Utilizing fragile layers of cooking oil allows a Blackstone’s surface to become stiff and non-stick by allowing its oils to reach their smoke point and polymerize on its surface.
No matter how rarely or seldomly you use your Blackstone for cooking, regular cleaning and seasoning will keep it running like new. Discover how to do so easily with these straightforward instructions!
Oil
Step one in seasoning your Blackstone griddle involves applying a thin layer of oil to its cooking surface. This will act as a protective barrier between food and metal surfaces, helping prevent sticking and even cooking. While there are various oils you could use for seasoning your griddle, flaxseed oil has the highest smoke point and won’t burn or rancidify quickly; before applying oil, ensure your grill is clean.
After applying oil, allow your grill to cool before wiping it with paper towels to remove any excess. Allow it to air dry completely before repeating this process until your grill is fully seasoned – then, create delicious meals on it!
Seasoning your griddle is essential in protecting the metal against corrosion, simplifying cleaning, and providing food with an ideal, crispy texture. However, sticking may occur without proper seasoning, or your food might take on an off-putting metallic taste that makes its way into every bite you take.
When using your Blackstone griddle, you must use the appropriate type of oil. Peanut, canola, or vegetable oils should be utilized due to their high heat tolerance; olive oil has a lower smoke point that may burn at high temperatures.
Care should also be taken not to overseason your grill; otherwise, its seasoning could flake off under heat and leave an uneven, nonstick surface. After each use, clean your grill thoroughly by wiping its surface with water before wiping it with detergent or any other cleaning agent.
Before using your grill to cook food, always heat it to its maximum temperature and wait approximately 15 minutes before adding your ingredients. Check on them periodically until it’s cooked thoroughly; use a paper towel to wipe down your grill after each use to prevent it from rusting.
Salt
Blackstone griddles don’t come pre-seasoned out of the box like most flat-top grills and other griddles, requiring several applications of cooking oil to form their nonstick surface for long-term use and durability. To prepare a Blackstone for proper seasoning, heat it before applying an even coat of cooking oil while waiting for its surface to smoke; repeat this process until your griddle smokes in between coats of cooking oil application.
Mistake #1 when seasoning a Blackstone: using too much cooking oil on each layer. Thick pools of oil won’t properly polymerize with the griddle surface and leave sticky sections that increase the chances of flaking and peeling later on. Use a paper towel to wipe away excess oil after each application of cooking oil.
Once your grill is excellent, allow it to completely cool before cleaning it with warm water and mild detergent. Make sure to use a heavy-duty griddle cover, as this will reduce moisture entering your skillet during storage.
Griddle surfaces often contain small crevices and bumps that cause food to stick to them, creating an area for sticking. Applying thin layers of oil before baking will smooth these rough areas to form a glass-like, nonstick surface reminiscent of that found on Styrofoam; otherwise, the cracks and bumps would prevent you from making scrambled eggs with ease. A smooth layer of eggs will slide right off!
Re-seasoning and re-baking the surface is also key in prolonging its lifespan and keeping it functioning at optimal performance. You will know when it is time for this if its character appears worn or food sticks more than usual; additionally, it would be prudent to do this after storage for any extended period.
Spices
Blackstone griddles come pre-seasoned with oil before shipping out, but food residue may build up between uses. To prevent griddle burn and remove stubborn food residue, it is advised that each use be washed with warm water before scraping with a scraper or spatula to clear away stubborn spots of food debris. Once clean, pour on some cooking oil to set. Alternatively, consider purchasing Blackstone Griddle Seasoning and Cast Iron Conditioner from their company at an additional cost.
Your best option for seasoning your griddle is using high-heat oil and applying a thin coating to its surface without using degreasers, as these could ruin its seasoning layer. Re-season your spider by heating it, then applying thin oil coatings until it starts smoking; repeat this process 4 or 6 times to create a new seasoning layer.
Before beginning to season your grill, it must be scorched. Moisture and oxygen can damage its surface and lead to rust. Once cleaned off, place on the stove and drizzle a small amount of oil across the entire surface of the grill for the seasoning process. Ensure oil spreads evenly.
Once finished, place the skillet back on your stove and turn it on. Allow the oil to start smoking before it turns black – this process may require multiple rounds; continue until your griddle has turned dark and smooth.
Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable shortening, flaxseed, or extra virgin olive oil. These will work better with the grill and are less likely to turn rancid over time. Avoid trans fatty acids linked to heart disease and other health conditions.
Once seasoned, your grill will become more durable and easier to use; cleaning will become much more straightforward! Plus, it will become less vulnerable to rust – one of the significant concerns with any griddle! However, regular maintenance must continue to preserve durability and performance.
Heat
Blackstone griddles come equipped with a protective layer of oil or other antirust agent for the best possible rust-free performance. While not intended to be removed, this layer offers additional layers of protection to extend its lifespan and maintain your flat top’s version over time. To get maximum performance from your Blackstone, its optimal performance requires consistent application of cooking oil before and after every use to maintain this protective coating layer.
Once your Blackstone has been preheated, use a paper towel to apply a thin coating of cooking oil over its surface. This will create a non-stick surface that prevents food from adhering and makes clean-up easier. Use the oil evenly throughout; leaving extra space between each spot is ideal.
Allow your cooking oil to completely dry on the grill before using it again, protecting it from staining, discoloration, and leftover food debris on its surface. After finishing cooking, remove any food remnants with a spatula or scraper; if areas of stuck-on food remain challenging to remove, try coating these spots with salt before trying to scrub away at them with your brush.
As you add more layers of oil, your grill will gradually darken in appearance due to each round of seasoning, creating the hard, smooth, and nonstick surface necessary for cooking. Unfortunately, too much oil applied can clog pores and prevent the polymerization process.
Once your Blackstone griddle has been adequately prepared, it can cook a wide range of meals effortlessly. Regularly applying cooking oil will extend its lifespan by protecting it from damage while keeping its non-stick surface in top shape for years.
