Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is essential for achieving the best cooking performance and extending its lifespan. The process involves a series of steps to create a durable, stick-resistant coating on the griddle surface.
Initial Cleaning
Start by thoroughly cleaning the griddle surface using soapy water and a scrub brush. Rinse with hot water and dry with paper towels. This removes any manufacturing dust or debris.
Preheating the Griddle
Preheat your griddle on high heat for 10-15 minutes until the surface shows discoloration. This ensures it is hot enough for the seasoning process.
Applying and Bonding the Oil
While the griddle is still warm, apply a thin layer of suitable oil such as Blackstone Cast Iron Conditioner, flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil. Spread the oil evenly with paper towels. Turn the heat back to high and allow the griddle to heat until the oil smokes, indicating that the fatty acids have oxidized and bonded to the surface. Repeat this heating and oiling process 2-3 times to develop a proper seasoning layer.
Cooling and Excess Oil Removal
Turn off the heat and let the griddle cool completely. Wipe off any excess oil using tongs and paper towels, taking care to avoid burns.
Important Tips and Best Practices
- Confirm that a new Blackstone griddle is not pre-seasoned, but comes with a factory coating that should be cleaned off before use.
- Use flaxseed oil for its high smoke point, which helps prevent burning during the process.
- After each use, scrape off food residue while warm, then cool down and wipe with paper towels to maintain the surface.
- Avoid using soap and water excessively to not strip the seasoning layer.
- Do not use butter for seasoning as it does not have the necessary smoke point to effectively bond with the griddle.
- If rust forms, scrub it off with a mixture of salt, soap powder, and water, and then re-season the griddle.
Re-Seasoning and Maintenance
Re-seasoning is necessary if food starts sticking to the surface or if there are signs of discoloration or rust. Perform a water test: water beading and dancing indicates the seasoning is intact, but if it sizzles and evaporates quickly, re-seasoning is needed.
Supplies Needed
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bucket filled with water | Cleaning |
| Blackstone Griddle Seasoning & Cast Iron Conditioner (recommended) | Seasoning |
| Other cooking oils (canola, flax, vegetable, shortening, olive oil) | Alternative seasoning options |
| Heat-resistant gloves or tongs | Handling the hot griddle |
| Paper towels | Spreading oil and cooling the griddle |
| Salt | Rust removal |
| Soap powder | Cleaning rust |
| Stick for handling | General use |
Time Requirements
The entire seasoning process, including cleaning, applying oil, heating, and cooling, takes about an hour.
How To Season a New Blackstone Griddle | Blackstone Griddle
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