Our Top Blackstone Picks for RVers
Three configurations to match your rig size, group size, and storage space — from a compact 267 sq in solo cooker to a full-featured 339 sq in family griddle with lid.
Why RVers Love the Blackstone Flat-Top
Camp cooking used to mean small pots on a two-burner propane stove. Blackstone changed that. The flat-top griddle gives you an actual cooking surface — the same style restaurants use — right at your campsite. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, smash burgers, stir fry, fajitas: all of it cooks better on a flat-top than on a grate, and cleanup is significantly easier too.
Here's why Blackstone has exploded in the RV community specifically:
- Versatility: One surface handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner — replacing multiple pots, pans, and cooking gadgets you'd otherwise need to pack.
- Speed: Two burners on the 22" let you cook hot dogs on one side while pancakes cook on the other. Serve 4 people in under 15 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: Scrape, wipe, and season — no scrubbing grates or dealing with charred food stuck to a propane burner ring.
- Compact footprint: The 17" fits on a standard picnic table and stores in most RV exterior compartments. The 22" is only 5 lbs heavier.
- Works anywhere: Any standard 1 lb propane bottle or 20 lb tank with adapter. No special fuel, no setup beyond turning a knob.
Once you cook a campsite breakfast on a Blackstone, you won't go back to the camp stove.
🔥 First Cook: Setting Up Your Blackstone at the Campsite
New Blackstone owners are always surprised how fast setup is. Here's the full campsite routine:
17" vs 22" — Head-to-Head Specs
The size decision comes down to how many people you're cooking for and how much storage space you have. Here's the key comparison:
Spec Comparison
17" VS 22"Full Feature Comparison — All 3 Models
| Feature | 17" Original | 22" No Hood | 22" with Hood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $178.99 | $219.99 |
| Cooking surface | 267 sq in | 339 sq in | 339 sq in |
| Burners | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| BTU output | 12,000 | 24,000 | 24,000 |
| Hood / lid included | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Heat zones | 1 zone | 2 zones | 2 zones |
| Weight | ~20 lbs | ~28 lbs | ~30 lbs |
| Grease management | ✓ rear trap | ✓ rear trap | ✓ rear trap |
| Foldable legs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Propane hose adapter included | ✗ (sold separately) | ✗ (sold separately) | ✗ (sold separately) |
| Best for | Solo / couples | 2–4 people | Families / wind |
In-Depth Model Reviews
Blackstone 17" — The Compact RV Workhorse
Best Value · Most Portable · 4.7★ (3,589 reviews)
The Blackstone 17" is the most popular RV griddle for good reason: it fits in almost every RV exterior compartment, weighs just 20 lbs, and delivers a genuine flat-top cooking experience at the lowest price in the lineup. Solo travelers and couples consistently rate this as the perfect size — enough surface for a full breakfast spread or 4 burgers at once, without taking up your entire picnic table.
With a single 12,000 BTU burner, it heats up in about 3 minutes and maintains steady heat across the 267 sq in cooking surface. The one limitation is that you can't run two independent heat zones — everything cooks at the same temperature. For couples, that's rarely an issue. For families wanting eggs on one side and bacon on the other simultaneously, step up to the 22".
The 17" stores easily in a large duffel bag, a storage bin, or standing upright in a pass-through compartment. If you're tight on space or traveling solo, this is the clear pick.
✓ Strengths
- Lowest price ($129.99)
- Lightest weight (~20 lbs)
- Fits in most RV compartments
- Fastest heat-up time
- 4.7★ — highest rated in the lineup
- Perfect for 1–2 people
✗ Weaknesses
- 1 burner — no dual heat zones
- 267 sq in gets crowded for 4+ people
- No hood option at this size
- 1 lb propane bottles burn through faster
| Model | Surface | BTU | Price | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17" Original (1971) | 267 sq in | 12,000 | $129.99 | View → |
Blackstone 22" — More Surface, More Control
Best Overall · 2-Burner · 4.5★ (6,777 reviews)
The 22" is the sweet spot for RV families and couples who cook ambitious campsite meals. Two independent 12,000 BTU burners let you run different temperatures simultaneously — sear burgers on high while keeping eggs warm on low, or cook pancakes on one zone while scrambling eggs on the other. With 339 sq in of cooking surface, you can realistically feed 4–6 people in a single cook.
