Seasoning your new Blackstone griddle is essential for creating a naturally non-stick cooking surface and protecting it from rust. This process, similar to seasoning cast iron cookware, involves baking layers of oil onto the griddle top. Here’s your guide to properly season your Blackstone griddle and ensure years of delicious outdoor cooking.
The initial step in seasoning a Blackstone griddle involves thorough cleaning. Begin by washing the flat top grill surface with hot, soapy water. Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any manufacturing oils or residues. After scrubbing, rinse the surface thoroughly with hot water to eliminate all soap traces. Completely dry the griddle surface using clean paper towels, ensuring no moisture remains.
Next, you need to heat up your griddle. Preheat the Blackstone griddle over high heat for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll notice the stainless steel or cold-rolled steel surface start to change color, indicating it’s hot enough for the seasoning process. This initial heating also helps to further clean the surface by burning off any remaining factory coating.
Once the griddle is hot, turn off the heat source and allow it to cool down slightly. It’s important to apply oil while the griddle is still warm but not scorching hot, making it safer to handle. Now, apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil across the entire griddle surface. For Blackstone griddles, suitable oils include flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or even extra virgin olive oil. Blackstone also offers its own Cast Iron Conditioner, which is specifically formulated for this purpose.
Use paper towels to spread the oil uniformly across the entire flat top surface, ensuring you reach every corner and edge. The goal is a very thin layer – you should almost feel like you’ve wiped most of it off. Excess oil can become sticky and prevent proper seasoning.
After applying the oil, turn the heat back on to high. Allow the griddle to heat up again until the oil begins to smoke. This smoking process is crucial; it signifies that the oil is polymerizing and bonding to the griddle surface, creating the seasoned layer. Continue heating until the smoking subsides or stops.
Repeat the oiling and heating process 2 to 3 times, or even more, until you achieve a smooth, dark, and even surface across your Blackstone griddle top. Each layer builds upon the previous one, enhancing the non-stick properties and durability of the seasoning.
Finally, after the last seasoning layer, turn off the heat and let the seasoned griddle cool completely. Once cooled, use paper towels and tongs to wipe off any excess oil. This prevents any sticky residue from forming as the griddle cools down completely. Congratulations, your Blackstone griddle is now properly seasoned and ready for cooking! You’ve mastered the art of seasoning a flat top grill.
Does a Blackstone Griddle Come Pre-Seasoned?
A common question among new owners is whether Blackstone griddles are pre-seasoned from the factory. The answer is no, Blackstone griddles do not come pre-seasoned in the traditional sense. They do, however, have a factory coating applied to protect the steel during shipping and storage. This coating isn’t for cooking and must be removed before the initial seasoning process.
Removing this factory coating is straightforward and is often the first step in the seasoning process itself. Preheat your griddle on high for 10-15 minutes. Then, using oil and paper towels or a clean cloth, gently wipe down the hot surface. This will remove the factory coating, preparing the griddle for proper seasoning. Always wear heat-resistant gloves during this step to protect your hands from the hot griddle surface.
Following this initial cleaning, proceed with the seasoning steps outlined above to create a food-safe and non-stick surface on your new Blackstone griddle. Proper initial seasoning and consistent maintenance are key to the longevity and performance of your griddle.
What is the Best Oil for Blackstone Griddle Seasoning?
Selecting the right oil is crucial for effective Blackstone griddle seasoning. Flaxseed oil is often cited as the best oil for initial seasoning due to its high drying properties, which help create a hard, durable seasoning layer. However, flaxseed oil can be prone to flaking if the layers are too thick.
Other excellent options for seasoning and regular maintenance include:
- Vegetable Oil: A readily available and affordable option with a decent smoke point.
- Canola Oil: Similar to vegetable oil, canola oil is a good all-purpose choice for seasoning.
- Avocado Oil: Has a higher smoke point than vegetable or canola oil, making it a great choice for high-heat cooking and seasoning.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: While usable, it has a lower smoke point compared to other oils, so use it in thinner layers and be mindful of temperature.
- Blackstone Cast Iron Conditioner: Specially formulated by Blackstone, this product is designed for seasoning and maintaining their griddles, offering a convenient and effective option.
Ultimately, the best oil is one with a high smoke point to withstand the griddle’s heat without burning and that you have readily available. Avoid using butter or animal fats for seasoning as they have low smoke points and can become sticky or rancid.
How Do You Know When to Re-Season a Griddle?
Knowing when to re-season your Blackstone griddle is essential for maintaining its non-stick properties and preventing rust. Here are a few key indicators:
- Food Sticking: If you notice food starting to stick to the griddle surface more than usual, it’s a sign that the seasoning layer may be wearing thin and needs refreshing.
- Discoloration or Rust: Any signs of discoloration, bare metal spots, or rust indicate that the protective seasoning is compromised and re-seasoning is necessary.
