How to Season a Blackstone Griddle for Perfect Cooking Results
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle is a necessary step before using it for the first time that creates a non-stick coating on the cooking surface. This guide outlines the basic process of seasoning a Blackstone griddle with oil that will help prevent rust and extend the lifespan of the griddle.
What is Seasoning?
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle is much like seasoning a cast iron skillet. The process involves heating oil past its smoke point to polymerize the oil and bond it to the porous metal surface. This creates a hard, non-stick surface on which to cook your food and protects the griddle from the elements.
Why is Seasoning Necessary?
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is necessary because it prevents food from sticking to the cooking surface. It also protects the griddle from rust and other damage caused by water and humidity.
Choosing the Best Oil for Seasoning
The best oil for seasoning is a matter of personal preference. Many oils such as coconut oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil will work, but the simplest is lard. It is cheap, easy to use and has a long shelf life.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Blackstone or other flat-top griddle
- Flour sack towel
- 1/2 cup lard, oil, or cast iron conditioner
- Tongs
How to Season a Blackstone Griddle
- Wash the griddle, if necessary, with hot soapy water, followed by a rinse with clean water. Dry it with paper towels.
- Heat the griddle over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Apply a thin layer of oil to the griddle surface and wipe off almost all of it with a lint-free cloth held by tongs.
- Repeat the previous step at least two more times, applying a very thin layer of oil each time and wiping off all excess oil.
- Your Blackstone griddle is now seasoned and ready for use.
Tips and Tricks for Seasoning
- Make sure you have a full tank of propane when you start this process.
- Use suuuuper thin layers of oil on your griddle surface.
- Don’t fret if your cooking surface isn’t perfectly black after a few rounds of seasoning.
- If the layer of seasoning is still tacky after it’s cooled, it means there was either too much oil left on the griddle before heating, or that it wasn’t heated long enough.
- Some people get squirrelly about using hot soapy water on seasoned cast iron, so use soapy water on your Blackstone griddle occasionally.
- Don’t forget to give your griddle a light coating of oil after it has cooled down from seasoning to protect it from water and humidity.
Conclusion
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle is a simple but necessary process that creates a non-stick cooking surface and protects the griddle from rust and other damage. Follow the above steps carefully, and your Blackstone griddle will last for generations while delivering perfect cooking results every time.
FAQs
1. Do I need to season my Blackstone griddle before using it for the first time?
Yes, it is crucial to season a new Blackstone griddle before using it to prevent rust and create a non-stick surface.
2. Can I use any oil for seasoning my Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can use any oil for seasoning your Blackstone griddle, but lard is the simplest and most effective.
3. How many times should I season my Blackstone griddle before using it?
It is recommended to season your Blackstone griddle at least three times before using it for the first time.
4. Can I use soap and water to clean my seasoned Blackstone griddle?
Yes, it is safe to use soap and water to clean your seasoned Blackstone griddle. Avoid harsh abrasives or metal utensils that can scratch the surface.
5. Do I need to season my Blackstone griddle after each use?
It is not necessary to season your Blackstone griddle after each use, but it is recommended to apply a light coating of oil after cleaning it.
