This 17" Blackstone griddle with a hood works just as well as most of the YT videos say the larger Blackstones work, and I'm enjoying cooking on it. During seasoning the main area got to about 600 degrees so it gets hot enough for any cooking use. The corners don't get quite as hot of course. After seasoning it is nonstick and easy to clean while still hot using a scraper or heavy spatula and a squirt of water. It's much more versatile than a grill and it cooks very well using low to medium heat for most things.
There are lots of helpful videos on how to use these griddles. Unlike some brands, the owners manual says the attached hood can be used for cooking for up to 10 minutes. It also helps protect the griddle surface when it's not in use so I'm glad I got the version with a hood. Also use a thin coat of cooking oil if it's not going to be used again for awhile to prevent rust. This one-burner griddle is probably large enough for two to maybe four people for most things. It's not tiny..
I used up one 1-lb bottle of propane when thoroughly seasoning the griddle so buy at least two to start. (I burned off any factory coating, then used canola oil and applied four thin layers of seasoning burning off each for about 15-20 minutes, which took close to two hours total on high. You will need tongs and paper towels.) After that, one bottle lasts through several meals depending on how long it's on and the heat setting. You could also buy the Blackstone hose with low pressure valve and use a larger propane tank if you don't mind a heavy tank.
Edit to add: My son gave me a little refillable 5-lb propane tank which lasts much longer, seemingly longer than five of the 1-lb ones and I love it. I now also have a 10-lb second tank. I get these filled at my hardware store and like them much better than the 1-lb disposables.. (I can't lift a full regular 25-lb tank.)
I use this griddle more often than I thought I would. I especially love it for smashburgers.
Re the size:
This "little" griddle with hood is larger and much heavier than I expected but it could be used when camping. Mine stays on an 18" x 30" stainless steel worktable at home, with an additional generic rain cover that covers it and the table. The body of the griddle overhangs the table just slightly front to back, but the feet of the griddle easily sit on the 18" deep table. (The feet could sit on a 12" (front to back) surface but there would be a lot of overhang of the rest of the griddle both front and back.) With a propane bottle attached the table has a little space left for a spatula and small dish at the side, and a lower shelf and wheels. I only needed and wanted a small griddle and some workspace for a small area. (I liked this table better than the 17" griddle model that comes with a Blackstone "cart.") Very happy with the purchase.
The 5-pc utensil kit (large spatulas, scraper, squeeze bottles for oil and water) and the disposable foil grease cup liners are also useful.
| Brand | BLACKSTONE |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 21.7"D x 20.5"W x 14.7"H |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Color | Black |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Outdoor |
| Finish Type | Stainless Steel |
| Included Components | Blackstone 1814 Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Front Plate and Hood - 17" |
| Assembly Required | No |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle Material | Stainless steel |
| Item Weight | 35.2 Pounds |
| Heating Power | 12000 British Thermal Units |
| Model Name | Stainless Steel Propane Gas Griddle |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Installation Type | Countertop, Tabletop |
| Wattage | 3.51 watts |
| Main Burner Count | 1 |
| Heating Elements | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Blackstone |
| UPC | 717604018149 |
| Part Number | 1814 |
| Item Weight | 35.2 pounds |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | 1814 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 17 Inch Griddle |
| Style | Griddle w/hood |
| Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Pattern | Griddle |
| Power Source | Propane |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Mounting Type | Plate Mount |
| Special Features | Portable |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 1 |
