OT Guys, I am looking at blackstone with some questions.

eggingitup

A buddy of mine kept raving about blackstone and how useful it is to me. I only have a large bge and always wanted more like a nice weber gas grill for the quick cooks (hot dogs, an example) where you can just walk to it and turn it on. The friend say I should invest in blackstone to go with big green egg so I decided to ask you guys to see if it is worth it to get it. I'll appreciate all of the given information because there is nothing better than this forum with all knowledge you guys have.

1. I live in a family of nine people and is it worth it to get 28 inch or I should go for 36 inch, why?
2. What is the best tools and brand of it that I need to get for it?
3. How to clean it properly after the cooks?
4. How to properly season it for the first time?
5. Show me your pics of your cooks on it and what is the best food to cook on it?

Spring Chicken

get the 36" and a spare fuel tank to keep handy.  Any professional grade spatula will work but I prefer a long handle flexible blade spatula.  And I prefer to use coconut oil.  Other than that, it's just a matter of firing it up and having fun learning how to use it.

Meanwhile, spend some time watching YouTube videos and you will learn quickly how to cook on it.  Just search for Blackstone Grill.

Don't worry, it won't take the place of your Egg but it will give you another great option when cooking lots of interesting meals.

Spring "Breakfast On The Blackstone This Morning" Chicken
Spring Texas USA

WeberWho

If you go to Google and type in Blackstone and egghead forum together you will get a bunch of Web pages of cooks with the Blackstone. I know there was one post that had 6 or 7 pages worth of comments. Definitely worth a read. 

northGAcock

Addressing point #5 The Philly Cheese Steak is one of my favorites. 

Dyal_SC

@4Runner seasoned the one I have with flax seed oil. If you have a family of 9, most definitely go with the 36 inch.  To clean, and I'm not sure if this is the correct way, but after my cooks, I have been squirting some water on the hot surface and scrape any crud away towards the front with a spatula.  Then wipe clean and re-oil.  Here are a few cooks I recently did. 

http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1193483/ot-shrimp-tacos-on-the-black-stone-pix#latest

http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1193683/ot-jacked-up-sweet-potato-hash#latest

Stoogie

I'm also seriously considering a Blackstone.  Just have to figure out how to get rid of the stainless steel gasser that is taking up the spot where the Blackstone will go.

Here's the link that @WeberWho referenced:

http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1182676/ot-blackstone-36-griddle-is-legit/p1

Lots of information there answering some of the questions you have...

1. I have a family of 4 and I'm going to go with the 36 inch model.
2. I'm interested in hearing about *where* to purchase the tools, like the proper spatula, etc.  The linked thread has a lot of info on the tools needed.
3. In the linked thread
4. A detailed description of what to do is in the first page of the link and then again later in the thread
5. Lots of pictures in the linked thread

In closing, I just want to say that I hate everyone on the forum for spending my money!  

Chris8938

Stoogie said:

I'm also seriously considering a Blackstone.  Just have to figure out how to get rid of the stainless steel gasser that is taking up the spot where the Blackstone will go.

Here's the link that @WeberWho referenced:

http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1182676/ot-blackstone-36-griddle-is-legit/p1

Lots of information there answering some of the questions you have...

1. I have a family of 4 and I'm going to go with the 36 inch model.
2. I'm interested in hearing about *where* to purchase the tools, like the proper spatula, etc.  The linked thread has a lot of info on the tools needed.
3. In the linked thread
4. A detailed description of what to do is in the first page of the link and then again later in the thread
5. Lots of pictures in the linked thread

In closing, I just want to say that I hate everyone on the forum for spending my money!  

@Stoogie the closest place in the Valley is probably GFS on W. College Ave.  They have all sorts of spats and cooking supplies that will work very well with the Blackstone.  Where do you plan on purchasing the Blackstone, Fleet Farm or online??

Chris8938

By the way, if you use Groupon, the 28" Blackstone is selling for $159.99.

Stoogie

@Chris8938 Thanks for the GFS tip, I'll check them out!  I haven't been to Fleet Farm to look at them, but Lowes in Buchanan has the 36" for $299.99.  

