Blackstone Hood Vs. Hard Cover For Your Griddle

For any Blackstone griddle owner, protecting your investment is a top priority. That’s why many opt for accessories like a hood or hard cover.

But with both offering protection, how do you choose? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of a Blackstone hood and hard cover to help you decide.

A Brief Comparison Table

Overview of Blackstone Hood

A Blackstone hood is a metal cover that hangs over the cooking surface of your griddle.

It is suspended by a frame that allows you to adjust the height as needed.

The main purpose of a griddle hood is to help contain smoke, grease splatter, and excess heat.

By hovering over the griddle, the hood redirects these up and away from you and your cooking space. A hood also protects you from weather elements like wind and rain.

Hoods are commonly used with outdoor griddles to help control the cooking environment. They become essential if you want to use your griddle year-round or in unfavorable weather.

Pros of a Blackstone Hood

• Smoke Control – The hood will capture and funnel away most smoke generated during cooking. This helps keep smoke from blowing onto you or accumulating outdoors.
• Splatter Control – With an overhead barrier, grease splatters are contained versus spraying your patio, deck or clothes.
• Heat Control – By trapping heat underneath, the hood allows you to cook in cooler temps. It also prevents excessive ambient heat on hot days.
• Weather Protection – A hood shields your griddle from direct rain or wind. This allows you to cook in light precipitation or breezy conditions.
• Versatility – You can fold the hood back out of the way when not needed. Adjustable height lets you raise or lower as required.

Cons of a Blackstone Hood

• Added Cost – Hoods range from $50 to over $200, so they represent a significant added expense over a basic griddle purchase.
• Storage Size – When not in use, the hood takes up considerable space. You’ll need a dedicated storage solution.
• Limited Smoke Control – While better than no hood, smoke containment is not 100% effective. Some will still escape out the sides and back.
• Assembly Required – More complex than a cover, some hoods require nuts, bolts, brackets, and tools to install.
• Fixed Position – The hood frame limits where you can place your griddle and how close you can stand.

Overview of Blackstone Hard Cover

A hard cover is a fitted lid made of aluminum, stainless steel or cast iron that sits directly on the griddle surface. It rests on top of the griddle when not in use to protect the cooking plates.

Hard covers are designed specifically for each Blackstone griddle model. They contour exactly to the size and shape of your unit with cutouts for components like the grease tray.

The covers form a tight seal around the perimeter to lock in heat and fully shelter the plates. Some feature a handle for easy lifting.

Pros of a Blackstone Hard Cover

• Total Protection – The tight custom fit shields the entire griddle surface from weather, dirt, and debris when stored.
• Retains Heat – The insulated covers keep griddle plates warmer for a quicker recovery time between cooking.
• Smoke Containment – With the cover on during cooking, smoke is trapped and concentrated rather than blowing everywhere.
• Portability – Covers are compact and easy to remove. You can transport and store your griddle easily.
• Lower Cost – Ranging from $30 to $60, hard covers are generally cheaper than full hoods.

Cons of a Blackstone Hard Cover

• Limited Access – You lose the ability to cook with the cover placed directly on the griddle. It must be fully removed.
• No Weather Protection – Covers only protect the idle griddle itself. You and your cooking are still exposed to the elements.
• Limited Smoke Control – While some smoke is contained, plenty still billows out the sides and ends of the griddle while cooking.
• Storage Requirements – You’ll need a dry place to store the cover when using your griddle. Leaving it lying around risks damage.
• Prone to Damage – Hard covers see a lot of wear and tear. They can easily get dented, scratched, or warped without proper handling.

Do You Need A Hood For A Blackstone Griddle?

For most owners, a Blackstone hood is a welcome accessory but not an absolute necessity. Here are instances when a hood becomes more vital:

• You regularly cook in windy conditions that disrupt cooking and blow smoke around.
• You want to extend your grilling season and cook in light rain or snow.
• Your griddle is placed near a wall, deck or patio that would be damaged by excessive grease and heat.
• You find the smoke produced while cooking too much for your outdoor space.
• You live in a climate with frequent precipitation or need shade from the sun.

If any of these factors apply to you, investing in a hood will take your griddle experience to the next level. But for protected spaces and fair weather grilling, a hood is optional.

Why Get A Hard Cover For A Blackstone Griddle?

Hard covers provide Blackstone owners with a few key benefits:

• You can easily transport and store your griddle with zero damage to the cooking surface.
• The plates stay hotter longer when the griddle is idle, saving you time preheating for your next meal.
• It protects the griddle investment by preventing dents, scratches and rust accumulation during storage.
• The cover contains smoke and grease splatter moderately better than no cover at all.
• It delivers basic protection at a fraction of the cost of a full hood unit.

If quick and convenient storage is your priority, a custom fitted hard cover is a great option.

Is A Blackstone Hard Cover Necessary?

Hard covers are highly recommended for Blackstone owners but stop short of being a necessity. Here are factors to consider when debating a hard cover purchase:

• Do you have a safe, dry storage space for your uncovered griddle? If not, a cover is vital.
• Are you able to thoroughly clean and dry your griddle after each use? Proper maintenance reduces the need for a cover.
• Do you use your griddle frequently? Hard covers benefit idle griddles more.
• Is portability a priority? Covers make griddles much easier to transport.
• Are you on a tight budget? Covers offer protection at a lower price point.

For most owners, the benefits of a fitted hard cover easily justify the relatively low cost. But they aren’t mandatory to own and enjoy a Blackstone griddle.

What Is The Hood For On A Blackstone Griddle?

The hood on a Blackstone griddle serves several helpful functions:

• Smoke Control – The hood’s main role is containing smoke produced during cooking to prevent it spreading everywhere.
• Splatter Control – It blocks grease splatters and oil pops from spraying outside the cooking zone.
• Weather Barrier – A hood shelters your griddle from rain, wind, snow, and other elements.
• Temperature Control – Trapping heat beneath helps regulate cooking temps in cold weather.
• Adjustability – Ability to raise, lower, or fold back the hood provides cooking flexibility.
• Portability – Although bulkier than a cover, hoods allow you to move your griddle for storage or transport.

While not essential, Blackstone griddle hoods enhance the cooking experience and environment for many owners. They allow you to griddle comfortably regardless of weather or wind conditions.

Also Read: Evo Flat Top Grill Competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

When weighing a Blackstone hood vs hard cover, consider your budget, usage patterns, storage situation, and weather conditions. Also think about convenience factors like portability and ease of access.

If you cook year-round or in unpredictable conditions, a hood provides the functionality you’ll want. For basic storage and transport, a cover may meet your needs.

Whichever you choose, protecting your Blackstone griddle is smart. Use this guide to make the right decision for your needs and budget long-term. With the proper care, your griddle can provide years of happy grilling and griddling memories.