or as well designed as the Camp Chef models. There are a few key areas in which this is readily apparent on the Camp Chef Griddles
- The grease system in the Camp Chef models is simply all-around better. It doesn’t leak, is more ergonomically placed and much easier to clean and position the grill as the grease tray is front mounted
- The shelves fold down much easier on the Camp Chef flat top griddles and don’t require any unscrewing.
- The Camp Chef Griddle has both a griddle and grill grates underneath giving it the best of both worlds
- No batteries are required for the the Camp Chef igniters and there is one for each burner
- The burners are much better shielded from the wind and maintain heat significantly better.
But again, if cost is a serious issue and that extra $150 is out of the question, you can totally make bomb breakfasts’ with a Blackstone Griddle. We just want to make a fair and valid comparison.
How do I convert a Blackstone Griddle to run on natural gas
To keep it simple, Blackstone has come out with a handy Blackstone Griddle Natural Gas Conversion Kit. It basically swaps the orifices of the gas valves to new ones that have slightly larger openings. Natural gas does not burn as hot as propane, so you need slightly more gas flow to reach the same heat level. However it is expensive, particularly for what you get. Instead we’d recommend you grab a #51 drill bit and drill out the orifices of the existing valves. It’s cheap and it works. If you’re curious about the DIY process, check out this forum post for reference.
If you do opt to use the conversion kit, we recommend checking out the below installation video to get a good sense on how it’s done.
Do I need to and how do I season my new griddle?
Unfortunately, Blackstone griddles do not come pre-seasoned. As such, you’ll need to season one before using it (unless you like food sticking to the flat top). However this is extremely easy and can be completed in a few steps as outlined below.
- Clean the Griddle with mild soap and water using a rag
- Turn the heat up to high on all burners
- Apply flaxseed oil to the entire surface (including the sides) using some tongs and a rag so as not to burn yourself.
- Wait for the oil to smoke and burn off making a dark shiny coating.
- Repeat steps 3 & 4 a total of three times before use.
- Wipe off any excess oil with a damp cloth and you’re good to go!
Seasoning a Blackstone outdoor flat top griddle is extremely important and will make cooking much more enjoyable. Plus, then you can push food around like a pro street vendor who’s been doing it for years.
What are the best blackstone griddle accessories?
When it comes to accessories there are a ton to choose from! Below we’ve compiled a quick list of our top favorites that’ll get you griddlin’ in no time.
In addition to the above items we also recommend you opt for a hard cover, a soft cover or both. If you’ve gone with a 36” Blackstone, grab the below cover and top for added weather protection
If instead you’ve chosen a more compact 28” model, the following items will really make your griddle stand the test of time.
Best Blackstone Flat Top Griddle – Detailed Reviews
Okay, so we know how to season the griddle, convert it to natural gas and already have some accessories picked out. Which means, we can now go onto the good stuff. In the following section we’ll compare each and every one of the Blackstone flat top griddles available. We’ll cover the good, and the bad, so you can get a truly neutral view into what makes these amazing cooking machines tick.
General Blackstone Griddle Features and Build Quality
Because there are a lot of similarities between models, we’ll go over what’s the same before covering what’s different in the individual reviews. After all, there is no point in having to read more than is totally necessary.
Side Shelves
One of the similar features on all Blackstone griddles are the foldable shelves. In particular, they way in which they fold. Easy to grab thumb screws hold the shelves in place and can easily be removed for transport. However, due to the way the griddles vent, the shelves stay about 50°F hotter than the regular air temperature. This means they are not terribly useful for storing eggs, butter, etc. as they’d cook or melt if they are too close to the cooktop. In reality you can only use one half of the side shelf that is farthest away from the griddle.
We also want to note that once the propane tank is in place, the shelf on that side does not fully fold down and instead sticks out at an angle. While not a deal breaker, it is something to be aware of.
Bottom Shelf
Each Blackstone outdoor patio griddle is equipped with a removable bottom shelf. You can store tools, ingredients and more with zero effort. However, the shelves are a bit low and require some back bending to use. In general, most folks pretty much never use them.
As with the side shelves, the bottom shelf is removable. This is necessary so the legs can fold in and make the entire unit much more compact. A single thumbscrew is all that holds the shelf in place, so taking it off only takes a matter of moments.
Fuel
All Blackstone flat top griddles ship with standard connections and valve orifices for propane tanks. This is by far the most common method of using them, especially if you’re at camp and don’t have access to natural gas.
