When it comes to outdoor cooking, the griddle stands out for its versatility and ease of use. Among the top contenders in the griddle market, the 36” Blackstone Griddle holds a special place due to its spacious cooking surface and impressive heat distribution. However, to ensure that your griddle lasts longer, maintains its non-stick qualities, and enhances flavor, it requires proper seasoning. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about seasoning your 36” Blackstone Griddle.
What is Griddle Seasoning?
Griddle seasoning is the process of coating the cooking surface of your griddle with oil and heating it to create a protective layer. This layer prevents food from sticking, safeguards against rust, and can even enhance the flavor of your dishes. In essence, seasoning is crucial to maintaining your griddle’s condition and performance.
Why is Seasoning Important?
Understanding the significance of seasoning is essential for any griddle owner. Here’s why you should prioritize it:
- Prevents Rust: A well-seasoned griddle will have a protective barrier against moisture, reducing the risk of corrosion.
- Enhances Flavor: Seasoning creates a natural non-stick surface that can elevate the taste of the food you cook on your griddle.
- Improves Durability: Properly seasoned griddles have a longer lifespan, making your investment worthwhile.
What You’ll Need to Season Your 36” Blackstone Griddle
Before you begin the seasoning process, gather the following supplies:
Equipment and Tools
- 36” Blackstone Griddle
- Cooking oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil are recommended)
- Paper towels
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Spatula
- Scrubbing pad or brush
Preparing Your Griddle Surface
Before seasoning, it’s crucial to ensure that your griddle is clean and free from any debris or old food residues. Here are the steps to prepare your griddle:
- **First, ensure the griddle is cold.** Make sure that it has cooled down completely from previous use.
- **Clean the Surface:** Using a scrubbing pad or brush, scrub the cooking surface with some hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a paper towel.
The Seasoning Process
Now that your griddle is clean and ready, it’s time to apply the seasoning. This process can be divided into several crucial steps to ensure an effective and long-lasting finish.
Step 1: Apply Oil
Once you’ve cleaned your griddle, it’s important to apply a generous amount of oil to the surface.
- Pour the Oil: Pour a thin layer of oil (about 2-3 tablespoons) across the entire cooking surface. It’s crucial to cover every inch of the griddle for an even seasoning.
- Spread the Oil: Use a paper towel or cloth to spread the oil evenly over the surface of the griddle. Make sure to cover the edges and corners as well.
Step 2: Heat the Griddle
With the oil applied, it’s time to heat the griddle. This step is what bonds the oil to the steel, creating a seasoned layer.
- Turn on the Burners: Set all the burners to high heat and let it heat up. You will want to see the oil begin to smoke slightly, which indicates that it’s beginning to bond with the steel.
- Rotate the Heat Zones: To avoid uneven seasoning, be sure to rotate your heat settings, adjusting the burners every few minutes to get even heat distribution.
Step 3: Let it Smoke!
Once the oil starts to smoke, allow the griddle to continue heating for approximately 15-20 minutes. This is vital for the seasoning process, as the high temperature encourages polymerization of the oil, forming a hard, protective coating.
Step 4: Cool Down & Wipe Off Excess Oil
After you’ve allowed the griddle to smoke, turn off the burners and let the griddle cool down.
- Wipe Excess Oil: Once the griddle is cool to the touch, use a fresh paper towel to wipe away any excess oil. This will prevent any stickiness while cooking.
Building Up Layers
For enhanced non-stick properties, it’s recommended to repeat the seasoning process 3-4 times initially. This will allow for more layers to accumulate, providing better protection and functionality.
Subsequent Seasoning Sessions
After your initial seasoning, you should reseason your griddle after every few uses or whenever you notice food beginning to stick. Here’s how you can do it:
- Heat the Griddle: Preheat the griddle over medium heat.
- Apply Oil Lightly: Use a paper towel, or cloth, to apply a light layer of oil across the surface, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat and Cool: Allow it to heat until it begins to smoke again, then let it cool off before wiping any excess oil.
Maintaining Your Seasoned Griddle
Maintaining the seasoning on your griddle is just as crucial as the initial application.
Cleaning After Use
To preserve the seasoned surface, avoid harsh chemicals. Instead, follow these steps:
- Let the Griddle Cool: Allow it to cool slightly after cooking.
