Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, but they lose their appeal on a sunny day when you want to be outside enjoying the fresh air.
Enter the Blackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer, which combines the flat-top griddle cooking that Blackstone is known for with not one, but two built-in air fryers.
The Blackstone BBQ on my patio after a two hour build timeBlackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer at BBQ World, £899
BUY NOWBlackstone are establishing a growing fanbase in the UK, making their way across the Atlantic from the States, where they dominate over 80% of the griddle market.
A griddle is essentially a flat, solid cooking surface, which means no open flames, more even heat distribution, and the ability to cook foods you simply couldn’t on a traditional BBQ – think eggs, pancakes, or even stir-fries.
But does this mean it lacks the authentic smoky taste of a BBQ cooked over coals?
To find out, I got my hands on the Blackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer, and I’ve been putting it through its paces in my humble West London garden ever since.
Keep reading to discover what I cooked and how it tasted…
How I tested the Blackstone 36-inch gas griddle with air fryer
Burgers and sausages cooked in less than three minutes on the Blackstone griddleBlackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer at BBQ World, £899
BUY NOWTo thoroughly test the Blackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer, I used it over four weeks in my garden, recreating a variety of outdoor cooking scenarios.
I cooked for my family, including four fussy kids aged nine and under, and hosted a small garden party to see how it performed for larger gatherings.
On the griddle, I prepared a wide range of dishes, from BBQ classics like burgers and sausages to grilled vegetables and fried onions.
I tested the air fryer by cooking chips and chicken wings to see how it stacked up against my trusty Ninja Foodi air fryer.
I paid close attention to heat distribution, air fryer crispness, and ease of cleaning.
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Quickfire Q&A Full review The verdict FAQsBlackstone review: Quickfire Q&A
How much is the Blackstone 36-inch griddle? At BBQ World, the 36-inch Blackstone griddle BBQ with air fryer is priced at £899.
What is Blackstone best for? The solid surface of a Blackstone griddle is ideal for cooking foods that would typically fall through grill grates, from fried eggs to pancakes.
How long does a gas canister last? A 6kg propane gas cylinder typically lasts around 15 to 21 hours when used for cooking on a BBQ, depending on the heat output and burner settings. You’ll know it’s time for a refill as the canister becomes lighter as it empties.
What we loved: How fast it cooked food! If you want to spend more time socialising than cooking, this beast churns out burgers in around three minutes or less.
What we didn’t: I really struggle to think of a con, but I’d say that the kerbside delivery of this 85kg giant of a griddle was a challenge. Also, it is a huge piece of kit and takes up a lot of space outside, so it’s not compatible for anyone with a small garden or patio.
Blackstone full review
Me with my new favourite cooking equipmentBlackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer at BBQ World, £899
BUY NOWPros:
Built-in air fryers Huge cooking area Simplifies cooking for large gatherings Flat cooking surfaces provides versatility Sturdy and durable Made hot dog onions taste juicy and deliciousCons:
Takes up a lot of outside space ExpensiveRating: 4.5/5
Unboxing and assembly
My first impression upon unboxing the Blackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer was one of slight intimidation.
It arrived on a pallet and was left on the street outside my house, which I knew about in advance as ‘kerbside-delivery’ was specified in all emails about the delivery.
I’d highly recommend ensuring it’s delivered on a date when other people in your household, as there was no way I could move the 85kg box by myself, even an inch, let alone get it through my gate and my front door.
In the end, I opened the box on the street and carried the pieces bit by bit through the gate, front door and into my back garden, and it felt like I’d had a 60-minute heavy-lifting gym session.
However, assembling the grill was pleasantly straightforward.
Knowing it took my colleague four hours to build a Weber Genesis Gas BBQ, I set aside the same amount of time, and I ended up with two hours to spare.
The trickiest part was lifting the heavy griddle top onto the base, but with a second pair of hands, it was manageable.
Once assembled, the grill feels incredibly sturdy and well-built.
The powder-coated steel frame is robust, and the heavy lid protects the griddle from the elements.
Performance
Before cooking anything, I cranked up all four burners to high for about 15 minutes.
This initial burn-off is essential, as it eliminates any manufacturing residue and begins the seasoning process.
