Whether or not an outdoor griddle is worth it really depends on your lifestyle, entertaining needs, and the way you like to cook. If you’re an avid griller, griddles are a great way to add versatility to your cooking techniques.
Many outdoor griddles offer extra-wide cooking surfaces that can be used to cook anything from steaks to pancakes, enabling you to diversify your meals and entertain guests in a unique way. Griddles tend to heat up quickly, so you can start cooking right away, and they can be used for multiple types of cooking, such as grilling, baking and frying.
If you’re not so much into cooking, however, and mostly use your outdoor space to entertain or enjoy the outdoors without a lot of fuss, an outdoor griddle may not be entirely worth it. You may find that it takes a significant amount of time and effort to properly clean and maintain it, and you may need to buy additional accessories, like a cover or shelter, to ensure it lasts a long time.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if the convenience and versatility of an outdoor griddle is worth the money and effort.
Why do I need an outdoor griddle?
An outdoor griddle offers a lot of benefits for home cooks, whether you’re a novice or a professional. Having an outdoor griddle adds another layer of versatility to your grilling repertoire, giving you the opportunity to cook a wide range of foods at once.
For example, you can cook breakfast food such as pancakes, French toast, and bacon, as well as lunch and dinner items like hamburgers, hotdogs, fajitas, and even pizzas. An outdoor griddle is easy to use, and convenient since you don’t have to change grates or leave the backyard to cook.
It’s also a great way to entertain guests; everyone can cook their own food at the same time. Furthermore, outdoor griddles are typically large and can hold more food than other grilling methods, making them perfect for family gatherings or large parties.
Finally, outdoor griddles are relatively inexpensive and relatively easy to maintain.
Are steaks better on grill or griddle?
It really depends on the steak and the preferences of the person cooking and eating it. Generally, most cuts of steak can be cooked well on either a grill or a griddle, though there are some that do better with one or the other.
Grills provide that classic smoky taste and can be great for thick steaks and larger cuts that need more time to cook through. A flat griddle can give the steak an even cook and a perfect, golden steak can be achieved by using a hefty amount of heat, butter and oil.
If you’re looking for a restaurant-style sear and a thicker char, then the grill may be a better option. If you’re looking for more of a quick cook with a less charred surface, then the griddle may be the way to go.
Ultimately, it’s about preference and experimentation to figure out which method works best for the steak in question.
Why griddles are better than grills?
Griddles can provide a more versatile cooking experience than grills, as they offer more of a flat cooking surface which is ideal for cooking foods such as eggs, pancakes, French toast and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Griddles also retain heat more evenly than grills, meaning that both sides of the food you’re cooking can be cooked at the same rate. Griddles also tend to be easy and simple to clean, as most griddle plates are non-stick, meaning less mess.
Griddles are also a great option for cooking indoors when a grill is not available, as most griddles are designed to be used on stovetops or in an oven. Finally, griddles tend to use less energy than grills, as there is no need for a large heating element, or for gas or charcoal to fuel the griddle.
Why are Blackstone griddles so popular?
Blackstone griddles have become incredibly popular for a variety of reasons. People love the versatility that these griddles offer. Backstone griddles are incredibly durable and can be used for a variety of cooking methods like searing, grilling, and cooking eggs.
They are also incredibly easy to clean and maintain which makes them a simple and convenient piece of cooking equipment.
Moreover, Blackstone Griddles offer a large cooking surface, meaning there is plenty of room to cook several different items at the same time. This makes them ideal for large meals that require multiple dishes or for outdoor activities such as camping, tailgating, or outdoor cookouts.
Finally, Blackstone griddles come in a variety of sizes and have adjustable heat controls, so users can easily adjust the heat for perfect cooking temperature depending on the type of food they are cooking.
This helps to ensure that food is cooked fully and evenly. Most importantly, these griddles offer a delicious, consistent flavor from meal to meal.
Does food taste different on a griddle?
Yes, food can taste different on a griddle. A griddle, also known as a flat top or flat grill, is a large flat metal surface used for cooking food. It transfers heat evenly and offers maximum flexibility when cooking.
The heat intensity is also much hotter than a traditional grill and can reach temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This can reduce the amount of time required for cooking and also helps to give griddled food a seared, caramelized flavor.
Depending on what type of food you are cooking, the griddle can provide a unique flavor profile. Vegetables can become charred and crunchy on the outside yet remain soft and flavorful on the inside. Meats such as hamburgers, steaks, and chicken can be cooked quickly and have a smoky, slightly charred flavor.
Griddled pancakes and French toast also have a pristine golden brown color as well as a crisp edge that regular pan-cooking can’t quite provide.
Do flat top griddles rust?
Yes, flat top griddles can rust. Griddles are typically made from cast iron, steel, or aluminum, all of which can corrode when exposed to moisture. Even stainless steel griddles, which are normally considered to be rust-resistant, can corrode if not properly cared for.
To prevent rust, it is important to keep your flat top griddle properly seasoned and to clean it with a damp cloth and hot water after each use. Additionally, protective coatings can be applied to the griddle to reduce the risk of corrosion.
Do restaurants use griddles?
Yes, many restaurants use griddles. Griddles are a common piece of commercial kitchen equipment that can be used to prepare a range of foods from fried eggs to grilled vegetables. They provide a wide cooking surface and can be used to cook with a variety of different types of fuel, such as gas or electric.