Chris8938

@Stoogie, that is the same price as Fleet Farm's website.  Amazon has it for $268.

kl8ton

Cabelas is still $249

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Blackstone-Griddle-Station/1302760.uts?productVariantId=3086779&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03365535&rid=20&gclid=Cj0KEQjwipi4BRD7t6zGl6m75IgBEiQAn7CfFxQe1gtQC3D2c9Z4oBkocBWiZy56MPixVNvb1_xO1HAaAhUL8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

tarheelmatt

Got mine last year from Target.com.  It was on sale like $239 then if you use the red card you get an extra 5% off that.  

outrageous

This was my cook last night on Blackstone,   potatoes, pork tenderloin, shrimp, and talipia. Get the 36" griddle, you will not regret it.

nolaegghead

I got the 36" stainless version for $322.  Frog Supply or something.  That was maybe 7 months ago.

xfire_ATX

I know its the portable but $50 is dang cheap.
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=58255856

eggingitup

Guys, thank you for all tips and it is greatly appreciated. I am getting it! I think I'm leaning to the 36 inches one because of better performance and space. The given thread about it is so convincing for me and I can't wait to get it. Feel free to share your cook pics on it and I would love to see and learn more about what it can. Thanks! 

Btw, that deal for the portable one for 50 is cheap and I might get this one too for my campings this summer. Thanks for this one, you made me more poorer. 

 xfire_ATX said:

I know its the portable but $50 is dang cheap.
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=58255856

bgebrent

Get it.  You won't look back brother.  The 36".

eggingitup

bgebrent said:

Get it.  You won't look back brother.  The 36".

 

nolaegghead said:

I got the 36" stainless version for $322.  Frog Supply or something.  That was maybe 7 months ago.

Is it worth it to get stainless or the regular one is just fine with just giving a care to it. Performance wise?

Stoogie

After comparing Cabela's and Amazon, while Cabela's is cheaper for the griddle, they want to charge $36+ for shipping.  I can get it from Amazon for no shipping, so in the end it will be ~$20 less.  

If Cabela's had it for in store pick up, I'd jump on that, but they don't have it available at the 2 Cabela's stores within reasonable driving distance from me.

bgebrent

eggingitup said:

bgebrent said:

Get it.  You won't look back brother.  The 36".

 

nolaegghead said:

I got the 36" stainless version for $322.  Frog Supply or something.  That was maybe 7 months ago.

Is it worth it to get stainless or the regular one is just fine with just giving a care to it. Performance wise?

I know @DoubleEgger had real issues with the SS griddle.  Haven't heard complaints on the standard. I have the standard and love it.

SmokeyPitt

bgebrent said:

eggingitup said:

bgebrent said:

Get it.  You won't look back brother.  The 36".

 

nolaegghead said:

I got the 36" stainless version for $322.  Frog Supply or something.  That was maybe 7 months ago.

Is it worth it to get stainless or the regular one is just fine with just giving a care to it. Performance wise?

I know @DoubleEgger had real issues with the SS griddle.  Haven't heard complaints on the standard. I have the standard and love it.

It is the same cooking surface on both. The stainless is only a different frame. 

eggingitup

 Think I'll stick to the standard one. 

bgebrent

SmokeyPitt said:

bgebrent said:

eggingitup said:

bgebrent said:

Get it.  You won't look back brother.  The 36".

 

nolaegghead said:

I got the 36" stainless version for $322.  Frog Supply or something.  That was maybe 7 months ago.

Is it worth it to get stainless or the regular one is just fine with just giving a care to it. Performance wise?

I know @DoubleEgger had real issues with the SS griddle.  Haven't heard complaints on the standard. I have the standard and love it.

It is the same cooking surface on both. The stainless is only a different frame. 

Michael had a big problem with the SS skirt warping.  Problem has likely been fixed.

DoubleEgger

bgebrent said:

SmokeyPitt said:

bgebrent said:

eggingitup said:

bgebrent said:

Get it.  You won't look back brother.  The 36".

 

nolaegghead said:

I got the 36" stainless version for $322.  Frog Supply or something.  That was maybe 7 months ago.

Is it worth it to get stainless or the regular one is just fine with just giving a care to it. Performance wise?

I know @DoubleEgger had real issues with the SS griddle.  Haven't heard complaints on the standard. I have the standard and love it.

It is the same cooking surface on both. The stainless is only a different frame. 