The 22" without a hood ($178.99, model 1666) is the most popular choice — it weighs about 28 lbs and is still very manageable. The only downside is wind exposure, which can affect cooking times at breezy campsites. If you frequently camp in open areas, the 22" with Hood ($219.99, model 1813) is worth the extra $41. The hood traps heat for faster, more even cooking, shields from wind, and lets you briefly cover food to melt cheese or steam vegetables without extra equipment.
Both 22" models store well in RV bays and under beds — the extra 5" width over the 17" is almost never a storage dealbreaker.
✓ Strengths
- 2 independent heat zones
- 339 sq in — feeds 4–6 easily
- 24,000 BTU total output
- Hood available (+$41) for wind protection
- Most reviewed Blackstone on Amazon (6,777)
- Only 10 lbs heavier than the 17"
✗ Weaknesses
- $49–$90 more than the 17"
- Slightly wider (may not fit tight storage spots)
- Hood not included on base 22" model
- Propane hose adapter sold separately
| Model | Surface | Hood | Price | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22" No Hood (1666) | 339 sq in | No | $178.99 | View → |
| 22" with Hood (1813) | 339 sq in | Yes | $219.99 | View → |
Our Verdict — Which Size Should You Buy?
Both sizes are excellent — the right pick comes down to how many people you cook for and how much compartment space you have. Here's the shortcut:
🟢 Get the 17" If…
You're a solo traveler or couple, you're tight on storage space, you want the lightest possible option, or you're on a budget. The 17" handles everything a 1–2 person crew needs — breakfast, burgers, stir fry — and it's the highest-rated model in the lineup.
Shop Blackstone 17" →🔵 Get the 22" If…
You cook for 3+ people regularly, you want two heat zones, or you frequently camp in windy spots (get the hood version). The extra $49–$90 buys you meaningfully more cooking flexibility, and both 22" models still fit easily in most RV storage.
Shop Blackstone 22" →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to season a new Blackstone before the first cook?
Yes — seasoning is a one-time setup step that takes about 20 minutes and is critical for a non-stick surface and rust prevention. Heat the griddle to high, apply a thin coat of high smoke-point oil (flaxseed, avocado, or Blackstone's own seasoning conditioner), let it smoke off completely, and repeat 3–4 times. After that, the ongoing maintenance is simple: wipe clean after every cook and apply a thin oil layer before storing.
Can I connect a Blackstone to my RV's 20 lb propane tank instead of small bottles?
Yes, and we recommend it. Using 1 lb propane bottles is convenient but expensive over time. A simple low-pressure propane hose with regulator (around $15–$20 on Amazon) connects your Blackstone to a standard 20 lb tank — the same one that feeds your RV's appliances. This is by far the most cost-effective way to run a Blackstone at a campsite with hookups or when your tank is nearby.
Will wind affect cooking on a Blackstone at the campsite?
Wind is the #1 complaint among Blackstone campers. If you're in an open campsite or coastal area, wind can drop your cooking temperature noticeably and extend cook times. Solutions: position the griddle so wind hits the side rather than the front burners, use a windscreen (Blackstone makes folding side panels), or choose the 22" with Hood model — the hood significantly reduces wind impact on cooking performance.
How do I store a Blackstone in my RV between trips?
After a thorough cleaning and oiling, most RVers store their Blackstone in a padded carry bag (Blackstone makes size-specific bags) or a large storage bin. The 17" stands upright in most pass-through compartments and slides easily under dinette seating. The 22" fits in larger bays. Always store with a cover or in a bag — the seasoned cooking surface needs protection from moisture, which will cause rust if left exposed.
What's the best oil to use for cooking and seasoning on a Blackstone?
For seasoning (initial setup): flaxseed oil or Blackstone's seasoning conditioner are top picks — both have high smoke points and bond well to the steel surface. For everyday cooking: avocado oil or refined coconut oil work great because of their high smoke points. Avoid olive oil for high-heat cooking — its lower smoke point causes bitter smoke and can strip your seasoning over time. Butter is fine for finishing and flavor but should be added after the food is mostly cooked.