Grilling is more than just a pastime; it’s an art form. And for any artist, their tools are their most prized possessions. The Blackstone Griddle is one such tool that consistently ranks as one of the best outdoor cooking appliances. With unmatched versatility and ease of use, this griddle can take your culinary experience to new heights. However, like any other cooking tool, it requires proper maintenance and seasoning to ensure peak performance and longevity.
So, do you season a Blackstone Griddle? Absolutely. Seasoning is the process of sealing the griddle with a coating of oil to prevent rust and corrosion, stop food from sticking to the surface, and improve the overall flavor and appearance of cooked food. A well-seasoned griddle not only enhances the taste of your food but also makes cleaning and maintenance much easier.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into how to season a Blackstone Griddle and provide some helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your griddle outlasts its warranty. We’ll cover various seasoning methods, discuss which oils work best for the Blackstone Griddle, and advise on how often you should be seasoning your griddle. Whether you’re an experienced grill master or a novice cookout enthusiast, this post will give you all the guidance you need to keep your Blackstone Griddle performing at its best.
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What Type of Oil Should You Use for Seasoning?
Not only does it affect the flavor of your food, but it also impacts the longevity and performance of your griddle.
The go-to oil for seasoning a Blackstone griddle is flaxseed oil. It boasts a high smoke point and creates a hard, durable coating on your griddle surface. However, it can be difficult to find and expensive in some areas. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, vegetable oil is widely available but has a lower smoke point and may not provide as long-lasting of a coating.
Don’t forget about other oils that can do the job, such as canola oil, grapeseed oil, and even bacon grease. Just make sure to steer clear of oils with low smoke points like olive oil, which can result in a sticky and uneven seasoning layer.
Once you’ve chosen your oil, make sure to apply it correctly. Start by cleaning and drying the griddle surface thoroughly before applying a thin layer of oil with a paper towel or brush. Heat the griddle on medium-high until it begins to smoke before letting it cool completely. Repeat this process multiple times to create a strong and even seasoning layer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning a Blackstone Griddle
Look no further, because we’ve got the ultimate guide to seasoning your Blackstone Griddle like a pro. This crucial process not only creates a non-stick surface, but it also prevents rust and prolongs the life of your griddle. So, let’s get started on achieving mouth-watering meals every time.
Step 1: Clean your Blackstone Griddle
Before seasoning your griddle, make sure it’s clean. A thorough cleaning with warm soapy water and a sponge will remove any dirt or debris on the surface. Rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.
Step 2: Apply Oil
Next, apply a thin layer of high smoke point oil such as vegetable or canola oil on the surface of your griddle. You can use a paper towel or brush to spread the oil evenly.
Step 3: Heat the Griddle
Turn on your Blackstone Griddle to high heat and let it heat up for about 15 minutes. This will open up the pores of the metal and allow the oil to seep in.
Step 4: Let the Oil Burn Off
Don’t fret when you see smoke and fumes coming from your griddle. This simply means that the oil is bonding with the metal surface. Let the oil burn off completely until there are no more smoke or fumes coming from the griddle.
Step 5: Repeat the Process
To ensure that your Blackstone Griddle is seasoned correctly, repeat steps 2 to 4 two to three times until you notice that the surface has turned dark brown or black.
Remember, seasoning your Blackstone Griddle is an ongoing process. Repeat this process every few months or after heavy use for optimal results. Avoid using too much oil, as this can cause your food to taste greasy.
Benefits of Regularly Reseasoning a Blackstone Griddle
If so, then you know how essential it is to keep your equipment in top-notch condition. And one of the most crucial steps in doing so is regularly reseasoning your Blackstone griddle. This simple yet powerful technique has numerous benefits that every griller should be aware of.
Firstly, seasoning your Blackstone griddle creates a natural non-stick surface that ensures even cooking and prevents food from sticking. This helps preserve the integrity of your food and ensures it cooks to perfection every time. Plus, with a non-stick surface, flipping and turning your food becomes a breeze, making cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Moreover, rust and corrosion are the biggest enemies of any grill enthusiast. But don’t fret; reseasoning your griddle regularly helps prevent rust and corrosion from developing over time due to exposure to moisture and other elements. This not only keeps your griddle looking shiny and new but also ensures that your food remains safe to consume.
Another benefit of reseasoning your Blackstone griddle is that it helps extend its lifespan by protecting it from wear and tear. With proper seasoning, your griddle is less likely to be scratched or damaged during regular use, making it a worthwhile investment for any avid griller. This means you can enjoy cooking on your Blackstone griddle for years to come without worrying about constant repairs or replacements.
Lastly, keeping your griddle clean is essential for maintaining its overall hygiene. A well-seasoned griddle is much easier to clean as food particles are less likely to stick to its surface. This reduces the risk of bacterial growth and cross-contamination, ensuring that your food is safe for consumption.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seasoning a Blackstone Griddle
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is key to maintaining its top-notch condition and ensuring delicious meals every time. However, there are common mistakes that can affect the overall quality of the seasoning process. To optimize your grilling experience, we’ve compiled a list of the four most common mistakes to avoid when seasoning a Blackstone griddle.
First on the list is not cleaning the griddle properly. Before starting the seasoning process, ensure that your Blackstone griddle is thoroughly cleaned. Skipping this step or not cleaning it well enough can lead to a poor seasoning process, resulting in unsatisfactory cooking results.
