If you own a Blackstone griddle, you know how amazing it is for cooking outdoor meals. However, over time, the cooking surface can lose its non-stick properties and develop rust or discoloration. Reseasoning your Blackstone griddle is essential to restore its functionality and ensure that your cooking experiences remain enjoyable. This guide will walk you through the detailed steps of reseasoning your Blackstone griddle, the importance of doing so, and tips to maintain it over time.
Why Is Reseasoning Important?
Reseasoning your Blackstone griddle is crucial for several reasons:
Restores Non-Stick Surface: A well-seasoned griddle ensures that food easily releases, minimizing sticking issues.
Prevents Rust: Regular seasoning gives your griddle a protective layer, which helps prevent rust formation.
Enhances Flavor: A properly seasoned griddle can add a distinct flavor to your meals, enriching your overall cooking experience.
Increases Lifespan: Routine maintenance by reseasoning your griddle helps prolong its life, saving you money on replacements.
Improves Cooking Performance: A clean and well-seasoned cooking surface allows for more even heating and improves the cooking process for various dishes.
When to Reseason Your Blackstone Griddle
You should consider reseasoning your griddle under the following circumstances:
Initial Usage: If you have just unboxed your griddle, it may require an initial seasoning prior to first use.
Rust Appearance: If you notice any signs of rust or corrosion, it’s time to refresh the seasoning.
Food Sticking: If your cooking surfaces trend toward being sticky or steak is not sliding as easily across the surface, reseasoning is advisable.
Uneven Coloration: Over time, discoloration can occur from cooking different foods. A fresh season can eliminate these inconsistencies.
What You Will Need
Before getting started, gather the following essential tools and ingredients:
Tools
- Scraper or Spatula
- Paper Towels or Rags
- Griddle Cleaner or Vinegar
- Cooking Oil (Flaxseed, Canola, or Vegetable Oil)
- Sponge or Cloth
- Heat-Resistant Gloves
Ingredients
- Cooking Oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as:
- Flaxseed Oil
- Canola Oil
- Vegetable Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions to Reseason Your Blackstone Griddle
Now that you have everything ready, follow these simple steps to successfully reseason your Blackstone griddle.
Step 1: Clean the Griddle Surface
Begin by thoroughly cleaning your griddle to remove any food residues, grease, or rust. Use a scraper or spatula to remove any stuck-on food, then apply a griddle cleaner or vinegar.
How to Clean
- Remove Residues: Use the spatula to scrape off any leftover food particles.
- Apply Cleaner: Spray or wipe down the surface with griddle cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water.
- Scrub: Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the surface gently.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse with water and wipe dry with paper towels. Ensure no moisture is left because it could cause rust.
Step 2: Heat the Griddle
Preheat your griddle to a high temperature (around 400°F to 500°F). This will help to evaporate any remaining moisture and prepare the surface for seasoning.
Step 3: Apply the Oil
Once the griddle is hot, it’s time to apply the cooking oil.
How to Apply Oil
- Use Heat-Resistant Gloves: Safeguard your hands from burns.
- Pour Oil: Pour a small amount of oil (about a tablespoon) onto the center of the griddle.
- Spread: Use a paper towel or cloth to spread the oil over the entire cooking surface, covering every inch, including the edges.
- Let It Smoke: Allow the oil to heat until it starts smoking. This indicates that the oil is beginning to polymerize.
Step 4: Repeat the Process
To ensure an effective seasoning layer, you might want to repeat the oil application process 2 to 3 more times.
- Cool Down: Let the surface cool slightly between applications.
- Reapply Oil: Repeat the oil application and heating process as described in Steps 3 and 4.
Step 5: Final Cooling
After completing the oil application steps, turn off the griddle and allow it to cool completely. This will help to solidify the seasoning, creating a durable finish on your griddle surface.
Tips to Maintain Your Reseasoned Blackstone Griddle
Now that your griddle is reseasoned, follow these maintenance tips to keep it in top shape:
Regular Cleaning
After each use, scrape the griddle to remove any food particles. Wipe it down with a clean cloth or paper towel and a bit of oil to keep the surface fresh.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Never use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scrub brushes, as they can damage the seasoned layer. Instead, stick to non-abrasive sponges or cloths for cleaning.
Store Properly
If you’re not using your griddle for an extended period, store it in a dry place. Consider covering it with a griddle cover to protect it from environmental factors.
Reseason Periodically
Depending on how often you cook, reseason your griddle every 6 to 12 months to keep it performing at its peak.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Reseasoning
Knowing what to avoid can help enhance your griddle’s longevity:
Using Too Much Oil
Avoid applying excessive oil during seasoning, as it can create a sticky surface. A thin layer is ideal for the seasoning process.
Skipping Cleaning
Cleaning is an integral part of the reseasoning process. Do not overlook this step, as any residue can lead to uneven seasoning.
Underheating
Make sure to heat the griddle adequately. If it’s not hot enough, the oil won’t polymerize correctly, hindering the desired non-stick surface.
