Blackstone 22-inch Griddle Review: Your Go-To Portable Outdoor Cooktop. Dive into what makes this gas outdoor flat cooktop, often found at Walmart, an absolute essential for both backyard gatherings and adventurous camping trips. We’ll explore why the 22-inch size is incredibly versatile, why we’re so enthusiastic about it, and unveil a world of delicious recipes you’ll love preparing on its expansive surface.
Every now and then, a product comes along that truly revolutionizes the way we approach outdoor cooking, and we feel compelled to share our findings. The Blackstone 22-inch griddle is precisely one of those exceptional items. It’s more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a lifestyle upgrade, making outdoor meals not just possible, but effortlessly enjoyable. This compact yet powerful griddle is a fantastic companion for everything from backyard barbecues to wilderness camping adventures. Truly, it’s been a game-changer for our family, transforming meal preparation into an exciting outdoor event.
Given their immense popularity and incredible utility, these griddles are constantly in high demand. If you’ve been considering adding one to your outdoor cooking arsenal, our advice is to secure yours now! They tend to fly off the shelves due to their exceptional performance and versatility.
Beyond personal use, the Blackstone 22-inch griddle also makes an absolutely phenomenal gift. It stands out as a thoughtful and highly practical **Father’s Day gift**, or simply the best present for any man who appreciates the art of outdoor cooking. Whether it’s for your dad, husband, brother, or a good friend, you truly cannot go wrong with any of the Blackstone models. The joy and utility they bring are unparalleled. Should you find them temporarily out of stock on Amazon, we’ve had success locating them at Walmart, so keep your options open!
The arrival of summer traditionally brings with it a desire for more outdoor cooking, and while we’re big fans of creating a variety of smoker recipes, my husband had his heart set on this flat cooktop. Initially, I wasn’t entirely convinced it was a necessary addition to our already robust outdoor kitchen setup. However, I must admit, since the Blackstone 22-inch griddle joined our family, his enthusiasm for cooking outdoors has soared, and he’s been whipping up delicious meals with remarkable frequency and ease.
Mastering the Art of Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle
One of the most appealing aspects of the Blackstone griddle is its remarkable user-friendliness. Cooking on it is incredibly intuitive and requires no complex learning curve, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The process is straightforward: simply turn on the griddle using the familiar temperature dials, much like you would a conventional stovetop. Once heated to your desired temperature, add your food directly to the expansive flat surface, and cook as you would on any high-quality grill or skillet. The even heat distribution ensures consistent results every time.
We’ve strategically placed our Blackstone 22-inch griddle on our porch, making it easily accessible for everyday meals and spontaneous outdoor cooking sessions. I specifically chose the 22-inch model because it strikes the perfect balance between ample cooking space for home use and convenient portability for when we’re on the go. Whether we’re heading out for a camping trip, tailgating before a game, or meeting friends for a day out at a scenic spot, this size has proven to be absolutely ideal. It’s compact enough to transport without hassle, yet large enough to cook for a small crowd.
While the 22-inch model is a fantastic standalone griddle, Blackstone offers a variety of options to suit diverse needs. For those who desire the best of both worlds, there’s a 17-inch option that cleverly combines a grill and a griddle surface. However, since we already own a dedicated smoker/grill, this dual functionality wasn’t a primary requirement for us. Alternatively, if maximum portability is your priority, the Blackstone tabletop griddle, also available in a 17-inch size, is an excellent choice. This smaller unit is designed to attach to a small propane tank on the side, making it exceptionally well-suited for campervans, RVs, or any situation where space is at a premium and easy transport is key.
Essential Accessories for Your Blackstone Griddle Adventure
Getting started with your Blackstone griddle doesn’t require an extensive array of specialized tools, but a few key accessories will significantly enhance your cooking and cleaning experience. You’ll definitely want to invest in a quality package of spatulas and a set of squirter bottles, much like the ones often pictured with these griddles. The spatulas are crucial for flipping, chopping, and scraping, while the squirter bottles are invaluable for both oiling the surface and facilitating easy cleanup with water.
A standout feature of the Blackstone design is the integrated container that thoughtfully hangs on the back of the unit. This reservoir is designed to catch all the drippings and grease, and it is absolutely vital. Without it, you’d quickly find yourself dealing with a considerable mess, underscoring Blackstone’s commitment to user convenience and cleanliness.
