Best Blackstone Griddles Reviews
A Good For / Not Good For
Blackstone Griddles are Good For:
Whether we’re talking about fluffy pancakes or restaurant-style burgers, food prepared on a griddle is delicious. These appliances have smooth, flat surfaces, which makes them perfect for preparing various breakfast foods. If you’re someone who likes preparing eggs, French toast, home fries, pancakes, sausages, and bacon in the backyard or while camping, a quality Blackstone griddle is the perfect product for you.
Why Blackstone, though? It’s the company that popularized outdoor griddles with their 36″ model back in 2005. When it comes to these types of products, Blackstone is the industry leader. They have expanded dramatically and have a couple of bestsellers in their lineup.
Most of their griddles come with advantages such as versatility, ease of use, and excellent performance. They have an ample cooking surface and durable construction. They’re also exceptionally easy to transport and come with many hooks and shelves for storage of food and equipment.
With one of Blackstone griddles, you’ll be able to prepare potatoes, steaks, grilled cheese, quesadillas, pancakes, eggs, teppanyaki-style foods and many more. With most of their models being rectangular, you’ll have far more space than you would with a standard round pan.
However, the most significant advantage of these products is that some of them allow several setup combinations. As the name suggests, Blackstone Tailgater Combo will enable one to use both the grill and the griddle. This is precisely what makes these appliances so versatile, allowing a potential buyer to replace his standard grill with them.
The Bad Things about Blackstone Griddles:
Although more versatile than your typical outdoor BBQ grill, a Blackstone Griddle will still have its shortcomings. One of the most significant differences between griddles and grills is the cooking temperature. While griddles cook at lower temperatures (350°F), grills work their magic at much higher temperatures – at around 400°F. However, we have to mention that this makes griddles safer, as they’re somewhat cooler and food never gets into direct contact with the flames.
When it comes to cooking skin on poultry and fatty meats, a simple grill is always a better choice. The fat drips down and, in that way, creates extra smoke and flavor. The food turns out a bit healthier, as it never spent time sitting in oils and grease as it does on griddles. Moreover, the blackened grills marks are not something you can achieve with a griddle. They add a unique flavor and can be achieved only with grill-style cooking grates.
Another disadvantage of griddles is that they’re not so suitable when it comes to larger cuts of meat, like brisket or tri-tip. The same can be said for veggies, however – they always taste better when they’re grilled. Make sure always to add some oil to prevent them from drying out, though.
However, in the case of Blackstone Tailgater Combo, these disadvantages cease to be important. The model is a combination of both a grill and a griddle and provides the user with both options for cooking.
review of the products
Review of the products
36″ Griddle Cooking Station
Pitmaster Rating: 4.1
Blackstone’s 36″ Griddle Cooking station is a reasonably-priced top of the line product. As a matter of fact, it is one of the company’s first products, introduced more than a decade ago. It remains one of Blackstone’s best-selling appliances so far.
The cooking area of 720 square inches is one of its most significant advantages. The model has a vast cooking space, letting the user cook many burgers or steaks at once. It’s a non-stick, pre-seasoned surface made out of cold-rolled steel. This is precisely why it has excellent heat retention. Moreover, the cooking surface is removable, so cleaning it up is effortless.
The 36″ Griddle Cooking Station comes equipped with four burners. Each of them is controlled independently and they have a combined output of 60,000 BTUs. The maximum temperature stands at 400°F, and starting is accomplished by using the push-button ignition.
The model also has two convenient side shelves, as well as a single bottom shelf. The four caster wheels, on the other hand, make this appliance extremely mobile. Two of the four wheels can be locked in place.
Although not flawless, this appliance is bound to remain Blackstone’s top-selling product. To put it simply, it’s the best device of this type on the market. Well-built, easy to use, and impressively efficient, it should be your top contender if you love outdoor cooking.
PROS
- 720 square inches of cooking space
- Reasonable price
- Durable & heavy construction
- Four independently controlled burners
- Convenient side shelves
- Push-button ignition
- Four caster wheels
- Propane tank holder
CONS
- Issues with the grease drain
- Prone to rust
- DESIGN 72%
- FUNCTIONALITY 85%
- PRICE 88%
28″ Griddle Cooking Station
Pitmaster Rating: 4.3
The fact that Blackstone designed this griddle with the needs of customers is mind is immediately apparent. The model comes with various features that make it stand above the competition. Furthermore, its affordable price is guaranteed to turn it into another one of the company’s bestsellers.
Although smaller than its 36″ cousin, this griddle also sports a quality construction. The model’s frame was made out of powder-coated stainless steel. This was done to minimize possible wear and tear, turning the unit into a perfect choice for outdoor gatherings. Thanks to the comprehensive manual, putting this griddle together is as easy as it gets.
The capacity is just as impressive. The unit comes with a rolled-steel cooking surface of 470 square inches. This allows the user to cook 52 hot dogs, 18 hamburgers, or 10 steaks at once. Although the cooking space is not as ample as it is on the 36″ model, it is still quite sizeable and allows preparing large amounts of food at once.
