So, you’ve just bought your first Blackstone griddle—congratulations! The excitement of breaking in a brand-new grill is unmatched.
Before you start grilling up a storm, there’s an essential step you need to take: seasoning your griddle.
It isn’t just about prepping your grill; it’s about setting the stage for years of non-stick cooking bliss. Let’s dive into how to do it right.
Why Seasoning Matters
Seasoning your Blackstone isn’t just about making it non-stick—it’s about protecting your investment. A well-seasoned grill resists rust and makes cleanup easier. Plus, just like grandma’s cast iron skillet, your griddle will develop its own unique seasoning over time, becoming even better with each use.
Seasoning is About Chemistry, Not Cooking
First things first, forget everything you might have heard about using bacon fat to season your grill. While bacon fat might work if you’re grilling daily, it’s not ideal for most people.
Animal fats, like bacon, contain nitrates and salt, which can lead to a brittle and flaky seasoning layer if your grill isn’t used regularly. Instead, think of seasoning as a science experiment. You’re creating a polymer—an ultra-thin, non-stick coating that bonds with your grill’s surface.
Step-by-Step Process to Season Your Blackstone Grill
1. Choose the Right Oil: For the best results, use a high smoke point oil. I personally like Canola or Soybean oil because they have a neutral flavor when cooking on it after seasoned. But there are plenty of thoughts online on the subject of cast iron and what oils to use.
Blackstone’s proprietary griddle seasoning(ad) and cast iron conditioner is a fantastic option. It not only seasons your grill but also keeps it conditioned over time.
2. Preheat Your Griddle: Start by lighting up all the burners and setting them to high heat. Let the griddle heat up for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll want the surface to get really hot—this is crucial. The heat helps open the pores in the metal, allowing the oil to bond effectively.
3. Apply the Oil: Once your griddle is hot, it’s time to apply the oil. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of your chosen seasoning oil directly onto the griddle.
*Be very cautious in this step. Using a paper towel, spread the oil evenly across the entire surface, including the sides, front, and back. Remember, the key here is thin, smooth layers. If the oil pools or you apply too much, the seasoning will become uneven and may chip later on.
4. Let It Smoke: After you’ve applied the oil, let the griddle sit and smoke. This smoking process, which takes about 15 minutes, is the polymerization at work—the oil is bonding with the metal, forming that all-important non-stick layer.
5. Repeat the Process: Once the smoke subsides, it’s time to repeat the process. Add another 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil, spread it thinly and evenly, and let it smoke off. You’ll want to do this three to five times. While four layers are generally sufficient, you can add a fifth layer if you’re aiming for extra durability.
6. Final Touches: After the final layer of oil has been applied and the smoke has cleared, your Blackstone griddle is seasoned and ready to go. It’s now prepared to deliver years of delicious, perfectly grilled meals.
Seasoning your griddle may take a bit of time, but it’s well worth the effort. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your griddle is primed for creating mouthwatering meals every time you fire it up. So, go ahead—season that griddle, and get ready to cook up some backyard BBQ magic!