Secondly, using too much oil can do more harm than good. While oil is necessary for seasoning your Blackstone griddle, using too much can cause the oil to pool on the surface and create an uneven seasoning. This leads to hot spots and uneven cooking.
Thirdly, not heating up your griddle enough can be detrimental to the seasoning process. To ensure that the seasoning adheres properly, heat up your Blackstone griddle to a high temperature before applying any oil. If you don’t heat it up enough, the seasoning won’t adhere properly and will be more likely to flake off.
Finally, after seasoning your Blackstone griddle, make sure it cools down completely before using it. If you start cooking on it too soon, the seasoning can become damaged, affecting its quality and longevity.
How Often Should You Reseason Your Blackstone Griddle?
The answer lies in how frequently you use it.
For frequent grilling, it’s recommended that you season your Blackstone every few uses or whenever you notice the surface becoming sticky or difficult to clean. On the other hand, occasional grillers can go longer between seasoning sessions.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that seasoning is a one-and-done process. Over time, the seasoning on your griddle will wear down and may need to be reapplied. This is especially true if you use harsh cleaning products or cook acidic foods that can erode the seasoning.
So how do you know when it’s time to reseason your beloved Blackstone? A water bead test is a good indicator. Simply sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface of your griddle. If the water beads up and rolls off, your seasoning is still good to go. However, if the water spreads out and doesn’t bead up, it’s time to reseason your griddle.
To maintain its non-stick surface and prevent rust or other damage, keep an eye on the condition of your Blackstone griddle and reseason it as needed. Here are some tips to help:
- Clean your griddle after each use with a soft brush or scraper.
- Avoid using harsh cleaning products that can damage the seasoning.
- Store your griddle in a dry place to prevent rust.
Tips for Maintaining Your Blackstone Griddle Properly
Proper maintenance not only ensures that your griddle lasts for years but also guarantees optimal performance every time you use it. Here are some steps necessary to maintain your Blackstone Griddle properly:
Clean after use:
Cleaning your griddle after every use is crucial. Use a scraper to remove any leftover food debris and wipe the surface with a damp cloth. This helps prevent any food buildup on the surface, making it easier to clean later. Neglecting to clean your griddle after use can make cleaning more difficult and affect its non-stick properties.
Season regularly:
Seasoning your Blackstone Griddle helps create a non-stick surface that prevents rusting and corrosion. To season your griddle, spread a thin layer of oil all over the surface and heat it for about 30 minutes. Repeat this process several times before using your griddle. This ensures that your griddle is well-seasoned, making it easier to cook on and preventing food from sticking to the surface.
Store in a dry place:
When not in use, store your griddle in a dry place to prevent rusting and damage. Cover it with a grill cover or any other protective cover to prevent dust, debris, and insects from getting into the surface. Storing your griddle in a dry place also helps avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to rusting.
Use the right tools:
Only use tools that are specifically designed for griddle cooking, such as spatulas and scrapers, to avoid damaging the surface. Using the wrong tools can cause scratches or other damage to the surface of your griddle, affecting its non-stick properties and making cleaning more difficult.
Avoid harsh chemicals:
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your griddle as they can damage the surface. Instead, use mild soap and warm water to clean the surface. Harsh chemicals can strip away the non-stick coating and cause scratches or other damage to the surface, affecting its performance and longevity.
Cleaning Your Blackstone Griddle After Each Use
Here, I’m excited to share with you the essential steps for cleaning your Blackstone Griddle after each use, so that you can enjoy both of these benefits.
Step 1: Cool Down and Scrape Away Debris
The first step in cleaning your Blackstone Griddle is to allow it to cool down completely after use. Once it’s cooled, use a scraper or spatula to remove any excess food debris or grease from the surface. Consistent scraping in one direction will prevent scratches on the surface of your griddle.
Step 2: Wipe Down with Oil
After removing debris, take a cloth or paper towel and apply a light layer of oil to the griddle surface. This helps prevent rust and maintain its non-stick surface. Remember to use a high smoke point oil such as vegetable or canola oil.
Step 3: Remove Stubborn Stains
For stubborn stains or residue, don’t worry. You can easily remove them by making a paste with equal parts water and vinegar or baking soda. Simply apply the paste to the stain and scrub gently using a soft-bristled brush.
Step 4: Store Your Griddle in a Cool, Dry Place
Once you’ve completed cleaning your Blackstone Griddle, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent moisture buildup and ensure the longevity of your griddle.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, seasoning your Blackstone Griddle is a crucial step in keeping it in top-notch condition and ensuring mouth-watering meals every time. The process involves applying a thin layer of oil to the griddle surface, creating a natural non-stick coating that guarantees even cooking and prevents food from sticking. While flaxseed oil is the preferred choice due to its high smoke point and ability to create a hard, durable coating on the griddle surface, vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or even bacon grease can also do the job.
Regularly reseasoning your Blackstone Griddle offers numerous benefits. It creates a non-stick surface that preserves the quality of your food while preventing rust and corrosion from developing over time due to exposure to moisture and other elements. Additionally, it extends its lifespan by protecting it from wear and tear while making it easier to clean as food particles are less likely to stick to its surface.
To maintain your Blackstone Griddle properly, clean it after every use with mild soap and warm water. Regularly season it with high smoke point oils such as flaxseed or vegetable oil. Store it in a cool dry place when not in use and utilize tools specifically designed for griddle cooking like spatulas and scrapers. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the surface.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Blackstone Griddle performs at its best for years to come.