You’ll also find that each unit ships with a short propane hose and regulator to ensure you’ve got everything you need to get up and running right out of the box. Attached to the main frame of the griddle you’ll see it’s got a propane tank holder. This is also removable for transport. The propane tank simply hangs on one hook and slots into the bottom attachment for a secure connection. Folks haven’t found it wobbly and there have been zero complaints about it.
Keep in mind, no matter which griddle you select, any of them can be converted to natural gas as detailed in the buyers guide section above.
Cook Top
Blackstone has opted to use a removable, cold rolled steel cooktop that provides incredible heat transfer and seasons wonderfully. Underneath the cooktop you’ll find three structural support bars which ensure the surface stays nice and flat under even intense heat. The cooktops all come with a small lip along the edges to prevent food and oil from spilling over, except where the grease trap is of course.
You’ll find that the center off the cooktop gets about 50°F hotter than the edges. This is primarily due to the burner placement and doesn’t affect performance. In fact, it gives you a place to move already cooked food to where it can stay warm, yet not over cook.
Structure & Build Quality
No matter which Blackstone outdoor flat top griddle you choose, the frame will be powder coated black steel. The powder coating makes it great at resisting rust in even the humid south. Meanwhile, the thick steel legs keep it super sturdy and ensure you’ll have no safety concerns using it.
Folks did note that the front panel, where the control knobs are located, is a bit flimsy. It can easily be bent out of shape and even a quick tug can deform it. This is simply one of the cost cutting measures that Blackstone has chosen to implement. While it doesn’t affect performance in any way it can, after a time, affect visual appeal and overall longevity. The control knobs themselves are also a bit loose and wiggle a bit even when properly installed. Again, not a huge issue but it is something we want to note.
Burners
No matter which Blackstone flat top griddle you choose to go with, they will all come standard with stainless steel burners. These resist rust and hold up great against the intense heat during use. Each burner is able to pump out a massive 15,000 BTU’s of heat for some great searing capabilities.
We do want to note however that due to the elevated design of the griddle from the base, a strong wind can blow the burners out. Some folks have purchased a few dough scrapers to hang along the edges to prevent this.
- High Quality Stainless Steel Dough Cutter, Chopper or Scraper.;
- Easy Grip Handle that Makes it Very Comfortable to Use;
Grease Traps
This is the single most apparent design flaw on nearly any Blackstone Griddle. The older designs used a front channel that dripped into a catch pan. The issue however was the oil ran back up the bottom of the channel instead of into the grease tray. This caused it to drip down the front of the unit and down the legs. It was pretty much guaranteed to happen and folks actually create accessories you could buy to fix the issues. This design is only found on older models such as the Blackstone 1517.
Newer models are designed with an “enhanced” rear grease management system. This is basically a V shaped depression in the rear middle of the griddle that funnels grease into a rear mounted grease tray. While it does work, having it in the back means food is more likely to get stuffed down in there and you can’t push the griddle all the way up against a wall. Even more, the grease trap gets SUPER HOT and since it sticks out can potentially cause burns to folks who brush up against it. The good news though, is the new rear design does not leak.
In the end however there is much that can be improved on such as just fixing the front grease system instead of mucking around with a totally new design. Just go into any professional kitchen and see what they use (hint, it’s a front channel type)
Vents
You’ll find the venting systems on the Blackstone Grills are fairly simple. 4 directional fixed louvers (slots) have been cut into the sides. These help to direct heat downward and unfortunately onto the side shelves as discussed earlier. The back also has between 10 and 16 slots depending on the size unit you’ve opted to purchase. These again vent the heat downward and work as intended. We don’t really have any complaints with them and they seem to hold out rain and weather from getting inside the main burners.
Igniter
All of the Blackstone outdoor flat top griddles are equipped with an electric igniter. It is powered by a single AA battery which is inserted under the cap. A quick push of the button causes it to spark multiple times and ignite the burners. However, there is only one igniter for the whole system. As such you’ll need to light the leftmost burner first. Then, in sequence light the others from left to right.
While this does function and helps to reduce cost, it is a bit of a pain. We’d much rather have individual igniters for each burner, particularly in case the single igniter fails. There are also no manual match holes in the event of a failure. While not a big deal, it is something to be aware of.
Assembly
Plan about 1 hour to get your new outdoor griddle up and running. We’ve outlined the assembly steps below and included a short video detailing the process.
