It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, you’re out in your backyard, ice-cold beverage in hand, feeling the sun warm on your skin. A perfect day for some griddle-cooked burgers or mouthwatering pancakes. You wheel out your trusty Blackstone griddle, ready for action. But hold on a second, what’s all this dust and debris doing on your griddle surface and why is the surface rusty? Now you’re going to have to spend precious grilling time on cleanup duty.
So, you might find yourself wondering, “Do I need a cover for my Blackstone griddle?” Well, the straight-up answer is – it’s not absolutely essential. But then, are sunglasses essential on a sunny day? No, but they sure make your day better and more comfortable. The same goes for a cover for your Blackstone griddle.
A cover is one of the accessories that are definitely worth investing in for anyone owning a Blackstone griddle. It brings in protection for your griddle from pesky elements, dirt, dust, and even the occasional curious critter.
Unless you fancy storing your griddle indoors after every use (which is recommended but we all know what a chore that can be), a cover is pretty much a no-brainer.
Stick around and we’ll deep dive into all the whys and hows, the types of covers you can get, and even a quick guide on choosing the right cover.
Table of Contents
- Why Is a Cover Important for Your Blackstone?
- Types of Covers
- Best of Both Worlds – Combining Soft and Hard Covers
- How to Choose a Cover for Your Blackstone?
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Why Is a Cover Important for Your Blackstone?
A quality griddle cover serves to protect your precious Blackstone from the weather and dust and dirt. Rain, snow, harsh sunrays, or even just a gusty wind carrying dust and debris can wreak havoc on your griddle surface over time.
A cover ensures that your griddle is always protected, and ready for action whenever you’re up for some outdoor cooking adventures.
And let’s not forget the critters. If you’ve ever found a squirrel or raccoon making itself comfortable on your griddle, you’ll know what I’m talking about. A griddle cover provides an extra layer of protection against these pest invasions. A hardtop cover is a good griddle protection against mice wanting to nestle on your favorite cooking surface.
Plus, if you like keeping your griddle outdoors, a cover becomes absolutely essential. Uncovered griddles can quickly become a catch-all for falling leaves, bird droppings, and other outdoor contaminants.
Beyond dust and critters, there’s another villain our griddle has to contend with: rust. You see, while the Blackstone griddle is made of cold-rolled steel designed to withstand high temperatures and heavy use, it’s not invincible. Left exposed to moisture over time – say, from a rain shower or even morning dew – your griddle may begin to rust.
In short, leaving your griddle without a cover is like leaving your front door wide open with a “Welcome” sign for all outdoor detritus.
In a nutshell, while a cover is not a life-or-death necessity for your Blackstone griddle, it’s a worthy investment for any grilling enthusiast who likes to keep their equipment in top shape and ready to sizzle at a moment’s notice.
So whether it’s against dust, critters, or the dreaded rust, a griddle cover certainly earns its keep. It’s an accessory that serves to prolong life and maintain the quality of your griddle, making your grilling sessions smooth and hassle-free. After all, a happy griddle means happy grilling, right?
Types of Covers
When it comes to griddle covers, one size certainly does not fit all. Just like picking out a new pair of shoes, you’ve got options, my friend! Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the types of covers available for your Blackstone griddle.
Soft Covers
These are usually made from heavy-duty polyester, designed to endure the elements while remaining flexible and easy to handle. Soft covers typically come with an elastic hem or drawstring to ensure a snug fit over your griddle.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Can be water-resistant or even waterproof
- Generally cheaper
Cons
- Might not provide as much protection against heavy snowfall or critters
- Might need replacement more frequently due to wear and tear
- The shape of the griddle makes the soft covers prone to having all the rainwater pooled in the middle and eventually leading into the water seeping through the fabric
- Heavy-Duty 600 D Polyester soft cover
- Fits the 36” Griddle with hood
- Durable buckles that clip on the sides
Hard Covers
Consider hard covers as the Iron Man suit for your griddle – sturdy and robust. They’re often made from steel or other durable metals, offering an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Pros
- Offers superior protection against heavy snow, hail, and even critters
- Extremely durable, meaning it will last longer
Cons
- Can be more expensive
- Heavier and harder to maneuver
- Designed for 36” Blackstone Griddle
- Stainless steel brackets and handle
- Made from diamond plate aluminum
Best of Both Worlds – Combining Soft and Hard Covers
If you’re struggling to choose between a soft or hard cover, here’s some good news – you don’t have to. In fact, many griddle enthusiasts swear by the combo strategy, employing both types of covers for the best protection.
