If you’re like me, you adore cooking outdoors. There’s something special about grilling food that makes it taste so much better than anything else cooked inside.
If you’re searching for an outdoor cooking device that may improve the taste of your meals, you should think about buying a Blackstone Griddle.
In this blog article, I’ll discuss what I enjoy (and despise) about my Blackstone Griddle. So if you’re thinking of buying one, you can make an educated decision.
What is Blackstone Griddle?
The Blackstone Griddle is a large, durable cooking appliance ideal for outdoor use. The Blackstone Griddle is a versatile and grease-less cooking option that can enhance the flavor of your food.
The Blackstone Griddle can be used to cook all types of foods including burgers, chicken breasts and steaks.
In addition to being able to cook multiple dishes at once, this griddle also allows you to cook them evenly throughout so they’re not burnt on one side while remaining raw on another part.
How to Use Blackstone Griddle?
To get started, you’ll need to season the griddle with oil before cooking and then set the desired temperature. Don’t overcrowd your food or cook too many things at once.
Use just half of the surface area so that nothing gets lost in between other pieces of meat or batter-covered foods.
When using a Blackstone Griddle for pancakes or eggs, make sure that both sides are completely cooked before flipping them over so they don’t burn on one side while still being raw on another side!
Why Does Everyone Like Blackstone Griddle?
The Blackstone Griddle is a popular cooking appliance because of its large cooktop, versatility and easy cleaning. It’s also grease-less cooking capabilities.
Rust Is a Never-Ending Battle Blackstone Griddle
Restaurant flat top grills are generally constructed of stainless steel, which ensures they do not rust. Blackstone Griddles, on the other hand, are a different story.
They’re composed of iron and carbon, which means they’re especially vulnerable to rusting – especially if they aren’t properly seasoned or cleaned after each usage.
I find myself battling rust spots from time to time, even after seasoning the griddle properly.
It’s really annoying, but there are methods to get rid of rust from the griddle’s surface.
Prevention is the most effective technique of dealing with rust, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s possible that rust spots will keep reappearing. If you see rust on your Blackstone Griddle, don’t be concerned.
After rust has started to set in, almost any flat top griddle may be salvaged. This is because Blackstone offers a rust removal kit for this purpose. To see how it performs, watch this video.
It’s critical to properly season your griddle after removing the rust and cleaning the surface so that rust does not return.
To do so, simply raise your griddle to high and cover the entire surface with two to three tablespoons of canola oil using a paper towel.
Make sure it’s a very thin layer of oil when you’re done. Allow the griddle to smoke until it quits smoking, then smoke for another five minutes. Repeat the procedure four to five times, or until the griddle’s surface is smooth, after it has stopped smoking.
Cookery Is Limited by Annoying Heat Zones
If you’ve ever used a gas grill, you’re already familiar with hot and cold spots. Gas grills generate heat by burning the burner flames, which warms the surrounding air and then the food on the grill grates.
If you’re using a skillet, be sure to heat it up fully on both sides before adding the food. When cooking with a cast-iron skillet on high for too long, hot and cool spots may develop. There are four burners on the Blackstone Griddle that heat up the steel surface, so there are no hot or cold regions.
This is ideal for cooking pancakes, bacon, and grilled cheese sandwiches since you won’t have to worry about rotating or shifting them to ensure they cook evenly.
However, this can be a bit of a pain when you’re cooking something that needs various temperatures.
For example, if you’re attempting to cook steak on one side and vegetables on the other, finding the correct balance might be difficult. I generally end up overcooking at least one of them.
Consider the following example. In a stir-fry, for example, you want each vegetable to be cooked to the proper degree of doneness. It’s difficult for me to get all of the vegetables cooked just right without making the meat tough.
I’ve discovered that cooking things in separate batches is the best method to handle this. You may control the griddle’s temperature as needed without affecting the other foods this way.
It’s not ideal, but it’s well worth the effort. Otherwise, you’ll have to get yourself organized and keep your burners set to the proper temperature, as well as remember where each heat zone is.
A griddle thermometer is a simple way to determine where each heating zone begins and ends.
Whether you choose an analog thermometer that sits right on the griddle, or an infrared thermometer (highly advised), if they’re all set to distinct temperatures, you’ll be able to tell where each zone is more accurately.
Pros of Blackstone Griddle
Large Cooktop
The Blackstone griddle is an excellent choice for those who want to cook in a large area. It has a surface area of about 60 square inches, which means you can cook multiple dishes at once.
The cooking surface is made from cast iron and comes with adjustable heat settings so you can adjust the temperature according to your needs.
This makes it ideal for searing meat or fish on one side while keeping other parts warm on another part of the grill.
Versatility Blackstone Griddle
Not all outdoor grills are capable of being used in a variety of ways. You can’t just toss an egg on the surface of a regular grill rack. That would create a mess! With the Blackstone Griddle, you may cook an egg on the surface!
