Blackstone Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle for $194, reg $249.99!
Flippin' Fantastic Feasts: My Look at the Blackstone 28-Inch 2-Burner Griddle Station
I've long been intrigued by the versatility of flat top griddles. From sizzling bacon and eggs for a crowd to crafting perfect smash burgers, stir-fries, or hibachi-style meals, they offer a unique cooking experience compared to traditional grills. This Blackstone 28-inch Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station (Model 1517) on Amazon, with its 2 burners, propane power, and rear grease management system, is a highly sought-after model known for its solid performance and spacious cooking surface. I decided to imagine firing this griddle up and cooking up a storm.
Unboxing & Assembly: Building Your Outdoor Diner
The Blackstone griddle station would arrive in a large, heavy box. Assembly is definitely required and would likely take a bit of time (perhaps 1-2 hours). I'd expect to assemble the stand/cart, attach the burner assembly, side shelves, and then place the heavy rolled-steel griddle top. Clear instructions and all necessary hardware should be included. Once assembled, it should feel sturdy and substantial, ready for some serious cooking.
Specs & Key Features That Make Griddle Cooking Great
This Blackstone 28-inch model is packed with features for versatile outdoor cooking:
28-Inch Rolled Steel Griddle Top: Provides a spacious 470 sq. in. (approx.) cooking surface, perfect for cooking multiple items at once or for larger groups. The rolled steel is known for excellent heat retention and distribution.
Two Independently Controlled Burners: Allows for creating different heat zones on the griddle surface – e.g., one side hotter for searing, the other cooler for warming or gentler cooking. Typically H-shaped burners for even heat.
Propane Fuelled: Connects to a standard propane tank (not included) for convenient outdoor use.
Rear Grease Management System: A crucial feature. Grease and debris are channeled to a collection cup at the rear of the griddle, making cleanup much easier and helping to prevent flare-ups.
Sturdy Cart/Stand with Wheels (Often 2 wheels and 2 stationary legs): Provides a stable base and some mobility for positioning the griddle.
Side Shelf/Shelves: Offers convenient space for food prep, tools, or condiments.
Push-Button Ignition (Battery-Powered Likely): For easy and reliable startups.
Versatile Cooking: Ideal for breakfast (pancakes, eggs, bacon), lunch (burgers, quesadillas, cheesesteaks), dinner (stir-fry, hibachi, seafood), and more.
My Simulated Outdoor Chef Experience: Sizzling and Flipping!
Seasoning the Griddle (Crucial First Step!): Before the first cook, the rolled steel griddle top needs to be seasoned. This involves applying thin layers of cooking oil and heating the griddle to a high temperature, repeating the process several times to create a natural, non-stick-like surface and protect it from rust. This is essential for performance and longevity.
Firing It Up: I'd connect the propane tank, turn on the gas, and use the push-button igniter to light the burners. The two independent controls would allow me to set different temperatures across the griddle.
Cooking a Big Breakfast: This is where a griddle shines! I could cook a huge batch of pancakes on one side, while bacon and eggs sizzle on the other. The large surface area means everything can be cooked at once.
Smash Burgers for Lunch: I'd crank up the heat, place balls of ground beef on the hot griddle, and smash them thin for that perfect crispy crust. Toasting the buns on the griddle at the same time would be easy.
Hibachi-Style Dinner: Chopped veggies, chicken, shrimp, and fried rice – all cooked together on the expansive flat top, just like at a hibachi restaurant.
Cleanup: After cooking, while the griddle is still warm, I'd scrape down the surface with a griddle scraper, pushing debris towards the rear grease trap. A quick wipe with oil after it cools helps maintain the seasoning. The grease cup would be emptied as needed.
The side shelf would be invaluable for holding spatulas, oil, seasonings, and plates of food.
Pros (What I Liked):
Incredibly Versatile Cooking Surface: Can cook almost anything you'd cook in a pan, but on a much larger scale.
Spacious 28-Inch Griddle Top: Great for cooking for families or groups.
Two Independent Burners for Zoned Cooking.
Excellent Heat Retention and Distribution (Rolled Steel).
Effective Rear Grease Management System Makes Cleanup Easier.
Fun and Engaging Way to Cook Outdoors.
Durable and Sturdy Construction.
Cons (What Could Be Better):
Assembly Required (Can be Time-Consuming).
Seasoning Process (Essential but an Initial Chore): Requires time and effort before first use and ongoing maintenance.
Heavy Griddle Top: The rolled steel top is heavy to lift for cleaning underneath, though not usually necessary often if scraped well.
Portability (It's a Station): While it has wheels for moving around a patio, it's not as portable as a small camping grill for taking deep into the wilderness. It's more of a backyard/car camping griddle station.
Requires a Propane Tank (Additional Purchase/Refills).
Rust Prevention: The steel griddle top needs to be kept lightly oiled to prevent rust, especially if stored outdoors (a cover is highly recommended).
No Lid for Roasting/Smoking (Standard on this model, lids are accessories): It's primarily a griddle, not a traditional grill with a lid for convection cooking, though Blackstone does sell accessory lids.
Conclusion & Recommendation:
The Blackstone 28-inch 2-Burner Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station (1517) is a fantastic and highly popular piece of outdoor cooking equipment that brings incredible versatility and fun to backyard cooking. Its ability to handle everything from breakfast to dinner for a crowd makes it a favorite among outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
I'd highly recommend this Blackstone griddle for:
Families who love outdoor cooking and entertaining.
Anyone who enjoys diner-style breakfasts, smash burgers, cheesesteaks, or hibachi-style meals.
People looking for a versatile alternative or complement to a traditional BBQ grill.
Tailgaters and car campers who have space to transport it.
My final take: If you're ready to expand your outdoor cooking horizons beyond basic grilling and embrace the sizzle of a flat top, the Blackstone 28-inch griddle is a proven performer that can turn your backyard into a short-order kitchen of deliciousness. Just be prepared for the initial seasoning and the ongoing joy of cooking (and eating!) everything on it!