Imagine the sizzle of a perfectly seared steak, the aroma of crispy, golden-brown French fries, and the laughter of friends gathered around. This isn’t just a fantasy; it’s the reality a Blackstone With Deep Fryer combo can bring to your backyard. This ingenious outdoor cooking station merges the expansive versatility of a griddle with the exciting possibilities of a deep fryer, transforming your patio into a gourmet kitchen. For anyone passionate about outdoor cooking, this dual-functionality isn’t just a convenience; it’s a revolution, offering unmatched flexibility to create unforgettable meals, from breakfast feasts to late-night fried treats.
What Exactly is a Blackstone Griddle with Deep Fryer?
At its core, a Blackstone with deep fryer unit, often found as the Blackstone Range Top Combo, is an all-in-one outdoor cooking powerhouse. It’s designed for those who refuse to be limited to just grilling or griddling. Picture a generously sized flat-top griddle surface, ideal for everything from fluffy pancakes and bacon to sizzling stir-fries and smash burgers. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Integrated seamlessly into the design are dedicated side burners, one of which hosts a specialized deep-frying station. This modular setup allows you to concurrently griddle your main course while expertly crisping up sides like onion rings or calamari, all from a single, cohesive unit. It’s an outdoor chef’s dream, simplifying meal preparation and expanding your culinary repertoire without having to juggle multiple appliances.
Why a Deep Fryer Combo is Your Next Outdoor Cooking Essential
The allure of a Blackstone deep fryer combo lies in its incredible utility and the sheer joy it brings to outdoor entertaining.
- Unrivaled Versatility: This isn’t just a griddle; it’s a complete cooking system. You can prepare an entire meal, from appetizers to desserts, without ever stepping foot inside your indoor kitchen. Think perfectly seared scallops alongside hand-cut fries, or juicy fried chicken paired with griddled corn on the cob.
- Outdoor Cooking Convenience: Keep the cooking odors and mess outside where they belong. The integrated design means less running back and forth, allowing you to stay engaged with your guests and the beautiful outdoor ambiance.
- Ample Cooking Space: With a substantial 28-inch griddle top, you have plenty of room to cook for a crowd. Imagine whipping up 18 burgers or 44 hot dogs at once – perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just meal prepping.
- Thoughtful Integrated Features: Blackstone doesn’t just combine appliances; they design for experience. Many models come with convenient side shelves, a built-in cutting board, a paper towel holder, and even a garbage bag holder. Plus, a rear grease management system makes cleanup less of a chore, and cabinet doors neatly hide your propane tank, maintaining a sleek patio aesthetic.
Deep Dive into the Features and Specifications
Let’s break down what makes the Blackstone griddle with deep fryer so functional.
The Griddle Surface: Your Canvas for Culinary Creations
The star of the show is often a robust 28-inch cold-rolled steel griddle top. This material is excellent for even heat distribution and retention, crucial for consistent cooking results. Whether you’re perfecting your smash burger technique, caramelizing onions, or crafting a delicate fried rice, the spacious griddle surface provides a fantastic canvas.
The Dedicated Deep Fryer Station
This is where the “bonus” truly shines. The integrated deep fryer typically features a capacity for around 4.3 liters of cooking oil, offering ample space for family-sized portions of your favorite fried foods. It’s designed to sit securely over one of the powerful side burners, ensuring consistent heat. Most units come equipped with an internal fry basket for easy food management, a lid to keep oil contained, and even an analog oil thermometer to help you monitor temperatures. What’s more, the fryer station is often modular, meaning you can remove it and store it neatly in the unit’s lower compartment when not in use, keeping your outdoor space tidy.
Power and Performance: The Burner System
A truly versatile outdoor cooker needs serious heat, and the Blackstone with deep fryer delivers. These units typically feature five independent burners, generating a combined output of around 65,000 BTUs. Three burners are dedicated to the expansive griddle surface, while the remaining two power the side range top, including the deep fryer. This power distribution ensures that both your griddle and fryer can reach and maintain optimal cooking temperatures simultaneously, allowing you to cook efficiently and effectively.
Smart Design for Outdoor Living
Beyond cooking performance, Blackstone prioritizes user experience. The unit often sits on four sturdy, locking casters, making it mobile enough to reposition on your patio or deck, though its substantial size makes it best suited as a stationary centerpiece. The inclusion of two counter-height work tables provides invaluable prep space, eliminating the need for extra tables. The hinged griddle lid is another clever addition, protecting the cooking surface from the elements when not in use and acting as a helpful cover during cooking to trap heat for melting cheese or steaming vegetables.
Mastering Your Deep Fryer: Tips for Crispy Perfection
Getting that perfectly crispy texture from your Blackstone deep fryer isn’t hard, but it does require a few key practices.
Choosing and Managing Your Oil
Selecting the right oil is paramount. Opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures required for deep frying without breaking down and imparting off-flavors. When filling the fryer, remember to account for food displacement – you don’t want oil overflowing when you drop in your ingredients.
The Art of Temperature Control
Precise temperature control is the secret to crispy, non-greasy results. While the included analog thermometer is a good start, many seasoned fryers recommend investing in a more accurate digital instant-read thermometer for greater precision. Aim for the ideal frying temperature (typically between 350-375°F or 175-190°C). Start by heating the oil gently and slowly work your way up to the desired temperature, as it’s easier to increase heat than to cool it down.
