Cleaning your Blackstone griddle before first use and after each cooking will increase its usability and durability. It won’t take you very long to complete the cleaning process because it is straightforward. A detailed explanation of how to clean a Blackstone griddle is provided below.
Table of Contents
When Must A Blackstone Griddle Be Cleaned?
Prior to use, your new Blackstone griddle needs to be cleaned and seasoned. During the initial cleaning, dust that accumulates during shipping and residues from the manufacturing process are both removed.
In order for your grill to function at its best, you should clean it after each cooking session.
If your flat-top grill has rust, that is another reason to clean it. Clean it up, add some oil, and re-season the cooktop if it’s just a small patch. On the other hand, if the rust is severe, you will need to remove the entire seasoning layer and scrub the affected area thoroughly with a grill stone.
What You Need To Clean A Blackstone Flat-top Grill
- A bucket
- Warm water
- A metal scraper or spatula
- An answer to cleaning: Avoid using abrasive cleaners and chemicals on your griddle. Use dishwashing liquid instead.
- Paper towels
- Microfiber towel (you can also use a lint-free kitchen towel)
- Non-metallic scouring pad or brush
- When cleaning the griddle of grease, grime, and carbon buildup, a pumice grill stone is useful.
- Cooking oil
- When working on a hot grill surface, heat-resistant gloves are very useful.
How To Clean And Season A New Blackstone Griddle
Before using a brand-new Blackstone griddle or any other griddle for the first time after it has been assembled, make sure to start with a cold surface and follow these instructions.
1. Mix a Cleaning Solution
A bucket should be half-full or full of hot water. Stir well after adding a few sprays of a reliable dishwashing liquid.
2. Scrub the Cooking Surfaces
Wring out a microfiber towel after dipping it in the cleaning solution to prevent drips. Scrub each cooking surface with care, making sure to rewet the towel in the cleaning solution as you go to ensure a thorough cleaning.
3. Rinse and Dry the Cooking Surface
The cleaning solution should then be removed from the bucket and replaced with brand-new, hot water. Cleaning the cooking surface with a microfiber cloth after dipping it in freshwater will remove any soap residue.
After the surface is suds-free, gently dry the griddle with a dry towel. Before attempting to season the griddle, let the surface completely air dry.
Tip
Make sure there is no remaining moisture on the griddle because any moisture can lead to the formation of rust.
Season the Cooking Surface
It’s not exactly how it sounds to season a steel griddle surface—spices are not required. By simply bonding oil to the steel of your griddle, you can prevent rust from forming and create a nonstick surface for cooking.
To coat the griddle, use two to three tablespoons of vegetable oil—corn, canola, flax, olive, or solid shortening. To evenly distribute the oil and rub it into the griddle’s sides and back rim, use a paper towel.
All of the griddle’s burners should be set to high. Keep the heat on high until the oil starts to smoke, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. As the oil adheres to the steel, the griddle will turn discolored. Turn off the griddle burners and wait until the surface is cool enough to touch.
For a total of three heating sessions, carry out the steps once more with additional oil. Turn off the griddle and allow it to completely cool after the third use. You’re ready to start cooking when the griddle is black in color.
How To Clean A Blackstone Griddle After Cooking
- Start with a Cool Grill After cooking, always let the griddle cool completely before cleaning it.
- Scrape Away Food Particles For the griddle, use a wide metal spatula or metal scraper to scrape off food bits and juices. To remove any remaining grease on the cooking surface, scrape in the direction of the drip pans. Then, dab the surface with a paper towel.
- Scrub the Surface After removing your freshly cooked food, spritz the surface with hot water and use a non-metallic scrubber to remove any leftover griddle residue. Use caution when using a wire brush because it could leave behind tiny metal fragments that could rust or end up in the food you prepare later. Use a paper towel to clean up any debris.
Dry and Season the Griddle Dry the griddle gently with a microfiber towel, and then use a paper towel to evenly spread about one or two tablespoons of vegetable oil across the entire cooking surface. Avoid leaving oil puddles on the griddle.
How To Clean A Rusty Griddle
If a griddle has rusted, it can typically be repaired. Although it will require much more time and effort than a well-kept griddle, it will be worth it in the end.
