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Need Help?How to Season a Blackstone Griddle Like a Pro
WriterAubrey McShan
15 min read
Want restaurant-style cooking in your own backyard? Look no further than a Blackstone griddle, which allows you to cook multiple parts of your meal on one large, flat cooking surface.
From hosting parties to cooking dinner for the whole gang, your Blackstone griddle is about to become your new grilling BFF. Our complete guide will help you learn how to properly season your griddle a.k.a. create a non-stick surface so you can get to whipping up delicious meals in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to season a Blackstone griddle for the first time: step-by-step with a three-phase sand, clean, and polymerization approach.
- Discover how often you should season your Blackstone griddle. To prevent burning your food, season your griddle before use. Apply oil after cooking to maintain it.
- Are you a total griddle beginner? Learn what seasoning a griddle is and why you should season it regularly!
- Find answers to your frequently asked questions and learn the best type of oil to use and the essential tools you’ll need.
How to Season a Blackstone Griddle
The purpose of seasoning is to create a non-stick cooking surface so you can create a wide variety of meals like fajitas, burgers, or pancakes and bacon. Keep reading to discover our expert seasoning method.
- Step 1: Using a grill brick or sandpaper helps to remove any leftover residue and smooth out the griddle's surface.
- Step 2: Cleaning your griddle ensures it's free from debris and ready for seasoning.
- Step 3: Preheating your griddle prepares it for an even application of oil.
- Step 4: Applying the seasoning, like oil, forms a protective and non-stick layer on the griddle.
- Step 5: Allowing the oil to reach its smoke point helps to create a durable seasoning layer.
- Step 6: Repeating the process ensures a well-seasoned griddle for optimal cooking performance.
Step 1: Use a Grill Brick or Sandpaper
If you're seasoning a brand-new griddle for the first time, the first step is to use a grill brick or sandpaper. Grill bricks are specifically designed to scrub the surface of your griddle without damaging it. They also sometimes come with a handle for easy sanding.
- Similar to sanding a wall to remove bumps before painting, sanding down your griddle (while it's turned off) is necessary to eliminate any rough points.
- You don’t need to apply a ton of pressure. You can use 120-grit sandpaper and (with a wiping motion) sand the griddle down from top to bottom or side to side.
- This step helps to create a smooth surface on your griddle, making it easier to cook your food evenxly without any sticking.
- You can skip this step if your griddle isn’t new. However, if your griddle is old and chipping then you’ll want to sand it down to start fresh.
Step 2: Clean Your Griddle
The second step in seasoning your griddle is to clean it thoroughly. This process removes any dust or dirt that may have accumulated on the surface.
- To do this, get a microfiber cloth and lightly dip it into a bowl of soapy water. It doesn't need to be overly saturated. You can use dish soap or another mild cleaner.
- You can use a squirt bottle filled with water to remove any excess soap.
- Next, while the griddle is still off, wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth. Then, use a dry rag or another microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry it off.
Once your griddle is sparkling clean, you're ready to turn it on.
Step 3: Preheat Your Griddle
An essential part of seasoning your griddle involves heat, which means you’ll need to preheat your griddle.
- Turn the heat up to high and let it run for 10-15 minutes. During this time, you may notice some browning or discoloration on the surface of the griddle. Don't worry, this is a normal part of the seasoning process.
- It's essential to preheat the griddle to ensure that it's hot enough for the oil. This helps to create a bond between the oil and the surface of the griddle, which results in a non-stick surface that's perfect for cooking a variety of foods.
Step 4: Apply the Seasoning
After preheating your griddle, the next step in the seasoning process is to apply a thin layer of oil over the whole surface of the griddle.
- Start by taking 1-2 tablespoons of oil and placing it carefully on the griddle. Use your tongs and a rolled-up microfiber cloth to spread the oil evenly over the surface of the griddle.
- If your griddle is small, use less oil, and if it's larger, use more oil. However, make sure not to use too much oil as you don't want the griddle to be drowning in oil.
- If you’ve accidentally created a puddle of oil, grab microfiber cloths to quickly soap some of it up.
- The goal is to cover the corners of the griddle, the outside edges, and the grease trough with a very thin layer of oil. Be extremely careful when spreading the oil, as it can splash and cause injury. You can wear heat-resistant gloves for more protection.
