Should You Buy A Griddle? Pros and Cons of Flat Top Grills

[@JohnnyBrunet]

If you are going to get a griddle my ebook has everything you need to know. Grab a copy below. bit.ly/Griddle-Ebook

[@jimmiddleton5093]

I didn’t purchase my first griddle, I got mine as a gift but I’ll never go without one again. I never realized I needed one lol. As you mentioned, VARIETY is a huge reason why I love the griddle. I never realized just how versatile they are. Great video as always Johnny 👍

[@JohnnyBrunet]

The gift that keeps on giving Jim! As always thanks for watching brother, cheers 🍻🍻🍻

[@EazzyBeezie]

Everyone who can afford one should definitely buy one

[@daleley7645]

Agreed!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Well said buddy.

[@davidmelis9895]

I got a two burner table top griddle from Sam’s Club for about $80, and have probably spent about the same amount on accessories, but it’s been well worth it!

[@davidmelis9895]

“Don’t go online, it’s a scary place” is the best advice for anyone!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Haha ya There's some strange people out there David.

[@IsomPhilips]

There's also learning cooking techniques and what accessories you really need and what is just fluff. Only had my griddle for a little over a month now but I cook on it at least once every day and that has been the best way to learn. Your videos have also been a big help and a reminder to not take this stuff too seriously. Just have fun

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Very true Isom, the best way to learn is buy doing. THanks so much for watching and I'm glad my videos have been helpful.

[@viking7305.]

Just got our first griddle ever. A Blackstone and simply love it! I have to tell you that you and some of the other Blackstone crew were a big part of us getting it. But we LOVE watching your videos and not only do you show us how to do/cook things we usually are laughing our asses off with your comments!! Thank you and keep up the good vids!!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Congratulations on the new griddle. I'm so glad that you enjoy watching my videos. I really appreciate it and let me know if you have any questions.

[@viking7305.]

@@JohnnyBrunet Will do and again Thank you for keeping it informative and funny at the same time!!

[@scooter5940]

To those of you who already have a decent gas grill, I highly recommend at least considering a griddle insert. They come in different sizes or you can have one custom made. That’s what I did, and I have a sturdy, six-burner, 19”x36” griddle and a heavy-duty storage sleeve for about $200. It stores away easily (though it is heavy) and I don’t have another grill thingy taking up space on my lanai. I don’t use the griddle nearly as much as my grills, but I have a lot of fun when I do use it. Liked it so much I lugged that and my big Weber gasser on our move from Chicago to Florida, and now I can griddle year-round. Great content on this channel!

[@Justin-yk3ox]

They do make these in stainless ;). I've been thinking about converting my old napoleon. Only drawback vs a flat top is you'll have hot spots near the walls of your grill.

[@scooter5940]

@@Justin-yk3ox wow, that’s crazy. I would think stainless would be costly and not hold seasoning well.

[@dyates6380]

I bought a Blackstone, but I also came close to buying an insert designed for my gas grill before that. I am glad I went ahead and bought it because I like having both. The insert is very nice, but the actual griddle grill I find heats up much more evenly because, obviously, the burners are specifically made for the flat surface. I did buy a stainless griddle insert, a small one, for my Weber gas grill and yes, it worked well, but not quite the same as the BS. I will say, your insert - one specifically made for a Weber grill - is a MUCH better idea than just buying a generic insert like I did.

[@scooter5940]

@@dyates6380 if you have the room, I’m sure a dedicated griddle is more convenient, too.

[@billsikes4007]

Where does the grease go with the insert?

[@sharonsimon550]

I have never loved something as much as I love the Weber griddle I bought. I bought it about 6 weeks ago and I was doing smash burgers 2 at a time on cast iron in my house, taking forever by the time everyone is fed, smoked filled house, and eating it after with my eyes stinging from the smoke inside. Never again. I have done 12 smash burgers at a time with good room to smash and flip, huge stir frys, brochettes, breakfast, whole packages of bacon, 24 chicken thighs at a time, chinese beef and brocolli, steaks, it's endless. My go-to was cast iron cooking indoors most nights, so this just makes things easier, quicker, TASTE BETTER, so much of a quicker clean up, no smoke and odors indoors, no grease indoors, and the volume of food I can do at one time makes it so much faster too. There is literally no downside for me other than the odd mosquito bite. And making sure my deck doesn't get splatters on it, which I have worked out. And I like cooking outdoors looking at my forest in my backyard rather than just the tile on the back of my cooktop.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Dany you made a better pitch for the griddle then me lol! Ya I totally agree with everyting you said. The biggest thing in my book is the mess outside and just being outside. I just love it, Even if it's 24 chicken thighs like you said, maybe to prel for the week. there's a peace to being outside. I look at the pond behind my house but I'm sure your forest is beatiful as well. Thanks for watcing and commenting.

