How to Season Your Blackstone Griddle

If you're the proud owner of a Blackstone griddle, you know that seasoning is crucial to its performance. Seasoning your griddle creates a non-stick surface that distributes heat evenly and prevents rust. But how do you do it? In this guide, we'll break down all the steps you need to follow to season your Blackstone griddle, from cleaning to oil selection and maintenance.

Cleaning Your Griddle

The first step to seasoning your Blackstone griddle is to clean it. Use soapy water and a scrub brush to remove any dirt or factory finishes. Rinse with hot water and dry with a clean paper towel.

Seasoning Your Griddle

Preheat your griddle on high heat for 10-15 minutes until you have a hot griddle surface and some discoloration across the griddle top.

Turn off the heat and let the griddle cool slightly. While the griddle top is still warm, add a thin layer of oil to the surface. Use flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil.

Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly across the entire surface of the griddle plate.

Turn the heat back on to high and let the griddle heat up until it starts smoking. This is when the fatty acids oxidize at the smoke point of the oil, and it means the oil has bonded to the griddle top. You'll want to repeat this 2-3 times or until you have a nice, even, dark surface across your griddle top.

Turn off the heat and let the seasoned griddle cool completely. Once it's cool, wipe off any excess oil with paper towels, taking care not to burn yourself.

Maintaining Your Griddle

To ensure your Blackstone griddle stays in top shape, it's important to keep it clean and seasoned. Remember to always use a mild soap and water sparingly when cleaning, as too much soap can remove the seasoning. And never use butter to season your Blackstone griddle, as it will burn and leave a heavy buttery taste.

To determine when to re-season your griddle, pay attention to the appearance of the cooking surface. If food is starting to stick or the surface has become discolored or rusty, it may be time to re-season. You can also do a water test by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water beads up and dances across the surface, the seasoning layer is intact. If it sizzles and evaporates quickly, it's time to re-season.

Final Thoughts

Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is a simple and important step to ensure your cooking results are perfect every time. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to maintain a clean, well-seasoned griddle that will last you for years to come. Happy cooking!