A hard cover is great for immediate use after cooking, as it can handle the residual heat without any damage. It also gives you a solid shield against heavy weather conditions, and let’s not forget, it’s a lifesaver when you have overly curious critters around.
The soft cover, on the other hand, can go over the hard cover providing an extra layer of protection. This double shield keeps your griddle safe from dust, rain, and snow.
It’s also worth noting that the soft cover will protect the whole griddle including the legs which is something the hard cover will not do.
Using both covers in tandem can give your Blackstone griddle the ultimate level of protection, ensuring it stays clean, rust-free, and always ready for your next grilling session. And isn’t that what we all want?
How to Choose a Cover for Your Blackstone?
Alright, we’ve covered why you should invest in a cover and what types are available. Now, let’s chat about how to choose the right cover for your griddle.
It’s worth noting right in the beginning that Blackstone does make their own covers, designed to perfectly fit their griddles. However, there are also third-party covers available, some of which offer additional features or they may be more budget-friendly.
The choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and how much you’re willing to sing “I can be your hero, baby” to your griddle every time you cover it up. Well, okay, that last part’s optional, but you get the drift.
Here’s a quick and easy guide to help you make the best choice.
Fit
First and foremost, the cover needs to fit your Blackstone griddle properly. A soft cover that’s too tight might tear or strain over time.
Too loose, and it can blow away with a gust of wind, leaving your griddle exposed to the elements.
A hard cover that’s too small may act like the perfect basting dome but it’s gonna be useless as any sort of protection.
A cover that fits like a glove will provide the best protection. If you’re choosing a Blackstone cover, simply match the size with your griddle model.
For third-party covers, always check the dimensions before purchasing.
Material
The material of the cover plays a key role in how well it can protect your griddle. For soft covers, look for those made from heavy-duty polyester or vinyl. These materials are usually water-resistant or sometimes waterproof, and they can withstand weather elements fairly well.
For hardtop covers, stainless steel is a solid choice. It’s robust, durable, and resistant to rust. It’s unfortunately not used that often.
Most hard covers will be made of carbon steel and come with a powder-coated finish for extra protection against weather and rust. These are fine but may start rusting over time.
Then there are aluminum covers. These covers are super-lightweight and won’t rust. Due to their weight, they might get blown away by a gust of wind if they are not attached properly.
Features
Additional features can also make a difference in your griddle cover choice. For instance, soft covers with elastic hems or drawstrings can provide a more secure fit.
Handles can make it easier to remove and replace the cover.
Vents can help reduce condensation under the cover, preventing moisture build-up and potential rusting.
Price
Lastly, consider your budget. While you certainly get what you pay for, you don’t necessarily need to go for the most expensive option. Assess the price in conjunction with the cover’s material, durability, and features to make sure you’re getting good value for your money.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, while a griddle cover might not be a life-or-death necessity for your Blackstone, it’s definitely a worthy accessory. So, do you need a cover for your Blackstone griddle? Not essentially, but you’d certainly appreciate having one.
Remember, the best grilling experience isn’t just about the sizzle on the griddle or the aroma wafting through the air. It’s also about having a griddle that’s ready to go whenever you are, without needing a pre-grill cleanup. That’s what a griddle cover can do for you.
FAQ
Can I leave my Blackstone griddle outside without a cover?
While you technically can, it’s not recommended. Leaving your griddle outside without a cover exposes it to the elements, dust, and potential critters, which can lead to damage and rust over time. If you must store your griddle outdoors, always use a cover.
How often should I replace my griddle cover?
This depends on the quality of your cover and the conditions it’s exposed to. High-quality covers can last for several years with proper care. Keep an eye on your cover for any signs of wear and tear or damage, and replace it if it’s no longer effectively protecting your griddle.
Can I use a hard cover immediately after cooking?
Yes, you usually can. Most hardtop covers are designed to withstand heat, so you can use them immediately after you’re done cooking. This is one of the benefits of the combo strategy – using a hard cover for immediate protection, followed by a soft cover for added security. Make sure to check the specific product’s instructions though. Oh, and you should always clean the griddle first.
Where can I buy a griddle cover?
Blackstone griddle covers can be purchased directly from Blackstone or from various online and physical retailers. Third-party griddle covers are also available on many online platforms like Amazon, eBay, and others. Always ensure you’re buying from a reputable source to get a quality product.
How can I clean my griddle cover?
For most soft covers, wiping with a damp cloth should suffice. Wipe it down and allow it to air dry. Hard covers can also usually be cleaned with a damp cloth. Always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid damaging your cover.
Last update on 2024-01-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
