Blackstone 22″ Griddle Vs. Weber Q1200 Grill: Ultimate Battle!

Are you a newbie to grilling or someone who’s looking for a convenient and portable grill for camping or picnics? You’ve come to the right place! Choosing the right grill can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure what features to look for.

This article will introduce you to two popular options: the Blackstone 22″ griddle and the Weber Q1200 grill. Both of these grills are known for their convenience and versatility, but they have some key differences that are important to consider.

We’ll explore their similarities and differences and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Whether planning a family barbecue or a weekend camping trip, having the right grill can make all the difference. So sit back, relax, and dive in to find the perfect grill for your needs!

Key Takeaways

This handy comparison table shows the main differences between the two grills to help you make an informed decision.

Cooking Surface and Versatility

The Blackstone 22″ Griddle features a smooth, flat cooking surface that opens up a world of culinary possibilities. With its even heat distribution, you can effortlessly cook a wide range of foods, from breakfast items like pancakes and eggs to dinner favorites like steaks and stir-fries.

The absence of grill grates means you won’t need to worry about smaller foods falling through the cracks, so you can experiment with various dishes to your heart’s content.

On the other hand, the Weber Q1200 comes with a more traditional grilling surface equipped with grill grates. This design is perfect for those who love the classic sear marks on their grilled meats and vegetables.

However, the grates do come with certain limitations. For example, cooking smaller or more delicate foods can be challenging, as they may slip through the gaps or stick to the grates.

While the Weber Q1200 is excellent for traditional grilling enthusiasts, it might not be as versatile as the Blackstone griddle when cooking a wider variety of dishes.

Cooking Space

When it comes to cooking space, the Blackstone 22″ Griddle and Weber Q1200 Grill cater to different needs.

The Blackstone griddle offers an impressive 361 square inches of cooking space, making it an ideal choice for families or gatherings of 4-5 people. With this ample space, you can cook up to 12 burgers or 9 steaks simultaneously, allowing you to serve everyone quickly and efficiently.

Imagine hosting a weekend barbecue and whipping up a feast for your friends and family without cooking each dish in turn. This not only saves time but also allows everyone to enjoy their meal together, hot and fresh.

Meanwhile, the Q1200 gas grill has a smaller cooking area of 189 square inches. This compact size is perfect for couples or small families of 2-3 people. It can accommodate up to 6 burgers or 4 steaks at a time, which is sufficient for more intimate gatherings.

However, if you need to cook for a larger group, you might find yourself cooking in batches, which can be time-consuming and challenging to coordinate.

Picture trying to juggle multiple dishes, making sure everything is cooked to perfection, while your guests wait hungrily for their plates to be filled.

Heat Output and Control

Both these two grills offer different heat output and control features. When choosing between them, consider the types of food you typically cook and the level of temperature control you desire for your outdoor culinary endeavors.

The Blackstone 22″ Griddle has two H-style burners, delivering a combined heat output of 24,000 BTU. These burners can be independently controlled, allowing you to create different heat zones on the griddle surface for various cooking needs. With the ability to reach up to 550°F, this griddle is suitable for searing, frying, and more.

However, you may experience uneven heating in certain areas of the cooking surface, which could affect the overall cooking quality.

Additionally, there have been issues with the ignition system, such as difficulty lighting the right burner or experiencing frequent burnout.

On the other hand, the Weber Q1200 Grill features a single U-shaped burner with an 8,500 BTU output. This burner comes with an infinite control valve, allowing you to adjust the temperature as needed. Like the Blackstone griddle, the Q1200 can reach 550°F, but it takes about 15 minutes to achieve this temperature.

One drawback is the basic temperature control, which doesn’t allow for low heat settings. The grill struggles to maintain temperatures below 300°F, making it difficult to cook low and slow dishes like ribs.

To overcome this limitation, you may need accessories or techniques, such as using a foil pan and a grilling pan to block some heat and create a gap between the food and the grill grate.

Portability

A key factor to consider when selecting the perfect grill is portability. Whether planning a family picnic, a tailgate party, or just moving the grill around your backyard, the ease of transportation and storage can make a big difference in your overall grilling experience.

The Blackstone griddle weighs 48 lbs and measures 23.5″L x 23.5″W x 13″H when the hood is closed. While not overly cumbersome, it’s still a substantial piece of equipment that may require a bit of effort to move and store.

On the other hand, the Weber Q1200 is lighter, weighing only 31 lbs. Its dimensions vary depending on whether the side tables are open or closed. With the lid closed and side tables extended, it measures 16.5″L x 40.9″W x 15.5″H.

When the side tables are closed, it shrinks down to a more compact 16.5″L x 24.4″W x 15.5″H, with each table about 8 1/4″ wide. This design allows for easier transportation and storage when space is limited.

