Camping World donated this product for the purpose of review.
In this Blackstone 17” griddle review, we add a Blackstone griddle to our outdoor kitchen using the Griddle ‘N Stow bumper-mount grill arm. We also detail who these grilling products are best for, what we love most about them, and the ins and outs of this outdoor kitchen installation for our 2018 KZ Sportsmen 332BHLE.
Our RV originally had an outdoor kitchen, but we eliminated it a few years ago to optimize our storage space. As seasons have come and gone, we’ve found ourselves missing an outdoor kitchen. So rather than upgrade our RV, we remodeled our outdoor kitchen. The Blackstone 17” griddle is a portable, single-burner griddle that can be conveniently attached to the back of your RV using the Griddle N Stow. It’s a great option for quick and easy meal preparation and makes a budget-friendly choice when updating your outdoor kitchen for less than $500.
What We Used for Our RV Outdoor Kitchen Renovation
Blackstone 17” Griddle
Let’s begin with an overview of the Blackstone 17” Griddle’s specifications:
- Cooking Space: 267 square inches
- BTU Output: 12,500
- Burners: 1 H-style burner
- Ignition Type: Piezo
- Weight: 34.45 pounds
- Materials: Stainless Steel
See all the features and specs for the Blackstone 17” Griddle
Griddle ‘N Stow
Now let’s take a look at the specs for the Griddle ‘N Stow bumper-mount grill arm:
- Grill Fit: 17” or 22” griddle
- Bumper Fit: For 4” square bumpers
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Dimensions: 33″ x 12″ x 9″
- Mounting Hardware: 2 U-bolts, lock nuts, and washers
Who Is This For?
The Blackstone 17” Griddle and Griddle N Stow are the perfect additions for any camper who loves the outdoors and enjoys glamping’s comforts. Enjoy perfect pancakes with a side of bacon as you watch the sunrise or cook steak kabobs for dinner while the sun sets – you can do it all on the 267-square-inch cooktop.
The Griddle ‘N Stow allows you to access your outdoor kitchen essentials, including your mini fridge and outdoor sink, while attached to your 4” bumper. Nothing is worse than running back and forth up your RV steps to grab things while prepping dinner. This grilling combo solves that issue, as you can have all you need to create the perfect outdoor meal in one space.
How Much Can You Cook on a 17-inch Blackstone Griddle?
The griddle has the space to cook up to six three-inch pancakes. Don’t forget the Blackstone 4-piece breakfast kit to make eggs, pancakes, bacon, and breakfast sandwiches easier.
Once you finish the pancakes, you can cook up to nine breakfast sausage patties on one side while browning hash browns on the other. In the evening, try making delicious quesadillas by cooking chicken on one side and peppers and onions on the other. Be sure to soften those peppers to perfection using the basting dome from the Blackstone 3-piece Hamburger Kit.
Here’s a complete list of must-have Blackstone accessories.
How To Add an RV Outdoor Kitchen for Under $500
We were thrilled to have an outdoor kitchen when we bought our RV. It had a convenient sink and a mini fridge that was perfect for storing drinks and snacks. At first, we didn’t use it much since we preferred cooking indoors. We eventually removed the outdoor sink and used the space for extra storage.
As we traveled to more scenic destinations, we dreamed of cooking and dining in the great outdoors. We considered trading in our RV for one with a larger outdoor kitchen. Although the thought of a new RV was nice, we realized we could spend less than $500 to add an RV outdoor kitchen rather than taking on higher monthly RV payments.
When we decided to maximize our existing outdoor kitchen’s versatility, adding the Blackstone 17” Tabletop Grill and Griddle ‘N Stow was a no-brainer. The installment process for the Griddle ‘N Stow arm was rather simple. These tips will make the installation easier.
- Make sure you have an open area on your 4” bumper.
- Attach the arm with two U-bolts (you may need help holding the arm in place while someone slips in the bolts).
- Make sure you place your arm flush with your RV bumper.
- Griddle ‘N Stow can hold the Blackstone 17” or 22” grill.
- The knob under the solid table allows you to adjust its placement for proper grill drainage.
- A lynchpin locks the arm in place while towing.
Is it cheaper to build your own outdoor kitchen?
In addition to choosing affordable products like the Blackstone 17” Griddle and the Griddle ‘N Stow mounting arm, we saved money by recycling paint from our RV bathroom remodel and plyboard from our cabinet renovation. We even added a sliding shelf using leftover hardware from a previous project.
