Some weekends, I like to keep things simple—pack up a few ingredients, grab my portable griddle, and head to the lake or mountains. Over the years, two models have really stood out for portable cooking: the Blackstone 22″ Tabletop Griddle and the Blackstone On The Go 17″ Griddle with Hood. Both promise that signature Blackstone performance, but they serve slightly different kinds of cooks.
After spending some time using both, here’s my take on which one might be the better fit for you.
Key Difference Between Blackstone Tabletop vs On The Go portable Griddle
The main difference lies in size and versatility.
- The Blackstone Tabletop (22″) offers two burners and 361 sq. in. of cooking space, making it perfect for cooking multiple dishes at once for families or groups.
- The Blackstone On The Go (17″) is smaller with a single burner and 267 sq. in. of space, but its compact design and built-in hood make it more convenient for camping, solo trips, or tailgates.
- 24,000 BTUs of heat from two H-style burners
- 361 sq. inch heavy-duty cooking surface
- Portable griddle perfect for camping, tailgating or hunting
- Cooking Space: 17" (267 Sq. Inch)
Comparison Table: Blackstone Tabletop vs On The Go portable Griddle
| Feature | Blackstone Tabletop (22″) | Blackstone On The Go (17″) |
| Cooking Surface | 361 sq. in. | 267 sq. in. |
| Burners | 2 H-style burners | 1 H-style burner |
| Heat Output | 24,000 BTUs | 12,500 BTUs |
| Weight | 20 lbs | 34.4 lbs |
| Portability | Lightweight, compact | Hooded design, slightly heavier |
| Grease Management | Rear grease trap | Rear grease management system |
| Fuel | 1 lb propane tank (or 20 lb with adapter) | 1 lb propane tank |
| Best For | Families, groups, variety cooking | Solo travelers, small families, tailgating |
| Check Latest Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
My Hands-On Experience
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Design & Build Quality
The 22″ Tabletop Griddle feels very minimalistic—flat, sturdy, and no-frills. It’s super lightweight at 20 lbs, so I could literally carry it in one hand. Its flat griddle top gives plenty of room for burgers, pancakes, and fajitas.
The On The Go 17″ model, on the other hand, immediately feels more premium thanks to its stainless-steel hood. That hood isn’t just for looks—it traps heat beautifully and protects food from wind while cooking outdoors. The only trade-off is weight; at 34+ lbs, it’s noticeably heavier to move around.
- 24,000 BTUs of heat from two H-style burners
- 361 sq. inch heavy-duty cooking surface
- Portable griddle perfect for camping, tailgating or hunting
- Cooking Space: 17" (267 Sq. Inch)
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Ease of Use
Lighting both grills is a breeze. The Tabletop has built-in igniters on each burner, so I could fire up one or both depending on what I was cooking. It gave me a lot of flexibility with different heat zones.
The On The Go has a Piezo ignition that’s reliable, but since it’s just one burner, I had to adjust my cooking strategy a bit—shuffling items around the griddle instead of setting separate zones.
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Cooking Performance
For bigger meals, the 22″ Tabletop wins hands down. Those two burners pump out 24,000 BTUs, which is a lot of power for a portable griddle. I could fry bacon on one side while cooking pancakes on the other, and both came out perfectly.
The On The Go 17″ surprised me, though. Even with just one 12,500 BTU burner, it heated the smaller surface evenly. When I made smash burgers with the hood down, I actually preferred the way it trapped heat compared to the open Tabletop model.
- 24,000 BTUs of heat from two H-style burners
- 361 sq. inch heavy-duty cooking surface
- Portable griddle perfect for camping, tailgating or hunting
- Cooking Space: 17" (267 Sq. Inch)
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Cleanup
Both griddles use Blackstone’s rear grease management system, which is one of the reasons I stick with Blackstone in the first place. On the Tabletop, grease slid easily into the trap, though I had to make sure it was on a level surface.
The On The Go was similar, but cleanup felt even quicker because the hood helped keep splatters under control.
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Portability
Here’s where they really differ:
- The Tabletop is feather-light and easy to toss in the trunk. Great for quick outings.
- The On The Go feels more like a dedicated travel unit—compact but a bit bulkier because of the hood. It’s better suited for someone who doesn’t mind the extra weight for the added convenience.
Blackstone Tabletop (22″) Portable Griddle
- 24,000 BTUs of heat from two H-style burners
- 361 sq. inch heavy-duty cooking surface
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Two burners with independent heat zones
- Large 361 sq. in. cooking space
- Affordable price point
- Works with both small and large propane tanks
Cons:
- No hood (can be tough in windy conditions)
- More open design means splatter cleanup around the griddle
Blackstone On The Go (17″) Portable Griddle
- Portable griddle perfect for camping, tailgating or hunting
- Cooking Space: 17" (267 Sq. Inch)
Pros:
- Hood for better heat retention and wind protection
- Compact and sleek design
- Even heat distribution across the smaller surface
- Rear grease system keeps things tidy
Cons:
- Smaller cooking area (267 sq. in.)
- Heavier at 34 lbs
- Single burner limits cooking versatility
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re cooking for families, groups, or just want more flexibility, the Blackstone 22″ Tabletop is the clear winner. It’s lightweight, powerful, and gives you two burners to play with—perfect for weekend camping or tailgate parties with friends.
But if you’re someone who values heat control, compact cooking, and the protection of a hood, the Blackstone On The Go 17″ is the smarter pick. It’s especially handy if you’re often in windy conditions or prefer the convenience of covered cooking.
My Recommendation:
- Go with the 22″ Tabletop if you want maximum space and versatility.
- Pick the On The Go 17″ if portability with a hood matters more than cooking for a crowd.
Either way, both deliver that unmistakable Blackstone griddle experience, just tailored to different lifestyles.
