Product test: BlackStone 28“ Griddle
The plancha becomes a griddle: The American manufacturer Blackstone recently launched a new gas plancha series on the European market. FIRE&FOOD got the 28" device with two burners to test. – By Elmar Fetscher
Data and assembly
The gas plancha was delivered in a compact package weighing 39 kg. It was very easy to set up and the device was ready for use after about 20 minutes. The grill surface measuring 73 x 46 cm offers space for any amount of food, and two H-shaped stainless steel burners produce 10 kW. The body, the two side shelves and the lid are powder-coated and the plancha is made of pure steel.
1. Delivery in a compact package
2. Easy assembly of the base frame
3. H-burner with suitable 10 kW output
4. The steel plancha is reinforced on the bottom
5. Liquid collection container on the back
6. Clearly visible, the hotspots on the plate
7. Seasoning with oil and salt
Operational
After the gas has been ignited with the piezo igniter, the plancha reaches its full operating temperature of around 300 °C after around 20 minutes. The two independent burners mean that the plancha can be divided into at least two temperature zones. This is particularly practical for grilled food that requires different degrees of cooking. In addition, a closed cooking chamber can be created by closing the lid. Cleaning the plate after grilling is particularly easy - as is familiar from a plancha. Excess fat, etc. is pushed into the plate drain with a spatula, which ends in a collecting container on the back of the plancha.
Conclusion:
The Backstone Griddle 28" (why isn't it called a plancha here...) is the ideal grill for many grill masters. It takes up little space, performs well, doesn't catch grease and is easy to clean. The griddle looks well made, but the stability of the base frame could be a bit more rigid.
The price for the Backstone Griddle 28" is a RRP of approx. 599 euros; www.blackstone-griddle.de
A cover is available as an option. Other models include a 4-burner griddle and a 2-burner table griddle.