Effortless Cleaning: Keeping Your Blackstone Griddle Pristine
Maintaining the cleanliness of your Blackstone griddle is surprisingly simple, and it’s a feature that many users, including my husband, deeply appreciate. The convenience of using water to “spray” off residual grease and food particles is a significant advantage. Once the water has helped loosen everything, a sturdy metal spatula can be used to efficiently scrape any stuck-on pieces directly into the back grease reservoir. This seamless system for managing drippings makes post-cooking cleanup remarkably quick and hassle-free, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment of the griddle.
Beyond just scraping, a proper cleaning routine often involves a process called “seasoning,” which helps maintain the griddle’s non-stick surface and prevents rust. After each use and thorough scraping, it’s advisable to apply a thin layer of cooking oil, spread evenly with a paper towel. Heating the griddle slightly can help the oil polymerize, creating a protective, non-stick layer. This regular maintenance ensures your Blackstone remains in top condition for years of delicious outdoor cooking.
Precise Temperature Control: Adapting to Any Recipe
Regardless of the specific Blackstone griddle model you own, the fundamental process for lighting it and adjusting the temperature remains consistently straightforward and user-friendly. While larger models might boast more burners and additional functionalities, the core mechanism of heat control is intuitive across the entire product line. The 22-inch model, for instance, offers excellent control over its cooking surface. It’s on the smaller side compared to the expansive restaurant-style griddles, but it’s far from the tiny, single-burner units often found in compact RVs. This size offers the perfect balance, providing ample heat zones for cooking different items simultaneously while maintaining ease of handling and portability. The responsive dials allow for precise temperature adjustments, enabling you to sear steaks at high heat on one side and gently cook delicate eggs or pancakes at a lower temperature on the other, truly maximizing your cooking efficiency.
Time needed: 15 minutes
A Classic Breakfast: Blackstone Bacon
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Turn on and Preheat
Begin by lighting your Blackstone griddle. Once ignited, turn the temperature dial to a medium heat setting and allow the flat top to preheat thoroughly for a few minutes, ensuring an even cooking surface.
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Initial Cleaning & Preparation
Before adding food, a quick clean is beneficial. Spray a small amount of water onto the preheated flat top. Using your metal spatula, scrape any remaining residue and the liquid off into the grease trap at the back of the griddle. This ensures a clean cooking surface.
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Cook the Bacon to Perfection
Carefully lay your bacon strips directly onto the griddle. The flat surface allows for perfectly crispy bacon. Move and flip the bacon as needed until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Once cooked, remove and let it drain briefly before enjoying. The beauty of the griddle is its size; you can easily cook bacon on one half while simultaneously preparing French toast or scrambled eggs on the other, creating a full breakfast spread effortlessly.
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Post-Cooking Cleanup
After all your delicious food has been removed, turn off the Blackstone griddle. While the griddle is still warm, use your spatula to scrape off any remaining stuck-on food particles into the grease hole at the back. For an even cleaner finish, you can spray a bit more water onto the surface and scrape the liquid and loosened debris away, preparing your griddle for its next culinary adventure.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at a Waffle House and observed the skilled cooks masterfully preparing breakfast on their large flat tops, the experience of cooking on a Blackstone griddle will feel remarkably familiar. That efficiency and flair are exactly what you’ll achieve in your own backyard!
The Joy of Griddle Breakfasts: Why We Adore Our Blackstone
There’s something truly special about starting the day with a griddle-cooked breakfast. It reminds me of watching those Waffle House cooks in action, especially when my husband is whipping up Blackstone eggs and crispy bacon in the morning. 😉 The griddle’s ability to maintain a consistent high heat across its surface is perfect for achieving that desirable crispy texture on bacon and a beautiful sear on eggs. What’s more, once the bacon is done, the griddle is perfectly primed for preparing fluffy French toast. You can even strategically leave some of the bacon drippings on the surface to infuse the French toast with a delightful salty-sweet flavor profile – a true culinary hack for flavor enthusiasts.
