Blackstone vs Instapot?

Mayberry · October 2017

I know they serve completely different purposes, but I want another cooking tool, and these are both on my list. If you were buying one, which is most useful? We have 2 boys in sports, so quick, good meals sounds really attractive. The Instapot seems to meet this need, if it works as adfertised. We are also in the process of re-doing our center island in the kitchen, and it will end up being counter height and 4x8'. So, the Blackstone sounds really fun for weekend breakfasts, hibachi cooks, etc. With a small portable propane tank, it would be awesome to use in the kitchen on the island and to take camping in our travel trailer. The Instapot could be very useful in the camper, too. Which one?

Carolina Q · October 2017

I use my stovetop pressure cooker all the time. Love it!! I hardly ever use my Blackstone. I've had the BS for almost a year and I doubt I've used it a dozen times.

Also, read the directions on the BS. It very pointedly says, DO NOT use indoors.

GregW · October 2017

I also have a traditional stove top pressure cooker. I don't have a Blackstone.
The pressure cooker is an unbelievable time saver.
On cold winter nights the pressure cooker can turn out excellent meals.
If I had a Blackstone it would sit unused during the winter months.
Nothing wrong with a Blackstone, but I would probably add a pressure cooker to my stable first.
As @Carolina Q pointed out, the Blackstone is for outdoor cooking only.

theyolksonyou · October 2017

I use my blackstone 10x my pressure cooker.

bgebrent · October 2017

I run 20 red lights in its honor. Mine is never far away. Well...

hoosier_egger · October 2017

I'm an new instant pot owner, as in last week new. I love and use my Blackstone all the time.

I say you might as well get it over with and buy both. Lol

FearlessTheEggNoob · October 2017

Get the IP Ultra and you can SV a steak with it.

I just finished cooking a bag of dried black beans. Beans-salt-water-start.

Waaaaay better than in a can.

blasting · October 2017

I looked hard at the instapot, and decided I probably wouldn't use it much. I already have a rice cooker, crock pots - not a pressure cooker though.

I was in the first batch to get a Blackstone, and have used it 5-7 times a week ever since. I used it twice today.

The Anova and Blackstone are two items I would never be without, fwiw. I only mentioned the Anova because you mentioned quick meals.

Skiddymarker · October 2017

FearlessTheEggNoob said:

Get the IP Ultra and you can SV a steak with it.

I just finished cooking a bag of dried black beans. Beans-salt-water-start.

Waaaaay better than in a can.

Saw a display on the IP Ultra, the manual says temp control to within +/-5ºF - that's not so great for a sous vide, and you are limited to the 6qt size. Still the IP is agreat kitchen tool.

@Mayberry - if you live where you can use the flat top outside all year, the BS might be worth your while

Eggcelsior · October 2017

I have both. Instant Pot all day, since I have little kids and limited time. I can go home at lunch, prep something in 20 min or so and set it up. Everything is ready to go once I get home.

Mayberry · October 2017

FearlessTheEggNoob said:

Get the IP Ultra and you can SV a steak with it.

I just finished cooking a bag of dried black beans. Beans-salt-water-start.

Waaaaay better than in a can.

So the Ultra can be set at a specific temperature and hold it? That sounds like a winner, if so!

bgebrent · October 2017

Eggcelsior said:

I have both. Instant Pot all day, since I have little kids and limited time. I can go home at lunch, prep something in 20 min or so and set it up. Everything is ready to go once I get home.

One trustworthy old man, seriously.

FearlessTheEggNoob · October 2017

Skiddymarker said:

Saw a display on the IP Ultra, the manual says temp control to within +/-5ºF - that's not so great for a sous vide, and you are limited to the 6qt size. Still the IP is agreat kitchen tool.

Mayberry said:

So the Ultra can be set at a specific temperature and hold it? That sounds like a winner, if so!

With the IP Ultra you can input a legitimate number for the slow cooking temp.

+/-5 was no issue for me. I found the temp to be constant, albeit a couple degrees low compared to my Thermopen. So, if I want 135, I set 137.

Realistically, you can only get about 2 large New York Strips in there at one time. Still, nice to have when I've used it.

Did I mention beans? It makes some damn fine beans.

Can the Blackstone make beans? I don't think so. Game. Set. Match.

Mayberry · October 2017

I've wanted to try sous vide, and this could at least be a good introduction into that type of cooking. I think I would mainly use the sous vide feature for a few steaks, a tri tip, maybe a few pork chops or chicken breasts, and just sear to eat. The IP is looking promising. May order one tonight.