[@JWimpy]

We went to a Mongolian grill yesterday for the first time. It was fantastic. As I was leaving I looked over the counter into the kitchen. The only cooking appliance was a huge flat-top.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Oh man I love the Mongolian grill. I'm lucky bc we got our first one in Columbus when I was younger so I've been a lot. Ive always wanted to try a Mongolian bbq in the griddle. Seems like it would be fun, thanks for sharing Johnny.

[@iBMcFly]

Mongolian Griddle*

[@jeffreystone7327]

The thing I like most about your channel is that you make it easy to trust and support. Your content is top shelf Brother. Man you have me support and respect. Keep it coming. God bless.

[@SOU3120]

This video is spot on. Especially around the online community and the "oil technicians" as Todd Toven beautifully put it. These facebook groups for griddling are so toxic (as is most social media) where people are routinely crucified for things like *gasp* using canola oil instead of flaxseed oil to season with, or not buying brand XYZ b/c so and so on KZbin said it was the best. Again what I appreciate about you is your honesty and humility. Its why I keep coming back for your content. Thanks for another great video Johnny!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thanks so much for the kind words and I'm glad you feel that way because that's what I strive for. It drives me nuts when people are pretentious or arrogant about cooking. I feel like everyone should be helpful to others so they can learn. Or if that's just the way they want to do it then that's fine. I'm not eating the food, to each his own. Toxic is the best way to describe it. Tha ks again for watching.

[@cliffcross6487]

I can’t get enough of your videos. Right to the point 😊

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thanks Cliff!

[@EUSA1776]

I recently bought a smallish blackstone. I love that thing. One of the best purchases I’ve ever made honestly.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Nice! Congrats on the new griddle.

[@melaneymattson3733]

Johnny, I love your subtle humor and your vlogs! Keep them coming, you crack me up and also teach me new things about griddle cooking. The saying goes, 'You can teach an old dog new tricks" Thanks, Melaney from SoCal

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hi Melaney, thank you so much for the kind words. I'm so glad you like the videos and I really appreciate you watching. That's cool you're in Socal, probably be a lot better year to round griddle to weather than what I get lol. I'll keep the videos coming if you keep watching, cheers 🍻🍻🍻

[@jbaxter6113]

Johnny you are KZbin gold, my friend. My b-day just arrived and so did my 1st griddle (a Blackstone). You have me informed and excited about getting started. Thank you!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Happy birthday man and congratulations on the new griddle. You're welcome for the content, I really appreciate you watching.

[@jbaxter6113]

@@JohnnyBrunet thank you. I appreciate it man

[@showtimes1000]

I had the biggest blackstone you could buy and sold it 😂 I now have a Weber with a griddle insert and like it much better. Don’t take up as much room as having both and gets the job done.

[@82ndAbnVet]

Yup, I use my Weber Kettle for almost everything! About the only accessory I don't have for it, is the rotisserie.

[@looloo6322]

I bought the Blackstone at Costco three weeks ago, 36" for $399+tax. I've used it every day since. Hamburgers, fries, steaks the usual. Last week I did, shrimp fried rice, beef and broccoli, and Roast pork egg foo young, all at the same time, no mess, no fuss.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Nice!!! Congratulations on the new griddle. Sounds like you're getting your money's worth right away. That awesome, thanks for watching.

[@nicoleknott2678]

Bought my 36’’ 2 weeks ago at Walmart $316 used it once so far I did 6 burgers whole pack of dogs green peppers and lb of bacon I love it this Monday gonna try some steaks!!! It’s been raining here a lot in Georgia and I work a lot, but so far I love it

[@carolgs04]

I bought a griddle for the first time this year and I actually learned alot from the cons I was very excited to do the oil conditioning. You just taught me how I should clean it after every use, and I use mostly vegetable, canola or olive oil. So thanks for this video

[@JohnnyBrunet]

You're very welcome!!! I hope it helps you make some great meals.

[@davidmatke248]

I've had my 22" Blackstone for 15 months. I love it! I just completely refinished the griddle today.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Nice David thanks for sharing. I got my 22 in Blackstone of fb marketplace for $100 and I love it too. I love how easy it is to transport.

[@lesleyfitzpatrick1711]

I've had mine for about 6 months and just love it

[@georei]

I bought a griddle insert for my gas grill. It's not as big as a Blackstone, but I don't have to worry about another cooking device to maintain. When I'm done, I clean it, season it, and it goes into a protective sleeve to store it. Works great for me and my wife.

[@dyates6380]

I bought a Blackstone griddle grill two summers ago and LOVE it. It's just one of four outdoor cooking grills I have so it's not the only one I use. It's great for a change of pace with Italian sausages and even for doing vegetables and omelettes and smash burgers. I'd actually say that maybe other than my Weber kettle grill, it's the most used.

