You know that moment when you realize your Blackstone griddle is sitting on a wobbly folding table and you’re basically doing restaurant-level cooking in what looks like a camping setup? Yeah, most Blackstone owners have been there. These flat tops are serious cooking machines, but they deserve better than just being parked wherever there’s space.
Blackstone outdoor kitchen ideas create dedicated cooking stations that maximize your griddle’s potential while making outdoor cooking more convenient and enjoyable. The right setup includes proper counter space, storage for tools and propane, and a layout that actually works for cooking multiple dishes. It’s building a legitimate outdoor kitchen around your flat top instead of treating it like a portable grill.
We’re covering 9 Blackstone outdoor kitchen ideas that range from simple DIY projects to full outdoor cooking stations. Whether you’ve got a 17-inch tabletop model or a 36-inch beast, these setups make flat top cooking easier and more fun. And honestly? Once you’ve got a proper station, you’ll cook outside way more often.
What Makes Blackstone Outdoor Kitchens Work
- Counter Space Is Non-Negotiable: Flat top cooking needs surfaces for prepping ingredients and plating finished food. It’s having room to work instead of juggling everything. The adequate workspace makes cooking multiple dishes simultaneously actually manageable.
- Storage Matters for Supplies: Oils, seasonings, tools, and propane tanks need homes near your cooking surface. It’s keeping essentials accessible instead of running inside constantly. The organized storage makes outdoor cooking efficient instead of frustrating.
- Weather Protection Extends Use: Covering your griddle station protects equipment and lets you cook in light rain. It’s extending your outdoor cooking season beyond perfect days. The shelter makes the investment worthwhile through increased usability.
- Proper Height Prevents Back Pain: Working at the right height makes long cooking sessions comfortable instead of agonizing. It’s setting up ergonomics that match your body. The proper positioning prevents the hunched-over griddle shuffle.
9 Blackstone Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
Create a functional flat top cooking station with these Blackstone outdoor kitchen ideas that maximize convenience and performance.
Build a Simple Griddle Cart
Construct a rolling cart with your Blackstone on top, storage shelves below, and side wings for prep space. The mobile station goes wherever you need it while providing function. It’s getting a complete cooking station you can move around easily.
Use pressure-treated wood or metal frame with casters rated for outdoor use. Include hooks for utensils and towel bars. This Blackstone outdoor kitchen idea costs $100-200 for materials if DIYing and creates serious functionality without permanent installation.
Create a Built-In Island Station
Design a permanent outdoor kitchen island with your Blackstone set into the counter surrounded by prep surfaces. The integrated setup looks professional and provides maximum workspace. It’s treating your flat top like the serious cooking appliance it is.
Frame with cement board, add stone or tile facing, and include cabinets below for storage. Leave adequate ventilation around the griddle. This Blackstone outdoor kitchen idea runs $800-2000 depending on materials but creates a legitimate outdoor cooking centerpiece.
Add a Folding Side Table Setup
Attach folding prep tables to either side of your Blackstone using hinges creating expandable workspace. The wings fold down when not in use saving space. It’s getting extra surface area only when you need it.
Use outdoor-rated plywood or composite material with sturdy hinges supporting weight. Finish with exterior paint or sealant. This Blackstone outdoor kitchen idea costs $50-100 and works great for smaller patios where permanent tables don’t fit.
Install Under a Pergola or Gazebo
Position your Blackstone station under existing or new overhead cover protecting from sun and rain. The shelter extends cooking hours and protects your investment. It’s making outdoor cooking feasible in more weather conditions.
Ensure adequate ventilation and heat clearance—griddles produce significant heat. Include lighting for evening cooking. This Blackstone outdoor kitchen idea costs $1500-5000 for new structures but transforms how often you’ll actually cook outside.
Create a Modular Component System
Use separate elements—a griddle stand, a prep table, a storage cabinet—that work together but remain independent. The flexible system adapts to changing needs and spaces. It’s building gradually without committing to permanent structures.
Choose pieces on casters allowing reconfiguration. Mix purchased items with DIY elements. This Blackstone outdoor kitchen idea lets you start small and expand over time spreading costs and allowing experimentation.
Build a Corner L-Shaped Station
Design an L-shaped counter placing your Blackstone on one leg with prep and serving space on the other. The corner configuration maximizes usable surface in compact areas. It’s using dead corner space efficiently.
Frame the L-shape with weather-resistant materials and include lower shelving for storage. Position the griddle away from the corner allowing access from multiple sides. This Blackstone outdoor kitchen idea works beautifully in small backyards making the most of available space.
Add a Flat Top Bar Setup
Create a bar-height station with your griddle facing a counter where guests can sit and watch you cook. The interactive setup makes cooking entertainment. It’s Benihana vibes in your backyard.
Use bar-height construction (42 inches) with overhang on the guest side for seating. Include storage below for propane and tools. This Blackstone outdoor kitchen idea costs $400-1000 for materials but creates genuine entertainment value beyond just cooking.
Install in an Existing Grill Island
Replace or supplement your existing built-in grill with a Blackstone using the existing island structure. The retrofit approach uses what you already have. It’s upgrading your outdoor kitchen without starting from scratch.