Mayberry · October 2017

Disappointed the Blackstone can't be used indoors. I have a gas range that runs off propane and thoght the griddle could be used in the kitchen, too. Otherwise, I don't think I'd use it very much. Don't want it on my back deck, and don't want it in the garage.

I will say the next house I build will have a Waffle House griddle in the middle of the kitchen. I wish I would have thought about it on this house.

Legume · October 2017

It's soup, stew and chili season. Get the IP now and buy the BS in the spring.

bgebrent · October 2017

Legume said:

It's soup, stew and chili season. Get the IP now and buy the BS in the spring.

And watch a film titled Animal House. Seriously.

texaswig · October 2017

Just go on YouTube and look up IP recipes. That's the way I would go.

Carolina Q · October 2017

Mayberry said:

...and don't want it in the garage.

Your garage is indoors too. The issue is carbon monoxide.

HeavyG · October 2017

Carolina Q said:

Mayberry said:

...and don't want it in the garage.

Your garage is indoors too. The issue is carbon monoxide.

Blackstone warns against using their griddles indoors for liability reasons.

There are two concerns with using such an appliance indoors - carbon monoxide and KABOOMS! Both of those problems can also be a concern with home gas stoves be they natural gas or bottled gas. Yet, people still use those in their homes without too much concern.

Combusting propane normally does not create carbon monoxide. It only does so when there is insufficient oxygen to provide complete combustion. Normal propane combustion byproducts are just carbon dioxide and water. A blue propane flame is a happy propane flame. An occasional wisp of yellow is not a problem but if you have persistent yellow flames then the propane is not getting sufficient oxygen and will produce a bit of carbon monoxide.

Very few people are likely to be running one of these type of griddles nonstop all day long so an occasional yellow flame is not going to create sufficient carbon monoxide to be harmful. If that is a concern just get a $20 battery powered CO detector and run it near your griddle.

Millions of people and businesses/caterers frequently use portable butane burners indoors. Butane is just like propane - normal combustion byproducts are just carbon dioxide and water. They only emit carbon monoxide when they are not running properly. Like a Blackstone these things aren't normally used but for rather short periods of time.

The other potential issue with a gas griddle is the connection of the gas bottle and the regulator. They could leak and then you would have propane gas, which is heavier than air, settling down onto the floor. It's possible that an errant spark or flame from a match could set off a "kaboom", however, propane has an additive that makes it stink so you will likely smell it before it becomes a problem. Whether used indoors or outdoors it is wise to occasionally check the tank/regulator connection for leaks. A little soapy water will indicate if there is a leak. When finished using the griddle just be sure to disconnect the tank.

Fred19Flintstone · October 2017

Why not both?

BrookieP · October 2017

I own both. Both are used pretty heavily, but I like my Blackstone more.

tarheelmatt · October 2017

It's a tough decision. I use the BS more than my pressure cooker. I don't have a InstaPot, but I have the Powercooker XL, same principle.

I will sous vide stuff at lunch to be seared on the BS when home from work.

Even Friday, when I got home from work, I pulled out some Chinese chicken and broccoli in 30 mins on the BS.

I think having both is the real way to go, honestly, and heck, throw in a sous vide too!

Mayberry · October 2017

I ordered the Instapot Ultra and Amazon will have it here tomorrow. I'm missing the simple, quick cooks more than anything right now. Were the Blackstone able to be used indoors without issues, that might have been the route I'd have gone. But, I don't want it on my deck, or rolled from the garage to the driveway whenever it's used. I'll also never take anything that bulky camping. I already have a Kamado Joe Jr I use for camping and many cooks at home. That's enough weight for camping trips. Thanks for all the advice.

Mayberry · October 2017

All that being said, is there a gas range griddle topper that could be used with all the eyes on my stove at home? The Blackstone has a series of burners under the cooktop. It seems like there would be a stainless cooktop that would just lay on top of the stove and use the burners when being used. That might be the ticket for my intended usage.

Photo Egg · October 2017

I have never seen one to cover all the burners as a single unit but I have used one similar to this Lodge and it's ok.

https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LPGI3-Reversible-Griddle-10-44-inch/dp/B00008GKDQ/ref=sr_1_14?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1508246703&sr=1-14&keywords=cast+iron+burner+plate

But I find it much easier to cook and control the heat using an electric one.

https://www.amazon.com/Presto-BigGriddle-Touch-Griddle-07046/dp/B01N4L5C78/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1508246468&sr=8-17&keywords=large+electric+skillet

Hibby · October 2017

Both

Blackstone vs Instapot?

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