What are Wind Guards, and How Do They Help?
As great as Blackstone griddles are, they can run into issues on windy days. The wind gets underneath the cooktop and disturbs the gas flames, which results in the griddle not getting hot enough or heating unevenly. In extreme cases, it can even extinguish the flame altogether!
There’s a fix for this, however, and this is by installing wind guards around the edge of the cooktop. What this does is blocks the wind from the firebox so that the flames remain relatively undisturbed. Even on a windy day, you have the capability of using your Blackstone without encountering any heating issues.
Under cold and/or windy conditions, you will also go through much more gas than normal to reach and maintain the right temperature. Wind guards can alleviate this, saving you time and money by heating up quicker and using less gas.
A recommendation would be not to make them a permanent fixture on your griddle. If it’s not windy or not particularly cold, the wind guards can cause the cooktop to get very hot. Temperatures can reach as high as 600° even with the burners on low.
That is much hotter than you’ll want to be cooking at, as typical cooking temperatures will be in the 300°- 400° range. If it’s frigid out, the wind guards can help you reach and maintain ideal cooking temperatures.
Best 28″ Blackstone Wind Guards
Blackstone 5016 Wind Screen For 28″ Griddles
Best 36″ Blackstone Wind Guards
Blackstone 5015 Wind Screen For 36″ Griddles
Best 28″ Budget Blackstone Wind Guards
Handygo Wind Screen For 28″ Griddles
Best 36″ Budget Blackstone Wind Guards
Handygo Wind Screen For 36″ Griddles
Best 28″ Blackstone Wind Guards
Blackstone 5016 Wind Screen For 28″ Griddles
Best 36″ Blackstone Wind Guards
Blackstone 5015 Wind Screen For 36″ Griddles
Best 28″ Budget Blackstone Wind Guards
Handygo Wind Screen For 28″ Griddles
Best 36″ Budget Blackstone Wind Guards
Handygo Wind Screen For 36″ Griddles
Best Blackstone Wind Guards
Blackstone only offers wind guards for their 28″ and 36″ models currently. The 28″ wind guards can be used on the 17″ and 22″ models though they won’t be a perfect fit.
There are also some 3rd party options available for the 28″ and 36″ size griddles. Here are the best wind guards for your Blackstone flat top grill.
Best 36″ Blackstone Griddle Wind Guards
The Blackstone 5015 Wind Screen is manufactured by Blackstone and created specifically for use on the 36″ models. All 4 pieces surround the firebox while leaving room for the grease trap, whether it is on the front or back of the griddle.
Installation is easy as they hook onto the edge of the flat top surface. Removal is just as simple as they lift right off afterward. If you have a model with an attached hood, you will experience a conflict with the rear wind guards, so be aware of this.
Pros and Cons
Specs:
- Long pieces 17.68”x 3.5”x .47.”
- Short pieces 15.75”x 3.5”x .43.”
- Weight: 3.89 lbs.
Pros:
- Effectively negate the impact of wind.
- It helps cooking in cold weather
- Designed to fit 36″ model perfectly
- Compatible with front or rear grease trap models
- Easy to install and remove
Cons:
- You can only use 2 of the 4 guards on hooded models
- Guards to not sit perfectly flush against the cooktop.
- Some complaints of paint peeling off guards
Note: These guards are not fully compatible with 36″ griddles that have an attached hood. This includes but is not limited to the Air Fryer and Pro Series models. You can still use the wind guards, but you won’t close the lid while they are attached.
Best 28″ Blackstone Griddle Wind Guards
The Blackstone 5016 Wind Screen is manufactured by Blackstone and created specifically for use on the 28″ models.
All 4 pieces surround the firebox while leaving room for the grease trap, whether it is on the front or back of the griddle.
Installation is easy as they hook onto the edge of the flat top surface. Removal is just as simple as they lift right off afterward. If you have a model with an attached hood, you will experience a conflict with the rear wind guards, so be aware of this.
Note: If you have a 17″ or 22″ model, these wind guards will work though they won’t fit perfectly. They will be slightly too long, but functionally, it’ll get the job done. Not ideal, but if you need wind protection for one of the smaller size griddles, these will still work and allow you to keep cooking on it in windy conditions.
Pros and Cons
Specs:
- Long pieces 14.25”x 3”x .43.”
- Short pieces 12.8”x 3”x .43.”
- Weight: 2.79 lbs.
Pros:
- Effectively negate the impact of wind.
- It helps cooking in cold weather
- Designed to fit 28″ model perfectly
- Compatible with front or rear grease trap models
- Easy to install and remove
- It can be used on smaller griddle models
Cons:
- You can only use 2 of the 4 guards on hooded models
- Guards to not sit perfectly flush against the cooktop.
- Some complaints of paint peeling off guards
Note: These guards are not fully compatible with 28″ griddles that have an attached hood. This includes but is not limited to the Air Fryer and Pro Series models and Range Top Combo. You can still use the wind guards, but you won’t close the lid while they are attached.
Best Budget Blackstone Griddle Wind Guards
The Handygo Wind Screen is a less expensive 3rd party option offering wind guards for both the 28″ & 36″ size griddles. They are made with 2mm thick aluminum and hook onto the cooktop’s side just like the Blackstone brand wind guards. 36″ Wind Guards
Both options come with a set of 4 windscreens, 2 long & 2 short. Both the 28″ and 36″ offerings work as intended, so if you want to spend a bit less, don’t be worried about buying these over the Blackstone offerings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effectively negate the impact of wind.
- It helps cooking in cold weather.
- Available for 28″ or 36″ model
- Easy to install and remove
- Costs less
Cons:
- Not an official Blackstone product offering
- It can fit a tad tightly on a cooktop.
Final Thoughts
Cooking on your Blackstone is really enjoyable and perfect for your backyard, camping, or outside your R/V. Don’t let the wind or cold temperatures prevent you from firing up your flat top grill. By simply hooking on some wind guards, you can have a successful cook in almost any weather.
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