Blackstone 20 Inch Briefcase Griddle Worth the Upgrade?

[Danny-FRF]

Thinking of getting the 20 inch briefcase style Blackstone griddle.
The older first version is $159 and later version $199.
My question is how happy are you with it and would you spend the extra money for the newer version? Thanks

 

[Larry N.]

I don't have the 20", but I used to have the 17" which, part of the time, was great. It was easy to port and, in no wind, cooked well. But with a single burner and no wind protection for the flame under the cooking surface, it needed some shielding. Now that I have no RV, I've gotten a 36" for the deck, and it's great (4 burners, much, but not complete wind protection). The larger surface is great for cooking, too (holds more), but it's obviously not suitable for travel.

If I had an RV and wanted a griddle, I'd go with the 22" version, which has 2 burners and a bit more space, giving two zones for cooking and, from appearances, a little better handling of the wind, plus it's available with a small folding cart (flex fold legs).

Not being familiar with the 20" model, I see on Amazon the 2363 20"x14" model with two burners at $199 (cheaper on ebay), but not the older model you're referring to. And I have no experience with their non-stick cooking surface- mine are steel, and need seasoning (just like a cast iron skillet), so take the above for what it's worth.

 

[Danny-FRF]

I

I don't have the 20", but I used to have the 17" which, part of the time, was great. It was easy to port and, in no wind, cooked well. But with a single burner and no wind protection for the flame under the cooking surface, it needed some shielding. Now that I have no RV, I've gotten a 36" for the deck, and it's great (4 burners, much, but not complete wind protection). The larger surface is great for cooking, too (holds more), but it's obviously not suitable for travel.

If I had an RV and wanted a griddle, I'd go with the 22" version, which has 2 burners and a bit more space, giving two zones for cooking and, from appearances, a little better handling of the wind, plus it's available with a small folding cart (flex fold legs).

Not being familiar with the 20" model, I see on Amazon the 2363 20"x14" model with two burners at $199 (cheaper on ebay), but not the older model you're referring to. And I have no experience with their non-stick cooking surface- mine are steel, and need seasoning (just like a cast iron skillet), so take the above for what it's worth

I don't have the 20", but I used to have the 17" which, part of the time, was great. It was easy to port and, in no wind, cooked well. But with a single burner and no wind protection for the flame under the cooking surface, it needed some shielding. Now that I have no RV, I've gotten a 36" for the deck, and it's great (4 burners, much, but not complete wind protection). The larger surface is great for cooking, too (holds more), but it's obviously not suitable for travel.

If I had an RV and wanted a griddle, I'd go with the 22" version, which has 2 burners and a bit more space, giving two zones for cooking and, from appearances, a little better handling of the wind, plus it's available with a small folding cart (flex fold legs).

Not being familiar with the 20" model, I see on Amazon the 2363 20"x14" model with two burners at $199 (cheaper on ebay), but not the older model you're referring to. And I have no experience with their non-stick cooking surface- mine are steel, and need seasoning (just like a cast iron skillet), so take the above for what it's worth.

I've been carrying the 22 inch, just trying to get something less heavy and takes up less room

 

[weighit]

I bought the electric version and love it, got rid of the propane bottles and since we always are in a rv park plugged in when we travel it worked perfectly for us. Very easy to clean and use.

 

[CharlesinGA]

I have the 17 inch and it rarely gets used. Uneven heating makes cooking difficult and its not hard to clean but it is some work. I'm thinking of getting rid of it.

I am considering a Traeger Ranger pellet stove. I will take longer as it has to heat up but has a grate to cook on and a griddle plate also.

Charles

 

[PancakeBill]

I have a 17 older stylw with grease catch in froont, and a 22” with grease catch in back. Use them both a lot, 22 at home 17 in camper. I find it heats pretty evenly. Easy to clean once seasoned, 6” scraper, then a paper towel wipe down. Have served many pancakes off that grill. The winfd can be an issue but wind blockers are pretty cheap. Stores easy.

Between the 20 and 22, it depends on storage space and how many to feed. Not a lot of difference between.

 

[Firstime RVer]

We've been using the 17" for over 5 years. Solved the wind/uneven heating problem using these scrapers, hung around the rim of the griddle. FWIW we love the griddle.

They pack up inside the griddle for transport and are easy to clean. We bought them at a Dollar store for a dollar each. Safe travels and all the best.

 

[joe&doreen]

We have the 20inch tefllon coated blackstone and love no fuss no mess heats evenly

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

I got a 17" as a gift and it made me wonder why anyone would want one. It comes with a carry bag but you have to take it apart to fit it in. Even with wind shields on the sides it barely got hot enough to do anything serious. Rather than dork around trying different regulators for it I found a forum that described replacing the gas orifice. Since it needed to be bigger it's no different than drilling out a carb jet. So I used my set of numbered bits and by trial and error made the orifice larger to the point the flame appeared about 50% bigger. From that point this thing works like it ought to. Low is still low enough and on high it'll go over 650 which gives margin for cool days or a bit of a breeze. Doesn't make it more portable, but now at least it works right. I also have a 28" 3 burner blsckstone at home. It worked right out of the box, no modification required so I guess you pays your money and takes your chances with these things. I think they're more marketing than a problem solution but that's another discussion.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[UTTransplant]

When we first became interested in buying a Blackstone, we chatted with a guy who had his 20” set up at his trailer. He really recommended against it. The single burner wasn’t enough to spread teh heat evenly. He said he was going to sell it when he got home and get the 22” double burner. We took his advice, and Kevin’s pretty happy with the one we got.