While both grills are portable to some extent, the Weber Q1200 Grill has a clear advantage in terms of weight and dimensions, making it easier to transport and store.

Its foldable side tables contribute to its compactness, while the lighter weight makes it more manageable to carry around. Although not excessively heavy, the Blackstone 22″ Griddle will require more effort to move and may take up more storage space due to its larger dimensions.

Health and Cooking Method

When choosing a grill, it’s essential to consider the health aspects of the cooking method. These two grills offer unique ways to cook your food, which can impact the nutritional value and presence of harmful substances. Let’s delve into the details of how each grill can affect the healthiness of your meals.

Griddle cooking, like with the Blackstone, allows food to cook in its own fat and oil, which may increase calorie and cholesterol content. However, the Blackstone griddle features a patented rear grease management system, making it easy to remove excess grease while cooking.

This feature, combined with the griddle’s ability to retain moisture and nutrients, can enhance food quality and flavor. When you are done cooking, remember to clean the cooking surface and the grease management system to help remove grease well next time.

In contrast, grill cooking lets excess fat and oil drip away, potentially reducing calorie and cholesterol content. However, this method can also create carcinogenic compounds from smoke and char, posing potential health risks.

As mentioned in the comparison article between the Blackstone and gas grills, griddles are less likely to produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) than regular grills, as they don’t have the same flare-ups caused by dripping meat juices.

However, griddles may still produce heterocyclic amines (HCAs) when cooking meats at high temperatures due to the reaction between amino acids, sugars, and creatine.

Using proper grilling techniques can help reduce the formation of these harmful compounds.

Material

The materials used in constructing a grill are crucial in determining its durability and longevity. Both grills are built with high-quality materials, contributing to their durability and ability to withstand the test of time.

The Blackstone griddle’s cold-rolled steel cooking surface is known for excellent heat retention and even distribution. The stainless steel and powder-coated steel body protect against rust and weather-related damage.

The Q1200 grill’s porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate offers excellent heat retention. It is easy to clean, while the cast aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon body add to the grill’s overall durability.

However, it’s worth noting that the plastic side tables may be susceptible to melting if not folded correctly.

Design

These grills have distinct designs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

The Blackstone griddle features a rectangular shape with a hood covering the cooking area. Although it can be bulky and challenging to carry and transport, especially with the top not locking in place with the base, it offers a spacious cooking surface.

The Weber Q1200 has an oval shape, a dome-shaped lid, and a carrying handle that the propane regulator may obstruct. Its design includes two side tables, offering additional space for food preparation. Plus, it has more color options and a built-in thermometer.

Accessories

Both grills have accessories that can enhance the overall grilling experience.

For example, you can easily achieve char marks on the Blackstone Griddle using the Sear’NSizzle Grate.

Meanwhile, the Weber Q1200 can be converted into a griddle with a griddle insert, allowing for versatile cooking options. However, the limited cooking space and absence of a grease management system like on the Blackstone can affect the quality of your food. Grilled food will become salty if the salt is trapped during cooking.

Also, due to its small size, the Q1200 cannot use regular smoke boxes to increase smoke flavor. To add smoke flavor, you can wrap some wood chips in aluminum foil and poke some holes in it. Place the foil packet on the cooking grate near the burner.

Ease of Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning, each appliance has its advantages and disadvantages.

The griddle’s flat cooking surface makes it easy to scrape off food particles, and its rear grease management system simplifies collecting and disposing of excess grease. However, its large surface might require more frequent cleaning, especially when cooking greasy foods.

In contrast, the Q1200 grill features a porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate, which makes it resistant to rust and easy to clean. However, cleaning the grill grate requires more effort to scrub off stuck-on food and char. Also, cleaning the interior parts, such as the burner and grease tray, can be more time-consuming than the Blackstone griddle.

Price

One of the main factors to consider is the price. How much are you willing to spend on your outdoor cooking equipment? And what do you get for your money?

The Blackstone 22″ griddle has a lower price tag than the Weber Q1200 grill. You can find it for under $250 online or in stores, while the Q1200 costs under $300. Both are sold without accessories such as a portable cart, adapter hose, and grill Cover.

Conclusion

In summary, the Blackstone 22″ Griddle is an excellent choice for those who love versatility and require ample cooking space. At the same time, the Weber Q1200 is perfect for individuals who prioritize portability and traditional grilling.

If you’re still undecided, consider exploring gas grill and griddle combos for the best of both worlds. Remember! Choosing a grill that caters to your specific needs and preferences is key.

Take your time, evaluate the features of each grill, and consider how they align with your cooking style and requirements. Whichever grill you choose, happy grilling and enjoy the mouthwatering results!