Seasoning a Blackstone griddle is an essential step in maintaining the surface of your griddle, ensuring better cooking performance, and increasing the griddle’s lifespan. If you’re a fan of outdoor cooking, or you recently purchased a how to season blackstone griddle, learning how to properly season it can make a world of difference. This process creates a protective layer on the surface of the griddle, preventing rust and providing a non-stick cooking experience that improves with each use.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about seasoning a Blackstone griddle, step-by-step, as well as some tips and best practices to keep your griddle in top shape.
What is how to season blackstone griddle?
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle involves applying oil to the cooking surface and then heating it to a high temperature so that the oil bonds to the metal. This creates a protective coating that not only prevents rust but also provides a non-stick surface for cooking. Over time, the seasoning process builds up a layer of oil that makes cooking on the how to season blackstone griddle easier and more enjoyable, much like seasoning a cast-iron skillet.
Why Should You Season Your Blackstone Griddle?
There are several key reasons why seasoning your Blackstone griddle is essential:
- Rust Prevention: The griddle surface is made of steel, which is prone to rust when exposed to moisture and air. Seasoning creates a barrier that protects the metal from water and air, preventing rust from forming.
- Non-Stick Surface: Seasoning builds up a layer of oil that makes it easier to cook on your griddle. It creates a non-stick surface, preventing food from sticking and allowing for better food release. This is especially important when cooking foods like pancakes, eggs, or fish.
- Improved Flavor: As you continue to season your griddle, the layers of oil develop and enhance the flavor of your food. The more you cook on a well-seasoned griddle, the more the flavors will improve over time.
- Durability: Properly seasoned griddles last longer. The seasoning helps protect the griddle from damage caused by cooking, moisture, and oxidation.
What You’ll Need for the Seasoning Process
Before you start seasoning your Blackstone griddle, make sure you have the following materials ready:
- Blackstone Griddle (new or already used)
- Cooking Oil: You’ll need a high-smoke-point oil for seasoning. Some of the best options include vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil. Avoid oils with low smoke points like olive oil or butter.
- Paper Towels or Rags: These will be used for wiping and spreading the oil.
- Tongs: These are necessary for handling the hot paper towels.
- Scraper or Spatula: To remove excess oil after seasoning.
- Heat Source: A propane tank (if you’re using a gas-powered griddle).
- Gloves: To protect your hands from the heat while seasoning.
- A Clean Cloth: To wipe the griddle after the seasoning process.
Step-by-Step Guide to how to season blackstone griddle
Step 1: Preheat Your Griddle
Before applying oil, you should preheat your Blackstone griddle. This will help open up the pores of the metal and prepare it for seasoning. If you’re using a gas-powered Blackstone griddle, follow these steps:
- Turn on your griddle and set the burners to medium-high heat.
- Allow the griddle to heat up for about 10-15 minutes. You should notice the surface becoming slightly discolored, which is a sign that the metal is starting to expand and prepare for the oil.
- If you’re seasoning a new griddle, it’s a good idea to run it for a few minutes to burn off any factory oils or coatings that may be present.
Step 2: Clean the Griddle Surface
Once your griddle is preheated, you need to clean the surface. It’s important that there is no dirt, dust, or oils on the griddle before you begin the seasoning process. Follow these steps to clean the surface:
- Take a clean cloth or rag, dip it in warm water, and wipe down the entire griddle surface.
- Use a spatula or scraper to remove any debris or grease that may have accumulated.
- Wipe down the surface with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.
Step 3: Apply the Oil
Next, it’s time to apply the oil to your how to season blackstone griddle surface. This is the most important part of the seasoning process. The oil forms a protective layer, so you want to make sure you use a thin, even coating.
- Use a clean paper towel or rag to apply a thin layer of your chosen oil over the entire griddle surface. Be sure to cover all areas, including the sides of the griddle.
- Use tongs to hold the paper towel or rag, ensuring your hands stay safe from the heat.
- Apply only a thin coat—if the oil is too thick, it can create sticky spots, which may interfere with cooking and the seasoning process.
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Step 4: Heat the Griddle
Once you’ve applied the oil, it’s time to heat the griddle to the point where the oil begins to smoke. This process is crucial because it ensures the oil bonds to the griddle surface. Follow these steps:
- Turn on the burners to medium-high heat.
- Let the griddle heat for 20-30 minutes. The oil will start to smoke, which is normal. This is called the “smoke point” of the oil, and it’s when the oil starts to polymerize and bond to the surface.
- If you notice any spots where the oil pools, use a spatula or scraper to spread it out more evenly.
- Keep an eye on the griddle, and don’t let it overheat to the point where the oil starts to burn or turn black.
Step 5: Let the Griddle Cool
After 20-30 minutes of heating, turn off the griddle and let it cool down completely. This cooling period allows the seasoning to set properly and harden on the surface.
- Allow the griddle to cool for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for an hour or more.
- Once the griddle is cool, you should notice a smooth, non-stick surface with a slight shine to it.
Step 6: Repeat the Process
For best results, it’s recommended to repeat the seasoning process 3-4 times. Each time you apply a new coat of oil and heat the griddle, you will build up additional layers of seasoning. This will make the griddle more non-stick and durable.
Step 7: Regular Maintenance and Use how to season blackstone griddle
Once your Blackstone griddle has been properly seasoned, maintaining the seasoning layer is easy. Regular cooking and cleaning will naturally build up the seasoning over time. However, it’s essential to take care of your griddle to ensure its longevity and performance:
- Clean the griddle after each use: Use a scraper to remove food remnants and wipe down the surface with a damp cloth. Afterward, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface while it is still warm to maintain the seasoning.
- Avoid using soap: Soap can strip the seasoning from the griddle. Stick to using warm water and a scraper or cloth to clean the surface.
- Re-season when necessary: If your griddle starts to show signs of rust or the surface becomes sticky, you may need to re-season it. Simply repeat the seasoning process to restore the non-stick surface.
Common Seasoning Mistakes to Avoid
While seasoning your Blackstone griddle is a straightforward process, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid:
- Applying Too Much Oil: It’s important to apply a thin, even layer of oil. Using too much oil can result in a sticky or uneven surface.
- Not Heating the Griddle Enough: Make sure you let the griddle heat to the appropriate temperature, so the oil bonds properly. If the griddle doesn’t get hot enough, the oil won’t bond effectively, leading to a weak seasoning layer.
- Using Low Smoke-Point Oils: Avoid using oils with low smoke points, like olive oil or butter. These oils can break down at high temperatures and won’t provide a durable seasoning.
- Not Repeating the Process: To achieve a truly non-stick surface, you should repeat the seasoning process multiple times, ideally 3-4 times.
Conclusion
How to season blackstone griddle is an essential step for ensuring that your griddle performs well, lasts longer, and provides a non-stick cooking surface. The process is simple, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully and repeat the process as necessary. By doing so, you’ll enjoy better cooking results, prevent rust, and extend the life of your Blackstone griddle.