The flat surface is ideal for many types of meals, whether you want to fry rice, scrambled eggs, or sear meat. It can also be used to cook meats, veggies, and even desserts!
It cooks food evenly, so you won’t have to flip things as frequently, and flare-ups aren’t an issue.
Easy to Clean
The Blackstone Griddle is easy to clean thanks to its non-stick surface. Simply wipe it down after use with a damp cloth and you’re good to go! You can also remove the grease tray and wash it separately if needed.
Grease-less Cooking
The Blackstone Griddle’s grease-less cooking capability is a huge plus for those who want to cook healthier meals.
The cooking surface is designed to drain the grease away from your food, which means you can enjoy delicious meals without the added fat.
Ideal for Outdoor Use
The Blackstone Griddle is a great option for outdoor cooking because it operates on propane. You don’t need to worry about finding an electrical outlet or dealing with cords and wires.
Plus, the cast iron surface is durable and can handle extreme weather conditions.
Enhances Flavor
The Blackstone Griddle enhances the natural flavor of your food by searing it on high heat. This is especially true for meats like steak and burgers, which develop a crispy outer layer while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
Cons of Blackstone Griddle
Regular Maintenance Required
The Blackstone Griddle requires regular maintenance in order to keep it working properly. You’ll need to oil and season the surface after each use, and clean it thoroughly to prevent rust and build-up.
More Heating Time Required
The Blackstone Griddle takes longer than other types of griddles to heat up because it uses infrared heat. This means you’ll need to wait a bit longer before you can start cooking.
Seasoning is Necessary
Before using the Blackstone Griddle for the first time, you’ll need to season the surface with oil. This is necessary to prevent food from sticking and maintain the non-stick surface.
You’ll also need to re-season the surface periodically to keep it in good condition.
Not Ideal for Indoor Use
The Blackstone Griddle is designed for outdoor use and isn’t recommended for indoor cooking. It can produce a lot of smoke and heat, which could set off fire alarms or damage your kitchen.
FAQs
Is it a good choice to buy a griddle?
Yes, buying a griddle is a good choice for those who love to cook outdoors and want to try something different than a traditional grill. Griddles offer a versatile cooking surface that can be used to cook a variety of foods and are great for searing meats and vegetables.
What are the merits of a griddle?
Griddles offer a large cooking surface, are versatile, easy to clean, and can enhance the natural flavor of your food. They are also great for grease-less cooking, which makes them a healthier cooking option.
What are the demerits of a griddle?
Griddles require regular maintenance and seasoning to prevent rust and build-up. They also take longer to heat up than traditional grills, and are not recommended for indoor use due to the potential for smoke and heat.
Is cooking on a griddle healthy or not?
Cooking on a griddle can be healthy if you use it for grease-less cooking and prepare healthy meals. However, if you use it to cook high-fat foods, it may not be the healthiest option.
What is the downside of a Blackstone griddle?
The downside of a Blackstone griddle is that it requires regular maintenance and seasoning, takes longer to heat up than traditional grills, and is not recommended for indoor use due to the potential for smoke and heat.
What are the pros and cons of griddle cooking?
The pros of griddle cooking include a large cooking surface, versatility, easy cleaning, grease-less cooking, and enhanced flavor. The cons of griddle cooking include regular maintenance, longer heating time, and not recommended for indoor use.
What are the cons of a griddle grill?
The cons of a griddle grill include regular maintenance and seasoning, longer heating time, and not recommended for indoor use.
Is a Blackstone griddle from Walmart the same quality?
Yes, a Blackstone griddle from Walmart is the same quality as a Blackstone griddle from any other retailer. The product is manufactured and distributed by the same company, regardless of where it is sold.
What is the lifespan of a Blackstone?
The lifespan of a Blackstone griddle depends on how well it is cared for and maintained. With regular cleaning and seasoning, it can last for many years.
Do Blackstone griddles attract bugs?
Blackstone griddles do not typically attract bugs. However, if food is left on the griddle for an extended period of time, it may attract insects.
What should I not cook on a griddle?
Avoid cooking delicate foods like fish or eggs directly on the griddle surface. You may also want to avoid cooking foods with high sugar content, as they may stick to the surface and be difficult to clean.
Why use a griddle instead of a skillet?
Griddles offer a larger cooking surface than skillets, which makes them ideal for cooking multiple items at once. They also allow for even cooking and are great for searing meats and vegetables.
Why are griddles better than grills?
Griddles are better than grills for certain types of cooking, such as cooking delicate foods like fish or eggs, or for cooking foods that require even heating like pancakes or burgers. They also offer a larger cooking surface and are easier to clean than traditional grills.
Conclusion
Overall, the Blackstone Griddle is a versatile, durable, and easy-to-use cooking appliance that’s perfect for outdoor cooking.
While it does require some maintenance and seasoning, the benefits of grease-less cooking, enhanced flavor, and a large cooktop make it worth the investment.
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient way to cook outdoors, the Blackstone Griddle is definitely worth considering.