There is a specific kind of magic in a sunrise at a trailhead, especially when the air is thick with the scent of crisping bacon and buttery hash browns. For years, Blackstone has been the undisputed heavyweight of the griddle world, but they’ve recently split the “portable” category into two distinct paths. I’ve spent the last several weeks hauling the Blackstone 22” Tabletop Griddle and the Blackstone 17” On The Go Station through various campsites and tailgate lots to see which one actually earns its spot in the trunk.
Choosing between these two isn’t as simple as picking a size. It’s a choice between a raw, powerful cooking surface and a fully integrated mobile kitchen. While the Tabletop model feels like a professional piece of equipment stripped down to its essentials, the On The Go series is clearly designed for the solo traveler who wants a “home base” wherever they park. After flipping hundreds of burgers and scraping down a fair share of carbon steel, I’ve found that while they both carry the Blackstone badge, they offer very different definitions of “convenience.”
The Key Difference: Blackstone Tabletop vs. On The Go Griddle
The fundamental divide between these two models comes down to chassis design and heat distribution technology.
- The Blackstone 22” Tabletop (The Powerhouse): This model is built around the Omnivore Griddle Plate. It is a wider, dual-burner system designed to sit on an existing surface (like a picnic table or a tailgate). It prioritizes cooking real estate and thermal efficiency, offering a massive 361 square inches of space.
- The Blackstone 17” On The Go (The Self-Sustaining Station): This is a 17-inch single-burner unit that comes with its own telescoping leg stand, side shelf, and integrated hood. It’s designed to be a standalone unit that doesn’t require a table, making it the more “complete” mobile solution, albeit with a smaller cooking surface.
In short: The Tabletop 22” is for those who want the most cooking space and fastest recovery times, while the On The Go 17” is for the griller who needs total independence from campsite furniture.
Comparison Table: Blackstone Tabletop vs. On The Go Griddle
| Feature | Blackstone 22” Tabletop (Omnivore) | Blackstone 17” On The Go |
| Cooking Area | 361 Sq. Inches | 267 Sq. Inches |
| Burner Style | Two Independent “H” Burners | Single “H” Style Burner |
| Heat Output | Dual Control (High BTU Recovery) | 12,500 BTUs |
| Surface Material | Omnivore Patented Carbon Steel | Heavy Duty Carbon Steel |
| Stand/Legs | Non-slip Feet (Requires Table) | Integrated Fold-and-Go Legs |
| Hood/Cover | Sold Separately | Included Integrated Hood |
| Prep Space | None | Included Side Shelf |
| Weight | ~25.3 lbs (Plate + Base) | ~35-40 lbs (Full Station) |
| Ignition | Push-and-turn Piezo | Piezo Ignition |
| View Current Price On Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience in the Field
-
Design: The “Tabletop” Minimalist vs. The “On The Go” Transformer
When I first unboxed the 22” Tabletop, I was struck by how much it felt like a scaled-down version of their 36-inch backyard beast. It’s a low-profile machine. The design is intentional: it’s meant to be tucked into a storage bay or a trunk and brought out only when you have a flat surface to work on. The new Omnivore plate design has built-in wind guards, which I found to be a massive upgrade over older portable Blackstones. It feels like a piece of high-end kitchen gear that just happens to be outside.
The On The Go 17”, however, feels like a transformer. It is taller and more substantial because of the integrated hood and the leg system. The legs fold up underneath the body, but because of the side shelf and the hood, it has a bulkier footprint than the 22-inch tabletop. That said, having the hood is a game-changer. I used it to steam broccoli and melt cheese on steaks in a way that just isn’t possible on the open-top 22-incher without buying a separate basting dome.
- Portable Design: This griddle was built for portability so you can bring it along on all of your outdoor adventures....
- 1. COOK YOUR FAVORITE MEALS IN WOODS OR THE ON PATIO with Blackstone On the Go 17 Inch Portable Griddle. It is the...
-
Ease of Use: Setup and Stability
If you’ve ever tried to level a griddle on a gravel parking lot, you’ll appreciate the difference here.
- The Tabletop Experience: Setting up the 22-inch model took me about 30 seconds. You set it down, connect the propane, and you’re cooking. However, I was entirely dependent on the height of the picnic table I was using. At one site, the table was too low, and my back was screaming after flipping 10 pancakes. The non-slip feet are great, but the unit is only as stable as what you put it on.
- The On The Go Experience: The leg system on this model is brilliant. It uses a “scissor” style folding mechanism that allows you to set it up anywhere – dirt, grass, or asphalt. I could adjust the height slightly to make sure my grease was draining toward the rear trap. The addition of the side shelf was a luxury I didn’t know I needed until I had a place to put my seasoning shakers and beer while the bacon was sizzling.
-
Functions: The Omnivore Plate vs. The Classic “H” Burner
This is where the actual “cooking” experience diverges significantly.
