Outdoor cooking has never been easier, and tabletop griddles have made breakfast, lunch, and dinner on-the-go a true delight. Recently, I had the chance to use two popular models from Blackstone — the 1813 and 1814 Griddles — and I want to share my hands-on experience. Both are portable, versatile, and perfect for everything from family breakfasts to tailgating parties, but there are notable differences that can affect your choice. Let’s dive into it.
Key Differences Between Blackstone 1813 vs 1814 Griddle
The main difference lies in size, cooking surface, and BTU output. The 1813 offers a larger cooking area with 361 square inches and a higher combined BTU, making it ideal for bigger groups. On the other hand, the 1814 is slightly smaller at 268 square inches but provides excellent portability and precise heat control suitable for small to medium families.
- Griddle on the Go: This griddle is compact and portable so you can take it to the beach, on a picnic, camping, to a...
- MAKE EVERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DELICIOUS with Black Stone griddle. Perfect for the backyard or the great outdoors, this...
Comparison Table: Blackstone 1813 vs 1814 Griddle
| Feature | Blackstone 1813 | Blackstone 1814 |
| Cooking Surface | 22” – 361 sq. in. | 17” – 268 sq. in. |
| BTU Output | 24,000 BTUs | 12,000 BTUs |
| Portability | Compact, portable | Lightweight, highly portable |
| Weight | 37.5 lbs | 35.2 lbs |
| Burners | 2 independently heated zones | H-style burner for even heat |
| Grease Management | Rear grease management | Integrated grease tray |
| Special Feature | Hood for protection | Compact countertop-friendly design |
| Ideal For | Large groups | Small to medium groups, family cooking |
| Ignition | Push-and-turn Piezo | Built-in igniter |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Hands-On Comparative Review
Design
The first thing I noticed is the build quality. Both griddles feature stainless steel fronts with powder-coated bodies, giving them a professional and durable look. The 1813 feels more substantial, partly because of its integrated hood, which protects the cooking surface when not in use. It gives off a more “serious backyard chef” vibe. The 1814, meanwhile, is slightly smaller and lighter, making it perfect for portability, even fitting neatly into my car trunk for tailgates and camping trips.
In terms of aesthetics, both models look sleek and modern. The 1813’s hood gives it a distinctive appearance and a sense of premium construction, whereas the 1814 keeps things simple but practical.
- Griddle on the Go: This griddle is compact and portable so you can take it to the beach, on a picnic, camping, to a...
Ease of Use
I found both models easy to set up. The 1813 has two independently heated burners, which allow me to cook different foods at varying temperatures simultaneously. It’s a lifesaver when preparing breakfast items on one side and burgers on the other. Starting the griddle is straightforward thanks to the push-and-turn Piezo ignition, which works every time.
The 1814, with its H-style burner, ensures even heat across the cooking surface. The built-in igniter works flawlessly and simplifies lighting, which is especially helpful when you’re cooking outdoors without hassle. Its compact design makes it ideal for on-the-go cooking.
- MAKE EVERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DELICIOUS with Black Stone griddle. Perfect for the backyard or the great outdoors, this...
Cooking Functions and Performance
Here’s where I really noticed the differences:
- Blackstone 1813: The larger surface and higher BTU output make it easy to cook for larger groups. I could cook up to 14 burgers at once or a mix of pancakes and bacon without worrying about uneven cooking. The rear grease management system efficiently collects drippings, keeping the surface clean.
- Blackstone 1814: Perfect for smaller meals, this griddle comfortably handles a family-sized breakfast – around 9 burgers, pancakes, or eggs at a time. The heat distribution is consistent, and I had no trouble cooking evenly thanks to the H-style burner. Cleanup was also effortless with the integrated grease tray.
Both griddles are versatile enough to handle bacon, pancakes, veggies, and burgers, but the 1813 edges out slightly for group cooking due to its larger surface and extra power.
- Griddle on the Go: This griddle is compact and portable so you can take it to the beach, on a picnic, camping, to a...
Portability
While both models are marketed as portable, the 1814 is easier to carry thanks to its slightly lighter weight and smaller dimensions. For casual camping trips or tailgating, I would take the 1814, but for backyard cooking with a bigger crowd, the 1813 is more convenient despite being a bit heavier.
Blackstone 1813 Original Griddle
- Griddle on the Go: This griddle is compact and portable so you can take it to the beach, on a picnic, camping, to a...
Pros:
- Larger 22” cooking surface
- Two independently heated burners for versatile cooking
- Higher BTU output for faster cooking
- Rear grease management system
- Protective hood for added durability
Cons:
- Slightly heavier (37.5 lbs)
- Less portable than smaller models
Blackstone 1814 Portable Griddle
- MAKE EVERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DELICIOUS with Black Stone griddle. Perfect for the backyard or the great outdoors, this...
Pros:
- Highly portable and lightweight
- Even heat distribution via H-style burner
- Integrated grease tray for hassle-free cleanup
- Perfect for family-sized meals
- Compact design fits small spaces
Cons::
- Smaller cooking surface (268 sq. in.)
- Lower BTU output may cook slower for larger groups
Conclusion and Recommendation:
After using both griddles extensively, here’s my takeaway:
If you cook for larger groups or want the flexibility of dual-zone cooking, the Blackstone 1813 is your best bet. It offers more power, a bigger cooking surface, and the convenience of a protective hood.
If portability and compact design matter most, especially for family-sized meals, tailgating, or camping trips, the Blackstone 1814 is perfect. Its efficient H-style burner and integrated grease tray make cooking and cleanup simple while still delivering great results.
Both griddles are excellent choices, but your decision should be based on how much cooking space and power you need versus how portable you want your griddle to be.