[@42captjoey]

My favorite thing about my griddle is we cook dinner together. Before I had a griddle most nights I would grill the meat and my wife would cook The side dish inside. With the griddle I always cook the entire meal on the griddle and she mostly watches but is there to collect anything I forgotten to bring out of the house. Then we usually eat on the counter on the porch right beside the grill

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Wow that's great Joey thanks so much for sharing. I love eating outside too when the weather is nice. It sounds like you and your wife have a pretty great set up. I appreciate you watching.

[@thatcherfocke9338]

Awesome, Johnny! Frankly, none of the cons matter when you dive into that griddle breakfast. 🥓🥞 I totally got my CampChef 2-burner for breakfast work in the field at deer camp, but tuning into your channel has expanded my griddle horizons and helped me understand maintenance - thank you. Some day when I grow up, I'll have thermal deal 4-burner rig... #griddlelife

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Totally agree buddy griddle breakfast alone is worth the purchase. I'm so glad I could give you other ideas of what to cook and One day you'll be living the dream with a four burner I just know it.

[@jameshill7170]

I cook on my 28 inc. For the 1st time. All went well thanks for your videos..I clean it and oil it when I got done. Cook bacon and hamburgers..

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Awesome! I'm so glad my videos could help.

[@rivieraomaya6422]

As a fellow central Ohioan, I thank you for your videos! I always learn something from you!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

You're very welcome, thanks so much for watching. Hopefully we get some more good weather soon to start cooking.

[@michaelschroeck2254]

I saw Reingeist in the thumbnail and had to like just because of that! A great Cincinnati company!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Heck ya buddy! I love there beer. I'm in columbus but I buy there stuff all the time.

[@D70340]

Johnny, you just earned a subscriber. You hit all the points very well. The only thing i can say is, the pros outweigh the cons, and by quite a margin, for me. After i bought a griddle, our grill sits and collect dust. We don`t even think about using it because the griddle can do so much more, at the same time. Once learning the griddle, which didn`t take but a few cooks, i`ll never go back to a grill. I don`t know how many times i`ve had grease fires with grills over the years. I`ve yet to have a grease fire with a griddle. Some people don`t like griddles just because you have to clean them up a little bit after using them. I guess some people are just lazy and would rather tear a grill all apart to clean it so it doesn`t catch fire every time they use it. As for the griddle, i`m cooking in one area, preparing the whole meal on it. You can`t make very many pancakes to good on a grill, that is unless you buy one of those tiny little griddle plates for it. Then you`ll only be able to cook 1 or 2 pancake`s at a time on it. Might as well just buy a griddle an be done with it! Hundreds of uses for a griddle. Grills are just a one trick pony. Anyway`s, great video Johnny!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hey thanks so much for subscribing! Ya I agree that the pros definitely outway the cons as well. I am in the same boat as you, my wife and I haven't really used the gas grill at all for the past two years! I do smoke stuff occasionally with my big green egg though. Also the lack of flair ups is a very good point which I need to bring up more. It literally never happens with a griddle. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@richdog33]

Your #5 is my #1. The hardest part of getting going on the griddle.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Ya it takes a minute to navigate that's for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting Rich.

[@MrAllan9]

Large grills are awesome for just about anything. I'm an f.o.e Eagle member, and we do lots of cooking on it, and absolutely love it.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Ya it's great for crowds. Mt uncle is an F.O.E member as well and they use one too. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@MrAllan9]

@@JohnnyBrunet please say hi to your uncle from FOE 4281 Canada from the chairman of the board, thank you.😊

[@JohnnyBrunet]

@@MrAllan9 will do!

[@baldbear5609]

Howdy Johnny, we bought our first griddle June of this year and we continue to find new foods to cook. Breakfast is our favorite, don't believe we have gone a single weekend since we purchased it without cooking a big breakfast for everyone. Your videos and lay backed cooking advice have really helped me to enjoy cooking. The Bob Ross No Mistakes only Happy Accidents has helped tremendously. Might not look the best however still tastes great. The griddle is a bit more forgiving than a grill no worries about flare ups, food dropping through the grate etc. Whilst I must agree no one really wants to smell next day chili my garage has never smelled better because of the griddle. Instead of wet grass and gasoline from the mower it now smells like a really good roadside diner. Have A Day! ;~)

[@daleley7645]

So I'm not the only one that griddles in the garage when it's cold out.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thanks buddy I'm so glad my videos and approach to cooking have really helped you out. That's awesome that you do breakfast every weekend, we try to do every weekend but sometimes can not. Also I am jealous of your garage we live in a condo and don't have one but when we buy a house that's exactly what I'll be doing in the winter is utilizing the garage. Have a great week man.

