Mastering Power Outages: Your Blackstone Griddle as an Essential Emergency Cooking Solution

The sudden silence of a power outage can be jarring. One moment, you’re enjoying the hum of daily life – the refrigerator, the television, the lights – and the next, you’re plunged into a different reality. This was exactly our experience at the Blackstone Diner in St. Pete during a typical rainy season afternoon. The streets were flooded, but more significantly, our entire house was without power. Such moments often reveal our vulnerabilities, but also spark ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Fortunately, we had our Blackstone Adventure Ready 28-Inch Griddle. They say necessity is the mother of invention, and I never truly appreciated the full potential of my Blackstone until this storm hit. Let’s be clear: a Blackstone griddle isn’t a generator. It won’t power your lights, charge your devices, or keep your refrigerator cold. However, as long as evacuation isn’t necessary, it transforms into an indispensable ally, ensuring you and your family are well-fed and comfortable during unpredictable times.

1. Crafting Perfect Meals for Imperfect Times

A power outage brings with it a unique set of stressors. The immediate thoughts often race to potential problems: Will the food in the refrigerator spoil? How will we stay warm or cool? How will essential devices like phones and laptops be charged? Is the water safe to drink? Amidst these concerns, small comforts can emerge, often leading us back to simpler, more traditional ways of living.

Candles cast a warm, flickering glow, making the familiar world feel a little more traditional and intimate. Without the constant distraction of TVs and electronics, conversations flow more freely, and creative problem-solving becomes a shared activity. You might find yourself reaching out to neighbors, sharing stories and resources. And then, there’s that moment of realization: you have an awesome stand-up griddle just outside, waiting to be fired up.

If you’re lucky enough to have a gas stove, you might still be able to use it safely during an outage. For those of us with electric stoves, however, that option is off the table. This is precisely where your Blackstone griddle shines, offering a reliable, efficient cooking solution. Here are ten practical ways your Blackstone can become your culinary hero during an emergency situation:

2. Always Maintain a Full Propane Backup Supply

Propane tanks are self-contained fuel sources, making them incredibly valuable resources during any power disruption. Regardless of your region’s common storm season – be it Kansas tornados, Northeast blizzards, or Florida hurricanes – preparedness is key. It’s not just a good idea; it’s essential to always have at least one, if not two, full propane tanks as backup. This ensures you’re never caught off guard when you need to cook.

From my personal experience, propane tanks seem to last significantly longer with my Blackstone griddle compared to traditional gas grills. The Blackstone’s efficient heat distribution and retention maximize fuel usage. When an emergency strikes, your griddle will be ready to go, starting quickly and heating up fast, allowing you to prepare meals without delay. Always check your tank levels periodically, especially as storm season approaches, to avoid the frustration of an empty tank when you need it most.

3. Delicious Salmon and Green Beans, Fast

During that particular storm, I was recovering from a hospital stay and following a special low-fiber diet. Before the outage, I had picked up a cooked Atlantic Salmon fillet from Whole Foods, intending to simply warm it up at home and add some steamed vegetables. Walking in to find the house dark, my wife delivered the news: “No power.” With some daylight still remaining, I quickly pivoted to the Blackstone.

I fired up the Blackstone griddle, squirted cooking oil onto its seasoned surface, and spread it evenly. I had a bowl of leftover green beans from the previous day, which were perfect for a quick reheat. On one side of the griddle, I gently warmed the salmon, and on the other, I spread the green beans to heat through. In no more than 5-8 minutes, I had one of the most delicious and satisfying meals I’d eaten in a long while. The speed and efficiency of the griddle were astounding. No matter your dietary needs or meal plan, the Blackstone allows you to prepare a fast, amazing, and nutritious entrée for your family during any power outage, turning a potentially stressful situation into a surprisingly pleasant dining experience.

