Blackstone Select 28 Reviews: See Why 0 Shoppers Rated It 0 Stars!

Blackstone Select 28 Gas Grill Review: A Robust Outdoor Cooking Station for 2024

The Blackstone Select 28 stands out as a compelling option in the realm of gas grills, designed for both residential and commercial outdoor cooking alike. Released in 2024, this model tailors to a variety of environments, including camping, tailgating, and full-scale outdoor kitchens, offering a solid balance between size, power, and portability. By analyzing its measurable specifications, it's clear that Blackstone aimed to blend durability, performance, and user-friendly features in a package worthy of its high brand reputation. If you're curious how it measures up to your grilling needs, this review breaks down the details from build quality to functional versatility.

Detailed Specs & Features Breakdown

On paper, the Blackstone Select 28 impresses with its substantial cooking surface, measuring 28.75 inches in width and 18.25 inches in depth, providing a total primary cooking area of 524 square inches; ample room to handle cooking for medium-to-large groups. The gas grill operates on liquid propane with a fuel capacity of 4.7 pounds, compatible with standard 20-pound propane tanks, which suggests ample fuel supply for extended grilling sessions. Its overall physical dimensions: 63.51 inches wide, 28.45 inches deep, and 43.81 inches tall, put it in the medium-large grill category, yet its weight of only 27 pounds hints at solid portability considering its size. Performance-wise, the grill can reach a maximum temperature of 700°F and offers a temperature range from 200°F to 700°F. This wide range allows both low-and-slow cooking and high-heat searing, though notably, it lacks a dedicated sear burner. The three burners, constructed from durable stainless steel and producing a combined 21,000 BTUs, assure excellent heat distribution and efficient fuel-to-heat conversion, bringing the grill to a preheat readiness in just about 10 minutes. Controls are simple and traditional, operated by three plastic knobs, ideal for those who prefer straightforward dial-based temperature adjustment without digital complexity.

User Experience & Performance (Based on Specs)

Design & Build

The Select 28's construction materials include stainless steel for the frame and powder-coated steel for the lid and side shelves, combined with cold-rolled steel for the firebox. This mix ensures not just rust resistance but also UV, wind, and rain resistance, rounding out its suitability for various climates and outdoor conditions. The bolted construction method and durable materials contribute to a robust overall build, while the inclusion of a storage cabinet and heavy-duty casters significantly increases its convenience. Notably, the design includes foldable side shelves and collapsible legs, enhancing portability for activities like tailgating or camping.

Performance

In daily use, the grill's capability to handle 24 burgers simultaneously and maintain excellent heat distribution reflects well on its suitability for gatherings and commercial applications alike. The heat retention is rated as good, and the flare-up resistance is high, increasing both safety and cooking consistency. However, some may find the low accuracy of the built-in thermometer to be a drawback for precision cooking, and the absence of features such as a convection fan or sear burner might limit more specialized grilling techniques.

Cooking Features

Flexibility is a highlight here: the grill offers multi-zone cooking capability and supports both direct and indirect cooking styles. Accessories such as a grease pan and tool holder come standard, along with a warming rack and magnetic toolbar that enhances the grilling experience by keeping tools handy. The grease management system is efficient, with a reusable drip pan capacity of 32 ounces, which facilitates easier cleaning after every use. While it lacks a smoker box or rotisserie burner, it is compatible with a rotisserie kit and griddle plates, adding some expandability for customization.

Safety & Control

Safety is addressed through an ETL safety certification, a flame failure device, and an auto shut-off feature, which enhance reliability for residential use. However, several safety conveniences such as lid locks, child safety locks, and cool-touch handles are absent, which may require extra caution around children or pets. The durability of the hose and regulator is moderate, which is typical at this price level but worth noting for long-term maintenance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Spacious primary cooking area of 524 square inches allows for large meal prep.
• Solid construction combining stainless steel and powder-coated steel for increased durability and weather resistance
• Excellent heat distribution and flare-up resistance enhance grilling consistency and safety.
• Portability features such as foldable shelves, collapsible legs, and locking wheels are well thought out.

Cons

• Lacks a sear burner and advanced digital controls, limiting high-end grilling techniques
• Built-in thermometer accuracy is low, which may impact precise cooking
• Safety features like lid locks and cool-touch handles are missing
• Limited warranty of only one year without extension options

Price & Value for Money

Priced at $1499 at BBQGuys, the Blackstone Select 28 commands a premium tag within the mid-tier gas grill segment. Given its solid 1-year warranty period, robust stainless steel build, and extensive cooking surface, the investment feels justified, particularly for those prioritizing portability without sacrificing performance. On the flip side, grilling enthusiasts who value high-tech features or more precise temperature controls might find the price a bit steep relative to its feature set.

Quick Take

In short, the Blackstone Select 28 combines a sizable and efficient cooking area with rugged build quality and thoughtful portability features. If we look at the numbers alone, it caters well to both casual grillers and semi-professionals seeking convenience without complex controls. However, it might not satisfy users demanding advanced safety or high-end control features.

Closing Recommendation

The Blackstone Select 28 gas grill may be ideal for those who enjoy outdoor cooking with an emphasis on space and mobility, such as tailgaters or backyard chefs who move their grill frequently. Its performance metrics and weather-resistant construction help users achieve reliable cooking outcomes in various settings. Potential buyers who are less concerned with digital precision but value straightforward durability should consider this grill carefully.

Verdict

Rating: Based on the specifications and overall feature set, we believe Blackstone Select 28 deserves 4.2 out of 5.

• Winner Feature => Excellent heat distribution and expansive cooking area for versatile grilling.
• Needs Improvement => Absence of advanced temperature controls and limited safety features.