Must-Have Blackstone Grill Accessories for Ultimate Outdoor Cooking

If you own a Blackstone, you know the joy of outdoor cooking. To truly unlock its potential, you’re going to need some key accessories. Forget the basic spatula; we’re talking about tools that transform your griddle from a simple cooking surface into a versatile outdoor kitchen powerhouse. Whether you’re a seasoned griddler or just starting out, having the right gear makes all the difference in achieving those perfect sears, fluffy pancakes, and delicious stir-fries.

When it comes to griddling, a good set of tools is foundational. These aren’t just for moving food around; they’re an extension of your hands, dictating the quality and ease of your cooking.

Solid Spatulas: Your Primary Workhorses

You’ll quickly realize that one spatula isn’t enough. Having a couple of solid, sturdy spatulas is crucial for effective griddle cooking.

Different Sizes for Different Jobs

Think about having at least two different sizes. A wider spatula (often called a griddle spatula or hamburger turner) is excellent for flipping burgers, pancakes, or large portions of food. It provides a good surface area for control and support. A narrower, more agile spatula is perfect for delicate tasks like scraping the griddle clean, working with smaller items, or precise maneuvering of ingredients. Look for ones with comfortable handles that offer a good grip, even when greasy.

Beveled Edges for Scraping and Flipping

A slight bevel on the edge of your spatulas is a game-changer. This makes it much easier to get underneath food without tearing it, and it’s also incredibly effective for scraping up stuck-on bits during cooking or cleaning. Avoid spatulas with sharp edges that can scratch your griddle surface; a gentle bevel is what you want.

Bench Scrapers: The Unsung Hero

Don’t underestimate the power of a good bench scraper. While often associated with baking, it’s an indispensable tool for griddle owners.

For Chopping and Moving

After you’ve sautéed your onions and peppers, a bench scraper is perfect for scooping them up and moving them off to a cooler zone of the griddle or into a serving dish. It’s much more efficient than using a spatula for this task. Plus, if you’re doing any prep work right next to your griddle, it can help collect chopped vegetables or other ingredients.

Cleaning Powerhouse

This is where the bench scraper truly shines. After you’ve finished cooking, a quick pass with a bench scraper can remove a significant amount of food debris and oil, making the final cleaning much easier. It’s sturdy enough to tackle even stubborn bits, and its sharp edge gets right down to the griddle surface without damaging it.

Squeeze Bottles: Precision and Efficiency

Those plastic squeeze bottles aren’t just for condiments. They’re essential for managing liquids on your griddle.

Oil Application

Filling one with your preferred cooking oil (like avocado, canola, or grapeseed) allows for even and controlled application. No more pouring too much oil from a bottle or messing with brushes. A quick squeeze delivers just the right amount, preventing uneven cooking and excess smoke.

Water for Steaming and Cleaning

Another squeeze bottle dedicated to water is a must-have. A squirt of water underneath a cloche (more on that later) creates steam, perfect for melting cheese or cooking vegetables. During cleanup, a generous squirt of water onto the warm griddle helps lift and loosen stubborn food bits, making scraping much easier.

If you’re looking to enhance your grilling experience with the right accessories, you might find it helpful to explore our article on the Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Grill. This review provides insights into a high-quality grill that pairs well with various Blackstone grill accessories, ensuring you have everything you need for a perfect cookout. Check it out here: Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 Grill Review.

Griddle Press & Cover: Elevate Your Cooking

These accessories might seem simple, but they unlock new cooking techniques and improve existing ones.

Griddle Press: For Even Cooking and Crispy Edges

A good griddle press is a heavy piece of cast iron or stainless steel that applies even pressure to food.

Smash Burgers and Panini

If you love smash burgers, a griddle press is non-negotiable. It creates that coveted crispy crust and ensures even cooking. For sandwiches, it acts like a giant panini press, giving you perfectly toasted bread with melted fillings.

Keeping Bacon Flat

Tired of bacon curling up? A griddle press keeps slices flat, resulting in evenly cooked, crispy bacon from end to end. This also helps render fat more effectively.