Ensure proper ventilation and clearances adapting the existing space to griddle requirements. You might need to modify openings or add heat shields. This Blackstone outdoor kitchen idea costs minimal construction if your island works with modifications.
Create a Compact Wall-Mounted Station
Mount a fold-down shelf on your exterior wall with brackets supporting your Blackstone. The space-saving setup works for tiny patios and balconies. It’s having a flat top station in basically zero floor space.
Use heavy-duty brackets rated for significant weight and ensure proper wall anchoring. Include a small shelf below for immediate supplies. This Blackstone outdoor kitchen idea costs $80-150 for brackets and materials working in the tightest spaces.
Making Blackstone Outdoor Kitchens Work
- Plan for Propane Storage: Include accessible storage for full and empty tanks keeping them secure and ventilated. It’s never running out mid-cook because you forgot to check. The organized tank storage prevents frustrating propane scrambles.
- Add Task Lighting: Mount lights illuminating your cooking surface and prep areas for evening use. It’s actually seeing what you’re cooking instead of guessing. The proper lighting extends usable hours significantly.
- Include Hooks and Holders: Mount hooks for spatulas, scrapers, and towels keeping tools within reach. It’s having everything where you need it. The organized tool storage makes cooking flow smoothly instead of searching for stuff.
- Weatherproof Everything: Use outdoor-rated materials and finishes protecting from moisture and sun exposure. It’s building structures lasting seasons instead of falling apart. The durable construction justifies the effort and expense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackstone Outdoor Kitchens
What Size Blackstone Should You Build Around?
The 36-inch four-burner models are most popular for serious outdoor cooking providing ample surface for multiple dishes. The 28-inch offers good capacity in smaller footprints. Tabletop 17-22 inch models work for compact spaces or supplemental cooking.
Build your station accommodating your specific model with 6-12 inches clearance on sides and back for ventilation and access. Measure your griddle carefully before construction preventing fitting issues.
How Much Counter Space Do You Need?
Minimum 2-3 feet of counter space on at least one side of your griddle for prepping and plating. More is better—4-6 feet total workspace makes cooking multiple dishes manageable. The adequate surface prevents the constant shuffle of moving things around.
Include raised edges or backsplashes preventing items from sliding off. Heat-resistant surfaces near the griddle handle hot pans safely.
Can You Use Regular Outdoor Kitchen Plans?
Yes, but modify for griddle-specific needs. Blackstones require more ventilation than built-in grills since heat comes from the entire flat surface. Ensure your griddle sits at comfortable working height—typically 36 inches to the cooking surface.
Most grill island plans adapt easily to griddles with minor modifications. The main difference is ventilation and ensuring the opening accommodates your specific model.
What Materials Work Best?
Stainless steel, concrete board with stone or tile facing, and marine-grade polymer withstand outdoor conditions best. Avoid untreated wood directly around griddles—heat damage occurs quickly. Use heat-resistant materials within 12 inches of the griddle.
For DIY builds, pressure-treated lumber frames covered with cement board and tile offer durability at reasonable cost. Metal studs and outdoor-rated plywood work well too.
Do You Need a Roof Over It?
Not required but highly recommended. Coverage protects your griddle from weather extending its life and lets you cook during light rain. Even a simple roof or large patio umbrella makes a difference.
If covering, ensure 3-4 feet clearance above the griddle allowing heat dissipation. Good ventilation prevents heat buildup under the roof.
How Do You Handle Grease Management?
Blackstones have built-in grease management—ensure your station allows access to the grease cup. Include a small trash can nearby for used paper towels and grease disposal. Some builders add a pull-out drawer below the griddle for grease supplies.
The rear grease management system needs clearance—don’t build tight against walls. Leave 6-8 inches allowing cup removal and cleaning.
Can Renters Build Blackstone Stations?
Mobile carts and freestanding elements work perfectly for renters providing full functionality without permanent installation. The wheeled stations roll into storage or move when you relocate. Avoid permanent built-ins or structures attached to the house.
Focus on modular pieces you can take with you. The investment moves with you making it worthwhile even short-term.
What About Winter Storage?
If you’re in harsh winter climates, build stations allowing easy griddle removal for storage. Some people store just the griddle protecting it from snow and ice while leaving the station structure outside. Covers protect griddles left outside but removal extends life.
The modular approaches make seasonal griddle removal easier than built-in permanent installations.
Cooking Outside Year-Round
Blackstone outdoor kitchen ideas prove that flat top griddles deserve dedicated cooking stations maximizing their potential. The combination of adequate prep space, organized storage, weather protection, and proper layout creates outdoor kitchens where you’ll actually want to cook instead of treating your griddle like camping equipment.
Start with your griddle’s specific dimensions and your available space planning a station that works for both. Choose materials and construction matching your skills and budget building gradually if needed. The thoughtful approach creates outdoor cooking stations you’ll use constantly making the investment worthwhile through years of better outdoor meals.
What’s holding you back from upgrading your Blackstone setup? I’m curious if you’re DIYing a cart or going all-in on a built-in island!
