How To Season A Blackstone Griddle For The First Time

Are you ready to embark on your culinary journey with your new Blackstone griddle? Before diving into the world of mouthwatering dishes, seasoning your griddle for the best cooking experience is crucial. Seasoning creates a non-stick surface and infuses your food with delicious flavors.

We will guide you through the step-by-step process of seasoning your Blackstone griddle for the first time.

So grab that bottle of high-smoke-point oil, and let’s start creating a stick-resistant surface that will elevate your cooking game to new heights!

Table of Contents

• Do You Need To Season A Blackstone Griddle?
  • Are Blackstone Griddles Pre-Seasoned?
• What To Use – Best Oil To Season A Blackstone Griddle
• What Oil Should You Avoid For Seasoning A Blackstone
  • Can You Use Olive Oil To Season A Blackstone Griddle?
• How Do I Season My Blackstone Griddle? The Best Way
  • Tools Required
  • Step By Step Instructions
• What Does A Seasoned Blackstone Griddle Look Like?
• Do I Have To Season My Blackstone Griddle Every Time?
• How Often Do You Season A Blackstone Griddle?
• Can You Over Season A Blackstone Griddle?
• Potential Seasoning Issues
  • Seasoning Flaking Off
  • Griddle Is Sticky After Seasoning
• Conclusion

Do You Need To Season A Blackstone Griddle?

Yes. For a brand-new Blackstone griddle, you season it well with several coats before the first use is recommended.

Seasoning a griddle involves creating a non-stick surface by applying a layer of oil and heating it. 

Are Blackstone Griddles Pre-Seasoned?

No. Blackstone Griddles come without a pre-seasoned coating, so seasoning them before use is essential.

What To Use – Best Oil To Season A Blackstone Griddle

When seasoning your Blackstone griddle, there are several oils you can use to achieve the best results. Some recommended options include Blackstone Griddle Seasoning and Conditioner, flaxseed, avocado, vegetable, and canola oil.

Each of these oils will help create a stick-resistant coating on the griddle plate and add flavor to your dishes.

1. Blackstone Griddle Seasoning and Conditioner (available here): This conditioner is precisely engineered to create the perfect seasoning on your griddle, enhancing the flavor of your food and extending the lifetime of your griddle top.
2. Flaxseed Oil: It creates a strong layer of polymerized oil and is perfect for the first seasoning round of your griddle.
3. Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is a popular choice for griddle seasoning due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. It is also an excellent oil for cast iron skillets and even iron pans.
4. Canola Oil: It is another popular choice for griddle seasoning due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. It is also relatively inexpensive.
5. Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a very high smoke point, making it great for cooking over high heat. It also has a richer flavor compared to other oils.

What Oil Should You Avoid For Seasoning A Blackstone

When seasoning a Blackstone griddle, it is generally recommended to avoid using animal fats. While animal fats like bacon grease or lard may seem flavorful, they can have some drawbacks when used for seasoning.

Animal fats have a lower smoke point than oils like canola or grapeseed oil. When exposed to high heat, animal fats can quickly burn and create a sticky residue on the griddle surface. This residue can be challenging to clean and may affect the flavor of your food.

Can You Use Olive Oil To Season A Blackstone Griddle?

No, olive oil is not the best oil for seasoning a Blackstone Griddle. While it can be used for stir-fries and as a finishing touch, it has a low smoke point, making it unsuitable for high-heat cooking.

Choosing an oil with a high smoke point for seasoning a Blackstone Griddle is recommended, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil.

These oils can withstand high temperatures without burning and create a strong layer of polymerized oil that protects the griddle from rust and creates a non-stick surface.

How Do I Season My Blackstone Griddle? The Best Way

Tools Required

First, you’ll need a few essential tools to season your Blackstone griddle for the first time. These tools will ensure you achieve the best results and create a stick-resistant coating on the griddle plate.

• Your oil of choice.
• Paper towels.
• Heat-resistant gloves.

Step By Step Instructions

1. You’ll first need soapy water to clean the griddle before seasoning. This will remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface. This will be the first and only time your griddle should be washed with soap.
2. After cleaning, you’ll also need to preheat the griddle with high heat to darken the surface, which prepares it for seasoning.
3. Apply a thin layer of oil and spread it evenly with paper towels. I recommend wearing heat-resistant gloves because the griddle is 
4. At this point, the oil should be smoking. Let it continue to smoke until no more smoke appears.
5. Once it is done smoking, this process takes 2-3 times for optimal results, which should take about 30 minutes.
6. After the 3rd or 4th coat of oil, turn off the griddle and allow it to cool.
7. Your griddle is now seasoned!

After seasoning your Blackstone griddle for the first time, it’s crucial to maintain its condition by cleaning it properly after each use. This will help preserve the seasoning layer and prevent rust from forming.

Additionally, using a heavy-duty cover when storing your griddle will protect it from weather elements and extend its lifespan. Following these steps and using the right tools will make your Blackstone griddle well-seasoned and ready for delicious first cooking adventures!

What Does A Seasoned Blackstone Griddle Look Like?

A seasoned Blackstone griddle will have a dark brown plate ready to create delicious, flavorful dishes. After going through the seasoning process for the first time, you’ll notice a beautiful transformation in your griddle’s appearance.

The once bright and shiny surface will turn into a deep, rich brown color, indicating that it’s developed a protective layer of seasoning. This seasoning not only creates a stick-resistant coating on the griddle plate but also enhances the flavor of your food by locking in the taste of seared meat and veggies.

The dark brown color is crucial because it signifies that your Blackstone griddle is fully seasoned and ready for cooking. It shows that the oil applied during the seasoning process has been absorbed into the metal, creating a barrier against rust and corrosion.

