Ever wondered how to season a Blackstone griddle for that perfect cook every time? It’s all about the proper foundation. This guide is your no-nonsense approach to the oils, the method, and the maintenance you need to master seasoning your griddle. With our focused advice, you’ll be ready to tackle everything from the first layer of oil to maintenance best practices without missing a beat.
Key Takeaways of how to season a Blackstone griddle
- Seasoning a Blackstone griddle is crucial for creating a non-stick surface, enhancing flavor, and preventing rust, and it involves applying and heating layers of high smoke point oil.
- A proper initial cleaning of the Blackstone griddle is essential before seasoning, and the polymerization process during heating turns the oil into a durable, slick layer on the metal.
- Regular maintenance includes scrapping off residue and applying a thin oil layer after use, while re-seasoning is necessary when food starts sticking or after cooking acidic/sticky foods.
Understanding the Importance of Blackstone Griddle Seasoning
The act of seasoning your Blackstone griddle isn’t a one-off event; it’s a fundamental practice that guarantees durability, boosts taste, and results in a non-stick cooking surface. When you season a Blackstone griddle, you’re essentially creating a layer of baked-on fat or oil that bonds with the metal, forming a protective barrier. This layer not only prevents food from sticking but also enhances the flavor of whatever you cook on it.
A well-seasoned griddle is a joy to cook on, making it easier to clean and less prone to rust. Imagine cooking a batch of pancakes or scrambled eggs on a smooth, non-stick hot griddle surface that evenly distributes heat. The multiple layers of seasoning you build on your griddle fill in the microscopic pores and imperfections on the griddle plate, creating a seamless cooking surface.
Moreover, a seasoned griddle is a versatile tool in your cooking arsenal. Whether you’re searing steaks, grilling vegetables, or frying eggs, the seasoning layer ensures that your griddle performs at its best, giving you consistent, delicious results every time.
The Essentials for Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle
Prior to initiating the seasoning procedure, it’s important to assemble the appropriate tools and materials. The key to effective Blackstone griddle seasoning is using high smoke point oils like canola oil or flaxseed oil. These oils can withstand high temperatures without burning, ensuring a smooth, durable seasoning layer.
Blackstone also offers its own Griddle Seasoning and Cast Iron Conditioner, which are specially formulated for the seasoning process of your new Blackstone griddle. Along with the right oil, you’ll need a few basic tools: a squirt bottle for controlled oil application, a lint-free microfiber cloth for wiping, and a scraper or spatula for spreading the oil evenly.
Having these necessary items readily available will streamline and expedite the seasoning process. With the right tools and high smoke point oils, you’re well on your way to achieving a perfectly seasoned griddle surface that will provide excellent cooking results for years to come.
Preparing Your Griddle: The Initial Clean
The initial stage of how to season a blackstone griddle successfully involves a comprehensive initial cleaning. Start by gathering a lint-free microfiber cloth, paper towels, and a bucket filled with hot water and a couple of squirts of dish soap to create a soapy cleaning solution. This will help remove any factory residue or dust that might be on your griddle.
Begin the cleaning process with a cold Blackstone griddle surface. Using a microfiber towel dipped in the soapy water, thoroughly scrub the cooking surface, ensuring you reach every corner. After scrubbing, rinse the griddle with clean hot water to remove all soap residue. Finally, dry the griddle completely with a microfiber towel, making sure it’s perfectly clean and ready for oil application.
Selecting the Right Oil for Your Griddle
The selection of suitable oil for seasoning your Blackstone griddle is key to creating a long-lasting, non-stick surface. Oils with high smoke points are essential because they can withstand the high temperatures needed for the seasoning process without burning. Recommended oils include:
- Flaxseed oil
- Vegetable oil
- Canola oil
- Grape seed oil
- Avocado oil
Blackstone officially recommends using oils like vegetable oil, soy oil, and its own brand of products designed specifically for high-heat cooking and seasoning griddles. These oils ensure proper polymerization, which is the process of bonding the oil to the metal surface to create a non-stick layer.
It’s important to avoid using low smoke point fats like butter for seasoning, as they can burn easily and hinder the development of a non-stick surface. By selecting the right oil, you’ll set the foundation for a well-seasoned griddle that performs beautifully in all your cooking endeavors.
Step-by-Step: Applying the First Layer of Oil
With your Blackstone griddle cleaned and the appropriate oil chosen, the next step in seasoning a Blackstone griddle is to apply the initial layer. Start by pouring two to three tablespoons of oil on a 36-inch griddle, ensuring it’s enough for a thin, even layer without pooling. Use a paper towel or cloth to spread the oil across the griddle surface, including the sides and corners, to avoid the stickiness caused by a too-thick application.
