If you are currently choosing between a Blackstone griddle and any other equipment, then it will be important for you to get acquainted with the information about the Blackstone grill: where it is produced, the pros and cons of Blackstone, the basic principles of equipment care, and how to use it effectively.
Contents
- 1 About the Blackstone company
- 2 Does it matter if the Blackstone griddle is made in the USA?
- 3 Blackstone griddles come in multiple sizes
- 4 Advantages of the Blackstone grill: you get what you pay for
- 5 Grill accessories you will need
- 6 Adding seasoning to your grill
- 7 What are the hot zones in the Blackstone grills?
- 8 You may have to think about additional fuel
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
About the Blackstone company
The Blackstone company begins its history in 2005 when the first Blackstone griddle was created, it was a 36-inch Blackstone griddle. It was from this year that the active growth of the Blackstone company began.
The Blackstone company produces the following barbecue devices:
- An aluminum grill
- A cast iron griddle
- A steel grill
Depending on your needs, you can choose any of these grills, which, by the way, are delivered all over the world. In addition, the Blackstone company will always have a grill option suitable for your budget.
Does it matter if the Blackstone griddle is made in the USA?
Blackstone Company manufactures its products in the USA for the following reasons:
- Quality control. So, the company can identify any production issues at an early stage and solve them.
- Preservation of the environment. It is the production of products in the USA that allows you to control all issues related to the environment, including ensuring all precautions related to environmental protection.
- Production control. Top management does not need to fly to other countries to control production.
- Creation of jobs and payment of taxes to the treasury of the country. Thus, the Blackstone company supports the country’s economy.
Blackstone griddles come in multiple sizes
A distinctive feature of Blackstone grills is the presence of models of different sizes – diameters 17, 22, 28, and 36 inches, or, for example, such a model for a big party as the XL Rangetop Combo.
Choosing the size of the grill, first of all, start with the number of people for whom you will cook.
For a small family, a hike, or a small party, tabletop Blackstone griddles with a diameter of 17 and 22 inches are suitable, for a large company it would be better to choose larger models, for example, 28 or 36 inches.
36″ Culinary Griddle
The components of a 36-inch griddle are four independently controlled burners that emit 60,000 BTU of heat. This means that you can not only easily control the hob temperature, but also set up a 2-zone cooking system.
What we like
The grill surface is simply huge – you can cook a large amount of food at a time. The grease tray is located in the rear of the griddle top, which allows you to effectively remove excess grease from the surface.
Blackstone griddle is heavy, so the big advantage is the presence of four wheels, with which you can easily move it. Also in that model, you can remove the cooking surface and clean it easily.
The culinary griddle itself heats up very quickly, due to the 4 stainless-steel burners, but you can also use each stainless-steel burner separately.
What to consider before buying Blackstone 36″
It’s quite a dimensional thing, measuring 40 × 25 × 14.5 inches, and weighing 135 lbs. Therefore, make sure that you have a place to store it, besides, despite the presence of wheels, a Blackstone cannot be called a maneuverable thing.
Also, keep in mind that after cooking, you will need to clean all the appliances that you have used, and the griddle surface itself.
And this cannot be called a fast process.
28″ culinary Pro Xl W/Rangetop
This model is not as powerful as the Blackstone griddle, it produces 45,000 BTU, but this makes this model very efficient.
What we like:
The area of the griddle surface is 612 sq in, and this is more than enough for outdoor cooking for a large company. And on the hob itself, you can make three different temperature zones for food preparation.
As for the additional functions of the 28-inch Culinary Pro Xl with Rangetop, it has dual side shelves, a cabinet with a pull-out tank, a deep fryer basket, and a magnetic zone on the side shelf for attaching tools.
22″ electric tabletop griddle
This portable griddle is perfect for use in a small space. The area of the cooking space is only 358 sq in.
What we like
This model has a lot of advantages, for example, the surface of the grill is ceramic, with a titanium coating, that is, food will not burn on such a cooktop. And you can control the Blackstone grill thanks to a large digital LCD. You can wash the grease cup in the dishwasher.
Advantages of the Blackstone grill: you get what you pay for
Features
At a minimum, adjustable gas burners allow you to make several temperature zones on the Blackstone grill. As a result, there are hot zones on the Blackstone flat top surface. The fat management system helps with cleaning.
Customer service
By purchasing a Blackstone outdoor grill, you buy not only a quality product, but also excellent customer service. This means that if you have any questions about the maintenance of the griddle or need spare parts, customer service will take care of everything.
The convenience of storage and cooking
The Blackstone removable griddle is a miniature outdoor kitchen. After all, in addition to the cooking space in the griddle, there are two side shelves for storing food and spices, as well as a lower shelf for a propane tank.
Grill accessories you will need
As soon as you have received and assembled your Blackstone flat-top grill, and the assembly of this grill is very easy, you can immediately start to cook food.
No matter where you use the grill – indoors or outdoors, you will need the following accessories.
Griddle shovel and spatula
Since the Blackstone griddle has a flat top surface, you will need a spatula or a spade to turn over food, for example, a cutlet or steak.
