Blackstone Griddle

[sourdough]

OK, I've read the posts and thoughts that members have had on the Blackstone Griddles. Javi got one and said it will be his go to grill. So....

I have spent weeks trying to find a source to get a 22" griddle to take camping. Everything said it would take 1- 3 months to get. I sent a message to Blackstone asking what the deal was...no answer as of yet (sent Friday so understandable). I've seen the "tabletop" model on the web but no way to get it etc. Guess what???

Today I went to Walmart in Big Spring TX. As we pulled in DW showed me the 36" Blackstone with stand outside the garden area. I said we needed to check them out but I had JUST looked on their site to see if they carried the 22" and...no. Made our rounds looking it over (had not been to the Big Spring store in many years). Walked thru the garden area and saw all their grills but not a Blackstone....and then, on the corner of a tall shelving unit I saw "Blackstone 22" tabletop griddle"! What? Impossible! Long story short; loaded it in the cart and checked out....$147; higher than Amazon ($137) so was concerned. Looked and this on has the cover and adjustable stand...for $10 more than Amazon. I'm good with that.

Now, I've assembled it. It is much heavier (with stand) than I thought but not a big deal. I will season it; I'm thinking oiling it and putting it in my big outdoor grill and running thru the oiling cycles. I'm going to order the tools for the griddle from Amazon; spatulas, steaming lid etc. I'm thinking of the covers and carrying bag from Amazon as well. It needs to go in the truck for long hauls, and stay at home, without being covered in dirt etc. We live in a VERY dusty environment and I always buy anything available to prevent that.

What, can those that have this unit, or others like it suggest that I need to get, or do? DW is not happy. I bought this and she thought it was a "grill". I told her no, this is for one phase of my cooking....the Weber will be here shortly...after I gave the Coleman Nextrip away this spring:whistling: I cooked a roast and some other specialties this evening to hopefully make peace...:facepalm:

Any thoughts are appreciated...and, grill away!!

[Retired Copper]

Danny the one I use; out by the DW`s Pool, I find that the best thing I use the most is a 4 inch putty knife with a wooded handle to scape off the stuff left behind. The other thing is a metal coffee can with a "S" hook to place at the drain in the v channel to catch grease and the water I use to steam the stuff off. I can`t keep a grill out by the pool, the last three bought found their way next door to daughters house. They where going to get me another one for father`s day and I told them not too because it would walk off too. I cook all my stuff on the blackstone. Hey you can do a killer breakfast camping.

[sourdough]

Thanks! I love a big breakfast myself and had just gotten into the mode of trying to find a restaurant. I had always cooked and want to get back in that mode - the griddle looked like a great way to kind of "doing what I love".

[the sodfather]

I’ve got a 22” Blackstone and love it. Mine came with a cover. I bought a 4.25 lb. lp bottle and a splitter to feed grill and Blackstone. I have a small folding table that I set it on that also provides a prep area. It’s a cooking machine. Breakfast is done on it (toast, eggs, bacon, potatoes, sausage, etc.). We’ve cooked burgers, Philly cheesesteak, hot dogs, seared steaks, man the list goes on. You will love it.

[ptooti]

you will not regret it ! they are da bomb! and you can cook healthy on it if you want to nice to have that option :) stir fry's etc check out blackstone ir griddle recipes on youtube

[sourdough]

Well, I "broke in" the griddle this evening. I worked on seasoning the grill for a while. Took an hour or so to keep oiling it and cooking it down. I've had various iterations of grills that had "griddles" so you could think you were doing "griddle stuff"....my Coleman Nextrip was one. NO WAY. Just finished the seasoning of the grill about an hour or so ago. Ran a batch of 6 strips of bacon over it to help the seasoning.. EXCELLENT! Then, threw a batch of bell peppers and onions on the griddle to further season it. Well, it was fantastic and the grill looks great.

If you have this griddle, you know how great it is...if you don't....get it "just because".

[Retired Copper]

You are going to like it and will find yourself cooking almost everything on it. Hey you might even be the next great Hibachi chef.

[ptooti]

glad you are happy with it I tell everyone about my grill and they probably think I'm over zealous about it but seeing is believing!:cool:

[Javi]

Adapter to quick connect http://propanegear.com/blackstone-17-22-griddle-quick-connect-adapter/

[sourdough]

I just have to opine about the Blackstone for a bit:

In my later "camping" days I viewed a "griddle" as something for pancakes, maybe bacon or that sort of thing. Didn't have any interest. I used camp stoves, gas grills/charcoal grills etc. Then found induction cookers and have a couple of those.

