Blackstone 1554 vs. 1984 – Comparison review
Outdoor cooking is a perfect time-spending with family and friends. However, the cooking process should be performed on the best grill to make fun tastier and healthier. On the market, gas grills are winners because of their stylish design, customizable options, great choice of sizes, and versatility.
Moreover, gas grills are easy to use allowing to achieve high heat (up to 700 F) with fast preheat and electric ignition. Blackstone grills have significant experience in the gas grill market, and with the comparison of Blackstone 1554 vs. 1984, you will find out not only the best flat-top griddle grill but determine the main parameters of how to choose the best gas grill.
Comparison table
Differences between Blackstone 1554 and Blackstone 1984
These two Blackstone models, 1554 and 1984, are both 36” classic griddles. They have the same griddle surface and the exact construction of the grill. All differences are connected to the accessories.
- Blackstone 1554 has folded side shelves, and 1984 has stationary shelves.
- Blackstone 1984 has a shelf in front of the knobs for storage; 1554 goes without it. On this shelf, hocks and a magnetic bar are located.
- Blackstone 1984 has a paper towel holder.
- Blackstone 1554 has two handles, and 1984 does not have any.
- Blackstone 1554 has black knobs, and 1984 has silver & black& orange knobs.
There are no other differences, so all details of grills will be combined in one description.
Detail review of Blackstone 1554 vs. Blackstone 1984
Blackstone Company was founded in 2008 when appeared their first 36” grill on the market. Since then, the product line has increased, and you can buy griddles in sizes 17”, 22”, 28” and 36”; with hoods or air fryers; portable or stationary. Moreover, you can buy pizza ovens and unique accessories for ovens and grills from Blackstone. The Company develops and produces grills and pizza ovens in the USA using the latest technologies and innovative materials. All grills have unique designs and patent notices.
Blackstone offers their Clients a way to save on the meal. The meal produced on their grills has restaurant quality at two-three times lower price. In addition, on the website, you can download numerous pasta, chicken, omelet, and burger recipes for free.
Product overview
Blackstone 1554
Blackstone 1984
Blackstone 1554 and 1984 (36-inch griddle) are flat black grills that prepare tasty food and can be easily installed on the backyard, patio, or camp. These grills are based on a classic Blackstone model for beginner grill lovers, with differences related only to the accessories. Both grills have 4 powerful stainless steel burners, each with 15.000 BTU per hour. The burners have independent control with knobs and built-in electric ignition creating four cooking zones. This allows making versatile grilling for the company of two or a big family. From the side view, you can check whether the burners are working.
The knobs do not have actual temperature indications; they have six positions from low to high (high is 650 F). You can use one separately or keep some zones for warming the food. The 1554 model has black knobs, while the 1984 has multicolored knobs (black, silver, and orange), where orange indicates the knob position.
Both grills work from liquid propane stored in 20 lbs. cylinders (purchased separately). The cylinder is placed on the upper and lower hangers with two bolts and nuts and secured with a latch. The grills are supplied with a hose and a regulator.
The cooking griddle represents a solid flat steel surface of 769 sq in with even heat distribution. The griddle sizes are 35.5 x 211.5 inches. You can prepare pancakes, fried eggs, vegetables, burgers, steaks, and many more. Up to 27 steaks,30 burgers, or 126 hotdogs fit the grill (food quantities may differ depending on their size). Searing the outside with intense heat, all flavors and juices stay inside the food on the griddle. Two side shelves can be used for food storage and preparation on both sides (their size is 20.5 x 13.5 inches).
The side shelves on both models have the same size, but the 1554 has a foldable version, while the 1984 has a stationary. Also, above the foldable shelves, the 1554 has two handles that can be used for transportation. Moreover, the 1984 has an additional place for grilling accessories: a small shelf for water and oil storage in front of the knobs, four hocks, and a magnetic bar on it. Finally, the 1984 model is also equipped with a paper towel handle.
The grills stand on four folding legs with four caster wheels of industrial quality; two of them can be locked to put the grill in place. The oil cup used for collecting all grease from the cooking surface is located at the backside of the griddle top; the grease leaks there through the hole.
The grills are supplied with a thin layer of soy oil to protect from rust creation during transportation. But during mandatory grill seasoning, it will be gone. You can purchase the hood separately to protect the griddle during storage; it is not required for cooking. You can also buy some other modifications of this model with foldable side shelves, magnetic toolbar, and hocks, with bottle opener, or with stainless cabinets and drawers.
The overall pros and cons of both grills, Blackstone 1554 and 1984, are summarized in the table:
- Four cooking zones
- Large cooking surface – 769 sq in
- Electric ignition with a separate push button
- Four caster wheels
- Two side tables and a bottom shelf
- Built-in grease pan
- Storage place for liquid propane tank
- Easily removable grease cup
- Many modifications available to this model
- Food can fall down through the back hole for grease
- No closed storage
- The hood should be purchased separately
- Disposable aluminum cups for grease pans should be purchased separately
The grill construction is easy and does not require professional knowledge. However, to ensure that you can use it, please go through the following sections: grill maintenance, assembling, and food preparation.
Cooking with Blackstone grills
1554 and 1984 Grills do not require any specific steps for food preparation. Before first use, you need to clean the griddle with soapy water and heat it up for 10-15 minutes with all burners turned on at high temperatures. Before placing the food, it is recommended to use organic cooking oil on the griddle and its sides. This should be done during seasoning, including applying several oil layers.