 

[Mr Lars]

We bought one 4 or 5 years ago. Not sure on the exact size, it does operate with the little propane bottles. Used it once, maybe twice. Cleaning for us, we needed take into the RV shower, as it wouldn’t wash worth a darn in the kitchen sink. After the 2nd use, it’s been sitting in the garage ever since.

 

[Larry N.]

Cleaning for us, we needed take into the RV shower, as it wouldn’t wash worth a darn in the kitchen sink.

The Blackstone griddle (or other similar ones) isn't cleaned in a sink. It needs seasoning, just like a cast iron skillet.

Here is a beginner's guide to these griddles:

The Beginner’s Guide to Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle

The first step in using your Blackstone Griddle is knowing HOW to use your Blackstone Griddle the RIGHT WAY. So, step-by-step, here you go!

griddleking.com

It includes a Maintenance 101 section near the end:

Daily Cleaning​

• Post-Cooking Cleanup: After each use, scrape off any food residue with a griddle scraper while it’s still warm. Avoid using soap, as it can strip the seasoning.
• Wipe Down: Use a paper towel or a cloth to wipe down the surface. For stubborn bits, a bit of water can help, but avoid soaking it.

Seasoning​

• Regular Oiling: After cleaning, apply a thin layer of high smoke point oil like flaxseed, grapeseed, or avocado oil. This helps maintain the seasoning and prevents rust.
• Deep Seasoning: Every few weeks, perform a deep seasoning. Heat the griddle, apply oil, and let it bake in. Repeat 2-3 times for a robust seasoning layer.

Rust Prevention​

• Cover Up: Always use a griddle cover when not in use to protect from moisture and debris.
• Avoid Water: Keep water off the surface to prevent rust. If rust spots appear, scrub with a grill stone or sandpaper, then re-season.

Grease Management​

• Grease Trap: Regularly empty the grease trap to prevent overflow and potential fire hazards.
• Burner Care: Check burners for clogs and clean with a brush if needed. Ensure burners are cool and disconnected from propane before cleaning.

Hope this helps if you decide to try again. BTW, this site below has many recipes, mostly videos, but some with text and pictures. It includes many tips for use, as well:

Blackstone Recipes

Our Products are Made of Solid Rolled Steel & Were Created to be Versatile and Durable. Outdoor Cooking Without the Compromise. Tackle Any Great Outdoor Event with the Blackstone family of Griddles & Cookware. Free Shipping. Full Cookout Experience. Replacement parts.

blackstoneproducts.com

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Nice job Larry

 

[WhatExit?]

I went with the 22" two-burner Blackstone Griddle with the separate stand. I connect it to the 5th wheel's propane connection as I won't use those disposable small propane bottles.

The whole setup, griddle "box", lid, stand all fit into one large black plastic container (I don't use the yellow lid) and rides in my trailer's garage.

I have the large 4-burner 36-inch Blackstone at home so I'm a fan.

 

[PancakeBill]

I went with the 22" two-burner Blackstone Griddle with the separate stand. I connect it to the 5th wheel's propane connection as I won't use those disposable small propane bottles.

The whole setup, griddle "box", lid, stand all fit into one large black plastic container (I don't use the yellow lid) and rides in my trailer's garage.

I have the large 4-burner 36-inch Blackstone at home so I'm a fan.

 

[PancakeBill]

I have the 22” for home. I had initially bought the 17” and then bought the stand for it, keep those in the camper, the 22’ is now on a outdoor ‘kitchen at home. I use the stand for temp work stand. My portable table saw fits on it great!

Trying to picture washing it in a sink.

 

[WhatExit?]

I have the 22” for home. I had initially bought the 17” and then bought the stand for it, keep those in the camper, the 22’ is now on a outdoor ‘kitchen at home. I use the stand for temp work stand. My portable table saw fits on it great!

Trying to picture washing it in a sink.

Washing your table saw? Or washing the 22 foot griddle

You're not serious about washing a griddle in a sink, are you?

 

[Larry N.]

You're not serious about washing a griddle in a sink, are you?

See posts #11 & #12 in this thread.

 

[Mr Lars]

I know the proper way to ‘clean’ cast iron cookware, we cook at home almost everyday with cast iron. For our particular kitchen set up in the RV, it was cumbersome to ‘clean’ our Blackstone in the kitchen, thus the reason we would rinse it off in the shower, for us that’s what worked. For me cooking outside, in campgrounds is a pita, as is watching tv outside.