If you’re a fan of outdoor cooking, then you know that a good griddle is key. And when it comes to griddles, the Blackstone is one of the best, but to get the most out of your Blackstone, you must season it properly.
This guide will show you all you need to season your brand new Blackstone griddle, but before we get into the good stuff, have you ever wondered if seasoning a Blackstone griddle is necessary?
Do you need to season a Blackstone griddle?
Yes. A new black stone griddle needs thorough seasoning before using it and here is why;
- To create a protective coat, season the griddles before using them for cooking.
- If you season your griddle well, use good quality oil and fat when cooking. The non-stick coating will become thicker and stronger. It will also develop a flavor that makes your cooking experience even better.
- A seasoned griddle is easier to clean than an unseasoned one.
Do Blackstone griddles come pre-seasoned?
No, Blackstone griddles do not come pre-seasoned. However, they are easy to season if you follow the instruction below on how to season a Blackstone Griddle.
Easy Steps On How To Season a Blackstone griddle for the first time
Materials Needed
- Soap and warm water
- Lint-free paper towels
- Tongs
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Any oil you want
Step 1: Wash With Mild Soap and Water
- Use mild soapy water to clean a new griddle for the first time; using soapy water cleanses the surface of any oil residue left by previous owners. It also removes dust from the griddle that may have accumulated during shipment.
- Pour 2 liters of warm tap/well-filtered drinking (or distilled) mineral or spring waters into a clean bucket. Add your liquid soap, stir gently, and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
- Pour a small amount at a time over the griddle using a paper towel. Use the paper towel to rub the griddle until it’s shiny and clean. Then rinse off with a clean running tap and wipe down with a clean paper towel before drying.
- If you’re using a seasoned cast iron skillet for cooking, don’t wash it in soapy water. Washing away the seasoning could remove the protective layer of metal oxide from the pan’s surface. Once the pan has been washed, it may no longer be able to properly retain heat.
Precautions: Use soap only on a new griddle or when you’re completely seasoning your plate because of rust or damage.
Step 2: Select Your Preferred Oil
Selecting an extra virgin olive oil or coconut fat for seasoning your Blackstone grill is preferable to using vegetable shortening. These fats form an excellent bonding between the grill plates and are easy to clean up after use. However, other types of oil work effectively as well.
Best Blackstone Seasoning Oil
- Blackstone Griddle Season and Conditioner
- Lard
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Flax oil
- Canola oil
- Vegetable oil
- Vegetable shortening oil
- Coconut oil
Precautions: Using oil with trans-fats may cause health issues such as liver damage, heart attacks, and unwanted fat accumulation.
Step 3: Turn on the Burners
Once the griddle has turned brown, turn off the burner and wait five minutes before moving on to the next steps.
Precautions:
- Ensure you’ve got enough propane/natural gaseous fuel to last you throughout the cooking process.
- Ensure your griddle has completely dried out before putting it on the stove.
- Set your griddle at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) if it has a specific temperature setting.
- Wear heat-resistant mittens to keep your hands warm.
Step 4: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil to the Cooktop
Lightly sprinkle some oil on the griddle. Use a piece of cloth to spread it evenly across the entire surface.
To avoid burning yourself, hold the piece of bread by the edges so that the oil doesn’t drip onto the surface of the pan. Make sure that the oil covers the entire surface evenly.
It doesn’t last long because it dries out quickly.
Step 5: Rub Some Oil on the Sides, Edges, and Corners
To clean up any leftover bits of fat from cooking, you can reuse the same piece of kitchen cloth you used to wipe down the stovetop. Ensure all the oil has been removed from all sides, corners, and walls.
Step 6: Let the Oil Smoke
After applying oil to the griddle, wait for 15 to 30 minutes before putting it on high. Once the griddle has turned black, let it burn until all the smoke disappears completely.
Burning the metal creates a chemical reaction with the oils, creating a strong bond between the two.
Step 7: Turn Your Griddle Off
After the smoke has completely dissipated, it is time to remove the pan from the heat source and allow it to cool down. Then you’re ready for the next step.
After letting the Blackstone rest for 10 minutes, hold your hand 1″ above the stove’s surface to see if the griddle is still hot.
Step 8: Repeat the Coating and Heating Process
You don’t need just one coat of seasoning; repeat the procedure twice or thrice until you get the right level of seasoning.
Spread an even layer of oil on top of the griddle. Let it get hot enough so that it smokes slightly. Mix up the types of oil to create a variety of flavored coats.