The 28″ Griddle Cooking Station is equipped with two independently controlled burners. These are rated at 15,000 BTUs each and are fired up via the electronic push ignition. The caster wheels are present only on one side, but they still make the unit very portable.
PROS
- Ideal for smaller outdoor gatherings
- Powder-coated steel frame
- Lighter than the 36″ model
- Easy to assemble, use, and clean
- Two independently controlled burners
- Side & bottom shelf for storage
- Electronic push ignition
- Rolled-steel cooktop
CONS
- Only two caster wheels
- Grease drain can get clogged
- DESIGN 88%
- FUNCTIONALITY 76%
- PRICE 73%
17″ Tabletop Griddle
Pitmaster Rating: 4.2
Not everyone needs a full-sized griddle. Sometimes, having a compact, portable model is much more convenient. If you need an inexpensive cooking surface that you can easily transport from one place to another, Blackstone 17″Tabletop Griddle is the perfect product for you.
The model comes with a single H-shaped burner made out of stainless steel. It has an output of 12,000 BTUs and provides even heat across the cooking surface. As we expected, the burner is fired by piezoelectric ignition.
With 260 square inches of cooking space, you’ll be able to cook thinner steaks, burgers, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and chopped veggies. Blackstone claims that the unit can cook 12 eggs or 9 hamburgers in just one go. The cooking surface is made out of cold-rolled steel and has the dimensions of 17″ x 17″.
One of the best things about it is that it’s exceptionally easy to clean. Once you’re done with cooking, you can simply scrape the grease into a special disposal tray. The tray is located at the lower left part of the unit and functions like a small drawer.
Although powered by a single burner, this model is an impressive performer. It’s a perfect choice for preparing breakfast foods at smaller outdoor gatherings.
PROS
- Ideal for smaller gatherings
- 260 square inches of cooking space
- Cold-rolled steel cooking surface
- Portable & easy to store
- H-shape 12,000 BTU burner
- Electric igniter
- Drip tray included
- No-hassle cleanup
CONS
- Not for larger chunks of meat
- Flimsy rubber legs
- DESIGN 60%
- FUNCTIONALITY 85%
- PRICE 73%
Tailgater Combo
Pitmaster Rating: 4.3
As a combination of a griddle and a BBQ grill, this is one of the most versatile models in Blackstone’s lineup. For someone who hates switching between these two completely different appliances, the Tailgater Combo is a dream come true.
Manufactured from premium materials, the model is extremely durable and sturdy. At its heart, it has a powder-coated steel frame. The rest of the unit is just as well-built. The griddle is made out of cold-rolled steel, which is a standard when it comes to Blackstone products. The grill grates, on the other hand, have been manufactured from cast iron. Moreover, the whole unit is coated with a strong powder finish.
However, the best thing about this model is undoubtedly its versatility. Tailgater Combo comes with dual cooking surfaces – a flat griddle on the right and a multi-purpose grill on the left. Combined, they provide the user with 512 square inches of cooking space. The unit’s adjustable legs can be used on all terrains while its power ignition key makes firing it up as easy as it gets.
Portable, versatile, and durable, Tailgater Combo is one of Blackstone’s best models yet. If you’re looking for an appliance that provides more than just one cooking option, this is the model you were searching for.
PROS
- Reasonable price
- Two individually controlled burners
- A multi-functional appliance
- Grease trays included
- Power ignition key
- All-ground adjustable legs
- Easy to relocate
- Quick setup & easy to use
CONS
- No propane tank
- No caster wheels
- DESIGN 80%
- FUNCTIONALITY 92%
- PRICE 87%
Blackstone Griddles – 2019 Buyer’s Guide
What’s a griddle? Unlike your standard BBQ grills, griddles come with large, flat cooking surfaces. They’re typically made out of steel, aluminum, or cast-iron, and are heated by either gas or electricity. Most modern models have non-stick surfaces and are exceptionally easy to use.
Griddles made by Blackstone are considered to be some of the best on the market. If you’ve already decided to purchase one, you’re probably wondering what features you should look for. In this short buying guide, we’ll take a quick look at factors you need to consider while buying your first Blackstone griddle.