Be cautious as the griddle and oil will be very hot. Avoid splashing the oil to prevent burns. After spreading the oil, heat the griddle until the oil starts to smoke. This stage is vital as it assists the thin oil layer in bonding with the griddle surface, preventing sticky residues.
Heating It Up: The Polymerization Process
The polymerization process is the heart of creating a non-stick surface on your griddle. To begin this process, raise the heat to its maximum setting. Then, allow 10 to 15 minutes for the metal to darken in color. This color change signifies that the oil is bonding to the metal surface,.
Polymerization involves:
- Heating oils or fats at high temperatures
- Changing from a wet liquid to a slick, hardened surface
- Creating a molecular bond with the iron of the griddle
Over time, the seasoned layers interlock, filling in the micro-textures of the flat top grill surface, resulting in a smooth, naturally nonstick cooking surface.
Repeating for Perfection: Building Multiple Layers
Constructing several layers of seasoning is critical for establishing a non-stick and flavorful cooking surface. Here’s how to do it:
- Begin by applying a thin layer of oil over the griddle.
- Heat the griddle to maximum until the oil smokes off.
- Let the griddle cool.
- Repeat this process three to five times to form multiple layers.
Allow the griddle to cool after each oil application and heating cycle to prevent overheating and ensure each new layer bonds smoothly. Let the griddle cool slightly if sticky residue occurs during layering, heat the griddle to soften the oil, clean it with a metal scraper, and then apply the oil in thinner coats.
Aftercare: Maintaining Your Seasoned Griddle
Routine maintenance can eliminate the need for regular griddle re-seasoning and sustain its non-stick surface. After each use, remove residue with a scraper, apply a thin layer of oil, and avoid excessive oil to prevent stickiness.
Using products like Blackstone Griddle Seasoning, Cast Iron Conditioner, or Non-Stick Griddle Spray can help maintain the perfect seasoning layer. Covering the griddle after use helps protect the seasoned layer from adverse weather conditions and ensures its longevity.
Troubleshooting Common Seasoning Issues
Despite your best efforts, challenges may emerge during the seasoning process. To correct an uneven coating, gently sand the area using medium grit wet or dry sandpaper with circular motions. In case of rusting, scrub the griddle with a mixture of salt, soap powder, and water or use a Blackstone Griddle Cleaning Kit before reseasoning.
Using very thin layers of oil during the seasoning process can prevent chipping and sticky residue build-up. Professional griddle cleaning kits can help revive stubborn seasoning on a Blackstone griddle.
When to Re-Season Your Blackstone Griddle
An obvious indication that your Blackstone griddle requires re-seasoning is when food starts sticking to the surface. If the griddle’s seasoning becomes high-maintenance or problematic, the seasoning layers may be re-applicated.
Regularly re-seasoning the griddle after using it to cook acidic or sticky foods can help in prolonging its lifespan and maintaining a non-stick surface. The need for re-seasoning varies and is dependent on how the griddle is cared for between uses.
Advanced Techniques: Enhancing Your Seasoning Skills
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can adopt advanced techniques to elevate your seasoning skills. Contrary to popular belief, extra virgin olive oil can be used for seasoning a Blackstone griddle, adding a unique flavor profile.
Cooking onions on the griddle can also create an additional layer of seasoning from the natural oils they release, further enhancing the non-stick surface and adding flavor to subsequent dishes.
Summary
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is a rewarding process that ensures a long-lasting, non-stick, and flavor-enhancing cooking surface. By following the steps outlined in this guide of how to season a blackstone griddle, from the initial clean to applying multiple layers of oil and maintaining the surface, you’ll transform your griddle into a culinary powerhouse.
We hope this guide inspires you to season a Blackstone griddle confidently and enjoy the delicious results. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best oils to use for seasoning a Blackstone griddle?
The best oils to use for seasoning a Blackstone griddle are high smoke point oils like canola oil, flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, grape seed oil, and avocado oil. Try any of these for a great seasoning.
How do I know when my griddle needs re-seasoning?
If you notice food sticking to the surface and the seasoning layer becoming high-maintenance, it’s time to re-season your griddle.
Can I use butter to season my Blackstone griddle?
No, using butter to season your Blackstone griddle is not recommended because butter has a low smoke point and can hinder the development of a non-stick surface.
What should I do if my griddle develops rust?
To remove rust from your griddle, scrub it with a mixture of salt, soap powder, and water or use a Blackstone Griddle Cleaning Kit before reseasoning. Keep your griddle well-maintained to prevent rust in the future.
How often should I season my Blackstone griddle?
You should season your Blackstone griddle regularly, and re-season after cooking acidic or sticky foods to prolong its lifespan.
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