Speeding Up Cook Times

For thicker cuts of meat or vegetables, applying a press can help speed up cooking by ensuring more contact with the hot surface and transferring heat efficiently.

Griddle Covers (Domes/Cloches): Steaming and Melting Magic

These metal domes are incredibly versatile and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Melting Cheese Perfectly

The most common use is creating a mini-oven effect to melt cheese on burgers, sandwiches, or even eggs. A splash of water underneath the dome creates steam, melting the cheese quickly and evenly without overcooking the food below.

Steaming Vegetables

Want perfectly tender-crisp vegetables? Place them on the griddle with a bit of oil, add a splash of water, and cover with the dome. The steam trapped inside cooks them beautifully.

Holding Warm Foods

If you’re cooking multiple batches or want to keep food warm while everything else finishes, a dome placed over a cooler section of the griddle can act as a temporary warming zone.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping Your Griddle Pristine

A well-maintained griddle lasts longer and performs better. These tools make the cleaning process quick and efficient.

Griddle Scraper: Heavy-Duty Cleaning

While your spatulas and bench scraper do a good job for light cleaning, a dedicated griddle scraper is designed for heavier tasks.

Removing Stuck-On Debris

This tool often has a thicker, more robust blade and a longer handle, providing better leverage for removing really stubborn, burnt-on food particles. It’s your go-to for those occasional deep cleans or when things get a bit messy.

Preventing Rust

Regular, thorough cleaning prevents food residue from sitting and potentially leading to rust. A good scraper gets to the core of the problem.

Maintaining Seasoning

While aggressive scraping can sometimes remove seasoning, a proper scraper used correctly helps maintain a clean, smooth surface that encourages seasoning buildup.

Griddle Cleaning Bricks/Pads: Gentle Abrasive Power

These aren’t bricks in the traditional sense, but dense, abrasive blocks designed specifically for griddle surfaces.

Non-Scratch Cleaning

Unlike wire brushes, griddle bricks and pads are designed to clean without scratching the valuable seasoned surface. They’re effective at removing residue without being overly abrasive.

Polishing the Surface

Used with a bit of oil, these can help smooth out the griddle surface and even polish it slightly, contributing to a better non-stick experience over time.

Easy to Use

Typically used on a warm griddle, these blocks wear down over time and are quite effective at lifting tough grime. Just ensure you clean off any residue thoroughly afterward.

Paper Towels and Rags: Absorption and Finishing Touches

Simple yet indispensable. Don’t underestimate the role of good old paper towels and rags.

Wiping Down Excess Oil

After cooking and initial scraping, paper towels are perfect for wiping away excess oil and loose debris. This step is crucial before applying more water or moving to a more thorough clean.

Applying and Wiping Off Seasoning Oil

When seasoning your griddle, paper towels are ideal for applying a thin, even coat of oil and then wiping off any excess, preventing a sticky surface. For daily maintenance, a quick wipe with a very lightly oiled paper towel after each cook protects the surface.

General Cleanup

Having a dedicated “griddle rag” that you don’t mind getting dirty (and greasy) is also handy for wiping down the exterior, handles, and other parts of your griddle.

Blackstone-Specific Accessories: Optimizing Your Setup

While many accessories are universal for griddles, Blackstone offers some specific items designed to integrate seamlessly with their units.

Hard Cover/Hood: Protection and Enhanced Cooking

A solid hard cover or hood for your Blackstone isn’t just for looks; it serves multiple practical purposes.

Weather Protection

When your griddle isn’t in use, a hard cover protects the cooking surface from rain, dust, leaves, and other environmental elements. This is crucial for preventing rust and keeping your griddle ready for its next use.

Steam and Heat Retention

During cooking, especially if you get a hinged hood, it can trap heat and steam, turning your open griddle into more of an oven. This is fantastic for roasting, baking (yes, you can bake on a griddle!), or melting cheese on a larger scale than a small dome allows. It also helps manage splatters.

