Are you the proud owner of a Blackstone Griddle or considering purchasing one? If so, you may be wondering whether seasoning your griddle is necessary before cooking on it. The answer is a resounding yes. Seasoning your Blackstone Griddle is an essential step to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
But why is seasoning so important? When you cook on a griddle, high heat causes polymerization to occur on the surface of the metal. This process creates a natural non-stick surface that prevents food from sticking to the griddle. However, when you first get your hands on a Blackstone Griddle, the cooking surface isn’t seasoned yet, which means it’s not naturally non-stick.
Not only does seasoning provide a non-stick surface for your griddle, but it also protects it from rust and corrosion. A seasoned griddle will develop a protective layer that acts as a barrier against moisture, which can cause rusting and ultimately shorten the lifespan of your griddle.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into all the reasons why you should season your Blackstone Griddle and how to do it effectively. Whether you’re an experienced griddler or just starting out, this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything from the benefits of seasoning to step-by-step instructions on how to season your griddle like a pro. So let’s get started.
Contents
What is Blackstone Griddle?
Look no further than the Blackstone Griddle, a versatile and durable flat-top grill that is quickly becoming a must-have for any backyard barbecue.
Firstly, the Blackstone Griddle is built to last. Made of high-quality materials, it features a large cooking surface that distributes heat evenly thanks to its cold-rolled steel construction. This means that you can cook up a variety of foods with ease, from breakfast staples like eggs and bacon to dinner favorites like burgers and steaks.
But what really sets the Blackstone Griddle apart is its versatility. Its large surface area makes it perfect for cooking for large groups, while its ability to use propane gas or charcoal as a heat source means you can customize your cooking experience. Plus, the griddle can handle almost anything you throw at it. Whip up pancakes and French toast for breakfast, grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, or even stir fry for dinner.
Before using the Blackstone Griddle, it’s important to note that it needs to be seasoned. This involves coating the surface with oil and heating it to create a non-stick surface that will make cleanup easier. But once seasoned, you’ll be ready to impress your guests with your culinary skills.
Benefits of Seasoning a Blackstone Griddle
Here, we’ll be diving into the various benefits of seasoning a Blackstone griddle, so let’s get started.
First and foremost, seasoning your Blackstone griddle creates a non-stick surface that prevents food from sticking to the griddle. This non-stick surface also makes cleaning the griddle after cooking a breeze. You don’t want your pancakes or eggs to stick to the surface when you’re cooking up a storm, right?
But that’s not all. One of the primary benefits of seasoning a Blackstone griddle is that it protects the metal from rust and corrosion. Rust can be a real problem for any metal item exposed to moisture, which is why creating a barrier against moisture and oxygen is vital. The seasoning process creates that barrier by creating a layer of polymerized oil on the surface of the griddle. This layer prevents the metal from oxidizing and corroding over time, which can extend the life of your Blackstone griddle.
Additionally, seasoning your Blackstone griddle improves the flavor of your food. A properly seasoned griddle creates a natural non-stick surface that allows food to cook evenly without sticking. This results in better-tasting food and more consistent cooking results. Who doesn’t want their food to taste amazing every time they cook?
Finally, seasoning your Blackstone griddle helps prevent food from absorbing unwanted flavors or odors from previous meals. When you cook on an unseasoned griddle, the metal can absorb flavors and odors from your food, which can affect the taste of future meals. By seasoning your Blackstone griddle, you create a barrier between the metal and the food, preventing unwanted flavors or odors from being absorbed.
How to Season a Blackstone Griddle
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle is an essential step in preparing it for cooking. It creates a non-stick surface that makes cooking and cleaning so much easier. In this guide, we will break down the process into easy-to-follow steps and help you season your Blackstone griddle like a pro.
Step 1: Clean the Griddle
The first step in seasoning your Blackstone griddle is to clean it thoroughly. Use soap and water to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of the griddle. A clean surface ensures that the oil adheres to the griddle better, creating a stronger non-stick coating.
Step 2: Apply Oil
Next, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface of the griddle. You can use any oil that has a high smoking point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil. Use a paper towel or brush to spread the oil evenly across the surface of the griddle. Make sure not to apply too much oil as it can create a sticky and uneven layer.
Step 3: Heat the Griddle
Once you have applied the oil, turn on the heat and let the griddle heat up for about 15 minutes. This allows the oil to seep into the pores of the metal and create a non-stick surface. The heat also helps to open up any remaining dirt or debris on the surface.
Step 4: Let It Smoke
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the griddle cool down. Once it has cooled down, wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel. Then turn on the heat again and let it smoke. The smoking indicates that the oil has polymerized, creating a non-stick layer on the surface of the griddle. Repeat this process several times until you notice a dark brown or black color on the surface.
Step 5: Repeat
It is important to repeat the seasoning process several times before using your Blackstone griddle for cooking. The more you season your griddle, the better its non-stick surface will become. Regular seasoning also helps to protect the griddle from rust and corrosion, extending its lifespan.