This dark brown color indicates that your griddle has reached its optimal heat retention and distribution level. So when you see this beautiful hue on your griddle plate, you can be confident that it’s seasoned to perfection and primed to deliver mouthwatering meals every time you fire it up.

Do I Have To Season My Blackstone Griddle Every Time?

No, there is no need to go through the oily ritual of every single cook. Just let that dark brown beauty work its magic. Seasoning your Blackstone griddle for the first time is crucial to creating that stick-resistant coating and adding flavor to your dishes. However, you don’t have to repeat the seasoning process every time you cook. Here’s why:

1. Protection: The initial seasoning creates a protective layer on the griddle plate, preventing rust and corrosion. This layer will continue to provide protection even after multiple uses.
2. Enhanced Cooking Surface: A well-seasoned griddle develops a smooth, non-stick surface over time. This means you can cook delicate foods like eggs and pancakes without worrying about them sticking or tearing.
3. Flavor Infusion: Seasoning allows the oils and fats from your food to be absorbed into the surface, enhancing the flavors of your dishes over time.

While it’s unnecessary to season your Blackstone griddle before every use, it’s vital to maintain its seasoning by using cooking oils or sprays specifically designed between cooks. This will help enhance the existing seasoning layer and ensure optimal performance whenever you fire your griddle.

Remember, proper care and maintenance are essential for keeping your Blackstone griddle in shape for years to come!

How Often Do You Season A Blackstone Griddle?

Keep your taste buds satisfied and your griddle in prime condition by regularly maintaining the seasoning on your beloved blackstone griddle. 

It’s recommended to reseason when you notice signs of wear or loss of the non-stick coating. Whenever there are visible signs of rust or food sticking to the surface.

Can You Over Season A Blackstone Griddle?

Yes, it is possible to over-season a Blackstone griddle. While seasoning is essential in maintaining a griddle’s performance, applying too much oil or seasoning too frequently can lead to a buildup of residue that can affect the griddle’s cooking performance.

Here are a few signs that you may have over-seasoned your Blackstone griddle:

• Sticky or gummy residue: If you notice a sticky or gummy residue on the griddle’s surface, it may be a sign that you have applied too much oil or seasoning. This can cause food to stick to the griddle and affect its non-stick properties.
• Uneven cooking: Over-seasoning can cause the griddle’s surface to become uneven, affecting food cooking. You may notice that some areas of the griddle cook faster or slower than others.
• Excessive smoke: If you notice excessive smoke from the griddle during cooking, it may indicate too much oil or seasoning on the surface. This can cause the oil to burn and create smoke, affecting your food’s flavor.

If you suspect that you have over-seasoned your Blackstone griddle, there are a few steps to restore its performance:

• Clean the griddle: Use a soft-bristled brush or scraper to remove excess oil or residue from the griddle’s surface. You may need a mild soap or degreaser to remove stubborn buildup.
• Re-season the griddle: Once it is clean, you can re-season it by applying a thin layer of oil and heating it on the griddle’s surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for seasoning to ensure the best results.
• Use the griddle regularly: Regular use can help maintain the griddle’s seasoning and prevent excessive buildup. Be sure to clean the griddle after each use and apply a thin layer of oil to protect the surface.

By avoiding over-seasoning and maintaining your Blackstone griddle properly, you can enjoy its non-stick properties and excellent cooking performance for years.

Potential Seasoning Issues

Seasoning Flaking Off

If your Blackstone griddle seasoning is flaking off, it could be due to a few reasons, such as improper care and maintenance, using too much oil during seasoning, or not cleaning the surface thoroughly after each use. 

Flaking can also occur if the griddle is not seasoned correctly or the seasoning dries up and peels off.

To fix the flaking issue, you can follow these steps:

1. Heat your griddle on high heat.
2. Use a metal scraper to remove the flaking when the griddle is hot.
3. Turn down the heat and let the griddle cool down.
4. Clean the griddle surface with warm, soapy water and a cloth or paper towel.
5. Dry the griddle completely.
6. Reseason the griddle

Griddle Is Sticky After Seasoning

If your griddle is sticky after seasoning, it could be due to using too much oil during the seasoning process. The excess oil can build up on the cooking surface and create a sticky mess.

Another reason for a sticky griddle is not properly cleaning the surface to remove the seasoning layer of oil after cooking.

To fix this issue, you can heat the griddle to burn off the excess oil. If that does not work, you may need to reseason.

Learn more about troubleshooting Blackstone issues here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, seasoning your Blackstone griddle is essential to ensure optimal cooking results and prolong lifespan. Following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, you can create a stick-resistant coating on the griddle plate that adds flavor to your dishes and locks in the taste of seared meat and veggies.

Like marinating meat before grilling, seasoning your griddle is like giving it a flavorful coat that enhances the cooking experience. Think of your Blackstone griddle as a blank canvas waiting to be seasoned with deliciousness. Just as an artist carefully applies layers of paint to create a masterpiece, you, too, can layer on the oils during seasoning to build up a protective barrier that will make cleaning easier and prevent rusting.

And just like how a well-seasoned cast iron skillet becomes non-stick over time, your seasoned Blackstone griddle will develop its unique personality and become your go-to cooking surface for all your favorite meals.

Remember, proper maintenance is vital to preserving the seasoning layer and extending the life of your griddle. Clean it after each use using mild soap or water, avoid abrasive cleaners or metal utensils that may damage the coating, and store it in a dry place when not in use.

These extra steps ensure that every meal cooked on your Blackstone griddle is exceptional. So go ahead, season away, and enjoy many delicious moments in your culinary journey!