Unwrap all the pieces and cut of the shrink wrap
Unfold the legs underneath the main section
Install the control knobs
Attach the bottom shelf with the provided thumbscrews (easier if you flip it right side up)
Install the side shelf(s) with the provided thumbscrews
Install the handles with (4) bolts each
Flip the entire unit over and place the griddle on top
Hang the grease trap
Install the propane tank holder with the provided thumbscrew
Get Griddlin’!
Portability
Another one of the main defining features that makes the Blackstone griddles “better” than some competitors is the portability aspect. Any model is able to fold up into a relatively compact shape for transport. The shelves come off, the legs fold in and the cook top is removable. While it’s still heavy and awkward to move, it can be moved. Check out the picture below to see just how small it can be when fully folded up.
#1 Blackstone 1544 36” 4 Burner Griddle – Best Blackstone Griddle
- Easy assembly, and quick ignition button
- Griddle top is easily removable. Rolled Carbon 7-Gauge Steel Griddle Top
If you haven’t already, read the above General Blackstone Griddle Features and Build Quality section. This section takes a look at only the things that make this griddle different from the other models.
As our top choice for the Best Blackstone Griddle on the market, the Blackstone 1544 is the perfect combination of price and performance. You’ll find that it has got 4 wheels so you can easily roll it from place to place. Two of the wheels are locking caster for even more convenience.
Unlike the more expensive Blackstone 1825 this unit has two simple side shelves that fold down with thumbscrews. While they do get hot, at least they are single pieces and don’t have any gimmicks that get in the way.
As this is a more recent model, it comes standard with the improved rear grease management system. This means no leaks, less mess and zero fuss. We do recommend you line your grease pan with foil to make cleanup a snap. However you can’t push this unit directly up against a wall as the grease pan is in the way. A small downside, but one that isn’t too much of a big deal.
The large 720 sq. in. cooking surface is great for large families and outdoor gatherings. Whether you want to make 20 burgers at a time or practice cooking massive amounts of street food, the Blackstone 1554 has got you covered.
Underneath you’ll find the 4 high quality stainless steel burners which, when added together, produce 60,000 BTU’s of heat. This is perfect for searing steak and making the most epic smash burger imaginable.
Overall, this is the best Blackstone Flat Top Griddle on the market. It can cook everything as expected and simply works. While there are a few features that could be improved upon, it is still amazing. If you want to elevate your backyard or camp cooking to the next level, grabbing a Blackstone 1554 is a great way to do so.
#2 Blackstone 1605 28” 2 Burner Flat Top Griddle – Best Budget Outdoor Griddle
- UPC: 717604160503
- Weight: 84.000 lbs
If you haven’t already, read the above General Blackstone Griddle Features and Build Quality section. This section takes a look at only the things that make this griddle different from the other models.
If you’re in the market for a smaller outdoor flat top griddle and don’t want to break the bank, the Blackstone 1605 is right up your alley. With a 28” x 16” cooktop it’s perfect for smaller families and backyard events. Plus, with only two stainless steel burners it can last much longer on a single tank of propane. Together, the two burners put out 30,000 BTU’s of heat and are perfect for hot dogs, Philly cheese steaks and more.
Unlike the similarly sized Blackston 1517, this design has opted for the new and improved rear grease management system. This keeps your griddle from having greasy legs and ensures the oil goes into the grease pan and not onto your patio.
Another unique feature which makes the Blackstone 1605 really stand out from the other models is the full stainless steel front panel. This gives it a high end refined look that fits perfectly with other outdoor appliances like patio refrigerators and spit roasters. The video above shows a slightly older model that still had the black front panel
If your patio is a bit on the small side and space is a constraint, the 1605 is a great choice. It only has a single side shelf and is much more compact than the 36” models. You’ll also find it has two rolling wheels and two fixed legs. This provides added stability at the cost of portability. However, a convenient lifting grip helps you roll it around with limited effort.
In the end, this is the second most affordable Blackstone Griddle available and is a strong contender for the top spot. It’s got the power, features and design to really enhance your weekend breakfast. So long as you don’t need a large cooking space, the Blackstone 1605 would make a fine addition to any backyard patio.
#3 Blackstone 1825 36” 4 Burner Flat Top Griddle – Best High End Blackstone Griddle
- Assembled Dimensions: 62.50" L x 36" H x 22" W | Weight: 120 lbs
- Propane gas fueled grill. Propane tank fasteners included.
If you haven’t already, read the above General Blackstone Griddle Features and Build Quality section. This section takes a look at only the things that make this griddle different from the other models.
