Hey there, fellow grill masters. Are you thinking about getting your hands on a Blackstone griddle but not sure if it comes seasoned? Fear not, my friend, because I’m here to give you the lowdown. As someone who’s been grilling for years, I know how important seasoning is for any cooking surface – especially grills and griddles. Not only does it add an extra layer of flavor to your food, but it also helps prevent rust and corrosion.
Now, let’s talk about Blackstone griddles. These bad boys are all the rage in the outdoor cooking world thanks to their massive cooking surfaces, portability, and versatility. But the question remains: do they come pre-seasoned or not?
In this article, we’ll dig deep into whether or not Blackstone griddles come seasoned right out of the box. And if they don’t (spoiler alert: they don’t), we’ll give you some pro tips on how to season them yourself like a boss.
So get ready to fire up that grill (or in this case, griddle) and let’s dive into everything you need to know about Blackstone griddles and seasoning.
Contents
What is Seasoning?
Seasoning is a technique that involves applying a layer of oil to the surface of a griddle or any other cooking surface to prevent food from sticking and enhance its flavor. This process creates a natural non-stick surface that makes cooking and cleaning easier, while also protecting the surface from rust and corrosion.
Blackstone griddles are pre-seasoned straight out of the box, but it’s still recommended to season them again before using them for the first time. This ensures that you have a completely non-stick surface, which will make cooking more enjoyable. To season your Blackstone griddle, simply coat the surface with a thin layer of oil and heat it up to a high temperature. Let it cool down and then wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel. Repeat this process several times until you have built up a nice seasoning layer on the surface of the griddle.
The type of oil used for seasoning can vary, but commonly used oils include vegetable oil, canola oil, and flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is often touted as the best option for seasoning because it creates a hard, durable surface. However, any high smoke point oil can be used for seasoning. Experiment with different oils to find the one that works best for you.
It’s important to note that seasoning is not a one-time process. Over time, the layer of oil will wear away or become damaged due to heat exposure and cleaning. Thus, it’s necessary to re-season your griddle periodically to maintain its effectiveness. This involves applying a fresh layer of oil and heating it until it forms a protective layer.
Do Blackstone Griddles Come Pre-Seasoned?
If you’re a fan of griddles, you’ll understand the importance of seasoning. It’s an essential step that ensures your food cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the surface. That’s why you might be wondering if Blackstone griddles come pre-seasoned. The answer is no, but don’t let that discourage you. With just a little bit of effort, you can have a perfectly seasoned griddle that will provide you with years of delicious meals.
Blackstone griddles are constructed with a thin layer of oil that protects them during shipping and storage. However, this layer is not the same as seasoning. Seasoning involves applying a thin layer of oil to the griddle surface and heating it until it polymerizes into a non-stick coating. It’s a process that takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. A well-seasoned griddle will give you years of reliable service and delicious meals.
Fortunately, seasoning a Blackstone griddle is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Clean the Griddle Surface
Before you start seasoning, make sure your griddle is clean. Use a scraper or spatula to remove any excess food or debris.
Step 2: Apply Oil
Apply a thin layer of oil to the surface of your griddle. The best oils to use for seasoning are flaxseed or vegetable oil. Make sure to coat the entire surface evenly.
Step 3: Heat the Griddle
Turn on your griddle to high heat and let it heat up until the oil starts smoking. This indicates that the oil has polymerized and created a non-stick coating on your griddle.
Step 4: Repeat
Repeat this process several times until you have a good, solid seasoning on your griddle. The more you season your griddle, the better it will perform over time.
Benefits of Pre-Seasoning a Griddle
Firstly, pre-seasoning creates a non-stick surface on your griddle. No more struggling to flip delicate foods like fish or eggs without them sticking or falling apart. With a properly seasoned griddle, you can cook with ease and confidence, knowing your food will come out perfectly every time.
But that’s not all. Pre-seasoning also protects your griddle from rust and corrosion by creating an oil barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the metal. By regularly seasoning your griddle, you can ensure that it lasts for years without showing signs of wear and tear.
And let’s talk about flavor. As you use your griddle over time, the layers of seasoning build up, creating a depth and complexity of flavor that cannot be replicated with any other cooking method. Imagine biting into a juicy burger or steak cooked on a well-seasoned griddle, with a delicious smoky flavor that will have your taste buds singing.
