In conclusion, Blackstone griddles offer better temperature control compared to gas grills. The main difference between a Blackstone griddle and a gas grill is their cooking surfaces. Traditional grills have a ridged cooking surface where food is cooked using the direct blackstone flat top grill heat of the gas or charcoal flame. In contrast, a Blackstone griddle has a flat stainless steel surface where food is cooked. While Blackstone’s most common grill size is 28 inches, the company also makes smaller 17-inch models as well as large 36-inch griddles.
LA-based Vanessa Garcia, a tasker on the Taskrabbit platform who routinely oversees cleaning needs, knows that a Blackstone griddle comes with its own rules. “You don’t need big, fancy tools, as long as it is cleaned periodically,” she says. With proper maintenance, your cooking dream machine can last 15 to 20 years. Remove this factory coating so you can add a stronger layer of seasoning. Sign up to receive new product news, exclusive offers, grilling tips & recipes, and more from Weber and its affiliates / subsidiaries! Sometimes I like to lift up leftovers by tossing them with parmesan cheese and reheating on a cookie sheet.
While Blackstone may indeed be the go-to brand for this style of grill, deciding on which model to buy can be a challenge. The company’s griddles range in size from tabletop 17-inch models for camping up to full-size 36-inch griddles for large tailgating parties. Blackstone also offers the whole gamut from budget-priced grills to high-end models loaded with additional features.
This forms a delicious crust that makes them almost as crispy as they where when they were first cooked. The swath of options (and, as a result, price points) ensures there’s something to suit everyone’s needs and space. A Blackstone griddle also makes an excellent gift for grillers who have everything. For example, the souped-up Blackstone we use has storage, a state-of-the-art grease-collecting system and hood.
They are, however, designed thicker than most, and with the higher than usual output of 15,000 BTU’s per hour the cooking time is the same as with cast iron. The company’s flagship product is its large 36-inch griddle, which can cook enough food to handle even tailgating parties. That said, the company’s 28-inch griddles are also very popular due to their more compact size, which makes them easier to transport.
You can also cook multiple types of seafood at once without worrying about cross-contamination. The griddle’s high heat ensures that your seafood cooks quickly and evenly. Another great thing about the Blackstone Griddle is that it’s easy to clean.
The choice between the two depends on personal preference and the type of food being cooked. However, both options can coexist and provide a variety of cooking options for outdoor chefs. The key blackstone grills is ensuring the griddle is preheated to a high temperature before adding the meat. While both grills can produce a satisfactory sear, it depends on personal preference and the cooked recipe.
It heats up quickly and evenly, so you can start cooking right away. And because it has a non-stick surface, you don’t have to worry about food sticking to the grill or burning. Afterward, coat the surface in a cooking oil as a protective layer, and let that air dry. “This step preserves the blackstone flat top grill life of the griddle so it doesn’t rust,” Garcia adds. Blackstone has its own seasoning and cast-iron conditioner, but you can also use vegetable oil, olive oil, shortening, flax oil, or canola oil for this task. Yes, you can use butter on a Blackstone griddle to add flavor to your food.
Todd Toven, a self-proclaimed “American griddler,” shows how to clean a Blackstone griddle by sanding on his YouTube tutorial. He then shows the “birthing process” of his griddle top by generously covering it with oil, which he then rubs in with a small towel. Next, dry the griddle with a microfiber towel, and then apply a layer of seasoning with a paper towel. Double check that there are no puddles of seasoning on the surface of the griddle, since it should have an even coating. This’ll help protect it from rust and keep the non-stick surface intact. It leaves a residue on your grill and can impart a soapy flavor to your food.