Quick Verdict for Busy Buyers
If you want a griddle you can easily carry, store, and set up anywhere, the Blackstone 1666 is the smarter choice. If you regularly cook for more than four people and want better heat control, versatility, and consistency, the Blackstone 1813 is worth the extra investment. Neither is universally better — each one excels in a specific role.
At-a-Glance Strengths & Weaknesses
Blackstone 1666
- Highly portable and compact
- Fast heat-up with even burner layout
- Easier to season and maintain
- No hood for heat retention
- Limited space for large groups
Blackstone 1813
- Large cooking surface for group meals
- Four burners allow true heat zones
- Hood improves cooking consistency
- Requires more space and storage
- Higher upfront cost
Blackstone griddles have become a staple for outdoor cooking, and after years of cooking everything from campsite breakfasts to full backyard cookouts, it’s easy to see why. They heat quickly, handle a wide range of foods, and make cooking for groups far less stressful than juggling pans on a traditional grill.
Two models that often get compared are the Blackstone 1666 tabletop griddle and the Blackstone 1813 griddle with hood. I’ve cooked on both styles in real settings, and while they share the same core design philosophy, they are built for very different types of cooks.
- Portable and Compact: This griddle is ideal for camping, tailgating, outdoor barbecues, and more....
- Versatile Cooking: This griddle top can handle whatever culinary creations you whip up for...
- Surprising Cooking Space: Make up to 14 burgers, 10 pancakes, or 60 hot dogs using this griddle’s...
- Griddle on the Go: This griddle is compact and portable so you can take it to the beach, on a...
- Surprisingly Spacious Cooking Area: This compact griddle is more spacious than you would think. Cook...
- Versatile Cooking Space: A griddle top is a versatile cooking surface that can handle a variety of...
Built With Different Cooking Environments in Mind
The Blackstone 1666 is designed to move with you. It’s compact, lightweight, and fits naturally into camping trips, tailgates, and small outdoor spaces. The Blackstone 1813 is designed to stay put — a full-size griddle station meant for backyards, family meals, and entertaining.
Understanding this difference early prevents disappointment later. Choosing between them isn’t about size alone — it’s about how often you cook, how many people you feed, and whether portability or capacity matters more.
Blackstone 1666 Tabletop Griddle: What Using It Is Actually Like
The Blackstone 1666 uses a 22-inch cooking surface with 339 square inches of space. On paper, that may sound small, but in real use it’s surprisingly efficient.
Heat Output and Burner Design
The griddle runs on two H-style burners producing a combined 24,000 BTUs. That burner shape spreads heat across the surface instead of concentrating it in the center. In practice, this means fewer cold spots and more predictable cooking.
In my testing, the 1666 consistently reached cooking temperature in under ten minutes. Pancakes cooked evenly edge to edge, bacon rendered cleanly, and burgers browned without constant repositioning.
Portability and Setup
This is where the 1666 clearly separates itself. It’s easy to lift, easy to store, and quick to deploy. I’ve used it on campsites, parking lots, patios, and backyards without ever feeling like setup was a chore.
It ships ready for one-pound propane bottles, but connecting it to a 20-pound tank with an adapter hose makes a big difference for longer cooks.
Seasoning and Maintenance
Because the cooking surface is smaller, seasoning the 1666 is straightforward. One thin oil layer spreads quickly, heats evenly, and is easy to manage — especially for first-time griddle owners.
Cleanup is equally simple thanks to the rear grease trap, which funnels grease cleanly into the tray without pooling.
Blackstone 1813 Griddle with Hood: Real Backyard Performance
The Blackstone 1813 operates on a much larger scale. With a 36-inch surface offering 720 square inches of cooking space and four independently controlled burners, it’s built to handle volume cooking.
Power and Heat Control
The four burners deliver a combined 60,000 BTUs. More importantly, they allow you to create real heat zones. During larger cooks, I’ve run one zone extremely hot for smash burgers, another medium for vegetables, and a lower zone for buns or eggs.
This level of control removes stress when cooking for groups and helps keep food hot without burning.
Why the Hood Changes the Experience
The hood isn’t cosmetic. It traps heat and moisture, improving consistency and expanding what the griddle can handle. Thicker burgers cook through more evenly, cheese melts faster, and wind has less impact on surface temperature.
This is one of the biggest practical advantages the 1813 has over smaller tabletop models.
Seasoning and Long-Term Care
Seasoning the 1813 takes more time simply because of its size. It’s not difficult, but it requires patience and more oil. Once seasoned properly, however, the surface holds heat extremely well and becomes very forgiving during long cooks.
Blackstone 1666 vs 1813 Comparison Table
| Feature | Blackstone 1666 | Blackstone 1813 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Surface | 339 sq. in. | 720 sq. in. |
| Burners | 2 H-style | 4 stainless burners |
| Total Heat Output | 24,000 BTUs | 60,000 BTUs |
| Hood | No | Yes |
| Fuel Type | Propane | Propane |
| Portability | High | Moderate |
| Best Use | Camping, tailgating, small patios | Backyard cooking, entertaining |
Which One Matches Your Cooking Habits?
If you enjoy the portability of the 1666 but want something larger, models like the 1971 or 1814 may be worth exploring. If you’re already leaning toward a full-size station, the 1813 sits in a sweet spot between power, control, and usability.
The 1666 works best for cooks who value convenience and flexibility. The 1813 works best for those who cook often and cook for groups.
- Portable and Compact: This griddle is ideal for camping, tailgating, outdoor barbecues, and more....
- Versatile Cooking: This griddle top can handle whatever culinary creations you whip up for...
- Surprising Cooking Space: Make up to 14 burgers, 10 pancakes, or 60 hot dogs using this griddle’s...
- Griddle on the Go: This griddle is compact and portable so you can take it to the beach, on a...
- Surprisingly Spacious Cooking Area: This compact griddle is more spacious than you would think. Cook...
- Versatile Cooking Space: A griddle top is a versatile cooking surface that can handle a variety of...
Common Questions Before Buying
Can the Blackstone 1666 use a 20-pound propane tank?
Yes. With an adapter hose and regulator, it connects easily and runs more efficiently for longer sessions.
Is the Blackstone 1813 worth the extra cost?
It is worth it if you regularly cook for more than four people or want better heat control. If you mostly cook small meals, the extra size may be unnecessary.
Which one is easier for beginners?
The 1666 is generally easier to manage at first due to its smaller surface area and simpler seasoning process.
Final Thoughts After Real Cooking Use
The Blackstone 1666 and Blackstone 1813 are not rivals — they are purpose-built tools for different cooking environments.
If you want a reliable, easy-to-handle griddle that travels well, the 1666 delivers consistent results with minimal effort. If you want a backyard cooking station that handles crowds, multiple dishes, and longer sessions, the 1813 earns its place.
The best choice is the one that fits how you actually cook, not just how the specs look on a screen.
