Tabletop or Built-In Griddles? Compared by Specs
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You are deciding between a tabletop vs built in griddle for your outdoor cooking setup. Both options offer versatile flat-top cooking for burgers, eggs, and vegetables. The Blackstone 22" sits on any surface, while the Napoleon insert transforms a compatible gas grill. You need to match the form factor to your available space and existing equipment. This comparison focuses on the specifications that determine fit, capacity, and usage.
Key differences
| Aspect | Blackstone Original 22" Tabletop Griddle with Hood | Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Tabletop | Built-In |
| Cooking Area | 361 square inches | 26" x 16" (416 square inches) |
| Surface Material | Powder coated steel body | Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 37.5 pounds | 26.1 pounds |
| Included Accessories | Integrated hood | Not listed |
| Ignition | Piezo ignition | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Blackstone Original 22" Tabletop Griddle with Hood if
- You need a portable unit you can take to the beach or camping
- You want a standalone griddle with a protective hood
- You prefer independent heat zones for different foods
Choose Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert if
- You own a compatible Prestige or Rogue gas grill
- You want a stainless steel surface for easy cleaning
- You need a lighter unit that fits inside an existing grill
Verdict: Choose the Blackstone if you need a standalone, portable griddle with a hood and independent heat zones. Pick the Napoleon insert if you already have a compatible gas grill and want to add a stainless steel cooking surface. Your decision rests on whether you need a standalone unit or an accessory for existing equipment.
Tabletop vs Built-In Griddle Specs
Form Factor
The Blackstone 1813 Original is a standalone tabletop unit designed for portability. You can place it on any flat surface, making it easy to move to the beach, a picnic, or a tailgate. It is a self-contained system that does not require another appliance to function. In contrast, the Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert is a built-in accessory. It is designed to fit directly into compatible Prestige, Prestige Pro, or Built-In gas grills. This means you cannot use it as a standalone unit. You must already own a matching grill to utilize this insert. The choice depends on whether you need a portable station or an expansion for existing equipment.
Cooking Area
When looking at the actual space available for food, the Blackstone 1813 Original offers 361 square inches of cooking area. This 22-inch surface is large enough to cook up to 14 burgers simultaneously. The Napoleon Griddle Insert provides a 26-inch by 16-inch surface, which equals 416 square inches. This makes the Napoleon insert significantly larger than the tabletop Blackstone model. If you are hosting a large gathering or need to sear multiple items at once, the Napoleon insert gives you more room. The Blackstone is compact, while the Napoleon insert maximizes the footprint of your grill.
Material
The build materials differ between these two options. The Blackstone 1813 Original features a powder-coated steel body in black, with a stainless steel front plate. This combination offers durability and resistance to outdoor elements while keeping the weight manageable. The Napoleon Griddle Insert is constructed entirely from thick stainless steel. This material choice is intended to deliver even heat performance and consistent searing. Stainless steel is known for retaining heat well and providing a durable cooking surface. The Blackstone uses a mix of steel types, while the Napoleon relies on stainless steel for its primary cooking surface.
Weight
Portability and stability are influenced by the weight of each unit. The Blackstone 1813 Original weighs 37.5 pounds. This weight helps keep the tabletop griddle stable on a surface while cooking, but it also makes it heavy enough to carry for outdoor trips. The Napoleon Griddle Insert is lighter, weighing only 26.1 pounds. This makes it easier to lift into and out of your grill for storage or cleaning. The lower weight of the Napoleon insert reduces the effort required for installation and removal. If you move your griddle frequently, the lighter Napoleon insert may be easier to handle than the heavier Blackstone unit.
Ignition
Starting the cooking process varies between the two products. The Blackstone 1813 Original includes a push-and-turn Piezo ignition system. This allows you to light the griddle quickly and easily without needing a separate lighter or matches. It is an integrated feature that simplifies the startup routine. The Napoleon Griddle Insert does not have its own ignition system. As a grill insert, it relies on the burners of your compatible Prestige or Rogue gas grill for heat. You would use the grill's existing ignition controls to start the cooking process. The Blackstone offers a dedicated ignition feature, while the Napoleon depends on your grill.
Which Griddle Fits Your Setup Best
Campers needing portable, standalone cooking
You need a self-contained unit for tailgates or beaches. This Blackstone model weighs 37.5 pounds and measures 23.6 inches wide. Its tabletop form factor allows placement on any flat surface. The integrated hood protects the surface when not in use. You get 361 square inches of cooking space with two independent heat zones, making it ideal for mobile outdoor meals.
Owners of Prestige or Rogue gas grills
You already own a compatible Napoleon gas grill and want to expand its utility. This insert transforms your existing grill into a full-sized griddle. It features a 26 by 16 inch stainless steel cooking surface. The thick construction ensures even heat for searing and sautéing. You gain versatile cooking options without buying a separate standalone appliance.
Users prioritizing durable, low-maintenance materials
You prefer stainless steel construction for its durability and ease of cleaning. This Napoleon insert is made entirely of stainless steel, providing consistent heat performance. It weighs 26.1 pounds, making it lighter than the Blackstone tabletop option. The material resists outdoor elements and offers a robust surface for high-heat cooking tasks like stir-frying or searing steaks.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blackstone Original 22" Tabletop Griddle with Hood | portable tabletop outdoor cooking | Check price of Blackstone Original 22" Tabletop Griddle with Hood on Amazon |
| 2 | Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert | expanding existing gas grill capabilities | Check price of Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert on Amazon |
The products compared
Blackstone Original 22" Tabletop Griddle with Hood
Best for: portable tabletop outdoor cooking
- Form Factor
- Tabletop (what this guide is about)
- Cooking Area
- 361 sq. in.
