The Blackstone Griddle has quickly become an essential part of my outdoor cooking routine. Whether I’m prepping for a party or doing my weekly meal prep, this griddle has been a reliable and versatile tool that I now can’t imagine cooking without.

Why We Chose the Blackstone Griddle

We originally got the griddle for my daughter’s first-year birthday party, where we needed something that could handle cooking for a crowd. After checking out a few options, Blackstone came highly recommended, and my brother, who’s a cooking enthusiast, also gave it his stamp of approval. We ended up choosing the Blackstone 36″ Culinary Omnivore Griddle with Hood, and it’s been perfect for our needs.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Propane Efficiency: We’ve run it for hours at a party, cooked numerous dinners, and completed several meal prep sessions—all on the same propane tank. It’s incredibly efficient and saves on fuel.
• Wind Protection: The griddle is well-guarded from the wind, with just a small gap to check the flame. It holds up great even in breezy conditions.
• Four Heat Zones: The 4-burner setup lets me cook a variety of foods at different temperatures all at once, making meal prep much faster and easier.
• Accessories: Blackstone offers a wide range of accessories to enhance your cooking experience, from grease cup liners to spatulas. There are also third-party brands making compatible accessories, giving you endless options to expand your toolkit.

Easy Setup and Seasoning

When we first got the Blackstone, my brother came over to help set it up and walk me through seasoning it. We used the Blackstone Pack Cast Iron Conditioner, which made the process easy, and soon enough, the griddle had a smooth, non-stick surface ready for cooking.

The buying process was straightforward, though I wish I had thought about assembly sooner. We got it from Lowe’s, and while they offered to assemble it, they mentioned it would take a few days before they could have it ready. Looking back, I should have called around to see which store had pre-assembled griddles in stock. It ended up taking us a little over an hour to put together—mainly because a page of the instructions was missing, which caused us to undo a step and backtrack. A small headache, but one that could’ve been avoided with pre-assembly.

Meal Prep: The Anchor to My Fitness Goals

One of the main reasons I love this griddle is how it supports my fitness goals. Meal prepping is a big part of how I stay on track during the week. When I meal prep, it sets the tone for making healthier choices all week long.

The large cooking surface and multiple heat zones let me cook everything I need—eggs, sausage, sweet potatoes, and more—all at the right temperatures, all at the same time. This makes the process quicker, and I love the convenience of being able to prep outdoors. I’ve set up a cozy cooking station on my patio, complete with some music or an audiobook, making the whole experience enjoyable.

A Family Tradition

Outdoor griddles have always been a part of my family’s cooking traditions. My mom and aunts have used them for family gatherings and community events for years. I remember helping my mom make pupusas for fundraisers, where we’d crank out hundreds at a time on large griddles. Now that I have my own Blackstone, it feels like I’m continuing that tradition, and I couldn’t be more excited to have it.

I recently visited my cousin, who has a smaller, 2-burner Blackstone griddle that’s perfect for camping. It got me thinking that when our baby is older and we start camping more, I might invest in a smaller version for travel. For now, though, the 36″ model is ideal for family meals and large gatherings.

Community and Cooking Inspiration

Another aspect I’ve come to enjoy is the Blackstone cooking community. There are so many recipes and techniques shared online, from TikTok to YouTube. Whether it’s trying out new dishes or refining my techniques, I’m excited to keep learning and experimenting.

The accessories available make cooking even more enjoyable. I’ve started with some grease cup liners and long spatulas, but there are so many more options out there, both from Blackstone and third-party brands. I’m looking forward to slowly building up my arsenal and trying out more tools to make the cooking experience even more fun.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the market for a reliable, versatile outdoor cooking tool, I can’t recommend the Blackstone Griddle enough. It’s easy to set up, performs beautifully, and has a great community to back it up. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or cooking for family and friends, this griddle has become an irreplaceable part of my routine.