We appreciate touches like the hex head screws at the corners, which let you level the griddle’s surface on an uneven patio, deck, or lawn. At this size, it’s important to get the grease draining in the right direction. Blackstone griddles offer a front or rear grease management system, while gas grills usually have a bottom tray or drip pan to catch excess grease. The front grease management system on Blackstone griddles allows for easy collection and disposal of grease but may result in spills and messes if not used carefully.
This cooking station has three independently controlled, stainless steel burners to power the ample 613 square-inch cooktop — total heat output on the griddle is 48,000 BTUs. And then there are the additional two range-top burners, one of which serves as a fryer basket. Unlike their modern counterparts, traditional grills would effectively burn off extra grease, so you black stone griddle wouldn’t have to consider factors such as leveling for functional grease flow patterns. They were not as suitable for outdoor kitchens as the modern options, but this is one of their strongholds. Modern cooktop grills do not burn the grease, meaning you need to level the appliance. You have to set your grill in a way that excess grease flows into the grease trap.
It has a pre-seasoned, nonstick surface, which means foods release easily, it’s a breeze to clean, and you can start using it right out of the box. Gas grills typically have removable grates and drip pans, making cleaning a breeze. The materials used in gas grills, such as stainless steel or porcelain-coated cast iron, are also resistant to rust and corrosion, which makes cleaning them even simpler. On the other hand, Blackstone griddles have a flat cooking surface that can collect grease and food debris. While they can still be cleaned with soap and water, completely cleaning the surface may take more effort. For instance, the Blackstone 36-inch Outdoor Griddle offers a spacious 720 square inches cooking surface, larger than most gas grills’ primary cooking area.
Charcoal grills require preheating with bunched-up newspaper or a starter chimney to light the briquettes, which can take up to 30 minutes. On the other hand, propane grills light up at the touch of a button and heat up quickly. Both gas grills and Blackstone griddles require some maintenance and cleaning, but they may be slightly easier to clean due to their removable parts and materials. While traditional grills offer that signature smokey, charred flavor, griddles are known for producing juicier, fattier meats with a unique flavor. Additionally, griddles allow conduction cooking, where the entire surface of the food comes in contact with the heat, making for a tastier result. When it comes to flavor, the main difference between a Blackstone griddle and a gas grill lies in the type of meats they produce.
You can use it to cook just about anything, and because it has a large cooking surface, it’s perfect for cooking for large groups of people. And unlike a traditional grill, you don’t have to worry about food falling through the grates or getting stuck. Some Blackstone grills also have hoods that make it easier to cook certain types of foods evenly. Blackstone also sells combination grills, which have air fryers or side burners. While most of Blackstone’s griddles have at least a few additional features, the company equips its higher-end grills with more extras than its lower-end models. How many cooking zones the chef can create depends on the number of burners.
All of the griddles we selected have burners capable of providing the output needed to reach high cooking temperatures and evenly heat the cooking surface. A compact version of the original grill station, it provides 448 square inches of cooking space over two independent, stainless steel burners. Designed for 20-pound propane tanks, the total heat output is a surprising 34,000 BTUs.
The first thing you need to know about a Blackstone griddle with the traditional rolled steel griddle surface is that you’ll need to season it before cooking on it the first time. The process to season a new Blackstone griddle is similar to seasoning a cast iron skillet. Sometimes, all you’re looking for is a portable grill, and Blackstone has you covered in this black stone griddle chapter as well. This 17” griddle equipped with a single burner has all the qualities and features needed to be the best portable grill yet. It measures 17.5″L x 8.5″H x 18″W and is used as a countertop grill that can easily fit enough food for one or two people to be cooked at once. It features an integrated grease tray that ensures an easier cleaning process.
Read on for answers to some of the most common questions pertaining to Blackstone grills. After you’re done preparing your incredible Blackstone dinner, simply turn the knobs to the off position. Then, be sure to turn the valve on the propane tank to the off position as well.
They also require frequent inspection of the gas line and tanks for safety. While grills offer that unique smokey flavor, fat, and oils drip out of the meat onto the gaps between grill bars, making it slightly healthier. On the other hand, the griddle offers a slightly juicier and fattier piece of meat, which can highly benefit from conduction.
Their largest model, it boasts an enormous 768 square-inch cooktop on a rust-resistant, powder-coated frame. Four, independently controlled, stainless steel burners create flexible temperature zones for the ideal finish on foods from veggies to steaks and pancakes. This round griddle saves space while still providing everything you need and more. Another perk is a built-in paper towel holder, so you can keep a roll under the side table and use that surface for plates and utensils. In conclusion, both Blackstone griddles and gas grills have advantages and disadvantages. A Blackstone griddle might be the best choice if you’re looking for a cost-effective and easy-to-clean option for cooking things like burgers, pancakes, and stir-fry.