Key Takeaways
- Regularly reseasoning your Blackstone griddle restores its non-stick surface, prevents rust, and ensures even heat distribution for better cooking results.
- Reseason your griddle when you notice food sticking, rust spots, uneven heat, or after deep cleaning that removes the seasoning layer.
- Use high smoke point oils such as flaxseed, canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil to create a durable and effective seasoning coating.
- Follow a step-by-step process: thoroughly clean, apply a thin oil layer, heat until it smokes, cool, and repeat 2-3 times for best results.
- Maintain seasoning by cleaning promptly after use, drying thoroughly, applying a light oil coat, and heating briefly before storage.
- Avoid frequent cooking of acidic foods and store the griddle covered in a dry place to prolong the seasoning’s life and protect the griddle.
If you love cooking on your Blackstone griddle, keeping it well-seasoned is key to great flavor and long-lasting performance. Over time, the seasoning can wear down, causing food to stick and the surface to rust. Reseasoning your griddle restores its non-stick coating and protects it from damage.
You don’t need to be a pro to reseason your Blackstone griddle. With a few simple steps and the right materials, you can bring it back to life and enjoy smooth cooking for many meals to come. Let’s dive into how you can easily reseason your griddle and keep it in top shape.
Why Reseasoning Your Blackstone Griddle Is Important
Maintaining a strong seasoning layer on your Blackstone griddle prevents rust formation by creating a protective barrier against moisture and oxygen. It enhances the griddle’s naturally non-stick surface, reducing food sticking and making cleanup easier. Consistent seasoning improves heat distribution, ensuring your food cooks evenly without hotspots. Over time, cooking acidic or high-moisture foods breaks down the seasoning, so reseasoning restores its durability and performance. Regular reseasoning extends the lifespan of your griddle, saving you money on replacements or repairs.
When to Reseason Your Blackstone Griddle
Reseason your Blackstone griddle when you notice food sticking during cooking. Food sticking signals that the seasoning layer has worn down or degraded. Reseason the griddle if rust spots, even small ones, appear on the cooking surface. Rust compromises the steel and can spread quickly if not addressed.
Reseasoning becomes necessary after thoroughly cleaning the griddle with soapy water or abrasive scrubbing. Such cleaning removes the seasoning layer and exposes the bare metal. Reseason your griddle regularly if you cook acidic foods, such as tomatoes or citrus, frequently. Acid breaks down seasoning oils, weakening the protective barrier.
Reseason your Blackstone griddle when heat distribution seems uneven or the surface looks dull and dry. Both indicate that the seasoning layer no longer offers optimal protection or non-stick performance. Performing reseasoning every 3 to 6 months maintains peak performance, depending on usage frequency and cooking styles.
| Indicator | Reason |
|---|---|
| Food sticking | Seasoning worn or degraded |
| Rust spots | Protective layer compromised |
| Deep cleaning performed | Seasoning removed |
| Frequent acidic food cooking | Seasoning breakdown due to acids |
| Uneven heat distribution | Protective layer uneven or reduced |
| Dull, dry surface | Seasoning insufficient |
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Reseason a Blackstone Griddle
Reseasoning your Blackstone griddle restores its protective coating and enhances cooking performance. Follow these precise steps to maintain a durable and non-stick surface.
Cleaning the Griddle Surface
Start by removing food debris and rust spots using a scraper and grill brush. Wash the surface thoroughly with warm water and mild soap if necessary, but avoid harsh detergents that can strip seasoning. Dry the griddle completely with a clean cloth or paper towels to prevent rust.
Applying Oil for Seasoning
Choose a high smoke point oil such as flaxseed, canola, or grapeseed oil for best results. Pour a small amount of oil—about one tablespoon—onto the griddle surface. Spread it evenly with a cloth or paper towel, ensuring a thin, uniform layer covers every part.
Heating the Griddle Properly
Preheat the griddle on medium-high heat until it begins smoking slightly, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. This process polymerizes the oil and bonds the seasoning to the surface. Rotate and spread the oil as needed, maintaining the thin coating while heating.
Allowing the Griddle to Cool
Turn off the heat and let the griddle cool completely at room temperature before touching or storing. Cooling locks in the seasoning layer and prevents moisture from compromising its durability. Repeat the oil application and heating process two to three times for a more resilient finish.
