Blackstone 2311 Iron Forged Griddle Review A Top Choice for Outdoor Cooking

Description

Heavy-Duty Build and Design

Using the Blackstone 2311 Iron Forged 28” Griddle, I immediately noticed how solid and durable the construction feels. The powder-coated black finish not only gives it a sleek, modern appearance but also provides protection against outdoor elements. It stood firmly on its alloy steel frame, even on uneven terrain in my backyard, which is often a challenge for outdoor cooking equipment. The X-braced hood was a standout feature—it’s sturdy and covers the griddle snugly, safeguarding it when not in use. I appreciated the thoughtful addition of tool hooks and side shelf accessory bars, which kept my cooking tools organized and within arm’s reach. With its 524 square inches of cooking surface, you can easily host a small barbecue party or whip up breakfast for the whole family.

Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology: A Game-Changer

I was skeptical about the term “Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology”, but after testing it out, I’m a believer. This griddle plate held heat exceptionally well and recovered quickly even after adding cold ingredients. Its ability to prevent warping was evident after several sessions of high-heat cooking. Plus, the built-in wind guards were a welcome touch, especially when grilling outdoors on breezy days. Another advantage was its fuel efficiency; I used less propane compared to my older griddle, which is a huge plus for frequent cooks like me.

Performance and Versatility

Cooking on this griddle was a joyful experience. The two independently controlled burners gave me the flexibility to cook multiple items simultaneously. I seared burgers on one side while gently simmering onions on the other, and both turned out perfect. The heat distribution was impressively even, leaving no hot or cold spots on the griddle surface. Whether preparing breakfast with eggs and pancakes or whipping up stir fry for dinner, this griddle proved to be incredibly versatile. I even managed to grill a panini, which was a fun experiment I didn’t expect to succeed with a griddle.

Hassle-Free Cleanup

One of the best features for me was the rear grease management system. Cleaning up after cooking is usually the part I dread, but this griddle made it so much easier. All the grease and food debris flowed neatly into the rear grease cup, which was simple to remove and empty. This patented system saved me a lot of time and effort, making the post-cooking process less of a chore. The powder-coated surface also resisted sticking, which was a nice bonus.

Key Benefits

• Durable construction with powder-coated black finish and alloy steel frame.
• Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology delivers quick heat recovery and prevents warping.
• Versatile cooking surface allows for a wide range of meals, from breakfast to dinner.
• Two independently controlled burners for cooking multiple items at different temperatures.
• Hassle-free rear grease management system simplifies cleanup.

Areas of Concern

While I genuinely enjoyed using this griddle, there were a couple of pitfalls I noticed:

• The assembly process was a bit tedious. Some parts required extra effort to align correctly.
• At 88.2 pounds, it’s not the easiest to move around, even with wheels.

Competing Products

When comparing the Blackstone griddle to other options on the market, a few competitors stand out. For instance, Camp Chef and Cuisinart both offer griddles in the same size range. The Camp Chef griddles are known for their adjustable leg design, making them more mobile on uneven surfaces. However, they lack the Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology, which gives Blackstone an edge in heat retention and fuel efficiency. On the other hand, Cuisinart’s griddles are lighter and easier to transport but don’t offer the same cooking space or durability as this model. If you prioritize cooking versatility and a rugged build, the Blackstone griddle is a superior choice.

Value for Money

Considering the features and performance of this griddle, I’d say it offers excellent value for money. The durable design, efficient cooking performance, and thoughtful features like the grease management system justify the investment. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but for what you’re getting, it feels like a worthwhile purchase. After using it, I can confidently say it’s an upgrade over many other griddles I’ve tried. Whether you’re a weekend griller or someone who loves outdoor cooking often, this is a product that delivers on its promises.

Additional information