The sizzling sound and smoky aroma of food on the grill are beloved hallmarks of summertime cooking. But what about the rest of the year when the weather drives cookouts indoors? Explore new culinary frontiers with Blackstone’s versatile electric indoor griddles.
Blackstone is a leading brand in griddle innovation. Founded just over a decade ago, their compact yet powerful outdoor griddle models have earned fame among home chefs and tailgaters. Now, Blackstone brings that same performance and durability indoors with their electric tabletop griddles.
Cooking on a griddle indoors provides flexibility beyond the limitations of outdoor spaces or seasons. With proper precautions, Blackstone’s electric griddles allow you to enjoy diner-style eggs, pancakes, burgers and more in the comfort of your kitchen anytime.
This guide covers tips and techniques for safely using your Blackstone electric griddle indoors. Master griddle cooking from home with confidence using Blackstone’s premium line of appliances.
Product Features & Benefits
For indoor use, consider Blackstone’s 22” Electric Tabletop Griddle. Sleek yet sturdy, this countertop model packs professional power.
Dimensions and Design
The electric griddle surface spans 22” x 16” with a depth of 9”, weighing just over 21 pounds. Made from thick cold rolled steel, the unit feels sturdy in place on countertops without taking up too much room. Side and rear vents allow heat to dissipate properly.
Non-Stick Ceramic Titanium Coating
The non-stick coating on the cook surface makes cooking and cleaning easy. Crafted from ceramic titanium for durability at high heats, food avoids sticking and residues wipe away cleanly after meals.
Large LCD Digital Display
Set your desired temperature easily on the digital display. Monitor grill status with the touch of a button, whether preheating or adjusting heat during cooking.
Compared to outdoor gas models, the electric Blackstone griddle provides more versatility for indoor spaces in terms of size, power and temperature settings. Cord-connected, it draws up 1800 watts heating up in under 10 minutes.
Other models like the 20” electric griddle offer 200 square inches less surface area for $20 less. Larger electric models are available too depending on cooking needs. Compare options to find your ideal Blackstone griddle for indoor cooking.
Setting Up Your Indoor Space
Placing any cooking appliance indoors comes with special considerations for safety and practicality. Prepare the space appropriately before enjoying hassle-free meals from your Blackstone electric griddle.
Choosing the Right Location
Give yourself ample room around the griddle during operation. Blackstone recommends allowing 12 inches rear clearance from walls with open sides. Position away from curtains or low-hanging cabinets at risk of heat damage.
Set up near grounded electrical outlets capable of handling the griddle’s wattage. Avoid using extension cords which may overheat. For portable convenience, the rear cord wraps neatly underneath the unit.
Lastly, consider proximity to a water source for cleaning. While not required, easy access to a sink simplifies post-meal tidy up.
Ensuring Proper Ventilation
Because any cooking emits some smoke or fumes, maintaining airflow is critical for indoor griddle use. Blackstone specifies that the electric griddles themselves do not require external ventilation but check local building codes to be sure.
Use these electric appliances only in open floor plan rooms allowing cross ventilation. Avoid enclosed spaces like garages or basements where air circulation is poor. Open doors or windows periodically while cooking.
Smoke alarms should be installed and functional in the cooking space per home safety codes. Provide ample clearance between the griddle and smoke detector to prevent false alarms.
Preparation Tips
Get your cooking space griddle-ready by:
- Cleaning the griddle surface thoroughly with hot soapy water before first use. Rinse and dry completely. Apply a thin coating of cooking oil to season the griddle over low heat.
- Checking that the power cord is undamaged with no crimps or cracks. Review the user manual to confirm voltage matches your electric supply.
- Testing preheat and temperature adjustments to ensure proper griddle functionality before cooking. Scrape off any residue after initial burn-in.
With thoughtful placement and setup, the versatile Blackstone electric griddle will serve as a welcome addition rather than a cumbersome imposition indoors. Now explore tips to safely cook your favorite quick and easy meals.
Tips for Safe Cooking
While convenient for indoor use, exercise caution when cooking with electric appliances. Follow all manufacturer provided instructions. Keep flammable materials away from the hot griddle. Above all, maintain constant awareness in the kitchen when the griddle is powered on.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
Review the guidance in your Blackstone griddle’s instruction manual regarding operating procedures and safety notices thoroughly before use. This includes critical information on:
- Proper assembly, setup and placement
- Electrical requirements and grounding instructions
- Steps for first-time seasoning
- Cleaning methods to avoid damage
- And more!
Additionally, check that your unit bears the UL safety certification mark indicating it meets stringent test standards for household appliances. Contact Blackstone customer service regarding any concerns over safe operation.
Monitor Heat Levels
Unlike outdoor models, temperature regulation on the electric griddle remains automated for ease of use. Select your desired cooking heat on the digital display whether warming tortillas at 300°F or searing steaks at 400°F.
Observe food cooking at regular intervals to ensure proper heating. The included heat resistant spatula is useful for checking undersides. Adjust the control settings higher or lower as needed depending on cooking progress.
Allow the electric griddle to preheat fully to avoid uneven cooking issues. The ready light indicates when set temperature is reached and the unit holds heat consistently across the large surface.
Handle Grease and Oil Spills
To limit mess or potential hazards, carefully monitor and promptly clean any hot grease spills on the cooking surface. Keep paper towels handy to soak up drips which may smoke on the hot griddle.
