Which Blackstone Flat Top Fits Your Tailgate or Backyard?
Every figure on this page is quoted from the Amazon listing for that model. Scores are the average rating Amazon buyers left. Nothing here was handled or measured by us.
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
If you typed “black stone flat top grill”, you are almost certainly looking for Blackstone, the brand that made the outdoor propane griddle a fixture at tailgates and backyard game nights. The right Blackstone depends on one thing more than anything else: how many people you feed at once. A single-burner tabletop handles breakfast for two in a parking lot, while a four-burner station can keep burgers, onions and fried rice going at the same time for a full watch party.
This article covers four Blackstone flat top griddles: the 1517 Original 28 inch Omnivore, the 1814 17 inch tabletop, the 36 inch four-burner cooking station and the 1666 22 inch tabletop. They differ in cooking area, burner count, whether they stand on their own legs or sit on a table, and how easily they fit in a trunk. We compared listings, specifications and intended use to size each one for real game-day cooking.
JOB SHEET
Which Blackstone Griddle Should You Buy
- Backyard cooks who want a freestanding griddle for four to eight people: Blackstone 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle
go to no. 01 - Solo tailgating, road trips and camping for two: Blackstone 1814 Propane Gas Griddle
go to no. 02 - Big watch parties and cooking for a crowd with multiple heat zones: Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000
go to no. 03 - Tailgate groups that need portability plus two heat zones: Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle
go to no. 04 - Smallest trunk footprint of the four: Blackstone 1814 Propane Gas Griddle
go to no. 02
No. 01
of 4
Blackstone
Blackstone 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle
4.3
out of 5
Amazon buyer average
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Backyard game-day cooks feeding a small crowd
Pros
- 517 sq in cooking surface
- Omnivore plate with wind guards
- Two side shelves and bottom shelf
- Rear grease management
Cons
- Burner count and BTU not listed
- Only two caster wheels
The Blackstone 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore Griddle is the middle-size freestanding option. It gives you 517 square inches of cooking space, enough for pancakes, eggs, quesadillas, steak, potatoes and teppanyaki-style dishes, and it stands on its own frame with a bottom shelf and two side shelves for prep and storage. The listed dimensions are 22.75 inches deep, 44 inches wide and 33 inches high.
The standout feature is the Omnivore griddle plate, which the listing says adds built-in wind guards, faster preheat and recovery times, better heat distribution and less fuel per cook. Wind guards matter more than people expect at an open parking lot or a breezy backyard, since gusts pull heat off a flat top quickly. Cleanup runs through a rear grease management system, and two caster wheels plus a side handle let you roll it around the patio.
The listing does not specify the number of burners or the total BTU rating, which makes it harder to compare heat output directly with the 36 inch station. It carries a one-year limited warranty. This is the pick for someone who cooks at home most weekends and wants a full-size griddle without committing to the footprint of the 36 inch model. If you need to cook for a very large crowd, the 36 inch station gives you roughly 50% more surface.
- 517 sq in cooking surface
- Omnivore plate with built-in wind guards
- Two side shelves, bottom shelf, side handle
- Rear grease management, two caster wheels
No. 02
of 4
Blackstone
Blackstone 1814 Propane Gas Griddle
4.2
out of 5
Amazon buyer average
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Solo tailgaters and couples on the move
Pros
- Fits in a car trunk
- 268 sq in, 9 burgers at once
- H-style burner with igniter
- Adjustable rubber feet
Cons
- Single burner, one heat zone
- Too small for big groups
The Blackstone 1814 Propane Gas Griddle is the most portable model here. It measures 17.5 inches long, 8.5 inches high and 18 inches wide, small enough to fit in a car trunk next to a cooler and chairs. The 17 inch surface covers 268 square inches, which the listing says holds 9 burgers, 9 pancakes or 12 eggs at once, enough for a family of four.
Heat comes from a single H-style burner with a built-in igniter, and the listing’s item type description cites 12,000 BTUs. Height-adjustable rubber feet help it sit level on a tailgate, a picnic table or uneven ground, and an integrated grease tray catches drippings so you can wipe the surface with a paper towel afterward. The included components note a stainless steel front plate and a hood.
The trade-off is that one burner means one heat zone. You cannot easily keep buns warm on one side while searing on the other the way you can with the 22 inch or 36 inch models. For a couple heading to an away game or a solo camper, it is plenty. For a group of six or more, step up to the 1666 22 inch tabletop. If you also want a small propane grill for grates-style cooking, our review of a compact portable propane grill covers that alternative.
- 17.5 x 8.5 x 18 inch footprint
- 268 sq in, 9 burgers or 12 eggs at once
- H-style burner with igniter
- Adjustable rubber feet, grease tray, hood
No. 03
of 4
Blackstone
Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000
4.5
out of 5
Amazon buyer average
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Big watch parties and backyard crowds
Pros
- 768 sq in per description
- 4 independent burners, 60,000 BTU
- Front grease management
- Foldable legs and storage rack
Cons
- Largest footprint of the four
- Listing details partly inconsistent
The Blackstone 36 Inch 4 Burner 60,000 BTU cooking station is the crowd feeder. It runs four independently controlled stainless steel burners for a combined 60,000 BTU, and the description lists 768 square inches of cooking space with four heat zones. That lets you run smash burgers on high at one end, vegetables in the middle and a warming zone at the other.