Wind Guard

A cover or hood can also act as an effective wind guard, preventing gusts from cooling down your griddle surface unevenly or extinguishing burners.

Side Shelves and Bins: Organization and Workspace

Blackstone griddles often come with side shelves, but sometimes you need more or better organization.

Expanded Prep Area

More shelf space means more room for prep work – chopping vegetables, staging ingredients, or holding platters for cooked food. This keeps your main cooking area clear and efficient.

Tool Holders and Magnetic Strips

Some side shelves or auxiliary add-ons come with integrated tool holders or magnetic strips. These are incredibly convenient for keeping your spatulas, tongs, and scrapers within arm’s reach, rather than scattered across the surface or on a separate table.

Garbage Bag Holders/Bins

Having an integrated or attachable garbage bag holder is a small thing that makes a big difference. It’s so much easier to scrape food scraps and dispose of wrappers right at your cooking station than having to walk back and forth to a separate trash can.

If you’re looking to enhance your grilling experience, exploring the right accessories for your Blackstone grill can make a significant difference. Many enthusiasts have found that investing in quality tools not only improves cooking efficiency but also elevates the flavors of their meals. For a deeper dive into grilling equipment and its impact on performance, you might find this article on Napoleon grills particularly insightful. Check it out for tips and recommendations that could complement your Blackstone setup by visiting this link.

Advanced Griddle Gadgets: Taking It to the Next Level

Accessory	Material	Dimensions	Price
Grill Cover	Polyester	58 x 25 x 44 inches	29.99
Grill Tool Set	Stainless Steel	N/A	39.99
Grill Cleaning Brush	Stainless Steel	18 inches	12.99

Once you’ve mastered the basics, these specialized items can open up new culinary possibilities.

Infrared Thermometer: Precision Temperature Control

Guessing griddle temperature is a recipe for inconsistency. An infrared thermometer removes the guesswork.

Know Your Zones

Your Blackstone has hot and cold zones. An IR thermometer allows you to accurately map these out, so you know exactly where to sear your steaks and where to gently warm your buns.

Consistent Results

Hitting the right temperature for different foods is crucial for perfect results. Pancakes need one temperature, while smash burgers need another. An IR thermometer helps you achieve that consistency every time.

Avoiding Burnt Food

No more “is it hot enough?” or “is it too hot?” questions. Precise temperature readings help prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Bacon Press: Dedicated Smasher

While a griddle press works for many things, a dedicated bacon press is often heavier and has ridges to help render fat even more effectively.

Optimal Bacon Crisiness

The weight and heat retention of a good bacon press flatten the bacon strips, maximizing surface contact and ensuring each slice cooks evenly into crispy perfection.

Healthier Cooking (Fat Rendering)

The pressure from the press helps to squeeze out more fat, resulting in crispier bacon that’s less greasy.

Egg Rings/Molding Rings: Perfect Circles Every Time

For breakfast enthusiasts, egg rings are a simple but effective accessory.

Uniform Eggs and Pancakes

If you want perfectly round fried eggs for your breakfast sandwiches or uniform pancakes, these rings are the answer. They prevent spread and ensure even thickness.

Creative Food Presentation

They can also be used for molding small portions of rice, hash browns, or even mini cheesecakes directly on the griddle.

Wind Guards: Shielding Your Flame

Regardless of whether your griddle comes with a hinged hood, external wind guards can be a lifesaver on breezy days.

Consistent Heat

Wind is the enemy of consistent griddle heat. It can drastically reduce the surface temperature, leading to uneven cooking and longer cook times. Wind guards block those gusts, maintaining a more stable temperature across the cooking surface.

Fuel Efficiency

When your griddle is constantly fighting against the wind, it consumes more propane to maintain temperature. Wind guards help retain heat, making your fuel last longer.

Faster Cooking

By preventing heat loss, wind guards contribute to faster cooking times and more efficient operation overall.

By thoughtfully selecting and utilizing these accessories, you’ll transform your Blackstone griddle experience. It’s not just about cooking outdoors; it’s about making it effortless, enjoyable, and delicious, every single time. Happy griddling!