The best cooking experience available when all considered. So easy to learn and can finally make restaurant quality food. Despite this being the first griddle grill I’ve ever owned. I have talked too many people who have had Blackstones and quit using them because they either rusted out or weren’t as durable but so far this grill is amazing and the easiest to clean as long as you just take care of it even a little bit. I love going out in the back, knowing that I’m gonna get a restaurant quality cook along with a very simple cleanup, and the grill is beautiful.
I’ve only had a few cooks on this so far due to weather here in Michigan. However, the build and overall quality is far up the scale. I’ve had griddles from both of the other big name companies, and the Weber Slate surpasses both in every way. Temperature control is great !! Thats the thing I immediately noticed upon the first cook. Feels like I’m getting true three zone cooking whereas I wasn’t with any of my other griddles. Griddle temps just seem much more responsive to the knob position. Maybe it’s the material the cooking surface is made from ?? Not sure but this griddle kicks butt.
I chose the Weber Slate after weeks of research into outdoor griddles. When I made the purchase, I believed the Slate was where the curves cross on a cost/quality chart. When my Slate finally arrived, I was not disappointed. It was packed better than anything I have ever received. Assembly took some time, but the design is well thought-out and very, very sturdy. The final result not only looks great, it performs great as well. I am very pleased with the evenness of heating across the griddle surface and the cooking results I have gotten. Low-temperature control is especially impressive, as I was able to make the most perfect, golden-brown pancakes I’ve ever made on my first attempt on the Slate. I highly recommend this griddle!
The cook top is amazing, a little heat to prepare it and burn off anything from the factory and that was all the preparation needed to get cooking (after assembly of course, which only took maybe 30 minutes). Once ready the options for meals exploded, marinate/season pretty much any cut of meat you want, cube or slice it for perfectly seared pieces of meat. Throw a little butter/oil on and all the veggies you have in stock. There's dozens of meals right there. Add some rice and sauce and make any protien/veggie combo into a stir fry. Smash your burgers, Toast your breads. I went with the 30" top and it has plenty of room for me to place heat resistant dishes on the off/low portions of the cook top, place the food I want to keep warm in them and then easily transfer them to the table when ready. Warm weather is going to see this in use 3 to 4 days a week regularly.