Do you love cooking outdoors? Then you must be familiar with the magic of Blackstone griddles. These versatile appliances are perfect for whipping up everything from juicy burgers to fluffy pancakes in no time. But once the cooking is over, the real task begins- cleaning the griddle. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Cleaning your Blackstone griddle is crucial for its longevity and performance. Though it may seem intimidating at first, it’s actually a pretty straightforward process if you have the right tools and techniques. In this blog post, we’ll take you through all the essential steps of cleaning your Blackstone griddle- from prepping the surface to deep cleaning after use.
We’ll also share some amazing tips and tricks to help you remove stubborn stains, greasy buildups, and rust that can accumulate on the surface over time. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to clean your Blackstone griddle like a pro and keep it looking brand new.
So put on your apron and grab those cleaning gloves because we’re about to dive into an epic guide on how to clean your beloved Blackstone griddle.
Contents
Types of Blackstone Griddles
If you’re looking to buy a Blackstone griddle, it’s essential to know the different types available in the market. This knowledge can help you choose the right one for your needs and also make it easier for you to clean them. Here are the different types of Blackstone griddles and their unique features and functionalities.
Classic Blackstone Griddle
The classic Blackstone griddle is a must-have for grill enthusiasts. Its flat cooking surface made of high-quality steel is perfect for cooking a variety of dishes, from pancakes to burgers and everything in between. Cleaning is a breeze, too, as all you need is a scraper or spatula to remove any food residue.
Outdoor Griddle
Outdoor Blackstone griddles are designed explicitly for outdoor use and have a larger cooking surface than indoor griddles. They typically come with a propane tank attached to provide heat for cooking. These griddles are ideal for camping trips, picnics, and backyard barbecues.
Indoor Griddle
Indoor Blackstone griddles are smaller than outdoor griddles and do not require a propane tank. Instead, they plug into an electrical outlet to provide heat. These griddles are perfect for those who want to cook indoors, like in their kitchen.
Portable Griddle
Portable Blackstone griddles are smaller and lighter than traditional griddles, making them easy to transport. They are often used for camping or tailgating and can be set up quickly.
Combination Grill
Combination grills are designed to be both a grill and a griddle. They typically have a grill on one side and a griddle on the other, offering the best of both worlds.
Restaurant-Style Griddle
Restaurant-style Blackstone griddles are large, heavy-duty griddles typically used in restaurants or commercial kitchens. They require specialized cleaning techniques and should only be cleaned by professionals.
No matter which type of Blackstone griddle you choose, it’s essential to clean and maintain it regularly. Regular cleaning will ensure that your griddle remains in top condition for years to come. By following the manufacturer’s instructions and using the correct cleaning methods, you can keep your Blackstone griddle looking and functioning like new.
Cleaning a Stainless Steel Griddle
But with great power comes great responsibility – in this case, the responsibility of keeping your griddle clean and in top condition. Fortunately, cleaning a stainless steel griddle is a straightforward process that will ensure your griddle stays in good condition for years to come.
Here’s how to clean your blackstone griddle:
Step 1: Wait for it to cool down
Before you start cleaning your griddle, make sure it has cooled down to a safe temperature. Safety first.
Step 2: Scrape away large debris
Using a scraper or spatula, remove any large debris or excess grease from the surface. This step will make the cleaning process easier and quicker.
Step 3: Apply cooking oil
Apply a small amount of cooking oil to the griddle surface. The oil will help loosen any remaining food particles and make them easier to remove.
Step 4: Scrub away remaining food particles
Using a heat-resistant scraper or pad, gently scrub away any remaining food particles. Avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool or metal scrapers that can damage the surface of the griddle.
Step 5: Wipe down with a clean cloth
After scrubbing, wipe down the griddle with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess oil and food debris. It’s essential to keep your griddle dry after cleaning to prevent rust and corrosion.
Step 6: Use a commercial griddle cleaner (if necessary)
If there are any stubborn stains or burnt-on residue that won’t come off with regular cleaning, try using a commercial griddle cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel surfaces. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and rinse the griddle thoroughly before cooking on it again.
