Complete BLACKSTONE Review in Just 5 MINUTES!!! | Blackstone 28" 2-Burner Griddle

[@TheCrossFTW]

Great review! Some minor corrections however The top of the grill is not cast iron, but cold-rolled steel. In this context, it does function similarly and seasoning it is still key just like a cast iron, but there are some differences in how they behave as a cooking surface and their care Speaking of care, it is totally fine to use soap on a seasoned Blackstone or even a cast iron pan. I know that flies in the face of advice given by generations of grandmothers, but modern soaps are totally okay to use. Old soaps used by grandma had Lye in them, which would damage the seasoning on the pan. However nowadays, you’d be hard pressed to find a dish soap that contained Lye at your grocery store.

[@madbackyard]

Thanks for watching! Interesting about rolled steel vs. cast iron. I do stand corrected. Its funny they call their own brand of seasoning I used "Cast Iron Conditioner" though, I guess because it can be used for both. I will have to respectfully disagree about using soap though just because Blackstone makes a point in multiple places in the manual to never use soap after its seasoned. Mild dish soap probably wouldn't be as detrimental as using heavy duty soap with lye in it as you suggest, but since the company themselves says not to use it, I don't see the benefit of doing so. Especially since it's so easy to clean without it. Thanks for watching and for the comments!

[@toryevanss4512]

I use soap on my indoor cast iron and carbon steel, but I wouldn't use it on my outdoor flat top because I wouldn't feel confident that I could rinse every bit of it off without being able to stick it in the sink.

[@Allanthia]

Just wanted to add you can absolutely use modern dish soap on seasoned cast iron. The idea that you can't use soap on Cast Iron comes from a long time ago when soap used to included Lye as an ingredient. Modern soap poses absolutely no risk, as long as you dry it afterwards.

[@madbackyard]

Correct, it won’t hurt the cast iron (or rolled steel technically) itself, but it WILL eat through your layers of seasoning the way soap cuts through any other type of oil, fat, or grease. So just know if you do decide you need to use soap so you will need to reapply some layers again. Thanks for watching!

[@Allanthia]

@@madbackyard This is incorrect. That only applies to old soap that was home made and still had lye that did not saponify in it. Modern dish detergent like Dawn does not remove your seasoning (polymerized oil). If it removed your seasoning; it wasn't actually seasoning it was just crud in your pan. A cool fact is that dish detergent you will notice does not say 'soap' anywhere on it even though we all call it that. Because it is not soap it is a detergent. It contains no Lye and will not strip your seasoning.

[@Mixwell1983]

Another tip I've seen is using a half sheet baking cooling rack when you want to set something aside and keep it warm.

[@madbackyard]

Good idea! 👍

[@H4KnSL4K]

+1 to idea of leveling adjustment feature. Maybe the next version? Auto-leveling would be extra cool, but don't expect that any time soon

[@madbackyard]

Yeah I think just some small adjusters to raise or lower each corner a small amount would go a long way. Thanks for watching!

[@MrChickensnatcher]

Blackstone sells a really nice leveling shim kit.

[@madbackyard]

Thanks, I'll have to check it out! Is it similar to this one? amzn.to/3YJRR7X I couldn't find an actual one made by Blackstone.

[@donstull2650]

Thanks for your input. Did a great job. Looking to get my own.

[@madbackyard]

Thanks Don!

[@DrJohn493]

Enjoyed using mine and stir fries are a particular favorite.

[@madbackyard]

Yes… looking forward to it. Thanks! 👍

[@S2KV]

I find the surface of the griddle top too rough. I took sander and smoothed the surface down and now it is super slick after seasoning. It's also not made of cast iron, but cold rolled steel.

[@madbackyard]

Yes, I've been corrected on that a few times now 😂, but you can season and treat it the same as cast iron. I didn't notice the surface to be any rougher than a new cast iron pan. And the more layers of seasoning you add the smoother its seems to get as well.

[@toryevanss4512]

I bought mine around the same time this video was posted. 1. Agree on easy assembly - I bought a new gas grill at the same time and paid for professional assembly, but the Blackstone was totally manageable for me as a weak lazy person. 2. Very different experience on hot spots, the left side burns way hotter than the right, and even on lowest heat is too hot for many dishes especially eggs. Particularly annoying because the lighter doesn't work on that side and I have to reach under with a long lighter - so regulating temperature by turning it off and on doesn't work well. 3. Not flat - I have it pretty level, but the surface has a shallow spot near the front which would be great except the grease trap is on the exact opposite side of the griddle. 4. Did this guy just get lucky with the knobs? Mine don't fit, and according to the reviews on Lowe's website that's a problem a lot of people have had. All in all this is a pretty junky piece of equipment, but for the price I paid I'm happy with it. I don't have twice as much to spend on a higher quality piece right now, especially because I wasn't sure how much I"d actually use it (turns out the answer is A LOT! so that's good)

[@exofun13]

I currently have a weber 310. Do u think it worth to go for a Blackstone grill? Is it easier to clean?