[@markm921]

Love my C/C 600, also like any cooking video featuring beer! You Sir, are 1 of the reasons I bought my griddle, enjoy your videos very much.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Awesome Mark! I'm so glad you like the griddle. I always get worried that someone will buy it bc of my videos then not like it and be mad at me. Also anyone who likes cooking and drinking us alright with! I appreciate you watching, cheers buddy 🍻🍻

[@dkbrinlee]

I got one with my Zyn points, the 28” version. If you’re gonna have a bad habit, might as well get some cool stuff. I have been using my black stone a lot since I got it, learning still and a lot but I have been happy so far.

[@ryanj1802]

This guy's review is the best 👍

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thanks!

[@hornethandler5312]

You’re McGriddle recipe was a hit at my last camp out. Thanks for what you do Brother 👍🏻🍻

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Awesome!!!! That makes my day I'm so glad you tried it and that it worked out. Cheers brother 🍻🍻🍻🍻

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

Thanks for the straightforward assessment. I like that flat tops have their own ritual that lends itself to the art of eating. Truth be know, at camp I will let the griddle be after making breakfast. Instead of cleaning then and wasting propane, I just clean at lunch, and then do the same for dinner. I mean, basically clean it up a little from food bits. But cleaning on the way in to cooking conserves propane and you are going to prep, anyway. Flat top = Best versatility for dish options. You work the heat zones, lets you handle different parts of the dish as they need to be treated. I learned your damming techniques, really good at containing eggs. Of course, for the right purpose egg rings are great, too.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

That's a good idea to just wait until lunchtime when you use it again to clean it. I never really thought of calling it the egg damming technique but that totally makes sense lol. That's what I'm going to refer to it as from now on. 😁

[@crossthreadaeroindustries8554]

@@JohnnyBrunet 👍😀

[@lesleyfitzpatrick1711]

I really bought mine because I just could not seem to get the hang of a grill (let alone a smoker). A little 1-burner griddle (since replaced with my BS 22") came with our new RV, and scanning the interwebs, I thought the griddle would give me that ability to cook outside in a different way that I felt I could do successfully. Part of the fun of getting involved with griddling has been watching hundreds of KZbin videos (yours's are included) and learning the hows and whys. So many different griddle cooks with sites, so many variations on a theme that lets me know that anything goes for learning how to be successful with the griddle and you are not stuck in a rut of smash burgers or cheese steaks. Yes, the seasoning and cleaning things can be a bit of extra work, but you have to wash the pots and pans after cooking inside anyway. And it is kind of Zen, being with your griddle, scraping off the bits and the grease, hitting with that steaming water and getting all that moved off to then lay down a nice bit of oil as a thank you to your partner in cooking.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hey Lesley thanks for all the good information, I think this is going to be very helpful for people who are considering purchasing a griddle. I remember when you got the 22 to replace your camper griddle I think that was the first comment you ever had on one of my videos. I'm so glad that you've watched my videos and others to really dive into the griddle world. I totally agree about not being stuck with smash burgers and philly steaks. There's so many amazing options with the griddle. And the cleaning can be Zen-like. I've also learned to enjoy it but I just wanted to for warn some people who are used to just turning off grills and walking away. Thanks so much for commenting and for watching my videos, I really appreciate that.

[@cw5289]

Used my griddle in conjunction with my charcoal grill. I smoked some brats, then finished them off on the griddle along with a batch of peppers and onions.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Smoke and sear is always a great idea! I do the same thing with my flat top.

[@IndyGuy65]

I do love my indoor e-series griddle but having my griddle next to my Ninja foodi makes cooking so many dishes easier. I cook beef and vegetables on the griddle and throw it in the Ninja with beans, tomato sauce and spices and I got chili. So much easier than dealing with pots, pans and the stove.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Ya that's a great combo to have Guy, your possibilities are endless!

[@Dr.Unsteady]

Everything you can do on a stove in a kitchen becomes 10x easier on a flat top griddle. The only things I can’t do on it I take to the bbq smoker.

[@billybobsasdiys7161]

Love you Johnny! Love my griddle and the food I produce on it for my family and I. IMO the biggest con is it's more stressful to me than smoking or grilling. You can't just set and forget your food on a griddle. It's more hectic and requires better preparation. More like a sprint...smoking/grilling is more like a marathon usually... It's gotten better over time, but it's still much more stressful than throwing a pork butt on the smoker for 7 hours...

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hey Billy Bob thanks so much, glad you like the videos. It's definitely more of a faster pace than smoking or grilling. The marathon/sprint thing is a good comparison. I'm about to get a my first smoker ( a big green egg). I'm super excited but I also know there'll be a learning curve. Thanks for watching.