Step 5: Allow the Oil to Reach Its Smoke Point
Once you've applied a thin layer of oil to your griddle, the next step is to allow the oil to reach its smoke point. This process is critical because it helps to polymerize the oil, creating a hard seasoning layer on your griddle.
- Similar to how oil smokes when it’s in a hot pan, the oil on your griddle will smoke at first. After five minutes or so, the smoke on your griddle will start to die out.
- Turn the heat on your griddle to low or medium. Remember that many griddles will still stay very hot even on low settings.
- The polymerization process occurs when the oil reaches its smoke point, and the heat helps to create a bond between the oil and the surface of the griddle. Wait at least 10-15 minutes to allow the oil to bake on the griddle. Be patient!
Step 6: Repeat the Process
Once you initially season your griddle, it's time to repeat the seasoning process three to five more times.
- Spread a thin layer of oil evenly on your griddle and wait 10-15 minutes for the baking process to occur. Continue with rounds of seasoning until the smoke is no longer visible.
- With each layer of seasoning, the griddle will transform color, changing from its original color to black. This will start in the center and gradually spread outwards.
- You might create a patch of black in the center and the outer edges may be more bronze in color. This is normal.
- A brand new griddle may need to be seasoned four to five times while a used griddle might need three layers. It all depends on the current shape your griddle is in.
How Often Should You Season Your Blackstone Griddle?
Season your Blackstone griddle as soon as the cooking surface starts to look dull and patchy or when food sticks to it. Generally, this might happen after every few months of regular use or sooner if you use it more frequently.
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You’ll want to season your griddle if it’s your first time cooking on it. If not, you risk burning your food.
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In terms of upkeep, you can season with one layer of oil after cooking to maintain your griddle. It also comes down to preference. If you prefer to season before cooking rather than after, you can do that too.
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Acidic foods like tomatoes can break down the seasoning faster.
Just remember, the more you care for your griddle, the better it will perform for you. So keep an eye on its condition and reseason when needed!
What Is a Seasoned Griddle?
A seasoned griddle is a flat cooking surface treated with oil and heat that creates a non-stick layer, makes it easy to cook on, protects the griddle’s surface, and enhances your food’s overall taste.
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Over time, a griddle’s black patch fades and turns slightly brown (or bronze). This fading indicates that the seasoning is wearing away and it may be time to reseason your griddle.
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Once you season your griddle, you’re ready to start cooking on it. However, make sure to continually season it to prevent rust from forming.
Expert Tip:
This process should not be done on non-stick pans and is intended only for cast-iron pans or griddles.
Why Do You Need to Season a Griddle?
You need to season a griddle because it creates a non-stick surface for easier cooking, protects the griddle from rust and damage, and enhances the flavor of the food you prepare on it. Doing so also ensures your griddle stays in good condition and performs well for the long haul!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Type of Oil Is Best to Use When Seasoning a Griddle?
Before you season your griddle, you’ll need to purchase oil. Opt for any oil with a high smoke point and one with a more mild flavor since you’ll be using your griddle to cook a wide variety of foods. Choose from the following options: canola oil, flax oil, olive oil, peanut oil, avocado oil, or lard/shortening.
Don’t use bacon grease or any oil that packs a ton of flavor, as you don’t want the flavor to transfer to your food. You can also purchase Blackstone Griddle Seasoning & Cast Iron Conditioner, which is made with palm oil, shortening, beeswax, palm oil, canola oil, and soy oil blend.
Q. What Type of Tools Do You Need for Seasoning a Griddle?
Prior to seasoning your griddle, you’ll want to have all of the necessary tools on hand to make it easier. Make sure you have the following seasoning tools in your toolkit: durable microfiber cloths, a squirt bottle (for filling with water), grill brick or sandpaper, tongs, heat protective gloves, & a soap/warm water mixture in a bowl.
You can also purchase Blackstone Accessory Tool Kit, which contains two spatulas, two squeeze bottles, and a scraper.
Have Fun Out There!
Ready to up your griddle game? Blackstone griddles are a game changer that can take your grilling to new heights. You can cook piles of bacon, saute vegetables, grill steaks, and much more! This versatile griddle allows you to whip up breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a beautiful non-stick surface that allows you to grill all summer long.
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