Seasoning a Blackstone griddle for the first time can seem a little tricky, but don’t worry—this article will walk you through everything you need to know to make your griddle non-stick and ready for cooking. Whether you’re new to outdoor cooking or a seasoned pro, this process will ensure you get the best results.
Why Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle Is So Important
Before diving into the step-by-step process of seasoning your Blackstone griddle, let’s first discuss why it’s necessary. Seasoning your griddle is a key step in maintaining its performance, extending its life, and achieving the perfect cook every time.
When you season a Blackstone griddle, you’re essentially creating a layer of seasoning on the surface. This layer will provide a non-stick surface, protect the metal from rust, and help enhance the flavor of your food. Here's why this process is crucial:
Prevents Rust and Corrosion
Your griddle is made of metal, and just like any other metal surface, it can rust if exposed to moisture. The seasoning acts as a protective barrier, preventing water and moisture from directly contacting the metal and causing rust. Rust can be a nightmare and could significantly shorten the lifespan of your griddle, so proper seasoning is vital.
Enhances Flavor
Believe it or not, seasoning your griddle also improves the taste of your food! When done right, the seasoning layer can add a slight smokiness to whatever you’re cooking, which can make your meals taste even better. The layer of seasoning creates a more even heat distribution across the surface, which means your food will cook more consistently and evenly.
Non-Stick Surface
Once seasoned, your griddle will have a smooth, non-stick surface that makes cooking and cleaning much easier. No more worrying about food sticking to the griddle while you’re cooking. This makes everything from pancakes to steaks much easier to flip and cook!
Now that you know why seasoning your Blackstone griddle is so important, let’s dive into how to actually do it!
Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle
Now comes the fun part—seasoning your griddle! While this process takes a little time, it’s fairly simple and will pay off in the long run.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin seasoning your griddle, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Blackstone griddle (new or seasoned for the first time)
- High-smoke point oil (like vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil)
- Paper towels or a cloth
- Griddle scraper
- Heat-resistant gloves (for handling hot surfaces)
- Lighter fluid or propane tank (depending on your griddle model)
Having everything ready will make the process smoother and less stressful, so get all of your supplies together before you start.
Clean Your Griddle Surface
Even if your griddle is brand new, it's essential to clean it before seasoning it. This ensures there are no manufacturing oils or other residues that could interfere with the seasoning process. Follow these simple steps to clean the surface:
- Turn on the griddle and heat it up for about 10 minutes.
- Turn it off, and using your griddle scraper, carefully scrape off any excess oil or debris from the cooking surface.
- Once the surface has cooled, wipe it down with a clean cloth or paper towels to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
- Finally, clean the edges and the drip tray area as well to make sure your griddle is ready for the next step.
Cleaning the griddle thoroughly ensures you start with a smooth, clean surface to work on, so don't skip this step!
Apply the Oil
Once your griddle is clean and cool, it's time to start applying the oil. Make sure you use a high-smoke point oil. Oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil work best for this purpose. Here’s how you apply it:
- Pour a small amount of oil onto the surface of the griddle.
- Using a paper towel or cloth, spread the oil evenly across the entire cooking surface, making sure to cover every inch. Don't forget the edges!
- Apply a thin, even layer—too much oil will make the surface sticky, which is something you want to avoid.
Heat the Griddle
Now that you've applied the oil, it's time to heat the griddle. This will allow the oil to bond to the metal and form the protective, non-stick seasoning layer. Here's how to heat the griddle:
- Turn the griddle on to medium heat and let it heat up for about 10-15 minutes. You'll notice the oil begin to smoke—this is normal, and it's a sign that the oil is starting to bond to the griddle surface.
- Let the griddle smoke until the oil has completely burned off. This process can take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much oil you applied.
Repeat the Process
You will need to repeat the oil application and heating process several times (usually 3-4 times) to build up a solid layer of seasoning. Each time you apply oil and heat the griddle, you'll notice that the surface will start to darken. This darkening is a sign that the seasoning is taking hold.
- After each layer of oil has heated and smoked off, allow the griddle to cool slightly before applying the next coat.
- Keep repeating this process until you've built up several thin layers of seasoning.
Let It Cool
Once you've finished applying all of your layers, let the griddle cool completely. This will allow the seasoning to set and harden into a durable layer. After cooling, your griddle should have a nice, dark, shiny appearance, which means it’s ready to cook!
Maintaining Your Blackstone Griddle Seasoning
Now that you’ve successfully seasoned your Blackstone griddle, it's important to maintain that seasoning so that it continues to perform well. Here are a few tips to help you keep your griddle in great shape:
Clean After Every Use
After cooking, always clean your griddle to prevent food residue from building up and potentially damaging the seasoning. Use a griddle scraper to remove any leftover food, then wipe the surface down with a paper towel or cloth. If there's any oil left on the griddle after cleaning, it's a good idea to apply a thin layer of oil before storing it.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
While it’s tempting to use strong cleaners or soap, avoid doing so on your Blackstone griddle. These harsh products can strip the seasoning and damage the surface. Instead, use mild cleaners or just warm water and a cloth to wipe down your griddle.
Reapply Oil When Necessary
If you notice the surface starting to lose its non-stick properties, it's a sign that the seasoning is wearing thin. You can reapply oil and repeat the heating process to restore the seasoning layer. This is especially important if you notice food starting to stick or if your griddle begins to show signs of rust.
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle for the first time is an important and rewarding task. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy a long-lasting, non-stick surface that will make cooking and cleaning much easier. Follow these steps to ensure your griddle is in top shape, and remember to maintain it over time. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to season a new Blackstone griddle?
Yes, it is important to season a new Blackstone griddle. New griddles come with a protective coating that needs to be removed, and seasoning will provide the non-stick surface necessary for great cooking performance.
Can I use any oil to season my griddle?
No, it's best to use oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil. These oils can handle the high heat required for seasoning without burning or smoking excessively.
Do I need to season my griddle every time I cook?
No, you don't need to season your griddle every time. After the initial seasoning, you only need to apply a thin layer of oil after each use to maintain the seasoning.
Is it possible to over-season my Blackstone griddle?
Over-seasoning can happen if you apply too many thick layers of oil at once. This can create a sticky surface. It's important to apply thin layers of oil and heat the griddle properly to avoid this.
Can I season my griddle indoors?
It’s not recommended to season your griddle indoors because the heating process produces a lot of smoke. It’s best to do this outside where the smoke won’t be a problem.
Do I need to remove the protective coating before seasoning?
Yes, you should remove any protective coating on a new griddle before seasoning it. This can usually be done by heating the griddle and scraping off the coating.
Is it okay to cook on the griddle right after seasoning?
Yes, once your griddle has cooled after seasoning, it's ready to cook on. Just make sure it's clean, and you've applied a thin layer of oil before cooking.
Can I use my griddle without seasoning?
It's not advisable to use your Blackstone griddle without seasoning it first. Cooking without seasoning can result in food sticking to the surface and may cause the griddle to rust.