[@davidl6671]

Great breakdown of pros and cons. Sometimes forget some of the benefits.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thanks David, I appreciate you watching.

[@terrysnyder127]

I received a griddle as a gift. I’m giving it a shot this summer, but finding the cons you mention are all the things that make me not like it. I have not found the pros yet. For what I cook, occasional hamburgers, steaks, and brats my small charcoal barbecue is still my to go to cooking surface. I don’t do breakfast and any other food is just too much work. I usually just cook for two to three people max. Clean up alone isn’t worth it. Before you buy one, be true to your self what you will cook on it. If you want to cook outside, a single propane / butane burner and a frypan maybe all you need. I also have to find a place to store it this winter so it doesn’t rust. Enjoy yours, they do have their nitch, just not mine.

[@POWER_WAFFLE]

Just bought the E-Book! Thank you for sharing your wealth of information. I’m looking forward to buying a Griddle soon and this helps me understand what I’m getting into.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thank you so much for buying the ebook I really appreciate that. And I hope you get your griddle soon so you can start making some great food.

[@ahpierce1]

Definitely a learning curve, especially with temperature. Pros definitely outweigh the cons in my opinion.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

I totally agree Austin, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@SteveInGeorgia]

All excellent points. I think the learning curve isn't so much a "con" because it's great to learn, build technique and feel accomplished when that smash burger tastes so good! I love your channel - always able to find the answers here!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thanks Steve! And I agree it is great to learn. The older I get the more I appreciate learning new skills and expanding my horizons. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@bluesdirt6555]

Really like keeping the kitchen clean!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Ya I tell people all the time how that's one of the best benefits.

[@sfajita]

I learned a lot of what I do because of you. So thank you

[@JohnnyBrunet]

You're welcome, thank you so much for watching.

[@ac03908]

Pro number 6: Matrimonial harmony- my wife loves that I do even more of the cooking and that there's a lot less destruction in the kitchen.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Couldn't agree more Adam, honestly that's the only pro you need. They should be marketing these things on that alone.

[@Holycow723]

This is the biggest reason why I'm going to buy one. Haha

[@jamestjomsland948]

Yo Johnny. You are a real person, it is refreshing!! Thanks for Your time and knowledge! jimmy

[@JohnnyBrunet]

You're welcome Jimmy, thank you for watching.

[@mrmac123]

Good info. Just had a hibachi dinner on my griddle Saturday. Steak, chicken, scallops, all the veggies and great fried rice. Everyone should at least keep an open mind on griddle cooking. I felt like a Japanese chef, lol

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Awesome Tony, I actually haven't done scallops yet. How did they turn out for you and how did you cook them? I've never really cooked them but I heard they cook fast.

[@mrmac123]

@@JohnnyBrunet I have sons that are an executive sous chef an another is a executive chef, both work at golf resorts. I asked them. A little oil and get a good sear then when they are almost done, baste with butter. Whole cooking time is under 5 minutes. Believe me, I've wrecked many, lol

[@robertkreamer7522]

Griddle is Way more healthy no flame flareups which on red meat especially is highly toxic . Yes I have a griddle but I have my Kudu as well where I can smoke it, grate it or slow cook in an iron pan …. You need both and Kudo is super versatile and you can use charcoal and yes wood !

[@TheBeardedItalian]

Excellent points all the way around Johnny! I think the pros definitely outweigh the cons. And I also think a person can cook healthy on a griddle but you have to watch it and work at it. Excellent video sir.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Ya for sure you could definitely cook healthy if you wanted too. Thanks for commenting buddy.

[@muthergoose4084]

I have had my blackstone for 4 years and LOVE it. Its just one more tool to cook great food and sadly I should use more.

[@ToddB1]

Great info Johnny. I'm sure most consider seasoning a con, I enjoy it. I guess I just like to fiddle with the griddle. Cheers buddy! 🍻

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Nothing wrong wit griddln fiddln my friend!

[@hooahextreme]

Griddle.....the best cooking invention ever

[@JohnnyBrunet]

For sure!

[@mrr5052]

Killer beer bro, one of my all time favorites.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Ya mine too! I actually had the dude who works there and invented it comment on one of my videos because he saw me drinking it! Probably the coolest thing that's happened to me on KZbin. Thanks for watching.

[@randallsnider5025]

Nice video Johnny I have 11 grills and a griddle. Griddle a must have

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Damn Randall had you told me that before? I don't think I knew you had 11! You're out here just living the dream brother.

[@ronsrailroad7176]

Best thing i ever bought

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Me too Ron.

[@sonjah4891]

Love your channel, it inspired me! Made biscuits and sausage gravy today and it turned out great 👍 Did steaks the other day and they were awesome 👌 Thanks Johnny

[@JohnnyBrunet]

That's awesome I'm so glad those meals turned out well. And thanks so much for watching my channel.