4. The Essential Way to Boil Water When You Need It Most

Emergency situations demand resourceful thinking, and access to boiling water can be critical for various needs. Whether you need to warm your baby’s formula, purify potentially questionable potable water, or simply enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea to boost morale, your Blackstone griddle can deliver. It’s not a conventional approach, but this versatile black-and-orange grilling unit proves its worth in a crisis.

Simply place one or more heat-safe containers, such as cast iron pots, stainless steel kettles, or even a sturdy pan, directly onto the hot griddle surface. The high, even heat of the Blackstone quickly brings water to a rolling boil, providing a vital resource for health, hygiene, and comfort. Always ensure the containers are stable and safely positioned to prevent spills or accidents.

5. Transforming Leftovers into a Special Occasion

Opening a dark refrigerator during an outage can induce a moment of panic as you contemplate the potential waste of perishable food. Instead of dread, turn this challenge into a positive opportunity. Gather various food groups from your fridge that are at risk of spoiling, arrange them on a platter, and head straight for your Blackstone griddle.

With a Blackstone, you can almost literally close your eyes and start grabbing ingredients – there will undoubtedly be a way to transform them into an unexpected yet delicious dinner. The goal is to get through the outage without spending forever on food prep and cooking, while also maintaining your family’s nutrition during uncertain times. Think about combining some leftover chicken breast with a drizzle of Yum Yum sauce or soy sauce, a few eggs scrambled on the side, and maybe some leftover rice or veggies. The culinary combinations are virtually endless and limited only by your imagination.

All you need is a hot Blackstone griddle, a selection of leftovers, and a pair of spatulas. This process turns a potential negative (food spoilage) into a definite positive (a creative, satisfying meal). Cooking on the griddle is remarkably quick, allowing you to prepare and enjoy your meal efficiently. This frees you up to focus on other outage-related tasks, like checking on neighbors or simply enjoying some quality time with your family.

6. Keep a Flashlight Handy for Your Blackstone Griddle, Too

Every household understands the importance of being prepared for storms with a reliable flashlight and a fresh supply of extra batteries. However, it’s equally crucial to extend this preparedness to your outdoor cooking setup. Having a dedicated flashlight available for your Blackstone griddle is a smart move. Cooking in the dark, even with ambient light, can be challenging and less safe without direct illumination.

Blackstone offers its own Griddle Light, a practical accessory designed specifically for this purpose. Alternatively, there are numerous excellent options available on Amazon and other retailers, many featuring strong magnetic capabilities and flexible necks for optimal positioning. These lights attach easily to the griddle’s metal frame, casting light precisely where you need it most – on the cooking surface. This ensures you can clearly see what you’re cooking, stir ingredients effectively, and ensure food is properly done, enhancing both safety and enjoyment during nighttime cooking in an outage.

7. Hatch Peppers and Hot Sauce: Elevate Any Outage Meal

When you’re facing a power outage, prioritizing the consumption of food from your refrigerator is paramount to minimize spoilage and waste. This is where bold flavors come to the rescue. If you have a can of zesty Hatch peppers from New Mexico, or a selection of your favorite hot sauces readily available, you’re in business. These potent ingredients can instantly elevate almost any food, making simple meals far more exciting and palatable, especially when options are limited.

A few slices of Hatch peppers added to scrambled eggs, a dash of hot sauce over warmed-up beans, or incorporating them into a griddled sandwich can transform a basic meal into something truly memorable. The heat and complex flavors awaken the palate, turning a necessity into a delicious experience. This strategy helps ensure that even the most basic emergency provisions feel satisfying and enjoyable, making the outage a little easier to bear.

8. Why Not Make It a Full Barbecue Experience?

Always being prepared with outstanding BBQ sauce is a good rule of thumb any time of year, but it becomes particularly clutch during a storm-induced power outage. If you have ground beef and cheese in the refrigerator, now is absolutely the time to get them cooking. Embrace the situation and make some epic “storm burgers”!

