Very happy with the base model blackstone they sell at Tractor Supply.

gigemags87 said:

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Most important piece of equipment is great heavy duty spatulas/scrapers. Don't skimp. To get the right smash level you have to press down hard and I've bent a few sub standard spatulas in the process.

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I got this and it's a game changer: Grill Press

I bought a griddle insert for my Weber Genesis, their brand, but haven't used it yet. Usually cook burgers at my folks house and this will fit on their grill as well.

Not a perfect solution but I do not want another piece of equipment on my patio.

GIF Reactor said:

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Can you please elaborate on the reasons for your regret?

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I only have two people in my fam now, so I don't bulk cook. I think it could be a decent tool if you are cooking large quantities for multiple folks and using it often. For example, breakfast or stir fry. But then you have to transport everything outside: eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, seasoning, oil, etc... and have something to put the finished products in to carry it all back in. I don't have an outside kitchen. IMO, it's more of a hassle to clean and prep than a regular gas grill. Despite keeping mine clean and seasoned, it has developed rust spots which I have to take care of.

It's a specialty item imo that I just don't find enough use for. About the only thing I do with it now is cook a package of bacon to keep the smell out of the house. I also sear steaks with it (which I could do as well on the gas grill). But a lot of times, I cook bacon in the inside oven on a large baking sheet. Very easy and works well! I also sear steaks inside on a cast iron skillet since it's only two steaks. I have also used it for fajitas, but my gas grill does just as well. When I do stir fry, I use a carbon steel wok inside. It's too much hassle to do it on the Blackstone for two people.

If someone were asking my opinion on outside cooking implements, I'd say a Weber gas grill and a pellet smoker with a PID controller for bbq (or maybe a Kamado cooker for bbq, I've never used one of those. I don't have time for a stick).

Thanks for the insight, I appreciate it. I've been looking at a Blackstone for a few years now, but could never decide on the exact model. I wanted it to replace my aging grill. I couldn't think of anything we typically cook on the grill that couldn't also be done on the griddle, but the griddle would allow for things we typically cook to be done simultaneously and in larger quantities when needed. After reading your post, I now have some reservations about getting one.