[@johnnyworton2947]

I bought one, but I haven’t used it yet. Can’t wait to use it.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Congratulations on the new griddle Johnny.

[@samiam9365]

Love your channel, John. I’m one of those Pilsner guys so be forewarned. I’ve had my griddle since last summer. Two questions: I have a Black Stone with the hinged cover. Do you recommend closing the lid to retain heat during the cooking process? I’ve yet to see anyone close the lid to aid on the cooking. I’ve found the blue paper towels, while more expensive, work much better than the white towels. I thought about buying a smoker or the Traeger but I’m very happy with the Blackstone. Keep the videos coming!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thanks Sam! Nothing wrong with pilsners. I like beer but I pride myself on not being a snob. I say whatever makes your feel good brother. Ive never used the Blackstone's with a lid so I'm not sure if that's a good practice or not. I use my dome a lot to melt things. I agree the blue towels are nice. Thanks so much for watching.

[@dfish81]

Appreciate the run down. Great video. Ohio here as well. (Dayton). Loved seeing the Rhinegeist Truth in the video!!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thanks man I'm so glad that you like the videos. And you can't go wrong with a Truth!!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

I'm interviewing Jim the head brewer of Rhinegeist tomorrow night at 8pm. kzbin.infonvWEN30Pbug?si=8ZGGWt42dWHrnqSC

[@curtislear4842]

I just use cast iron pans on my smoker. Plus if i want something in the oven i can just take it inside in the pan.

[@KevinThompson-ir5pf]

Just found your channel......Thank you for the down to Earth instructions and tips.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

You are so welcome!

[@crazyhillbilly2181]

O-H!!! I subbed as soon as I saw the Rhinegeist. I'm soooo close to buying a griddle. Thanks for the honesty, bro.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

I-O! No problem man let me know if you have any questions.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

You're welcome and thanks for watching. I'm interviewing Jim the head brewer of Rhinegeist tomorrow night at 8pm. kzbin.infonvWEN30Pbug?si=8ZGGWt42dWHrnqSC

[@mooping9398]

The griddle King

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thank you!

[@joshwebb609]

I have a 36" 28" blackstone and just got divorced and don't use them very often. Just picked up a 22" members mark. Hopefully get back into it

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Ya Josh I hope you get back into as well buddy.

[@fishingwithvance]

Great video. I will checkout the playlist since I just got a new Griddle.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Awesome Vance! Thanks for watching and commenting on so many of my videos.

[@fishingwithvance]

@@JohnnyBrunet No problem. I really enjoy the channel. Funny, informative, straight forward good information. Can't wait to try out some of your suggestions when I start cooking on my griddle this Spring and Summer.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

@@fishingwithvance that ks buddy! 🍻

[@patblanzy8653]

Loved the video. Very informative and GREAT delivery.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thanks so much, I'm so glad you liked it.

[@adickurig]

After years of owning my Blackstone I'm at about 2 min from the time the last item leaves the griddle to the time the cover goes on. With a good season, cleanup is super fast and requires no water. I only have to bust out the water if I've been cooking anything with high sugar content. Even then I use a wet papertowel rather than a squirt bottle.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Ice, sounds like you got it down to a science.

[@DomGarzaSR]

I wanted to get one for my steaks so thanks for this video!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Any time!

[@FunGuyFruits]

I love searing a steak but it blows up the kitchen and sets off the smoke alarm. Cooking outside helps a ton

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Very very true. Same thing with bacon grease. I haven't cooked bacon inside the house for 3 years now and my wife is super happy about it. Clean stove.

[@eugenesummers1421]

Hi, Johnny, love your videos, have learned a lot from you about griddling, I appreciate your contents and style. Wondering if you could do a video for pork belly. My family has spent a small fortune at Korean BBQ places for their pork belly. I hope to replicate what they do on my griddle, if possible.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hi Eugene, thanks so much for watching and I'm so glad you like the videos. I've actually never made pork belly before so I'll have to do some research and see how to prepare it. That's a great idea for a video, thanks!