Tips for Re-Seasoning a Blackstone Griddle
Maintaining the quality and performance of your Blackstone griddle is crucial for its longevity. Re-seasoning it is an important process that protects it from rust and other damages, ensuring that it continues to perform at its best. Here are five simple tips to help you re-season your Blackstone griddle effectively:
Step 1: Thoroughly Clean the Surface
Before applying any oil, it’s essential to clean the surface thoroughly. Use a scraper or spatula to remove any food debris or grease buildup. Then, use warm water and soap to clean the surface, making sure to rinse it well with water and dry it completely. This step ensures that the surface is free from any dirt or debris, allowing the oil to adhere properly.
Step 2: Choose Your Oil
The type of oil you use will depend on your preference, but it’s essential to choose an oil that has a high smoke point. Popular options include vegetable oil, canola oil, and flaxseed oil. Using an oil with a high smoke point helps prevent burning and smoking during cooking.
Step 3: Apply the Oil
After cleaning the surface, heat up your griddle on high heat for 10-15 minutes before applying the oil. Once it’s hot, pour a small amount of oil onto the surface and use a paper towel or cloth to spread it evenly. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including the sides and corners. Applying a thin layer of oil ensures that the surface is protected from rust and other damages.
Step 4: Heat It Up Again
After applying the oil, let the griddle cool down completely before wiping off any excess oil with a clean cloth. Once it has cooled down, turn on the heat source and set the temperature to high. Allow the griddle to heat up for 20-30 minutes until the oil begins to smoke and darken. This step helps to create a non-stick coating on the surface and builds up a layer of seasoning.
Step 5: Repeat the Process
Once the griddle has cooled down, wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat this process two to three times until you achieve a smooth and shiny surface on your griddle. It’s important to re-season your Blackstone griddle regularly, especially if you use it frequently, to maintain its quality and performance.
How to Properly Season a Blackstone Griddle
Seasoning not only creates a non-stick surface, but it also prevents rust and corrosion. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how to properly season a Blackstone Griddle.
Clean the Surface
Before seasoning your Blackstone Griddle, make sure to clean the surface thoroughly with hot water and a mild detergent. Rinse with clean water and dry completely before moving on to the next step. This will ensure that any dirt or debris is removed before you begin seasoning.
Apply Oil
Once the surface is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of oil to the entire surface of the griddle using a paper towel or cloth. Make sure to cover all edges and corners of the griddle with the oil. You can use any high smoke point oil such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil.
Heat Up the Griddle
Turn on the heat to high and let the griddle heat up until the oil begins to smoke. This indicates that the oil has reached its smoking point, which helps create a natural non-stick layer on the surface of the griddle. Let it smoke for 10-15 minutes.
Let it Cool
Once the oil has smoked, turn off the heat and let the griddle cool down completely. Once it has cooled, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess oil from the surface of the griddle.
Repeat
Repeat steps 2-4 two to three more times to build up a durable non-stick coating on the surface of your griddle. This will make cooking and cleaning easier and help prevent rust and corrosion. Remember to season your Blackstone Griddle after every use to maintain its non-stick surface and prevent rust.
Common Mistakes When Seasoning a Griddle
If you’re looking to step up your griddle cooking game, seasoning your griddle is an essential step to creating a non-stick surface and preventing rust and corrosion. However, even the most seasoned griddle chefs can make common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.
One of the most common mistakes when seasoning a griddle is neglecting the cleaning step. Any leftover debris or grease can interfere with the seasoning process, preventing the oil from bonding to the surface of the griddle. To avoid this mistake, give your griddle a thorough cleaning with soap and water before seasoning.
Another mistake is using too much oil when seasoning. While it may seem like more oil would lead to better seasoning, it actually creates a sticky and gummy surface that can be difficult to clean. Instead, use a light coating of oil and spread it evenly across the surface of the griddle.
Temperature is also a crucial factor when it comes to seasoning your griddle. If the griddle is too hot, the oil will burn and create an unpleasant smell. If it’s too cold, the oil won’t bond properly to the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heating up your griddle before seasoning.