You know what I forgot? When I was a kid my mom ran a very popular restaurant. I was the "little kid" that came to work with mom and sat in the back at the little table for black folks (who knows what the PC correct term is anymore - but I lived it and know how it worked). Jelly, was the black cook and he and I were fast friends (I was about 6-8 or 9). When I was there he basically took care of me because mom was very busy, and many times very busy with Smirnoff vodka. He watched over me and fed me anything I asked for...all from a flattop. He made a wonderful, perfect breakfast; I didn't know OE eggs from OM from anything else. He would cook them and ask what it was I liked....I liked OE. He made them perfectly...every time. Off the same flattop he made me the most heavenly burgers I've ever eaten...and I love burgers - because of him, and now I think the best burger I can find is going to be the "greasy spoon café" burger. Sonic/Mcdonalds...take a hike.

A long tale to say that the Blackstone has opened a window for me that I didn't even know I wanted open. It can make all kinds of stuff and I don't have to worry about cleaning up inside...and it is FAST! At this point I really don't know what all I can use it for, or the recipes I can cook up, but from my little bit of experience with it I think it is possible to cook up stuff you just don't think about with a stove or BBQ grill. I would highly recommend the grill for anyone interested in all the things that sort of cooking tool can do for you....I'm just thrilled with mine. JMO

[JRTJH]

When I was assigned to Lowry AFB, I needed a part time job to help pay the bills, so on the nights I wasn't taking college courses, I worked at a greasy spoon. Anyone who is familiar with Denver in the 70's and 80's has heard of Rockybilt Hamburgers. That was my "part time job". I "mashed burgers on the grill" most nights until 2AM at the Rockybilt on North Federal.

In support of sourdough's statement that greasy spoon burgers beat Sonic/McD's, I completely agree. If a burger doesn't need a chocolate shake to "kill the grease", then it's just not a "burger"...... Cooked on a flat top grill is the only way to get the "sear just right and still have the grease"...

[LuvsPalmTrees]

My DH use to cook in a greasy spoon. He loved it. He found the Blackstone grill and purchased it and the utensils (that was my Mother's Day gift). I bought him the cover and bag for it from Amazon and now he needs the steam cover. He loves to cook and this is the easiest to clean. It goes on all camping trips and he keeps it in the garage (aka Man Cave) and cooks on it all the time. I don't think I will need my Coleman camping stove any longer.

[spade117]

I bought the 17" previous to our last trip. Loved it. Eggs, bacon, sausage, burgers, hot dogs, mushrooms were all cooked on it and all came out delicious. My sister and BIL got me the utensil package the other day. Now, I just need to get the carrying case/cover.

[Number 4]

I'm somewhat of a retro nerd (kinda wish I still had that '67 Shasta) so I use a griddle plate on the 2-burner Coleman stove I bought at a garage sale for 5 bucks. If I want to heat up some beans then it's the 3-burner Coleman white gas pumper I bought at a different garage sale for 10 bucks. I will admit it was a challenge sopping up the never-ending flow of bacon grease last time out. :o Seems like I ran through half a roll of paper towels. Those Blackstone griddles are pretty slick!

[sourdough]

I've had my 22" for about 10 days now. I've cooked on it A LOT and love it. I haven't fried eggs on it yet. Unfortunately, the top warped just a bit after it was seasoned and used 3-4 times so the oil wouldn't stay on the top very well; not terrible but it ran off. I will say, if you have one and don't have the little bottles in the accessory kit, or something like it, get one. Makes ALL the difference in applying the right amount of oil and getting it to stay in the right spot. Trying to pour from a bottle, even a small one wasn't the best deal.

Blackstone has said they are sending me a new top so maybe I'll have better luck with the next one. Even if I didn't get a new top the thing is great to cook on and opens new vistas for cooking food if you just want to get creative.

For the poster that was looking for the carrying bag. I don't know which griddle you have but for us, there was no bag for the 22" so bought the one for the 28". I am not impressed by it - seems pretty cheap. I am going to use it however because you have to have it enclosed in something in W TX or that oily cooktop will be covered in sand constantly. And, the accessory kit (spatulas, chopper, plastic bottles etc.) is excellent. And, I still use lots of paper towels :)

[stolly23]

I bought the big blackstone three years ago. Cook all meals on it in the summer. Have camped with a coleman road trip classic since '03 with the half grate half griddle cook top. Have been thinking about getting the full griddle top instead for it when I found the 17" blackstone at wallyworld for $74. I am so excited to get to use it camping and even more excited to not have to clean the coleman anymore. The cooktop on the 17" is much bigger than I expected. Went to amazon and got the cover and carrying bag for $23.