[@cj9970]

As soon as I saw Rhinegeist, Homage, and grey weather, I knew you were in Ohio. Thanks for the informational video, I learned a lot. I am interested in outdoor cooking to prepare large batches of chicken to create healthy, protein-rich meals. Still on the fence about griddle versus grill but your videos are a great learning resource!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hahaha ya I'm a dead giveaway for a dude in Ohio. Ya if you're into meal prepping lots of chicken and veggies both would work. I'm assuming you work out a lot or your just really healthy. If you're just cooking chicken breast and the occasional veggies a pellet grill maybe a good option. It's basically an outdoor oven that runs off of wooden pellets so you're going to get a smokey flavor and it's super easy to use. If you went with a griddle you won't get any smoke or grill flavor like you would from the other two. However you would be able to add rice and smaller cut veggies that would fall through the grill grates. I don't know what kind of data you cook with if any, but you could use avocado oil and make a large batch of chicken fried rice to eat throughout the week for lunch and what not. You could also do egg roll in a bowl on the griddle which is just a protein then a bag of coleslaw mix and whatever veggies you want. I'll link my videos on this two things, my recipes aren't very healthy but you could easily substitute some other items and the concept would still work. Good luck with your search man and thanks for watching.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Fried rice. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqjCZn5ofaynorc

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Egg roll in a bowl. Starts at 10:30 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqGah6KMrJl9qMk

[@JohnnyBrunet]

I'm interviewing Jim the head brewer of Rhinegeist tomorrow night at 8pm. kzbin.infonvWEN30Pbug?si=8ZGGWt42dWHrnqSC

[@Ricky-it9zl]

Great channel mate cheers from Australia 🤙

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Cheers buddy!! I think you're my first comment I've gotten from Australia!! That's awesome

[@brunoloiselle2710]

I love my GRIDDLE. Especially during the summer. I'll avoid using the stove at all costs during the summer due to the heat it generates in the kitchen. The cleanup is also alot easier outside vs. Inside and the GRIDDLE is not that hard or time consuming. Once I get done cooking my food, I'll lay down some water on the GRIDDLE and scrap off all the hard pieces and go eat. Once I'm done eating, I'll come back and finish wiping down and lay a thin layer of oil...and voila, I'm done.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Great points Bruno! Once you get a system it's definitely not bad.

[@twohandsandaradio]

2 more cons... 1. Chance of rust. 2. buying bigger clothes. Guess I should balance that with two more Pros... 1. opportunities to consume beer. 2. opportunities for retail therapy for bigger clothes.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hahaha all very good points!

[@platonkavvadias8541]

Would like your opinion about Camp chef vs Blackstone. Why did you choose a Camp chef? I noticed you had snow, would cooking outside or leaving griddle outside warp the griddle?

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hey Platon, I did a video why I choose camp chef and I'll link it below. They're both good and I think you'll be happy with either I just liked a few CC features better. I leave it outside and use it year round and only had it warp once but it went right back. When it's cold I just preheat on low. You don't want to shock it going from one extreme to another. When mine warped it's because it was relatively hot and I put a 5 lb log of freezing cold ground beef on it. I should have left the beef out for a bit to not shock it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYKZaHx_d7qebrs

[@muddogger]

Great video really enjoy your channel, l look forward to your new videos.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thnkks so much!

[@justins.3085]

Johnny, do you review electric griddles too? Northern Canadian winters make it tough to griddle outdoors all year. Thanks for the content!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

I had a Blackstone e series. It worked fine but didn't get a great sear. It's like a giant Teflon pan.

[@TheRealStitchDaSavage]

Had a friend donate me their 2-3 yr old Blackstone yesterday. Really excited to try it out and get some stuff cooking, especially since I used to be a Rockstar Grill Op at good ole Waffle House 😂

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Oh nice man congrats on the new griddle! Ya I used to work at Bob Evans so I know exactly where you're coming from brother. You're going to love it!

[@bentleybear187]

Con 6 for me: i just got the camp chef a few days ago and the drain spout is not aligned to where all the grease drains into the grease cup even with the grease cup shoved all the way to the right. No reason for the tolerances to be so narrow that this is an issue. I'm gonna have to modify it. Other than that I love it so far. Made outstanding chicken fried rice for dinner last night and both my wife and 3yo son loved it. Love your videos, btw. 🍻

[@JohnnyBrunet]

www.homedepot.com/p/Halex-3-4-in-Electrical-Metallic-Tube-EMT-Offset-Set-Screw-Connector-90372/100179766

[@JohnnyBrunet]

m.facebook.com/groups/2166546493568552/permalink/2734915096731686/

[@bentleybear187]

@@JohnnyBrunet oh hell yeah! Thank you!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hey Brandon, I added two links one is a post in the camp chef griddle facebook group where other people had the same problem and there's a picture of how they solved it with an offset screw. The other link is to homedepot which is the screw they used. I'm not very handy and haven't done this myslef but I've seen multiple people say that it works, I hope that's helfpul. Also congrats on the new griddle buddy and i"m glad you're liking it. I make fried rice a lot too for my family. My son is 2 so it sounds like we got similar family situations. He eats all of it and I make enough for leftovers the next day. Thanks so much for watching my videos I'm glad you like them and really appreciate you taking time to watch. Cheers brother 🍻🍻

[@bentleybear187]

@@JohnnyBrunet Thank you, sir! I'll swing by home depot tomorrow and I just joined the fb group. Appreciate it.

