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For years, my husband asked for a flattop grill, specifically the Blackstone.
For years, I said no. I didn’t see the point. We already had a grill. Why did we need a giant flat top too?
Then he said something that changed everything:
“If we get one, I’ll make breakfast every weekend so you don’t have to.”
Sold.
That Father’s Day, I surprised him with the one that he had been wanting for years. And I can honestly say… I’m so glad I did.
Not just for him. For all of us.
Blackstone 1554 36” Omnivore Griddle with Folding Side Shelves
We chose the 36” Blackstone Omnivore Griddle, and I am so thankful we went with the larger size.
Yes, they come in smaller versions. But with a family of four? The 36” gives you room to cook everything at once. Pancakes on one side, sausage on the other, eggs cooking in rings, and still space left for hash browns.
If we had gone smaller, we would have upgraded. No question.
The folding side shelves are incredibly convenient for prep and plating, and the powder-coated steel construction feels sturdy and built to last.
And if you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift idea? This is a memorable one. It turned into something much bigger than just a grill.
The Breakfast That Changed My Mind
One of the biggest reasons I finally came around was breakfast.
My husband makes those popular drive-thru style breakfast sandwiches at home, and somehow, they turn out even better than the real thing. Crispy sausage, perfectly round eggs thanks to the egg rings, toasted English muffins, melty cheese… all made fresh on the griddle.
The kids absolutely love them.
Weekend breakfast has turned into something we actually look forward to instead of rushing through a drive-thru.
And honestly? I love not cooking on Saturdays.
Even better, our preteen daughter has started learning right alongside him. She’s been out there flipping burgers and helping with breakfast and has already asked for her own little grill someday. Watching that time together has probably been my favorite unexpected bonus.
Once we realized how often we were using it, a few accessories quickly became must-haves.
Our Favorite Accessories
BLACKSTONE 5600 Silicone Egg & Omelet Rings (Set of 3)
These are the secret to those perfect breakfast sandwiches.
The silicone egg rings create evenly shaped eggs that fit beautifully on English muffins. They’re non-stick, easy to clean, and portable.
We use them constantly for:
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Pancakes
• Burger patties
• Hash browns
Simple tool. Big upgrade.
Blackstone Griddle Tool Kit (With Convenient Carrying Case)
A good griddle tool set makes cooking smoother and cleanup easier.
This set includes the essential tools you actually use:
• Long metal spatulas
• Scraper
• Tongs
• Squeeze bottles
• Cleaning tools
And it all comes in a convenient storage carrying case, which is great for keeping everything together.
Now… full honesty moment.
My husband is very good at cleaning the tools.
Putting them back in the case every time? That’s another story.
So occasionally he’s out there saying, “Where’s the scraper?” while I remind him it belongs in the case.
Marriage humor aside, I truly appreciate the effort he puts into cooking for us. And having everything organized in one place makes it easier to grab and go when it’s time to cook.
Digital Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
If there is one tool he refuses to cook without, it’s his digital meat thermometer.
When you’re cooking burgers for a group or chicken for the kids, guessing is not an option. This Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer for Grill and Cooking gives fast, accurate readings so everything comes off perfectly done.
Why we love it:
• Instant read display
• Waterproof design
• Works for beef, turkey, chicken, candy, and liquids
• Great for both indoor and outdoor use
And even though he’s the grill master in our house, I’ll admit… I use it inside all the time. When I’m baking chicken or making dinner in the kitchen, it gives me peace of mind without overcooking everything.
It’s one of those small tools that makes a big difference.
30-Pack Drip Pan Liners for Blackstone
These disposable aluminum liners fit into the rear grease tray and make cleanup so much easier.
Instead of scrubbing out built-up grease, you just remove the liner and replace it.
If you cook often, these save time and effort.
Protecting the Investment
36” Silicone Griddle Mat
During the months when we’re using the flattop griddle frequently, this silicone griddle mat is his go-to protection.
The 36” heavy-duty food-grade silicone griddle mat sits directly on the cooking surface and protects it from moisture, dust, pollen, and everyday debris between cooks.
Why we like it:
• Perfect fit for the 36” Blackstone
• Heavy-duty, food-grade silicone
• Helps prevent moisture from sitting on the cooking surface
• Reusable and easy to clean
• Quick to remove when it’s time to cook
In the spring and summer when the griddle gets used several times a week, this is usually all we use. It keeps the surface protected but makes it easy to uncover and start cooking without any extra steps.
BLACKSTONE 5482 36” Griddle Cover (Heavy Duty Polyester)
When fall and winter roll in, we add the heavy-duty polyester cover for extra protection.
The Blackstone 5482 36” griddle cover is designed specifically for the model with hood and is made from durable 600D weather-resistant polyester with secure cinch straps.
It provides:
• Full coverage protection
• Secure fit during windy weather
• Added protection during colder, wetter months
Final Thoughts
I didn’t expect a griddle to become part of our family rhythm.
But it has.
It gave my husband something he genuinely enjoys.
It gave me a break from cooking all our meals.
It gave our daughter time learning beside her dad.
And it gave our family meals we actually look forward to.
If you’re considering a Blackstone for any gift-giving occasion, I can honestly say it has been worth it for us.
And with the right accessories, it becomes more than a grill. It becomes a gathering place.
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