Your griddle technique remains unchanged: smash the patties with your burger press for that perfect crust, then add some frozen tater tots, sliced onions, or any other griddle-friendly sides you might have. Once cooked, slather on your favorite BBQ sauce – like a rich, smoky Rib Rack BBQ Sauce – liberally. Eating together as a family outdoors, even if it means quickly wiping down some patio furniture, can transform the experience. You’ll likely remember this outage for the delicious, unexpected family barbecue rather than the inconvenience of no power. It’s about creating positive memories amidst a challenging situation.

9. Direct From Store to Griddle: A Practical Approach

If road conditions permit and it’s safe to travel, a trip to a local grocery store can significantly broaden your emergency cooking options, especially when the timeline for power restoration is uncertain. Focus on items that are easily cooked or reheated on your Blackstone griddle. For instance, a container of pre-cooked pulled pork pairs perfectly with that backup BBQ sauce you have on hand. You can also pick up prepared macaroni and cheese or even frozen breakfast items like pancakes or hash browns and simply plunk them onto the griddle to warm up quickly.

Other excellent grocery store finds include pre-marinated chicken or steak for fast cooking, various types of sausages, tortillas for quick quesadillas or wraps, and sturdy vegetables like bell peppers and onions that can be quickly sautéed. This “store-to-griddle” strategy ensures you can replenish your immediate food supply with minimal effort and maximum culinary impact, keeping everyone well-fed until normalcy returns.

10. Beans: The Versatile Griddle Companion for Any Meal

Now is the perfect time to delve into your pantry and put those various cans of beans you’ve been stockpiling to good use. Beans are incredibly versatile and pair well with almost everything you might cook on your Blackstone griddle when you’re in a pinch. They’re a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making them an excellent staple for emergency meals.

Consider warming up some black beans and adding them to leftover yellow rice for a hearty side. Mix pinto beans with some chopped leftover pork chops for a more substantial meal. Or, for an extra kick, stir in some more of those delicious Hatch peppers or a dash of hot sauce. Canned baked beans can be quickly heated and served alongside any griddled meat. The possibilities are truly extensive, making canned beans an indispensable item for your power outage pantry.

Now’s the Time to Make Those Hot Dogs and Other Quick Bites

That extra, unopened pack of wieners lurking in the meat drawer of your fridge since your last BBQ outing? A power outage is the ideal scenario to “use ’em or lose ’em.” Honestly, almost anything in your refrigerator starts to look incredibly appealing when the power is out, and it’s time to eat. Beyond hot dogs, think about sausages, pre-cooked bacon, or even quick-cooking thinly sliced meats that can be griddled in minutes.

While any outdoor grilling device – be it a Big Green Egg ceramic cooker, a Weber gas grill, a Traeger pellet grill, a Pit Boss smoker, or a small charcoal grill – can help in a pinch, the Blackstone griddle’s true advantage lies in its unparalleled speed and responsiveness. During an emergency, you don’t have time to “hang out and savor a long BBQ process,” waiting for coals to heat up, or carefully tending a fire. This is certainly not the time for “low and slow” cooking. The Blackstone delivers immediate, high heat for rapid cooking, which is precisely what’s needed when every minute counts.

Whatever the cause of your power outage, always apply common sense to ensure safety outside your darkened home. Double-check that severe weather has cleared. In our region, often dubbed the lightning capital of the world, I had to be reasonably sure there were no recent lightning strikes before venturing out to cook. Always be mindful of carbon monoxide safety when using propane devices, ensuring adequate ventilation.

The bottom line during a power outage is to remain calm, stay resourceful, and adapt to temporary inconveniences until our dedicated utility crews can restore power. While your Blackstone griddle won’t solve every issue during this challenging time, it will definitively address one of the most critical: utilizing food from your refrigerator to prevent spoilage, all while allowing you and your family to enjoy warm, delicious, and nutritious meals together. It brings a sense of normalcy and comfort when you need it most, proving its worth far beyond just backyard entertaining.