It’s quite a fascinating process – the griddle surface gradually darkens, turning black as the metal heats up and the oils carbonise.
Once it’s fully black, you know it’s ready for cooking.
My first cook was a batch of burgers. I set the burners to medium-high and placed the patties on the griddle.
The flat surface allowed for excellent contact, resulting in a beautiful sear.
The flat surface allowed for excellent contact, resulting in a beautiful sear.
With just 90 seconds on each side, the burgers were cooked to a juicy medium-rare, with a satisfying crust on the outside.
Aubergines and onions stayed on the surfaces without slipping down the gapsBlackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer at BBQ World, £899
BUY NOWThe even heat meant no worrying about rare bits in the middle, a welcome change from traditional BBQs, when it’s always tempting to overcook to ensure nobody ends up with a side of food poisoning.
Next, I tackled sausages, chicken thighs, and some aubergines.
The sausages browned evenly, and the chicken thighs cooked through without drying out.
The aubergines developed a lovely golden crust without sticking to the griddle.
I decided to try cooking onions for hot dogs directly on the griddle, and it was an absolute game-changer.
I decided to try cooking onions for hotdogs directly on the griddle, and it was an absolute game-changer.
Instead of frying the onions indoors and having them cool down by the time I brought them out to the sausages, I could seamlessly serve my guests a perfectly warm sausage, freshly cooked onions, and a bun all at once.
I also put the air fryers to work by cooking a batch of frozen chips.
The Blackstone griddle’s air fryer took a bit longer to cook than my trusty Ninja Foodi and didn’t achieve quite the same level of crispness, but the chips were still perfectly acceptable.
Cleaning the Blackstone is surprisingly easy, thanks to the rear grease management system.
Scraping the grease into the collection cup is a simple and effective way to keep the griddle clean.
The griddle top itself is also easy to wipe down, although you may need to use a bit of elbow grease to remove stubborn food residue.
The Verdict
Guests were asked to give their verdict on the Blackstone griddle with an air fryerBlackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer at BBQ World, £899
BUY NOWAfter using the BBQ for several gatherings, the unanimous decision is that the Blackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor cooking setup.
It turns a garden gathering into an outdoor cooking experience and feeds people fast, even if they ask for seconds and thirds.
The ability to air fry and grill food simultaneously makes it incredibly versatile, letting me cook everything from burgers and sausages to chips and stir-fries in one go.
Yes, it’s heavy and takes time to assemble, but once set up, it’s a powerhouse that’s perfect for everything from family meals to large garden parties.
While it doesn’t add a smoky flavour like a charcoal BBQ, the convenience and performance more than make up for it.
If you love hosting and want to impress your guests, the Blackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer is well worth the investment.
Blackstone 36-inch gas griddle with air fryer FAQs
How do you clean a griddle? How to season a griddle How long to cook a steak on a griddle?How do you clean a griddle?
Cleaning your Blackstone gas griddle properly is key to keeping it in top condition.
Start by letting it cool down slightly after cooking – you don’t want it to be too hot to handle.
Scrape off any stuck-on food using a griddle scraper or spatula, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth or paper towel.
For tougher grease or residue, use warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge, but avoid harsh chemicals as they can damage the surface.
Once clean, dry the griddle thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
How to season a griddle
Blackstone provides clear instructions to season the grill before the first use.
Start with a clean surface and heat it up until it’s warm.
Apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil, like vegetable or flaxseed oil, using a paper towel or cloth.
Spread the oil evenly across the griddle, including the edges and corners, and let it heat until the oil starts to smoke.
Once smoking, turn off the heat and let the griddle cool completely.
Repeat this process 2-3 times to build up a strong, durable seasoning layer.
How long to cook a steak on a griddle?
The cooking time for steak on a Blackstone griddle depends on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of “doneness”.
For a one-inch-thick steak, preheat your Blackstone griddle to high heat (around 230°C to 260°C) to get that perfect sear.
Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, 4-5 minutes per side for medium, and 5-6 minutes per side for well-done.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – 52-55°C for medium-rare, 60-65°C for medium, and 70°C+ for well-done.
The Blackstone’s large cooking surface and even heat distribution make it ideal for locking in the juices and achieving a beautiful char.
Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes to retain its flavour and juiciness.
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