[Jeepshots]

I own two of these griddles - the 36" that stays at the house, and the 28" that is a permanent part of the camper. I took out the outdoor kitchen slide (with the dinky sink and 2 burner warming station), and the 28" fits in there nicely. I plumbed it with a 10' quick-disconnect hose, and it attaches to the same point the 2-burner hooked up to. You can cook dang near anything on it. Clean-up is easy, and it keeps the heat out of the camper.
Sourdough, what you might be after, burger-wise, is the smash burger. It's those thin-pattied burgers you get from the diners that are fantastic. Throw a ball of burger onto the hot griddle, and smash it down with your spatula, getting it down to 1/4" or so. Let it sizzle for about 2 minutes, then forcefully scrape it up, making sure to get all the crispy bits off the griddle, and flip it over. Get it off the griddle within the minute and serve it up. Great crunchy sear holds in all the juices. Very flavorful with just a mild salt/pepper dusting for season.
For those that don't know, there are several facebook groups dedicated to these griddles, and you can find great recipes digging thru them. My go-to meal is Philly Cheesesteaks, but have been known to do the hibachi thing as well. Burgers are smashed and flavorful. Can do omelettes like the pros without much work. I liked ours so much that I got rid of my gas grill.

[donsantell]

Ok you sold me. I looked all over. On line hardware store Home Depot etc. there was one on eBay, $229. Went to Walmart they had 4 but it included cover, adjustable stand, adapter hose to hook up 20lb tank. Only negative the front is black rather than SS. Also has a grease catcher. I’m seasoning it now. Thanks for all the info.

[donsantell]

Oh I forgot. $145.

[sourdough]

Ok you sold me. I looked all over. On line hardware store Home Depot etc. there was one on eBay, $229. Went to Walmart they had 4 but it included cover, adjustable stand, adapter hose to hook up 20lb tank. Only negative the front is black rather than SS. Also has a grease catcher. I’m seasoning it now. Thanks for all the info.


You got the same thing I did. I couldn't find anything anywhere except online and they were saying about 3 months to get it. Walked into a Walmart in a town about 45 miles from me never thinking of the Blackstone or them having one. I was looking for yard stuff and there, right on the shelf, were 2 of the 22" griddles! Who knew?

I seasoned mine and after about the 3rd/4th use it developed a slight warp - not bad and I still use it all the time but grease will run to the sides. Called Blackstone, sent pics and an explanation (just put the edge of a square from the outside toward the center to show the rise) and my new griddle will be here Thursday; great people and great customer service. Now I'll have to find a use for the spare, slightly warped, griddle.

The stand is very handy and sturdy. Beats trying to find a table. The shelf goes on and off easily. Comes in handy when cooking. For traveling I am going to remove the lid when I put it in the truck. In my part of the country it has to be covered to keep tons of sand out of it so bought a full length grill cover for a 30" regular BBQ and it fits perfectly. Got the Blackstone accessory kit; spatulas, scraper, squirt bottles (you need those). Made a steaming cover by buying an aluminum baking pan 12x8, drilling a couple of holes in the top and attaching polymer knobs to it. Also have the Blackstone steaming lid coming Thursday I believe. For traveling I have ordered the cover for the 22" grill (just covers the top of the griddle to use while camping)- it does appear it will take a month to 6 weeks to get. Got the carrying case for the 28" Blackstone; won't fit with the lid on but will work without it (to carry in the truck). I didn't know if I'd like it but read so many good things about it....now I cook on it all the time. And, forget the bacon in a skillet; turn on the griddle, throw on the bacon and by the time they would start sizzling in a skillet they're done on the griddle (or just about).:) Congrats, I bet you're going to like it.

[TheGriz]

Well you guys got me with your scrumptious breakfast and burger stories!!!

