Blackstone 1819 Griddle & Charcoal Combo Review (2026): Best of Both Cooking Worlds?

The Blackstone 1819 solves the problem of choosing between a griddle and a charcoal grill by giving you both in one unit. The left side is a 17-inch propane griddle (267.76 sq in, 12,000 BTU); the right side is a 17-inch charcoal grill (252 sq in). Flat-top breakfast on one side, charcoal-grilled chicken on the other — at the same time. For cooks who want both cooking methods without owning two separate units, this is the only option in the Blackstone lineup that delivers it.

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At a Glance

Spec	Value
Griddle surface	267.76 sq in (propane)
Grill surface	252 sq in (charcoal)
Griddle BTU	12,000
Weight	81.8 lbs
Dimensions	50.5” × 21.25” × 35.75”
Fuel	Propane (griddle) + Charcoal (grill)
Best for	Cooks who want griddle and charcoal grill without two separate units

Pros

• Two cooking methods (propane griddle + charcoal grill) in one unit
• Both sides can run simultaneously and independently
• Relatively compact footprint for a combo unit
• Authentic charcoal flavor from the grill side
• Standard Blackstone griddle quality on the flat-top side

Cons

• Each side is small — 267 sq in griddle isn’t enough for large groups
• Charcoal side requires charcoal management (lighting, ash cleanup) alongside propane operation
• 81.8 lbs is on the heavier side for a tabletop-style unit
• Walmart-exclusive availability
• The two cooking zones require managing two fuel sources simultaneously

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You want genuine charcoal-grilled flavor on some foods (steaks, chicken thighs) while simultaneously cooking griddle items (eggs, vegetables, smash burgers) — and you’d rather own one unit than two.

Skip it if: You primarily want griddle cooking and the charcoal grill is an afterthought. A dedicated Blackstone 28” or 36” gives you much more flat-top surface for the same money. Also skip it if cooking for large groups — each side is designed for 2–4 servings.

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How Does Running Both Sides at Once Actually Work?

In practice, you light the charcoal side first (15–20 minutes to reach temperature) and the propane side last (5–8 minutes). The timing gap means you need to plan the cook — charcoal isn’t as instant-on as propane. Once both are running, they operate completely independently with no interference. The two cooking zones don’t share heat or airflow in a way that affects each side’s performance.

The real skill required is managing two different heat sources and cooking timelines simultaneously. If you’re already comfortable with charcoal grilling, adding the propane griddle side is natural. If charcoal is new to you, expect a learning curve on your first few cooks.

Is 267 Square Inches of Griddle Enough?

For 2–3 people cooking simultaneously, yes. You can fit 4 eggs, 3 strips of bacon, and a serving of hash browns at once. You cannot cook for a family of 6 in one pass. Think of the 1819 as a cooking companion for small groups or solo cooks rather than a family griddle.

How It Compares

• vs. Blackstone Tailgater Combo — The Tailgater (1555) has a larger griddle (512 sq in) and a propane grill (not charcoal). Tailgater review →
• vs. Royal Gourmet GD401 — Royal Gourmet has a larger combo (584 sq in total) with a traditional propane grill + griddle format. Royal Gourmet GD401 review →
• vs. Blackstone 28” or 36” standalone — If you primarily want griddle cooking, a standalone Blackstone gives far more surface area and a better value. The 1819’s advantage is the charcoal grill side specifically.

Our Verdict

The Blackstone 1819 is a genuinely useful product for a specific buyer: the cook who wants authentic charcoal flavor on grilled items and flat-top versatility for everything else, without owning two separate units. It’s not for large-group cooking or anyone who doesn’t actually use the charcoal side. But if that specific combination appeals to you, it delivers on the promise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use the griddle and charcoal grill at the same time on the Blackstone 1819?

Yes — both sides operate independently. The propane griddle runs from a propane tank; the charcoal grill uses charcoal in a separate firebox. Running both simultaneously is the main use case for this unit.

How big is the cooking surface on each side?

The propane griddle side is 267.76 sq in; the charcoal grill side is 252 sq in. Each side handles about 2–4 servings comfortably.

Is the Blackstone 1819 good for tailgating?

It works for small tailgates (2–4 people). At 81.8 lbs it’s transportable but not lightweight. For true tailgating, the Blackstone Tailgater Combo or a dedicated tabletop griddle is easier to transport.

Where can you buy the Blackstone 1819?

It’s a Walmart exclusive — available at walmart.com and in Walmart stores when in stock.