Blackstone Ups the Ante with Its Newest Outdoor Griddle
Blackstone Products, makers of the Platinum medal winning 36” griddle cooking system, continues to innovate with its new outdoor griddle, the Range Top Combo with Bonus Fryer. Available exclusively at Wal-Mart, the Blackstone Rangetop Combo packs a lot of features and creature comforts into a modest price tag. This cooker has five burners, which provide a combined 65,000 BTUs. Three adjustable burners are dedicated to the 28” x 21.75” cold rolled steel griddle cook top. Two additional range top style burners power the side cooking area. The griddle cooking area is more than ample for cooking large amounts of food. It accommodates about 18 burgers or 44 hot dogs for when you are feeding more than a few people. Grease collects in a rear grease management system integrated at the back of the unit for easy cleanup.
Construction
Side burners are nothing new for outdoor cookers, but this dual style side burner setup comes with a frying station that accommodates 4.3 liters of oil so you can deep fry with ease. The frying station is modular. You can remove it and store it underneath the range top griddle behind a pair of cabinet style doors. This attachment sits inside a frame that locks into place over one of the side burners, preventing it from being knocked around accidentally. It comes with an internal fry basket, lid, and an analog oil thermometer with a holder to keep the thermometer immersed in oil while you are cooking.
Features of the Blackstone Rangetop Combo
A few additional features make this cooker a convenient cooking station for turning out lots of food fast. It comes with a built in cutting board on the right side of the cooker. When you remove the cutting board, you have access to a garbage bag holder that hangs beneath the side shelf. The unit also has a spot for holding a roll of paper towels underneath the right side work table. This makes the towels easily accessible (and right near the trash) but not in the way.
The unit has an additional work table on the left hand side, giving you plenty of outdoor “counter space.” Both work tables are positioned at typical kitchen counter height. The lower compartment area also comes with a shelf and plenty of space. This is ideal for keeping additional accessories as well as the frying system itself when not in use. The propane tank is stored underneath the cooker and behind the cabinet doors, giving the unit a tidy, streamlined appearance.
Side burners come with a lid to keep them covered when not in use. The main griddle area also has a hinged lid that resembles the lid on a typical gas grill. This griddle lid serves a dual purpose, keeping the griddle protected from the elements when not in use and providing a handy food cover that can be lowered while cooking to keep heat in and assist with tasks like melting cheese on burgers.
Our Review
The Range Top Combo with Bonus Fryer sits atop four locking casters, so it is mobile. However, this large outdoor griddle works best as stationary unit on the deck or patio. as it is not quite as portable as Blackstone’s other offerings. With its ample cooking area, solid performance, and versatility for both griddle grilling and deep frying large amounts of food outdoors, the Blackstone Rangetop Combo with Bonus Fryer easily earns a Platinum Medal.
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