Step 6: Maintain
After each use, clean your griddle with a scraper or spatula and wipe it down with a paper towel or cloth. Reapply a thin layer of oil before storing it away. Regular maintenance ensures that your Blackstone griddle remains in top condition and provides excellent results every time you cook on it.
Different Types of Oils for Seasoning
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle is essential for maintaining a non-stick surface and ensuring its longevity. The type of oil you choose to season your griddle with plays a significant role in achieving that goal. Here are five types of oils that are commonly used for seasoning Blackstone griddles:
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is a popular and affordable option for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. It has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, which makes it ideal for cooking at high temperatures without burning or smoking. However, it may not be as durable as some other oils, and you may need to reapply it more frequently.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is another favorite among grilling enthusiasts for seasoning their Blackstone griddles. It creates a hard, non-stick surface that can withstand high temperatures and repeated use. However, it can be expensive and may require multiple coats to achieve the desired level of seasoning.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is similar to vegetable oil in that it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point. It’s also affordable and readily available in most grocery stores, making it an excellent option for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. However, like vegetable oil, it may not be as durable as other oils.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a unique flavor profile and natural anti-bacterial properties that make it an attractive option for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. It also has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for cooking at high temperatures. But it can be expensive and may not be as durable as other oils.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a relatively new option that’s gaining popularity among home cooks and chefs alike for seasoning their Blackstone griddles. It has a high smoke point, neutral flavor, and is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body. However, it can be costly compared to other oils.
Heating the Griddle for Seasoning
Look no further than a proper seasoning process. But before you jump into seasoning, it’s crucial to heat your griddle first.
Why is heating the griddle so important? Think of it like opening up the pores of your griddle. This allows the oil to penetrate deeper into the metal during seasoning, resulting in a more thorough and effective process. The end result? A durable, non-stick surface that can handle high temperatures and frequent use.
To heat up your Blackstone griddle, simply turn on the burners and set them to high heat. Let the griddle heat up for at least 10-15 minutes until it reaches a temperature of around 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures an even and thorough heating process for optimal seasoning results.
Once your griddle is heated up, it’s time to start seasoning. Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or grapeseed oil and apply a thin layer across the entire surface, including the edges and corners. Spread the oil evenly with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Allow the oil to cook into the surface for at least 30 minutes or until it starts smoking lightly. You may need to repeat this process several times for optimal results. With each additional layer of seasoning, your Blackstone griddle becomes even more non-stick and durable.
Cleaning and Maintaining a Seasoned Griddle
Whether you’re an experienced chef or just starting out, it’s important to understand how to clean and maintain your seasoned griddle for optimal performance and longevity. With a few simple steps, you can keep your griddle in top condition and cook up mouth-watering meals for years to come.
To start, scrape off any remaining food debris with a scraper or spatula after cooking. This will make cleaning much easier and prevent any leftover food from sticking to the surface. Once the griddle has cooled down, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe it down. Avoid using soap or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the seasoning that makes your griddle non-stick.
To maintain the seasoning on your griddle, apply a thin layer of oil after each use. Any high smoke point oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil will do the trick. This will help prevent rust and keep the surface of your griddle non-stick.
If you notice any rust on your griddle, don’t worry. Simply scrub it off with steel wool or a grill brush and re-season the surface. To do this, heat up the griddle and apply a thin layer of oil using a paper towel. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, then wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth.
In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, proper storage is essential for keeping your griddle in great condition. Make sure it is completely dry before storing it in a cool, dry place. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier to prevent rust.
To sum it up, here are the steps for cleaning and maintaining your seasoned griddle:
- Scrape off any remaining food debris after cooking.
- Wipe down with a damp cloth once the griddle has cooled down.
- Apply a thin layer of oil to maintain the seasoning and prevent rust.
- Remove rust with steel wool or a grill brush and re-season the surface if necessary.
- Properly store your griddle in a cool, dry place.
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Conclusion
In summary, seasoning your Blackstone Griddle is a crucial step that cannot be overlooked if you want to enjoy the full benefits of this cooking appliance. Not only does it create a non-stick surface that makes cooking and cleaning a breeze, but it also protects the metal from rust and corrosion.
Furthermore, a well-seasoned griddle enhances the flavor of your food while preventing unwanted flavors or odors from previous meals. To achieve the perfect seasoning, start by cleaning the surface thoroughly before applying a thin layer of oil.
Next, heat up the griddle for at least 15 minutes to allow the oil to seep into the pores of the metal and create a non-stick surface. Repeat this process several times until you notice a dark brown or black color on the surface.
After each use, clean your griddle with a scraper or spatula and wipe it down with a paper towel or cloth. Reapply a thin layer of oil before storing it away to ensure that it remains in top condition and provides excellent results every time you cook on it.
When choosing an oil for seasoning, opt for high smoke point oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil or avocado oil.