Preparing Your Food for the Fryer
For optimal crispness, always pat your food dry before frying. Excess moisture causes oil to splatter and can significantly lower the oil’s temperature, leading to soggy results. Also, resist the urge to overcrowd the basket. Frying in smaller batches helps maintain oil temperature and ensures each piece cooks evenly.
Safety First: Handling Hot Oil
Deep frying involves very hot oil, so safety should always be your top priority. Ensure the fryer is on a stable, level surface. Never leave hot oil unattended. Use long-handled tongs or a spider strainer to safely add and remove food, minimizing splash risks. Have a metal lid ready to smother any potential oil fires (never use water!).
Beyond the Dedicated Fryer: Deep Frying on Your Griddle Surface
What if you have a standard Blackstone griddle without the dedicated deep fryer combo, but still crave that fried goodness? Good news! You can absolutely deep fry directly on your griddle surface. The trick is to create a “well” or use disposable aluminum trays.
For the well method, simply pour a generous amount of oil (enough to submerge your food) into a section of your griddle and let the griddle’s heat bring it to temperature. Aluminum trays are even simpler; place them on your griddle, fill with oil, and you’re good to go. This hack is particularly useful for smaller batches or if you just want to experiment. Just be mindful of potential oil spills and ensure easy cleanup. The griddle’s flat surface makes it remarkably forgiving for accidental splashes.
Delicious Dishes to Fry on Your Blackstone
The possibilities are endless once you have a Blackstone deep fryer at your disposal.
- Classic Comforts: French fries, onion rings, tater tots, mozzarella sticks, corn dogs.
- Seafood Sensations: Crispy fish and chips, calamari, shrimp tempura.
- Chicken Delights: Southern-style fried chicken, chicken tenders, wings.
- Dessert Indulgences: Fried Oreos, churros, doughnuts.
- Global Flavors: Egg rolls, samosas, empanadas.
Imagine griddling up some juicy burgers or smash patties while simultaneously frying up a batch of perfect golden fries. It’s the ultimate backyard feast, made simple and utterly delicious.
Keeping Your Combo Pristine: Maintenance and Care
To ensure your Blackstone with deep fryer serves you for countless delicious meals, proper care is essential.
- Griddle Maintenance: After each use, scrape down the griddle surface, wipe it clean, and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to protect it from rust and maintain its seasoning.
- Deep Fryer Cleanup: Once the oil has cooled completely, dispose of it properly (never down the drain!). Wipe out the fryer basket and the pan, removing any food debris. For stubborn residue, a soak in hot, soapy water can work wonders.
- Overall Unit Care: Regularly wipe down the exterior surfaces and shelves to keep them looking good. Periodically check burner ports for blockages and ensure all connections are secure.
Expert Insights: The Outdoor Frying Revolution
“The Blackstone with deep fryer isn’t just a kitchen appliance; it’s a social hub,” observes Chef Leo Rossi, a renowned outdoor culinary expert. “It simplifies elaborate meal preparations, allowing home cooks to effortlessly execute diverse dishes, from a gourmet brunch to a fried seafood spread, fostering connection and delicious memories right in their own backyard.”
Maria Sanchez, a product design engineer specializing in outdoor cooking equipment, adds, “From an engineering perspective, the integrated design of the Blackstone combo units is quite impressive. It optimizes space and energy efficiency, channeling BTU power effectively for both griddling and frying. While some early models had room for improvement in accessory quality, the core functionality offers a robust and user-friendly experience for any outdoor chef.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Blackstone Deep Fryer Combo
How much oil does the Blackstone deep fryer hold?
The dedicated deep fryer station on a Blackstone Range Top Combo typically accommodates about 4.3 liters of cooking oil, providing ample capacity for most home frying needs.
Can I use any cooking oil for deep frying on my Blackstone?
It’s best to use cooking oils with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil. These oils can withstand high temperatures without breaking down or smoking excessively, ensuring better-tasting food.
Is the Blackstone with deep fryer easy to clean?
Cleaning the griddle involves scraping and wiping, while the deep fryer requires careful disposal of cooled oil and then cleaning the basket and pan with hot, soapy water. The rear grease management system also simplifies griddle cleanup.
Can I deep fry on my standard Blackstone griddle surface if I don’t have the combo?
Yes, you can! Many users successfully deep fry by pouring oil directly onto a section of their griddle surface or by using disposable aluminum foil trays placed on the griddle to hold the oil.
Is the Blackstone Range Top Combo portable?
While equipped with locking casters for mobility, its size and weight make it best suited as a stationary unit on a patio or deck rather than a highly portable camping griddle.
What are the best things to cook on a Blackstone griddle with deep fryer?
The possibilities are vast! Popular choices include French fries, fried chicken, onion rings, fish and chips, churros, egg rolls, alongside griddled dishes like smash burgers, steaks, pancakes, and stir-fries.
Embrace the Delicious World of Deep Frying with Blackstone
The Blackstone with deep fryer is more than just another outdoor appliance; it’s an invitation to expand your culinary horizons and bring a new level of excitement to your outdoor cooking. From the satisfying sizzle of the griddle to the irresistible crunch of perfectly fried food, this versatile station empowers you to craft full, flavorful meals that will delight everyone. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Blackstone combo, and get ready to create some deliciously memorable moments. The world of deep frying just got a whole lot more accessible and exciting!