Blackstone 2309 Omnivore Griddle Review Ultimate Outdoor Cooking with Versatile Propane Grill

Description

A Beast of a Griddle: First Impressions of the Blackstone 2309 Iron Forged 36” Omnivore Griddle

The Blackstone 2309 Iron Forged 36” Omnivore Griddle with X-Braced Hood and Enclosed Cabinet immediately stands out. Right out of the box, it feels like a well-crafted piece of equipment. The design is sleek yet rugged, while the powder-coated steel finish screams durability. This isn’t just a grill; it’s a versatile griddle designed to handle a variety of cooking styles with ease.

Design and Build Quality: Rugged Yet Practical

One of the first things I noticed was the Omnivore griddle plate technology. It’s not just marketing fluff; the built-in wind guards actually work wonders. Cooking outdoors can be a challenge on windy days, but this griddle handles it like a champ. The X-braced hood feels sturdy and adds to the overall stability. Additionally, the enclosed cabinet is a thoughtful touch. It keeps tools and accessories organized, which is a huge plus when you’re juggling multiple dishes.

Speaking of size, the 768 square inches of cooking space is massive. Whether you’re whipping up pancakes for breakfast or grilling burgers for a crowd, there’s plenty of room to get creative. The dual folding side shelves and extendable side shelf make prepping and serving food incredibly convenient. I didn’t feel cramped, even when cooking for a group of six.

Key Benefits

• Large cooking area: The 768 square inches accommodate large meals effortlessly.
• Durable construction: Powder-coated steel and X-braced hood enhance longevity.
• Wind-resistant design: The built-in wind guards make outdoor cooking seamless.
• Functional storage: Enclosed cabinet keeps everything tidy and within reach.

Cooking Performance: Heat Distribution and Versatility

I put this griddle to the test with a variety of dishes—pancakes, bacon, eggs, burgers, and even stir-fry. The results? Consistently excellent. The four independently controlled burners offer a level of precision I didn’t expect. Each burner can be adjusted to different temperatures, so I could cook bacon on one side while keeping the pancakes warm on the other.

The Omnivore griddle plate technology ensures even heat distribution, which means no annoying hot spots. This feature is a game-changer, especially for picky cooks like me. Additionally, the griddle top versatility truly lives up to the hype. From breakfast to dinner, the cooking surface handled everything I threw at it without breaking a sweat.

Positives

• Four burners provide flexibility: Cook multiple items at their ideal temperatures.
• Even heat distribution: No more worrying about unevenly cooked food.
• Versatile cooking surface: Everything from stir-fries to pancakes is fair game.
• Faster heat recovery: Maintains high temperatures with less fuel consumption.

Cleanup Process: As Simple as It Gets

One of my biggest pet peeves with grills and griddles is the cleanup. Thankfully, this model comes with Blackstone’s patented rear grease management system. It’s as straightforward as it sounds. Any grease or debris gets guided to the back, where it’s collected in a cup. I just had to slide it out and empty it—no messy scrubbing or contorting myself to reach awkward corners. This feature alone saves significant time and effort, making the entire cooking experience more enjoyable.

Drawbacks

• Size: While the griddle is spacious, its size might be overwhelming for smaller patios or balconies.
• Weight: The durable build adds some heft, making it less portable than smaller models.
• Learning curve: Adjusting to the four burners and their heat zones takes time for beginners.

Competing Brands: How Does It Stack Up?

Compared to other propane grills and griddles I’ve used, this one holds its own. I’ve tried models from brands like Weber and Cuisinart, and while they have their strengths, they fall short in certain areas. For example, Weber grills are excellent for traditional barbecuing, but they lack the griddle versatility and multi-burner control of this Blackstone. Cuisinart offers compact designs, but their cooking surfaces can’t match the 768 square inches of space here.

Where the Blackstone truly excels is in its wind-resistant griddle plate and rear grease management system, which many competitors simply don’t offer. However, I’d say Weber has an edge in portability, as their grills are often lighter and easier to move around. If you’re someone who values versatility and a spacious cooking area over portability, this griddle is the better choice.

Value for Money

Considering its features and build quality, the price-to-quality ratio feels justified. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, it offers premium features that elevate the cooking experience. The durable construction, large cooking area, and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who takes outdoor cooking seriously.

If you’re comparing it to budget-friendly alternatives, it’s important to remember that you’re paying for features like independent burners, wind guards, and an enclosed cabinet, which aren’t standard on cheaper models. In my opinion, this griddle is worth every penny for what it offers.