Cleaning a Black Powder-Coated Griddle
First and foremost, ensure that the griddle has cooled down completely before attempting to clean it. Once it’s cool, use a scraper or spatula to remove any large food debris or excess oil. This will make the cleaning process much easier and efficient.
Next, choose a commercial griddle cleaner that is specifically designed for black powder-coated surfaces. Apply the cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing off any remaining food residue with a scrub pad or grill brick. If there are any stubborn stains or burnt-on grease, consider using a degreaser or vinegar solution to help break down the grime.
However, be sure to avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool on your black powder-coated griddle as they can scratch or damage the surface. Additionally, steer clear of harsh chemicals that may react negatively with the coating.
Once you’ve completed the cleaning process, rinse off the griddle thoroughly with water and use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry it off. Do not leave any leftover cleaner or residue on the griddle as this can affect the taste of your food and potentially harm your health.
To summarize, here are some essential steps for cleaning your black powder-coated griddle:
- Allow the griddle to cool completely before cleaning it.
- Use a scraper or spatula to remove large food debris or excess oil.
- Choose a commercial griddle cleaner specifically designed for black powder-coated surfaces.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool.
- Rinse off the griddle thoroughly with water and dry it off with a clean cloth.
Why Seasoning is Important
One of the most fundamental steps in caring for your griddle is seasoning it. Seasoning refers to the process of coating the griddle surface with oil and heating it to a high temperature, creating a non-stick layer. This layer helps prevent food from sticking to the surface and makes cleaning easier.
When you first purchase your Blackstone griddle, it’s vital to season it before using it. This initial seasoning ensures that the surface is clean and ready for cooking. To season your griddle, start by thoroughly cleaning it with hot soapy water and drying it completely. Then, apply a thin layer of oil such as vegetable or flaxseed oil to the surface. Heat the griddle on high heat for about 20 minutes until the oil starts to smoke. Once the smoking stops, turn off the heat and let the griddle cool down. Repeat this process two to three times until you have created a smooth non-stick surface.
But that’s not all. Even after seasoning your Blackstone griddle, you need to continue maintaining it by adding a new layer of oil after every use. This step helps keep the surface non-stick and prevents corrosion. After cooking, allow the griddle to cool slightly before adding a small amount of oil and using a paper towel or cloth to spread it evenly across the surface.
Now that you know how to season your Blackstone griddle let’s talk about why it’s so important. Here are a few reasons:
- Prevents food from sticking: A well-seasoned griddle creates a non-stick surface, which means your food won’t stick and tear when you try to flip it over.
- Makes cleaning easier: A non-stick surface makes cleaning up a breeze. Just wipe it down with a paper towel or cloth, and you’re good to go.
- Prevents corrosion: By seasoning your griddle regularly, you’ll prevent it from rusting or corroding over time.
How to Season Your Blackstone Griddle
If so, it’s time to invest in a Blackstone griddle. But before you start cooking up a storm, you need to properly season your griddle. Seasoning creates a non-stick surface that will make cooking and cleaning a breeze. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Clean the Griddle
First things first, make sure your Blackstone griddle is clean and free from any debris or food residue. Use a scraper or spatula to remove any large pieces of food.
Step 2: Heat Up the Griddle
Turn on the heat to high and let the griddle warm up for about 10-15 minutes. This will help burn off any leftover oil or debris from previous cooking sessions.
Step 3: Apply Oil
Once the griddle is hot, it’s time to apply oil. You can use any type of oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Pour a small amount onto the surface and spread it around with a paper towel or cloth. Be sure to spread the oil evenly across the entire surface of the griddle.
Step 4: Let It Smoke
Let the oil cook into the surface for about 10-15 minutes until it starts to smoke. This process helps create a non-stick surface on the griddle.
Step 5: Repeat
Repeat this process several times until your Blackstone griddle has a dark, non-stick coating. The more you season your griddle, the better it will perform.
Step 6: Wipe Away Excess Oil
After seasoning, let the griddle cool down completely before wiping away any excess oil with a cloth or paper towel.