If you want the most features and the highest end model unit Blackstone produces, the Blackstone 1825 is what you’re after. At almost $100 more than the Blackstone 1554, you get a few cool design features and…that’s about it. The biggest difference is on the right hand side shelf.
Instead of a standard empty shelf, it now includes a removable cutting board and trash bag clips. This enables you to quickly cut up veggies and toss them in the trash with ease. However, folks have noted the cutting board doesn’t fit snugly and can oftentimes slip into the trash when you are trying to put it back. Additionally the trash bag clips have a tendency to rip whatever bag you are using once the weight gets a bit more.
The most useful feature by far, and one that’s only found on the Blackstone 1825 is the integrated paper towel holder. This thing is super awesome and great for keeping your hands clean and any paper towels out of the way. It’s conveniently located and easy to get the towels on and off.
You’ll find the 36” x 20” cooktop is MASSIVE. It’s amazing for cooking large meals and impressing family and guests alike. We love the available space and it makes cooking safe and easy. Plus, once you get the cooktop all seasoned, it’s nonstick heaven. The four stainless steel burners also create a nice, even heat that makes cooking a breeze
As with the Blackstone 1554, this model comes with 2 standard wheels and 2 locking casters for added mobility. You can easily roll it around and lock it in place with the foot pedals on the casters. If you like to store your outdoor griddle away and pull it out during use, having the added casters is a huge plus.
Since this is a newer model, it too uses the upgraded rear grease pan system. This means you can scrape the grease to the back of the cooktop and it’ll drip down into the grease pan. There are no leaks and it works like a charm. However, as mentioned before you still can push the unit flush up against the wall and it is a bit of a reach to get the grease all into the catch pan when compared to a front mounted system.
Overall though if you want the best that Blackstone has to offer, the 1825 is where it’s at. It’s got the new grease system, upgraded side shelves and is ready to use at a moment’s notice. However, as we mentioned at the beginning of this article, we feel the Camp Chef Series of outdoor flat top griddles are truly the best.
#4 Blackstone 1517 28” 2 Burner Outdoor Flat Top Griddle – Cheapest Blackstone Griddle
- RESTAURANT STYLE COOKING - With 470sq inches of flat top grilling, this griddle is perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cook eggs, pancakes, quesadillas, grilled cheese, steak, potatoes,...
- REPLACE YOUR STANDARD GRILL - Replace your grill or BBQ with a Blackstone griddle and never look back! This grill is simple to use and easy to assemble, so you'll be cooking in no time. Eliminate the...
If you haven’t already, read the above General Blackstone Griddle Features and Build Quality section. This section takes a look at only the things that make this griddle different from the other models.
Last up on our list of the Best Blackstone Griddles is the older Blackstone 1517. This small 28” 2 burner outdoor griddle features a single removable side shelf for extra storage. It doesn’t have any fancy features and is pretty much the bare minimum.
You’ll find it’s got 2 wheels and 2 fixed legs which give it a nice stable frame. The included pull bar enables you to wheel it around with ease. Plus, since it’s smaller, it is much easier to fit in the car or RV when on the road.
The 28” x 16” cooktop features two stainless steel burners underneath and produces a nice, consistent heat. The entire unit is quite weather resistant and due to its small size, fits perfectly on apartment patios.
Overall, this is our least favorite Blackstone griddle, while it is the cheapest of the bunch, the old grease system and lack of space make it one we’d rather skip. If you’ve got a serious budget issue, but MUST have a griddle now, this’ll do in a pinch. Aside from that though, we’d recommend you upgrade to the only slightly more expensive Blackstone 1605
Summary
Well there you have it, a complete guide to buying the best Blackstone griddle. If you want our top choice, go with the Blackstone 1554. It’s big, easy to clean and extremely well reviewed. If instead your budget is a bit more limited, go with the Blackstone 1605. Before you click that buy button though check out the Camp Chef Griddles which are a bit more pricey, but better all around.
Once you’ve got your griddle up and running, you might want to consider adding in a patio refrigerator to round out your patio appliances. A stunning concrete fire pit can also go a long way to adding some well needed luxury to an outdoor space. If instead you want a more tropical vibe, check out our article on the best outdoor artificial palm trees.
I have a flat top griddle and it says it is 605sq inch cooking at 45,000 btu. I am looking for burn and stand to fit it the outside griddle dimension are 22” deep and 28” wide please help