Score a Blackstone for Under $100 for Black Friday

Note: Prices and inventory can change quickly during Black Friday events. Always confirm the live price, model number, shipping cost, and return policy before checkout.

If you have been waiting for the universe to send a sign that it is finally time to buy a Blackstone griddle, here it is: a Blackstone for under $100 is the kind of Black Friday deal that makes backyard cooks, tailgaters, campers, and breakfast-for-dinner people suddenly very interested in “just browsing.” The magic number shoppers keep watching for is usually around $97, especially on compact 17-inch Blackstone griddles sold through major retailers like Walmart.

That matters because Blackstone griddles are not just another outdoor cooking gadget. They are the flat-top machines behind crispy smash burgers, diner-style pancakes, fried rice, sizzling fajitas, bacon that behaves like it knows it is being photographed, and breakfast spreads big enough to make your neighbors casually appear at the fence. When a Blackstone drops under $100 for Black Friday, it turns a popular outdoor cooking upgrade into a very giftable, very tempting buy.

This guide breaks down what shoppers should know before jumping on a Black Friday Blackstone deal, which models are most likely to fall under $100, what features actually matter, and how to avoid confusing “sale noise” with a truly good price.

Why a Blackstone Under $100 Is Such a Big Deal

Blackstone built its reputation around outdoor flat-top cooking, and the brand’s griddles have become especially popular because they can handle foods that fall through traditional grill grates. Think eggs, hash browns, chopped vegetables, quesadillas, stir-fry, pancakes, grilled onions, and smash burgers with those crispy edges everyone pretends they are not obsessed with.

The under-$100 price point is important because most full-size Blackstone griddles cost far more. Larger 28-inch and 36-inch models often sit in the few-hundred-dollar range, especially when they include stands, hoods, shelves, multiple burners, or accessory bundles. A compact 17-inch tabletop Blackstone is usually the model shoppers see dip below $100 during aggressive holiday promotions.

For beginners, that is not a compromise. It is often the smartest entry point. The 17-inch class is portable, easier to store, simpler to clean, and less intimidating than a backyard command center with four burners and enough cooking space to feed a softball team.

The Blackstone Model Most Likely to Drop Under $100

The deal to watch is typically a 17-inch Blackstone tabletop or Adventure Ready propane griddle. Depending on the retailer and bundle, the exact model name may vary slightly, but the core appeal is the same: a compact propane-powered flat top with enough cooking space for small households, camping trips, tailgates, patios, and weekend breakfasts.

Common Features on the 17-Inch Blackstone

Most 17-inch Blackstone tabletop griddles offer around 267 square inches of cooking surface, which is enough room for burgers, eggs, bacon, pancakes, or a small hibachi-style dinner. Many models use a single 12,500-BTU burner, giving the griddle plenty of heat for searing and quick cooking. A rear grease management system is also common, helping move grease away from the cooking surface and into a collection cup for easier cleanup.

Some retailer-specific versions include a hood or hard cover, while others are more basic. That is why it is smart to compare the exact listing before buying. A $97 model with a hood may be a better value than a $97 model without one, but a basic version can still be a great buy if your priority is budget-friendly flat-top cooking.

What Can You Cook on a 17-Inch Blackstone?

A compact Blackstone is small, but it is not shy. It can cook the foods that make people fall in love with griddles in the first place. For breakfast, it handles pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns without forcing you to juggle three pans and a kitchen that smells like a diner in a thunderstorm.

For lunch and dinner, it is excellent for smash burgers, cheesesteaks, grilled cheese, quesadillas, chicken fried rice, fajitas, sausage and peppers, stir-fried vegetables, and reheated leftovers that suddenly taste intentional. The flat surface makes it especially useful for chopped ingredients and saucy foods that would be annoying on a standard grill.

The only real limitation is space. If you regularly cook for six or more people, a 17-inch griddle may feel cramped. But for couples, small families, apartment patios where allowed, RV trips, camping weekends, or holiday gifting, it punches far above its price.

How to Know If the Black Friday Price Is Actually Good

Black Friday can be a beautiful shopping holiday, but it can also be a carnival of crossed-out prices, countdown timers, and “limited-time” banners that somehow return every 36 hours. To know whether a Blackstone under $100 is worth grabbing, compare the sale price against the usual street price, not just the retailer’s displayed “was” price.