I ordered the 17" Blackstone Griddle from Wally World...$74 plus $4.44 for the governor shipped to my door. Delivery scheduled for Friday!!! Looking forward to getting it seasoned up and using on my deck. Then cooking those breakfasts at the CG with the aroma of bacon and potatoes/onions wafting through the air perking up the proboscis of the other campers!!!:applause:

Thanks,
Mike

[notanlines]

Dear Mike,
I read your post and I didn't see any ribeyes or large pork chops so I used your credit card on Amazon and remedied the situation. They will be here the day after our Blackstone.
Your best friend,
Jeter (woof woof) :D

[TheGriz]

Dear Mike,
I read your post and I didn't see any ribeyes or large pork chops so I used your credit card on Amazon and remedied the situation. They will be here the day after our Blackstone.
Your best friend,
Jeter (woof woof) :D

:lol::lol::lol: Believe me...he gets more than his fair share of everything on the grill!!!

That was great. Thanks for the good laugh!!!

[rogeru]

I bought the Blackstone "combination" Grill AND Griddle for around $210. last Fall. The darn stand itself is pretty heavy, but the grill and the griddle fit on it so easily. The thing has a cast iron burner for the grill, which will get hotter than hell if you want it to. And, the electric lighter works for BOTH units - and works flawlessly. Just m2cw.... love it!

[Salty25]

Picked up a 17" from Walmart today for $74. Just have to figure out the connection to my hose.

Will stop by Ace tomorrow to get the right size brass fitting.

[busterbrown]

Bought one off Amazon for $59 last month. Used it about 5 times now. My first impressions: more commercial grade than I would have expected. Knobs and griddle surface are well engineered. It took several meals to really 'season' the cooking surface. It's definitely a grill contender with burger patties, veggies, sausages, and breakfast items. Purchased a dome cover and spatula kit to complete the ensemble. Last week, I made Philly cheese steaks on the griddle with absolute success.

The only thing I find that Blackstone can't compete with are the searing marks from a traditional open flame grill especially on something like a 1 inch thick cut ribeye. For me, it's not a grill replacement. It is, however, a versatile appliance that makes opens up more breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas. A satisfying $59 spent.

[sourdough]

Bought one off Amazon for $59 last month. Used it about 5 times now. My first impressions: more commercial grade than I would have expected. Knobs and griddle surface are well engineered. It took several meals to really 'season' the cooking surface. It's definitely a grill contender with burger patties, veggies, sausages, and breakfast items. Purchased a dome cover and spatula kit to complete the ensemble. Last week, I made Philly cheese steaks on the griddle with absolute success.

The only thing I find that Blackstone can't compete with are the searing marks from a traditional open flame grill especially on something like a 1 inch thick cut ribeye. For me, it's not a grill replacement. It is, however, a versatile appliance that makes opens up more breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas. A satisfying $59 spent.


My thoughts exactly. It is a super versatile cooking method that makes a lot of things really easy and kind of opens up possibilities that are hard using pots and pans on a stove. Now, my ribeyes, they will be on a grill. A flattop can cook them, and I've eaten lots of them from one, but just aren't the same as cooked over a fire.

[Jeepshots]

Blackstone also makes a grill top for the 28" and 36" units. Take the griddle off, put the grill on, and cook your steaks the old fashioned way! I haven't gotten the grill top for either of mine, simply because i can't figure out an easy way of storing it...

[sourdough]

Blackstone also makes a grill top for the 28" and 36" units. Take the griddle off, put the grill on, and cook your steaks the old fashioned way! I haven't gotten the grill top for either of mine, simply because i can't figure out an easy way of storing it...


One of the things I really like about the Blackstone griddle is that all the mess stays on top and you just clean "stuff" into the grease trap. The burners and area underneath with the H burners stays nice and clean. I would be afraid that putting a grill over the burners and using it to grill things with an open grate would degrade (and really dirty up) the inside of the very clean burner area. I think it's a cool idea and a way for them to maximize the versatility of the unit (thanks for the heads up - I was unaware) but I think I'm just going to have a dedicated grill.

[ptooti]

Love our's so much just bought a 36" for the patio <3
:eek:

[SC Dreamer]

:lol:Y'all need to stop helping me spend "our" money! :lol:

[Jeepshots]

I modified my 36" top. Welded a 3/4" lip all the way around the front, as well as around the drip edge. I drilled out the drip edge hole, and welded in a 3/4" black pipe nipple, and now I hang a grease bucket under it. Keeps any grease from draining down the leg and onto the patio. I don't have to worry about it being perfectly level either - the grease/fluids can't over-run the low drain channel edge now.

[cavediver]

:lol:Y'all need to stop helping me spend "our" money! :lol:

I'm with him!!!

Jack