I remember one particular camping trip a few years back. We had packed all the essentials for a gourmet breakfast: farm-fresh eggs, thick-cut bacon, and a batch of homemade pancake batter. The problem? Our only cooking tool was a traditional, clunky portable grill with unevenly spaced grates. The bacon crisped in some spots and was limp in others. The eggs were a disaster, slipping through the grates into a fiery oblivion. And the pancakes? Let’s just say they ended up as misshapen, smoky blobs. It was a frustrating reminder that a standard grill, great for burgers and steaks, is fundamentally flawed for so much of the food we love to eat. This experience sent us on a quest for a better solution—a portable cooking surface that could deliver the versatility and consistency of a restaurant kitchen, anywhere we went. This is the exact problem the flat top griddle was born to solve.
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What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Griddle
A portable propane griddle is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom in the great outdoors. It transforms a campsite, tailgate party, or backyard patio into a versatile kitchen. Unlike traditional grills that cook with direct flame and grates, a griddle provides a solid, flat cooking surface, similar to a giant cast-iron skillet. This allows for unparalleled versatility—you can sear smash burgers, stir-fry vegetables, cook delicate fish, and whip up a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, and pancakes with ease. The primary benefit is even, consistent heat across a large surface, giving you precise control and preventing the flare-ups and lost food associated with grate-style grills. It’s about bringing the convenience and quality of indoor cooking to any outdoor setting.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who loves cooking a wide variety of foods outdoors. This includes RV enthusiasts, avid campers, tailgating superfans, and even apartment dwellers with a small balcony. If you find yourself limited by your current grill and dream of making more than just hot dogs, a portable griddle is for you. One user perfectly captured this sentiment, stating they already had a gas grill and a smoker but found the griddle was a resounding “yes” for its unique capabilities. However, it might not be suitable for those who exclusively cook traditional BBQ items like ribs or whole chickens and prefer the smoky flavor imparted by charcoal or wood. Furthermore, if you are unwilling to perform the regular maintenance of seasoning and cleaning a steel cooktop—much like caring for cast iron—you might be better served by a lower-maintenance stainless steel grill.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Portability: A “portable” griddle can weigh anywhere from 20 to over 40 pounds. Consider the real-world logistics. Will you be carrying it from your car to a campsite, or just moving it around the patio? The BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable Griddle weighs around 35 pounds, which we found to be a manageable weight for one person, but as one user noted, it’s “heavier than I thought for a portable grill.” Check the footprint dimensions to ensure it fits where you plan to use and store it.
- Capacity & Performance: Cooking surface area, measured in square inches, determines how much food you can cook at once. A 17-inch griddle offers about 268 sq. inches, perfect for 2-4 people. Heat output, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), dictates how quickly the griddle heats up and recovers temperature after adding cold food. The 12,000 BTUs of this Blackstone model, combined with its ‘H’ shaped burner, are designed for even heat distribution, a critical factor in avoiding hot and cold spots.
- Materials & Durability: The cooktop is the most important component. Most high-quality griddles use heavy-gauge rolled steel, which provides excellent heat retention and a durable, non-stick surface once properly seasoned. The body should be made of sturdy, powder-coated or stainless steel to resist the elements. Pay attention to the quality of knobs, igniters, and legs, as these are common points of failure.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that simplify the cooking process, like a reliable push-button igniter and a robust grease management system. A rear-draining grease trap is the standard for easy cleanup. Remember, a steel griddle top requires care. It must be seasoned before first use and cleaned and oiled after every cook to prevent rust, a point several users emphasized is critical for long-term enjoyment.
While the BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable 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:
- High-Heat Propane Gas BBQ Grill – This 4-burner gas grill with an additional 8,500 BTU side burner delivers a total of 46,500 BTU. Enjoy rapid...
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition...
- Heavy-Duty Griddle Plate – Built with a 4mm thick, reinforced hot-pressed steel griddle that ensures excellent heat retention and durability. Perfect for...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Blackstone Griddle Experience
Pulling the BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable Griddle from its box, the first thing we noticed was its substantial feel. This isn’t a flimsy, lightweight piece of camping gear; at 35.2 pounds, it has a reassuring heft that speaks to its heavy-duty construction. The main body is solid, and the rolled steel griddle top is thick and clearly built to hold heat. Assembly was mostly straightforward, involving attaching the feet and the control knob. However, we did take note of user feedback regarding quality control. While our unit arrived with all its parts, one user reported missing an acorn nut for the lid and un-welded nuts for the legs, forcing a trip to the hardware store. Another mentioned the control knob felt loose, sliding on and off with no resistance—an issue we also observed on our model. It’s a minor annoyance but worth noting. The stainless steel front plate gives it a professional look, though it can be prone to scratches, as one customer was disappointed to find no protective film on theirs upon arrival. Overall, the initial impression is of a robust, well-built cooking machine that’s ready for serious use right out of the box.
The Upsides
- Exceptional Cooking Versatility: Perfect for everything from breakfast to stir-fry and smash burgers, far surpassing a traditional grill.
