Blackstone 1814 Propane Griddle Review Portable Flat Top Grill for Outdoor Cooking

Description

Perfect for Outdoor Cooking Adventures

I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a grill enthusiast, and testing the Blackstone 1814 Stainless Steel Propane Gas Portable Griddle felt like an exciting challenge. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a quick meal while camping, I found this flat top griddle to be a versatile addition to my outdoor cooking gear. Its compact design and portability caught my eye immediately, but there’s much more to unpack about this product.

Design and Build

What stood out to me first was its sleek stainless steel finish. The material feels durable and surprisingly lightweight for a product of this caliber. At just about 17.96 pounds, it’s easy to carry, yet it doesn’t sacrifice sturdiness. I tested it on uneven surfaces like my backyard patio and even a bumpy campsite table, and the adjustable rubber feet kept it steady each time. It’s clear that the design team thought about portability without compromising functionality. The 17-inch griddle surface was roomy enough to handle multiple items at once—think 9 burgers, 12 eggs, or 9 pancakes.

The integrated grease tray is another thoughtful addition. As someone who dreads post-cooking cleanup, this feature felt like a lifesaver. All the juices and oils from my bacon and burgers slid neatly into the tray, which was easy to remove and clean.

Cooking Performance

Cooking on this griddle felt like a breeze. The 12,000 BTU H-style burner heats up quickly, distributing heat evenly across the surface. I noticed that there were no cold spots, which is often an issue with other portable grills. Whether I was flipping pancakes or searing steaks, the heat consistency was spot on. I also appreciated the built-in igniter, which allowed me to adjust the flame to low, medium, or high depending on what I was cooking. There’s no fussing with matches or lighters—everything felt intuitive and seamless.

What really impressed me was the variety of foods I could whip up on this thing. From breakfasts of crispy bacon and scrambled eggs to a hearty dinner of stir fry and steak, the griddle handled it all like a champ.

Key Benefits

• Portability: Lightweight design makes it easy to carry and set up anywhere.
• Versatile cooking surface: Enough space to cook multiple items at once.
• Even heat distribution: The H-style burner ensures consistent cooking.
• Convenient cleanup: The integrated grease tray simplifies the process.

Downsides to Consider

Despite its many upsides, I did find a few areas for improvement.

• It runs on propane bottles, which are not included in the package. Though it supports both 1 lb. bottles and larger 20 lb. tanks (with an adapter), it’s an extra cost to consider.
• The lack of a cover for the cooking surface means you’ll need to store it carefully to avoid scratches or dirt buildup.
• While cleaning the grease tray is easy, the griddle surface itself still requires a bit of scrubbing after cooking greasy foods.

Competitors

There are several competing brands in the portable griddle market, so I compared this to a few well-known options like the Camp Chef VersaTop and the Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle. The Blackstone 1814 outshines its rivals in terms of weight and portability, making it the ideal choice for camping or tailgating. Its 12,000 BTU output is also higher than some competitors, which translates to faster cooking times.

However, the Camp Chef model has a slight edge with its included griddle cover and additional accessories, while the Cuisinart griddle offers a non-stick surface that’s easier to clean. Still, neither of these models matches the sturdy design and spacious cooking surface of this Blackstone griddle.

Bang for the Buck

This griddle’s price point feels justified when you consider its durability, performance, and versatility. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, it delivers a level of quality that’s hard to beat. I see it as a long-term investment for anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking. Whether you’re an avid camper or someone who loves hosting backyard BBQs, this griddle is worth every penny.

Ultimately, the Blackstone portable griddle combines practicality with performance, ticking most of the boxes for a portable cooking station. Its stainless steel construction, powerful heat output, and thoughtful features make it an excellent choice for a variety of cooking scenarios. While there are a few minor drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh the negatives, making it a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts and home chefs alike.

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