- Fuel Type
- Propane
- Burners
- 2
- Cover Type
- Integrated Hood
- Material
- Stainless Steel
View on Amazon: Blackstone Original 22" Tabletop Griddle with Hood Affiliate link
This tabletop griddle offers 361 square inches of cooking space on a 22-inch surface. It features two independently heated zones for varied cooking temperatures. The unit weighs 37.5 pounds and includes an integrated hood for protection. It uses a piezo ignition system and has a rear grease management system. This model suits those needing portable, versatile outdoor cooking.
Pros
- 361 square inches of cooking area
- Two independently heated zones
- Integrated protective hood
- Rear grease management system
Cons
- Tabletop form factor requires a stable surface
- No remote or app control mentioned
- Manual piezo ignition only
Good fit if
- You need a portable griddle for tailgating or camping
- You want to cook multiple items at different temperatures
- You prefer a compact unit with a protective hood
Skip if
- You require a built-in installation for a permanent kitchen
- You need more than 361 square inches of cooking space
- You want digital temperature controls or smart connectivity
Verdict: Blackstone 22 Inch Tabletop Griddle is a practical choice for portable outdoor cooking. It fits users who need flexible heating zones and easy cleanup in a compact, hood-protected design.
Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert
Best for: expanding existing gas grill capabilities
- Form Factor
- Built-In (what this guide is about)
- Fuel Type
- Grill Insert
- Surface Material
- Stainless Steel
- Cooking Dimensions
- 26" x 16"
- Compatible Appliance
- Griddle
- Dimensions
- 3.2 × 28.2 × 18.3 inches
View on Amazon: Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert Affiliate link
This Napoleon griddle insert transforms compatible Prestige or Rogue gas grills into a flat-top cooking station. The thick stainless steel surface measures 26 by 16 inches, providing ample space for searing and sautéing. Weighing 26.1 pounds, it offers substantial mass for even heat distribution. You install it quickly to expand your outdoor cooking capabilities without needing a separate fuel source.
Pros
- 26 by 16 inch cooking surface area
- Thick stainless steel construction for even heat
- Quick installation and removal process
- Compatible with Prestige and Rogue grill series
Cons
- Requires a compatible gas grill to function
- Limited to specific Prestige and Rogue models
- Heavy at 26.1 pounds for portability
Good fit if
- You own a compatible Prestige or Rogue gas grill
- You want to add flat-top cooking to your existing setup
- You need a large surface for searing or sautéing
Skip if
- You do not own a compatible Napoleon gas grill
- You prefer a standalone tabletop griddle unit
- You need a portable griddle for camping trips
Verdict: Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert is the right choice if you already own a compatible Prestige or Rogue gas grill and want to add a durable, large-format flat-top cooking surface without buying a separate appliance.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Blackstone Original 22" Tabletop Griddle with Hood | Napoleon Stainless Steel Griddle Insert |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 361 sq. in. | not stated |
| Fuel Type | Propane | Grill Insert |
| Burners | 2 | not stated |
| Surface Material | not stated | Stainless Steel |
| Form Factor | Tabletop | Insert Top |
| Cooking Dimensions | not stated | 26" x 16" |
| Cover Type | Integrated Hood | not stated |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Compatible Appliance | Griddle | Griddle |
| Size | 22 Inches | 3.2" x 28.2" x 18.3" |
| Cover | Hood | not stated |
| Dimensions | 23.6 × 23.6 × 13 inches | 3.2 × 28.2 × 18.3 inches |
| Weight | 37.5 pounds | 26.1 pounds |
| Color | Black | White |
| Model | 1813 | 56094 |
Frequently asked questions
Can a tabletop griddle replace a built-in model for permanent outdoor kitchens?
No, it is not designed for permanent installation. The Blackstone 1813 is a standalone tabletop unit that weighs 37.5 pounds. You place it on any flat surface. It lacks the fixed mounting structure of a built-in insert. This makes it ideal for portable use rather than a fixed outdoor kitchen setup.
What is the cooking surface size difference between these two options?
The Blackstone 22" offers a 22-inch width. The Napoleon insert is 28.2 inches wide. The Napoleon unit provides a larger flat-top area. It is designed to fit inside existing gas grills. The Blackstone is a compact, self-contained unit with a 23.6-inch overall width.
Is the Napoleon griddle a standalone appliance or an accessory?
It is a built-in accessory. You install it into a compatible Prestige or Rogue gas grill. It is not a standalone unit. You cannot use it without the base grill. The Blackstone 22" is a complete, standalone tabletop griddle that operates independently.
How does the weight affect portability for each type?
The Blackstone 22" weighs 37.5 pounds. You can move it easily for tailgating or picnics. The Napoleon insert weighs 26.1 pounds. It is lighter but requires a heavy grill to function. You cannot transport the Napoleon insert without its compatible grill base.
Does the tabletop griddle include weather protection?
Yes, it includes a hood. The Blackstone 1813 comes with an integrated hood. This protects the cooking surface when not in use. The Napoleon insert data does not list a cover. It relies on the grill lid for protection when installed.
Which option is better for camping or beach trips?
The tabletop Blackstone 22" is better. It is a self-contained unit you can place on any flat surface. You do not need a separate grill. The Napoleon insert requires a compatible gas grill. You cannot use it alone, making it unsuitable for portable camping scenarios.
What material is the Napoleon griddle insert made of?
It is made of stainless steel. This material offers durability for high-heat cooking. The Blackstone 22" is black in color. Its specific material composition is not listed, but it is a standalone tabletop unit. The Napoleon insert is designed for integration into existing grill structures.
Can I use the Napoleon insert with any gas grill?
No, it is only for compatible models. It fits Prestige or Rogue gas grills. You must verify your grill compatibility before purchase. The Blackstone 22" has no compatibility restrictions. You can place it on any stable, flat surface for immediate use.