Blackstone 1554 36 Inch Omnivore Griddle review for outdoor cooking enthusiasts

Description

A Versatile Outdoor Cooking Beast

Testing the Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle has been nothing short of a culinary adventure. This robust steel griddle with its spacious 768 square inches of cooking surface truly stood out during my outdoor cooking sessions. Whether you’re flipping pancakes, crafting smash burgers, or grilling up a mountain of steaks, the four independently controlled burners offer unparalleled heat control and cooking versatility.

At first glance, the sleek black finish and sturdy build immediately give off a professional vibe. It’s not just about appearances though; the functionality this griddle brings is what impressed me the most. From its efficient cooking system to its well-thought-out accessories like folding side shelves and tool hooks, this griddle is designed for both convenience and performance.

Key Benefits

The Blackstone 1554 has several features that caught my attention and made my outdoor cooking experience genuinely enjoyable:

• Massive Cooking Space: With 768 square inches, I managed to cook for a crowd easily. Imagine whipping up 47 fried eggs or 30 juicy burgers at once!
• Omnivore Griddle Plate Technology: This isn’t just marketing lingo. The built-in wind guards and even heat distribution work wonders, ensuring consistent results every time.
• Rear Grease Management System: Cleanup was surprisingly painless. The rear grease cup catches all the excess grease, keeping the cooking surface tidy.
• Foldable Side Shelves and Tool Hooks: These little bonuses made prep work and serving much easier. It’s all about keeping things organized, and this griddle delivers on that front.

Adverse Aspects

While the griddle impressed me, there are a few areas where it fell short:

• Weight: At 120 pounds, moving this beast around can be a challenge, even with the casters.
• Assembly: Although it’s marketed as “no assembly required,” setting it up still took some effort and patience.
• Grease Cup Placement: The rear-facing grease management system is convenient, but it could get messy if not emptied frequently.

Cooking Performance That Delivers

The cooking performance of this griddle is where it really shines. Thanks to the 17.58-kilowatt burners, I noticed the griddle heats up quickly and maintains consistent temperatures across the surface. The four burners allowed me to cook multiple dishes simultaneously at different heat levels. On one side, I had pancakes browning to perfection, while on the other, I managed to char delicate vegetables without overcooking them.

The wind guard design is another feature I didn’t realize I needed until I used it. Even on breezy days, the heat stayed where it was supposed to, ensuring that my food cooked evenly. If you’ve ever struggled with uneven cooking on outdoor grills, this technology is a game-changer.

Competing Products

When compared to other popular outdoor griddles, like Camp Chef’s Flat Top Grill or the Cuisinart CGG-888, the Blackstone 1554 holds its own. The Camp Chef model offers similar cooking space, but its grease management system isn’t as refined as Blackstone’s. The Cuisinart, on the other hand, has a more compact design, but it falls behind in terms of heat control and cooking versatility.

Where the Blackstone stands out is its built-in wind guards and the durability of its steel construction, which feel superior to the aluminum-heavy builds of some competitors. However, in terms of portability, lighter griddles like the Cuisinart might be more practical for those who need something easier to move.

Value for Money

This griddle delivers in terms of cost-efficiency. Considering its size, features, and durability, it feels like a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about outdoor cooking. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the quality-to-price ratio justifies the expense. If you’re someone who loves hosting backyard gatherings or big family meals, this griddle pays for itself in no time.

That said, if you’re more of a casual cook or don’t need such a large cooking area, you might find smaller, less expensive models a better fit. But for the true outdoor cooking enthusiast, this griddle is a solid contender.

Using this griddle has been an eye-opener for how versatile outdoor cooking can be. From its spacious cooking surface to its innovative thermal technology, it’s a product that takes outdoor grilling and frying to the next level.

Additional information