Michael had a big problem with the SS skirt warping.  Problem has likely been fixed.

I would recommend going with the standard unit. I'll just leave it at that. 

eggingitup

I'm going to and smash burgers will be the first dinner on it. 

oldgeezeystax

eggingitup said:

Guys, thank you for all tips and it is greatly appreciated. I am getting it! I think I'm leaning to the 36 inches one because of better performance and space. 

Better performance?

eggingitup

More burners making it even more versatile.

Eggzellent

Stoogie said:

I'm also seriously considering a Blackstone.  Just have to figure out how to get rid of the stainless steel gasser that is taking up the spot where the Blackstone will go...hate everyone on the forum for spending my money!  

..possibly pick up a flat surface..plop it on the gasser..and paint "Blackstone" next to the gas knob?

tarheelmatt

eggingitup said:

A buddy of mine kept raving about blackstone and how useful it is to me. I only have a large bge and always wanted more like a nice weber gas grill for the quick cooks (hot dogs, an example) where you can just walk to it and turn it on. The friend say I should invest in blackstone to go with big green egg so I decided to ask you guys to see if it is worth it to get it. I'll appreciate all of the given information because there is nothing better than this forum with all knowledge you guys have.

1. I live in a family of nine people and is it worth it to get 28 inch or I should go for 36 inch, why?
2. What is the best tools and brand of it that I need to get for it?
3. How to clean it properly after the cooks?
4. How to properly season it for the first time?
5. Show me your pics of your cooks on it and what is the best food to cook on it?

1 - 36".  More the better.  We're a family of three.  

2 - I have two large spatulas and a scraper.  

http://www.amazon.com/Scraper-Teppanyaki-Stainless-Straight-Commercial/dp/B00X2OXS9G?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

http://www.amazon.com/Update-International-Extra-Large-Stainless-Commercial/dp/B000K8ATL2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

That's about all I use.  Maybe some water bottles.  You can go all out and get pancake dispensers, butter roller, etc if you want.  

3 - I probably do a piss poor job at that.  Most times, I shut it down and forget to go back and clean it.  So, I usually clean before I clean or another day.  Some water on the hot surface, scrape, use paper towels, then dry the surface, and apply a small amount of oil.  

4 - Green onion treatment, flax seed oil, about three coats and enjoy.  I really need to strip mine and re-do it.  I have some places where my season is gone.  

5 - See below.  

eggingitup

tarheelmatt said:

eggingitup said:

A buddy of mine kept raving about blackstone and how useful it is to me. I only have a large bge and always wanted more like a nice weber gas grill for the quick cooks (hot dogs, an example) where you can just walk to it and turn it on. The friend say I should invest in blackstone to go with big green egg so I decided to ask you guys to see if it is worth it to get it. I'll appreciate all of the given information because there is nothing better than this forum with all knowledge you guys have.

1. I live in a family of nine people and is it worth it to get 28 inch or I should go for 36 inch, why?
2. What is the best tools and brand of it that I need to get for it?
3. How to clean it properly after the cooks?
4. How to properly season it for the first time?
5. Show me your pics of your cooks on it and what is the best food to cook on it?

1 - 36".  More the better.  We're a family of three.  

2 - I have two large spatulas and a scraper.  

http://www.amazon.com/Scraper-Teppanyaki-Stainless-Straight-Commercial/dp/B00X2OXS9G?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

http://www.amazon.com/Update-International-Extra-Large-Stainless-Commercial/dp/B000K8ATL2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

That's about all I use.  Maybe some water bottles.  You can go all out and get pancake dispensers, butter roller, etc if you want.  

3 - I probably do a piss poor job at that.  Most times, I shut it down and forget to go back and clean it.  So, I usually clean before I clean or another day.  Some water on the hot surface, scrape, use paper towels, then dry the surface, and apply a small amount of oil.  

4 - Green onion treatment, flax seed oil, about three coats and enjoy.  I really need to strip mine and re-do it.  I have some places where my season is gone.  

5 - See below.  

Appreciate the info and the pictures had me drooling. I can't wait to get it after ordering it yesterday from amazon. 

Jeremiah

I'd provide pictures as well, but after Matt's pics, I'd just look like the kid eating crayons.