The Blackstone grill has taken the culinary world by storm, but is all the hype justified? This review dives deep into the pros and cons of this popular griddle, offering a balanced perspective on its performance and practicality. We explore the assembly process, crucial seasoning techniques, and the ongoing maintenance required to keep this large cooking surface in optimal condition. From initial setup to everyday use and long-term care, we'll cover it all.This in-depth analysis examines both the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Blackstone grill. We’ll discuss its impressive cooking capacity, perfect for large gatherings and feeding crowds, and its exceptional searing capabilities. However, we'll also address the challenges associated with its size, the constant need for oiling, and the more complex cleaning and maintenance routine compared to other grills. Ultimately, we aim to help you decide if the Blackstone is the right griddle for your cooking needs.
Pros And Cons
- Great for cooking for large groups (e.g., five families)
- Good for searing, allows observation of food reaction
- Suitable for making smash burgers
- Requires oiling before each use, resulting in a French fry smell instead of flame-grilled flavor
- Maintenance and cleanup are difficult (requires oiling and keeping water off to prevent rust)
- Storage is problematic due to rust susceptibility; needs inner and outer covers
- Oil from the grill can stain patios
- Requires additional accessories (scraper, heat covers, oil squirters, burger press, long spatula)
- Interior doesn't get very hot, hindering heat trapping
Read more: 10 Best Commercial Charcoal Grills: A Buyer's Guide
Assembly and Seasoning
Putting together the Blackstone grill requires at least two people. The cooking surface is a large, heavy sheet of metal that needs to be carefully aligned with the base. This step can be challenging for a single person.
Seasoning the grill is crucial for proper function and longevity. I used Blackstone's seasoning, which worked well, but you need to follow instructions carefully. Numerous YouTube videos demonstrate proper seasoning techniques; neglecting this step can result in stubborn residue.
Cons: Oil, Maintenance, and Storage
One major drawback is the constant need for oil. This results in a less desirable French fry smell rather than the traditional grilled meat aroma.
Cleaning and maintenance are more complex than with other grills. Keeping the grill oiled and preventing water exposure are essential to avoid rust. This adds complexity and impacts storage; storing outside during winter presents additional challenges due to weather exposure.
Cons: Accessories and Cooking
Several accessories enhance the cooking experience. A long scraper is essential for cleaning the griddle, and heat diffusers help regulate temperature. Oil squirters are also helpful, and items like smash burger presses can make cooking easier.
Even with the hood down, the internal temperature isn't high enough to fully trap heat. This requires using heat deflectors, increasing the complexity of cooking.
Pros: Cooking Capacity and Searing
The primary advantage is its large cooking surface. I was able to cook for multiple families at once, preparing a wide array of dishes. This makes the Blackstone excellent for large gatherings and events.
Searing is exceptional on the Blackstone. The direct high heat allows for excellent results, creating good sear marks and enhancing flavors. Making smash burgers is especially noteworthy.
Conclusion: Is it Worth It?
The Blackstone grill has both pros and cons. While cleaning, maintenance, and oil management are tedious, its high cooking capacity is undeniable. It excels at large gatherings but might be overkill for smaller households.
Compared to other grills, its large surface area is a standout feature, allowing for efficient cooking of large quantities of food. The ease of cooking for large groups outweighs the drawbacks for me, making it a worthwhile purchase despite some frustrations.
