If you’ve ever dreamed of flipping burgers like a pro or waking up to sizzling breakfast on your patio, the Blackstone griddle is probably already on your radar. This backyard cooking powerhouse has become a go-to for everyone from casual weekend grillers to serious outdoor chefs. With its flat top design, versatile cooking surface, and ability to handle everything from pancakes to Philly cheesesteaks, the Blackstone griddle isn’t just a trend—it’s a full-blown outdoor cooking revolution.
But what makes the Blackstone griddle stand out from your typical backyard barbecue setup? That’s what we’re diving into today. Whether you’re thinking about buying your first griddle or already have one parked on the deck, this guide will give you everything you need to know. From setup and seasoning to cooking techniques and cleaning tips, we’ve got your back.
Why the Blackstone Griddle is a Game-Changer for Outdoor Cooking
One of the first things you notice when you fire up a Blackstone griddle is how incredibly fast it heats up. Within minutes, you’re ready to cook breakfast, lunch, or dinner right outside. Unlike a traditional grill with grates, the flat-top surface of the Blackstone griddle allows for even cooking and no food falling through the cracks. That’s a big deal if you’ve ever lost a shrimp or two to the BBQ gods.
The griddle surface also gives you insane control over your cooking. Want to toast buns while frying eggs and flipping hash browns all at once? No problem. The Blackstone griddle makes multitasking easy. You can create “zones” with different temperatures across the flat top, which is perfect for cooking different foods at the same time without overcooking or burning anything.
And then there’s the flavor. The more you use your Blackstone griddle, the more seasoned the surface becomes, adding depth and richness to everything you cook. It’s kind of like a cast iron skillet on steroids—better with age and packed with personality. It brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your backyard, and honestly, it’s hard not to get hooked.
Getting to Know the Blackstone Griddle Lineup
Blackstone offers a variety of griddles, and each one brings something different to the table—literally. Whether you need a portable setup for camping or a full-sized station for weekend cookouts, there’s a Blackstone griddle made for you. Choosing the right one depends on how much space you have, how often you plan to use it, and what kind of meals you want to whip up.
The smaller, tabletop versions are super handy for tailgates or RV trips. They’re compact, easy to clean, and powerful enough to feed a group. These models typically have one or two burners but still give you that classic Blackstone griddle experience. On the flip side, the full-sized Blackstone griddle stations come with up to four burners, shelves, built-in storage, and even accessories like air fryers and side burners.
Each model is made from high-quality materials like cold-rolled steel, which helps distribute heat evenly and stand up to the test of time. Whether you’re searing steaks or flipping pancakes, you’ll appreciate the sturdy, reliable construction every time you cook. And if you’re into meal prepping or batch cooking, the larger models offer enough space to cook for a small army.
How to Season Your Blackstone Griddle Like a Pro
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is essential for non-stick cooking and long-term durability. It’s not hard, but doing it right from the start makes all the difference. Think of seasoning as building a protective, non-stick coating that improves every time you cook. It gives your griddle its dark finish and keeps rust and food from sticking.
To start, crank up the heat and let your griddle get piping hot. Once it’s heated, squirt a high-smoke point oil—like flaxseed, canola, or avocado—onto the surface and use a paper towel (held with tongs!) to spread it evenly across the top. You’ll want a very thin layer—less is more here. Let the oil burn off and smoke; that’s how you know it’s bonding to the steel.
Repeat this process a few times until you’ve built up a solid base layer. After that, every time you cook, you’re adding to that seasoning. And here’s a pro tip: don’t skip the seasoning step, even if you’re excited to cook right away. Taking the time to season properly will make your Blackstone griddle perform like a dream and last for years.
What Can You Cook on a Blackstone Griddle?
This is where the Blackstone griddle really flexes. You can cook pretty much anything on it—breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even dessert. Picture this: crispy bacon, golden hash browns, fluffy pancakes, and fried eggs—all on the same surface, all cooked at once. That’s breakfast handled. Come lunch or dinner, smash burgers, stir-fried rice, fajitas, Philly cheesesteaks, grilled cheese, and even seared tuna steaks are all in play.
Vegetarians love it for cooking a variety of veggies with that perfect grilled flavor, and you can even get creative with hibachi-style meals. The flat-top design gives you space to move ingredients around, separate flavors, and cook with a level of control that’s hard to match.
If you’re into experimenting, the Blackstone griddle is your playground. Try caramelizing fruit, making dessert crepes, or even toasting nuts. It’s an incredibly forgiving cooking surface that invites creativity and rewards confidence. Once you start using it, it’s easy to leave the kitchen behind and just cook everything outdoors.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping Your Griddle in Top Shape
Cleaning a Blackstone griddle isn’t complicated, but it’s something you should do regularly to keep it running smoothly. After each use, while the surface is still warm, use a scraper to remove food residue and grease. Don’t wait until it cools completely because stuck-on gunk is harder to remove.
Once scraped, wipe it down with a paper towel or rag, and then apply a light coat of oil. That last step is important because it protects the steel surface from rust and helps maintain that beautiful seasoning layer. If you use your griddle a lot, doing a deeper clean every so often with warm water (no soap!) and a scouring pad can help reset things without damaging your seasoning.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a griddle cover, especially if you store it outdoors. Exposure to rain and humidity can quickly lead to rust, and that’s something you definitely want to avoid. Take a couple of minutes to clean and protect your Blackstone griddle after each use, and it’ll reward you with years of flawless cooking.
FAQs About the Blackstone Griddle
What’s the best oil to use on a Blackstone griddle?
Use a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, vegetable, or flaxseed. These oils can handle the heat without breaking down and help build a strong seasoning layer.
Can I cook indoors with a Blackstone griddle?
Blackstone griddles are designed for outdoor use due to the smoke and grease output. There are electric versions available for indoor cooking, but the classic propane-powered models should stay outside.
Do I need special utensils for a Blackstone griddle?
It’s a good idea to use metal spatulas, scrapers, and tongs. Blackstone even sells accessory kits with everything you need. Just avoid anything that might scratch the seasoned surface too aggressively.
How often should I reseason my Blackstone griddle?
If you notice food starting to stick or the surface losing its shine, it’s time for a quick re-season. Otherwise, a light oil coat after each cook is usually enough to maintain it.
Can I cook frozen food on my Blackstone griddle?
Absolutely. Just be aware that frozen foods release moisture, so give them space and expect a bit of steaming before searing kicks in.
Conclusion
The Blackstone griddle isn’t just a cool backyard toy—it’s a full-blown culinary tool that can transform the way you cook outdoors. It’s versatile, durable, and surprisingly easy to maintain. Once you get used to cooking on it, there’s a good chance you’ll start looking for excuses to griddle everything. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a weekend cooking warrior, the Blackstone griddle is the kind of gear that brings people together and makes cooking genuinely fun again.