One of the most significant advantages of cooking breakfast on a Blackstone is the sheer convenience it offers. Gone are the days of fumbling with multiple small pans, struggling to find one large enough to cook a family-sized portion of bacon, or dealing with the cumbersome task of draining grease into a glass jar. With the Blackstone griddle, you simply lay everything out on the spacious surface, move it around until it’s perfectly cooked, remove your delicious breakfast, and then a quick scrape is all it takes to clean up! It’s an incredibly efficient burner griddle, ideal for any outdoor setting. Just ensure your propane tank is full and ready, and when you’re done, the legs conveniently fold up for compact storage or transport.
This hassle-free approach extends beyond bacon and eggs. Imagine perfectly golden pancakes, hash browns with an irresistible crisp, and sausages cooked to juicy perfection, all simultaneously prepared without the usual kitchen chaos. The Blackstone griddle truly excels at cooking for a crowd, making it the ultimate tool for family breakfasts, brunch with friends, or a hearty meal before a big day of camping.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackstone Griddles
The “best” Blackstone griddle really depends on your specific needs and the size of your cooking demands. For smaller families or those primarily looking for portability for camping or tailgating, the tabletop 2-burner 17-inch or 22-inch griddles are fantastic for cooking burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and breakfast items. If you aim to cook for larger groups, entertain frequently, or desire greater versatility with multiple cooking zones, larger models like the 36-inch (e.g., the 1544 Adventure Ready model) are incredibly popular. All Blackstone griddles are known for their excellent heat distribution, ensuring optimal temperatures for consistently delicious meals, whether you’re making juicy burgers or perfectly seared hot dogs.
Absolutely! Frying fish on a Blackstone griddle is not only possible but highly recommended for achieving a beautiful, even cook. Just ensure you use a bit of high smoke point oil, such as olive oil, canola oil, or even butter, to prevent sticking and achieve a nice crust. Keep a close eye on your fish, as it won’t take long to cook through and become perfectly fork-tender. The flat top provides an excellent surface for achieving that desired golden-brown exterior and flaky interior, making it ideal for a variety of fish fillets, shrimp, and even scallops.
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is crucial for creating a non-stick surface and protecting it from rust. To season, clean your griddle thoroughly, then heat it to medium-high until it starts to smoke. Apply a very thin layer of high smoke point oil (like flaxseed, grapeseed, or Blackstone’s own seasoning blend) over the entire surface using a paper towel. Let it burn off completely until the griddle stops smoking and turns a dark brown or black. Repeat this process 3-5 times for a robust initial seasoning. Regular re-seasoning after cleaning will maintain this protective layer.
The versatility of a Blackstone griddle is truly astounding. Beyond incredible breakfasts, you can cook virtually anything you’d prepare on a stove or grill. Think juicy smash burgers, perfectly seared steaks, chicken fajitas, Philly cheesesteaks, stir-fries, quesadillas, grilled sandwiches, and even desserts like griddle-fried donuts or pancakes with fruit. The even heat and ample surface allow you to cook entire meals, often simultaneously, making it perfect for feeding families or larger gatherings with diverse tastes.
The Verdict: Is the Blackstone Griddle a Worthwhile Investment?
In no uncertain terms, our answer is a resounding, heck yes! The Blackstone griddle, particularly the versatile Blackstone 22-inch gas tabletop option, is an exceptional investment for anyone who loves outdoor cooking. It provides an incredibly efficient and enjoyable way to prepare everything from classic hot dogs and succulent steaks to a full spread of eggs and bacon, all in the great outdoors. These models are particularly fantastic for taking anywhere, making them perfect for large get-togethers, tailgates, camping, or simply enjoying a meal on your patio.
Its ease of cleaning is a major selling point, dramatically reducing the post-meal chore list. More importantly, its ability to feed a ton of people in virtually no time is unparalleled. The powerful burners deliver even heat distribution across the entire flat top, ensuring that every item cooks perfectly and efficiently. This means you can quickly feed your entire family or a hungry group of friends without a hitch. If you’re looking for high-heat cooking done right, with precision and ease, the Blackstone griddle truly delivers. Whether your culinary vision involves whipping up delicious pizza burgers at your campsite under the stars, or simply throwing together a quick, gourmet-quality breakfast at home, we wholeheartedly love ours and believe you will too!
