Blackstone griddle is a great addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal. It allows you to cook a variety of foods, from burgers and steaks to eggs and pancakes, on a large flat surface. A Blackstone griddle is made of steel, which is durable and can withstand high temperatures. However, steel can also rust and corrode if not cleaned and maintained properly.
So… how do you clean a Blackstone griddle?
To clean a Blackstone griddle, you need to follow a few simple steps:
- Scrape off any food residue and grease from the griddle with a metal spatula or scraper.
- Wipe down the griddle with a damp cloth or paper towel.
- Apply a thin layer of oil on the griddle and heat it up until it smokes.
- Wipe off the excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Cleaning your Blackstone griddle is not only good for its appearance, but also for its performance and longevity. Here are some benefits of keeping your Blackstone griddle clean:
- Cleaning your Blackstone griddle prevents food and grease from sticking and burning on the surface, which can affect the flavor and quality of your food.
- Cleaning your Blackstone griddle reduces the risk of rust and corrosion, which can damage the steel and make it unsafe to use.
- Cleaning your Blackstone griddle preserves its seasoning, which is a protective layer of oil that prevents rust and creates a nonstick surface.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle for the First Time
Before you use your Blackstone griddle for the first time, you need to clean and season it to remove any dust, dirt, or residue from the manufacturing process. Seasoning is also essential to create a nonstick surface and prevent rust. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a bucket with warm water and add some dish soap. Stir well to make a soapy solution.
- Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge in the solution and scrub the griddle surface thoroughly. Rinse the cloth or sponge frequently as you work.
- Empty the bucket and refill it with clean water. Dip another cloth or sponge in the water and wipe down the griddle surface to rinse off any soap residue.
- Dry the griddle surface completely with a dry cloth or paper towel. Let it air dry for an hour or more.
- Apply a thin layer of oil on the griddle surface with a cloth or paper towel. You can use any type of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil.
- Turn on the griddle and heat it up until it smokes. This will bake the oil into the steel and create a seasoning layer.
- Turn off the griddle and let it cool down slightly. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Your Blackstone griddle is now ready to use.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking
After each use of your Blackstone griddle, you should clean it properly to remove any food residue and grease that may have accumulated on the surface. Here’s how to do it:
- Wait until the griddle has cooled down enough to touch safely. Do not pour water on a hot griddle, as this can cause thermal shock and warp the steel.
- Scrape off any food residue and grease from the griddle with a metal spatula or scraper. Push them into the grease trap or discard them in a trash bin.
- Wipe down the griddle surface with a damp cloth or paper towel. You can also use some warm water and dish soap if needed, but make sure to rinse off any soap residue well.
- Apply a thin layer of oil on the griddle surface with a cloth or paper towel. This will help prevent rust and maintain the seasoning layer.
- Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Your Blackstone griddle is now clean and ready for storage.
How to Clean a Rusty Blackstone Griddle
If you notice any signs of rust on your Blackstone griddle, you should act quickly to remove it and restore your griddle’s condition. Rust can spread quickly and damage the steel beyond repair. Here’s how to remove rust from your Blackstone griddle:
- Scrape off any loose rust flakes from the griddle with a metal spatula or scraper.
- Use a non-metallic scouring pad or brush to scrub off any remaining rust from the griddle surface. You can also use some vinegar or lemon juice to help dissolve the rust.
- Rinse off the griddle surface with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a dry cloth or paper towel.
- Apply a thick layer of oil on the griddle surface with a cloth or paper towel. You can also use some baking soda to help neutralize any acids that may have caused the rust.
- Turn on the griddle and heat it up until it smokes. This will re-season the griddle and form a new protective layer of oil over the steel.
- Turn off the griddle and let it cool down slightly. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Your Blackstone griddle is now free of rust and ready to use again.
FAQs
Q: How often should I season my Blackstone griddle?
A: You should season your Blackstone griddle before you use it for the first time, and after each cleaning session. Seasoning helps create a nonstick surface and prevent rust on your griddle.
Q: What kind of oil should I use to season my Blackstone griddle?
A: You can use any type of cooking oil that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil, or grapeseed oil. Avoid using butter, margarine, olive oil, or coconut oil, as they have low smoke points and can burn easily.
Q: How do I store my Blackstone griddle?
A: You should store your Blackstone griddle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. You can also cover it with a grill cover or tarp to protect it from dust and dirt.
