Revolutionize Your Outdoor Cooking
Outdoor cooking enthusiasts are raving about the latest innovation from Blackstone Grills – the groundbreaking griddle and air fryer combo models. These 2-in-1 appliances merge the versatility of a spacious griddle cooking surface with the health-conscious convenience of a built-in air fryer.
For home chefs who love hosting backyard barbecues, tailgates, and camping trips, the ability to griddle, air fry, bake, roast, and more on one unit is a game changer. Let’s explore what makes the Blackstone air fryer griddle combo so revolutionary for outdoor cooking.
Two Cooking Worlds United
With its spacious cold rolled steel griddle top, the Blackstone allows you to cook traditional barbecue fare like burgers, steaks, sausage, and veggies to perfection. The expansive surface provides even heat distribution across up to 524 square inches on the 28” model.
But with the patented built-in air fryer, you can also cook healthier “fried” foods like chicken wings, French fries, and more using little to no oil. The dual drawer system allows you to air fry multiple batches quickly.
This means you can serve crispy onion rings and zucchini fries along with your traditional barbecue meal. Or snack on air fried pickles and veggies while the burgers are grilling. The combo allows you to expand your culinary repertoire.
Next-Level Control and Functionality
What sets the Blackstone Grill & Air Fryer Combo apart is its enhanced control capabilities. The large griddle surface contains multiple independently controlled heat zones to cook at varying temperatures.
While searing steaks over direct heat on one side, you can gently sauté veggies on the other. The integrated air fryer drawers have their own adjustable temperature dials ranging from 300°F up to 475°F.
This precision control allows you to properly cook everything from frozen French fries to chicken wings and homemade potato chips. The ability to manipulate cooking temperatures across the entire surface makes the Blackstone combo unmatched in its versatility.
Purposeful Design Features
Incorporating an air fryer into the traditional griddle design posed some product design challenges. But the innovative Blackstone engineering team implemented clever solutions.
One is the patented rear grease management system to capture oils and fats from the griddle top – keeping them away from the air fryer. This keeps unexpected grease splattering at bay.
The freestanding side shelves provide prep space that doesn’t get crowded by the air fryer station. And easy-access magnetic tool strips allow you to keep essential cooking utensils within arm’s reach.
They also included a bottom storage shelf and built-in paper towel holder – because air frying can be messy! These thoughtful details help you utilize the entire expansive cooking surface.
Complete Outdoor Cooking Arsenal
The Blackstone air fryer griddle combo truly provides a complete arsenal for outdoor cooking. Here are just some of the dishes and methods you can utilize:
- Traditional barbecue fare – burgers, dogs, steaks, chicken
- Healthier air fried items – fries, wings, pickles, onion rings
- Pan fried dishes – eggs, pancakes, grilled cheeses
- Sautéing – stir fry veggies, fajitas, breakfast hashes
- Searing – fish, pork chops, scallops, shrimp
- Baking – pizza, quesadillas, flats breads
- Roasting – veggies, potatoes, brussel sprouts
With the Blackstone combo by your side, you can cook virtually any recipe under the sun without heating up your indoor kitchen.
Specialized Models to Choose From
Blackstone currently offers two air fryer griddle combo models to choose from. Here is how they compare:
The 28” 2-Burner Model offers:
- 347 sq. in. griddle surface
- 2 QT air fryer baskets
- 34,000 BTUs burner power
- Side prep shelves
- Built-in cabinet storage
The larger 36” 4-Burner Model boasts:
- 613 sq. in. griddle surface
- 2 QT air fryer baskets
- 60,000 BTUs burner power
- Side prep shelves
- Rear cabinet storage
The 36” model can handle cooking for larger groups with its expansive griddle. But both provide ample cooking area for the average family’s needs.
The 28” model is the more portable and budget-friendly option. But you can’t go wrong with the extra power and cooking real estate of the 36” unit.
Specialized Accessories
One benefit of the Blackstone brand is the range of accessories made to complement their griddle products. Many work exceptionally well with the air fryer combo units.
- Griddle Covers – Convert the griddle into an outdoor oven.
- Cutting Board Inserts – Expand prep space on the shelves.
- Caster Wheel Legs – Enhance mobility for transport.
- Air Fryer Basket Liners – Simplify cleanup.
- Splash Guards – Reduce air fryer popping and grease splatter.
Outfitting your combo unit with some choice accessories can really maximize its potential. Especially when air frying, which tends to be messy.