Grease tins
A special grease trap is attached to the back of the Blackstone griddle, which allows you to effectively collect the grease that is formed during grilling. Grease tins are also called drip pans.
Grease tins are made of heavy-duty disposable foil. These are durable and lightweight tins that are easy to clean.
Infrared temperature gun
If you monitor the quality of your food, then you need to know at what temperature it is cooked. A high-quality temperature gun allows you to quickly measure the removable griddle top temperature so that you know exactly when to start cooking and how to adjust the temperature of the cooktop.
Griddle bottles
Since Blackstone produces too much dry heat, sometimes you will need to sprinkle the flat top surface with water to lower the temperature a little. You will need two griddle bottles: in one you will store water, and in the other oil.
An apron
It may seem to you that this is not a very important thing, but I would like to convince you. The fact is that a lot of hot oil pop-up from the grille surface, so an apron is the best way to keep your clothes clean.
Non-stick surface cleaner
Sometimes, after using a griddle, remnants of grease and burnt food may remain on its surface. To remove this from the flat surface without ruining the griddle, you will need a non-stick cleaner.
Adding seasoning to your grill
When you have received your new Blackstone griddle, then it needs to be seasoned. You do this so that the griddle surface becomes non-stick and durable.
First, wash the hob with soapy water and dry thoroughly. Then, using paper towels, apply a small amount of oil to the griddle’s top, you can use a little grapeseed oil or avocado oil.
After applying the oil, heat the griddle over high heat for 15 minutes. After a while, the oil will start to smoke, which means that you are doing everything right. Once the smoking process is over, you can turn off the griddle and let it cool down. The seasoning process must be done several times so that the seasoning starts correctly.
What are the hot zones in the Blackstone grills?
You may need some time to get used to the concept of hot zones on the Blackstone grill. What are the hot grill zones? These are the cooking zones that have a higher temperature than others. This temperature will be the same as you set it up.
In order not to burn your food, you need to know these hot cooking zones. Therefore, you may need a little time to get used to this method of cooking. However, the big advantage of hot zones is that you have enough cooking space to cook food.
For example, the hottest flat-top zone is in the middle. It is in this place that you will be able to cook something very quickly. Also, the system of hot zones allows you to grill several dishes at the same time.
The great thing about these cooking zones is that they essentially give you more cooking surfaces to work with.
You may have to think about additional fuel
Don’t forget that Blackstone griddles are gas-fired, so in case you run out of fuel faster than you expected, you should have a spare small propane tank.
Unfortunately, this situation, when propane runs out at the most inopportune moment, happens very often.
Therefore, you should take care that this does not happen to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook anything on a Blackstone?
Blackstone is versatile equipment for outdoor cooking that allows you to cook a huge number of high–quality dishes right in your backyard. For example, you can cook classic burgers with beef, searing steaks, French toast, scrambled eggs, pancakes, fried rice, shrimp in foil, etc.
And if you want to further expand the number of prepared dishes, then you can additionally purchase a Blackstone pizza oven or a frying basket.
What’s the difference between a grill and a Blackstone?
Grilled food is cooked using direct fire, it does not matter if it is a gas grill, a charcoal grill, or a pellet grill. Traditional grills have a ridged cooking surface. And the Blackstone cooking surface is flat and made of stainless steel. And the food is cooked not under the direct influence of fire, but through heating the cooking surface to a high temperature.
What is a Blackstone grill made of?
Blackstone grills are made of cold-rolled steel. The peculiarity of this material is that the heat is distributed evenly, that is, you can control the cooking process of the grill.
Can you barbecue on a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can barbecue on a Blackstone griddle. Perhaps this is one of the best ways to cook frozen burgers, hot dogs, and other grilled food.
Conclusion
The production of Blackstone company has made a breakthrough in all cooking. Thanks to this breakthrough, you can enjoy delicious food prepared by you in your garden.
The Blackstone grill is not difficult to manage, it is also easy to take care of and cook on it. However, do not forget that the Blackstone gas grill needs to be cleaned after each use. Also, do not forget to update your propane reserves, so as not to be without fuel at the most inopportune moment.
Read also our articles: How to slow cook tri tip on gas grill and Why is my grill not getting hot – reasons and solutions.
Hello! In my free time, I like to pamper my family with delicious grilled dinners. In addition, friends often gather with us and a grilled steak is what you need for pleasant company!
I have been working as a salesman in a grill and accessories store for several years. I know all about grills and smokers. My friends and acquaintances always consult with me before buying a new grill. I am a master at this with vast experience!
Recently I was advised to start my own blog and I decided to do it. I hope to be useful to you!
Can I cook hamburgers on a griddle?
Food prep for hamburgers isn’t a big deal when it comes to cooking hamburgers on Blackstone. Preheat the griddle or a large cast-iron skillet to medium-high. Add the fat/butter to the cooking surface and spread it evenly. Place burgers on the griddle when the oil begins to smoke. Top with cheese and finish