The 22” Tabletop with the Omnivore plate is, frankly, a superior heating machine. Blackstone’s Omnivore tech is designed to prevent the warping that sometimes plagues smaller, thin-gauge steel plates. I noticed that the 22-inch model recovered heat almost instantly after I dumped a pile of cold, pre-pattied burgers onto it. Because it has two independent burners, I could keep one side on “Low” for toasted buns and the other on “Screaming Hot” for a hard sear.
The On The Go 17” uses a single “H” style burner. While it spreads heat evenly across the 17-inch surface, you lose that “dual-zone” capability. I found myself having to time my items more carefully because I didn’t have a “cool zone” to move things to. However, the 12,500 BTUs is plenty of power for a surface this size. It gets hot – fast. If you’re cooking for one or two people, the 17-inch space is more than enough, but if you’re trying to do a full “lumberjack breakfast” for four, you’ll miss the extra width of the 22-inch model.
-
Maintenance: The Grease Trap Battle
Blackstone has finally mastered the rear grease management system, and both of these units utilize it. The hole is at the back-center, and both have a small catch cup that slides in easily.
I found the 22” Tabletop slightly easier to scrape down because the plate is a bit more open. Without a hood in the way, I had full range of motion with my scraper. The Omnivore plate also seemed to “take” the seasoning a bit more evenly than the standard steel on the 17-inch model.
The On The Go 17” requires a bit more care because of the hood hinges. Grease can occasionally splatter onto the underside of the hood, which means you have one more surface to wipe down at the end of the night. However, the hood protects the cooking surface from rain and dust when you aren’t using it, which means I spent less time “re-seasoning” the 17-inch model after it sat out overnight.
Blackstone 22” Tabletop (Omnivore) Griddle
- Portable Design: This griddle was built for portability so you can bring it along on all of your outdoor adventures....
Pros:
- Massive Surface: 361 sq. in. handles a family of four with ease.
- Dual-Zone Heat: Two burners allow for complex multi-tasking.
- Omnivore Tech: Faster heat recovery and better fuel efficiency.
- Lightweight: Surprisingly easy to move since it’s just the base and the plate.
Cons:
- Table-Dependent: You must have a sturdy surface to cook on.
- No Hood: Unless you buy it separately, your food is exposed to the wind.
Blackstone 17” On The Go Griddle
- 1. COOK YOUR FAVORITE MEALS IN WOODS OR THE ON PATIO with Blackstone On the Go 17 Inch Portable Griddle. It is the...
Pros:
- All-In-One: No table required; it is its own kitchen station.
- Built-in Hood: Keeps the heat in and the dirt out.
- Prep Space: The side shelf is a vital addition for outdoor cooking.
- Adjustable Legs: Stable on uneven terrain like grass or sand.
Cons:
- Single Zone: No way to have a “hot side” and a “cool side.”
- Smaller Area: Can only handle about 12 burgers compared to 14+ on the 22″.
The Verdict: Which Mobile King Wins?
The choice here comes down to your “Camping Style.”
I recommend the Blackstone 22” Tabletop if: You are a “Tailgate King” or an RV traveler. If you already have a folding table or a tailgate to cook on, the 22-inch model gives you significantly more power and flexibility. The Omnivore plate is a legitimate technological leap forward, making it the best choice for those who take their griddling results seriously and need to feed a crowd.
I recommend the Blackstone 17” On The Go if: You are a solo adventurer, a “van-lifer,” or someone who camps at undeveloped sites. The ability to set up a stable cooking station in the middle of a field without needing a table is priceless. The integrated hood and side shelf make it a much more “complete” experience for someone who wants to park, cook, and eat without a complicated setup.
My Personal Choice: I’m sticking with the Blackstone 22” Tabletop. The dual-burner setup and the extra space are worth the trade-off of having to bring my own folding table. Being able to cook my eggs and my bacon at two different temperatures is a luxury I’m not willing to give up.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a 20lb propane tank with these?
Both units are designed to use the small 1lb green propane canisters for maximum portability. However, you can easily buy a Blackstone adapter hose to connect them to a standard 20lb tank, which I highly recommend if you’re cooking for more than a weekend.
-
Is the Omnivore plate actually different?
Yes. The Omnivore plate has a specific underside design that brings the burners closer to the steel while acting as a wind block. It uses about 20% less fuel to reach the same temperatures as the older 22-inch plates.
-
Does the On The Go leg system wobble?
Actually, no. I was skeptical of the folding legs, but they lock into place quite firmly. As long as you aren’t trying to do heavy-duty meat tenderizing on the side shelf, it feels very stable.
-
How do I prevent the carbon steel from rusting?
The secret is “Thin and Hot.” After every cook, scrape the surface clean, and while it’s still warm, apply a very thin layer of cooking oil. Wipe it down with a paper towel until it barely looks shiny. This creates a moisture barrier.
-
Can I fit the 22” model into a standard car trunk?
Absolutely. It’s about 23 inches wide, which fits easily into the trunk of even a compact sedan. Just be mindful of the weight; at 25 pounds, it’s manageable, but the plate itself is heavy and can be slippery if it’s greasy.