[@madbackyard]

Another option would be to get a Weber flat top grill insert for your 310 like this one: amzn.to/46REggQ if you want to have that flexibility without buying another grill/griddle. I wouldn't say it's easier to clean than a gas grill. Both are pretty easy to maintain. More just about what other things you can cook on a flat top vs on gas grill grates (eggs, pancakes, smash burgers, bacon, etc.). I also find I get a better sear on my steaks with them making full surface contact on the flat top surface like I was cooking them in a cast iron pan.

[@exofun13]

@@madbackyard thats interesting, thank you for the information!

[@Mixwell1983]

I dont have a BS but did get (what i thought)was a ss griddle top for my gas grill.. the maintenance of cast iron and other irons is enough to keep me away. My topper is super rusted and i did end up buy a proper stainless steel one which i haven't used yet. I do plan to remove the rust and reseason my other topper but what a pain in the ass.. That's also why i ditched my cast iron pan for a stainless steel and a commercial kitchen aluminum pan. I know they don't retain heat like cast iron but they still work just fine for searing and saute. I've tried to embrace cast iron and it's mostly my fault on the lack of maintenance but yah...

[@madbackyard]

You definitely have to keep up with it but it’s nice having the non-stick properties and you can’t beat the sear on a steak with cast iron IMO!

[@TripleJay2408]

I was just looking at this exact one from Lowe’s that you linked but yours has two shelves and the one at Lowe’s is only showing one?

[@TripleJay2408]

Never mind. I was looking at model # 2206 but it seems you’re reviewing the 2355

[@madbackyard]

Thank you, I fixed the link below the video so it's now the EXACT one I got from Lowes with 2 shelves and the cover included.

[@TripleJay2408]

@@madbackyardno problem. I lose my mind looking at all of these different models lol. Any reviews/experience with nexgrill btw? My neighbor has one and the 36” is cheaper than BS’s 36”.

[@madbackyard]

No, I don't unfortunately. Yeah, I don't know why they need so many models and variations, its kind of crazy!

[@potstech]

Before you buy be aware that the 28" Model #2535 does not go below 400 degrees. There is also no air gap control to regulate the individual burners. Blackstone does not document any of this. Yet many recipes call to cook at 325-375 for pancakes, eggs and other foods. This is NOT a low temperature griddle.

[@toryevanss4512]

Yes! I bought mine a few weeks back it's driving me a little crazy. The lighter doesn't work on the left side, either. So generally I just preheat the griddle, turn the left side off, and move things around as I'm cooking from the hotter to the cooler side. So far I've been able to make great meals, it's just frustrating to have a brand new item that's so very flawed (knobs don't fit either!)

[@potstech]

@@toryevanss4512 Next time you use it turn on the side that works, wait a few seconds then turn on the other side on high. The other side should then light. That is how I make mine work. Hope this helps

[@toryevanss4512]

​@@potstech That worked, thank you!!!

[@potstech]

@@toryevanss4512 You are welcome.

[@Just.D]

They dont come with a cover lid?

[@madbackyard]

Mine did. But double check whatever model/package you are buying.

[@Just.D]

@@madbackyard I ordered one with a lid. Thanks for the video!

[@eddiecrawford659]

Ruststone

[@eddiecrawford659]

@@notmyrealhandle dirty food / rusty/ black flakes….. i guess im am doing it wrong…. Not for long, i have the answer…. Toss the Ruststone in the dumpster YAY!!!!

[@madbackyard]

The key is multiple THIN layers of oil at very high heat and give it plenty of time smoke off before adding the next layer so it polymerizes and forms a good hard bond with the metal.

[@Gino-qj7uk]

Dude can put together a grill but overcooks his examples.

[@marklevy2092]

Not worth it!!! The regulators are a joke. I cooked six meals Now it’s shot and no regulator fix or trick works. What a pos worst purchase ever no other grille has ever done this

[@TheRealBobBasher]

Uh...you installed the bottom shelf upside down.

[@madbackyard]

No…believe it or not, thats actually how it’s supposed to go. I had to double check pics on Lowes website but that’s how they have it. The thumbscrew won’t line up with the hole and screw in the other way.

[@TheRealBobBasher]

@@madbackyard wow...just looks wrong.

[@ericridgerock9083]

Their junk go look for a real one