Lastly, don’t forget to season your griddle regularly. Seasoning should be done every few months or after heavy use to maintain a non-stick surface and prevent rusting. Neglecting this crucial step can result in a poorly seasoned griddle that affects the taste of your food.
To recap, here are some common mistakes to avoid when seasoning your griddle:
- Skipping the cleaning step
- Using too much oil
- Not heating the griddle to the correct temperature before seasoning
- Neglecting regular seasoning
Best Oils to Use for Seasoning a Griddle
Seasoning your griddle is an important step in achieving the perfect cooking surface for your culinary creations, and the type of oil you use can make a significant difference. As an expert in griddle seasoning, I have researched and compiled a list of the top five oils to use when seasoning your griddle.
First on our list is flaxseed oil, which creates a hard, non-stick surface that is perfect for cooking. However, it’s important to note that flaxseed oil has a low smoke point, so it’s best used for low to medium heat cooking.
Next up is canola oil, which has a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-temperature cooking. It also creates a durable non-stick surface that will last for many uses. Canola oil is an excellent all-around choice for seasoning your griddle.
Third on our list is vegetable oil, an affordable and readily available option. While it has a high smoke point, it may not create as durable of a non-stick surface as other oils. If you’re on a budget, vegetable oil is a good option.
Coconut oil comes in at number four, with its natural antibacterial properties and sweet aroma. It creates a high-quality non-stick surface with a high smoke point, making it great for high-temperature cooking.
Last but certainly not least is avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and creates a durable non-stick surface on your griddle. Additionally, it’s packed with healthy fats and nutrients that are good for your body.
How to Maintain the Non-Stick Coating on a Blackstone Griddle
If you own a Blackstone griddle, you know its non-stick coating is essential to a seamless cooking experience. To ensure that the non-stick coating stays intact for years to come, proper care and maintenance are crucial. In this guide, we’ll go over five easy tips for maintaining the non-stick coating on your Blackstone griddle.
Keep it Clean
Cleaning the surface of your Blackstone griddle after each use is essential to prevent food particles from sticking to the surface and causing damage to the non-stick coating. To clean the surface, use a soft cloth or paper towel. If there are any stubborn food particles, use a plastic scraper to remove them gently.
Season Regularly
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle regularly will help create a natural non-stick surface by filling in any pores or gaps in the metal. To season your griddle, apply a thin layer of oil all over the surface and heat it up until it starts smoking. Then, let it cool down and wipe off any excess oil.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners and Metal Utensils
Harsh cleaners and metal utensils can scratch or damage the non-stick coating on your Blackstone griddle. Instead, use soft sponges or brushes and wooden or plastic utensils.
Oil It Up
Before each use, apply a thin layer of oil on the surface of your Blackstone griddle using a paper towel or brush. This will help create a barrier between the surface and the food, preventing it from sticking and also protecting the non-stick coating from damage.
Store Properly
Proper storage of your Blackstone griddle can also help maintain its non-stick coating. Keep it in a dry and cool place, away from any moisture or humidity that can cause rust or corrosion.
Conclusion
To sum up, Blackstone griddles may not come pre-seasoned right out of the box, but they do have a thin layer of oil to protect them during shipping and storage. However, seasoning your griddle is a crucial step in creating a non-stick surface that enhances the flavor of your food while preventing rust and corrosion.
The process of seasoning your Blackstone griddle is simple yet essential. First, clean the surface thoroughly, then apply a thin layer of oil before heating it up until it starts smoking. Once cooled down, wipe off any excess oil and repeat this process several times until you achieve a smooth and shiny surface on your griddle.
Maintaining the quality and performance of your Blackstone griddle is vital for its longevity. Regular seasoning helps maintain its non-stick surface and prevent rusting. Proper cleaning, avoiding harsh cleaners and metal utensils, applying oil before each use, and storing it properly can help maintain its non-stick coating.
When choosing an oil for seasoning your griddle, consider flaxseed oil for creating a hard non-stick surface or canola oil as an excellent all-around choice for high-temperature cooking.
By following these tips and techniques for seasoning and maintaining your Blackstone griddle’s non-stick coating, you can enjoy delicious meals cooked to perfection for years to come.
