Cast iron is one of the most revered and beloved materials of kitchen utensils out there! They’ve been in use for hundreds of years and the benefits they bring are top-notch.
Cast iron pans, griddles, skillets are preferred by most chefs and amateur cooks over other materials! When it comes to griddles, Blackstone has been a household name for a long time. So, you might ask, “Are Blackstone griddles cast iron?”
No! Blackstone griddles are not made of cast iron. Instead, they’re made of a material called rolled steel. Rolled steel is similar to cast iron, but with lower Carbon content. They provide the same benefits as cast iron, but they’re sturdier and last longer!
In this article, we’re going to discuss everything you need to know about Blackstone Griddles! Let’s begin!
What Makes Cast Iron Special?
Before we discuss Blackstone griddles, we need to understand what makes cast iron special! Cast iron is a special alloy made of steel and Carbon. Generally, they have a Carbon content of over 2% of their mass.
The right mix of Iron, Silicon, and Carbon make cast iron much stronger than conventional materials. As a result, it makes it ideal for the regular wear and tear of a kitchen. It’s non-stick, easy to clean and there are no chemicals involved!
As a result, it’s a must-have for most enthusiasts. Also, the material is sturdy, so it’ll last a long time without hassle. Most cast iron utensils can last generations easily. Most households have cast iron utensils inherited from their ancestors.
Taking its longevity into account, it’s one of the most versatile products out there as well. Cast iron is used to make pans, grills, griddles, etc. Also, since they’re sturdy, they can be used anywhere.
From the conventional stove to wood fires and ovens, cast iron can be used everywhere. Thus, making it one of the best materials for your kitchenware!
Furthermore, one of the underrated benefits of cast iron is its nutritional value. When cooking on cast iron, it adds iron to your food. This can be ideal for increasing your iron deficiency and increasing your iron consumption!
Are Blackstone Griddles Cast Iron?
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of cast iron, it’s time to discuss Blackstone griddles. While we understand the love for cast iron products, Blackstone griddles are made of rolled steel. However, there’s more to this than just the material!
Blackstone has made a name for themselves for their products over the years. They promise longevity and sustainability of their products. So, if you’re wondering if rolled steel is worth the effort, keep reading!
Cast Iron vs Rolled Steel: Which One Should You Get
Rolled steel has been very new to the world of kitchen appliances. However, they have certain features that make them stand out. If you’re wondering what makes rolled steel special, check out a few reasons
Material
Similar to cast iron, rolled steel is also made of an alloy between steel and carbon. However, it has a lower carbon compound than cast iron. Generally, rolled steel contains 1% carbon at max, compared to the 2-3% carbon in cast iron.
In a Carbon-Iron compound, generally, the carbon compounds react and form lumpy carbides with the iron. Also, in certain cases, the Carbons react with themselves and form pure graphite. Since Carbon is the binding material, it starts losing integrity.
Rolled steel has less carbon in its structure. Thus the chances of a different molecule forming are significantly less. As a result, the iron remains in its purest form for a lot longer. Thus, making rolled steel much sturdier in the process!
Construction
The way the appliances are made plays a key role in the final product. Cast iron is first converted to liquid and then poured into a mold. Then the mold is heated, shaped, and prepared as the preferred utensil.
When it comes to rolled steel, the process is much more streamlined. They’re sourced as sheets of metal and heated. Afterward, they’re pressed and forged into different shapes. If there are any extra parts required, they’re joined with rivets.
One benefit of rolled steel construction is that the material maintains its structure better. So, it’s generally sturdier. However, the parts attached with rivets can get separated from the main body. So, you have to be careful with storage and carrying.
Weight and Thickness
In the case of cast iron and rolled steel, weight and thickness go hand in hand. Cast iron is generally thicker because of how it’s constructed. As a result, it’s significantly heavier than rolled steel as well.
Generally, a 12-inch cast-iron griddle pan can weigh as high as 8lbs. This is significantly heavier than a 12-inch rolled steel griddle.
Generally, rolled steel utensils have an average weight of 4lbs. Thus, rolled steel utensils are easier to carry and serve. Also, the lower weight makes them easier to clean.
Heat Distribution and Retention
Heat distribution is an essential part of cooking. If the heat doesn’t distribute across the surface well, you won’t be able to cook peacefully. Also, a good griddle pan needs to retain heat properly. Otherwise, you’ll have to put it under a lot of heat for very little output.
Since cast iron is thicker, it takes a while to heat. However, even though it heats up slowly, it retains heat very well. As a result, you can cook in low heat for a long while.
Cast iron griddles like the Legend Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Stovetop are made keeping the stove in mind. They make sure the heat transmits thoroughly and all the way through.
However, since rolled steel is thinner than cast iron, it heats up faster. As a result, it cools down faster as well. So, cooking is a lot faster and easier compared to cast iron. Since it cools down faster, the heat retention is not as good as cast iron.
Durability
When it comes to steel and carbon materials, durability is key. The durability of cast iron is very well known. They can last generations if taken care of properly.
However, the longevity of rolled steel is often underrated. Since rolled steel kitchenware became mainstream after the 19th century, it’s yet to become a generational heirloom. But as mentioned before, rolled steel has a lower carbon count, so it’s sturdier and more durable!
Generally, cast iron pans can get brittle or lose thickness at certain parts. Afterward, they break very easily. In the case of rolled steel, the lower Carbon amount prevents the formation of lumps.
Thus, the chances of something like that happening are much lower. We recommend seasoning your cast iron griddles once every three months. Also, griddles like the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Griddle come pre-seasoned, which are also worth a shout!
Should You Get Blackstone Griddles?
Now that the cast iron issue is out of the way, let’s see how good Blackstone griddles really are! When it comes to material, we’ve already discussed the technicalities of rolled steel. However, cleaning your griddle properly is key to its longevity.
Furthermore, Blackstone has already made a name for itself with its quality and craftsmanship. Their griddles are very well made and will fit your system very well. So, if you’re looking for a griddle that gets the job done, Blackstone is worth a shout!
If you’re wondering which Blackstone products to look for, here are our suggestions-
| Task | Product | Price |
| Best for Outdoors | Blackstone Tabletop Griddle | Check Price |
| Best for family use | Blackstone 36″ Cooking Station | Check Price |
| Best for small events | Blackstone 22″ Tabletop Griddle with Griddle Hood and Stand | Check Price |
FAQs
Now that we’ve discussed all you need to know, here are a few frequently asked questions-
What Material is the Best for Griddle?
Generally, we recommend steel and metals for griddles. Materials like cast iron, hot and cold rolled steel, stainless steel, etc. are best when it comes to griddles.
What is the Difference Between Hot and Cold Rolled Steel?
The main difference between hot and cold rolled steel is in the way they’re prepared. Hot-rolled steels are molded while hot, while cold ones are first taken to room temperature. Once the metal reaches room temperature, it’s converted to steel.
Is Cast Iron Toxic?
Cast iron is not directly toxic! Cast iron adds dietary iron to your food. So, if you cook iron-dense food, the cast iron might increase the amount of iron, causing iron toxicity. Thus, it’s better to avoid cooking iron-dense food on cast iron.
Conclusion
Blackstone is a household name when it comes to griddles. But, they aren’t made of cast iron. The griddles in Blackstone’s line of products are made of rolled steel. Which is just as good, if not better.
So, if you’re asking “Are Blackstone griddles cast iron” sadly, they’re not. But the features you get for the value are definitely worth it! If griddles are what you’re looking for, Blackstone is absolutely worth a shot!