- Heat the Griddle A hot griddle makes it simpler to remove rust. It is therefore best to wear heat-protective gloves and clothing before starting work. Before you start working, turn the griddle to high heat and let it get very hot. Most of the cleaning time will be spent with the griddle on high.
- Scrape and Scrape Some More Use a metal scraper to work on the hot griddle to remove the rust. Work methodically to avoid missing any of the corroded surfaces. Keep the griddle’s surface dry and avoid adding water.
- Cool and Wipe Away Loosened Rust When the griddle is completely cool, use a scraper or a piece of paper to clean off all of the loose rust.
- Oil and Scrub the Griddle Apply four to five tablespoons of vegetable oil to the griddle’s surface and scrub it with a grill stone made of pumice. Although a pumice stone will make the job simpler, you can also use a non-metallic scrubbing brush. Use paper towels to remove the oil and debris. It’s best to always add more oil each time you scrub the surface if there is still visible rust. If there is still visible rust, repeat this step until all traces of rust are gone.
- Season the Griddle Surface The griddle should be seasoned with new oil after the rust has been removed. You won’t have to do all that cleaning again if you store it in a cool, dry place.
Importance Of Cleaning Your Blackstone Griddle
Every time you cook on your Blackstone griddle, grease and food scraps are collected.
When these two build-up, grime forms, which interferes with your grill’s normal operation. The lifespan of your grill may also be shortened by it.
Here is why cleaning your flat-top grill is so essential:
It Ensures the Efficient Functioning Of Your Griddle
If you fail to take good care of your grill, you are likely to encounter the following problems:
- Griddle top peeling
- Griddle top rusting
- Igniter problems
Implementing a regular cleaning schedule will help you stay away from maintenance-related problems.
Your grill will continue to operate properly as long as it is cleaned regularly.
It Minimizes Incidents Of Grease Fires
Regular grill cleaning helps to remove grease before it builds up.
As you cook, the drip pan can easily catch fire if you allow a lot of greases to build up in it.
Grills were the cause of 10,600 reported home fires in the United States between 2014 and 2018, according to data gathered by the National Fire Protection Association. A grill that had not been properly cleaned was to blame for 29% of them.
It Helps To Keep Your Food Clean
You can be certain that the food is clean if the cookware is clean.
Black food crumbs and oils from your most recent meal will be on a dirty griddle top. Your food will lose its appearance and taste due to these oils and residues.
Maintain a clean cooktop at all times to savor the mouthwatering flavors of your just-made griddle meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should A Blackstone Griddle Be Cleaned?
If your Blackstone griddle isn’t brand new, avoid using soap to clean it. Additionally, stay away from using abrasive scrubbers or metallic scouring pads.
How Should The Blackstone Griddle Be Cleaned After Each Use?
Once the food has finished cooking, allow the grill to cool a little before cleaning it with paper towels and scraping off any food that remains. Rub some oil on the surface, then save it or use it for the subsequent meal. Sprinkle some water on the area to help loosen any food that has stuck to the surface before scraping it off.
What Is The Recommended Frequency Of Cleaning A Blackstone Griddle?
After each use, your griddle should be cleaned. By doing this, you can avoid the buildup of grease and food debris that could ruin your upcoming meal or jeopardize the durability of your grill.
Why Does Food Stick To My Blackstone Griddle?
Food sticks when you don’t clean your grill thoroughly because cooking oil and burnt food particles collect there. A grill cooktop that has been overly seasoned with oil may also become sticky.
On A Blackstone Griddle, What Kind Of Oil Should You Use?
The best oil to use when seasoning your Blackstone for the first time is flaxseed because it produces a thick and resilient coating of polymerized oil. Additional high-heat oils include Blackstone Griddle Seasoning & Cast Iron Conditioner.
Wrapping Up
There are many advantages to maintaining a clean Blackstone flat-top grill. It not only improves the grill’s performance but also guarantees the cleanliness of the food cooked on it.
Except when cleaning it for the first time, avoid using soap on your griddle. To prevent rust and preserve a non-stick surface, season your cooktop after cleaning.
Correct flat-top grill cleaning improves durability and performance.
It’s enjoyable to use and simple to keep a clean griddle. It won’t take you very long to complete the cleaning because it is straightforward. Depending on its condition, a detailed guide to cleaning a Blackstone griddle is provided below.
