10 Things to Know Before Buying a Blackstone Griddle

When it comes to outdoor cooking, a Blackstone griddle is a versatile and popular choice for many. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there are a few things to keep in mind before making a purchase.

After the initial excitement of owning the Blackstone griddle wore off and using my Blackstone griddle for a while and trying different accessories, I realized a few important things I wish I’d known earlier.

I’ve gathered these lessons into a helpful list that I think anyone thinking about buying a Blackstone griddle should know.

1- Understanding Blackstone Griddle Types

When it comes to buying a Blackstone griddle, there are a few key factors to consider. One of the most important is the type of griddle you want. Blackstone offers a variety of griddle types, each with its own set of features and benefits.

Propane vs. Electric Models

The first decision you’ll need to make is whether you want a propane or electric Blackstone griddle. Propane models are more popular because they provide more heat and are easier to use.

Electric models, on the other hand, are more energy-efficient and easier to clean. Consider your needs and preferences when making this decision.

Portable vs. Stationary Designs

Blackstone griddles come in both portable and stationary designs. Portable models are great for camping trips, tailgating, and other outdoor activities.

Stationary models are better suited for backyard cooking and larger gatherings. Keep in mind that portable models are typically smaller and less powerful than their stationary counterparts.

2- Choosing the Right Size Griddle

One of the most important things to consider when buying a Blackstone griddle is the size and cooking area.

Think about how much space you’ll need to cook for everyone comfortably. I’ve used different sizes and found that it depends on how many folks you’re feeding.

For instance, a smaller griddle might be okay for a small family, but if you’re cooking for lots of people, a bigger one could be better. It’s like finding the right-sized puzzle piece for your family meals!

If you plan on cooking for a large group of people, you’ll want to choose a griddle with a larger cooking surface. Blackstone griddles come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 17 inches up to 36 inches.

Based on these calculations, a family of six might find the 22” Blackstone griddle suitable, offering 361 square inches of cooking area. This size accommodates about 12 burgers or 8 steaks during dinner and around 18 pancakes or eggs for a breakfast session.

Griddle Size	Cooking Surface	Burgers (Approx.)	Eggs (Approx.)	Good for Number of People
22-inch	330 sq. inches	8	12	Small family or 2-4 people
28-inch	448 sq. inches	12	16	Medium-sized family or 4-6 people
36-inch	720 sq. inches	18	24	Large family or 6+ people

3- What type of Fuel You Want to Use With Blackstone Griddle

Think about the type of fuel you want to use. Blackstone griddles can be powered by propane or natural gas, so make sure you have access to the appropriate fuel source.

Some models can be converted from one fuel type to another, so keep that in mind if you anticipate a change in your fuel source in the future.

4- Blackstone Griddle Surface Material and Heat Distribution

The surface material and heat distribution of a Blackstone griddle are also important factors to consider. Blackstone griddles are made from a variety of materials, including steel, cast iron, and ceramic.

The cooking surface of Blackstone griddles is made of cold-rolled steel. This material choice is essential to consider before buying because cold-rolled steel offers several advantages over other surfaces, such as cast iron. It’s more durable and easier to clean, providing a longer lifespan for your griddle.

This means better longevity, easier maintenance, and potentially better performance over time, making it a crucial factor in the decision-making process when purchasing a griddle.

In terms of heat distribution, Blackstone griddles are known for their even heat distribution. This is thanks to their unique design, which features a thick griddle plate and multiple burners.

The burners are spaced evenly across the plate, ensuring that heat is distributed evenly across the surface. This means that you can cook multiple items at once without worrying about hot spots or cold spots.

Related > > How hot does Blackstone Griddle Get

5- Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle

You know, I wish someone had told me about the whole seasoning thing before I started cooking on my griddle.

The first time I used it, it wasn’t the smooth non-stick surface I was hoping for. Turns out, I probably didn’t season it properly right from the start. So, I ended up re-seasoning it pretty soon after I got it, and guess what?

It got better the more I used it! Seasoning is like giving your griddle a special shield against sticking. It’s this process where you heat your griddle without any food, and it kind of burns off any leftover stuff from when they made it.

Doing this not only sets it up for good cooking but also keeps it in great shape for ages. My tip? Follow the instructions in the manual a couple of times before you start cooking on it.

6- Understanding the Heat Zones

Heat management can be a bit of a hassle at times, with certain parts getting hotter than others. Also, the side shelving tends to get pretty hot, causing some unexpected, um, incidents with melted plastic and charred ends of my cutting board.

Understanding the heat zones on a Blackstone griddle is key to mastering your cooking. This griddle heats up through various burners running beneath the cold-rolled steel surface. While Blackstone tries to distribute heat evenly, some areas tend to be hotter than others.

