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Blackstone 17 Griddle Propane Tank
The Blackstone 17 Griddle is one of the most popular tabletop propane griddles on the market.
It comes directly from the manufacturer set up to run on a one-pound propane canister, with its own independent controls.
This adds to the portability of the propane griddle.
Though you might want to choose to invest in an inexpensive adapter, which will also give you the ability to run the Blackstone 17 or the similar Blackstone 22 off a larger propane tank.
If you do plan to run the gas griddle off a typical one-pound tank of propane, you will only get around 100 minutes on high before it runs out of sufficient pressure to feed the burner.
Blackstone 17 & 22 Griddle Quick Connect Adapter
The Blackstone 17 and 22 are very similar models that can also accommodate a quick connect adapter.
This is an optional extra that you can usually find for under $25. It lets you switch between propane sources, such as an RV external gas line, or a portable propane tank in seconds.
Blackstone Bulk Tank Adapter Hose
If you want to use a bulk propane tank to run the burner element on a Blackstone 17 or 22, then you will need an adapter hose.
You can usually find one online or at a local box retailer. They are available in various lengths and come with a standard regulator built in. A three or four-foot-long bulk tank adapter hose usually costs around $30.
Do Blackstone Griddles Come with a Propane Tank?
None of Blackstone’s Griddles come with a propane tank. This is due to the strict shipping regulations for the transportation of propane.
Though a lot of affiliated distributors sell propane tanks and canisters at the same locations where you can purchase a Blackstone griddle.
If you order a grill online through a vendor like Amazon, they likely have a special propane delivery service that will let you also source the tanks through them.
What Kind of Propane Tank Does Blackstone Use?
Modest table top griddles like the Blackstone 17 and some of the versions of the Blackstone 22 are designed to run off a DOT 39 one-pound propane canister.
Larger models like the Blackstone 36, the 28, and the Blackstone Tailgater, come with a propane hose and regulator to fun off a larger 20-pound or larger propane tank.
How Long Will a 1lb Propane Tank Last on a Blackstone Griddle?
The H-type burner element on a Blackstone 17 is rated to burn through 12,000 BTUs per hour, which means a one-pound propane cylinder should be able to run it for roughly 102 minutes.
Technically one pound of liquid propane has the potential energy to produce 21,500 BTUs, though you can never 100% empty the tank, which means you can expect around 20,000 BTUs of energy from a standard DOT 39 one-pound propane cylinder.
How Much Propane Does a Blackstone Griddle Use?
One pound of liquid propane has the potential energy to produce 21,500 BTUs in an hour. You can translate the BTU potential math to other Blackstone griddles with different BTU burner ratings.
For example, the Blackstone 36, has four 15,000 BTU per hour burners, which means it can produce 6,000 BTUs of heat energy in a single hour at the maximum flame. This would consume just under 3-pounds of liquid propane from a bulk tank.
The Blackstone Tailgater has two different burners, an H-style 15,000 BTU stainless steel burner and a 20,000 BTU cast iron burner that you can use independently.
If you were just to use the 20,000 BTU burner, it would burn through roughly 1-pound of liquid propane in an hour.
Final Thoughts
Modest-size gas griddles like the Blackstone 17 come set up to run off a standard one-pound liquid propane canister.
Though you can easily find an adaptor hose with a built-in regulator to let you run it off a bulk propane tank for around $30.
Some of these accessory hoses even come in a combination pack with a quick connect adaptor, or you can purchase the adaptor separately.
This will allow you to connect a Blackstone 17 or 22 to just about any propane source in a matter of seconds. It’s a great way to make the most out of your Blackstone propane griddle at home, on a trip to the beach, or an RV camping trip.
If you are going to run your Blackstone 17 gas griddle off a one-pound propane canister, then you need to be mindful of propane consumption.
One pound of propane will provide you with around 20,000 BTUs per hour of heat energy, which will let you run a 12,000 BTU burner for around 100 minutes on high.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.