- Water Test: Perform a simple water test. Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the griddle surface. If the water beads up and rolls around, the seasoning is in good shape. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly or spreads out, it’s time to re-season.
Regularly observing your griddle’s surface will help you determine when re-seasoning is needed, ensuring optimal cooking performance and longevity.
Clean and Dry the Griddle Surface Regularly
Consistent cleaning is paramount for maintaining your Blackstone griddle. After each use, while the griddle is still warm, use a metal spatula or scraper to remove food residue. For tougher buildup, you can pour a little water onto the warm griddle to steam clean and loosen debris, then scrape it away.
Once the griddle has cooled down completely, wipe the surface with paper towels to remove any remaining grease and moisture. Always ensure the griddle is thoroughly dry after cleaning to prevent rust. A light coat of oil after cleaning and drying can further protect the seasoning layer, especially before storing the griddle.
How Long Does It Take To Season a Blackstone Griddle?
The initial seasoning process for a new Blackstone griddle typically takes around an hour to complete, including the multiple layers of oil application and heating cycles. Each layer application and heating cycle takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
For re-seasoning, the process may be quicker, especially if you are just touching up a few spots. However, for a full re-seasoning, plan for about the same amount of time as the initial seasoning to ensure a robust and even layer.
Can I Use Soap and Water to Clean My Blackstone Griddle?
Yes, you can use mild soap and water to clean your Blackstone griddle, but sparingly. Excessive use of soap and water can degrade the seasoning layer over time. If you do use soap, ensure it is a mild dish soap and use it only when necessary for stubborn food residue.
After using soapy water, rinse the griddle thoroughly with clean water and immediately dry it completely. Follow up with a thin layer of oil to re-establish the protective seasoning. For routine cleaning, hot water and scraping are usually sufficient, minimizing the need for soap.
Can I Use Butter to Season My Blackstone Griddle?
No, using butter to season your Blackstone griddle is not recommended. Butter has a low smoke point and contains milk solids and water, which can prevent proper polymerization and lead to a sticky or uneven seasoning. Butter is also more prone to burning and creating off-flavors at high griddle temperatures.
Stick to high smoke point oils like those mentioned earlier (flaxseed, vegetable, canola, avocado oil, or Blackstone conditioner) for effective and durable seasoning.
What Is a Smoke Point?
The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it begins to break down and produce smoke. When an oil reaches its smoke point, it not only starts to smoke but also can release acrid flavors and potentially unhealthy fumes.
For seasoning a Blackstone griddle, it’s important to use oils with high smoke points. This allows the oil to get hot enough to polymerize and bond to the metal without burning or creating a sticky mess. Knowing the smoke point of your chosen oil helps you manage the seasoning process effectively.
What Should I Do If My Blackstone Griddle Starts to Rust?
Rust can occur on a Blackstone griddle if the seasoning is compromised or if moisture is left on the surface. If you find rust, don’t worry, it can be removed:
- Remove Rust: For light rust, use a mixture of coarse salt, a mild abrasive like baking soda or soap powder, and a little water to create a paste. Scrub the rusted areas with a stiff brush or scouring pad. For heavier rust, you might need a more abrasive tool like steel wool or a specialized rust eraser. Blackstone also offers cleaning kits that include tools and solutions for rust removal.
- Clean Thoroughly: After removing the rust, clean the area with soap and water, rinse well, and dry completely.
- Re-season: Once dry, re-season the affected area following the standard seasoning steps. Apply thin layers of oil and heat until smoking, repeating as needed to rebuild the seasoning layer.
Regular seasoning and proper storage in a dry place are the best ways to prevent rust.
How Long Does It Take To Season a Blackstone Over Time?
The initial seasoning process is crucial, but maintaining the seasoning over time is an ongoing aspect of Blackstone griddle ownership. After the initial seasoning, with regular use and proper care, the seasoning layer will continue to improve and become more robust.
Between cooks, simple cleaning and a light coat of oil after each use are usually sufficient to maintain the seasoning. However, periodically assess the griddle surface for signs of wear or sticking and perform re-seasoning as needed. The frequency of re-seasoning depends on how often you use your griddle and how well you maintain it. Observing the griddle’s condition and reacting to signs of wear will ensure it remains well-seasoned for years of cooking.
Bonus Tip: Maximize Your Blackstone Griddle Cleaning
For an even easier cleanup after cooking on your Blackstone griddle, try this bonus tip: After scraping off the majority of food debris while the griddle is still warm, pour a bit of water onto the surface. The steam created will help loosen any remaining stuck-on food. Use your spatula to push the water and debris towards the grease trap. Wipe clean with paper towels, dry the surface, and apply a thin layer of oil to maintain the seasoning. This steam-cleaning method can significantly simplify your post-cooking cleanup routine.
