Cleaning your Blackstone griddle might seem tricky at first, but once you know the right steps, it’s a breeze! Keeping your griddle clean not only helps it last longer, but it also ensures your food tastes better. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced griddle user, this article will show you everything you need to know. From deep cleaning to everyday maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Grab your cleaning tools, and let’s dive in!
Why Cleaning Your Blackstone Griddle is So Important
Keeping your Blackstone griddle clean is more than just about appearance; it’s essential for both your griddle’s performance and your health. When you use your griddle to cook delicious meals, leftover food particles, grease, and oil build up.
If you don't clean it regularly, these leftovers can cause unwanted smells, affect the taste of your food, and even start a fire hazard. In this section, we'll explore the importance of cleaning your griddle in detail and show you how easy it can be to do the job right.
Prevents Build-Up and Rust
A dirty griddle can quickly accumulate food scraps, oil, grease, and carbon, all of which can form hard-to-remove build-ups. Over time, these buildups can damage the surface of your griddle, leading to rust and a shorter lifespan for your equipment. The more you clean your griddle, the less chance there is of these issues, keeping it in good condition.
Ensures Better Cooking and Taste
The build-up of food residue can affect the way heat is distributed on the surface, leading to uneven cooking. You want your food to cook evenly, right? Regular cleaning will ensure that the heat is evenly spread across the surface, so your food always cooks perfectly. Plus, cleaning keeps any old flavors from sticking around, so your meals taste fresh every time.
Reduces Fire Risks
Over time, grease and oils can collect under your griddle and form a layer that can catch fire. When you clean your griddle properly, you reduce the risk of grease fires and maintain a safe cooking environment.
How to Clean Your Blackstone Griddle After Every Use
The best time to clean your Blackstone griddle is right after cooking, when the surface is still warm. Doing so makes it easier to scrape off food particles and grease. In this section, we'll break down the steps for cleaning your griddle after each cooking session.
Let the Griddle Cool Down (But Not Too Much!)
After you finish cooking, let your griddle cool down a little bit, but not completely. A warm griddle makes it much easier to clean off grease and food particles. However, don't wait too long because a hot griddle will clean more easily than one that's cooled down completely. Aim for the griddle to be warm but safe to touch with a cloth or scraper.
Use a Griddle Scraper
Once the griddle has cooled slightly, use a griddle scraper or spatula to scrape off any leftover food, grease, and oils. These scrapers are designed to be gentle on the griddle surface, so you don't have to worry about scratching it. Hold the scraper at a slight angle and gently push any debris toward the grease trap.
Wipe Down the Surface
After scraping, use a paper towel or a clean cloth to wipe down the griddle's surface. This will pick up any remaining oil and grease. For best results, you can use a bit of warm water with a few drops of dish soap to help remove tougher spots. Just make sure not to pour water directly onto the griddle—dampen your cloth instead.
Season the Griddle
After each cleaning, it's a good idea to season your griddle to protect the surface and keep it non-stick. Simply apply a thin layer of oil (vegetable oil or flaxseed oil works best) over the entire cooking surface and heat it up for a few minutes. This creates a protective layer that prevents rust and keeps food from sticking.
How to Deep Clean Your Blackstone Griddle
Sometimes, your Blackstone griddle will need a more thorough cleaning. Deep cleaning is usually necessary every few weeks or after a particularly messy cooking session. In this section, we'll guide you through the steps to give your griddle a deep clean so it looks like new again.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have all the right tools. You'll need:
- Griddle scraper
- Heavy-duty paper towels or cloths
- Water and dish soap
- Griddle cleaning blocks or pads (optional)
- Steel wool or scrub brush (for tough spots)
- Cooking oil for seasoning
Heat Up the Griddle
To start the deep cleaning process, heat the griddle to medium-high for a few minutes. This will loosen up any food debris and grease, making it easier to clean. Once the griddle is hot, turn it off and let it cool slightly before you start cleaning.
Scrape Off Food and Grease
Use your griddle scraper to remove as much grease and food debris as possible. Be sure to scrape along the edges of the griddle as well, as this area can accumulate grease too. Once most of the debris is gone, you can move on to scrubbing.
Use a Cleaning Block or Steel Wool
If your griddle has built-up stains or spots that the scraper couldn't remove, you may need to use a griddle cleaning block or a piece of steel wool. These tools are perfect for getting rid of stubborn grease and grime without damaging the surface. Just be gentle and avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent scratching.
Wash with Soap and Water
Once you've scraped off most of the debris, you can use warm, soapy water to wash the surface. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any remaining grease. Don't forget to clean the edges and the grease trap area.
Dry and Season the Griddle
Once the griddle is clean, dry it thoroughly with a paper towel or cloth. Afterward, apply a thin layer of oil to the cooking surface to season it. This will keep the griddle surface smooth, non-stick, and protected from rust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use soap on my Blackstone griddle?
It's safe to use a small amount of mild dish soap when cleaning your Blackstone griddle, but it's essential to make sure that you dry it thoroughly afterward. Soap can remove some of the seasoning on the griddle, so you should always re-season it after cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they could damage the surface.
Can I clean my Blackstone griddle with just water?
Water alone is not enough to clean your Blackstone griddle. You'll need to use a scraper to remove food debris, grease, and oils first. After that, you can use warm water mixed with a little dish soap to clean the surface, followed by a thorough drying and re-seasoning. Water alone doesn't break down grease well, so it’s important to use other cleaning methods.
Do I need to season my Blackstone griddle every time?
Yes, it’s a good idea to season your Blackstone griddle after every cleaning session, especially if you’ve washed it with soap and water. Seasoning helps to build up a non-stick layer and protects the griddle from rust. Just apply a thin layer of oil to the surface and heat it for a few minutes to keep it in top condition.
Is it okay to use a metal scraper on my griddle?
Yes, using a metal scraper is perfectly fine on your Blackstone griddle, as long as you're gentle. A scraper is designed to help you remove built-up food and grease without damaging the surface. Just be sure to avoid using excessive force that might scratch the griddle or damage the seasoning layer.
Can I store my Blackstone griddle outside?
It's generally not recommended to store your Blackstone griddle outside without protection, especially in harsh weather conditions. If you have to store it outdoors, invest in a weatherproof cover to protect it from rain, snow, and humidity, which can cause rust. Always make sure to clean and season the griddle before storing it for an extended period.
Do I need special cleaning products for my Blackstone griddle?
No special cleaning products are required for your Blackstone griddle. You can clean it with standard dish soap, a scraper, and a sponge or cloth. If you want to deep clean, you can use a griddle cleaning block or steel wool, but make sure not to use anything too abrasive that might damage the griddle's surface.
Is it safe to use a grill brush on my Blackstone griddle?
It's not recommended to use a grill brush on your Blackstone griddle, as the bristles can sometimes damage the cooking surface or get stuck in the griddle. Instead, use a griddle scraper or cleaning block, which are designed specifically for this kind of surface. This will ensure that you don't harm the griddle's seasoning.
Can I cook on my Blackstone griddle right after cleaning it?
You can cook on your Blackstone griddle immediately after cleaning it, as long as you've dried it thoroughly and seasoned it if needed. This ensures the surface is protected and ready for cooking. Just make sure it's cool enough to touch before cleaning, and don't cook on it while it's still too hot.