Photograph: amazon.com
Today, with a flat-top grill, cooks can grill meals they’d by no means dream of placing on a daily grill, together with eggs, bacon, pancakes, and fajitas, to call a couple of. Among the many flat-top grill manufacturers in the marketplace, few match the standard of these made by Blackstone. The corporate’s lineup of griddle grills are famend for his or her warmth output and the standard of their cast-iron cooking surfaces.
Whereas Blackstone could certainly be the go-to model for this model of grill, deciding on which mannequin to purchase could be a problem. The corporate’s griddles vary in measurement from tabletop 17-inch fashions for tenting as much as full-size 36-inch griddles for giant tailgating events. Blackstone additionally gives the entire gamut from budget-priced grills to high-end fashions loaded with extra options. Learn on to learn the way to determine one of the best Blackstone grills, and study why the fashions under are among the best the corporate has to supply.
- BEST OVERALL: Blackstone Unique 28-Inch Griddle With Hood
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Blackstone Unique 28-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
- UPGRADE PICK: Blackstone Unique 36-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
- BEST COMBO: Blackstone Patio 28-Inch Griddle With Air Fryer
- BEST PORTABLE: Blackstone Journey Prepared 28-Inch Griddle
- BEST FOR CAMPING: Blackstone Unique 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle
- BEST INDOOR: Blackstone 22-Inch Electrical Tabletop Griddle
Photograph: amazon.com
How We Selected the Greatest Blackstone Grills
In assembling our checklist of one of the best Blackstone griddles, we evaluated every mannequin that the corporate gives and regarded quite a lot of components. We included a mixture of totally different Blackstone outside griddle sizes to go well with totally different wants, together with small tabletop fashions, midsize 28-inch griddles, and enormous 36-inch griddles. Since budgets for a flat-top griddle can fluctuate, we assembled affordably priced Blackstone griddles in addition to top-of-the-line fashions which are loaded with handy options. The entire griddles we chosen have burners able to offering the output wanted to succeed in excessive cooking temperatures and evenly warmth the cooking floor.
Our High Picks
The checklist under consists of among the easiest Blackstone has to supply. Our alternatives embody a broad vary of sizes and costs to go well with totally different wants and budgets.
Photograph: amazon.com
This midsize Blackstone griddle grill checks all of the containers whereas sustaining an affordable worth. With its 28-inch measurement, it’s massive sufficient to feed as much as 10 folks. Two burners give the chef the flexibility to cook dinner at two totally different temperatures concurrently, which is essential whether or not making breakfast for the household or internet hosting a yard barbecue.
This mannequin additionally boasts good extra options not discovered on all Blackstone outside grills. The hood permits for roasting thicker meats at decrease temperatures, whereas two massive facet tables and an ample backside shelf present area for meals prep and storage. This Blackstone’s legs may even fold up, making it doable to take this griddle on the street to the subsequent tailgating occasion or tenting journey.
Product Specs
- Cooking floor measurement: 524 sq. inches
- Variety of burners: 2
- Warmth output: 34,000 BTUs
- Weight: 93 kilos
Professionals
- Ample area for storage and prep with 2 facet tables and a backside shelf
- Comes with a hood, which permits for cooking extra kinds of meals
- Legs fold below the physique for portability, making it supreme for tailgating and tenting
Cons
- Some prospects complain about paint peeling off the grill physique
Get the Blackstone 28-inch griddle at Amazon.
Photograph: amazon.com
This flat prime from Blackstone may simply be the corporate’s greatest deal. Whereas this mannequin doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles that Blackstone’s higher-priced flat-top griddles have, comparable to a backside shelf or hood, it preserves crucial components of its bigger siblings.
At 28 inches, it has simply as a lot cooking floor as Blackstone’s higher-end griddles. Like these pricier fashions, it additionally boasts two burners and lights with an electrical ignition. With out the hood and further facet desk, this mannequin is lighter than different 28-inch Blackstone griddles at 71 kilos, making it simpler to fold up and transport to the subsequent huge sport.
Product Specs
- Cooking floor measurement: 524 sq. inches
- Variety of burners: 2
- Warmth output: 34,000 BTUs
- Weight: 71 kilos
Professionals
- Has the identical measurement cooking floor as higher-priced Blackstone griddles
- Options the identical warmth output and variety of cooking zones as higher-end Blackstone griddles
- Lighter than different full-size Blackstone griddles, making it simpler to move
Cons
- Doesn’t have the identical quantity of prep area or storage as different Blackstone griddles
Get the Blackstone 1517 griddle at Amazon, The Residence Depot, or Wayfair.