- Scrub with a Brush: Use a scrubbing pad or brush with warm water to remove food residues.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
Regular Maintenance Seasoning
As mentioned earlier, apply a light layer of oil after every few uses and heat it until it smokes. This ensures that the seasoning does not wear down and enhances the non-stick properties.
Tips for Successful Seasoning
To ensure that your seasoning process is as effective as possible, keep these handy tips in mind:
1. Choose the Right Oil
Different oils have different smoke points. Using oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or flaxseed oil, will provide better results for seasoning your griddle.
2. Maintain Consistency
Consistency in your seasoning and cleaning process is imperative. Set a schedule that works for you, and stick to it, ensuring you maintain that protective layer.
3. Avoid Cooking Acidic Foods Initially
It’s advisable to avoid cooking acidic foods like tomatoes or vinegar-based sauces on your freshly seasoned griddle for the first few uses, as they can degrade the seasoning layer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, seasoning a 36” Blackstone Griddle is a simple yet crucial process that protects and enhances your cooking experience. By understanding the importance of seasoning, preparing your griddle correctly, and following the specific steps to apply and maintain the seasoning, you can keep your griddle in prime condition for years to come. Remember that with proper care and attention, not only will your Blackstone Griddle perform excellently, but it will also add delicious flavors to your meals, making every outdoor cooking adventure worthwhile. Enjoy your griddle cooking!
What is the best way to season my 36” Blackstone Griddle?
To properly season your 36” Blackstone Griddle, start by cleaning the cooking surface with hot, soapy water to remove any factory oil or debris. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely. Once the griddle is dry, apply a thin layer of cooking oil—preferably something with a high smoke point like flaxseed or canola oil. Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly across the surface.
After the oil is spread, heat the griddle on high until it starts to smoke. Once it reaches this temperature, lower the heat and let it cook for about 30 minutes, allowing the oil to polymerize and form a non-stick coating. Once the griddle has cooled, repeat the process at least three to four times to build up a good seasoning layer.
How often should I season my Blackstone Griddle?
The frequency of seasoning your Blackstone Griddle largely depends on usage. If you cook on your griddle frequently, it’s a good idea to season it every 10 to 15 cooks. After high-fat cooking sessions where you may notice sticking, or if the surface appears dull, you should consider re-seasoning.
For lighter use, seasoning every few months should be sufficient. Pay attention to the griddle’s surface; if it starts to lose its shine or food has difficulty sliding across it, that’s a sign that it needs to be re-seasoned. Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of your griddle and enhance your cooking experience.
Can I use any cooking oil for seasoning?
While you can use a variety of cooking oils, it’s best to choose oils with a high smoke point for optimal results. Some of the most recommended oils for seasoning include flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, and canola oil. These oils provide better polymerization, which is crucial for creating a durable non-stick surface.
Avoid using oils like olive oil or butter, as they have lower smoke points and may not create a stable seasoning layer. The right oil will not only help you achieve a beautiful finish but will also contribute to the longevity of the griddle’s non-stick surface.
What are the signs that my griddle needs to be seasoned?
You can identify the need for seasoning through visual and functional clues. If the griddle surface starts to look dull or discolored, or if you notice food beginning to stick during cooking, these are signs that the seasoning has worn off and it’s time to re-season.
Additionally, if you see food particles lingering or if the surface appears rough to the touch, it’s an indicator that a fresh layer of seasoning would help restore its non-stick properties. Taking note of these signs can help you maintain your griddle in excellent working condition.
Can I clean my griddle after seasoning it?
Yes, you can clean your griddle after seasoning it, but it’s essential to do so carefully to avoid stripping the newly created seasoning layer. Once your griddle has been seasoned and cooled, you should clean it using a scraper and hot water. Use a non-abrasive scrubber to remove any food debris without damaging the seasoned surface.
Avoid using harsh cleaners or steel wool, as these can wear down the seasoning. After cleaning, dry the griddle thoroughly and apply a thin layer of oil to maintain the seasoning. This will help keep the griddle in great shape for your next cooking session.
Is it necessary to season my griddle every time I cook?
No, it is not necessary to season your griddle every time you cook. Consistent seasoning is primarily needed during the initial preparation phase and periodic maintenance after multiple uses. Each time you cook, the food’s natural oils, along with those you’ve used for cooking, can further aid in maintaining the non-stick surface.
However, if you notice a loss of non-stick properties or food starting to stick, you may want to lightly re-season the surface. Observing how your griddle behaves over time will help you determine the best routine for seasoning based on your cooking habits and preferences.