When I first got my griddle, I experimented with different areas to figure out the hot and cooler spots. To manage this, I often preheat longer and adjust the heat settings to balance it out.

An infrared thermometer became my best friend—it helped me understand the varying temperatures across the surface. Over time, I developed an instinct for when it’s just right for certain foods. It’s a learning process, but tools like the thermometer help navigate those heat zones and ensure your meals turn out perfectly.

7- You Can Cook Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Almost Anything on a Blackstone

Sure, it’s perfect for classics like sizzling cheese steaks, juicy burgers, and fluffy pancakes, but its repertoire extends far beyond. his griddle welcomes any dish that thrives on direct heat. I’ve even ventured into making Ethan Klebowski’s Halal Street chicken recipe on my Blackstone, and let me tell you, it’s downright addictive.

The Blackstone griddle is like a superhero in your kitchen with endless possibilities. Seriously, there’s very little you can’t whip up on this versatile cooking surface.

You got it to make awesome burgers, right? Well, it does more than that! You can create a taco night fiesta or cook up a big breakfast feast with eggs, bacon, and pancakes, sear steaks to whip up fried rice, and teriyaki chicken, or sizzle fajitas, all at once.

This griddle is perfect for making those trendy smash burgers, and it’s even great for cooking delicate fish without any worries.

But remember, you can’t cook really big chunks of meat like brisket or ribs on it. Still, it’s awesome to try new recipes and discover your new favorite dish.

8- Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning a Blackstone griddle is much easier than cleaning a propane grill. When you cook on the griddle, the greasy stuff goes to the back and then into a bucket with a liner that you can throw away. After cooking, if you leave the heat on and use warm water with a spatula, you can clean off almost anything.

By considering these key features when choosing a Blackstone griddle, you can ensure that you get the perfect griddle for your outdoor cooking needs.

9- Price and Budget Considerations

When considering purchasing a Blackstone Griddle, one of the most important factors to consider is the price and budget. It is important to determine how much you are willing to spend and what you can afford before making a purchase.

The initial cost of a Blackstone Griddle can vary based on the size and model. However, it is important to consider the long-term value of the griddle. Blackstone Griddles are built with high-quality materials and are designed to last for many years. They are also versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking methods, making them a great investment for any outdoor chef.

When considering the price and budget of a Blackstone Griddle, it is also important to factor in the cost of accessories and extras.

Blackstone offers a variety of accessories such as covers, griddle tool kits, and cleaning kits that can enhance the cooking experience and extend the life of the griddle. It is important to consider these additional costs when budgeting for a Blackstone Griddle.

10- Buy Extra Griddle Accessories

When it comes to griddle accessories, it’s easy to get caught up in the abundance available, but simplicity often wins the game.

I’ve found that Blackstone’s basic 5-piece kit hits the mark perfectly for enhancing the griddling experience. Initially tempted by several add-ons like fancy covers and specialized cleaning gear, I ultimately realized that this kit covered almost every need. The scraper and spatulas are top-notch, and the squeeze bottles? Well, they’ve become a staple every time I fire up the griddle.

Blackstone offers a range of accessories tailored to their griddles, and while you might not always need the brand-specific options, some are crafted to extend your griddle’s life.

Consider investing in the Blackstone Griddle Accessories Kit for a solid set of spatulas and tongs designed for these griddles. Additionally, basting covers, outdoor covers, and a griddle press are other useful add-ons to ponder. But trust me, starting with the basics in the 5-piece kit sets you up pretty darn well!

11- Where to Buy and Warranty Information

Retailers and Online Shopping

Blackstone griddles are available for purchase at various retailers and online stores. Some of the popular retailers that sell Blackstone griddles include Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon. These retailers offer a wide range of Blackstone griddle models and accessories at competitive prices.

When shopping for a Blackstone griddle, it is important to compare prices and features across different retailers to find the best deal. Online shopping is a great option for those who want to compare prices and read customer reviews before making a purchase.

Manufacturer’s Warranty and Customer Service

Blackstone offers a limited warranty on their griddles, which covers defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, or normal wear and tear.

If you encounter any issues with your Blackstone griddle, you can contact their customer service team for assistance. Blackstone’s customer service team is knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive to customer inquiries. They can help you troubleshoot any problems you may be experiencing with your griddle and provide guidance on how to resolve them.

Final Verdict: Is a Blackstone Griddle Worth it?

Blackstone griddle is a winner in my book and is a worth while investment for anyone passionate about outdoor cooking or looking to diversify their culinary skills. It’s been a game-changer for cooking everything from epic burgers to delicate fish and lightning-fast breakfast feasts.

Its versatility spans far beyond typical grilling, allowing you to cook a wide array of dishes, from breakfast classics to savory dinners, with ease.

I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!