Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle Review: Transform Your Outdoor Cooking Game
Are you tired of limiting your outdoor cooking to just burgers and hot dogs? Looking to elevate your backyard culinary experience with restaurant-quality meals that impress family and friends? The Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle with Integrated Protective Hood might be exactly what your outdoor kitchen needs. This versatile cooking station combines professional-grade features with user-friendly design, making it the perfect upgrade for everyone from weekend warriors to serious outdoor chefs.
With a spacious 524-square-inch cooking surface powered by dual independently controlled burners, this Blackstone griddle delivers unmatched versatility and performance. Whether you're craving perfect pancakes for breakfast, sizzling smash burgers for lunch, or restaurant-quality stir-fry for dinner, this powerhouse griddle station handles it all with ease. Today, we'll dive deep into what makes this Blackstone griddle a game-changer for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
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Key Features and Benefits of the Blackstone 28" Griddle
- Spacious Cooking Area: 524 square inches of flat-top cooking surface fits up to 21 burgers or 15 pancakes at once
- Dual H-Style Burners: Two independently controlled burners deliver a combined 34,000 BTUs of cooking power
- Integrated Protective Hood: Shields the cooking surface when not in use and helps with certain cooking techniques
- Counter-Height Side Shelves: Convenient meal prep and serving space at a comfortable working height
- Patented Rear Grease Management: Makes cleanup quick and hassle-free
- Robust Construction: Powder-coated steel frame provides durability and weather resistance
- Easy Transport: Built-in wheels make repositioning simple
- Electric Ignition: Quick, reliable startup with the push of a button
Why Choose a Griddle Over a Traditional Grill?
Before diving deeper into the Blackstone's specific features, let's address the common question: why should you consider a griddle over a traditional grill? The answer comes down to versatility and cooking performance.
Unlike traditional grills with grates that allow food to fall through and flames to flare up, a griddle's solid cooking surface provides even heat distribution and prevents small food items from being lost. This design opens up a world of cooking possibilities that standard grills simply can't match:
- Cook breakfast foods like eggs, pancakes, and hash browns with perfect results
- Prepare delicate seafood without worrying about it falling apart
- Sauté vegetables without needing a separate pan
- Create restaurant-quality smash burgers with the perfect crust
- Make stir-fry dishes, fried rice, and other Asian-inspired meals outdoors
- Toast sandwiches, quesadillas, and other handheld favorites
The Blackstone griddle doesn't replace your traditional grill entirely—it complements it by expanding your outdoor cooking capabilities significantly. Many outdoor cooking enthusiasts end up using their griddle far more often than their conventional grill once they discover its versatility.
In-Depth Look at the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle
Cooking Power and Performance
The heart of this Blackstone griddle is its cooking system, featuring two independently controlled H-style burners that deliver a combined 34,000 BTUs of heating power. This dual-burner design allows you to create different cooking zones—keep food warm on low heat on one side while searing at high temperatures on the other.
The rolled steel cooking surface provides excellent heat retention and distribution, eliminating annoying hot spots that plague lesser griddles. This means your entire batch of pancakes cooks evenly, and your steaks sear perfectly regardless of their position on the griddle.
Thoughtful Design Elements
What sets the Blackstone 1883 apart from basic griddles are the thoughtful design elements that enhance the cooking experience:
The integrated protective hood serves multiple purposes. First, it shields the griddle surface from the elements when not in use. Second, it can be used during cooking to help melt cheese on burgers, steam vegetables, or retain heat for certain cooking techniques.
The counter-height side shelves provide ample space for food prep and plating, positioned at a comfortable working height that reduces back strain during longer cooking sessions. This extra workspace is invaluable when preparing meals for larger groups.
Blackstone's patented rear grease management system makes cleanup surprisingly simple. Just push food debris toward the back of the griddle, where it falls into a removable grease cup for easy disposal.
Build Quality and Durability
The 1883 model features powder-coated steel construction that stands up to outdoor conditions. At 94.8 pounds, it's substantial without being immovable, especially with the included wheels that make repositioning easy. The metal handles and controls feel solid, reflecting Blackstone's reputation for durable outdoor cooking equipment.
Real-Life Use Cases: How Owners Are Using Their Blackstone Griddles
Based on customer reviews and community feedback, here are some of the most popular ways people are putting their Blackstone 28" griddles to work:
Weekend Family Breakfasts
Many owners report that Saturday morning breakfast has become a family tradition. The large cooking surface allows them to prepare eggs, bacon, pancakes, and hash browns simultaneously, meaning everyone eats hot food together instead of in shifts.
Neighborhood Gatherings
The ability to cook large batches of food quickly makes the Blackstone perfect for entertaining. Hosts can prepare custom smash burgers, cheesesteaks, or tacos for guests without being stuck inside at the stove.
