If you’ve ever wandered through an outdoor cooking aisle or scrolled through a grilling forum, you’ve likely come across the Blackstone griddle. Its reputation for redefining backyard cooking is well-earned, becoming a staple for amateurs and professional chefs alike. But what distinguishes it from standard grills and other flat tops?
The widespread love for Blackstone starts with its simplicity and versatility, but that’s just the surface. A deeper look reveals why these griddles have carved out such a loyal following, while also admitting that no cooking tool is perfect.
Let’s break down the standout attributes that make Blackstone griddles exceptional, explore their limitations, and identify which foods thrive on a griddle — and which don’t.
What Makes a Blackstone Griddle Special?
Anyone who’s fired up a Blackstone inevitably gets the same first impression: this is backyard cooking without barriers. If you’re used to traditional grills, BBQ pits, or even kitchen stovetops, using a Blackstone can feel like finding a secret cooking code.
Key Features Setting Blackstone Apart
- Generous Cooking Surface: Ranging from compact 17-inch models to day-tripping beasts over 36 inches, there’s enough space to feed a family, a party, or just conquer meal prep in one session.
- Even Heat Distribution: Blackstone’s thick, rolled steel plates provide consistent heating, crucial for achieving that golden-brown sear on pancakes or burgers every time.
- High Output Burners: Control over multiple burners lets you create cooking “zones” for simultaneous searing, sautéing, and warming — no cold or overly hot spots.
- No Need for Special Cookware: Thanks to the durable design, you don’t need to baby these griddles. Cast iron spatulas and metal scrapers work perfectly (often improving the seasoning), and hard use is encouraged.
- Versatility at its Core: Breakfast spreads, stir-fries, taco parties, smash burgers, steaks, even hash browns — if it’s not soup, the griddle’s game for it.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal grease flare-ups and efficient drainage, food releases easily, and the surface wipes down quickly post-meal.
For those who love gadgets and add-ons, Blackstone’s ecosystem includes covers, hoods, spatulas, presses, and specialized kits — making the experience even more customizable
Check out the Blackstone griddle here on Amazon.
Cooking Beyond the Ordinary
The big difference emerges in what you can do that’s almost impossible on a regular grill. Think about rows of bacon sizzling in their own fat, diced onions caramelizing in a corner, or bulk batches of fried rice cooked restaurant-style, right at home. Unrestricted by grates, cheese won’t drip into oblivion, and flipping delicate fish is less nerve-wracking.
What is so special about a Blackstone griddle?
It’s the fusion of simplicity and capability— allowing cooks to mimic diner and teppanyaki-style foods, manage multiple meals at once, and retain total control over temperature and technique. You get the luxuries of an indoor flat top with the ruggedness for outdoor life.
Weighing the Drawbacks
No piece of cookware is the answer to everything. While Blackstone griddles appear to have all the answers, there are practical considerations that can be drawbacks for certain users.
- Bulk and Storage
Some models, especially the 28-inch and 36-inch varieties, can command a significant slice of your patio footprint. Their size and weight mean they aren’t truly portable — moving them alone isn’t advisable. - Seasoning and Maintenance
Unlike stainless steel grills that thrive on a quick wipe, griddles require regular seasoning and rust prevention. Skipping regular oiling or cleaning exposes the steel plate to rust, and overzealous cleaning can strip away the nonstick layer you work hard to build up. - Propane Use
These run on propane bottles or tanks. Frequent griddling — especially over several burners — will drain your cylinder rapidly. Have a backup ready if you’re hosting a crowd. - Grease Management
The grease drain is efficient, but on windy days, spatters and small spills can happen, and the drainage channel may occasionally clog if not cleaned regularly.
Common Problems with Blackstone Griddles
- Rusting: Exposure to rain or high humidity without adequate protection leads to rust. This requires diligent care and regular re-seasoning.
- Uneven Heating: This is less common, but over time, if debris accumulates under the burners or the surface warps slightly, hot and cool spots may appear.
- Ignition Issues: Like many outdoor propane appliances, the starter might fail over time and require manual lighting.