Griddles are popular for their convenience, as they can be used for a variety of dishes and can cook large amounts of food at once. The temperature of a griddle can also be adjusted, allowing chefs to control the cooking process.
Griddles are often used for dishes like pancakes, French toast, hamburgers, steak, chicken breasts, bacon, and fish.
Can I cook a steak on a griddle?
Yes, you can cook a steak on a griddle. Griddles are ideal for cooking steaks because the flat and even surface can ensure that your steak is cooked evenly and thoroughly. When grilling steak, start by lightly oiling the griddle surface before preheating it to high heat.
Place the steak on the griddle and press down with a metal spatula to ensure good contact with the hot surface. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of your steak. If you want to add flavor, you can season the steak before cooking or combine butter and oil in a small bowl, then brush the steak with it while cooking.
After cooking, make sure to let the steak rest for a few minutes to allow the heat to evenly redistribute throughout the steak before serving.
Are griddles good to cook steaks on?
Yes, griddles can be a great way to cook steaks. Griddles are typically equipped with a flat cooking surface, making it easy to grill steaks. Investing in a cast iron griddle can yield great results, as the flat cooking surface of the griddle can help you achieve the perfect steak, with a nice sear on the outside and adequate heat on the inside.
The flat cooking surface of the griddle helps to dissipate the heat evenly so that the steak cooks evenly. Griddles are also great for steak because they typically have sides, keeping any splatters or flare-ups contained.
Additionally, you can use a griddle to cook both sides of the steak at the same time, ensuring even cooking.
Which cooking method is for steak?
The best cooking method for steak depends on the cut of meat, desired doneness and the cook’s preferred method. High-end cuts, such as rib-eye, should be prepared using a dry-heat method, which includes grilling, broiling, pan-frying and roasting.
This cooking method browns the outside of the steak, sealing in the juices and concentrating the flavor. Less expensive cuts, such as flank steak and skirt steak, can be cooked using moist-heat methods, such as braising or stewing.
To cook steak to desired doneness, start by liberally seasoning the steak with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Depending on how you like your steak cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to gauge the steak’s internal temperature, ranging from rare (105°F/40°C) to medium-well (155°F/68°C).
After the desired doneness, remove the steak from the skillet, cover loosely and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Is the Blackstone 22 griddle worth it?
Whether or not the Blackstone 22 Griddle is worth it really depends on individual preference and needs. It is certainly an effective and versatile outdoor cooking tool that many people enjoy using, as it has a large surface area and adjustable temperatures, making it great for cooking a variety of different dishes.
It can be especially useful in outdoor settings, since it works with any type of fuel and takes up minimal space. It also has an easy to clean surface and is relatively affordable.
That being said, there are some potential downsides with the Blackstone 22 Griddle. It may not be ideal for large groups, as the size of the surface limits the amount of food that you can cook at once.
It may also not be ideal for recipes that involve direct heat, as it does not generate heat on its own. Lastly, some people may find that the initial cost or the ongoing cost of fuel may be too high for them.
Ultimately, it is up to the user to decide whether the Blackstone 22 Griddle is worth it or not. If you’re looking for an efficient and versatile outdoor cooking tool, then the Blackstone 22 Griddle could certainly be a great option.
However, there are likely other options that may also suit your needs.
How much can you cook on 22 inch Blackstone?
The 22 inch Blackstone griddle can be used to cook a variety of foods such as eggs, pancakes, bacon, burgers, steaks, vegetable dishes, and fish. You can fit up to four 12-inch burgers on the griddle at once.
It is capable of producing 20,000 BTUs of heat, allowing you to cook food evenly and quickly. The Blackstone also features an adjustable heat dial that you can use to precisely control the temperature depending on the type of food you are cooking.
The griddle also comes with a drip tray that can hold up to four ounces of liquid, ensuring that your food is cooked in a healthy and delicious way. With its large griddle surface, it is possible to cook a large quantity of food, making it suitable for large family meals or parties.
Can you use a 20 lb propane tank with a 22 Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can use a 20 lb propane tank with a 22 Blackstone griddle. When you purchase the griddle, it comes with an adjustable regulator that allows you to connect to either a 20lb or a 30lb tank. The flexible hose makes it easy to adjust the length for whichever tank you attach, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your cooking setup.
This makes it very simple to switch between the two options depending on the size of your griddle and the amount of food you need to cook on it. It is also important to note that you may need to use an adapter when attaching a 20 lb tank to the griddle, so make sure to check with the manufacturer or your local home improvement store for the correct size before purchasing.
Can you leave Blackstone outside in winter?
It is not recommended to keep Blackstone outside in winter due to the risks for exposure to the cold and potentially hazardous conditions. Blackstone can be kept outside during the warmer months, but it is best to bring it inside prior to the winter season.
Blackstone needs to be kept in a controlled environment, where temperatures remain constant, regardless of outdoor conditions. It is not necessary to expose Blackstone to the elements, as this can lead to cracking, fading or discoloration.
Blackstone should also be kept away from direct sunlight and any sources of water or moisture, such as rain or snow. Additionally, exposure to harsh weather can compromise the integrity of the material, making it more susceptible to damage or wear and tear.
In summary, keeping Blackstone outside in winter is not recommended, and it is best to move it indoors to ensure that it remains in good condition.