[@ericshine1]

Thank you for this video!!!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

You're welcome, Thanks for watching.

[@Emanemoston]

Thanks for the video.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

You're welcome Clarence.

[@MTtroutfisher406]

Dude! 95k subscribers?! Great work! I remember your first video! Lol Any thoughts on the Traeger griddle? We love our Blackstone for camping/RV. Want to get a nice one for home. Thoughts? Thanks!!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thanks so much for supporting me from the beginning. Ya I can't believe it either. I'm a very lucky man.

[@lambert2969]

I mix my grease with rolled oats and feed it to the chickens. They love it. Not much use if you don't have chickens. . .

[@JohnnyBrunet]

That's a great way to get rid of it.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

Awesome video! Griddles are definitely nice. Personally though, I like my gigantic discada better.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Thanks! I've never seen one of those, what is it?

[@bookoo9755]

Just picked up a Blackstone 36inch. I plan to leave it on an uncovered porch with a hard cover, but is a soft cover necessary? I picked one up, but I normally hate using them. My hope is use it at least once a week so it should keep it well oiled.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

I don't think it's necessary, I had one initially but it ripped after like 1 month and I haven't had one since. As long as the hard cover is on you should be good. Thanks for watching.

[@ryanm9318]

Greetings from Columbus. The Ohio winter is coming any issues cooking in winter, maintaining heat or squirrels filling griddle with walnuts😁

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hey neighbor! My advice for winter cooking is to preheat slowly. You just don't want to shock the steel by going from really cold to really hot. As for the squirrels, you and I both know they run this City and there's nothing we can do about it 😂😂. Thanks for watching Ryan.

[@dtwoodsurgery]

Thanks great video! Do you live on a highway?

[@JohnnyBrunet]

We used to live next to a busy intersection but we got our first home a few months ago.

[@ChuckBeefOG]

Unless you are cooking for a massive family or a big crowd a lot, a cast iron skillet and a turkey fryer burner will do just as well for $500 less.

[@troyhenry3267]

What about ceramic cook top vs. Rolled steel griddles?

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hi Troy, I've actually never used on but my buddy Neil who has the channel "The Flat Top King" has one and he did a review on it. I trust his opinion so I'd recommend watching that.

[@FrancisoDoncona]

How do I season a stainless steel top? It’s not the same as the mild steel type.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Hi John, so what brand of griddle do you have? If it's stainless steel then you do not need to season it at all. You can just wipe it down with some water then let it burn on med-high for like 10 minutes to get anything off that might be there from the factory or what not. Then you're good to go. I'd just start each cook with a little bit of oil on the whole thing. Stainless flat tops are what's in most commercial kitchens and they don't need to be seasoned like the cold rolled steel ones. When you cook you'll see the oil discolor and there will be spots from where you cooked your food but when you clean it, it will go back to being stainless. They're very nice. Also I e thing to note, I talk a lot in my videos about using an infrared thermometer but those won't work on yours. For some reason the laser doesn't bounce off the stainless steel. You will need to get a surface thermometer if you want to monitor your temperature.

[@sonjah4891]

Love your beer requirement 😂

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Jus trying to make sure people are prepared 😆🍻

[@jplflyer]

I love it. "If you're trying to cook healthy food, you're probably on the wrong KZbin channel."

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Glad you enjoyed it. Just trying to be honest 😂

[@johnwoodard8717]

My big worry is the issue I've heard from multiple people that if you don't cook on it often enough that it tends to rust and you have to refresh the surface every time before you cook.

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Ya it can rust. A layer of oil each time will help or you can buy one of the rubber orange mats. I guess it depends on how long you are going in between cooks. If you use it once a week you'll be fine with just a thin layer of oil after you cook is done. If you are cooking only once a month then I would put down the oil and some parchment paper on the griddle. The parchment papper serves the same purpose as the orange mat except its a lot cheper lol. The maintenance is terrible but it's definetly a little more than a gas grill. I always try to let people know that so they aren't surprised. Thanks for watching John.

[@staceymiller4765]

Do ya use the bacon first?

[@JohnnyBrunet]

For seasoning?

[@specialtygashousesales9247]

Nice hat!

[@michaelfinley9988]

Blackstone griddles rust. Weber slate griddles stick. Maybe there are better grades of cast iron, but Blackstone doesn’t use it. My whole 36” griddle rusts and yes I seasoned it per the instructions.

[@cgreen4life]

I think the biggest downside is how you smell after cooking. If you want to go out you'll probably need to shower after cooking on it. Thanks for the video!

[@JohnnyBrunet]

Ya you definitely can start to smell like grease.