When I first spotted the Blackstone Pellet Grill Combo at Lowe’s, I was immediately intrigued. As a long-time fan of Blackstone products, the idea of combining their renowned griddle with a pellet smoker was too good to pass up.
Without hesitation, I picked it up with my own cash—this review is entirely my own experience, unfiltered by any influence from Blackstone.
From grilling and smoking to searing and griddling, I had high hopes for the Blackstone Pellet Grill Combo to revolutionize my outdoor cooking.
Pros and Cons of Blackstone Pellet Grill Combo
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatility: Combines grilling, smoking, searing, and griddling in one unit. This multifunctionality saves space and reduces the need for multiple appliances. | Price: At $1199, it’s a significant investment. While the features justify the cost, it might be steep for some budgets. |
| Build Quality: Sturdy, durable construction with convenient storage and side tables. The use of powder-coated metal and robust components ensures longevity. | Pellet Hopper Design: Requires occasional intervention to keep pellets feeding smoothly. This minor quirk can be managed with a long spoon or probe but is something to be aware of. |
| Performance: Excellent temperature control and heat distribution. The grill maintains steady temperatures and cooks food evenly. | |
| Ease of Use: User-friendly interface with intuitive controls. The high-resolution display makes it easy to monitor and adjust settings. |
Specs, Details and Review: The Blackstone Pellet Grill and Griddle Combo
The Blackstone Pellet Grill and Griddle is a sizeable outdoor cooking station that boasts 884 square inches of grilling space, comparable to many top-of-the-line grills like the Traeger and the Weber SmokeFire.
Its physical dimensions are 46.5″ tall, 33″ deep, and 80.5″ wide, necessitating a spacious backyard setup. The grill comes with various luxuries and accessories, including adjustable rack options, a foldaway front shelf, tool hooks, a 20-pound pellet hopper with a weather-guarded lid, and two temperature probes.
These features are typically sold separately by other manufacturers but are standard with the Blackstone, enhancing the cooking experience without the need for additional purchases.
Why I Bought The Blackstone XL Pellet Grill and Griddle Combo
Do I love getting looks from the wife? Well….sometimes. BUT, in this case it wasn’t the look I was going for. You know the look, its the look of a woman who thought you were going to grab a small tool at Lowes and instead return with a new grill where you spent over $1000.
I’ve become accustomed to those looks and have learned to invoke them sparingly, when times truly call for it.
But here’s the deal. We live in a world where you either get a good grill and a good griddle or you get only one and wish for the other.
Blackstone really did hit the market right where it needed it. Being able to smoke a brisket and cook up the sides at the same time on the same grill is really a game changer.
No more choosing between your favorite grills, its now all in one. In this case, a new Pellet Grill and Griddle Combo was EXACTLY the right time to get the look.
Unboxing and Assembly: Easy, But Maybe Bring a Buddy
Unboxing the Blackstone Pellet Grill Combo was a straightforward experience. The packaging was secure, ensuring the grill arrived mostly unscathed except for a minor bend in the metal, likely from shipping.
Despite this small cosmetic issue, which didn’t affect functionality, I decided not to let it dampen my enthusiasm. The setup process was surprisingly easy but did take a couple of hours. The instructions were clear, and I only needed basic tools like a screwdriver. Importantly, I had to put my ego aside and actually read the instructions—a step I recommend to ensure a smooth assembly.
Build Quality: Sturdy and Sleek
I was genuinely impressed by the build quality. No fit or finish issues here—the powder coating was immaculate across all areas, giving it a sleek and durable finish. The lid to the pellet grill is where the Blackstone really shines.
Unlike other brands, there’s no slop or horizontal wiggle. It feels premium, adding to the overall solid construction.
Overall, the build quality of the Blackstone Pellet Grill Combo impressed me from the start. The frame is constructed from powder-coated metal, giving it a solid and durable feel. And let’s talk about those wheel casters! Moving this unit around my garage or patio was a breeze, thanks to the dense rubber wheels and smooth bearings.
The design includes convenient storage below and robust side tables, adding to its utility. The attention to detail in the construction is evident, with every component feeling solid and well-made.