The description also describes Omnivore griddle plate technology with built-in wind guards, faster and more even heating, better thermal shock stability and less fuel per cook. A front grease management system handles cleanup, and the box includes foldable legs, a grease pan and a storage rack. The listing mentions both a freestanding wheeled design and casters for moving and storing it.
Some details in the listing do not line up. The title calls it portable with foldable legs, yet it is the largest unit here, and the listed depth of 62.5 inches with a 22 inch width looks like the width and depth may be swapped. Treat it as a patio station you move occasionally, not something you carry to a stadium lot. If you plan to keep it on a rolling base, see our guide to a griddle cart with wheels.
- 4 independent burners, 60,000 BTU total
- 768 sq in cooking space per the description
- Front grease management
- Foldable legs, grease pan and storage rack included
No. 04
of 4
Blackstone
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle
4.8
out of 5
Amazon buyer average
Well rated
4.6 or better out of 5 on Amazon
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Tailgate groups wanting two heat zones
Pros
- 361 sq in cooking space
- Two independent H-shaped burners
- Rear grease management cup
- Runs on a small propane bottle
Cons
- Needs a table or stand
- Part and model numbers differ
The Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle hits the sweet spot for tailgate groups. It offers 361 square inches of rolled steel cooking surface, which the listing says fits 14 burgers, 10 pancakes or 60 hot dogs. Two independently controlled H-shaped burners let you run two temperatures at once, something the single-burner 1814 cannot do.
It has a stainless steel faceplate, powder coated steel body and the patented rear grease management system that guides excess grease through a slot into a collection cup. The description notes it runs off a small propane bottle, and the listed dimensions are 22.44 inches deep, 22.87 inches wide and 9.8 inches high. You will need a sturdy table, tailgate or stand to set it on.
One listing quirk: the part number reads 1665 while the model number is 1666. The included components line lists only a user manual. Choose this model if you regularly cook for six to ten people away from home. For a permanent backyard setup, the freestanding 28 inch or 36 inch models give you more room and shelves.
- 361 sq in, up to 14 burgers at once
- Two independent H-shaped burners
- Rear grease management with collection cup
- Runs on a small propane bottle
What Sets These Models Apart
| Model | Cooking area | Burners | Setup | Grease system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1517 Original 28″ Omnivore | 517 sq in | Not specified | Freestanding, 2 casters | Rear |
| 1814 17 inch | 268 sq in | 1 H-style | Tabletop | Integrated tray |
| 36 Inch 4 Burner | 768 sq in | 4 independent | Freestanding, foldable legs | Front |
| 1666 22 inch | 361 sq in | 2 H-shaped | Tabletop | Rear with cup |
Figures in this table are copied from the Amazon listings for these models.
NOTES
Buying Tips for Blackstone Flat Top Griddles
Size your griddle for your usual headcount, not your biggest party of the year. A tabletop model that fits in the trunk will get used every game weekend, while a large station that is hard to move might stay under a cover. As a rough guide from these listings, the 17 inch model handles about four people, the 22 inch model a small group, and the 28 and 36 inch models larger gatherings.
Burner count decides how much control you have. With two or more independent burners you can create a hot zone for searing and a cooler zone for toasting buns or holding food, which is how griddle cooks keep everything coming out at the same time. A single burner is simpler but asks you to cook in batches.
Plan for seasoning and cleanup. Rolled steel griddle surfaces need a thin layer of oil baked on before first use and after cleaning to prevent rust and build a non-stick layer. Keep a scraper, squeeze bottles and a cover on hand. If pizza night is also part of your game-day routine, a pizza stone for your oven is a good companion to the griddle.
FAQ
Is it Black Stone or Blackstone?
The brand is Blackstone, written as one word. Searches for “black stone flat top grill” usually mean the same Blackstone griddles covered here.
Which Blackstone griddle is best for tailgating?
The 1666 22 inch tabletop suits groups because it has two independent burners and 361 square inches of space. The 1814 17 inch model is the better fit for one or two people with limited trunk room.
How many burners does the Blackstone 1517 have?
The listing for the 1517 Original 28 inch Omnivore does not specify the burner count or BTU rating. It does list 517 square inches of cooking space and the Omnivore plate with wind guards.
Do these griddles run on propane?
The 1814 is listed as a propane gas griddle, the 1666 description says it runs from a small propane bottle, and the 1517 and 36 inch models are listed with gas as the fuel type.
What is the Omnivore griddle plate?
According to the listings, it is Blackstone’s plate design with built-in wind guards, faster preheat and recovery, better heat distribution and less fuel use per cook. It appears on the 1517 and in the description of the 36 inch station.
Which Blackstone flat top has the most cooking space?
The 36 inch four-burner station, with 768 square inches according to its description, followed by the 28 inch 1517 at 517 square inches.
