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Blackstone Griddle in an Outdoor Kitchen
There is just something special about cooking outdoors. Whether it’s the fresh air all around or the open sky above, cooking outdoors seems to unlock something primal in us and bring us back to our roots.
If you love to cook outdoors, then you’d love having an outdoor kitchen. There are plenty of ways to design an outdoor kitchen, including different layouts and appliances. A Blackstone Griddle makes a great addition to any outdoor kitchen. If you’re thinking of installing a Blackstone Griddle in your outdoor kitchen, there are a few different ways to go about it!
In this article, we’ll take a look at how you can add a Blackstone Griddle to an outdoor kitchen and what you should consider during the process.
Can you put a Blackstone Griddle in an outdoor kitchen?
As long as you carefully follow safety precautions, you can put a Blackstone Griddle in any outdoor kitchen.
To add a Blackstone Griddle to your outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to do some logistical planning first. Ask yourself whether you want to install the griddle permanently or if you’d prefer a portable griddle that can be moved around.
In either case, you’ll need to take safety precautions to keep anything combustible far away from the heat of the griddle. On top of that, you’ve got to consider the airflow and ventilation.
Your griddle will need proper airflow to function, and you’ll need proper ventilation to keep the fumes at bay.
Installing a Blackstone Griddle in an outdoor kitchen
In the case that you want to take on a DIY project and construct your own cabinet with a built-in griddle, you’ll want to use pressure-treated lumber to construct the base. Then, you’ll need to consider using something like a cement board or a metal heat shield to protect the wood from the heat of the griddle.
Unless you have a background in carpentry, you’ll need to follow a guide for constructing your cabinet base. You can find a lot of examples and guides online, or you can hire an expert to help you out. All in all, you’ll want to ensure that your cabinet frame is extremely sturdy and capable of bearing substantial weight.
We suggest using quality pressure-treated lumber for your cabinet frame and installing cement board or a metal heat shield between the wood and the spot where the griddle will go. You’ll also need to make sure there is an opening to your griddle so that there is proper airflow and ventilation.
Once your base is built and you have the proper heat protection installed, you can insert your griddle top and add the countertop. Some DIY’ers have even added tile or creative designs to their counters, cabinets, or walls in their outdoor kitchens.
Just remember that safety comes first. You need a sturdy and heat-protected cabinet base that allows airflow to your griddle for this whole operation to work.
Outdoor kitchen ideas with a Blackstone Griddle
There are two main ways to use a Blackstone Griddle in an outdoor kitchen. First, you can simply purchase a portable griddle and use it on any sturdy surface. Second, you can go the DIY route and install a legless griddle top into a cabinet base in our outdoor kitchen.
Some people have center islands in their outdoor kitchens, whereas others have an L-shaped or a U-shaped counter design. With any kitchen design, you want your appliances to be easily accessible and a breeze to use.
Think about your counter space and whether you want a permanent or portable griddle. Then, consider your outdoor kitchen as a whole.
Will your outdoor kitchen be on a deck or a patio? Will there be any sort of roof or walls? Will there be seating in or near the outdoor kitchen, or will there be a separate seating area?
The planning is just a part of the fun! Visualize your dream outdoor kitchen, but remember to keep practicality and utility in mind.
How do you build an outdoor Blackstone kitchen?
If you’d like to build a full outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to decide which appliances you plan to include, where you will install them, and how you will protect them from the elements.
As described above, you can DIY a cabinet base to install your griddle, but you can also opt for a portable griddle that you’ll be able to use on top of the counter space. Some outdoor kitchens also include a separate grill, a fridge, a freezer, or a sink.
Decide how expansive you want your outdoor kitchen to be and keep utility at the top of your mind. You want to organize the kitchen in such a way that it will suit your style of cooking. Once you have a plan in place, you can purchase and install your appliances.
With any appliance, remember to stringently follow all safety precautions. This includes protecting your appliances from damage or weather. If you do install a Blackstone Griddle in your outdoor kitchen, you can purchase a lid and a cover to protect your griddle when it’s not in use.
Can you use a Blackstone without legs?
Some Blackstone Griddle models come with removable or foldable legs that allow you to use the griddle without legs.
If you have a Blackstone Griddle already or just want to purchase one with a stand, you can select a model that has foldable or removable legs.
This will allow you to use the griddle on a countertop or table in your outdoor kitchen. It will also enable you to install the griddle in a cabinet base if you like the DIY option.
Can you put a Blackstone Griddle on a table?
Blackstone Griddles come in a variety of models, including those that are specifically designed to be used on a table. This is a great option if you’re looking for a portable griddle or a more convenient alternative to DIYing a whole cabinet base.
The 22” Electric Tabletop Griddle and the Original 17” Stainless Front Panel Tabletop are just two of the Blackstone models that can be used on a table. You can use a strong and steady table or countertop of your own, or you can invest in a table designed to hold a griddle.
Make sure that your griddle is at least 3 feet away from anything that can catch fire and always ensure that your griddle has proper airflow. By following some simple safety steps, you can easily use a Blackstone Griddle on a table.
Final Thoughts
Whether you already have an outdoor kitchen or are thinking of building one, you should consider adding a Blackstone Griddle to your setup. You can choose between a more permanent griddle installation or a portable griddle to use on a table or countertop.
For many people, their Blackstone Griddle is the centerpiece of their outdoor kitchen. There are plenty of DIY guides out there are unique, creative approaches to installing a Blackstone in an outdoor kitchen!
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.