Introduction
If you’re a fan of outdoor cooking, you’ve likely heard about the impressive performance and versatility of Blackstone griddles. Blackstone grills have become a staple in many homes because of their high-quality build and exceptional cooking capabilities. The Blackstone griddle line offers different griddle options that are a dream come true for avid outdoor chefs, combining robust functionality with a sleek design. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Blackstone griddles from their benefits and sizing options to top features, maintenance tips, and more.
Benefits of a Blackstone Griddle
The Blackstone Griddle brings a feel that adds to outdoor cooking experiences. It is effortless, and that's why so many people refer to it as an essential outdoor kitchen. There are countless Blackstone griddle uses, from searing steaks and grilling burgers to cooking breakfast foods like pancakes, eggs, and bacon with ease. Let's look at the benefits one by one:
- Pure Versatility: Do you think you could cook up any dish, from pancakes and eggs for breakfast to burgers, stir-fries, and even steaks for dinner, on a Blackstone griddle? With a flat, non-stick surface, a Blackstone griddle transforms your backyard into a full-service outdoor kitchen.
- High-Temperature Cooking: Blackstone griddles can heat up and distribute heat evenly on the entire cooking surface, allowing one to properly sear meats and caramelized vegetables and expect restaurant-quality results.
- Improved Aesthetics and Convenience: griddles, unlike portable versions, become part of your outdoor kitchen design. Using a Blackstone griddle, you will enjoy all the functionality of their portable models but without the hassle of moving or setting it up.
- Durability: These Blackstone griddles are made from high-grade materials, such as stainless steel and powder-coated steel. The outcome is that this equipment can endure any kind of weather and heavy usage for a long period.
Choosing the Right Size
The Blackstone griddles are offered in different sizes. Depending on the cooking requirements and the amount of outdoor space available, one can opt for the correct one.
1. Blackstone 17 Griddle:
The Blackstone 17 griddle is small and ideal for small spaces or for people who do not require much cooking. It provides about 268 square inches of cooking area, just enough to cook for a small family gathering. Although it has shrunk in size, its cooking power is not affected, making it ideal for those who don't need a mass cooking area.
2. Griddle Blackstone 28:
Griddle Blackstone 28 has the middle size as the griddle. Blackstone present a feature of the versatile cooking experience and have 448 square inches of cooking space. It can be ideal for medium-sized gatherings, providing just enough space to cook multiple dishes at the same time without overwhelming your cooking area.
3. Blackstone 36 Griddle:
Blackstone 36 Griddle is ideal for bigger families or hosts who entertain their guests regularly. Since this unit has more than 700 square inches of grill space, it can equip a large volume of food, which makes it perfect for big parties, gatherings, and other occasions when you need to cook for several people.
5. Blackstone 22" Tabletop Griddle:
Blackstone 22" Tabletop Griddle is a small, portable electric griddle ideal for outdoor cooking, as well as travel. With 24,000 BTUs across two independently controlled burners, it provides even heat to be dispersed for varied meals. It has 330 square inches of cooking space and suits making breakfast, lunch, or dinner for small groups. Its grease management system, built into this griddle, makes cleaning much easier both for camping and backyard use.
6. Blackstone Patio 36" Cabinet Griddle:
Blackstone Patio 36" Cabinet Griddle is an outdoor griddle designed for large gatherings and versatile cooking. It's a high-performance cooking device that holds four individually controlled burners and provides 768 square inches of cooking space so you can grill several items at the same time. The cabinet design has storage space for propane tanks and utensils, whereas a stainless-steel build with the rear grease management system allows it to be cleaned easily.
Top Features to Look For in BBQ Griddles
When you want to spend your money on a Blackstone griddle, you should choose one with these key features for the most of your money invested:
- High Heat Output: The best Blackstone griddle is one that gives out great amounts of heat so that the foods come even and well-cooked. Blackstones should have at least 12,000 BTUs per burner so that heating is a little faster and one can truly acquire great searing.
- Durable Cooking Surface: Blackstone built-in griddles are made out of tough, cold-rolled steel cooking surfaces that distribute heat evenly throughout the entire griddle. This toughness signifies that your griddle will cope with very high temperatures without warping and be good to go for years.
- Grease Management System: Blackstone built-in griddles have a grease management system, which is extremely important. The system catches the grease and food particles in the cooker, allowing them to flow into a removable catch tray. This makes cleaning easy and prevents flare-ups from unwanted elements while you are cooking.
- Adjustable Heat Zones: You can cook different foods simultaneously for flexibility. Blackstone built-in griddles come with multiple independently controlled burners. This allows you to create different temperature zones across the griddle surface, which is suitable for daintily cooking next to super hot items.
- Electronic Ignition System: An electronic ignition system usually comes with Blackstone built-in griddles, allowing for quick and reliable starts every time. This feature adds convenience and enhances safety, especially when cooking outdoors.
- Built-in Lid or Cover: A few griddles come with an in-built lid, which allows you to trap heat, smoke, or steam when using it. This is pretty useful for dishes that require indirect heat or slower cooking.
Maintenance and Care
To have your Blackstone griddle serve you over the years with no hiccups, you should maintain the property and take care of it from time to time.
Here's how:
- Seasoning the Griddle: Seasoning is important in making a non-stick surface, and heating prevents rust from the grill. Before you employ the griddle for the first time, spread a thin layer of cooking oil all over the griddle and heat it until the smoke starts to rise. Continue the process multiple times to develop a protective, non-stick coat.
- Cleaning After Every Use: Always scrape all food residues using a griddle scraper or spatula, and then proceed to clean it up with a damp cloth. If you get tough spots, add a little water and warm up your griddle, as this can help in clearing tough grease and crumbs.
- Oil it for rusting: After cleaning, place a thin layer of oil on the griddle surface so it does not rust, especially if you place your griddle outdoors or in a moist environment.
- Tray Grease Cleaning: Always clean out the grease tray to avoid overflowing or retaining grease. Grease accumulation can cause a fire. Hence, you should always check the tray more often.
- Cover When Not in Use: Invest in a good cover that will protect your griddle from weather and dust whenever not in use. Such small steps help in keeping your Blackstone griddle at its best.
- Deep Cleaning: Every few months, you could do a deep clean scrubbing of the griddle surface using gentle abrasive cleaners and warm water. This should help burn off any carbon buildup and make your griddle cook just right.
Conclusion
A Blackstone griddle is an incredibly valuable addition to any outdoor cooking setup, allowing for versatility, durability, and a top-quality cooking experience. Whether casual or experienced outdoors, every need will be addressed with the range of sizes and innovative features that Blackstone built-in griddles offer. Choosing the right Blackstone griddle - whether a compact 17-inch, versatile Blackstone 28 griddle, or spacious Blackstone 36 griddle, you can make your backyard a cookout oasis by choosing griddles from BBQ Generals. Proper care and maintenance ensure your Blackstone built-in griddle will last for years in delivering great food and unforgettable gatherings. Enjoy eating many delectable meals and cherished memories for which you're investing in your Blackstone griddle. Have fun grilling with your Blackstone!