During seasoning, the oil is baked on the metal to create a steak-resistance surface protecting it from oxidation. After seasoning, the griddle will be shiny black; the more you cook, the blacker and non-stick surface will become. For seasoning and cooking, the following oils can be used: flax oil, extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil.
You need to follow the time and temperature indicated in the recipes. But the overall instruction is to check the internal temperature with a temperature probe or thermometer. Poultry temperature should be not less than 165 F, hamburgers and pork – 160 F, and veal and lamb steaks – 145 F. Meat and poultry should be prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination. Also, you can define which zones will be used for cooking and which one for warming the food. Finally, all food should be placed directly on the griddle and thoroughly prepared on clean washed surfaces to kill bacteria.
Assembling of Blackstone grills
Blackstone 1554 and 1984 grills are easy to assemble; the only tool required is a Phillips Screwdriver and only one person. The help of another person is required only to put the griddle in place. The griddle part is supplied pre-assembled with legs; you need only to connect it with wheels, handles, and shelves.
The user manual includes detailed instructions with pictures of all required steps. The primary assembling steps require the following steps:
- Wheels installation on legs
- Placing four knobs for the burners control
- Battery installation for ignition
- Side shelves, handles and bottom shelf installation
- Placing oil cup
- Installation of LP Gas Tank.
Maintenance of Blackstone grills
The Blackstone grills should be regularly and properly cleaned to avoid the accumulation of grease on the griddle and grill surfaces. There is no difference in maintenance requirements of Blackstone 1554 vs. 1984. They should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated location without access to the children. If you store the grill outdoors, please remember to cover the grill. The grill can be stored indoors without an LP cylinder, which should always be located outside.
You can use griddle cleaners or other detergents with water to keep it clean.
It is forbidden to use abrasive cleaners for plastic parts; only use soapy water and wipe dry. For painted surfaces, you need to use only soft abrasives. For cooking surfaces, a bristle brush is allowed. The steel burners also require some cleaning with a wire brush to remove grease from blocked ports.
After food preparation, you need to scrub all grease into the hole, and from there, it will be collected into the grease pan. You may use disposable aluminum cups to make the cleaning quicker and easier.
Buyer’s Guide – How to choose the Best Gas Grill?
Before purchasing, the gas grill’s potential owner researches the market to choose the best model. Although the owner might have reviewed some grill reviews, for example, about Blackstone grills, the decision should be made based on some evaluation criteria.
Here presented the essential criteria to be considered:
The grill type is defined by the fuel used for the food preparation. The most popular types are charcoal, gas, electric, and pellet grills. The gas grills have significant preferences as an eco-friendly grilling process, do not require electricity, are easy to clean, and ensure high temperatures. Gas grills could work from a natural gas line or liquid propane cylinder. The grills with LP cylinders can be portable. So, if you want to have an easily transported grill with easy maintenance and high temperature of grilling – a gas grill is a perfect choice.
The price of gas grills differs from several $100 to $5000. The price defines the number of additional features and grill versatility. But even cheap gas models perfectly prepare different types of meat and poultry.
There is no need to buy a large grill if you are going to prepare food for two. Gas grills could be of different sizes, with the possibility to turn on only part of the burners. The grill with this option is suitable for small families and big companies at the same time (Blackstone 36” grills with 4 cooking zones). Another solution is to choose a small, mid-sized, or large grill.
The grill of the same size can have a different number of burners. If you choose the model with one burner, you can cook only using the direct method. With two or more burners, you can cook indirectly by turning off some burners. Also, the more BTU the burner has, the more heat it generates. The approximate formula to calculate BTU for a good grill is the following: 110 BTU should be multiplied by the square inches of the total cooking surface.
Two main types of grill surfaces are – porcelain-coated cast iron grates and flat griddles. Flat griddles ensure juicy and flavorful food preparation, while not all grills with grates can propose the same. But flat griddles cannot make sear marks. Also, on the griddle, you can prepare all types of food, including pancakes, fried eggs, or small pieces of food. It is easier to clean as well. But if you want to prepare healthier food with a lot of fat, the grate is better, as some fat can drip.
Such parameters of easy cleaning and cooking, good temperature control, and quick heat-up are also crucial. They determine the grill convenience during the regular grill experience.
If you grill in the backyard corner, far away from cabinets and cooking tables, you need to have storage accessories and side shelves for a cutting board and plates. In other cases, you can choose grills with limited storage space. Additionally, in the standard package, some accessories can be included, but anyway, you can buy them separately.
As you see, many parameters based on your requirements should be considered. Unfortunately, there is no unified grill solution for all owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between Blackstone 36” griddles?
How long my 20 lbs tank will work with Blackstone 1984?
Can I cook with the lid closed on Blackstone 1554?
Do I need to use oil for each cook?
Can I store the Blackstone grills outside?
Conclusion
Gas grills are one of the best grills on the market. The flat-griddle grills are an excellent choice for beginners and professionals. Even though your food will not have sear marks, it will be perfectly seared. Both Blackstone grills are equally effective in juicy and flavored food preparation. There is no difference in cooking on Blackstone 1554 vs. 1984; all technical parameters, including the number of burners and cooking surface size, are the same.
If you choose between these models, your choice should be based on the price and quantity of storage space. The basic Blackstone 1554 is an excellent price & quality choice; it grills with restaurant quality and extreme temperature drops. If you can add some money for the grill and pay for convenience, then the 1984 is your perfect choice.
