Blackstone 5013 Griddle Stand Review Portable Design for 17” and 22” Griddles

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Blackstone 5013 Collapsible Tabletop Griddle Stand immediately stands out for its sturdy powder-coated steel construction. I’ve used a fair share of outdoor cooking accessories, and this one feels particularly well-built. At just over 19 pounds, it’s heavy enough to feel solid but light enough to move around without much effort. The collapsible design with foldable legs makes it a breeze to store and transport, and the removable side shelf adds versatility. I found the adjustable legs especially helpful when setting up on uneven ground, a lifesaver during camping trips. The rectangular shape and compact dimensions (42 x 18 x 28.5 inches) ensure it fits well into any outdoor setup.

While it’s designed to support Blackstone 17” and 22” tabletop griddles, I even tested it with a smaller grill I own, and it performed flawlessly. The material doesn’t feel flimsy or prone to bending under the 18.3-pound load capacity, even with some extra tools on the side shelf. However, I did notice some minor scuffing on the powder coating after a few uses, which is worth keeping in mind.

Ease of Assembly and Setup

Setting up this griddle stand was refreshingly straightforward. I’m not exactly known for my patience when it comes to assembly, but this one took me around 10 minutes, even without consulting the manual in detail. The labeled parts and intuitive design make it almost foolproof. The folding legs click into place securely, and the side shelf attaches without requiring any tools.

One thing I appreciated was the adjustability of the stand’s height, which made cooking much more comfortable for me. Whether I was grilling burgers or prepping pancakes, I could easily adjust the legs to a height that didn’t strain my back. This feature, in my opinion, makes it suitable for users of all heights, a small but meaningful detail.

Performance and Functionality

As someone who enjoys cooking outdoors, the elevated cooking experience this stand provides is a game changer. Placing my Blackstone griddle on the stand felt incredibly stable, even when I was flipping steaks and moving heavier pots around. The side shelf is another fantastic addition—it’s spacious enough to hold utensils, spices, or a plate of food waiting to be served. During one family gathering, I even used it as a mini serving station.

The stand’s durability became evident when I accidentally left it out during a light drizzle. The powder-coated steel held up well without any visible rusting. It’s worth noting, though, that I wouldn’t recommend leaving it exposed to harsher weather conditions for long periods.

The collapsible nature is a blessing for those short on space. Whether you’re storing it in your garage or packing it into the back of an SUV for a camping trip, it folds down compactly without much hassle. However, one minor gripe is that the legs don’t lock into the folded position, making it a bit awkward to carry around at times.

Key Benefits

• Sturdy powder-coated steel construction for long-lasting use.
• Collapsible design makes it highly portable and easy to store.
• Adjustable legs provide versatility on uneven surfaces.
• Removable side shelf adds valuable prep and serving space.
• Compatible with multiple sizes of tabletop griddles.

Areas of Improvement

• The powder coating shows minor scuffing after regular use.
• Legs don’t lock in the folded position, which can make transportation slightly inconvenient.
• While it’s durable, prolonged exposure to rain might lead to rusting over time.

Competing Products

Looking at competing griddle stands, a few options stood out, such as the Cuisinart CGS-500 and the Camp Chef Explorer stand. While both are popular alternatives, they lack some of the thoughtful features of the Blackstone stand. For instance, Cuisinart’s model doesn’t have adjustable legs, which can be a dealbreaker for uneven terrains. The Camp Chef stand is bulkier, making it less portable.

Where this stand excels over its competitors is in its combination of lightweight design, durability, and functionality. That being said, some rivals come with additional hooks or storage compartments, which would’ve been a welcome addition here. If portability and ease of use are your priorities, this product is difficult to beat.

True Value

When it comes to price-to-quality ratio, this griddle stand delivers on all fronts. While you might find cheaper alternatives, they often compromise on build quality or features like adjustable legs and collapsibility. For anyone who frequently grills outdoors, the extra convenience and durability justify the investment.

I can confidently say it’s worth every penny, especially for those who already own a compatible Blackstone griddle. The added prep space and ergonomic cooking height elevate the outdoor cooking experience, making it a worthy addition to any enthusiast’s gear.

Additional information