- Excellent Portability for its Size: Ideal size for couples, small families, RV travel, and tailgating.
- Fast and Even Heating: The 12,000 BTU ‘H’ burner heats the surface quickly and minimizes hot spots for consistent results.
- Simple Cleanup: An integrated rear grease management system makes post-meal cleanup remarkably easy.
Potential Drawbacks
- Requires Meticulous Maintenance: The steel cooktop will rust quickly if not properly seasoned, cleaned, and stored away from moisture.
- Inconsistent Quality Control: Some units have arrived with missing parts or minor cosmetic blemishes like scratches.
A Deep Dive into the BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable Griddle’s Performance
A product’s spec sheet only tells part of the story. To truly understand its value, we have to get our hands dirty. We put the BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable Griddle through a series of real-world cooking tests over several weeks, from campsite breakfasts to backyard dinner parties, to see if the performance lives up to the brand’s legendary reputation.
The All-Important Seasoning Process and First Cook
Before you cook a single piece of food, you must season the griddle top. This is a non-negotiable step that builds up a polymerized, non-stick surface and protects the steel from rust. Ignoring this is the number one reason some new owners have a bad experience. Following the instructions, we washed the cooktop, dried it thoroughly, and fired up the burner on high. Once it was hot, we applied a thin layer of Blackstone’s seasoning conditioner (you can also use flaxseed, canola, or vegetable oil), spreading it evenly with paper towels. The griddle smoked profusely as the oil baked on, gradually turning from silver to a dark bronze. We repeated this process five times, as one savvy user recommended, until the entire surface was a uniform, slick, dark black. This took about an hour but is a crucial investment in the griddle’s future performance.
For our first cook, we decided on a classic: smash burgers with sautéed onions and peppers. We preheated the griddle for about 10 minutes. The onions and peppers went on first, sizzling instantly and cooking beautifully. Then came the balls of ground beef. We smashed them thin with a spatula, and the griddle responded with a perfect, crispy, Maillard-reaction crust in under two minutes per side. The results were, as one user put it, “absolutely fantastic!” The burgers were incredibly juicy, and the even heat cooked them perfectly without any scorching. This initial test immediately showcased the superiority of a flat top for this style of cooking. You can explore its full feature set and user reviews to see just how many people have fallen in love with this cooking method.
Heating Power, Consistency, and Real-World Control
At the heart of the BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable Griddle is its ‘H’-shaped burner. Unlike a simple round or straight burner that can create distinct hot zones, this design aims to distribute the 12,000 BTUs of power more evenly across the 268-square-inch cooktop. In our testing, we found this to be largely effective. The griddle heats up remarkably fast, reaching searing temperatures in under 10 minutes when using a standard 1lb propane cylinder. We found the heat to be very consistent across the majority of the surface, allowing us to cook bacon strips from end to end with uniform crispiness.
However, we need to address a critical point raised by some users. One reviewer reported that the griddle “can’t cook more than a couple pieces of bacon without dropping temperature significantly,” essentially boiling the food. While we didn’t experience such a drastic failure, we did notice that windy conditions can have a significant impact on performance. Using wind guards (a popular aftermarket accessory) can make a huge difference. Another factor is the fuel source. Another user insightfully noted they had little success with a 5lb propane tank but found a 16oz cylinder “turned it into a joy to cook on.” This suggests potential issues with regulator compatibility or pressure when using adapted, larger tanks. For our tests, the 1lb bottle provided ample heat. The single control knob offers a good range from low to high, but it lacks fine-tuned “zones” found on larger, multi-burner models. You’re essentially working with one large heat zone, which is perfect for its intended use but something to be aware of.
Portability, Durability, and Life on the Go
Blackstone markets this as a “Portable” griddle, and it absolutely fits that description, with a few caveats. Its compact footprint means it fits easily in a car trunk, making it a fantastic companion for camping, beach days, and tailgates. As one user happily stated, it’s “Perfect for camping, light and compact enough for even my wife to carry.” We found it easy to set up on a picnic table or tailgate, and the adjustable rubber feet are a thoughtful touch for stabilizing it on uneven surfaces.
