After spending months confined indoors, summer has finally arrived, bringing with it the joy of grilling season. While there are countless grills available, both gas and charcoal, a new contender has entered the scene: the Blackstone Griddle. With its versatility and simplicity, it’s no wonder that the Blackstone has become a viral sensation on TikTok.
As an avid outdoor cook who often finds traditional grills to be a bit finicky, I was particularly thrilled to try out the Blackstone Griddle for myself.
What Sets the Blackstone Griddle Apart?
The creators of the Blackstone Griddle were determined to do all their cooking outside whenever the weather allowed, something that traditional grills don’t always facilitate. To address this, they developed a cooktop that is large enough to handle various types of food and simple enough to use.
While Blackstone offers different griddle styles to choose from, they all share one common feature: a flat-top made from cold-rolled steel. This material ensures even heat distribution and controlled cooking, making the Blackstone Griddle a standout success.
Why is the Blackstone Griddle Trending?
Numerous TikTok videos have showcased the endless possibilities of cooking with a Blackstone griddle. Whether it’s preparing breakfast spreads for a group, whipping up weeknight stir-fries, or even making blueberry cobbler, the generous cooking surface and multiple burners allow for simultaneous cooking at different temperatures.
Just take a look at the mouthwatering breakfast creations of TikTok user grillthissmokethat. Who wouldn’t suddenly crave chocolate chip pancakes?
Testing the Blackstone Griddle
To put the Blackstone Griddle to the test, I used their 36-inch model, which I have been using and loving for the past two years. While there may be some variations between the model I tested and the ones currently available, the quality of the cold-rolled steel remains the same.
Even the most basic 36-inch griddle is anything but ordinary. It features four adjustable burners, a cutting board, garbage bag hangers, and a paper towel holder. Plus, it can cook an impressive 72 hot dogs at once!
After coating the entire surface with vegetable oil and allowing it to smoke and burn off, similar to seasoning a cast-iron skillet, I proceeded to cook breakfast for the Test Kitchen team. I wanted to see how the Blackstone Griddle performed when cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, so I made pancakes, fried eggs, and bacon all at once.
The pancakes cooked perfectly on medium heat, and the eggs fried without running all over the surface. I then cooked the bacon on the high-heat section, moving the eggs to a cooler area to keep them warm. It was a delight to have everything in sight and easily movable as needed.
I couldn’t resist trying another classic griddle recipe: smash burgers. I also caramelized onions on the griddle, a popular TikTok technique. The onions cooked slowly under the attached lid while I smashed the burgers with two wide Blackstone spatulas. Once the burgers were done, I topped them with cheese and toasted the buns on the other side of the griddle. It truly felt like being a professional line cook.
Pros
- Large cooktop for high-yield recipes or cooking multiple dishes at once
- Versatile cooking surface suitable for various foods
- Nonstick surface
- Adjustable burners for independent cooking zones
- Easy to clean with a flat surface and convenient grease trap
- Many Blackstone grill accessories available
Cons
- Cold spots between cooking zones
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blackstone Griddles last?
The lifespan of a Blackstone Griddle depends on the specific model and the level of maintenance performed. However, our griddle has performed exceptionally well over the past two years.
Do Blackstone Griddles rust?
Rust can form when the flat-top metal comes into contact with water and oxygen. Seasoning the griddle with a layer of oil is the best way to prevent rust, as the oil acts as a protective barrier. We season our griddle by coating the entire cooktop with vegetable oil, turning the burners to high, and allowing the oil to smoke and burn off.
Can you leave a Blackstone Griddle outside in the winter?
Since the elements can affect the functionality and longevity of the griddle, we recommend storing it away during the winter, especially in regions with precipitation. If possible, keep the entire griddle in a shed, garage, or under an awning. At the very least, remove the steel flat-top and store it indoors.
What Other Reviewers Have to Say
Blackstone griddles have not only gained popularity on TikTok but have also won the hearts of home cooks. Customers like Jgs37468 have been using their Blackstone griddles year-round, enjoying the delicious meals they can create. Many customers are repeat buyers, impressed by the quality and value provided by Blackstone products.
Product Comparison
While the steel flat-top remains the same across all Blackstone griddle models, the variations lie in size and additional features. For example, the model I tested had storage space, a grease-collecting system, and a hood. Other models may be countertop versions without shelves or legs or electric rather than gas-run.
The range of options ensures that there is a Blackstone griddle to suit every need and space. It also makes for a fantastic gift for grilling enthusiasts.
Final Verdict
TikTok got it right! After putting the Blackstone Griddle to the test, it’s safe to say that this trend is worth the hype. If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor cooking experience this summer, the Blackstone griddle is a must-have. The cheeseburgers were restaurant-quality, and the timing for cooking pancakes and other sides was effortless to figure out.
While it may be an investment, the versatility and quality of the Blackstone Griddle make it a worthy replacement for multiple cooking devices, ultimately saving space and money. We’re absolutely smitten.
Where to Buy a Blackstone Griddle
You can find the Blackstone Griddle, along with its fantastic accessories, on the Blackstone website or through online vendors such as Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Don’t wait any longer to enhance your cooking experience!
Additional research contributed by Audrey Rompon, a writer at Taste of Home.
