For the full breakdown, see our best 17 Inch Tabletop Griddle guide.
A 17-inch tabletop griddle is a small propane griddle you set on a picnic table, tailgate, or balcony — no cart, no assembly marathon. Blackstone and Weber both sit at the center of that category, and the spec sheets land uncomfortably close. The decision comes down to materials, grease management, and included accessories. Every figure below comes from each manufacturer’s current product page.
Blackstone 17 vs Weber Slate 17: Where Specs Diverge
Both run a single burner at 12,500 BTU, so heat output is a tie on paper.
Blackstone’s 17-inch tabletop griddle ships with a single stainless-steel H burner, piezo ignition, a patented rear grease management system, and a one-pound regulator. No adapter hose is included, so the standard setup runs on a 1-pound disposable propane cylinder unless you buy a separate hose for a larger tank.
One Blackstone wrinkle: the company sells multiple 17-inch variants, including a hooded model and bundle listings, with different prices and accessories. Confirm the exact model before comparing spec sheets.
| Spec | Blackstone 17″ | Weber Slate 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking area | 267 sq in | 272 sq in |
| Burner output | 12,500 BTU, single stainless-steel H burner | 12,500 BTU per hour |
| Cooktop material | Stainless steel griddle top | Rust-resistant carbon steel |
| Ignition | Piezo ignition | Not detailed on Weber’s page |
| Grease handling | Patented rear grease management system | Not detailed on Weber’s page |
| Fuel setup | 1-lb regulator; no adapter hose included | Liquid propane tabletop setup |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | Check Weber’s current terms |
For the full field of tested options side by side, our roundup of the best 17 inch tabletop griddles breaks down grease systems, cooktop materials, and real-world surface area across every major model.
Which Griddle Should You Buy?
Buy the Blackstone if grease cleanup and price matter most; buy the Weber Slate 17 if you plan to leave the griddle outside between cooks. BTU output and cooking area are close enough to ignore.
Blackstone’s rear grease management system routes drippings to a rear cup instead of a front channel, keeping your hands away from hot oil during a bacon cook. Piezo ignition means no lighter, and the one-pound regulator works out of the box with a disposable cylinder. The trade-off: no adapter hose, so a 20-pound tank needs a separate hose, and the 1-year limited warranty is shorter than some buyers expect.
Weber’s case rests on its carbon-steel surface and rust-resistance claim. Carbon steel seasons like cast iron and develops a slick patina, and Weber explicitly frames the cooktop as rust-resistant — a real advantage for garage, covered-patio, or damp-climate storage.
On propane: Blackstone lists the hooded 17-inch model as liquid propane only, and the non-hooded version ships without an adapter hose. Confirm your fuel setup before checkout on either brand.
Finding Your Blackstone Model Number
The model number is printed on the silver origin label sticker on the underside of the griddle main body (the burn box). Marketing names and model numbers differ, so skip the sticker and you risk downloading the wrong manual. Search the number on Blackstone’s manuals index and use Ctrl+F to jump straight to it — about thirty seconds.
FAQs
Does the Weber Slate 17 really resist rust?
Weber markets the cooktop as rust-resistant carbon steel, described as “ready, not rusty.” Carbon steel still benefits from a light oil coat after cleaning, especially in humid climates. Rust resistance reduces maintenance; it doesn’t eliminate it.
Can I use a 20-pound propane tank with either griddle?
Blackstone’s 17-inch ships with a one-pound regulator and no adapter hose, so a 20-pound tank requires a separate hose. Check Weber’s current accessory list for the Slate 17 before assuming your tank connects directly.
Is the five-square-inch difference worth paying for?
Only if you regularly cook for three or four people. At 267 versus 272 square inches, both fit roughly four burgers or breakfast for two. Pick on materials, grease handling, and warranty instead.
Which one is easier to clean?
Blackstone’s rear grease management routes drippings to a rear cup, simpler on greasy cooks. Weber’s carbon-steel top benefits from scraping and a thin oil layer rather than soap and water scouring. Both clean fast once you build the habit.
References & Sources
- Blackstone. “17” Original Tabletop Griddle.” Source for 267 sq in cooking area, 12,500 BTU, stainless-steel H burner, piezo ignition, rear grease management, one-pound regulator, no adapter hose, and 1-year warranty.
- Weber. “Weber Slate 17″ Rust-Resistant Tabletop Griddle.” Source for 272 sq in cooking area, 12,500 BTU-per-hour input, 42.68 lb weight, cookbox and lid dimensions, and rust-resistant carbon-steel cooktop.
- Blackstone. “Manuals.” Source for locating the model number on the silver origin label sticker under the burn box and searching manuals by model number.