A Strong Deal Looks Like This

A Blackstone 17-inch griddle priced around $97 is generally a strong deal when the typical price is closer to $114, $149, or higher depending on model and retailer. The best Black Friday value appears when the deal includes free shipping, store pickup, a hood or cover, or a useful accessory bundle.

Also check whether the product is sold and shipped by a trusted retailer. Marketplace listings can be legitimate, but they may have different return rules, shipping fees, or warranty confusion. For a deal this popular, stick with listings that clearly identify the seller, model number, and included pieces.

Watch Out for Bundle Math

Retailers sometimes bundle griddles with spatulas, covers, seasoning, scraper kits, or propane adapters. Bundles can be excellent, but only if you would actually use the extras. A $129 bundle may be better than a $97 griddle if it includes a cover and tools you planned to buy anyway. On the other hand, paying more for accessories that will live forever in a drawer is not savings. That is just clutter wearing a coupon hat.

Where Blackstone Black Friday Deals Usually Appear

Major U.S. retailers often feature Blackstone griddles during holiday sales. Walmart is one of the most important places to watch for under-$100 Blackstone griddle deals, especially on portable Adventure Ready models. Other retailers, including Target, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Amazon, Tractor Supply, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and Wayfair, may offer deals on larger Blackstone griddles, accessories, or bundles.

However, not every retailer will match the same price or carry the same model. A 17-inch tabletop griddle at one store may have a different hood, color, stand, or accessory package than a similarly named unit somewhere else. Before you click “buy,” scan the specifications and photos carefully.

Should You Buy Early or Wait Until Black Friday?

The best strategy depends on your risk tolerance. If you see a 17-inch Blackstone drop below $100 before Black Friday and it includes the features you want, buying early can be smart. Popular portable griddles can sell out fast, and waiting for an extra few dollars off may leave you staring at an “out of stock” page like it personally betrayed you.

If you are shopping for a larger 22-inch, 28-inch, or 36-inch Blackstone, waiting closer to Black Friday or Cyber Monday may bring deeper discounts. Larger models often receive dollar-off savings rather than under-$100 pricing. For example, a big backyard griddle may be discounted by $50, $100, or more, but it will still cost far above $100.

Who Should Buy the Under-$100 Blackstone?

An under-$100 Blackstone is ideal for first-time griddle owners, renters with limited outdoor space, campers, RV travelers, tailgaters, college students with approved outdoor cooking areas, and gift buyers who want something more exciting than another candle set. It is also a smart second griddle for people who already own a large backyard Blackstone but want a portable option for trips.

It may not be the best choice for large families, serious meal-preppers, or hosts who regularly cook for crowds. If your dream is to make 16 burgers at once while also frying onions and warming buns, go bigger. The 17-inch model is more of a compact hero than a full outdoor kitchen.

What Accessories Are Worth Buying?

You do not need to buy every Blackstone accessory on day one. Start with the basics: a sturdy spatula, scraper, squeeze bottle for oil or water, paper towels, and a cover if your model does not include one. A dome lid can help melt cheese and steam vegetables, while a burger press is useful if smash burgers are part of your personality now.

Seasoning and conditioner can be helpful, but many griddle owners use common high-heat oils such as canola or vegetable oil. The key is applying very thin layers and heating them until they polymerize into a protective surface. Translation: do not dump oil on the griddle like you are baptizing it.

How to Season a New Blackstone

Seasoning is one of the most important steps after buying a new Blackstone. The griddle surface needs a protective layer to help resist rust and create a smoother cooking experience. Start by cleaning the surface according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then heat the griddle and apply a thin layer of high-heat oil. Spread it evenly with paper towels using tongs or heat-safe gloves.

Let the oil smoke and darken, then repeat the process several times. Thin layers are better than thick layers. If the surface looks sticky, blotchy, or gummy, too much oil was probably used. Once seasoned, clean the griddle after each cook, dry it well, and apply a light coat of oil before storing.

How to Make Your Black Friday Blackstone Last

A griddle is not difficult to maintain, but it does ask for a little respect. After cooking, scrape food debris toward the grease trap while the surface is still warm. Add a small amount of water if needed to loosen stuck bits, then wipe the surface clean. Once it is dry, apply a light layer of oil to protect the metal.

