The Ultimate Guide to Creating an Outdoor Kitchen with a Blackstone Griddle
There's nothing better than the taste of food cooked outdoors. Upgrading your backyard with an outdoor kitchen featuring a versatile Blackstone griddle takes your outdoor cooking abilities to new heights.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything needed to plan, build, and enjoy an outdoor oasis perfect for griddle cooking delicious meals alongside family and friends.
Choosing the Right Blackstone Griddle
Blackstone offers premium griddles in multiple sizes to suit the needs of any outdoor chef. Consider your space, cooking requirements, and special features to select the perfect model.
Size Considerations
Opt for the spacious 36" Blackstone griddle for most backyard kitchens. At 660 square inches, it provides ample room to cook for a crowd. For extra-large gatherings, upgrade to the 50” XL with a whopping 970 square inches of grilling surface.
Special Features
Handy features like the rear grease management system, adjustable legs, and removable griddle tops make Blackstone griddles user-friendly. Side shelves create workspace, while covers protect the griddle when not in use.
Accessories
Must-have accessories include a griddle carrying case for portability, cutting board attachment to expand prep space, and griddle cleaning tools like scrapers and pumice stones to keep it looking brand new.
Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout
Carefully consider placement, countertop space, storage, and design aesthetics when planning your outdoor griddle kitchen.
Placement
Situate your Blackstone station near the house for easy food prep access. Leave plenty of safe space around the griddle cooking zone. Building a pergola overhead offers weather protection.
Countertops
Surround your griddle with durable and stylish countertop materials like stone or stainless steel. Incorporate nearby electrical outlets and ample prep space.
Storage Solutions
Incorporate storage like a mini fridge for beverages, cabinets for grilling tools, and a sink with running water to make your outdoor cooking area fully equipped and functional.
Visual Appeal
Use materials that match your home's architecture and opt for luxuries like stone backsplashes, pendant lighting, and a firepit to create an eye-catching outdoor living space.
Griddle Cooking Guidance
Achieving griddle cooking perfection requires proper seasoning, temperature control, and cleaning.
Seasoning the Griddle
Before the maiden cooking voyage, season your Blackstone griddle by oiling and running through multiple heat cycles. This gives food that ideal sear while preventing sticking.
Cooking Temperatures
Mastering heat control takes your culinary skills to the next level. Use multiple temperature zones to cook foods at different intensities. Learn the perfect flipping techniques.
Cleaning the Griddle
Clean your griddle thoroughly after each use with hot water, a griddle stone or scrapper. Occasional deep cleans maintain the fresh-out-of-the-box sheen.
Top Recipes to Try
A Blackstone griddle excels at cooking classic backyard fare like pancakes, eggs, and burgers. But it can also be used for upscale meals like steaks, seafood, and crepes. Get creative!
Enjoying Your Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen optimized for Blackstone griddle cooking allows you to host unforgettable backyard dinner parties, holidays, and summer barbecues. Spend time relaxing outdoors after cooking up delicious meals for yourself or a crowd.
Equipping your outdoor living space with a Blackstone griddle station takes your backyard to the next level. Spend days enjoying delicious food and quality time outside. This guide outlines everything needed to create your ideal outdoor cooking oasis.