Going Big (Literally!) with Our New Weber Slate 36" Griddle and the Weber Works System!

For a while now, our trusty gas griddle has been a staple in The Backyard Pitstop, but as our grilling adventures grew, its limitations became clear. Our old 2-burner simply wasn't cutting it anymore – it was just too small for our family and the feasts we love to create. We knew an upgrade was long overdue.

After much deliberation and research, we decided that if we were going to do this, we were going to "go big or go home!" Our goal was clear: get the biggest and best griddle out there that truly matched our passion for outdoor cooking. We poured over reviews, compared specs, and ultimately, the Weber Slate 36" Griddle emerged as the clear winner. The decision came down to its fantastic build quality, which was evident even in our initial research, and the legendary performance that comes with the Weber name. We knew this wasn't just a purchase; it was an investment in countless delicious meals to come.

Then came the exciting part! It was the morning of the Daytona 500, the "Great American Race," and the anticipation was electric. As we were gearing up for the festivities, the thought of waiting days for an online delivery just didn't sit right with us. We wanted to get cooking NOW! So, we decided to take matters into our own hands.

A quick call confirmed that our local Ace Hardware had one in stock – a true victory! We drove over, picked it up, and though they offered a build service that would take two days, we couldn't wait. We loaded that massive box into the back of our Toyota Tundra, eager to get it home and put it together ourselves.

Once back at the pitstop, it was assembly time! With the pre-race festivities of the Daytona 500 playing in the background, providing the perfect soundtrack, I dove into the build. I gotta say, the build quality of this Weber griddle was absolutely superb, far superior to any other griddles we had shopped for. Every piece fit perfectly, and the instructions were clear. In about two hours, just as the engines were revving for the big race, the Weber Slate 36" Griddle stood tall and proud on our patio!

Of course, the first order of business was the crucial burn-off to season that beautiful griddle surface. Once that was done, it was time for the inaugural cook! We celebrated with a fantastic hibachi-style dinner of chicken and fried rice, a perfect test for the expansive cooking surface. It performed flawlessly, heating evenly and delivering that perfect griddle sear.

As we settled into our new griddle routine, we realized we needed a better way to keep all our griddle tools and accessories organized and within easy reach. That's where the Weber Works system came into play! We later purchased the Weber Works outdoor storage bin for our tools, and it has been an absolute dream. The thoughtful design includes a fantastic shelf and multiple cabinets, providing incredible organization for everything from spatulas and scrapers to oils and seasonings. Having everything neatly stored and readily accessible has truly elevated our outdoor cooking experience, making every session smoother and more enjoyable.

Even though the Weber Slate 36" was priced at the higher end of our budget, we can confidently say that after that first cook and seeing its incredible performance and robust build, combined with the phenomenal organization the Weber Works system provides, it was absolutely worth every penny. This griddle isn't just an appliance; it's a new centerpiece for our outdoor cooking adventures, and we can't wait to share all the deliciousness we'll be whipping up on it!

Come check out our build of the Weber Slate 36" here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGJnOlyyEdM/

Stay tuned to @backyard_pitstop for more griddle creations! And as always, "C'mon back and Enjoy Y'all!"