Whether you’re the recent proud owner of a Blackstone griddle or you’re just looking to maintain the one you’ve got in the best way, this guide is for you! While cleaning your griddle might seem like an intimidating task, it’s actually fairly easy, and to be honest, kind of fun! And you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to guide you through a straightforward totally effective cleaning routine to help you keep your griddle non-stick and ready for your next barbecue bash.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Blackstone Griddle

Cleaning a Blackstone griddle is about more than just maintaining its sleek look. It’s also about preserving its nonstick surface. Here’s how to do it right:

What You’ll Need:

• Metal scraper 
• Metal spatula 
• Spray bottles 
• Water
• Heavy duty paper towels (or a rag if that’s more your vibe)
• High smoke point cooking oil

Step 1: Scrape It Like You Mean It

Right after you’re done cooking (after you’ve turned it off but while the griddle is still hot), grab your metal spatula and push all the remaining food debris on your griddle top toward the grease tray. 

Step 2: The Steam Clean

Now, it’s time to make things steamy. (Would you expect anything less from Steamy Kitchen?) Fill a spray bottle with hot water (warm water works too, but hot is more dramatic) and spritz it across the griddle surface. The resulting steam that arises will help loosen any stubborn food residues clinging to your flat top grill. Then, take your metal scraper out and give that flat cooking surface a good scrape. You might be surprised at how much gunk build-up you see come off!

Step 3: Wipe Off

After the steam session, some rogue grease and moisture might still remain. This is where your trusty heavy-duty paper towels come into play. Wipe down the entire cooking surface to mop up the excess grease and water. You want to make sure your grill is dry so you don’t ruin the non-stick surface.

Step 4: Season Like a Pro

This last step is super important! Pour or spray a thin layer of cooking oil over the entire surface. (Canola oil or any high smoke point oil works well.) Then, use a clean paper towel or microfiber cloth to spread the a thin layer of oil all over the surface.

 

Why Season Your Blackstone Griddle?

Here’s why seasoning your Blackstone griddle is crucial:

It Creates a Non-Stick Surface

The main purpose of seasoning your griddle is to create and maintain a non-stick cooking surface. When you apply oil to your griddle at a high heat, you essentially ensure that the oil bonds to the metal and forms a protective layer. This layer improves with each use, eventually giving you a super non-stick surface over time.

It Protects Against Rust

Outdoor griddles are susceptible to the elements. Seasoning protects your griddle from moisture, which can cause your griddle to rust. By seasoning regularly, you’re protecting your investment from oxidizing.

It Enhances Flavor

Blackstone griddles are a lot like a big cast iron skillet, and a properly seasoned one develops a cooking surface that adds depth and flavor to your food.

It Makes Your Griddle Last Longer

Regular seasoning extends the life of your griddle by preventing deterioration and wear and keeping it in tip-top shape.

 

FAQs

How should I season my new Blackstone griddle for the first time?

If you’re about to get your first use out of your new Blackstone griddle, you definitely want to season it beforehand! First, make sure the griddle is clean, then heat it to a high temperature. Once it reaches temp, apply a few tablespoons of high smoke point oil like canola oil or vegetable oil. Then, use a paper towel or a clean cloth to (carefully, it’s hot!) spread the oil evenly across the entire metal surface of the griddle. We recommend allowing the oil to dry, then repeat the process 3-4 more times to create a good seasoning layer.

How often should I re-season my griddle?

You should re-season your griddle after each use. (This is especially true if you’ve used soapy water for cleaning, as this can strip the seasoning layer.)

Can I use olive oil to season my Blackstone griddle?

While olive oil can be used for cooking, it’s not ideal for seasoning. This is due to olive oil’s low smoke point. The lower the smoke point, the less it will polymerize to the surface of your griddle the way you need it to. Virgin or Extra Virgin olive oil has an even lower smoke point than regular olive oil, so be sure to avoid seasoning with those as well. You’ll want to aim for oils with a higher smoke point to create a durable non-stick surface without the risk of the oil breaking down under high heat. We recommend avocado oil or grapeseed oil. 

What should I do if I see rust spots on my griddle?

If you see rust on your griddle, address it immediately. Use a metal scraper or a Blackstone scouring pad to remove the rust, then cleaning and dry it like normal, making sure it’s very dry. Once you’re done, re-season the entire cooking surface to restore the non-stick layer and protect it against future rust.

Is there a specific cleaning kit for Blackstone griddles?

Yep! Blackstone offers a cleaning kit that includes 1 griddle scraper, 2 handles, 3 cleaning bricks, and 4 scouring pads. It’s a great way to take care of your griddle with tools specifically designed for the job.

 

Ready, Set, Grill!

Now you have everything you need to keep your Blackstone griddle in pristine condition! Whether you’re grilling up burgers, making the perfect pancake, or sizzling up some veggies, when you take care of your griddle, it will take care of you. 

Do you have any tips or tricks to keeping your griddle in great shape? What about favorite griddle recipes? If so, we’d love to hear all about them! Leave us a comment and let’s share our griddle tips and tricks so we can all enjoy some good eats!