Conclusion
Reseasoning your Blackstone griddle is an essential practice for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. By following this comprehensive guide, you can keep your griddle in superb condition, ready for those delicious meals you love. Remember, the process is not just about cleaning but also about fostering a flavorful and pristine cooking surface.
With the right care and maintenance, your Blackstone griddle can provide you with an exceptional cooking experience for many years. Happy grilling!
What does it mean to reseason a Blackstone griddle?
Reseasoning a Blackstone griddle involves restoring its protective layer of seasoning, typically made from oil, that prevents food from sticking and rust from forming. Over time, this seasoning can wear down due to regular cooking, cleaning, and exposure to moisture. Reseasoning helps to revive the nonstick surface and enhance the flavor of the food cooked on it.
The process typically involves cleaning the surface of the griddle thoroughly to remove any residue or old seasoning. Then, a high-smoke-point oil is applied evenly across the griddle, which is heated to help bond the oil to the surface through polymerization. This creates a nonstick surface that improves with each use.
How often should I reseason my Blackstone griddle?
The frequency of reseasoning your Blackstone griddle can vary based on usage. If you cook on it frequently, you may need to reseason it every 10-20 uses. Signs that it’s time to reseason include food sticking more than usual, the surface looking dull or discolored, or visible rust spots forming.
If you notice these signs, it is better to reseason sooner rather than later. Infrequent users may find that once or twice a season is sufficient. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning after each use, can also help prolong the life of the seasoning.
Can I use any oil for reseasoning my Blackstone griddle?
While you can technically use any cooking oil, it is best to choose an oil with a high smoke point for reseasoning your Blackstone griddle. Some recommended oils include canola oil, vegetable oil, or flaxseed oil, as these oils can create a more durable and effective seasoning layer. Flaxseed oil is a popular choice among many cooks because it hardens well during the seasoning process.
Using low smoke point oils like olive oil or butter may lead to a sticky surface or incomplete seasoning. Always ensure the oil is spread evenly across the entire cooking surface to ensure a consistent layer is formed.
What materials do I need to reseason my Blackstone griddle?
Reseasoning your Blackstone griddle requires a few basic materials. You will need a grill brush or scraper to clean the cooking surface, some paper towels or a lint-free cloth to apply the oil, and a cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil. Additionally, having heat-resistant gloves is advisable for handling the hot griddle.
You may also want a heat source, such as the griddle itself powered on at a medium to high setting, to facilitate the reseasoning process. This allows the oil to bond to the surface properly. Having these items ready will ensure a smooth and successful reseasoning experience.
How do I clean my Blackstone griddle before reseasoning?
Cleaning your Blackstone griddle before reseasoning is crucial for achieving a good bond with the new seasoning layer. Start by scraping off any food debris and residue using a grill scraper or brush while the griddle is still warm. This initial step loosens the stuck-on particles more effectively and prepares the surface for deeper cleaning.
Next, use a damp cloth or paper towel with a small amount of dish soap if necessary to wipe down the surface. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Make sure there’s no moisture left, as this could lead to rust issues or hinder the seasoning from setting properly.
Is it necessary to let the griddle cool down before starting the reseasoning process?
It’s generally recommended to allow the griddle to cool slightly after cooking but not completely cool down before reseasoning. Working on a griddle that is too hot can be dangerous and can also make it difficult to apply oil evenly. You want the surface to be warm enough for the oil to soak in but not so hot that it smokes excessively before you’ve had a chance to apply it.
Letting the griddle cool down to a manageable temperature allows you to safely clean and prepare the surface for reseasoning. Once the griddle is warm but not hot enough to cause burns, you can apply the oil and begin the seasoning process.
What should I do if my Blackstone griddle develops rust?
If your Blackstone griddle develops rust, don’t panic. You can usually remove it with a combination of scrubbing and reseasoning. Start by using a grill brush or a scrub pad designed for cleaning cast iron to remove the rust. Once the majority of the rust is gone, clean the surface with soap and water to eliminate any loose particles, and then dry it thoroughly.
After cleaning, you will want to reseason the griddle to restore its protective layer. Apply a high-smoke-point oil and heat the griddle to the appropriate temperature, allowing the oil to polymerize and form a new protection against rust. Regular maintenance checks will help you address rust issues before they become significant problems.
Can I cook on my Blackstone griddle immediately after reseasoning?
While you technically can cook on your Blackstone griddle shortly after reseasoning, allowing the seasoning to set for a while can lead to better results. After you’ve completed the reseasoning process, it’s advisable to let the griddle cool down completely and let the seasoning bond well before using it for cooking. This typically involves letting it sit for at least an hour to allow the oils to fully cure.
If you do decide to cook immediately afterward, consider cooking foods that are less sticky or problematic, like grilled vegetables, before tackling foods that are more likely to stick. This helps further develop the seasoning layer while ensuring your first few meals on the freshly seasoned griddle go smoothly.