Photograph: bbqguys.com
Blackstone’s premium flat-top griddle can be its largest and most characteristic wealthy. Its 36-inch measurement boasts a powerful 769 sq. inches of cooking floor, loads of room for dealing with massive tailgating occasions or Fourth of July yard barbecue blowouts. That huge griddle prime is nicely supported by 4 15,000-BTU burners. Not solely does this translate to excessive warmth, it additionally makes it doable to grill hen, veggies, hamburger patties, and steaks all on the similar time.
Extra options abound on this flat-top griddle. There’s a hood, a big storage shelf, two ample facet tables for meals prep, hooks for grilling instruments, a magnetic strip for utensils, and even a paper towel rack and bottle opener. This mannequin sits on 4 massive casters, two of that are lockable, which is beneficial for wheeling the grill into place on a patio or deck.
Product Specs
- Cooking floor measurement: 769 sq. inches
- Variety of burners: 4
- Warmth output: 60,000 BTUs
- Weight: 128 kilos
Professionals
- 4 burners enable for cooking many several types of meals directly
- Backside shelf and a couple of massive facet tables present loads of room for prep and storage
- Huge cooking floor can deal with sufficient meals for giant events
Cons
- Heavy complete weight makes it troublesome to move to occasions
Get the Blackstone 36-inch griddle at BBQ Guys or Blackstone.
Photograph: amazon.com
Blackstone’s revolutionary tackle a combo grill marries its basic griddle with a cooking equipment that may deal with the facet dish duties—an air fryer. The highest of the griddle features a 28-inch cooktop with two burners (it additionally is available in a 36-inch measurement for an extra value). Beneath is an electrical 4-quart 13,000 BTU fuel and electrical air-fryer drawer and a 4-quart warming drawer.
A hood provides versatility to the griddle prime, permitting the chef to lure warmth for extra even cooking. Different options embody hooks for instruments, a magnetic strip for utensils, and a paper towel holder. Massive facet tables present a spot for meals happening and off the griddle, whereas a big decrease shelf gives loads of space for storing. Though the massive casters on all 4 legs make it simple to maneuver out and in of place, this Blackstone griddle is just not transportable because the legs don’t fold up.
Product Specs
- Cooking floor measurement: 524 sq. inches
- Variety of burners: 2 plus a 3rd burner for air fryer
- Warmth output: 34,000 BTUs
- Weight: 149 kilos
Professionals
- Comes with a built-in air fryer and a warming drawer that sit under the cooking floor
- Loads of room for storage and prep because of 2 massive facet tables and a decrease shelf
- Contains helpful extra options comparable to a hood, software racks, and magnetic utensil holder
Cons
- Some prospects complain of cold and warm spots on the griddle floor
- The legs don’t fold up like these on different Blackstone griddles
Get the Blackstone griddle with air fryer at Amazon or BBQ Guys.
Photograph: amazon.com
Because the title suggests, Blackstone’s Journey Prepared collection of grills are designed for street journeys, be it to a park, campground, or stadium parking zone. Whereas this grill is one in every of a number of 28-inch fashions Blackstone sells, its cooktop is extra compact with 448 sq. inches of cooking floor. Although smaller, this griddle doesn’t compromise on cooking energy, thanks to 2 17,000-BTU burners.
Different options make this griddle cell, together with legs that fold into the underside and two massive casters that enable for rolling the grill quick distances to and from a car. Blackstone additionally eliminates one finish desk, opting as a substitute for a deal with. This design makes it simpler to elevate and roll the grill, whereas additionally making it extra compact by shortening its general size.
Product Specs
- Cooking floor measurement: 448 sq. inches
- Variety of burners: 2
- Warmth output: 34,000 BTUs
- Weight: 79 kilos
Professionals
- Compact measurement and foldable legs with wheels makes it supreme for street journeys and tailgating
- 2 highly effective 17,000-BTU burners present even warmth for the cooking floor
- Contains facet desk and decrease shelf for prep and storage
Cons
- Smaller cooking floor than different Blackstone 28-inch grills
Get the Blackstone Journey Prepared 28-inch griddle at Amazon.
Photograph: amazon.com
With all of the tools required for tenting, hauling a full-size Blackstone is probably not sensible. This Blackstone transportable griddle is a good compromise. It options the identical cast-iron cooking floor discovered on full-size Blackstone grill fashions however on a a lot smaller scale.
