Those using a Blackstone griddle, a flat top cooking surface synonymous with alfresco patio dining, know that the steel and carbon appliance can transform a meal. “The durability and build of a Blackstone griddle, as well as its heat distribution, makes cooking on it easy,” says chef and pizzaiolo Jorge Sandoval of Brooklyn Ave. “Quesadillas and cheese steaks also do great on the griddle,” he says. A Blackstone griddle is ideal for outdoor cooking adventures, in which it may take hours to cook a hearty meal without a pile of dishes and utensils. Seasoning your Blackstone Grill is easy and doesn’t require much time or effort. All you need is a high heat cooking oil such as vegetable or canola oil and a paper towel or cloth.
The instructions say assembly takes about 30 minutes, but my time was closer to an hour. And while almost all of the assembly is very straightforward, do pay attention to which side the small shelf goes on versus the handle/kickstand on the other side. Because it is a heavier griddle, it’s probably best for couples or families, not necessarily solo travelers.
I used two extra-wide Blackstone spatulas to smash the burgers until I heard that satisfying sizzle. When the burgers were done, I topped them with cheese and toasted some buns on the other side of the cooking surface. I built the burgers right on the flat-top, and I really did feel like a professional line cook for a moment. As expected, the eggs finished first, so I moved them to a less hot area of the griddle to keep warm. I loved being able to keep an eye on everything at once and move things around as they cooked.
Blackstone seasoning is the first and most crucial step to achieve perfectly cooked dishes, like scrambled eggs or fried rice. Seasoning your griddle involves keeping your griddle top clean and ready to cook on. After putting the Blackstone Griddle to work, it’s safe to say that this is one trend worth the hype. If you’re looking to step up your outdoor cooking this summer, the Blackstone is for you.
Covers come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure to get one that fits your particular model. A spatula and tongs are must-haves for flipping burgers and vegetables. If you’re going to be cooking over an open flame, get some long-handled BBQ tools. Another helpful accessory is a temperature gauge, which will ensure your food is cooked properly at the right temperature. Lastly, a griddle scraper will help you keep your grill top clean after each use. All of these items will help make your Blackstone Grill last longer, while allowing you to create delicious meals.
Make sure to scrub off any excess grease or residue before rinsing it off with clean water. Once the griddle has been cleaned, use a paper towel to dry it completely. This outdoor cooktop stands at 35.75 inches tall and is 51 inches wide. The 17-inch cooking surface is split between a traditional grill top and a griddle, making it easier than ever to prep multiple meal elements at one time.
The side shelf is the perfect perch blackstone bbq for grilling utensils, and it even features a handle for pulling the unit when folded. The last thing you want to do is leave a wet mess that can ruin the nonstick surface. Since you’ll likely have a lot of icky debris, paper towels are a good option for grease management.
After owning it a while and the newness wore off I reflected on what I cooked on it and the accessories I purchased for it. I had a few of those “aha” moments where I wish my future self would have told me about. I made a list of the most valuable things I learned and we talked about it on our podcast. The Blackstone griddles that we offer are steel—either powder coated steel or stainless steel, and not cast iron. Overall, while a flat top grill is a great tool for cooking, a two-sided grill is the preferred option for many chefs due to its even cooking capabilities and efficiency. If you’re in the market for a new commercial grill, a two-sided grill is definitely worth considering.