- Peeling Coating: If the griddle isn’t properly seasoned or harsh cleaners are used, you might see some flaking of the surface layer.
- Grease Leaks: In rare cases, a misaligned or dirty grease trap allows drippings to escape.
Investing a little time into maintenance and protection — a fitted cover, consistent seasoning, and gentle cleaning — resolves most of these issues before they become problems.
What Can’t Be Cooked on a Griddle?
One of the most common misconceptions is the “anything goes” myth. The line is thin, but there are a few foods and techniques that don’t quite fit the griddle’s strengths.
- Soups and Stews: Liquids simply run off the surface unless you use a pot or pan.
- Deep Frying: There isn’t enough depth for sufficient oil, so traditional deep frying is out. You can shallow fry or use optional griddle-safe pans.
- Large Whole Roasts: A chicken might be spatchcocked and seared, but anything needing indirect heat or prolonged roasting, like a turkey, doesn’t work.
- Delicate Baking: The surface can toast bread, but proofing and baking soft cakes, pastries, or cookies isn’t feasible.
Below is a quick checklist to differentiate:
| Cuisine/Method | Blackstone-Approved | Not Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Pancakes & Crepes | Yes | |
| Bacon & Sausage | Yes | |
| Eggs (any style) | Yes | |
| Stir/Fried Rice | Yes | |
| Sear/Smash Burgers | Yes | |
| Grilled Cheese | Yes | |
| Light Simmering | Pan Required | |
| Deep Frying | Yes | |
| Stews/Soups | Yes | |
| Large Roasts | Yes (without add-ons) | |
| Baking (Cakes/Pastry) | Yes |
Most everyday favorites shine on a Blackstone, while traditional grilling classics involving big bone-in roasts or boiling liquids call for a different setup.
Cooking Styles and Creativity
A typical Saturday morning might see one side sizzling away with pancakes, the middle zone cradling hashbrowns, and the other side hosting a line of breakfast sausages. This kind of multitasking is usually reserved for commercial kitchens.
The griddle shines when it comes to improvisation. You can start a Philly cheesesteak by browning onions and bell peppers, shift these to a cooler zone, sear steak in the middle, then pile everything together and melt provolone over the top — all in view, all in one place.
Even vegetarians and vegans benefit. Vegetables caramelize better when spread out. Tofu, halloumi, and even plant-based sausages sear beautifully, capturing a texture hard to achieve on grill grates.
Tips for Getting the Most from a Blackstone
Putting your griddle to work is more than firing it up and tossing food down. Here are some strategies to maximize enjoyment:
- Preheat Properly: Give the plate enough time to reach even temperature before cooking. This prevents sticking and uneven searing.
- Keep the Oil Handy: Regular swipes of oil keep the cooking surface conditioned and nonstick.
- Invest in Good Tools: Long spatulas, a sturdy scraper, and squeeze bottles for oil/water can speed up your workflow and keep food moving efficiently.
- Season for Longevity: Each time you finish a session and clean up, wipe on a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (flaxseed, canola, etc.) to fight rust and maintain a smooth surface.
- Cover When Idle: If the forecast shows rain or intense humidity, a fitted cover will extend its lifespan.
Who Should Consider a Blackstone Griddle?
Anyone who hosts gatherings, enjoys experimenting with different cuisines outdoors, or simply wants to convert every meal into an event should consider this piece of equipment.
It’s perfect for:
- Large families or frequent hosts
- Foodies are passionate about learning new techniques
- Meal preppers looking to cook in bulk
- Tailgate regulars seeking speed and volume
- Grillers of all skill levels
That being said, those with minimal outdoor space or minimal storage might rethink. Frequent travelers will want to investigate the more portable models.
For many, a Blackstone griddle from Amazon is less about replacing an existing grill and more about adding a tool that broadens the scope of what home cooking can look like. Versatile, forgiving, and just fun to use, it provides an invitation to rethink what outdoor meals can feel like — whether that’s a weekend breakfast or an impromptu weeknight dinner for friends.