First Blackstone Cook and some other stuff

Griffin

Been working hard getting the new outdoor cooking area put together and still have lots to do. Its challenging getting anything done with an infant around. All he wants to do is help, which is cute and fun, but actually anything but helpful, so I've been working on it when I get off from work before he gets out of daycare, or while he's napping or down for the night.  This was Day 1 and Day 2 before I threw my back out.

Saturday, we got the bases stained. We still need to seal them. Then I need to sand down the tops and shelves and stain and seal them before fastening them down. This picture is kind of messy as everything got thrown on the porch before the rain started so sorry for that.

Just to keep this post on topic, we did some wings. Didn't get any finished pictures.

Heating up the Blackstone for the first time to get it seasoned up. Impressed with how hot this little guy gets.

I hear you should cook some onions on it to get rid of the metal flavor, so that's what I did.

Friday, we did our first cook. Started with some bacon cuz its bacon. Do you really need a reason?

Wife snapped a pic of me cooking our first smashburgers on it.

Gonna need to get another dome as the one I got will only cover 2 patties.

Think I tried to flip them to early as they didn't have that crust that I wanted. I'm sure I'll get better. Mrs. G did say it was the best burger she'd had in a long time, so at least I did something right.

I'm glad that I finally pulled the trigger and got the griddle. Think its gonna be a very useful tool in our arsenal. I guess that about wraps it up for now.

Dredger

Looking good @Griffin. Good luck on the outdoor kitchen build.

fishlessman

looks good. did you wipe the grease from the bacon up before adding the paddy, they char/stick better on a dry surface

Griffin

Thanks @Dredger It will get done. Someday or other.

@fishlessman I did not. It seemed to me in my small brain that bacon grease would just make it better. I'll try it your way next time. I had no idea, but that makes sense.

minniemoh

Those look fantastic!

blasting

looking good @Griffin  - patio is coming together.

I had an idea yesterday about the melting domes.  (I have two the same as yours).  The problem with them is they're too small.  When you want to cover something large like rice or hashbrowns - fogetaboutit.  I'm picking up a little 14" weber kettle and using the lid on the blackstone.  Thought' I'd mention it.

Bart1434

looking great @griffin - one of the best purchases I have made was the 17in griddle...attempting first smash burgers tonight! wait til you get breakfast on the griddle.

Eggcelsior

How long did you press for? Go for 30 secs per patty for best effect

Griffin

@blasting that's a good idea

@Bart1434 haven't tried breakfast yet, maybe this weekend. Good luck on your burgers.

@Eggcelsior I think I did 20 seconds. What heat should I be using? I was on medium, I think.

Eggcelsior

Medium is fine. That's what I do on my 36"

blasting

I'd suggest trying it full blast, or nearly.

cazzy

Looking good @Griffin

I don't press it for x amount of time, I just press it till it's flattened, and move to the next one.  I'll let it go for about 60 seconds, and scrape around the meat with the smaller spatula till it releases.  I cook on high, but you just need to test it out and find your sweet spot.  Experiment and scrape/flip at different time intervals till you lock it in!

Oh, don't add any extra fat...just make sure your griddle is seasoned.  Use flaxseed oil, ghee or coconut oil and let it burn off.  Wipe dry, then sautee some green onions till then blacken.  

Here is a great video for technique:

https://youtu.be/8NsNoEgbB40

bhedges1987

Great looking burger and set up

BilZol

I've been jonesing for one of those. I need to pull the trigger. The burgers look fantastic. 

smbishop

Wow, can't wait to see your final results on the outdoor kitchen.  The mini blackstone looks like something I would love to have.  Thanks for sharing the cook!