I’ve cooked on a lot of compact griddles and portable burners over the years, but the Ninja FlexFlame and the Blackstone 1814 stand out for very different reasons. I spent time using both side by side — everything from breakfast runs to outdoor dinners — and the contrast between the two became clear pretty quickly.
Even though both are designed for versatility and portability, they approach cooking in completely different ways. If you’re debating which one fits your cooking style, here’s my full experience with both units.
Main Difference Between Ninja FlexFlame vs Blackstone 1814 Griddle
The Ninja FlexFlame is a dual-zone indoor-friendly gas burner built for precision cooking, while the Blackstone 1814 is a classic outdoor flat-top griddle made for high-heat searing and bulk cooking.
One is about control; the other is about power and surface area.
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
- MAKE EVERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DELICIOUS with Black Stone griddle. Perfect for the backyard or...
Comparison Table: Ninja FlexFlame vs Blackstone 1814 Griddle
| Feature | Ninja FlexFlame | Blackstone 1814 |
| Type | Dual Gas Burner | 17″ Flat-Top Griddle |
| Surface | Open Flame Burners | Solid Griddle Plate |
| Heat Output | Adjustable precision burners | High-heat flat surface |
| Cooking Style | Pots, pans, searing, sautéing | Burgers, eggs, pancakes, smash-style cooking |
| Portability | Indoor/outdoor capable | Outdoor portable griddle |
| Best For | Controlled cooking, multi-tasking | Large, fast cooking sessions |
| Cleaning | Wipes clean like a stovetop | Needs scraping & oil seasoning |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review (First-Person Experience)
Design & Build Quality
Ninja FlexFlame
The FlexFlame feels more like a modern upgrade to a conventional stove. Its burners are compact but strong, and I like the way the knobs are spaced — they give you room to handle pans comfortably. It feels sturdy and modern, almost like a premium side burner you’d see on a high-end grill.
Blackstone 1814
The 1814, by contrast, is unapologetically rugged. The solid steel flat-top feels extremely durable, and the entire frame is built for outdoor use and abuse. Once seasoned properly, the cooking surface becomes naturally nonstick and develops that classic griddle personality.
My take: Ninja is sleek and refined; Blackstone is tough and built for outdoor feasts.
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
- MAKE EVERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DELICIOUS with Black Stone griddle. Perfect for the backyard or...
Ease of Use
Ninja FlexFlame
I appreciated how intuitive the burners were. Whether I wanted a low simmer or a sharp sear, the flame responded quickly. Using two zones at once worked great for multi-dish meals — boiling pasta on one side and cooking chicken on the other.
Blackstone 1814
The Blackstone behaves differently. The entire cooking plate heats up, so you need to use hot and cool zones manually by shifting food around. Once you get comfortable with that, it becomes incredibly efficient. I could cook entire breakfasts — eggs, hash browns, sausage, toast — all at the same time.
Ease-of-use verdict: Ninja wins for precision; Blackstone wins for volume.
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
- MAKE EVERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DELICIOUS with Black Stone griddle. Perfect for the backyard or...
Performance & Cooking Experience
Ninja FlexFlame
Here’s where the FlexFlame shines. The burners reach high heat quicker than I expected. Stir-fry, pan-searing, boiling — everything feels controlled and predictable. Because it’s not a flat-top, you’re working with standard pots and pans, making it perfect for everyday cooking.
Blackstone 1814
The Blackstone is simply fun when you want big sizzling energy. Smash burgers come out perfect, pancakes cook evenly, and grilled veggies taste better on this than on any indoor pan. It gives food that restaurant-style crispness you just can’t create with burners alone.
Performance impression: Ninja handles precision cooking; Blackstone handles big, bold, and fast meals.
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
Cleaning & Maintenance
Ninja FlexFlame
Cleanup is straightforward — wipe the burners and drip tray, and you’re done. It’s like cleaning a stovetop.
Blackstone 1814
This one requires seasoning and scraping. If you enjoy griddle cooking, it becomes second nature, but it’s definitely more effort than the FlexFlame. The payoff is a beautifully seasoned cooking surface that improves over time.
Ninja FlexFlame Grill, Griddle & Smoker
- 5-IN-ONE: Grill, smoke, roast, griddle, and make perfect pizzas. (sold separately).
Pros:
- Dual-zone precision cooking
- Indoor/outdoor friendly
- Great flame control
- Easy cleaning
- Handles diverse cooking tasks
Cons:
- Not ideal for large batches
- Doesn’t provide a flat-top cooking experience
Blackstone 1814 Tabletop Griddle
- MAKE EVERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DELICIOUS with Black Stone griddle. Perfect for the backyard or...
Pros:
- Perfect for outdoor cooking
- Large, even heat over the whole griddle
- Excellent for smash burgers, breakfast, and high-volume cooking
- Durable flat-top surface
- Seasoning improves performance over time
Cons:
- Requires regular seasoning
- Can’t be used indoors
- Less precise flame control due to flat plate design
Conclusion: Which One Do I Recommend?
After cooking on both, I’ve realized they serve completely different types of cooks.
Choose the Ninja FlexFlame if:
- You want precise temperature control
- You cook indoors often
- You prefer traditional cookware
- You like the flexibility of a dual-burner system
Choose the Blackstone 1814 if:
- You want a dedicated outdoor griddle
- You cook for groups or families
- You enjoy flat-top cooking
- You want restaurant-style meals at home
In my kitchen, the FlexFlame gets more daily use, but for outdoor gatherings and weekend breakfasts, the Blackstone 1814 is irreplaceable. Both are excellent — the right one depends entirely on your cooking style.
