A new Blackstone griddle comes pre-seasoned to protect it from scratches and harsh elements during transit. We know they’re trendy among TikTokers and all the rage according to our pros, but home cooks are just as hooked on Blackstone griddles. Traeger can more than take on the king of flat-top grills, but it will cost you.
The choice between the two depends on personal preference and the type of food being cooked. For those who prioritize slightly healthier, smokier flavors, a Grill may be the better option, while those who prioritize juicier, more flavorful meats may prefer a Blackstone Griddle. However, both options can coexist and provide a variety of cooking options for outdoor chefs. Blackstone griddles are easier to maintain due to their simple design and fewer moving parts.
This design makes it easier to lift and roll the grill, while also making it more compact by shortening its overall length. The 36″ 4 burner Blackstone griddle is one of the largest outdoor gas griddles on the market, and I absolutely LOVE the large cooking area of the Blackstone. Then your Blackstone griddle top should be a nice, shiny black color indicating that you have a non-stick cooking surface. Using a Blackstone griddle is very simple once you get the hang of it. Whether you call it a flat top grill or a griddle is up to you, but it’s essentially the same thing. In terms of portability, this item allows you to fold the legs down if you’re interested in having a portable barbeque.
There is a large removable grease cup that prevents dripping grease from getting all over the place, thus making the grill easier to clean. There is a lower handing bar which is equipped with four hooks, allowing you to place your cooking utensils nearby. A flat top grill is basically a grill that doesn’t have metal bars. Instead, it uses a flat plate and the power of a circular heating coil for you to prepare your food. A grill is cooking equipment made up of a flat metal grilling plate with horizontal, vertical, or criss-cross grooves on it. Electricity, gas, and coal are used to supply the heating element in the bottom of the plate.
In general, higher-BTU grills have the potential to get hotter, but airflow and how well the cooking surface distributes heat also impact performance. Blackstone has earned is reputation as the griddle company because they only focus in making the best flat top grills and griddles. Do not use soap on your griddle unless when cleaning it for the first time. Remember to season your cooktop after cleaning to prevent rust and maintain a non-stick surface. I used two extra-wide Blackstone spatulas to smash the burgers until I heard that satisfying sizzle.
A Blackstone griddle requires regular seasoning to maintain the surface and prevent rust. After each use, the grill must be cleaned to avoid buildup and ensure food safety. On the other hand, gas or charcoal grills require a bit more maintenance, including cleaning the grates and removing ash from the firebox.
At 524 square inches, the griddle surface is enough to cook about 18 steaks or 21 burgers. The two burners can crank to full heat to sear steaks, or you can set one side to warm to keep food hot until you’re ready to serve. In terms of storage, a freestanding Blackstone griddle typically takes blackstone flat top grill up more space than a gas grill of similar size due to its flat cooking surface. However, tabletop versions of the Blackstone griddle are more compact and easier to store. Gas grills often have additional storage space, such as cabinets and shelves for propane tanks and cooking utensils.
The large surface area and multiple burners allow you to prepare foods that cook at different temperatures simultaneously. When testing, our test kitchen director Ginevra Iverson found the four-zone cooking to be the Blackstone’s best feature. “I was able to cook biscuits low and slow on one side and crisp bacon and make hash browns on the other.” Plus, the lower-heat side can be used to keep food warm before serving. One tip she notes is that the zone closest to the propane tank was consistently the hottest, so she recommends planning your cooking zones accordingly.
Its small size allows it to fit in a trunk with plenty of room for other gear. It also runs off a small 16-ounce propane canister, so there’s no need to tow along a 20-pound tank. Though its blackstone flat top grill cooking surface is smaller at 267 square inches, it’s still large enough to grill up to 10 burgers. It also boasts a hood, which is a feature not typically found on portable griddles.