Every outdoor cook has that one griddle they swear by. For me, it started with the Blackstone 2142, a small but mighty 17-inch griddle that could sear burgers and sizzle pancakes with equal confidence. Then, years later, I got my hands on its refined sibling — the Blackstone 1971, a newer model that looks nearly identical but performs with a little more finesse.
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking these two griddles are twins. They share the same size, same cooking surface area, and even the same BTU rating. But after cooking a few family breakfasts, camping meals, and late-night cheesesteak experiments on both, I can confidently say the differences, though subtle, do matter — especially if you’re deciding which one to buy today.
Key Difference at a Glance: Blackstone 1971 vs 2142 Griddle
While the Blackstone 2142 is the older 2019 model that set the foundation for compact griddle cooking, the Blackstone 1971 is essentially its upgraded successor — featuring small but meaningful design refinements. The 1971 has a slightly sleeker stainless steel front plate, a better rear grease management system, and improved build consistency. The 2142, while still an excellent performer, feels a bit more “barebones” in comparison.
- Griddle on the Go: Bring this Blackstone 17-inch tabletop griddle on your next camping, hunting, or tailgating adventure to make great meals on the go. This...
- Easy Portability: The lightweight, compact design of this 17” griddle makes it perfect for taking with you on your outdoor adventures. Enjoy quality,...
Quick Comparison Table: Blackstone 1971 vs 2142 Griddle
| Feature | Blackstone 1971 | Blackstone 2142 |
| Cooking Surface | 267 sq. in. | 267 sq. in. |
| Burner Power | 12,500 BTUs (H-style) | 12,500 BTUs (H-style) |
| Dimensions | 17.32″D x 21.71″W x 8.62″H | 17.32″D x 21.71″W x 8.62″H |
| Weight | 17.5 lbs | 17.5 lbs |
| Material | Stainless Steel Front + Powder-Coated Steel Body | Carbon Steel + Stainless Steel Front |
| Special Features | Rear Grease Management, Non-Slip Feet, Piezo Ignition | Rear Grease Management, Piezo Ignition |
| Model Year | 2024 | 2019 |
| Typical Use | Camping, Tailgating, Everyday Outdoor Cooking | Camping, Small Gatherings |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design & Build Quality
Let’s start with the look and feel. Both griddles share the same compact 17-inch frame, making them perfect for tossing in your car trunk or setting up on a picnic table.
The Blackstone 1971, however, feels a touch more refined. Its stainless steel front panel has a cleaner, more modern finish, and the powder-coated steel body resists scratches better than the 2142’s earlier carbon steel design. During my time using both, the 1971 just felt sturdier and a bit more resistant to wear after multiple camping trips.
Meanwhile, the 2142 carries that rugged, no-nonsense Blackstone DNA — simple, functional, and dependable. But when you set them side by side, it’s easy to see that the 1971 benefits from years of design tweaks.
- Griddle on the Go: Bring this Blackstone 17-inch tabletop griddle on your next camping, hunting, or tailgating adventure to make great meals on the go. This...
- Easy Portability: The lightweight, compact design of this 17” griddle makes it perfect for taking with you on your outdoor adventures. Enjoy quality,...
Ease of Use
Both models use push-and-turn Piezo ignition, which makes firing them up a breeze. The temperature control is smooth and predictable, letting you adjust from gentle heat for pancakes to roaring flames for searing steaks.
That said, I found the 1971 slightly more responsive when dialing in mid-range temperatures. Whether it’s due to updated burner calibration or better heat retention in the newer model, the difference was noticeable when I was cooking foods that need precise heat — like fish fillets or fried rice.
The 2142, on the other hand, sometimes took a little longer to even out the temperature across the surface, especially in windy outdoor conditions. It’s still solid, but the 1971 edges it out in smooth heat control.
- Griddle on the Go: Bring this Blackstone 17-inch tabletop griddle on your next camping, hunting, or tailgating adventure to make great meals on the go. This...
Cooking Performance
Here’s where things really get fun. Both the 1971 and 2142 share a 12,500 BTU H-style burner, which provides even heat distribution. Whether I was making bacon, sautéing veggies, or flipping smash burgers, both delivered consistent results.
