I first saw the Blacktop 360 from their promo video they put up on YouTube back in August. It looked very cool and very versatile but then again, it was their own promo video. Almost any product can look good with great editing and a slickly produced video package. Not that I doubted the product was going to be great but we here at TailgatingIdeas.com test tailgating gear personally before we offer up a review, good or bad. By doing this you know the product has been personally tested by either myself or one of our writing staff members and you know we understand tailgating in and out and the unique needs and requirements tailgaters in the lots have come to expect. Luckily we were able to make a connection with the folks over at Blacktop 360 and secure a sample to test out for ourselves.
(Disclaimer: We did receive a sample Blacktop 360 grill for free. The fact this sample was provided to us in no way influenced our opinion of the product nor did it impact our ability to test and review the product fairly and objectively.)
First, take a look at their official promotional video and then read on for the main features of the grill, where to find it and our opinion of how the Blacktop 360 performed in a real tailgating environment.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc6fkePAJoo
As you can see from the video, the Blacktop 360 is the definition of versatility. Most tailgating grills are just that. A grill and not much else. Not much you can do with a grill other than grill traditional grilling foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, steaks, shish kabobs, etc. If you want cook breakfast foods like scrambled eggs, hash browns, pancakes, etc. you had to buy an accessory like the Sizzle-Q to convert your grill to a flat surface griddle. And forget using your grill for other items because the griddle takes up the majority of the space and almost all of the heat. If you wanted to keep food warm while cooking more grub on a traditional tailgating grill, you needed to buy an after-market raised grill rack. If you wanted to fry something like fresh french fries or onion rings, you needed to buy a separate portable deep fryer. With the Blacktop 360, you have your traditional grilling surface, a griddle surface, a warming area and a deep fryer all in one unit. The best part is that if you don’t want to deep fry anything at that particular tailgate, you can use the frying basin to keep your queso dip warm, make chili, soup for those cold January NFL playoff tailgates or even use it as a wok to stir-fry veggies. Take a look at the details and specs on this tailgating grill/fryer and then read the details of our testing of the product and if it gets the TailgatingIdeas.com “Tailgate Approved” stamp of approval.
Main Features:
- Deep Fryer, Infrared Grill, Griddle and integrated Warming Plate
- Independent temperature controls
- 24,000 BTUs total with three separate cooking functions
- 650o F+ ceramic infrared grill burner
- Super-durable double porcelain enamel cook surface
- Portable with storage/carrying bag included
- No assembly required
Details:
- Stainless steel burner construction
- Stainless steel and ceramic Infrared burner
- Electronic pulse ignition (requires one AA battery—not included)
- Optional hose attachment for 20 lb. propane tank
- All-steel powder-coated and enameled folding frame
- Insulated handles with integrated tool holders
- Accessory rail for cutting board or additional equipment
- Lid fits over grill, griddle or warming plate.
- Cooking surface has a dedicated drain channel and supplied insulated oil holder
- Rubber feet for stability and protection
- Included accessories: Cutting board, slosh ring, thermometer, liquid catch bottle, three-position cover, storage/carrying bag
Dimensions:
- Set-up unit measures 31W x 31L x 30.5H inches
- Retail box 30W x 11L x 29.5H inches
- Retail weight is 37 lbs.
Here is a gallery of photos we shot while testing out the Blacktop 360 on Labor Day 2011. Click each image to see greater detail individually.