Along with being extra compact, this 17-inch griddle weighs simply 30 kilos, lower than half the load of Blackstone’s 28-inch fashions. Its small measurement permits it to slot in a trunk with loads of room for different gear. It additionally runs off a small 16-ounce propane canister, so there’s no must tow alongside a 20-pound tank. Although its cooking floor is smaller at 267 sq. inches, it’s nonetheless massive sufficient to grill as much as 10 burgers. It additionally boasts a hood, which is a characteristic not sometimes discovered on transportable griddles.
Product Specs
- Cooking floor measurement: 267 sq. inches
- Variety of burners: 1
- Warmth output: 12,500 BTUs
- Weight: 28 kilos
Professionals
- Compact and light-weight measurement make it simple to move to a campground
- Options the identical high-quality cast-iron cooking floor of Blackstone’s full-size grills
- Hood provides cooking versatility not accessible on different transportable flat-top grills
Cons
- A lot smaller cooking floor than Blackstone’s full-size transportable grills
- Some prospects complain about it being troublesome to gentle
Get the Blackstone authentic tabletop griddle at Amazon or Wayfair.
Photograph: amazon.com
Blackstone applies its experience in outside flat-top griddles to this indoor electrical mannequin. It trades a cast-iron cooking floor for a nonstick titanium-coated floor. Like its bigger gas-powered cousins, which characteristic a number of burners, this electrical mannequin permits the chef to create two cooking zones. Two separate heating parts, a attribute not sometimes discovered on electrical griddles, energy the 307 sq. inches of cooking floor.
The griddle’s controls encompass two dials with digital shows that enable the chef to set particular temperatures for all sides of the griddle. The griddle additionally comes geared up with a glass hood that traps warmth for roasting or steaming meals. A tray in the back of the griddle catches grease, permitting for straightforward cleanup.
Product Specs
- Cooking floor measurement: 307 sq. inches
- Variety of burners: 2
- Warmth output: 1,200 watts
- Weight: 30.5 kilos
Professionals
- 2 heating controls enable the chef to create 2 separate cooking zones
- Glass hood permits for different kinds of cooking, together with steaming and roasting
- Nonstick titanium cooking floor makes for quick and simple cleanup
Cons
- Some prospects complain that the cooking floor doesn’t get scorching sufficient
- Considerably costlier than electrical griddles supplied by different manufacturers
Get the Blackstone electrical tabletop griddle at Amazon, The Residence Depot, or Wayfair.
What to Contemplate When Selecting a Blackstone Grill
There are many choices to select from when deciding on a Blackstone grill, together with the dimensions of the cooking space, portability, and extra options. Beneath, discover out extra about these and different traits of this common flat-top grill model.
Measurement and Cooking Space
Blackstone’s grills are available quite a lot of sizes. Whereas Blackstone’s commonest grill measurement is 28 inches, the corporate additionally makes smaller 17-inch fashions in addition to massive 36-inch griddles. A 28-inch griddle has about 528 sq. inches of cooking floor, which is sufficient to cook dinner for as much as six folks. Bigger 36-inch flat-top grills have round 750 sq. inches of cooking floor, which is sufficient for gatherings of eight or extra folks. Blackstone’s smaller tabletop fashions, which have round 300 sq. inches of cooking area, are appropriate for as much as 4 folks. Understand that Blackstone’s griddles can take up a good quantity of actual property on a deck or patio, so be sure you think about the griddle’s general measurement when purchasing for one. Its 36-inch mannequin, for instance, measures greater than 5 ft broad.
Variety of Burners
One of many key traits of a flat-top griddle is its capacity to cook dinner the whole lot from veggies to burgers to hen breasts all on the similar time. Since these meals don’t all cook dinner on the similar temperature, having the ability to create totally different temperature zones on the griddle’s cooking floor is significant.
What number of cooking zones the chef can create is determined by the variety of burners. For instance, a griddle with two burners can create two totally different zones. Blackstone’s 28-inch fashions include two burners, whereas its bigger 36-inch griddles supply extra cooking versatility with 4. Blackstone’s smaller tabletop fashions have a single burner, limiting them to a single zone.
BTUs
BTUs, which stands for British thermal models, is a measure of warmth output. For grills, this refers back to the grill burners. The better the variety of BTUs, the higher in a position the grill is to evenly warmth the cooking floor and attain the excessive temperatures vital for searing meals. The rule of thumb for flat-top grills is that the grill ought to have round 60 BTUs per sq. inch of cooking floor.
