The 17-inch Blackstone tabletop griddles have always been my go-to option for quick trips—whether I’m heading out for a weekend at the lake or setting up a small cooking station on my patio. Over time, I’ve ended up using both the Blackstone 1971 and the Blackstone 2142, sometimes even on the same day when cooking for a bigger group.
At first glance, these two models look almost identical. Same size, same overall layout, same 12,500 BTU burner, and the same Blackstone rear grease management system. But after using both repeatedly, I’ve noticed a few differences that actually matter when you’re cooking outdoors on a small griddle.
If you’re trying to decide between the two, here’s everything based on my actual hands-on experience—what works, what doesn’t, and which one I’d personally choose.
Main Difference Between Blackstone 1971 vs 2142 Griddle
The Blackstone 1971 is the newer model with updated construction and slightly more refined handling, while the Blackstone 2142 is the older (2019) version that performs very similarly but lacks the subtle improvements Blackstone added later. Both cook the same, but the 1971 feels a bit more polished.
- Griddle on the Go: Bring this Blackstone 17-inch tabletop griddle on your next camping, hunting, or tailgating...
- Surprisingly Spacious Cooking Surface: Cook a wide variety of foods for every meal on this versatile griddle...
- Easy Portability: The lightweight, compact design of this 17” griddle makes it perfect for taking with you...
- Cook for a Group: 267 square inches of cooking space provides enough room for you to cook for up to 2-4 people...
Comparison Table: Blackstone 1971 vs 2142 Griddle
| Feature | Blackstone 1971 | Blackstone 2142 |
| Size | 17.32″ × 21.71″ × 8.62″ | 17.32″ × 21.71″ × 8.62″ |
| Weight | 17.5 lbs | 17.5 lbs |
| Cooking Area | 267 sq. in | 267 sq. in |
| Burner | 12,500 BTU H-style | 12,500 BTU H-style |
| Grease Management | Rear grease system | Rear grease system |
| Build Material | Stainless front + powder-coated body | Stainless front + powder-coated body |
| Ignition | Push-and-turn Piezo | Push-and-turn Piezo |
| Model Year | 2024 | 2019 |
| Special Additions | Updated stability & newer design touches | Original first-generation 17” design |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
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Design & Build Quality
The first time I set both griddles on a table, the resemblance was almost comedic—they look like twins. But the more I used them, the more I noticed small differences that aren’t obvious at first glance.
The Blackstone 1971 feels slightly more modern. The stainless steel front plate is easier to keep looking clean, and the updated frame feels sturdier when I press down with a spatula or scrape toward the back. It’s subtle, but noticeable when you cook often.
The 2142, being a 2019 model, still feels sturdy, but the construction has that older-generation Blackstone vibe—functional, but without the refined touches the newer line has. After years of use, it still holds up well, but the 1971 just feels a bit more premium.
In short: both are solid, but the 1971 wins for its updated and slightly more durable build.
- Griddle on the Go: Bring this Blackstone 17-inch tabletop griddle on your next camping, hunting, or tailgating...
- Surprisingly Spacious Cooking Surface: Cook a wide variety of foods for every meal on this versatile griddle...
- Easy Portability: The lightweight, compact design of this 17” griddle makes it perfect for taking with you...
- Cook for a Group: 267 square inches of cooking space provides enough room for you to cook for up to 2-4 people...
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Portability
Both griddles weigh 17.5 pounds, and I’ve carried them with one hand plenty of times. They fit easily:
- in a car trunk
- in an RV compartment
- under a picnic table
- on top of an outdoor storage shelf
On camping trips, the 1971 feels a bit more stable because its non-slip feet grip surfaces better. When you’re cooking on a wobbly campsite table, that small difference actually matters. The 2142 is portable too, but its feet don’t grip quite as well, especially on plastic tables.
For portability, they’re both great, but the 1971 is slightly more secure and steady.
- Griddle on the Go: Bring this Blackstone 17-inch tabletop griddle on your next camping, hunting, or tailgating...
- Surprisingly Spacious Cooking Surface: Cook a wide variety of foods for every meal on this versatile griddle...