Cooking: Precision and Performance
Over the past three months, I’ve put the Blackstone Pellet Grill Combo to the test with a variety of foods.
But, the REAL moment of truth came with the cooking test. The pellet grill fired up without a hitch and reached the recommended 350 degrees for the initial burn-off in about 20 minutes. I could tell it was ridding itself of factory residues, a necessary step for any new grill.
Setting it to a steady 250 degrees for my pulled pork experiment, I braced myself for the usual temperature fluctuations.
But to my surprise, the Blackstone’s temperature control was rock solid. Over 8 hours, it barely deviated by 1-2 degrees. As someone who’s navigated the temperamental nature of various pellet grills, I was thoroughly impressed. Blackstone, you’ve earned my kudos!
Don’t take my word for it, take the taste of that perfect pulled pork I made that first night on the Blackstone Pellet Grill, it was AWESOME.
Ease of Use – One Small Issue
The user interface is another highlight of the Blackstone Pellet Grill Combo. It features a high-resolution display and intuitive controls, making it easy to operate.
One minor issue is the pellet hopper design. It has a grate to prevent large items from falling in, but as the pellets drain into the auger, they tend to form a hole, requiring occasional intervention to keep them feeding properly. A long spoon or thermometer probe does the trick, but it’s an odd quirk that users should be aware of.
Despite this, the overall ease of use remains high, with no significant surprises or frustrations during operation.
Overall Performance
The grill’s performance has been outstanding. Temperature control is rock solid, holding steady with minimal fluctuation. Whether grilling, smoking, or using the griddle, the heat distribution has been consistent, delivering great results every time.
The temperatures rise quickly to the desired level and maintain that temperature with remarkable stability, fluctuating only by a single degree occasionally. This consistent performance has made cooking on the Blackstone Pellet Grill Combo a pleasure, regardless of the type of meal being prepared.
Types of Food Cooked
Specific meals that stood out include a pork butt that fell apart with juiciness, a brisket that was both tender and flavorful, and ribs that achieved that perfect balance of smoky and succulent. Additionally, the grill handled high-heat cooking effortlessly, delivering perfectly seared burgers and steaks every time.
Cleanup: Hassle-Free and Neat
Cleaning the Blackstone Pellet Grill Combo is as straightforward as any other Blackstone product. The griddle top requires a simple scrape, water steam, wipe, and oil. This process ensures that the griddle remains in top condition, ready for the next cooking session.
The pellet grill’s maintenance involves removing ashes from the auger and ensuring no moisture gets into the hopper to prevent pellet binding. Grease management is also well thought out, with a separate grease draining bucket similar to those found on Traeger grills, making disposal easy and mess-free.
Speaking of pellets, I used Traeger pellets without any issues. I’m curious to see if Blackstone will release their own line, but for now, the versatility is a plus.
The Downside Might Be Pricing
The Blackstone Pellet Grill and Griddle Combo set me back $1199 at my local Lowe’s. While the price might seem steep for some, it’s quite reasonable when considering its multifunctionality, substantial size, and robust performance.
Compared to other high-end grills from brands like Traeger and Weber, the Blackstone holds its own as a durable, versatile option. It’s a solid investment for those seeking a long-lasting, all-in-one pellet grill and griddle solution.
I did use my veteran discount at Lowes bringing the Blackstone Pellet Grill price down to roughly $1150 out the door.
Unboxing, Assembly and First Cook
Feel free to check out my YouTube video where I share my unboxing, assembly and first cooking experience on the Blackstone XL Pellet Grill Griddle combo.
Final Thoughts on the Blackstone XL Pellet Grill and Griddle Combo
Overall, the Blackstone Pellet Grill and Griddle Combo has won me over. It bridges the gap between slow-cooked BBQ flavors and the quick, searing heat of griddling. No longer do I need separate units for each style of cooking—this combo has it all.
With its impressive temperature control, easy mobility, and robust build, it’s set to be a staple in my outdoor cooking arsenal for years to come. Blackstone, you’ve officially crowned yourself the new Griddle King in my book!
So, whether you’re a seasoned Pitmaster or just starting your grilling journey, I highly recommend checking out this combo. It’s an investment in quality, versatility, and countless delicious meals. Happy grilling, everyone!
