If you’re torn between the Blackstone 1517 and Blackstone 1853, you’re not alone. I’ve cooked on both models over the past few seasons — from backyard smash burgers to campsite breakfasts — and while they look similar on paper, they feel completely different in real use. Both are 28-inch, 2-burner propane griddles with the same cooking space, but the way they handle grease, portability, and food prep is what truly separates them.
The Real Difference That Actually Matters
The biggest difference between the Blackstone 1517 and 1853 is the grease management system. The 1517 uses an old-school front grease drain, while the 1853 features Blackstone’s patented rear grease management system. This alone completely changes the cooking experience.
On the 1517, grease flows forward and drips down near the legs. If you’re cooking bacon, smash burgers, or sausages, you’ll notice grease running toward you. I’ve had grease splatter on my shoes more times than I’d like to admit.
The 1853 fixes this problem. Grease funnels smoothly toward the back into a collection cup. No mess near your feet. No greasy frame. Just clean cooking. This is the single most searched reason people compare these models — and once you experience both, you’ll understand why.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Blackstone 1517 | Blackstone 1853 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 470 sq. inches | 470 sq. inches |
| Burners | 2 Stainless Steel | 2 Stainless Steel |
| Grease System | Front Drain | Rear Grease Management |
| Side Shelves | Standard Shelves | Prep Shelf with Cutting Board Slot |
| Trash Holder | No | Yes |
| Leg Design | Fixed / Bolt-on | Folding Scissor Legs |
| Portability | Moderate | Excellent |
| Best For | Backyard Use | Camping & Tailgating |
- COMFORT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS – This Griddle comes with a side shelf for placing a cutting board and...
- RESTAURANT STYLE COOKING - Black powder coated steel frame with cold rolled steel 470sq inches...
- REPLACE YOUR STANDARD GRILL - Replace your grill or BBQ with a Blackstone griddle and never look...
Blackstone 1517 Overview – The Classic Workhorse
The Blackstone 1517 is a classic flat-top griddle that does exactly what it promises. It gives you 470 square inches of cooking space, enough to feed a family or a small group of friends. Two independently controlled burners allow you to create heat zones — one side for searing steaks, the other for warming buns.
I’ve used the 1517 mostly in my backyard. It’s fantastic for breakfast spreads: bacon, eggs, hash browns, pancakes — all at once. The steel cooktop holds heat well, and once seasoned properly, food barely sticks.
The side shelves are handy for placing plates and seasoning bottles, and the lower shelf is good for propane storage or cookware. Assembly is straightforward, and ignition starts easily every time.
Real World Experience
The main downside becomes obvious once you cook greasy foods. Bacon grease runs forward, collects near the front edge, and sometimes drips onto the frame. After a big cook, cleaning takes extra time because grease splashes onto the legs.
If you’re mostly grilling lean meats or using it in a fixed backyard setup, this won’t bother you much. But for heavy-duty griddle fans, it’s something to consider.
Pros
- Large 470 sq. inch cooking surface
- Even heat distribution
- Durable steel cooktop
- Good storage space
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Front grease drain gets messy
- Legs are not easily foldable
- No trash holder
Blackstone 1853 Overview – Adventure Ready Upgrade
The Blackstone 1853 is what I’d call the “fixed” version of the 1517. It keeps everything we like — same burners, same cooking area — but adds features that make real outdoor cooking easier.
The rear grease management system is a game changer. Grease flows backward into a cup, staying away from your feet and frame. Cleanup is faster, cleaner, and way less annoying.
The folding scissor-leg design makes transport incredibly easy. I load this into my truck solo for camping trips. With the 1517, I always needed help removing the legs.
The prep shelf is designed to hold a cutting board, and the built-in trash bag hook is brilliant. You don’t realize how useful this is until you’re cooking outside and need somewhere to throw scraps.
Real World Experience
I’ve taken the 1853 camping multiple times. Setup takes under two minutes. The grease cup works flawlessly. When cooking burgers, all the fat flows neatly to the back — zero mess.
The side handles make moving it around easy, and the wheels roll smoothly over gravel and grass.
Pros
- Rear grease system keeps area clean
- Folding legs for portability
- Cutting board shelf
- Built-in trash holder
- Great for tailgating & camping
Cons
- Slightly higher price
- Trash holder could be sturdier
- COMFORT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS – This Griddle comes with a side shelf for placing a cutting board and...
- RESTAURANT STYLE COOKING - Black powder coated steel frame with cold rolled steel 470sq inches...
- REPLACE YOUR STANDARD GRILL - Replace your grill or BBQ with a Blackstone griddle and never look...
Cooking Performance – Are They Different?
In terms of raw cooking power, both grills perform almost identically. Same BTU output, same burners, same steel surface. Steaks sear beautifully on both. Smash burgers get that crispy crust. Pancakes cook evenly.
The difference isn’t heat — it’s convenience. On the 1853, you focus on cooking. On the 1517, you occasionally think about grease control.
Portability Comparison
This is where the 1853 wins easily. Folding legs make transport simple. I can fit it into my SUV without removing parts.
The 1517 feels more like a backyard grill. Moving it requires more effort. For campers and tailgaters, the 1853 is the better option.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Blackstone 1517 if:
- You mostly cook in your backyard
- You want to save money
- Grease mess doesn’t bother you
Choose the Blackstone 1853 if:
- You camp or tailgate often
- You want cleaner grease control
- You value easy transport
- You like built-in prep features
Long-Term Durability
Both models are built with thick cold-rolled steel cooktops and powder-coated frames. With proper seasoning and a cover, they’ll last years.
I’ve had my 1853 for over a year now — zero rust, burners still light instantly.
Final Verdict
While both griddles are solid performers, the Blackstone 1853 is the smarter buy for most people. The rear grease management system alone makes cooking more enjoyable. Add folding legs, trash holder, and prep shelf — and you get a more complete outdoor cooking station.
The 1517 still holds value as a budget-friendly backyard griddle, but once you cook on the 1853, it’s hard to go back.