You could use the Blackstone Griddled Seasoning Oil for the first and second courses and then finish off with extra virgin olive oils for the third course.
Seasoning a cast iron griddle requires thin coats of multiple oils to achieve a deep, rich brown hue.
Step 9: Grease the griddle surface with some oil.
After completing the seasoning process, let the griddle cool down for a few minutes before using it again. Wipe off any excess grease from the griddle.
There you go! Your Blackstone griddle is now ready for cooking or storing.
Can You Reseason a Blackstone griddle?
Once the initial coating of your new Blackstone has been applied, you won’t need to season it again for quite some period of time. Every single use of your Blackstone will result in a fresh coat of seasoned oil.
To reseason your old Blackstone Griddle, follow these simple steps:
How To Reseason A Blackstone Griddle
- Clean the Surface of the Stovetop
Wash the Blackstone thoroughly with soap and water. Scrub away any food particles stuck to its surface.
- Remove Any Excess Oils
Use a paper towel to soak up any excess oil left behind after washing.
- Coat the Surface of the Griddle With Oil
Apply a thin layer of oil to the griddle’s surface. Wait for about 20 minutes before placing it back on the stovetop.
- Heat Up the Griddle
After waiting for the oil to dry, place the griddle over medium-high heat. Allow it to smoke lightly.
- Let It Rest
Let the griddle sit for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the heat source.
- Use the Griddle Again
Now that the griddle has cooled down, you are ready to cook with it.
How to Maintain Seasoning on a Blackstone Griddle
Avoid Using Strong soap or any other cleaning product.
Don’t use aggressive soaps, cleaners, or detergent to wash your Blackstone Griddle. Soapy water will ruin your seasonings and may cause damage to the griddle.
Hot/warm water and a black stone scouring pad are recommended for cleaning the cooktop.
Avoid Using Abrasive Scrubbers
You should never use an abrasive scrubber to clean the griddle plate because it could damage it. However, use a Blackstone scouring pad or a piece of newspaper and water for regular cleaning.
Always Preheat and Season Your Griddle with Oil Before Cooking
Oil added to a hot griddle helps it stick to the surface, improving its seasoning and enhancing its taste.
Every day, you add a new layer of fat to your pan, which creates a non-stick surface. As you continue cooking, the surface becomes smoother and easier to use.
Store Your Seasoned Griddles Properly
Keep your Blackstone safe by storing it in a cool, dark place away from heat and moisture. Protect it from dust and dirt with a good quality protective case.
If you spot rust, remove it immediately.
If you leave rusty griddles unattended, they get worse with age. So always check them for any signs of corrosion.
Use low-grit sandpaper (40 to 60 grit) or regular sandpaper if you don’t have any low-grit sanding pads. Apply firm pressure on each side of the rusty part and rub until smooth.
Coat your griddle plate after cleaning it.
Applying a thin coating of cooking spray on your stovetop helps to strengthen and keep the seasoning in place so that it doesn’t stick to the surface.
Over time, a Blackstone Griddle develops an even blacker and more durable non-stick coating.
FAQs On How To Season A Blackstone Griddle
How Long Does it take to Season a Blackstone Griddle
It only takes a few minutes to season your griddle before you first use it, and then you only need to season it once every few months (or as needed). Seasoning your griddle is important because it helps to create a non-stick surface and prevents the griddle from rusting.
Can You Use Your Blackstone right after Seasoning?
Yes, you can use your Blackstone immediately after you’ve seasoned it. After you’re done cooking, let the Grille cool down. Then clean, re‑apply some olive or vegetable oils and store it in an airtight container.
Can you Overseason a Blackstone griddle?
You can definitely overseason a Blackstone griddle. If you season your griddle with too much oil, it can create a sticky residue that is difficult to clean. Additionally, overseasoning can cause your food to stick to the griddle and become difficult to flip.
What’s the Best Thing to Season a Blackstone Griddle with
The best thing to season a Blackstone griddle with is a light coat of olive oil or coconut fat. This will help to create a non-stick surface and also help to prevent rust.
Wrapping Up
Before using your Blackstone griddles for the first time, thoroughly clean them and season them, so they have a durable non-stick surface.
You must reapply the oil after each usage so that you don’t lose its flavor and keep the surface clean and protected from rusting.
Most importantly, keep your Blackstone griddle away from heat sources, and use an oven mitt when handling it.