Tips for Air Fryer Griddle Mastery
Mastering the nuances of a multipurpose appliance like the Blackstone air fryer griddle combo does take some experience. Here are some handy tips and tricks:
- Alternate cooking fatty proteins like bacon and burgers between the grill side and air fryer side to avoid excessive smoke and grease buildup in one area.
- Allow at least 12-24 hours to pre-season the griddle before those first cooking sessions for a smooth, non-stick experience.
- Use air fryer liners or foil on the fryer basket trays for easier cleanup. The small particles can gunk up the tray grooves.
- Consider a splatter guard around the air fryer to reduce mess. Without one, grease can coat the exterior of the unit.
- Use cooking spray or oil with air fried items to prevent sticking and enhance crispiness.
- Keep cooking utensils designated for the air fryer separate from those used on the griddle to prevent cross-contamination.
With a bit of practice, you will be air frying and griddling like a pro!
The Blackstone 28” Air Fryer Griddle Combo
The 28” combo model is the smaller and more portable of the two Blackstone air fryer griddle options. But it still boasts expansive cooking capabilities.
The cold rolled steel griddle top provides 347 square inches of cooking area. The textured surface ensures even heating across the entire griddle.
Two separate stainless steel tube burners output 17,000 BTUs each for a total of 34,000 BTUs cooking power. The burners allow you to control two distinct temperature zones.
Under the griddle sits two pull-out air fryer baskets with a 2 quart capacity each. The baskets feature cool-touch handles and non-stick surfaces.
An integrated heating element allows you to dial in the precise air frying temperature up to 475°F. A crumb tray below the baskets slides out for easy cleanup.
Side shelves fold down when not in use but provide handy prep space when extended. A lower cabinet offers storage for essential grilling tools.
The freestanding design sits atop four durable caster wheels. So you can easily transport the 150 lb. unit wherever your cooking adventures take you.
At $499, the 28” combo grill and air fryer offers tremendous value. You gain the benefits of two must-have cooking appliances in one.
The Expansive Blackstone 36” Air Fryer Griddle
Stepping up to the 36” combo unit really maximizes your outdoor cooking potential. The extra burner and mammoth griddle surface can accommodate some serious cooking.
This stainless steel workhorse touts a 756 square inch griddle surface able to handle over 20 steaks simultaneously. The rolled carbon steel surface distributes heat evenly across the expansive cooktop.
A powerful 60,000 BTUs of cooking power comes courtesy of four stainless tube burners. You get unmatched heating across four 15” x 18” separately controlled zones.
The twin air fryer baskets boast the same 2 quart capacity and adjustable temperature dial as the 28”, letting you air fry up to 2 lbs of food.
Spacious side shelves provide ample room for prep work, seasonings, platters, and tools. And the shelving folds down when needed for storage.
The freestanding cabinet below the grill offers storage for bulky grilling accessories or propane tanks. And a built-in magnetic strip allows you to hang tools within arm’s reach.
At 75 lbs, the 36” model is reasonably portable given its formidable size. And it provides the extra real estate needed for larger gatherings.
Grill, Griddle, and Air Fry – 3 Ways to Cook
The triple threat cooking abilities of the Blackstone air fryer combo make it invaluable for backyard chefs. You gain three types of cooking functionality in one appliance:
Traditional Grilling – The ridged grill side of the griddle provides intense 500°F heat ideal for getting picture perfect sear marks on burgers, dogs, chicken, steaks and more. Savor the charbroiled flavor from the cast iron grates.
Griddle Cooking – Fry up eggs, pancakes, grilled cheeses, and other goodies on the flat griddle side. Or use it for sautéing veggies, searing fish, and cooking just about any dish you would on your kitchen stove.
Air Frying – The integrated air fryer baskets let you cook up wings, fries, chips and more with minimal oil and maximum crunch. Enjoy your favorites the healthier way.
The ability to alternate between grilling, griddling, and air frying – all on one unit – is revolutionary. No more running back and forth between multiple appliances.
Blackstone Air Fryer Griddles – A Worthy Investment
At first glance, the $500 – $700 price point may seem steep for the Blackstone combo grill and air fryer models. But you are essentially getting high-performing versions of three separate cooking appliances.
Consider that a decent gas grill alone can cost over $500. Add in another $300+ for a reliable air fryer model. And a restaurant-caliber griddle might run you $400 or more.
By combining these into one expertly crafted outdoor cooking solution, the Blackstone combo models provide ridiculous value. You gain incredible cooking versatility just steps from your backdoor.
For home chefs devoted to hosting backyard gatherings and cooking up next-level cuisine, the combo model is a worthy investment. Your cooking skills and menu options will reach new heights thanks to the Blackstone air fryer griddle!
