Blackstone 1666 vs 1813 Griddle: Which 22” Tabletop Model Offers Better Value?

There’s a special kind of convenience that comes with a 22-inch tabletop griddle. It’s compact enough to travel with, yet spacious enough to feed a family or a small group without feeling limited. After spending a good amount of time using the Blackstone 1666 and the Blackstone 1813 during outdoor gatherings, quick backyard meals, and camping trips, I noticed clear differences in their behavior, features, and overall cooking experience.

Both are capable performers, but they’re designed for slightly different users. This detailed comparison is based entirely on real-world use and how both griddles handled everything from breakfast batches to fast searing sessions.

Main Difference Between Blackstone 1666 vs 1813 Griddle

The biggest difference between the Blackstone 1666 and the 1813 is the hood and build enhancements on the 1813.

Both models share the same 22-inch cooking surface and 24,000 BTU heating power, but:

• The 1666 is a more lightweight, straightforward griddle, designed purely for portability and simplicity.
• The 1813 includes an integrated hood, a sturdier build, and improved user features like Piezo ignition and better stability.

If you want the most basic, compact version — the 1666 wins.
If you want a more complete and protective setup — the 1813 is the better pick.

Comparison Table: Blackstone 1666 vs 1813 Griddle

Feature	Blackstone 1666	Blackstone 1813
Cooking Surface	Rolled steel plate	Rolled steel plate
Cooking Area	361 sq. in.	361 sq. in.
Heat Output	24,000 watts	24,000 BTUs equivalent
Burners	2 H-shaped burners	2 independent burners
Special Feature	Compact & portable	Integrated hood, enhanced stability
Grease System	Rear Grease Management	Rear Grease Management
Ignition	Standard ignition	Push-and-turn Piezo
Weight	25.3 lbs	37.5 lbs
Material	Stainless steel faceplate	Stainless steel front with hood
Best For	Quick, simple, ultra-portable cooking	Better heat control, protection, and multi-use cooking
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review

Design

When placing both models side by side, the difference in presence is immediate.

The Blackstone 1666 is compact and lean. It has a simpler form that prioritizes portability. Its stainless steel front plate looks clean and modern, but overall, it feels like a lightweight travel companion — the kind of griddle you’d happily toss into the car for a last-minute trip.

The Blackstone 1813, however, feels noticeably sturdier. The integrated hood completely changes the way the griddle operates. It protects the cooking surface when not in use, and during cooking, it traps heat, reduces splatter, and speeds up certain recipes like burgers, melts, or steamed vegetables.

In terms of footprint, the 1813 is slightly larger and heavier, but the added hood makes it feel like a more complete cooking unit rather than just a flat griddle.

Ease of Use

Both are easy to operate, but they differ in convenience features.

Blackstone 1666

Using the 1666 feels very straightforward. It ignites quickly, heats fast, and cleans easily thanks to the rear grease management system. Because it’s lighter, moving it from table to table isn’t a problem. It’s ideal for times when you want zero complications — just heat, cook, and clean.

Blackstone 1813

The 1813 includes push-and-turn Piezo ignition, which gives a smoother and more reliable start. I also appreciated the non-slip feet, especially on outdoor metal or plastic tables.

Where it truly wins, though, is the hood. It allows better temperature control, reduces wind interference, and helps cook thicker foods more thoroughly. If I’m cooking anything that benefits from overhead heat — like melts, bacon, chicken, or even warming buns — the 1813 instantly feels more capable.

Performance & Cooking Behavior

Blackstone 1666 Performance

The 1666 offers pure, uninhibited griddle performance. The twin H-shaped burners deliver excellent heat distribution, and the surface reaches cooking temperature quickly. If I’m making smash burgers, steak strips, fried rice, or stir-fry, the 1666 performs beautifully.

Because it doesn’t have a hood, maintaining heat during windy outdoor conditions can be a little more challenging, but it’s nothing that affects simple meals or quick cooking.

Blackstone 1813 Performance

The 1813 matches the 1666 in heat output but feels noticeably more controlled. The hood makes a difference in heat retention and overall stability. When I cooked larger batches — such as 10 pancakes or a full breakfast spread — the 1813 kept the temperature more consistent.

The hood also helps with:

• faster cheese melting
• less heat loss in cold or windy weather
• steaming vegetables or buns
• keeping bacon from curling excessively

The 1813 essentially behaves like a compact outdoor workstation rather than just a flat griddle.

Versatility

Both models are extremely versatile, capable of making everything from breakfast foods to dinner meals. However, their strengths differ.

Blackstone 1666 Versatility

Ideal for:

• camping
• quick meals
• fast searing
• simple recipes
• light traveling

Its lack of a hood makes it best for open-surface cooking methods.

Blackstone 1813 Versatility

Ideal for:

• thicker meats
• melts
• heat-sensitive foods
• windy outdoor cooking
• recipes requiring overhead heat

The hood turns the 1813 into a semi-closed cooking system, giving it a wider range of recipe options.

Portability

The 1666 wins in portability without question. It’s lighter, slimmer, and easier to pack.

The 1813, while still portable, is heavier and bulkier due to the hood. However, for RV camping or tailgating where storage space isn’t tight, the added weight is a fair trade for the convenience the hood provides.

Blackstone 1666 TableTop Griddle

Pros:

• Lightweight and very portable
• Fast heat-up with strong burners
• Simple and easy to use
• Great for searing
• Affordable
• Even heat distribution

Cons:

• No hood
• Less protection for the cooking surface
• Heat can escape during windy conditions

Blackstone 1813 Tabletop Griddle

Pros:

• Integrated hood for better heat management
• More stable cooking performance
• Better suited for melts, steaming, and enclosed cooking
• Piezo ignition feels smoother
• Sturdier, more premium build
• Great for larger or more complex recipes

Cons:

• Heavier and less portable
• More expensive
• Slightly bulkier for travel

Conclusion: Which Model Should You Choose?

Both griddles deliver excellent cooking performance, but your choice depends on how you plan to use them.

Choose the Blackstone 1666 if you want:

• a lightweight, ultra-portable griddle
• the simplest setup
• great high-heat cooking for basic meals
• a budget-friendly option

Choose the Blackstone 1813 if you want:

• better temperature control
• a hood for versatility and heat retention
• improved ignition and stability
• a more complete cooking station for outdoor cooking

My Recommendation:
While both models perform well, the Blackstone 1813 offers more value overall thanks to the hood, smoother ignition, and sturdier build. It turns the 22-inch griddle into a more capable outdoor cooking station. But if portability and simplicity matter most, the 1666 remains an excellent choice.