So, you’re wondering how long your propane tank will last on your Blackstone griddle, right? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, without the tech jargon.
What Affects Propane Usage?
Several factors come into play when figuring out how long your propane will last. So, lets run through a few of these reasons now. I’m sure there are others, heck even altitude plays a role so this list isn’t the end all be all list of factors but largely the biggest ones.
Griddle Size
A bigger griddle with more burners will obviously use more propane. For example, a 36-inch griddle with four burners guzzles more gas than a 17-inch single-burner model. Think of it like a car – the bigger the engine, the more fuel it needs. So, if you’re planning a big cookout or running a food stall, be prepared for higher propane consumption with those larger models.
Cooking Temperature
Higher temps mean higher propane consumption. If you’re searing steaks at 500°F, you’ll burn through propane faster than when you’re making pancakes at 350°F. It’s just like using your car’s air conditioner – crank it up, and you’ll use more gas. So, adjust your heat settings according to what you’re cooking to save on fuel.
Cooking Time
The longer you cook, the more propane you use. It’s pretty straightforward – if you’re cooking an all-day BBQ, expect to use more propane. Whether you’re grilling up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or just making a quick snack, the duration of your cook affects your propane usage. So, plan your meals accordingly to make the most out of your propane tank.
Weather Conditions
Wind can mess with your flame, making your griddle work harder to stay hot, thus using more propane. If you’re grilling on a windy day, try to set up in a sheltered spot. Wind barriers can help maintain a steady flame, just like how you shield your campfire from the wind. This way, your griddle won’t have to work overtime to keep the heat up.
Calculating Propane Usage By Griddle Size
Alright, let’s get to the numbers. Here’s a rough estimate of how much propane you might use:
17-Inch Blackstone Griddle
This small but mighty griddle uses about 1 pound of propane per hour on high heat. A standard 20-pound propane tank would last around 20 hours. Perfect for those quick meals and small gatherings.
28-Inch Blackstone Griddle
This mid-sized griddle with two burners will consume about 1.5 pounds of propane per hour on high heat, giving you roughly 13-14 hours per tank. It’s great for medium-sized families or small parties.
36-Inch Blackstone Griddle
With four burners cranking, you’re looking at around 2 pounds of propane per hour on high heat. A 20-pound tank should last you about 10 hours. Ideal for large gatherings or those who love to grill often.
Griddle Propane Usage Chart
Let’s put it all into a handy table for easy reference:
** We should mention that this chart below has a consumption rating with the understanding that the rating is based on your Blackstone griddle being set on high. There are too many variables to give exact ratings as I don’t know how many burners you are using and for how long and at what settings. So, take this with a grain of smoked salt and understand that because you don’t cook with all your burners on high all the time, your propane will actually last much longer. The estimations below only represent your griddle on full blast.
| Griddle Size | BTU Rating | 1lb Bottle | 5lb Bottle | 20lb Bottle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstone 17 Adventure | 12,000 BTU | 1.79 hours | 9.15 hours | 36.06 hours |
| Blackstone 22 Tabletop | 24,000 BTU | 0.89 hours | 4.57 hours | 18.03 hours |
| Blackstone 28 Griddle | 34,000 BTU | 0.63 hours | 3.23 hours | 12.72 hours |
| Blackstone 36 Griddle | 60,000 BTU | 0.36 hours | 1.83 hours | 7.21 hours |
| Blackstone 17 Air Fryer Combo | 12,500 BTU | 1.72 hours | 8.78 hours | 34.62 hours |
| Blackstone 17 w/ Side Burner | 24,000 BTU | 0.89 hours | 4.57 hours | 18.03 hours |
| Blackstone Tailgater Combo | 35,000 BTU | 0.61 hours | 3.13 hours | 12.36 hours |
This chart gives you a clear idea of what to expect from your propane tank based on your griddle size and usage.
Practical Tips for Optimizing Propane Usage
Preheat Wisely
Only preheat your griddle for as long as necessary. Over-preheating wastes propane. Just like you wouldn’t leave your car running idle for too long, don’t let your griddle heat up longer than needed. Once it’s hot enough, get cooking!
Cook Efficiently
Batch your cooking if you can. If you’re making burgers, throw all of them on at once rather than in batches. This reduces the time your griddle is running and saves propane. Think of it like running a full dishwasher versus doing multiple small loads – more efficient and saves resources.
Maintain Your Griddle
Keep your burners and griddle clean. Grease and food buildup can make your griddle less efficient. A well-maintained griddle not only cooks better but also uses propane more effectively. Regular cleaning is key – it’s like keeping your car’s engine clean for optimal performance.
Watch the Weather
On windy days, try to shield your griddle from direct wind to maintain a steady flame. Wind barriers or even positioning your griddle behind a wall or large object can help. It’s like parking your car in a garage to protect it from the elements.
Real-Life Example
I recently took my 28-inch Blackstone on a weekend camping trip. We cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days straight. Here’s what happened:
- Day 1: Breakfast – pancakes and bacon (1 hour), Lunch – burgers (1.5 hours), Dinner – steaks and veggies (2 hours).
- Day 2: Repeat similar cooking times.
- Day 3: Same routine.
After the trip, I had about half a tank left. That’s pretty efficient, considering we were feeding a group of six! It shows that with a bit of planning and efficient cooking, you can stretch your propane usage significantly.
How to Monitor Your Griddles Propane Levels
You don’t want to run out of propane mid-cookout, so here are some handy tips:
Weight Check
Weigh your propane tank before and after using it to get an idea of how much you’re consuming. It’s a simple method – just like weighing your luggage before a flight to avoid extra fees.
Gauge It
Invest in a propane tank gauge. These attach to your tank and give you a visual indicator of how much propane is left. It’s like having a fuel gauge on your car – super handy!
Hot Water Hack
Pour hot water down the side of the tank. Feel for a cool spot – that’s your propane level. It’s a quick and easy trick, similar to checking the tire pressure on your car by giving it a good press.
Tips to Maximize Propane Life
Preheating Patience
When I first got my griddle, I had the bad habit of leaving the burners on high to preheat the surface quickly. But I soon learned this was wasting propane. Now, I give my griddle more time to warm up on a lower setting, which helps conserve fuel.
Use What You Need
The beauty of the Blackstone Griddle is the ability to use different zones for cooking. I’ve found that using only the burners I need, rather than firing them all up, leads to less propane use.
Shelter Your Griddle
Wind and cold are propane’s nemeses. I’ve started using my griddle in a spot that’s sheltered from the breeze, and it’s saved me a great deal on propane. Besides, nobody likes fighting the wind while cooking!
Routine Maintenance
Keeping the griddle clean and in good repair is also crucial for efficiency. A well-maintained burner will use propane more effectively, so don’t slack on the cleanup.
Happy grilling, fellow backyard chefs, and remember—keep an eye on that gauge!
On a side note, consider no longer buying the little green 1lb camping bottles. They are a nightmare for the National Park Service to get rid of as they can’t just be tossed and they have to be properly disposed of. Now that’s now new with propane e bottle, it is an unnecessary headache for the environment and the Parks Service as the little bottles don’t last long at all and you are constantly buying new ones.
Conclusion: Fuel for Thought
Determining how long a propane tank lasts on a Blackstone Griddle isn’t an exact science. There are general estimates, but your use will dictate your specific consumption rate. My parting advice? Keep a spare tank handy. Nothing kills the grill vibe faster than running out of fuel while you’ve got a hungry crowd waiting.