-
Cooking Performance
Here’s where things get interesting. On paper, both griddles have:
- identical burner strength (12,500 BTU)
- the same 267-square-inch cooktop
- the same general burner placement
- the same preheat range
But when actually cooking on them side by side, I noticed the 1971 heats up a little more evenly near the edges. The 2142’s heat distribution is still good, but the sweet spot is more central. On the 1971, the heat spreads a bit wider, so I can use more of the edges for warming or slow-cooking.
Both models handle:
- smash burgers
- pancakes
- bacon
- breakfast scrambles
- quesadillas
- grilled veggies
with zero issues. They both reach searing temperatures fast, and the H-shaped burner really does deliver the kind of uniform heat Blackstone griddles are known for.
If I had to pick one strictly for cooking performance, the 1971 edges out the 2142 because of its slightly better heat spread across the entire plate.
- Easy Portability: The lightweight, compact design of this 17” griddle makes it perfect for taking with you...
- Cook for a Group: 267 square inches of cooking space provides enough room for you to cook for up to 2-4 people...
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Ease of Use
The day-to-day experience on both griddles is nearly identical:
- Piezo ignition works flawlessly
- Temperature control is smooth
- Preheating is fast
- The burner responds well to adjustments
- Nothing feels complicated
But during windy days, the 1971 seemed to handle the flame more steadily compared to the 2142. Maybe it’s the angle of the plate, maybe it’s minor design tweaks, but I’ve had fewer flame interruptions with the newer model.
Both models are beginner-friendly and require no learning curve at all.
- Griddle on the Go: Bring this Blackstone 17-inch tabletop griddle on your next camping, hunting, or tailgating...
- Surprisingly Spacious Cooking Surface: Cook a wide variety of foods for every meal on this versatile griddle...
- Easy Portability: The lightweight, compact design of this 17” griddle makes it perfect for taking with you...
- Cook for a Group: 267 square inches of cooking space provides enough room for you to cook for up to 2-4 people...
-
Grease Management
Both griddles use the rear grease management slot, which sends drippings straight into the grease cup. I’ve cooked a full tray of bacon on each, and both performed equally well.
Nothing spills, nothing leaks, nothing smokes unnecessarily.
There’s honestly no difference here — it’s a tie.
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Cleanup
Cleaning both is easy:
- heat
- scrape
- wipe
- oil
But the stainless steel on the 1971 is easier to keep looking fresh. The 2142’s front plate is still stainless steel, but the overall surface feels slightly more prone to discoloration after many greasy cooks.
The 1971 also seems to require a bit less scrubbing on the edges and corners.
Cleanup winner: Blackstone 1971.
Blackstone 1971 Original TableTop Griddle
Pros:
- Newer, more refined design
- Slightly better heat distribution
- Non-slip feet for added stability
- Modernized look
- Easy cleanup
- Great portability
Cons:
- Typically costs slightly more
- No major upgrades beyond refinement
Blackstone 2142 Original TableTop Griddle
- Easy Portability: The lightweight, compact design of this 17” griddle makes it perfect for taking with you...
- Cook for a Group: 267 square inches of cooking space provides enough room for you to cook for up to 2-4 people...
Pros:
- Same core cooking performance
- Affordable older model
- Reliable and durable
- Lightweight and portable
- Good for small groups
Cons:
- Older design
- Slightly weaker edge heat distribution
- Feet grip isn’t as strong
- Easier to stain or discolor over time
Conclusion: My Recommendation
After cooking on both the Blackstone 1971 and 2142 multiple times, the conclusion is pretty straightforward:
- If price is the main factor and you want a reliable, capable 17” tabletop griddle, the Blackstone 2142 still performs like a champ.
- If you want the best version of the 17” lineup—with updated stability, cleaner design, better heat spread, and easier cleanup—the Blackstone 1971 is the better choice.
If I were buying only one for myself today, I’d personally choose the Blackstone 1971. The improvements may be subtle, but when you cook outdoors often, those small upgrades make a noticeable difference.
