KT23029 Griddle: What to Cook First
By blackstoneproducts | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Product Reviews
Get your new KT23029 griddle ready and discover the best first meals to cook, from smashburgers to stir-fry, with expert seasoning tips.
Quick answer
For your first cook on the KT23029, start with a high-smoke-point oil seasoning, then cook something forgiving like breakfast sausage or sliced mushrooms to build a natural non-stick surface.
Why the first cook matters
The KT23029 griddle station arrives with a factory coating that must be burned off and replaced with a polymerized oil layer. Your first cook is really a second seasoning pass, so choose foods that won't stick and that won't overwhelm the fresh surface.
Two cooking zones vs. one
With two independently controlled zones (34,000 BTU total), you can sear on one side and keep warm on the other. For your first meal, use the lower-heat zone for delicate items like eggs and the hotter zone for burgers or bacon.
The air fryer advantage
The 13,000 BTU electric air fryer drawer lets you cook crispy sides without crowding the griddle top. Try frozen french fries or chicken wings in the air fryer while your main dish cooks on the flat top.
Your first cook decision rules
- Season first, then cook: Heat the griddle on high for 15 minutes to burn off factory residues. Apply a thin layer of flaxseed or grapeseed oil, let it smoke, then wipe. Repeat 3–4 times before adding food. A well-seasoned surface prevents sticking from the first meal.
- Choose fatty or starchy foods: Bacon, breakfast sausage, sliced onions, or frozen hash browns release easily and help build the seasoning layer. Avoid sugary sauces or acidic ingredients like tomato on the first cook. Fatty and starchy foods protect the new seasoning.
- Use medium heat, not high: Set the zone to medium (about 350–375°F) for the first meal. High heat can burn food before the seasoning is fully set, causing sticking. Medium heat gives you more control and less frustration.
- Clean gently after cooking: Scrape food residue with a metal spatula, wipe with a paper towel, then add a tiny oil film. Do not use soap or abrasive scrubbers on the first few cooks. Gentle cleaning preserves the seasoning you just built.
Product highlights
- KT23029: Two independently controlled cooking zones with a total of 34,000 BTU's. You can cook at different temperatures on each half, so your first meal can include both high-heat searing and gentle warming without moving food.
KT23029 - KT23029: 13,000 BTU electric air fryer drawer with a 4 qt capacity. The air fryer adds a second cooking method for sides or snacks, giving you more options on your first cook without extra cleanup.
- KT23029: Patented rear grease management system. Grease flows away from the cooking surface into the rear tray, reducing flare-ups and making your first cook less messy.
Who should buy the KT23029
Best for
- Home cooks who want a griddle with a built-in hood for patio use
- Those who value two independent cooking zones for multi-temperature meals
- Anyone who wants an integrated air fryer for extra cooking versatility
Not ideal for
- Campers or tailgaters who need a portable, lightweight griddle
- Budget shoppers who don't need the air fryer or hood features