However, the 1971’s surface coating and slightly improved heat consistency made my cooks just a bit more predictable. I didn’t have to shift food around as often to chase hot spots, and the griddle recovered temperature faster after adding cold ingredients.
The 2142 still performs admirably, but it’s like using a reliable first-generation product — great for what it does, but not as fine-tuned as its updated version.
- Easy Portability: The lightweight, compact design of this 17” griddle makes it perfect for taking with you on your outdoor adventures. Enjoy quality,...
Portability
No major differences here — both models are extremely portable. Each weighs around 17.5 pounds and has a compact footprint that easily fits in your car or RV storage compartment.
The non-slip feet on the 1971 add a small but meaningful upgrade — it sits more securely on picnic tables or uneven camping surfaces. I found this reassuring when cooking heavier meals outdoors, especially when flipping steaks or stirring large portions of stir-fry.
So while portability is identical on paper, stability is slightly better on the 1971.
- Griddle on the Go: Bring this Blackstone 17-inch tabletop griddle on your next camping, hunting, or tailgating adventure to make great meals on the go. This...
Grease Management & Cleanup
If you’ve ever cooked bacon on a griddle, you know how quickly grease can turn cleanup into a nightmare. Thankfully, both griddles come with Blackstone’s patented rear grease management system, which channels excess grease into a small cup at the back.
In my experience, the 1971’s updated rear channel design does a better job at directing grease efficiently. On the 2142, you occasionally need to tilt the griddle slightly to help grease flow back — not a dealbreaker, but noticeable during long cooks.
Cleanup after cooking is otherwise effortless for both models: a quick scrape with a spatula, a paper towel wipe, and you’re ready to pack up.
- Easy Portability: The lightweight, compact design of this 17” griddle makes it perfect for taking with you on your outdoor adventures. Enjoy quality,...
Price & Value
At the time of writing, the Blackstone 1971 generally costs a little more than the 2142 — usually by $20–$40, depending on where you buy.
If you’re the type who values the latest model with incremental improvements, the 1971 is worth the extra bucks. Its refined stainless-steel finish, upgraded grease flow, and sturdier feel make it a better long-term investment.
However, if you stumble upon the 2142 at a discount, it still delivers 95% of the same performance. For campers or casual outdoor cooks, it’s a perfectly capable choice that saves you some money.
Blackstone 1971 Tabletop Griddle
- Griddle on the Go: Bring this Blackstone 17-inch tabletop griddle on your next camping, hunting, or tailgating adventure to make great meals on the go. This...
Pros:
- Improved stainless steel front plate and modern design
- Consistent heating with even distribution
- Non-slip feet add stability on uneven surfaces
- Upgraded grease channel design
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
Cons:
- Slightly higher price
- No hood included (optional accessory)
Blackstone 2142 Tabletop Griddle
- Easy Portability: The lightweight, compact design of this 17” griddle makes it perfect for taking with you on your outdoor adventures. Enjoy quality,...
Pros:
- Same powerful 12,500 BTU burner
- Excellent portability
- Solid build quality for the price
- Simple and reliable ignition system
- Often available at a lower cost
Cons:
- Slightly older design and finish
- Grease channel less efficient
- Lacks non-slip foot design
Final Verdict: Which Blackstone Should You Choose?
After cooking with both, my honest take is this:
If you want the most polished, efficient version of Blackstone’s compact griddle, go with the Blackstone 1971. It’s the refined successor to the 2142, and the small updates make a real difference in usability and longevity.
But if you’re budget-conscious or just want a reliable, simple flat-top for weekend trips, the Blackstone 2142 still stands tall. It’s a great example of how a well-designed griddle can stay relevant years after release.
My recommendation:
✅ Go for the Blackstone 1971 if you cook outdoors regularly, value durability, and want a slightly smoother experience.
✅ Pick the Blackstone 2142 if you’re looking for a bargain griddle that performs beautifully for casual use.
Either way, both models prove why Blackstone continues to dominate the portable griddle game — they make outdoor cooking as easy and satisfying as cooking at home.