Storage matters too. If your Blackstone lives outside, use a weather-resistant cover and keep it away from standing water. Moisture is the villain in this story. Rust can happen if the griddle is neglected, especially in humid climates or rainy seasons. The good news is that regular cooking, cleaning, and oiling go a long way.

Best Blackstone Deal Checklist

Before buying, use this quick checklist:

• Is the price truly under $100 before tax and shipping?
• Is it sold by a trusted retailer?
• Does the listing clearly show the model number?
• Does it include a hood, hard cover, or accessories?
• Is shipping free, or can you choose store pickup?
• What is the return window?
• Is the griddle propane, electric, or another fuel type?
• Will the cooking surface size fit your needs?

Experience Section: What It Feels Like to Score a Blackstone for Under $100

There is a very specific thrill that comes with finding a Blackstone under $100 on Black Friday. It is not quite the same as buying socks on sale or getting $10 off a toaster. A Blackstone feels like a future event. You are not just buying a griddle; you are buying Saturday mornings with bacon outside, burgers with crispy edges, fried rice experiments, and the sudden confidence to say, “I can make that at home.”

The first experience most new owners have is surprise at how useful the flat top really is. Traditional grills are great, but they have limits. Eggs do not belong on grill grates unless you enjoy chaos. Chopped onions fall through. Pancakes are impossible unless you bring a pan outside, which defeats the whole point. A Blackstone changes the rhythm. Everything sits on one hot surface, and suddenly breakfast, lunch, and dinner feel easier.

Unboxing a 17-inch Blackstone is also less intimidating than dragging home a giant grill. It is compact enough to move around, but solid enough to feel like real equipment. For many people, the first cook is something simple: bacon and eggs, smash burgers, or pancakes. Smash burgers are the classic test because the griddle surface gives you that restaurant-style crust. Press the beef down, let it sear, scrape it up, add cheese, and try not to act too proud when everyone asks for another one.

The learning curve is friendly, but there are a few honest lessons. First, seasoning matters. New owners sometimes rush it because they want to cook immediately, which is understandable. The griddle is sitting there looking shiny and dramatic. But taking time to season the surface properly makes cooking and cleanup much better. Second, heat control takes practice. A compact griddle can get hot quickly, so pancakes may need lower heat than burgers. Third, cleanup is easiest right after cooking. If you wait until the next morning, the griddle will not clean itself out of respect for your schedule.

Another big experience is portability. A 17-inch Blackstone is easy to bring to a campsite, tailgate, cabin, or family gathering. It turns outdoor cooking into something flexible. You can make breakfast at camp without balancing pans on a tiny stove. You can cook burgers before a game without hauling a full grill. You can set it up on a safe outdoor table and cook a quick meal that tastes better than anything wrapped in drive-thru paper.

As a gift, it also lands well because it feels practical and fun. It is not one of those presents that requires the recipient to fake enthusiasm. People understand what it does immediately. “You can cook burgers, breakfast, and fried rice on it” is a strong sales pitch, especially when the price was under $100. That is the rare Black Friday gift that feels bigger than the receipt.

The best part is that the under-$100 deal lowers the pressure. You do not have to become a professional griddle chef overnight. You can experiment. Make pancakes shaped like questionable geography. Burn the first batch of onions. Learn how much oil is too much oil. Try hibachi night and discover that flipping shrimp dramatically is harder than it looks. The griddle invites practice, and practice usually tastes pretty good.

For shoppers, the main takeaway is simple: when a reputable retailer drops a 17-inch Blackstone below $100, it is one of the most approachable outdoor cooking deals of the season. It is affordable enough for beginners, useful enough for experienced cooks, and fun enough to earn a permanent spot in the weekend routine.

Conclusion

Scoring a Blackstone for under $100 on Black Friday is one of those deals that makes sense for more than just the discount. The compact 17-inch griddle offers real cooking power, practical portability, and enough versatility to turn simple meals into something much more exciting. Whether you are shopping for yourself, buying a holiday gift, or finally joining the flat-top cooking club, the key is to compare models, confirm the final price, and act quickly when a trusted retailer drops the right deal.

A larger Blackstone may be better for big families and backyard entertainers, but the under-$100 portable model is hard to beat for value. It is affordable, flexible, and genuinely useful. In Black Friday language, that is the kind of deal worth adding to cart before it disappears and leaves you emotionally negotiating with a sold-out page.