Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle: A Step-by-Step Guide

For all passionate grillers and outdoor cooking enthusiasts, owning a Blackstone griddle is a game-changer. The versatile cooking surface, made of cold-rolled steel, not only ensures even heat distribution but also provides a perfect sear for all your favorite dishes. However, before you embark on your culinary journey with this fantastic griddle, it’s crucial to properly season it. This process not only prevents rust but also creates a non-stick cooking surface, making your cooking experience even better. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season your Blackstone griddle.

Step 1: Gather the Essentials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary items. This includes paper towels, a clean cloth or sponge, soap or dishwashing liquid, cooking oil (preferably vegetable or flaxseed oil), and a Blackstone griddle seasoning product if you prefer using one.

Step 2: Prepare the Griddle
Start by cleaning your griddle thoroughly. If you purchased a new griddle, it may have a protective coating, which needs to be removed. Using soap or dishwashing liquid, scrub the griddle surface thoroughly with hot water and a sponge or cloth. Rinse it off with clean water and pat dry.

Step 3: Apply Cooking Oil
Once the griddle is dry, it’s time to apply cooking oil. This step is crucial for seasoning the griddle and creating a non-stick surface. Pour a small amount of oil onto the griddle surface and spread it evenly using a paper towel. Make sure to cover the entire cooking surface, including the corners and edges.

Step 4: Heat the Griddle
Now comes the exciting part – heating the griddle. Turn the heat source on high and allow the griddle to heat up for approximately 15-20 minutes. This will open up the pores in the steel, allowing the oil to penetrate and bond with the surface.

Step 5: Reapply Oil
Once the griddle is hot, it’s time to reapply oil. Apply another thin layer of oil using a paper towel, making sure to cover the entire surface area as before. This step is crucial for building up the seasoning layers.

Step 6: Spread the Oil
Using a clean cloth or paper towel, spread the oil across the griddle surface. This will ensure an even distribution and help create a smooth, non-stick cooking surface.

Step 7: Cool and Wipe
Allow the griddle to cool down naturally. Once it has cooled, use a paper towel or cloth to wipe off any excess oil. This step is essential as it prevents any pooled oil from becoming sticky.

Step 8: Repeat the Process
To achieve optimal seasoning, it’s recommended to repeat steps 4, 5, 6, and 7 a few more times. Each time you season your griddle, you are building up a layer of polymerized oil, which enhances the griddle’s non-stick capabilities.

Step 9: Maintain Your Griddle
After the initial seasoning, it’s crucial to maintain your griddle properly. After each use, clean the surface using a scraper or spatula to remove any food debris or residue. Wipe the griddle down with a cloth or paper towel, and if necessary, reapply a thin layer of oil. This regular maintenance will help preserve the non-stick properties and prevent rust.

Following these steps will ensure your Blackstone griddle is properly seasoned, resulting in a superior cooking experience that will leave you craving more outdoor culinary adventures. So fire up your griddle, get creative with your recipes, and savor the flavors that only a well-seasoned griddle can deliver!