While convenient for high heat searing, avoid overcrowding food which releases excessive juices. Utilize the built-in grease catch tray regularly to dispose of accumulated residue after cooking especially meats or oily foods.
Take care when cooking items prone to splatter or pops of hot grease like pan-fried steaks or bacon. Having a fire extinguisher nearby provides an additional safety net in the unlikely event of an oil fire occurring.
Practice Good Hygiene
Maintaining clean habits while griddle cooking protects you and your diners. Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling any raw meat and avoid cross-contaminating ready-to-eat foods.
Cook meats like poultry and pork thoroughly to safe internal temperatures. Keep hot foods above 140°F in a warmer or serve them promptly. Refrigerate all leftovers in shallow containers within 2 hours.
Recipes and Meal Ideas
Fire up your creativity along with your new Blackstone electric griddle! This versatile workhorse appliance tackles everything from quick weeknight bites to leisurely weekend feasts.
Breakfast Favorites
Start your day right with hot-off-the-griddle breakfast classics like:
Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – Mix up a triple batch using the 22” griddle’s expansive cooking surface. Top with fruit compotes and whipped butter.
Denver Omelets – Chop ham, bell peppers and onions. Whisk eggs thoroughly then pour to cook eggs gentle over low. Sprinkle Cheddar and green onions to finish.
Cinnamon French Toast – Dip thick sliced bread in egg mixture then brown pieces evenly for a comforting weekend treat.
Savory Mains
Enjoy lunch or dinner mains like juicy burgers, golden fish or charred steaks:
Smash Burgers – Ball up loosely packed ground beef then press flat patties right on the preheated griddle for crispy edges. Go classic with cheese, lettuce, tomato and special sauce on sesame buns.
Blackened Tilapia – Coat firm white fish fillets with Cajun spice rub then cook through on high heat until blackening along the edges. Squeeze fresh lemon over the flaky meat.
Marinated Flank Steak – Let meat soak overnight in a bold sauce then pat dry. Sear quickly on the hot griddle, slice across the grain and serve atop mixed greens.
Satisfying Sides
Round out meals with easy veggie bites:
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes – Cut Yukon Gold potatoes into wedges, coat with olive oil and minced garlic. Crisp entirely on the preheated griddle while tossing occasionally until browned. Finish with chopped fresh rosemary.
Grilled Vegetables – Prepare seasonal vegetables like sliced zucchini, whole asparagus spears, wedges of eggplant or sweet bell peppers. Toss with olive oil and grill until tender with appealing char marks.
Skillet Apple Crisp – Prepare apple filling by sautéing sliced apples, cinnamon, lemon juice and brown sugar. Top with chilled oat topping then bake on the preheated griddle until warmed through and crisp.
Mix and match components for fast weekday lunches or make an event out of a full griddle cooked feast for family and friends. Either way, the possibilities are endless with Blackstone’s electric griddle by your side.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While Blackstone electric griddles deliver reliable service indoors, understand how to quickly resolve any minor issues that may arise.
Power Problems
Tripped Circuit Breaker – Especially during initial burn-in, the griddle may temporarily draw too much current. Switch the breaker back on and try a different grounded outlet not shared by other large appliances.
Damaged Cord – Check that the power cord has not become cracked or crimped which are safety hazards. Discontinue use immediately and contact Blackstone to order a replacement cord if compromised.
Incorrect Voltage – Confirm that house voltage matches the griddle rating before connecting each use. Plugging into the incorrect voltage can prevent the unit from powering on or reaching full heating capacity.
Temperature Inconsistencies
Dirty Connection Points – Food debris or grease collecting on the heating probes underneath can impact heating capability. Unplug then clean contact points thoroughly with hot water and soap before continuing cooking.
Faulty Thermostat – If display settings and actual temps vary greatly, the internal thermostat may need replacing. Document issue then submit a warranty claim or purchase a new control panel.
Improper Calibration – Visit Blackstone’s support site for steps to properly calibrate the digital control panel if actual performance drifts over time through extended use.
Grease Management Problems
Clogged Components – Excess sediment collecting in places like the grease trough or rear drainage tube prevents liquid fats from draining correctly. Check and clear blockages after each use.
Grease Buildup – Letting oils and drippings accumulate over consecutive cooking sessions risks grease burning on or catching fire. Wipe down thoroughly and safely dispose grease after each meal prep.
Poor Drainage – Improper leveling on countertops may inhibit greases from evacuating through the rear spout cleanly. Confirm the griddle sits flat when stationed in place.
Early awareness and prompt response to potential issues prevents them from escalating into larger repair problems down the line. Carry on cooking confidently by keeping these basic troubleshooting tips in mind.
Conclusion
Blackstone’s versatile electric griddles make conquering myriad cooking projects indoors a reality thanks to smart design evolving from their proven outdoor models. Position properly in open kitchens and cooking on the spacious griddle surface becomes as smooth as grilling in your own backyard.
Control cooking heats with precision using the integrated digital controls. Then explore boundary-pushing dishes far beyond the usual eggs and pancakes typically associated with countertop griddles.
From searing crusted steaks worthy of a steakhouse to cinder-charred vegetables that retain natural flavors inside, the professional-tier performance of Blackstone’s innovative electric griddles will continuously impress.
And thanks to thoughtful details like the integrated grease management system and rapid preheating elements, enjoying all the sizzle and satisfaction of griddle cooking won’t overheat your indoor environment.
Give fresh inspiration to endless meal possibilities all year by bringing Blackstone’s game-changing appliances home to your kitchen today.