Blackstone’s smaller tabletop grills include single 12,500-BTU burners, whereas its 28-inch fashions include two 17,000-BTU burners. Blackstone’s largest 36-inch grills have 4 15,000 BTU burners.
Weight and Portability
Flat-top grills are a preferred outside cooking equipment for tailgating, tenting, and native park excursions. As such, Blackstone designs a lot of its flat-top grills to be transportable, together with its full-size fashions. Whereas probably the most transportable choices are its tabletop grills, that are compact and weigh round 30 kilos, a lot of its 28-inch and 36-inch fashions are additionally transportable.
These bigger flat-top grills characteristic legs that fold up, permitting one to suit them in a big trunk or a truck mattress. These flat tops even have massive casters that make it simpler to maneuver them over flat surfaces for brief distances. Although these grills are transportable, transferring them is a two-person operation since they will weigh upwards of 100 kilos or extra.
Extra Options
A lot of Blackstone’s grills include extra options that make them simpler to make use of. Widespread extras embody facet tables for prepping meals that’s approaching and off the grill, hooks and magnetic strips for holding instruments and utensils, and storage cabinets for storing grill instruments or different gadgets. Much less widespread extra options embody bottle openers and paper towel holders.
Some Blackstone grills even have hoods that make it simpler to cook dinner sure kinds of meals evenly. Blackstone additionally sells mixture grills, which have air fryers or facet burners. Whereas most of Blackstone’s griddles have at the very least a couple of extra options, the corporate equips its higher-end grills with extra extras than its lower-end fashions.
Suggestions for Sustaining a Blackstone Grill
There are a couple of easy suggestions of us ought to comply with earlier than first utilizing their Blackstone grill and after every use to make sure it lasts a very long time. Seasoning is paramount relating to any flat-top griddle, and Blackstone griddles are not any totally different. Season the Blackstone’s cast-iron cooking floor earlier than cooking with it by rigorously following the producer’s directions. It’s additionally vital to scrub the grill between every use by scraping it with a spatula, scrubbing it with a scouring pad, and wiping it clear with paper towels. By no means use detergents or cleaners, as they might destroy the seasoning layer. The floor additionally wants recoating of oil in between every use. When the grill is just not in use, cowl it to guard it from the weather so the cooking floor doesn’t rust.
- Season the griddle earlier than its first use.
- Scrape, scour, and wipe it clear after every use.
- By no means use detergents or cleaners to scrub a Blackstone grill.
- Coat the floor with oil between makes use of.
- Cowl it when not in use to stop the floor from rusting.
FAQs
Now that you just’ve had an opportunity to study extra concerning the many alternative points of Blackstone grills and the options of every, there could also be a couple of questions. Learn on for solutions to among the commonest questions pertaining to Blackstone grills.
Q. How lengthy do Blackstone grills final on common?
How lengthy a Blackstone grill lasts is determined by how nicely you care for it. A well-maintained griddle can final for 20 years or extra. Cowl the grill when not in use, and clear and oil the cast- iron floor between makes use of to guard it from the weather and forestall rust.
Q. What’s the hottest Blackstone?
The corporate’s flagship product is its massive 36-inch griddle, which may cook dinner sufficient meals to deal with even tailgating events. That mentioned, the corporate’s 28-inch griddles are additionally very fashionable because of their extra compact measurement, which makes them simpler to move.
Q. What are the most typical sizes of Blackstone grills?
The most typical sizes of Blackstone grills are the corporate’s 36-inch griddles and 28-inch griddles. Whereas the 36-inch fashions are perfect for massive events, the 28-inch griddles are common as a result of they’re simpler to move.
Q. What’s the distinction between a Blackstone and a daily grill?
Blackstone makes a speciality of griddles, which encompass a clean cast-iron floor. Grills, as compared, use cooking grates, which permit grease and meals particles to fall by them into the grill physique under. Griddles are extra versatile than grills as a result of they will cook dinner meals you may by no means placed on a grill, together with eggs, pancakes, and stir-fries.
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BobVila.com has been a trusted supply for DIYers since its launch in 1996. Our product evaluations are primarily based on many hours of analysis by specialists of their fields. Tony Carrick is a author with in depth grilling expertise, having examined and written about dozens of fuel, pellet, charcoal grills, and people who smoke in addition to flat-top griddles. Carrick strives to assist readers select high quality merchandise together with his sincere and thorough evaluations.
