Learn everything you need to know about how to start up and season that new Blackstone griddle before cooking on it!
Embracing the versatility and fun of outdoor cooking starts with setting up a new Blackstone griddle correctly.
Before we dive into culinary adventures, it's crucial to properly season our new griddle.
Seasoning isn't just a one-time process; it's an ongoing practice that ensures the longevity and non-stick quality of the griddle.
By seasoning our Blackstone, we create a natural, protective layer that prevents rust and creates a superior cooking surface.
Gathering the right supplies is the first step in seasoning our Blackstone griddle. We'll need high-heat tolerant oils, heat-resistant gloves or tongs, and a few more items to ensure the process is safe and effective.
We'll walk through the steps to evenly distribute oil on the surface, heating it until it smokes, and repeating the process a few times.
This procedure not only preps the griddle for its first use but also enhances the flavor of the food cooked on it. Regular maintenance after each use will keep the griddle in prime condition, ready for our next barbeque endeavor.
Key Takeaways
- Proper seasoning protects and enhances our Blackstone griddle for future use.
- Gather necessary tools and follow specific steps to ensure an even, protective seasoning layer.
- Ongoing griddle maintenance after each use sustains the non-stick surface and performance.
Jump to:
Preparing Your Blackstone Griddle
Before diving into the delicious world of griddled foods, proper preparation of your Blackstone Griddle is essential.
We'll guide you through each step from unboxing to the initial burnoff, ensuring your griddle is well-seasoned and ready for cooking.
Unboxing and Assembly
Upon opening the box, we'll lay out all the parts and tools required for assembly.
We'll reference the manufacturer's instructions to assemble the griddle correctly. It's important to tighten all screws and bolts firmly to ensure stability and safety during use.
Connecting the Propane Tank
Once assembled, proceed to connect the propane tank. First, ensure the griddle's control knobs are in the "OFF" position.
Attach the propane hose to the tank, securely fastening the coupler to avoid gas leaks.
After attaching, we'll perform a soap and water test on the connections to confirm there are no leaks.
Ignition and Start-up
For ignition, we'll turn the propane tank valve on, then turn the griddle control knobs to the "IGNITE" position. Pressing the ignition button creates a spark to light the burners.
We should see an even flame across the burners, signifying a successful start-up.
Initial Cleaning and Burnoff
Before seasoning, a thorough initial cleaning is essential.
Mix warm water with a mild soap solution and apply it to the griddle surface. Using paper towels, we'll wipe the griddle clean, ensuring to remove any soap residue.
Next, heat the griddle to perform the initial burnoff, letting it run for 15-20 minutes to remove any factory residue or protective coatings.
The Seasoning Process
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is crucial for creating a non-stick surface and preventing rust. We'll guide you through the steps using the right oils and techniques.
Choosing the Right Oil
When seasoning your griddle, the type of oil you use is important due to varying smoke points. We recommend oils with a high smoke point such as:
- Canola oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Avocado oil
These oils are preferred for their ability to withstand high temperatures, a crucial factor in the polymerization process.
Applying the Oil
To apply the oil:
- First, ensure the griddle is clean and dry.
- With heat-resistant gloves, use tongs to hold a cloth or paper towel.
- Dab a small amount of your chosen oil, spreading it evenly over the surface.
Remember to cover all corners and sides, creating a thin, even layer.
Heating and Smoking
Now, let’s heat the griddle:
- Turn on the burners to a medium-high setting.
- Heat the oiled griddle until it starts to smoke, indicating the oil has reached its smoke point.
- Once smoking, maintain the temperature for around 30 minutes to an hour to allow polymerization.
Repeat the oil application and heating process several times to build up a strong seasoning layer.
Maintaining Your Griddle
Proper maintenance of your Blackstone griddle ensures a durable non-stick surface and prevents rust, helping your griddle last for years.
We'll examine the essentials of cleaning after each use, regular re-seasoning, and protecting the griddle from rust and damage.
Cleaning After Use
Immediately after cooking, it's crucial to clean the griddle to maintain its stick-resistant coating. While the griddle is still warm, scrape off any food particles with a flat scraper.
Then, with a squirt of water, we'll wipe down the metal surface, effectively removing any remaining residue.
Finally, a light coating of oil after cleaning protects the surface and maintains the non-stick polymers produced during seasoning.
- Scrape: Remove food particles.
- Wipe: With water, then dry with a towel.
- Oil: Apply a thin layer of seasoning oil to protect the surface.
Regular Re-Seasoning
Re-seasoning our griddle is essential to maintain the polymerized non-stick surface.
Every few months, or after heavy use, we coat the surface with a thin layer of high-smoke point oil and heat it until it smokes.
This process should be repeated several times to build up a protective layer. Doing this not only fortifies the seasoning on the Blackstone griddle but also keeps the surface smooth and stick-resistant.
- Heat: Warm up the griddle surface.
- Oil: Apply high-smoke point oils (e.g., flaxseed, canola, or seasoning oil).
- Smoke: Heat until the oil just starts to smoke, then cool completely. Repeat as necessary.
Preventing Rust and Damage
We prevent rust and other damage by ensuring that our griddle is thoroughly dried after use and re-seasoning.
Applying a cast iron conditioner or suitable protective oil can provide a barrier against moisture.
Protecting the metal plate with a heavy-duty cover shields it from the elements when not in use. This cover is crucial, particularly in damp or coastal environments where rust is more likely to occur.
- Dry: Ensure the metal surface is completely dry.
- Protect: With conditioner or oil to repel water.
- Cover: Use a heavy-duty cover when not in use to prevent environmental damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we address common inquiries about beginning and maintaining the condition of your Blackstone griddle to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Which oil is best for the initial seasoning of a Blackstone griddle?
For the initial seasoning, high smoke point oils like canola, flaxseed, or vegetable oil are recommended to create a durable non-stick layer. For instance, flaxseed oil is a popular choice due to its high smoke point.
What is the recommended procedure for cleaning a Blackstone griddle before its first use?
Before the first use, it's important to wash the griddle top with soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and then dry completely. This removes any factory residue and prepares the surface for seasoning.
How many layers of seasoning are advisable for a new Blackstone griddle?
Applying 3 to 5 thin layers of oil and heating the griddle until it smokes is usually sufficient to establish a good foundational seasoning for a new Blackstone griddle.
At what temperature should the seasoning process be conducted on a Blackstone griddle?
The seasoning process should be done at a high temperature that allows the oil to smoke and polymerize. Typically, setting the burners to high and waiting until the griddle darkens is the way to season it properly.
Is it necessary to season the Blackstone griddle after each use?
It is beneficial to apply a thin layer of oil after each use and heat it until it smokes. This maintains the seasoning and keeps the cooking surface non-stick and rust-free.
Can the seasoning build-up be too thick, and how can one prevent over-seasoning on a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, seasoning can become too thick, which may lead to flaking. Prevent over-seasoning by applying thin layers and heating until they smoke before applying the next. If the layer is too thick, it may be necessary to strip the seasoning and start over.
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