It’s important to note that you should season your Blackstone griddle after every use to maintain its non-stick surface and prevent food from sticking. And when cleaning your griddle, avoid using soap or harsh chemicals as this can damage the non-stick surface. Instead, use a scraper or spatula to remove any remaining food debris and wipe down with a damp cloth or paper towel.
Tips for Regular Maintenance of Your Blackstone Griddle
Here are some tips for regular maintenance that will help keep your griddle in top condition.
Clean Your Griddle After Each Use
Cleaning your griddle is the first step in maintaining it. After each use, scrape off any food debris with a scraper or spatula, then wipe down the surface with a damp cloth or paper towel. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the surface of your griddle. A clean griddle not only prevents rust and corrosion but also ensures even and efficient cooking.
Season Your Griddle Regularly
Regular seasoning is key to maintaining the non-stick surface of your griddle. To season your griddle, start by cleaning it thoroughly with soap and water, then drying it completely. Next, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface, making sure to cover all areas. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point. Heat the griddle on high for 15-20 minutes to allow the oil to bake onto the surface. Repeat this process regularly to maintain a well-seasoned griddle.
Keep Your Griddle Covered
When not in use, keep your Blackstone griddle covered with a weather-resistant cover. This will protect it from the elements and prevent rust from forming. A cover is particularly important if you keep your griddle outside. A good quality cover will ensure that your griddle stays dry and free from dust, dirt, and debris.
Keep Your Griddle Dry
After cleaning your griddle, make sure to dry it thoroughly before storing it away. Moisture can cause rust and other damage to the surface of your griddle. Use a clean towel to dry the surface after cleaning. If you’re storing your griddle for an extended period, add some silica gel packs inside the cover to absorb any moisture.
Check for Damage
Regularly inspect your griddle for any signs of damage such as cracks, dents, or rust spots. If you notice any damage, address it immediately to prevent further deterioration. You can touch up minor scratches with a high-temperature grill paint. For more significant damage, contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement options.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Blackstone Griddle
Maintaining the cleanliness of your Blackstone griddle is paramount for its longevity and enhancing your grilling experience. However, cleaning it with the wrong methods or materials can cause damage to the surface. Here are five things to avoid when cleaning your Blackstone griddle:
Avoid abrasive cleaners
Using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials such as steel wool on your griddle surface can scratch and damage the non-stick coating, leading to rusting. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap or detergent mixed with water to clean the surface.
Don’t use metal utensils
Metal utensils or scrapers can also scratch and damage the non-stick coating of your griddle’s surface. To prevent this, use wooden or plastic utensils that are gentler on the surface.
Avoid excess water
While it’s necessary to keep the surface clean and free from grease buildup, too much water can cause rusting over time. To prevent this, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the surface after each use, and dry it thoroughly with a clean towel or cloth.
Don’t leave it outside
Leaving your griddle outside or in a damp place can cause rusting and damage to the surface. If you need to store it outside, make sure to cover it with a waterproof cover to protect it from the elements.
Avoid using harsh chemicals
Using chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or oven cleaner on your griddle surface can damage the non-stick coating and affect the taste of your food. Instead, stick to mild soap or detergent mixed with water for cleaning.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining your Blackstone griddle is crucial for its longevity and optimal performance. Luckily, cleaning it doesn’t have to be a daunting task with the right tools and techniques. Whether you own an outdoor, indoor, classic, portable, combination grill or restaurant-style griddle, choosing the appropriate cleaning method is essential. For instance, stainless steel and black powder-coated griddles require different approaches.
Regular maintenance is also key to keep your griddle in top-notch condition. This involves cleaning it after every use, seasoning it regularly to create a non-stick surface that makes cleaning easier, covering and keeping it dry when not in use, inspecting for damage and avoiding abrasive cleaners or metal utensils that can cause harm.
By following these tips and tricks on how to clean your beloved Blackstone griddle like a pro, you can ensure that it remains looking brand new for years to come. Don’t make common mistakes such as leaving it outside or using harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of your griddle.