PortabilityIf you’re someone who often cooks outdoors, you’ll want your model to be portable. In other words, you want it to be easy to relocate from one place to another. Fortunately, most Blackstone units come with caster wheels. The 36″ Cooking Station, for example, comes with foldable legs and four caster wheels. Two of these wheels can be locked in place, with the other two having a swiveling function. This allows one to easily move the unit when necessary. If you want ultimate portability, however, nothing beats the 17″ Tabletop model. It is compact, lightweight, and you can easily take it with you to picnics, camping, or tailgate parties. |
CostAnother essential factor to consider is price. Fortunately for those on a tight budget, griddles made by Blackstone are all reasonably priced. Their affordability does not have a negative effect on their construction quality, though. The most expensive Blackstone unit we’ve reviewed is the 36″ Cooking Station. It comes with a large cooking surface and has two side shelves. The model undoubtedly makes up for the price with its capacity and convenient features. However, it is the Tailgater Combo that takes the cake when it comes to the overall value for the money. As it combines a griddle with your regular BBQ grill, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. |
MaterialMost modern griddles are typically made from cast iron, aluminum, or steel. All of these materials come with their own sets of advantages. Aluminum is an excellent heat conductor and also has a very low weight. It is often anodized, i.e. its cooking surface comes sealed. Stainless steel is another popular choice because of its attractive appearance and ease of cleaning. However, it is not so good when it comes to heat conduction. Lastly, cast-iron models are unmatched when it comes to preparing food at high heat. Not only is this material durable, but also cooks the food in an even manner. Fortunately, all Blackstone griddles come with excellent construction quality and can last for years. |
CapacityBlackstone offers both large and small griddles. Depending on your needs, you can select a model whose cooking surface suits your needs. Of the models we’ve reviewed, the 36″ Cooking Station has the largest cooking surface. With 720 square inches of it, you’ll be able to prepare large amounts of food all at once. If you never prepare food for larger groups of people, this won’t be of any use to you. In that case, aim for smaller, portable models. The 17″ Tabletop Griddle seems to be a pretty good choice. It’s a suitable option for those who often cook only things like eggs and pancakes. |
Expert Tips and Tricks
If you’ve decided to buy a Blackstone griddle, you’d probably like to know which steps you can take to make the cooking experience with it better. Here, we’ll explore a couple of handy tips and tricks to help you out:
#1 – The Tools of Trade
First of all, you’ll need to acquire the right tools for using and maintaining your model. Make sure to purchase two spatulas for the beginning. The reason why you’ll need two of them is that you’ll be using both of your hands. Furthermore, having two spatulas helps with preventing cross-contaminating various foods.
Another tool you’ll need is a scraper. It will allow you to scrape off particles before using the griddle and scrape off the residue once you’re done with cooking. Also, don’t forget to get a pair of metal tongs. You’ll use them to roll sausages and flip steaks.
A good chopper, on the other hand, will let you dice up various veggies right there on the griddle while cooking. Finally, make sure to get a couple of squeezable oil bottles. These are small, easy to use, and allow one to keep his go-to oils close at hand.
#2 – Stay Safe
Safety is something that you always need to keep in mind. Don’t forget to use an oven mitt whenever you’re using your Blackstone griddle. It’s very easy to forget that all elements of these appliances heat up when they’re working.
Moreover, always carefully monitor the excess grease. It’s essential to make sure that the grease gets adequately drained and that it doesn’t come into contact with fire. Grease fires are hazardous and should be prevented at all costs.
#3 – Start Simple
In case you’ve never used one of these appliances before, you’ll want to start simple. This means preparing meals that are not difficult to make. Pancakes are an excellent choice for this.
Start by wiping a bit of cooking oil on the griddle and then preheat it to 350°F. Next, you’ll want to test the heat of the cooking surface. Do this by dropping some water onto it and watch how quickly it evaporates.
Once everything is ready, pour the batter, wait for the pancake to begin bubbling, and then do some flipping.
#4 – Use Cooking Oils
Using liberal amounts of cooking oil or cooking spray is very important. This is done in order to keep the food from burning or sticking to the cooking surface. Those who don’t like greasiness that comes with foods prepared on iron griddles can use paper towels to blot the oil. Grease can also be avoided by utilizing cooking sprays on propane models. They’re much easier to apply than oil.
#5 – Create Different Heat Zones
When using a griddle that sits over several burners, one can easily create different heat zones. This enables preparing food at precise temperatures, as well as keeping some meals warm while the other ones are still getting cooked. To do this, simply utilize different burner strengths on different parts of the cooking surface.
#6 – How to Clean?
To extend its life and keep it in good working shape, you’ll need to clean your Blackstone griddle after each use. Simply remove the food residue by using a good scraper. After that, take a damp rag and thoroughly wipe down the surface. Don’t forget to wear protective gloves while doing this. Once you’re done with scraping and wiping, add a coat of cooking oil. Carefully wipe it down with a rag and store the appliance away.
Conclusion
As you can see from above, griddles manufactured by Blackstone are truly something special. As they’re well-made and highly efficient, it’s no wonder that they’re among the best-selling products of their type on the market. This is especially true for the company’s 36″ Cooking Station. It’s been on the market for quite some time and is religiously adored by thousands of grilling enthusiasts all over the country.
In our reviews, we took a closer look at these appliances and tried to determine their advantages and flaws. Each one of them is durable, versatile, and reasonably priced. Therefore, it’s up to you to select one that suits your needs the best.
If you’re, for example, looking to replace your old grill with a grill/griddle combo, consider buying the Tailgater Combo. This multi-purpose cooking station allows several setup combinations and comes with two independently controlled burners. If you need a portable, compact unit, the 17″ Tabletop Griddle is your best bet. The 36″ and 28″ Cooking Stations, on the other hand, are the best all-around choices that are guaranteed to satisfy all of your griddle-cooking needs.
No matter which one of these models you decide to go for, you’ll end up with a quality unit that you’ll be able to use for years.