Seriously Folks! The Blackstone Griddle
For years, people said, “Get a Blackstone” and we didn’t because we don’t like people telling us what to do. Well, partly for that reason but also for the fact that it was another thing to haul around, another thing to maintain and keep clean and another thing to learn and troubleshoot and all the real-world adult things that go with owning something. But seriously folks! As they say in the South, “GET YOU A BLACKSTONE!” Since we finally broke down and bought one, we cook darn near everything on it - except the soup, stews and roasts that we cook in the Wonderbag. The Blackstone is so easy to cook on, so easy to clean. Fold it up and stash it in the camper when it’s time to go, and slap it down on the picnic table at the next place and cook up some more good meals until it’s time to pack it up and move to the next place. And now I’m starting to sound like one of those late-night infomercials, but you must know that every word I say is true. Here’s the lowdown…..
Blackstone On The Go 22” Tabletop Griddle
Why the Blackstone Griddle Works So Well for RV Travel
Once you’ve tried cooking in an RV kitchen - especially after a long day of driving or hiking - you know just how cramped and limiting it can be. That’s why we added a Blackstone Griddle to our RV setup, and it has completely transformed how we eat on the road and it has become one of our favorite pieces of gear for RV life. Its so quick and easy to cook a restaurant-quality meal and the clean-up is a breeze, not to mention the ability to cook outside without heating up the camper or adding a “scent” to everything inside that will linger for days to come. Not to mention the giant mess of cooking in the RV.
Blackstone griddles are designed with portability in mind, especially the tabletop models. We first went with the 22-inch tabletop version (sized for cooking for 4-6 people-perfect for a family.) Its compact enough to store in most RV’s exterior compartments, yet its got plenty of room for a complete meal at once, such as bacon, eggs and pancakes - making for quick work at breakfast.
After two trips with the 22” griddle, we realized that we didn’t really need something that large or that heavy, being just 2 of us (OK - 4 of us with Simon and Pru, but they don’t eat much since the Vet suggested they cut back on the snacks). Also, with our limited storage space in Figment, we were not able to stow it in the exterior storage so it was riding inside. On days when we wanted to quickly pack and go, it was one of the many items we decided we needed to edit to make the moving process easier. So, we parked the 22” On The Go Blackstone on a stand in the backyard at home and purchased a smaller version, the 17” Blackstone Griddle and we found perfection! Now, we have the ability to cook all of our meals, both at home and on-the-road, on a Blackstone.
Key Features of the Blackstone for RV Travel
Propane-powered efficiency: It hooks up easily to standard 1-lb canisters or our RV’s propane system with a quick-connect hose (super easy for longer trips - no constant canister swaps). It heats up fast and uses fuel wisely, which is huge when dry camping or conserving resources.
Versatile flat-top design : Unlike a traditional grill with grates, the solid surface lets you cook everything from smashburgers to stir-fries, and even french toast. You can create different heat zones across the surface for simultaneous cooking. Its also great for heating up or re-inventing leftovers (stay tuned for our favorite re-invention recipes).
Easy setup and portability: It sets up in minutes on a picnic table or a portable table. Personally, I prefer to use the end side of the picnic table, if one is provided. That way, you are saving the use of the portable table for cooking counter space or another purpose all together. Many of the models come with a hard cover or carry bag for easy pack-up and transport when its time to hit the road again.
Quick and Simple RV Breakfast on the Blackstone
Our Favorite RV Meals on the Blackstone
It’s just so quick and easy to fire up the griddle and it’s sizzling in no time. Here are some of our go-to recipes that have become staples on our trips:
Ultimate Campsite Breakfast: Bacon or sausage first (the grease seasons the surface beautifully), then hash browns and pancakes - eggs are last. Everything cooks in one go and cleanup is minimal. If you have any leftover potatoes from dinner the night before, they are the crowning glory to any breakfast! Toss them on the griddle amidst the grease and smash them right there on the griddletop - you can add in some onions or peppers, maybe some cheese….and now you’re feeling the Waffle House vibe - smash, smother and cover!! Let them get crispy and golden. Trust me, you’ll fall in LOVE!
Smashburgers: Press those patties thin for crispy edges - so much better than burgers at any diner! Toss on some onions and cheese for melty perfection. Pair with oven-cooked or air fryer fries or “smash potatoes” on the griddle, or a salad or grilled vegetable.
Chicken, Beef or Shrimp Fajitas or Stir Fry: Slice veggies and meat thin or peel shrimp, if using and season generously. Toss everything on the griddle and let things char a bit. You can simply wrap in tortillas for quick and easy dinner or take it up a notch and serve with lettuce or slaw, tomatoes or pico, salsa and cheese, sour cream and guac. Slice some lime and have fresh cilantro on the side. This is my ultimate camp meal during the summer!
Comfort Classics: Grilled Cheese, Philly Cheesesteaks or Grilled BLT’s. Something quick and comforting after a long day of adventuring
Tips for Using (and Traveling With) Your Blackstone in an RV
From our experience of trial-and-error on the road, here are some of our hacks:
Propane Management: Upgrade from a refillable mini tank to using your RV’s direct propane, using aquick-connect hoselike this one. It lasts way longer than disposablIe canisters and is so much easier to connect with less waste and less to deal with on the road.
Storage and Transport: Invest in a carry bad or hard cover to protect your griddle from damage in transport. We keep ours seasoned and covered when not in use and when we have it stowed for transport.
Seasoning and Maintenance: Proper seasoning is key for that non-stick magic, It also adds an authentic “diner grill flavor” to every meal, which we really dig! We do a quick clean after every use; scrape while warm, wipe with paper towels and apply a thin layer of oil. For deeper cleans, use hot water and a scouring pad (no soap needed to preserve the seasoning). Before an extended storage period, give it a thorough wipe-down to prevent rust.
The Best Accessories for Professional Results: Long-handles spatulas and a scraper are absolute musts. We boughtthis set and have found it to be a quality assortment of everything we need. It has not only the spatulas and scrapers, but also the dome lids, squeeze bottles, tongs, basting brush and other necessary items and it all fits nicely in the storage bag when you pack it up.
Is It Worth It?
I sure think so. The Blackstone Griddle has saved us time, reduced kitchen mess and smell inside the RV - and taken our RV meals to a much higher culinary level. It delivers consistent, delicious results with minimal effort and hassle - it’s one of those “things” that have become a “necessity” rather than a “luxury” when we set out in our RV.
If you’re an RVer who is tired of boring camp food, or the hassle and mess of cooking in the RV, I highly suggest giving Blackstone a try. Start with a smaller model, season it well and experiment. I bet you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without one.
