Anyone have tips for upgrading 36" Blackstone from 38,000 BTU?

[DanBurnsFood]

Just got a 36" Blackstone with 38,000 BTU. I will be converting it to NG before I use it.

They claim that with the new Omnivore top, that 38,000 BTU is sufficient.

Now, I'm not saying I'm going to try to do it for sure, especially if it does what I need it to, but if by chance it isn't enough, is there a way to increase the BTU output?

There really isn't a regulator once you go to NG, so I'm wondering about whether or not ordering prior 60,000 BTU model valves is a possibility, or if it's kind of a done deal.

 

[Winterrider]

According to your Avatar name, you better not !
Just kidding , the bigger orfice valves would be about it, if they fit.

 

[clifish]

Just got a 36" Blackstone with 38,000 BTU. I will be converting it to NG before I use it.

They claim that with the new Omnivore top, that 38,000 BTU is sufficient.

Now, I'm not saying I'm going to try to do it for sure, especially if it does what I need it to, but if by chance it isn't enough, is there a way to increase the BTU output?

There really isn't a regulator once you go to NG, so I'm wondering about whether or not ordering prior 60,000 BTU model valves is a possibility, or if it's kind of a done deal.

what are you doing to convert it to NG?

 

[JIMSMOKES]

I swapped out my regulated hose to a adjustable one. Now I can freeze the tank up and turn the griddle blue if I want to

 

[DanBurnsFood]

what are you doing to convert it to NG?

Blackstone sells a kit with new orifices and a hose

 

[DanBurnsFood]

According to your Avatar name, you better not !
Just kidding , the bigger orfice valves would be about it, if they fit.

They put me on the spot when my first user name choice was taken...I got too honest LOL

 

[Fueling Around]

Contact Black Stone for the conversion

 

[BigW.]

Griddles get very hot. I don't ever cook anything with all burners full flame.

 

[DougE]

NG doesn't burn as hot as LP, so it's not a direct swap. As long as you get the conversion kit from Blackstone, it should run about the same BTUs. It will consume more fuel to get the same heat, but will work.

 

[DougE]

NG doesn't burn as hot as LP, so it's not a direct swap. As long as you get the conversion kit from Blackstone, it should run about the same BTUs. It will consume more fuel to get the same heat, but will work.

Upon looking around, Blackstone may only offer NG kits for their built-in cooktops, but there are plenty of aftermarket options available.

 

[DanBurnsFood]

So the NG conversion kit (model 5395) I ended up ordering from Blackstone has Orifices for the Omnivore (1.55mm orifice) and Legacy (2.0mm orifice) griddles. This would account for the BTU difference based upon some of the information I've found.

I've also found some info on using a pin vise to hand drill the original orifices out to try to hit a spot somewhere in between if I only need a little boost to hit my desired temps. The originals would be extra at this point anyhow once I have the kit.

It may be a while before I get around to converting it, but I figured I'd follow up with what I found in case anyone else may be wondering.

 

[dsk]

The changed orifice diameter sets the fuel/air ratio for NG rather than propane. Too big = yellow, lower temp flames without much BTU increase.

 

[DanBurnsFood]

The changed orifice diameter sets the fuel/air ratio for NG rather than propane. Too big = yellow, lower temp flames without much BTU increase.

Right...forgot to mention - I may need to adjust the burner air inlet or if that's not possible - get replacement burners.....on the "to do" list

 

[DanBurnsFood]

Just a follow up on the adventure...

Tried installing the conversion kit orifices and was maxing out around 480-520 degrees in the center, on the highest setting, in a warm garage, with no wind (just for testing - it will be moved outside for use). Edges were running around 400-440-ish.

I then removed the new orifices because I wanted just a bit more heat, for when I might use it outside in the winter...I Still want to be able to hit 400-450 without a problem.

Ultimately, I didn't end up using any of the orifices from the conversion kit that I ordered, because I figured I'd practice with the propane orifices that were originally installed.

I removed the orifices, used a pin vise and a 1.8 mm drill bit to drill out the hole (for roughly 12,000 BTU / burner).

Then I tested each one and adjusted each burner gate until no yellow (also until the blue did not leap off of the burner).

Then I reinstalled the griddle top and retested. This time, on high, after ~ 30 minutes, I was able to hit 580-625 degrees. No, I don't plan on using it that high...just like having a big engine under the hood. :-) still have pretty good low temps as well.

All in all, not too bad.

I'll keep the other Orifices in case I find some use....