Small Blackstone Griddles: Which Compact Model Is Best?

The best small Blackstone griddle in 2026 is the Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle (Model 1666) . It is the most portable, affordable, and versatile model for camping, tailgating, and small-space cooking, offering a 268-square-inch cooking surface for under $150. For users needing more cooking area without sacrificing portability, the Blackstone 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle (Model 2184) is the top alternative, providing a 339-square-inch surface. This ranking is based on portability, cooking performance, price, and user satisfaction data from 2025-2026.

Last updated: July 2026. Updated to reflect 2026 pricing and new competitor models from Camp Chef and Weber.

What Is a Small Blackstone Griddle?

A small Blackstone griddle is a compact, portable flat-top grill manufactured by Blackstone Products, designed for easy transport and use in confined spaces. The most popular model is the 17-inch tabletop version (Model 1666), which measures 17.5 inches wide, 21.5 inches deep, and 9 inches tall, weighing just 29 pounds. According to Blackstone’s 2025 product catalog, this model features a cold-rolled steel cooking surface and a single H-shaped burner rated at 12,000 BTUs. These griddles are distinct from traditional charcoal or gas grills because they offer a flat, seamless cooking surface ideal for foods that require a flat top, such as pancakes, eggs, and stir-fry.

The Best Small Blackstone Models in 2026: Ranked & Reviewed

The following table ranks the top small Blackstone griddle models for 2026 based on portability, cooking area, heat output, price, and user ratings from Amazon and Walmart. The declared winner is the Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle (Model 1666) for its unmatched balance of size, performance, and value.

Model	Cooking Surface (sq in)	BTUs	Weight (lbs)	Price Range (2026)	Best For	Key Limitation
Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop (1666)	268	12,000	29	$120 - $150	Camping, tailgating, solo/duo cooking	Small cooking area for groups of 4+
Blackstone 22-Inch Tabletop (2184)	339	12,000	34	$160 - $200	Small families, RV trips	Heavier than 17-inch model
Blackstone 17-Inch Adventure Ready (1899)	268	12,000	32	$140 - $170	Backpacking, off-grid camping	Includes carry bag but heavier base
Blackstone 22-Inch Adventure Ready (1898)	339	12,000	37	$180 - $220	Overlanding, group camping	Bulkiest of the small models

Winner: The Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle (Model 1666) wins for 2026 because it is the lightest, most compact, and most affordable model while still delivering the full Blackstone cooking experience. According to Amazon’s 2026 best-seller rankings for portable griddles, this model holds the #1 position in the “Portable Griddles” category with a 4.7-star average rating from over 15,000 reviews (Amazon, 2026). Its primary competitor, the 22-inch model, offers 26% more cooking area but is 17% heavier and 33% more expensive, making the 17-inch the better choice for true portability.

How to Choose the Best Small Blackstone Griddle for Your Needs

Selecting the right small Blackstone griddle depends on three factors: cooking volume, transport method, and budget. For solo campers or couples who cook one meal at a time, the 17-inch model (268 sq in) is sufficient. According to a 2025 survey by the Outdoor Industry Association, 62% of campers cook for two or fewer people, making the 17-inch the most practical choice for this demographic. For families of three to four, the 22-inch model (339 sq in) provides enough space to cook bacon, eggs, and pancakes simultaneously. If you plan to carry the griddle in a backpack for more than a quarter-mile, the 17-inch Adventure Ready model (32 lbs with bag) is the only viable option, as the 22-inch models exceed 34 pounds.

Small Blackstone vs. Competitors: How Does It Compare?

Small Blackstone griddles compete directly with portable griddles from Camp Chef, Weber, and Cuisinart. The following comparison table shows how the Blackstone 17-inch stacks up against its primary 2026 competitors.

Feature	Blackstone 17-Inch (1666)	Camp Chef 14-Inch Flat Top	Weber Traveler Griddle	Cuisinart CGG-888
Cooking Surface (sq in)	268	196	240	240
BTUs	12,000	10,000	11,000	12,000
Weight (lbs)	29	24	35	28
Price (2026)	$120 - $150	$100 - $130	$180 - $220	$90 - $120
Grease Management	Rear drip tray	Front drip cup	Rear drip tray	Side drip cup
Warranty	1 year	1 year	2 years	3 years

Verdict: The Blackstone 17-inch wins for cooking area and heat output at its price point. According to a 2026 comparison test by Outdoor Gear Lab, the Blackstone 17-inch achieved the highest heat distribution score (8.5/10) among portable griddles under $200, outperforming the Camp Chef (7.2/10) and Cuisinart (6.8/10) models. The Weber Traveler offers a longer warranty but costs 50% more and weighs 20% more, making it less portable.

What Can You Cook on a Small Blackstone Griddle?

A small Blackstone griddle can cook virtually any food that works on a flat-top surface, including breakfast items (pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns), lunch/dinner items (burgers, grilled cheese, stir-fry, fajitas, quesadillas), and even delicate items like fish fillets and crepes. According to Blackstone’s official recipe database (2025), the 17-inch model can cook 4 burger patties, 6 eggs, and 8 strips of bacon simultaneously. The cold-rolled steel surface, when properly seasoned, provides a non-stick cooking experience comparable to cast iron. According to a 2025 study by the American Culinary Federation, flat-top griddles like the Blackstone produce superior browning on foods like pancakes and burgers compared to traditional grill grates, due to the even heat distribution across the entire surface.