My husband and I grew up a few miles from New Orleans and love NOLA-style decor. We incorporated this look by purchasing foam tile board to give our outdoor kitchen ceiling a creative flair. Our final cost for this project came in around $250. That’s less than most monthly payments you’ll incur by upgrading to a new RV with an outdoor kitchen!
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Blackstone 17” Griddle?
After cooking on the Blackstone 17” griddle a few times, we noted these benefits and drawbacks:
Pros
- Even heat. The heat distribution is very even, resulting in perfectly cooked food every time.
- Versatility. It can be used for various cooking methods, such as grilling, searing, and stir-frying.
- Flavor. While I have always loved a charcoal grill, the Blackstone has exceeded my flavor, convenience, and versatility expectations. It has earned a permanent place in my outdoor kitchen.
- 267 square inches of cooking space. It seamlessly accommodates all types of cooking and allows you to cook several items at once.
- Easy to use knob. The grippy knob allows you to easily manage your cooking temperature while staying cool to the touch.
- LP Quick Connect. This makes it easy to hook up to your RV’s LP connectwithout worrying about carrying around extra propane canisters.
Cons
- Weight. The weight of the Blackstone is definitely something to consider.
- Size. While the Griddle ‘N Stow provides a perfect platform when you’re in camp, remember that you’ll need a secure place to store it during travel. We place it in our outdoor kitchen, but it’s not exactly compact.
- Clean up. The grease pan can be messy, so I’d use the Blackstone Rear Grease Cup liners for easy removal and disposal. I also find that once you cook on the rolled steel surface cooktop, it is hard to clean. I recommend cleaning and conditioning it after every use with the Blackstone Griddle Seasoning and Cast Iron Conditioner.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Griddle ‘N Stow?
Accounting for our experience installing and then using the Griddle N’ Stow to cook on our Blackstone griddle, these are its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Permanent installation. Having a permanent place to sit our Blackstone when parked at locations is a great asset. Now we don’t have to worry if the campground has a picnic table because we can independently store our Blackstone for easy access and cooking on our RV’s bumper.
- Easy storage. It folds flat and allows for easy towing, so there’s no worry about getting the Griddle ‘N Stow hung up or snagged on anything when traveling.
Cons
- Arm weight. As easy as the installation was, it was a little difficult for one person to install it independently due to the arm’s weight. I recommend having help to hold it in place when installing.
Is the 17-inch Blackstone Griddle Worth It?
I would recommend the Blackstone 17” On The Go Tabletop Griddle to anyone interested in camping and looking for an easy, versatile grill that can cook a lot of food at once. It’s definitely worth the money and is built to last when kept properly conditioned.
The Blackstone 17” Griddle is great for a smaller family, couple, or even a solo camper who wants the convenience of having a grill without depending on access to campgrounds with picnic tables or carrying their own since it can fit perfectly on the Griddle ‘N Stow.
The Blackstone 17” Griddle would not best suit a larger family as the cooking space is smaller and doesn’t allow much room for cooking multiple items for large crowds. The griddle can be easy to cook on with either one-pound propane cylinders or the Blackstone Tabletop Griddle to RV propane quick connect for peace of mind about not running out of propane during your dinner prep.
Would You Recommend the Griddle ‘N Stow?
If you own an RV and a Blackstone Griddle and want less stress when grilling out, you should get the Griddle ‘N Stow. This accessory is worth the investment because it makes grilling a breeze when located conveniently near the outdoor kitchen.
How Does the Blackstone 17” Griddle Compare to the Competition?
While you can get a similar flat griddle for a cheaper price, you will also be forfeiting Blackstone’s quality. I find the Blackstone brand has a longer lifespan and holds up well when used regularly. That said, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- The Griddle N’ Stow can hold up to the 22” Blackstone Griddle for more cooking surface.
- The 22” Blackstone E-Series griddle has 358 square inches of cooking space, but it runs solely on electricity and lacks the grill texture and taste.
- The CONTOURE 2-in-1 Grill/Griddle Combo fits on the Griddle ‘N Stow and offers additional cooking versatility.
Dialing in your RV setup is all about getting the right gear that suits your lifestyle. Here are a few more gear reviews you might find interesting:
- Blackstone 36 Griddle Review
- Pit Boss Pellet Grill Review
- The Best Rocking Camping Chairs from GCI Outdoors
- Blackstone 22″ Griddle Review
What questions do you have about adding an outdoor kitchen to your RV? Let us know in the comments below!