The build quality feels robust enough for the rigors of travel, but proper care is paramount. The biggest threat to this griddle’s longevity is user neglect. As multiple reviews confirm, if you leave it outside, uncovered, and exposed to rain or even high humidity, it will rust—and quickly. One user was shocked to find rust just 48 hours after their first use. This isn’t a defect; it’s the nature of rolled steel. You must treat it like a cast-iron skillet: after scraping it clean, always leave a thin layer of cooking oil on the surface to protect it. Investing in a cover and a carrying bag, a “pro tip” from a seasoned owner, is not just a suggestion; we’d consider it essential for anyone planning to travel with their griddle or store it outdoors. We also saw reports of the paint on the lid bubbling or flaking after a few uses, which is a cosmetic issue but a disappointing one that points to potential long-term finish durability concerns.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring through dozens of user experiences reveals a consistent and clear picture of the BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable Griddle. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with many users echoing the sentiment that “the hype is true” and calling it the “best investment ever.” One owner who also has the larger 22″ model found the 17″ to be the “perfect” size for cooking for two, praising its even heat for making fantastic shrimp fajitas. Many, like the user who transitioned from charcoal grilling, are amazed at the ease and versatility, loving that they can cook everything from tuna steaks to a full breakfast.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most common thread among negative reviews centers on quality control and material care. One frustrated user detailed how their unit arrived with missing nuts and bolts, requiring them to finish the assembly with parts from a local hardware store. Another frequent complaint involves rust, with one chemist pointing out that it can appear in as little as 48 hours if the griddle isn’t meticulously cared for. This highlights a critical divide: users who understand and embrace the cast-iron-style maintenance routine are thrilled, while those expecting the maintenance-free nature of stainless steel are often disappointed. There are also isolated reports of faulty gas regulators and bubbling paint on the lid, suggesting some inconsistency in components and finishes.
How Does It Compare? The Blackstone 17-Inch vs. The Competition
While the BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable Griddle excels in its niche, it’s important to understand how it stacks up against other outdoor cooking appliances. The right choice depends entirely on your primary cooking style and needs.
1. ROVSUN 100,000 BTU Portable Gas Camping Stove High Pressure Single Burner
- 100,000BTU ★ Stove give off a strong flame that can be adjusted easily. Heat is controlled by a CSA approved regulator, which is more safety and longer...
- QUICK ASSEMBLY ★ Put together 4 legs and hook it up with propane gas, then you get an awesome extra cooker. Top working measures 15.7’’ x 15.7’’....
This ROVSUN unit is not a direct competitor but a different tool altogether. It’s a high-power, high-pressure single burner designed for tasks requiring intense, focused heat, like boiling large pots of water for a crawfish boil, deep-frying, or using a large wok. With a staggering 100,000 BTU output, it dwarfs the Blackstone’s 12,000 BTUs. If your primary outdoor cooking need is boiling, brewing, or frying in large pots and pans, the ROVSUN is the superior choice. However, it offers zero griddling capability on its own. You cannot make pancakes or smash burgers on it without placing a separate griddle or pan on top, making the Blackstone a far more integrated and versatile all-in-one solution for most campers and tailgaters.
2. Char-Broil Classic Series 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas to grill without the hassle of charcoal, this grill runs on a 20-pound propane gas tank, not included. It reaches...
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 14 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 5 steaks on 360-square-inches of primary cooking space. You can cook meats and larger items on...
The Char-Broil Classic 3-Burner represents the traditional backyard gas grill. It offers a much larger cooking area and the open-flame grilling that many people associate with outdoor cooking. It excels at cooking classic barbecue fare like steaks, chicken pieces, and hot dogs, imparting grill marks and a flame-kissed flavor that a griddle cannot replicate. However, it’s far less portable and completely incapable of handling liquid batters, small vegetables, or eggs without specialized accessories. For someone seeking a stationary backyard grill for traditional grilling tasks, the Char-Broil is a solid, affordable choice. For the person who values portability and the versatility to cook anything, the Blackstone griddle is in a different league.
3. Char-Broil Classic 3-Burner Propane Grill
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps...
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 14 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 5 steaks on 360-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the...
This model is very similar to the Char-Broil listed above but often includes a side burner. This feature adds a bit of versatility, allowing you to heat a sauce or sauté vegetables in a pan while grilling on the main grates. It slightly bridges the gap between a pure grill and a more versatile cooking station. Even so, it still faces the same core limitations as any traditional grill when compared to a flat top. The side burner is small and can’t match the expansive, even-heating surface of the BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable Griddle. This Char-Broil is for the backyard griller who wants a bit more functionality, whereas the Blackstone is for the mobile cook who wants ultimate surface versatility.
Final Verdict: Is the BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable Griddle Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the BLACKSTONE 17 Inch 12000 BTU Portable Griddle is an absolutely phenomenal piece of outdoor cooking equipment, but it comes with a specific set of ownership requirements. It’s for the person who wants to break free from the limitations of a traditional grill and cook anything, anywhere. From morning pancakes at the campsite to evening Philly cheesesteaks at the tailgate, its versatility is unmatched in this portable form factor. The ‘H’ burner provides excellent, even heat, and its compact size is perfect for individuals, couples, and small families on the move.
However, this is not a product for the casual user who wants a “set it and forget it” appliance. The rolled steel cooktop demands consistent care—proper seasoning, cleaning, and oiling—to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick quality. If you are prepared to treat it like a cherished cast-iron skillet, you will be rewarded with years of incredible meals and cooking experiences. If that maintenance sounds like a chore, you may be better served elsewhere. For those who are ready to embrace the flat top lifestyle, this griddle is, without a doubt, one of the best and most rewarding purchases you can make for your outdoor adventures. If you’re ready to revolutionize the way you cook outside, we highly recommend you check the latest price and secure yours today.
Last update on 2025-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API