How to Season a Blackstone Griddle: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you intimidated by the thought of seasoning your Blackstone griddle or flat top grill? Many people are afraid of doing it wrong, but don’t worry, in this guide, you will find step-by-step instructions for how to season a Blackstone griddle, whether it’s brand new or you need to do maintenance.
What Does it Mean to Season a Griddle or Flat Top Grill?
Seasoning a griddle is the process of building up layers of baked-on oil or fat on the surface of your griddle, similar to seasoning a cast iron skillet. The layers of seasoning help to protect your griddle from rust and create a nonstick cooking surface. The seasoning naturally wears out over time, and it’s necessary to maintain and replace those layers with a re-seasoning process.
Why You Need to Season Your Griddle
There are two primary reasons to season your griddle: to prevent rusting and to create a non-stick surface. A proper seasoning can help protect your griddle’s surface from rust by repelling water. A well-seasoned griddle creates a non-stick, smooth, and glass-like surface. Thin layers of seasoning help to fill in those microscopic rough parts on the metal surface to prevent food from sticking.
What is the Best Oil to Season a Blackstone Griddle?
Choosing the right oil is critical to the seasoning process. High heat oils work best because they won’t burn and they create a nice, strong seasoning layer on your griddle. The best oils for seasoning a Blackstone griddle or flat top grill are avocado oil, canola oil, and peanut oil. Solid vegetable shortening is also an excellent choice because it’s inexpensive and easy to find.
How to Season a Blackstone Griddle
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle is a straightforward process that consists of several steps:
Clean the Griddle Surface
Make sure the griddle or flat top grill surface is wiped clean of debris.
Ignite the Griddle
Turn all knobs to set burners to high. Wait for approximately 10–15 minutes until your griddle top starts to discolor.
Add Oil
Pour a light amount of high smoke point cooking oil on the griddle top.
Spread the Oil
Use cooking tongs or heat resistant gloves to hold folded paper towels. Spread the cooking oil over the surface of the griddle top using the paper towels. Be sure to cover every part of the griddle top, including corners and sides.
Heat the Griddle
Allow the griddle to heat on high. Smoking will occur as the oil begins to bond with the surface of the griddle top, creating a stick-resistant surface.
Repeat the Process
When the griddle top has stopped smoking and there isn’t a noticeable amount of sheen, repeat steps three to five at least three times.
Cook on the Griddle
After repeating the seasoning steps, start cooking on your griddle top to develop a nicely seasoned surface.
Tips for Maintaining the Griddle Seasoning
Maintaining a well-seasoned griddle is not a one-time process. You need to do it regularly to maintain the non-stick surface and prevent rust.
Clean the Griddle
A clean griddle is a happy griddle. Clean your griddle after every use to remove any food residue and prevent build-up that can damage the seasoning.
Oil the Griddle
Always oil your griddle after each use to replace the seasoning lost during cooking. Apply a light coating of oil using a clean cloth or paper towel.
Store the Griddle Properly
Store your griddle in a cool, dry place to prevent rusting. Use a quality Blackstone Griddle cover to protect your griddle from the elements.
Conclusion
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle or flat top grill is an essential step in owning this awesome piece of outdoor cooking equipment. Follow these easy-to-follow steps, and you’ll have a nicely seasoned surface that will give you years of cooking pleasure. Remember to maintain your griddle, and it will reward you with a perfect non-stick surface.
FAQs
1. Do I need to season my Blackstone griddle even if it’s not new?
Yes, it’s necessary to maintain and replace the seasoning layers with a re-seasoning process even if your griddle is not new.
2. Can I use any type of oil for seasoning my Blackstone griddle?
No, it’s essential to choose a high heat oil that won’t burn and that creates a strong seasoning layer such as avocado oil, canola oil, and peanut oil.
3. How often should I oil my Blackstone griddle?
It would be best to oil your Blackstone griddle after each use to replace the seasoning lost during cooking.
4. How long does the seasoning on a Blackstone griddle last?
The seasoning on your Blackstone griddle can last for several weeks depending on how frequently you use it. You can tell it’s time to re-season when food begins to stick to the surface.
5. Can I use soap to clean my Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can use soapy water to clean your Blackstone griddle. Be sure to rinse the surface thoroughly and then dry it before re-seasoning.
