What is a Blackstone that you cook on?

A Blackstone is a type of outdoor griddle that is commonly used for cooking at home. It is a large, flat top cooking surface made from steel or cast iron that sits over a gas or electric heating element. Blackstones are known by several other names including flat top grill, griddle station, flattop grill, plancha grill, and teppanyaki grill. They have become increasingly popular for backyard cooking and entertaining in recent years.

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What are the unique features of a Blackstone grill?

Blackstones have some unique features that make them desirable for outdoor cooking:

Large cooking surface – Blackstones typically have a large flat top cooking area ranging from 17 inches up to 36 inches or more. This provides ample room to cook for a crowd.
Even heating – The flat top allows for even and consistent heating across the entire cooking surface.
Versatile – A Blackstone can be used to cook a wide variety of foods from eggs and pancakes to steak, vegetables, and more. The open grill design also allows for zone cooking at different temperatures.

Portable – Many models are built with wheels and handles for easy mobility around the patio, yard, or campsite.
Durable construction – Blackstones are made from thick, heavy-duty materials like cast iron or rolled steel that hold and distribute heat effectively.
Safety features – Some models have grease management systems to channel away fat and help prevent flare ups.

These characteristics make Blackstone grills an appealing backyard cooker for feeding large groups and cooking different foods at the same time.

What are the different types of Blackstone grills?

There are a few key varieties of Blackstone grills to consider:

Freestanding – The most common type of Blackstone is a freestanding unit with an integrated frame, legs, and bottom shelf. Many have wheels for mobility and side tables or shelves.

Portable – Smaller, more compact portable Blackstone models are designed for tailgating, camping, and traveling. They have foldable legs and smaller cooking surfaces.
Built-in – Some Blackstone grills can be customized for permanent outdoor kitchen builds. Built-in units allow for incorporation into BBQ islands.
Electric vs gas – Blackstone grills are available in both electric and propane gas models. Electric provides convenience without tank hookups while gas allows for high heat output.

Within these varieties, you’ll also find different sizes from 1 to 4 burners or cooking zones. 2 and 3 burner Blackstones tend to be the most popular home models.

What are the key features and components?

There are several important features and parts that make up a Blackstone grill:

Cooking surface – The flat top cooking area is typically made from cold rolled steel or cast iron. Stainless steel and aluminum are sometimes used as well.

Burners – Propane gas models use tubular burners made from stainless steel while electric models have circular heating coils.
Cooking zones – Individual burners allow for different direct and indirect cooking temperatures across the griddle.
Ignition – Blackstones use button or twist start ignitions powered by AAA/AA batteries to light the burners.

Legs and frame – Freestanding units have folding legs and a supporting undercarriage. Stainless steel is commonly used.
Grease management – Grease tray, cup or channel helps collect oil and fat drippings to prevent flare-ups.

Higher end Blackstone models may also come with extras like side shelves, storage cabinets, temperate gauges, covers, and lighting kits. These provide added functionality, storage, and convenience.

How do you use a Blackstone grill?

Using a Blackstone grill takes a little practice but the basic process is fairly simple:

Heat it up – Ignite the burners, close the lid, and preheat your Blackstone for 10-15 minutes.
Oil the surface – Use a vegetable or canola oil spray or rub a thin layer of oil over the cooking surface.

Cook your food – Place your ingredients directly on the hot cooking surface. Burgers, steaks, vegetables, eggs, pancakes and more.
Manage temperature – Adjust burner knobs to zone cook at lower and higher temps as needed.
Flip and serve – Use metal spatulas and tongs to flip and move food around while cooking.

Clean – When finished, scrub the griddle with cleaning brushes and scrapers to remove any stuck-on bits.

The large, open cooktop allows you to simmer, sear, sauté, and even grill a variety of recipes all at once like a flat top stove. Having an instant read thermometer helps monitor temps across the griddle too.

What temperature does a Blackstone grill reach?

Blackstone grills are capable of reaching high surface temperatures up to around 600°F. However, the typical cooking range for most foods is between 300-450°F. Here are some approximate temperature guidelines:

High (500-600°F) – Searing steaks, chops, burgers
Medium-high (450°F) – Chicken, hot dogs, bacon, fish
Medium (400°F) – Fajitas, shrimp, pancakes, grilled sandwiches

Medium-low (325°F) – Vegetables like onions and peppers
Low (250°F) – Eggs, potatoes

The ability to cook at hot searing temperatures across the entire griddle is one of the key advantages of a Blackstone grill.

What can you cook on a Blackstone griddle?

Due to its versatility, you can cook just about anything on a Blackstone grill. Here are some of the most popular foods to cook:

Burgers, hot dogs, brats
Steaks, chops, chicken

Kabobs and skewers
Seafood like fish fillets and shrimp
Fajitas and tacos

Stir fry with rice or noodles
Pancakes, eggs, sausages
Quesadillas, grilled cheese

Vegetables like onions, peppers, asparagus
Fruit like peaches, pineapple, bananas

You can get really creative cooking just about any style of food on the grill. The direct contact and even heating allows you to mimic stove top cooking outdoors.

