Weber Slate Flattop Grill Review

If you’re a griller, you’ve probably heard the whispers about the Blackstone and flat top scene. Now – the biggest name in grilling Weber is bringing out their first ground-up flat top design – the Weber Slate Flattop Grill. It’s been making waves in the flat top world, promising to deliver a grilling experience unlike any other with that legendary Weber Quality.

But can it really compete with the industry leader the Blackstone griddle? The industry titan??

In this post, we’ll look in-depth at the Weber Slate Flattop Grill, put it through its paces, and see how it stacks up against the competition.

Also – I highly recommend you purchase at Ace Hardware – you get an exclusive side table for more cooking space and the caddy comes included!

Introduction to the Weber Slate Flattop Grill

Weber is late to the flattop game but is making a splash with their first ground-up designed flat top. This bad boy is like a Swiss Army knife of grills (see Weber Works below). The Slate Flattop Grill is a potential game-changer for the flat-top scene with edge-to-edge heat, tons of accessories, and Weber quality.

Whether you’re flipping pancakes at dawn, firing up a taco fiesta or searing steaks at sunset, the Weber Slate aims to be your trusty sidekick.

What Sets It Apart?

Weber has always been a household name in the grilling community, known for their quality and innovation. With the Slate Flattop Grill, they’re stepping into the flattop arena, a domain previously dominated by Blackstone. Its sick design, coupled with Weber’s renowned craftsmanship, has made it a hot topic (pun intended…boom). When you go to Ace or Home Depot and open the Blackstone vs The Slate you instantly feel the quality difference.

Weber Works

Weber Works is the key differentiator here. The works system provides a ton of accessories and sweet gear. From a drop-in carry caddy to versatile cutting boards, paper towel holders, garbage can, and more.

Performance Review

Ready Not Rusty – Non-Toxic Cooktop

One of the best features of the Slate is it is Ready Not Rusty. This carbon steel flat top is ready to rock out of the box. Get cooking immediately. Additionally, the cooktop is 100% non-toxic.

Even Heat Distribution

The Weber Slate prides itself on distributing heat evenly across its surface. In my tests, it performed admirably, cooking everything from delicate fish fillets to robust ribeyes with consistent results. However – it is definitely hotter right under the burners, although it is close. See above for hot spots.

Durability and Build Quality

When you’re investing in a grill, you want something that will stand the test of time. The Weber Slate feels sturdy and well-built, with a solid frame and high-quality materials. It’s designed to withstand the elements, so you won’t have to worry about it rusting out after one rainy season. The carbon cooktop can handle metal tools. I went with Weber’s but any would work.

Weber Slate vs. Blackstone

Design and Build

When it comes to design, Weber has always had an edge with their sleek, modern aesthetics but just solid build. The Blackstone feels more flimsy. Blackstone focuses more on functionality – ex. Air Fryers. Both designs have their merits, depending on what you value more – build quality and brand vs function. To be clear the Blackstone cooks just as well.

Cooking Surface and Performance

The cooking surface on the Weber Slate is expansive and non-stick, making it easy to cook large meals without a hassle. Blackstone, however, offers a slightly larger cooking area for less money, which can be a deciding factor for those who frequently cook for large groups. Performance-wise, both grills offer excellent heat distribution and versatility, but Weber has a slight edge in terms of temperature control and consistency.

Easy Front Access Grease Pan

The new front access grease pan makes cleaning pretty easy. I also like how the Slate has the grease trap up front on the cooking service vs Blackstone in the back. Simply slide it out, give it a quick rinse, or swap trays and you are good to go.

Price Point

The Weber Slate comes in at a higher price point than Blackstone. However, for that extra cash, you’re getting Weber’s legendary build quality and design. If budget is a concern, Blackstone offers excellent value, but if you’re looking to invest in a premium grill experience, Weber might be worth the splurge.

Versatility and Use Cases

Standard Grill vs. Flattop

The debate between a standard grill and a flattop is ongoing in the grilling community. Standard grills are great for those classic grill marks and that smoky flavor. Flattops, on the other hand, offer a smooth, even surface that’s perfect for a variety of foods you wouldn’t typically cook on a regular grill. Think smash burgers, breakfast, cheesesteaks, tacos, fajitas, etc.

Expanding Your Culinary Horizons

Owning a flattop grill opens up a whole new world of grilling possibilities. You can experiment with different cuisines and cooking techniques that aren’t possible on a traditional grill. Hibachi nights, are no possible? The smooth surface also makes it easy to manage delicate foods that might fall apart on a standard grill grate.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular Cleaning Tips

Keeping your flattop grill in top condition is essential for its longevity and performance. After each use, allow the grill to cool down slightly, then scrape off any food residue with a spatula. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and apply a light layer of oil to prevent rust.

I find cleaning and maintenance very similar to owning a cast iron skillet inside.

Seasoning

After some time you will need to re-season the grill. I have not gotten there yet but will provide an update when I do.

Weber Slate Review Conclusion

Final Thoughts

The Weber Slate Flattop Grill is a fantastic addition to any backyard. It offers versatility, performance, and durability in one stylish package. While it comes at a higher price point compared to competitors, its quality and design make it a worthy investment for serious grill enthusiasts.

Recommendations

If you’re looking to expand your grilling repertoire and enjoy a variety of cooking techniques, the Weber Slate is an excellent choice.

I will share all the accessories you need to flat top like a pro. Link coming soon!

Where to Purchase

I purchased the Weber Slate at Ace Hardware but the Slate is also available at Home Depot. At Ace you get the caddy included and the extra side table. Cooking space is a premium for the slate so I would definitely scoop at Ace Hardware again.

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