I bought this for a trip to Yellowstone, and even though we're not camping, we'll be cooking all of our meals. I debated a grill vs griddle, and the griddle seemed easier since I can cook everything on it (rather than a grill with a separate griddle piece). I've used it multiple times at home to be sure I know how it cooks, and so far I really like it. It's really easy to get used to, especially if you're accustomed to cast iron pans at home. I got the lid as well, which I think is good to have, but it does add a bit of bulk so I'm not sure whether I'll be bringing it this time. I gave it 4 stars because I'd like it to get just a bit hotter. I tried to really sear some burgers but by the time they had really good color on both sides, they were medium well.
The griddle has mildly different hot and less hot sections due to the shape of the burners but other than that I like it. It is rather heavy but that can't be avoided due to the thick plate grilling surface that allows a more even heating of the griddle. My husband helps with the carrying...
We bought this at a local store and it sat till I could season it. (Winter wasn’t the time to do it in the snow) Boy now that I have it going, we are enjoying the meals that I have fixed on it. We had been eating to go meals to help our local places during this Covid-19 situation, but now I’m wanting to try something new every night. Sure brings back memories from about 48 years ago, I was a 2nd chef at a golf course and bowling alley restaurant and learned flat top grilling at the young age of 18. Totally this compact 17” Blackstone grill brought me back. I love it!!