How to clean and care for your Blackstone grill

To keep your Blackstone grill in top cooking condition, here are some tips for cleaning and maintenance:

Scrape – Use a metal spatula or cooking scraper to remove stuck on bits after cooking.
Scrub – Mix warm water and dish soap and scrub with a grill brush to clean the greasy surface.

Rinse – Wipe and rinse away any soap residue with clean water.
Dry – Heat the griddle for a few minutes to completely dry the surface after cleaning.
Oil – Give a light coating of vegetable or grilling oil to prevent rusting.

Cover – Use a heavy duty cover when storing to protect from elements.

Avoid using harsh abrasive pads or cleaners which can damage the cooking surface. For deeper cleaning, you can use a grill stone or griddle cleaning block.

Pro tips for cooking on a Blackstone

Check out these pro tips and tricks for mastering your Blackstone grill:

Get even heating by keeping the lid down during preheating.
Divide into temperature zones – hot side and cooler side.
Don’t overload the cooking surface to avoid steaming.

Remember to oil the hot grill – do not oil cold.
Let any marinades and sauces reduce into glazes before applying.
Use metal tongs and spatulas with wood handles to prevent burning.

Sear on high heat first to get grill marks then lower temp to finish.
Cut foods into uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
Keep a spray bottle of water to control any flare ups.

With a little practice, you’ll be flipping and sizzling foods on your Blackstone like a professional chef!

What to look for when buying a Blackstone

Key things to evaluate when shopping for a Blackstone grill include:

Size – Consider the primary cooking area size needed to fit your purposes.

Portability – Assess if you want a fixed or mobile freestanding unit.
Fuel type – Compare pros and cons of propane gas vs electric models.
BTUs – More total BTUs means more cooking power.

Temperature controls – Knobs, zones, thermostats.
Durability – Commercial or restaurant-grade build quality.
Extra features – Side shelves, storage, lighting, cover.

Warranty – Look for at least a 1 year comprehensive warranty.

Also factor in your budget and preferences for certain convenience and design features that matter most to your cooking needs.

Why are Blackstone grills so popular?

Blackstone grills have grown very popular in recent years for several key reasons:

Versatility – The griddle design allows you to cook a huge range of food styles and recipes.
Capacity – The large, open cooktop can handle cooking for big groups and gatherings.
User-friendly – Blackstone grills have a simple operation and cleanup unlike some outdoor grills.

Value – For their size and performance, Blackstone offers affordable quality.
Durability – Made from restaurant grade stainless steel for longevity.
Convenience – Portable all-in-one grilling and stove top cooking appliance.

The combination of power, versatility, and ease of use make Blackstone an appealing backyard grill and outdoor kitchen option for home chefs.

Common mistakes to avoid

While fairly easy to use, there are some common mistakes and problems to be aware of:

Not preheating sufficiently – Blackstones need 10-15 mins preheating for even cooking.

Leaving the cooking surface dry – Always oil before placing food.
Not cleaning thoroughly – Food and grease can stick if not scrubbed.
No temperature regulation – Failing to zone cook makes food over or undercook.

Adding too much oil – Excess oil can pool and be a fire hazard.
No covers or indoor storage – Leaving outdoors leads to weather damage.
Chipping from rough cleaning – Use non-abrasive grill brushes and scrubbers.

Being mindful of these common errors will help you avoid potential frustrations and enjoy the full benefits of your Blackstone grill.

FAQs

How long do Blackstone grills last?

With proper maintenance and care, a quality Blackstone grill should provide 5+ years of reliable service life. Some restaurant models boast 10-15 years longevity.

What is the best Blackstone grill to buy?

The Blackstone 22 inch and 36 inch stainless steel models are among the bestselling and highest rated overall. The 28 inch and 36 inch proseries restaurant-grade units are also top professional quality options.

Are Blackstone grills worth it?

For their large capacity, versatility, power, and price – yes, Blackstone grills offer great bang for your buck. They enable flexible, convenient cooking that can’t be matched by many other outdoor grill options.

Can you grill on a Blackstone?

Yes, the direct high heat searing capability allows you to grill foods like steaks, chicken, fish, and veggies to get char marks as if on a barbecue grill.

Do Blackstone griddles need to be seasoned?

Seasoning is not required but it can help protect against rusting and enhance non-stick properties. Rub a thin layer of oil and cook on high heat for 30-60 minutes to season.

Conclusion

Blackstone griddles offer an extremely versatile outdoor cooking option for backyard chefs. Their restaurant-style flat top grilling allows you to cook like a pro and accommodate large gatherings. Models like the popular Blackstone 22” and 36” provide ample, durable cooking real estate fueled by propane or electricity. With some practice using zones and managing temperature variations, you can grill, sear, sauté, bake, and fry up just about anything on a Blackstone. Clean-up does require a little more scrubbing compared to traditional BBQ grills but the trade-off for performance and capacity is worth it. Just be mindful of common mistakes like inadequate oiling and preheating to ensure success. Considering their quality and capabilities, Blackstone grills deliver excellent bang for your buck alongside the joy of gathering around patio cooking.