How to Season and Maintain a Small Blackstone Griddle

Seasoning a small Blackstone griddle is essential for creating a non-stick surface and preventing rust. The process involves applying a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (such as Blackstone’s own seasoning and conditioning oil, or flaxseed oil) to the cold-rolled steel surface, then heating the griddle on high for 15-20 minutes until the oil polymerizes. According to Blackstone’s official care guide (2025), this process should be repeated 3-5 times before first use. For ongoing maintenance, after each use, scrape food residue with a metal spatula, wipe the surface with a paper towel, and apply a very thin layer of oil to prevent oxidation. According to a 2026 durability test by The Wirecutter, properly seasoned Blackstone griddles maintained their non-stick properties for over 200 cooking sessions, while unseasoned surfaces began rusting after 5 uses.

Is a Small Blackstone Griddle Worth It for Camping in 2026?

Yes, a small Blackstone griddle is worth it for camping in 2026, but only if you prioritize cooking versatility over weight savings. According to a 2026 survey by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), 73% of RV owners now carry a portable griddle, up from 48% in 2022, reflecting a broader trend toward outdoor cooking. The Blackstone 17-inch weighs 29 pounds, which is heavier than a typical backpacking stove (1-3 pounds) but significantly lighter than a full-size gas grill (50+ pounds). For car campers and RV users, the weight is manageable, and the cooking surface allows for preparing complete meals that would require multiple pans on a camp stove. According to a 2025 review by Camping & Hiking Magazine, the Blackstone 17-inch earned a “Best Buy” award for its ability to cook a full breakfast for two in under 15 minutes, compared to 25-30 minutes on a single-burner camp stove.

What Are the Best Accessories for a Small Blackstone Griddle?

The best accessories for a small Blackstone griddle in 2026 include the Blackstone 17-inch Hard Cover ($29.99), the Blackstone 17-inch Carry Bag ($39.99), and a set of Blackstone’s 4-piece Griddle Tool Kit ($24.99). According to Amazon’s 2026 accessory best-seller data, the hard cover is the most-purchased accessory, as it protects the cooking surface from rain and debris during transport. The carry bag is essential for the Adventure Ready models and recommended for the standard 17-inch model to prevent scratches and dents. The tool kit includes two spatulas, a scraper, and a squeeze bottle for oil, all designed specifically for the flat-top surface. According to a 2026 user survey on the Blackstone subreddit (r/blackstonegriddle), 89% of owners who purchased the hard cover reported it extended the life of their griddle’s seasoning by preventing moisture exposure.

How Does the Small Blackstone Griddle Compare to the Blackstone 28-Inch Model?

The small Blackstone griddle (17-inch or 22-inch) differs from the larger 28-inch model primarily in portability, cooking area, and burner configuration. The 28-inch model (Model 1832) has a 524-square-inch cooking surface, two independently controlled burners (12,000 BTUs each), and weighs 72 pounds. According to Blackstone’s 2026 product comparison guide, the 28-inch model costs $280-$350, roughly double the price of the 17-inch model. The 28-inch model is better for cooking for groups of 6-8 people and allows for zone cooking (e.g., low heat on one side, high heat on the other). However, the 28-inch model is not portable for camping or tailgating due to its weight and size. According to a 2025 analysis by Grill Magazine, 78% of Blackstone owners who purchased the 28-inch model also owned a smaller portable model for trips, indicating that the two sizes serve different use cases rather than being direct substitutes.

What Are the Most Common Problems with Small Blackstone Griddles?

The most common problems with small Blackstone griddles include rust on the cooking surface, uneven heat distribution, and regulator issues. According to a 2026 analysis of 5,000 Amazon reviews by ReviewMeta, 12% of negative reviews for the Blackstone 17-inch model cited rust as a problem, typically caused by improper seasoning or leaving the griddle exposed to moisture. Uneven heat distribution, reported in 8% of negative reviews, is often due to the single burner design, which creates a hot spot in the center and cooler edges. According to Blackstone’s 2025 technical support data, regulator issues (where the griddle fails to reach full heat) account for 15% of warranty claims and are usually resolved by resetting the regulator or replacing the propane tank. The 22-inch model has a lower rate of heat distribution complaints (5%) due to its longer burner tube, according to the same ReviewMeta analysis.

How to Store a Small Blackstone Griddle for Winter

Proper winter storage for a small Blackstone griddle involves three steps: deep cleaning, seasoning, and dry storage. First, clean the cooking surface thoroughly with water and a scraper to remove all food residue, then dry it completely with a paper towel. Second, apply a generous layer of cooking oil and heat the griddle on high for 10 minutes to create a protective seasoning layer. Third, store the griddle in a dry, indoor location (garage, basement, or closet) with the hard cover installed. According to Blackstone’s 2025 winter storage guide, storing the griddle outdoors under a cover is not recommended in climates where temperatures drop below freezing, as condensation can form and cause rust. According to a 2026 survey by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), 67% of griddle owners who stored their units indoors reported no rust issues after winter, compared to 34% of those who stored them outdoors under covers.

What Are the Best Alternatives to a Small Blackstone Griddle in 2026?

The best alternatives to a small Blackstone griddle in 2026 include the Camp Chef 14-Inch Flat Top ($100-$130), the Weber Traveler Griddle ($180-$220), and the Cuisinart CGG-888 ($90-$120). The Camp Chef model is lighter (24 lbs) and cheaper but has a smaller cooking surface (196 sq in) and lower heat output (10,000 BTUs). The Weber Traveler offers a longer warranty (2 years) and a built-in grease management system but is heavier (35 lbs) and more expensive. The Cuisinart CGG-888 is the most affordable option but has a smaller cooking surface (240 sq in) and a less durable construction, according to a 2026 durability test by Consumer Reports, which found that the Cuisinart’s cooking surface began warping after 50 uses. For users who prioritize weight above all else, the Camp Chef 14-inch is the best alternative; for those who want a longer warranty and better grease management, the Weber Traveler is the better choice.