Camping and Tailgating
While this 28" model is primarily designed for backyard use, many owners pack it for camping trips and tailgating events. The portable design and propane power source make it surprisingly travel-friendly for a griddle of this size.
Year-Round Cooking
Unlike traditional grills that often hibernate during colder months, the Blackstone's solid cooking surface retains heat well even in chilly weather, making it a true year-round outdoor cooking solution.
Customer Reviews: What Owners Are Saying
The Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle maintains an impressive 4.7-star rating from over 1,600 reviews. Here's what actual customers are saying about their experience:
"We are obsessed with this product. Best smash burgers! We use it all the time and have made the best food. Can't go wrong. I feel like a professional chef and it's just the Blackstone which makes the best food including corn on the cob. You NEED THIS."
— Thomas Kennedy, Verified Purchase
"This is the best grill it's like a giant cast iron griddle you can cook anything on. We've made biscuits eggs and bacon all at the same time. It's amazing."
— Danielle Langham, Verified Purchase
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View
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Maintaining Your Blackstone Griddle
To get the most from your Blackstone 28" Griddle, proper maintenance is essential. Here's a quick guide to keeping your griddle in top condition:
Initial Seasoning
Before first use, you'll need to season the cooking surface:
- Wash the griddle surface with warm, soapy water (this is the only time you should use soap)
- Dry completely and turn both burners to high for 10-15 minutes
- Apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (like avocado oil) across the entire surface
- Let the oil smoke and oxidize for 15-20 minutes
- Repeat the oil application process 3-4 times to build up a good seasoning layer
Regular Cleaning
After each use:
- While still warm (not hot), use a metal scraper to remove food debris
- Wipe down with paper towels or a grill cloth
- Apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust
- Empty and clean the grease cup
With proper care, your Blackstone griddle will develop a natural non-stick surface that improves with each use, similar to a well-loved cast iron pan.
Comparison with Similar Products
How does the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle stack up against alternatives?
Vs. Traditional Gas Grills: While gas grills excel at creating grill marks and that classic BBQ flavor, they can't match the Blackstone's versatility for foods like eggs, pancakes, and stir-fry dishes. The solid cooking surface also provides more even heating than grill grates.
Vs. Smaller Blackstone Models: The 28" represents a sweet spot in the Blackstone lineup—large enough for family meals but not as overwhelming as the 36" models. The integrated hood adds functionality that some smaller models lack.
Vs. Competitor Griddles: Compared to other brands, Blackstone's patented grease management system and sturdy construction stand out as key differentiators. The established Blackstone community also means easier access to recipes, tips, and accessories.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Cooking?
The Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle opens up a world of culinary possibilities right in your backyard.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can the Blackstone 28" Griddle be used in cold weather?
Yes, the griddle can be used year-round, though you may need to allow extra time for preheating in very cold conditions. The solid steel cooking surface helps retain heat even when temperatures drop.
What's the best oil to use for seasoning a Blackstone griddle?
High smoke point oils work best for seasoning. Avocado oil (smoke point around 520°F) is ideal, with peanut oil (450°F) being another good option. Blackstone also sells a proprietary seasoning and cast iron conditioner specifically formulated for their griddles.
Can I leave my Blackstone griddle outside?
While the griddle is built for outdoor use, it's best to protect it from the elements when not in use. Consider purchasing a cover (sold separately) and storing it in a garage or covered area during extended periods of non-use to prevent rust.
How difficult is assembly?
Most customers report easy assembly, typically taking 20-30 minutes. The instructions are clear, and all necessary hardware is included. Some reviewers mentioned their teenagers were able to assemble it without assistance.
Can I use metal utensils on the griddle surface?
Yes, metal spatulas and scrapers are actually recommended for Blackstone griddles. Unlike non-stick pans, the seasoned steel surface is tough and won't be damaged by metal tools. In fact, metal spatulas help maintain the cooking surface by scraping away food residue.
Conclusion: Is the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle Right for You?
After thorough research and analysis of customer experiences, it's clear that the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle represents excellent value for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Its versatile cooking surface, thoughtful features like the integrated hood and counter-height shelves, and robust construction make it a standout choice in the outdoor griddle market.
For families who enjoy outdoor cooking, the ability to prepare everything from breakfast favorites to dinner classics on one surface is a game-changer. The learning curve is gentle, and the results are consistently impressive, even for novice outdoor cooks.
While there are less expensive griddles on the market, few match the Blackstone's combination of features, performance, and durability. Consider it an investment in years of outdoor cooking enjoyment rather than just another backyard appliance.
If you're ready to expand your outdoor cooking repertoire beyond basic grilling, the Blackstone 1883 Original 28" Griddle deserves a place in your backyard cooking arsenal.
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All opinions expressed in this review are based on product research and customer feedback. While we strive to provide accurate information, cooking experiences may vary based on individual technique and conditions.