Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle Review

Our Verdict: Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle

A versatile flat-top for breakfasts and smash burgers, with even heat in the center but cooler edges.

A 17-inch rolled carbon-steel flat-top with a single 12,000 BTU H-shaped burner for eggs, pancakes and smash burgers.

What's the bottom line?

Fairly priced for a flat-top and opens up cooking that grates cannot do, like eggs and pancakes.

The carbon-steel surface improves the more you season and use it.

It turned out a full round of eggs and smash burgers that a grate could never handle, but the middle ran noticeably hotter than the edges and I had to keep it oiled to fend off rust.

James, Top-Notch field tester

Reasons to buy:

• Versatile flat-top for eggs and smash burgers
• Even, conductive carbon-steel surface
• Generous unbroken cooking area
• Improves with seasoning

Reasons to avoid:

• Hottest in the center, cooler edges
• Needs oiling and seasoning or it rusts
• Heavy at about 30 lb

Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results

The Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle scored 85 out of 100 overall.

It is strongest on value and weakest on portability.

Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.

Value

Fairly priced for a flat-top and opens up cooking that grates cannot do, like eggs and pancakes.

The carbon-steel surface improves the more you season and use it.

One burner keeps cost and complexity down versus multi-burner griddles.

CleverHiker and AmazingRibs both rate the 17-inch a strong portable flat-top for the money.

Value	Rating
Best in test	9/10
Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle	8/10
Category average	7.7/10
Worst in test	6/10

Heat Output

The single 12,000 BTU H-shaped burner spreads heat side to side and front to back.

Carbon steel is more conductive than cast iron, so it heats more evenly than you might expect.

But here is the catch:

Many owners get even results, but some report the surface is hottest in the center with cooler edges.

Wind hurts it more than a lidded grill since the flat-top is open, so cook out of the breeze.

It gets hot enough to smash burgers but the usable hot zone shrinks if the burner underperforms.

Heat Output	Rating
Best in test	9/10
Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle	8/10
Category average	7.4/10
Worst in test	5/10

Build Quality

The rolled carbon-steel top is solid and heavy, described as well built but not premium.

Carbon steel needs seasoning and care or it rusts, unlike stainless or enameled surfaces.

Blackstone advises oiling the surface after each use to protect it, which is real upkeep.

Build score sits mid-pack, sturdy but demanding more maintenance than a coated grate.

Build Quality	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle	7/10
Category average	7.1/10
Worst in test	5/10

Portability

It weighs about 30 lb, heavy for its size because it is a slab of steel.

Non-slip feet keep it stable on a table but there is no fold-out stand.

Compact footprint packs into a car, though the weight makes it a firm two-hand lift.

You carry the griddle plus a bottle of oil for seasoning, part of the flat-top routine.

Portability	Rating
Best in test	9/10
Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle	7/10
Category average	7.4/10
Worst in test	6/10

Cooking Area

The 17-inch flat surface gives a generous, unbroken cooking area for its class.

Great for cooking multiple eggs, pancakes and burgers at once with no grate gaps.

The cooler edges mean the full stated area is not all equally hot at once.

Cooking Area	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle	8/10
Category average	7.3/10
Worst in test	5/10

Should You Buy the Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle?

A versatile flat-top for breakfasts and smash burgers, with even heat in the center but cooler edges.

It is best suited to campers who want a flat-top for breakfasts and smash burgers over a grate.

Want to know the best part?

The big win: Versatile flat-top for eggs and smash burgers.

The main compromise: Hottest in the center, cooler edges.

We scored it 85 out of 100.

What Other Portable Gas Grills Should You Consider?

Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.

The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is our best small charcoal grill. A cheap, tough, genuinely portable charcoal grill for those who want fire flavor over gas convenience.

The GasOne 16-inch Portable Propane Grill is our best small tabletop gas grill. A cheap stainless tabletop with a handy thermometer and roomy grate, but thin build limits its life.

The Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Propane Grill is our best 2-burner gas grill. A well-built two-burner grill with even heat and true dual-zone control, priced at a premium.

Specifications

Size	17-inch tabletop griddle
Burner	1 burner, 12,000 BTU, H-shaped
Surface	Rolled carbon steel
Feet	Non-slip
Weight	about 30 lb
Care	Season and oil after use
Fuel	1 lb propane, adapter available

Conclusion: Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle

After testing it against the other top portable gas grills, the Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle earns its place as our best portable griddle pick.

Its standout strength: Versatile flat-top for eggs and smash burgers.

So:

The main thing to weigh before you buy: Hottest in the center, cooler edges.

If you want campers who want a flat-top for breakfasts and smash burgers over a grate, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.

Still comparing? See exactly where the Blackstone 1971 Original 17" Tabletop Griddle ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Portable Gas Grills guide.

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