Best Oils to Use for Reseasoning
Choose oils with high smoke points for effective reseasoning. These oils create a durable, non-stick layer on your Blackstone griddle. Consider the following options:
- Flaxseed oil: Offers a smoke point around 225°F (107°C) and polymerizes well to form a hard, long-lasting seasoning.
- Canola oil: Provides a smoke point near 400°F (204°C), making it versatile and widely accessible.
- Grapeseed oil: Has a smoke point around 420°F (216°C), ideal for high-heat bonding on the griddle surface.
- Avocado oil: Features a smoke point of about 520°F (271°C), ensuring strong seasoning for frequent use.
- Vegetable oil: Commonly used with a smoke point near 400°F (204°C), suitable for routine reseasoning.
Avoid low smoke point oils such as olive oil or butter, since they can burn and degrade the seasoning. Applying a thin, even layer of your chosen oil ensures better polymerization and a smoother finish. Rotate between these oils if desired, but consistency in application produces the best results.
Tips for Maintaining Your Griddle’s Seasoning
Clean your griddle surface promptly after each use. Use a scraper or spatula to remove food particles while the surface is still warm but cool enough to handle safely. Avoid harsh detergents that strip the seasoning.
Dry the griddle thoroughly before storage. Moisture increases the risk of rust, which damages the seasoning layer. Use a paper towel or cloth to absorb any remaining water.
Apply a light coat of high smoke point oil after cooking. Choose from flaxseed, canola, or grapeseed oil to maintain the seasoning’s protective barrier. Spread oil evenly using a paper towel or cloth right after cleaning.
Heat your griddle briefly after oiling. Set it to medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes to polymerize the oil and reinforce the seasoning. Cool it before covering or storing.
Avoid cooking highly acidic foods frequently, such as tomatoes or citrus, on the griddle’s surface. These foods erode the seasoning and require more frequent reseasoning.
Store your griddle in a dry, covered space. A fitted cover prevents dust and moisture buildup that degrade the seasoning.
Reseason your griddle regularly, ideally every 3 to 6 months, depending on use and food types. Consistent maintenance preserves the seasoning’s non-stick qualities and extends your griddle’s life.
Conclusion
Keeping your Blackstone griddle well-seasoned is key to getting the best cooking results and extending its lifespan. By regularly reseasoning and maintaining the protective layer, you’ll avoid rust, stickiness, and uneven heating.
With the right oils and simple steps, reseasoning becomes an easy part of your routine that keeps your griddle performing like new. Taking these small actions ensures your griddle stays ready for every meal you want to create.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to keep my Blackstone griddle seasoned?
Seasoning protects your griddle from rust, creates a non-stick surface, and improves heat distribution. It enhances flavor and durability, ensuring better cooking results and a longer lifespan.
How often should I reseason my Blackstone griddle?
Reseason your griddle every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage and the types of food you cook, especially if you frequently use acidic or high-moisture ingredients.
What are the signs that my griddle needs reseasoning?
Look for food sticking, rust spots, uneven heat distribution, or a dull, dry surface as signs that your Blackstone griddle needs to be reseasoned.
Can I reseason my griddle after deep cleaning?
Yes, deep cleaning removes the seasoning layer, so it’s essential to reseason immediately afterward to restore the protective coating.
What is the best oil to use for reseasoning?
Use oils with a high smoke point such as flaxseed, canola, or grapeseed oil. Avoid low smoke point oils to ensure effective seasoning.
How do acidic foods affect my griddle’s seasoning?
Acidic foods can break down the seasoning layer faster, so frequent cooking of acidic dishes may require more frequent reseasoning to maintain the protective barrier.
What is the basic process of reseasoning a Blackstone griddle?
Clean the surface thoroughly, apply a thin coat of high smoke point oil, preheat the griddle until smoking, then let it cool to lock in the seasoning.
How can I maintain my griddle’s seasoning between uses?
Clean the griddle promptly after cooking, dry it completely, apply a light oil coat, then heat briefly to reinforce the seasoning. Store it in a dry, covered area.
Will reseasoning improve my griddle’s cooking performance?
Yes, a well-maintained seasoning layer ensures even heat distribution and a natural non-stick surface, making cooking easier and enhancing food flavor.
Is it expensive to maintain seasoning on a Blackstone griddle?
No, maintaining seasoning is affordable and saves money in the long run by preventing rust, sticking, and damage, thus avoiding costly repairs or replacements.