Discover the art of seasoning your Blackstone grill to achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful meals every time with these simple steps.
Are you a fan of outdoor cooking and love the taste of perfectly grilled food? Then, you must have heard about Blackstone grills. These versatile grills are known for their durability and ability to cook a variety of foods.
However, to get the best results from your Blackstone grill, it’s essential to season it properly. If you’re new to outdoor cooking or want to learn how to season your Blackstone grill correctly, then this blog post is for you! In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of seasoning your Blackstone grill and share some tips on how to maintain its quality over time.
So let’s get started!
What Is Seasoning?
Before we dive into the process of seasoning your Blackstone grill, let’s first understand what seasoning means. In simple terms, seasoning is the process of creating a non-stick surface on your grill by coating it with oil and heating it to high temperatures.
This helps to prevent food from sticking to the grates and also protects them from rusting.
Seasoning is an essential step in maintaining your Blackstone grill’s quality over time. It not only enhances its performance but also extends its lifespan by preventing corrosion caused by moisture or acidic foods.
Seasoning Your Blackstone Grill
It helps to create a non-stick surface, prevent rusting, and improve the overall flavor of your food. To season your Blackstone grill correctly, follow these simple steps:
1. Preparing the Grill Surface: Before seasoning your grill, make sure it’s clean and free from any debris or dirt.
2. Choosing the Right Cooking Oil: The type of oil you use for seasoning can affect the taste and quality of your food.
3. Heating Your Blackstone Grill: Heat up the griddle on high heat for about 15-20 minutes until it starts smoking.
4. Applying Oil to The Grill: Once heated up properly turn off heat source then apply oil using paper towels or cloth.
5. Spreading The Oil Evenly: Distribute evenly across all surfaces with a spatula.
6. Dabbing With More Oil: Repeat this process several times until there is an even layer coating every inch of cooking surface.
7. Repeating Process For Layering: Apply more layers if needed.
8. Cool And Clean Your Griddle After Seasoning: Let cool down completely before cleaning with warm water only (no soap).
Preparing the Grill Surface
The first step is to clean the grill thoroughly using a scraper or spatula and hot soapy water. Make sure you remove any dirt, debris, or rust from the surface.
Once you’ve cleaned your Blackstone grill, rinse it with warm water and dry it completely using a towel or cloth. After that, turn on all burners of your gas-powered Blackstone Grill for 10-15 minutes until they reach their maximum temperature.
If you have an electric griddle model like the 28-inch griddle station with hood (which I personally recommend), plug in and heat up at high temperature for about ten minutes before proceeding to apply oil.
By heating up your black stone griddle before applying oil will open its pores allowing better absorption of oils into its metal surfaces creating a non-stick layer that prevents food from sticking while cooking.
Choosing the Right Cooking Oil
The type of oil you use can affect the flavor and quality of your food, as well as impact how well your grill maintains its seasoning over time. When selecting an oil for seasoning, it’s important to choose one with a high smoke point that won’t break down at high temperatures.
Some oils recommended by Blackstone include flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, and vegetable shortening. Flaxseed has a very low smoke point but creates an excellent non-stick surface on cast iron grates while grapeseed has a higher smoke point making it ideal for outdoor cooking.
It’s also essential to avoid using oils with low smoking points such as olive or butter since they tend to burn quickly and leave behind sticky residues that are difficult to clean off from the griddle surface.
Best Oil for Seasoning
While there are many oils available in the market, not all of them are suitable for seasoning grills. Some oils can leave a sticky residue or even damage the grill’s surface.
The best oil for seasoning your Blackstone grill is one with a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning or smoking excessively. Oils such as vegetable, canola, grapeseed, and flaxseed have high smoke points and work well when used to season grills.
However, if you want to stick with what Blackstone recommends specifically for their products then they suggest using flaxseed oil because it creates an excellent non-stick coating that lasts longer than other oils.
Blackstone Recommended Oils
While there are many oils you can use, not all of them are suitable for high-heat cooking and may leave a sticky residue on your grill’s surface. That’s why Blackstone recommends using flaxseed oil or grapeseed oil for seasoning their grills.
Flaxseed oil has a high smoke point and creates a hard, non-stick surface when heated properly. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids that provide health benefits.
Grapeseed oil is another excellent option as it has a neutral flavor and can withstand high temperatures without smoking or burning. It also contains vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant to prevent rusting.
Both oils are readily available in most grocery stores or online retailers like Amazon. However, if you’re unable to find these oils in your area, other options include vegetable shortening or refined coconut oil.
Heating the Blackstone Grill
Heating your Blackstone grill is an essential step in the seasoning process as it helps open up the pores of the metal and allows for better absorption of oil. Turn on all burners to high heat and let them run for about 15-20 minutes until they start smoking or turn red-hot.
It’s important not to rush this step as heating your Blackstone grill too quickly can cause warping or cracking, which will affect its performance over time. Once heated, use a pair of tongs and paper towels soaked in cooking oil to wipe down each burner thoroughly.
Applying Oil to the Grill
Applying oil to the grill is a crucial step in seasoning as it creates a non-stick surface and prevents rusting. To start, pour some oil onto a clean cloth or paper towel and spread it evenly across the entire cooking surface of your Blackstone grill.
Make sure that you cover every inch of the griddle with an even layer of oil. You can also use a brush or spatula to spread out any excess oils on areas where there might be more buildup.
It’s important not to overdo this process as too much oil can cause flare-ups during cooking which will affect food quality negatively. Once you’ve applied enough layers, let them sit for about 15-20 minutes before wiping off any excess oils with another clean cloth or paper towel.
Spreading the Oil Evenly
This step is crucial as unevenly applied oil can lead to hotspots and uneven cooking. To ensure that your grill is seasoned correctly, use a clean cloth or paper towel to spread the oil over every inch of its surface.
Start by pouring a small amount of oil onto one side of the griddle plate and then use a cloth or paper towel to spread it around in circular motions. Make sure that you cover every part of the griddle plate with an even layer of oil before moving on to another section.
Repeat this process until you’ve covered both sides completely with an even layer of seasoning. Remember not to apply too much pressure while spreading out the oils; otherwise, they may pool up in certain areas leading them prone towards rusting.
Dab It With Oil
This step is crucial as it helps remove any excess oil that may cause your food to stick or burn. Dabbing also ensures that the oil is distributed evenly across the surface of the grill.
To dab, fold a paper towel into quarters and hold one end with tongs. Gently press down on the oiled surface of your Blackstone grill and move in circular motions until all excess oil has been absorbed by the paper towel.
Be careful not to use too much pressure when dabbing as this can cause scratches or damage to your griddle’s seasoning layer. Once you’ve finished dabbing, discard used paper towels properly and let your Blackstone grill cool completely before storing.
Repeating the Process: Layering
Layering is an essential step in seasoning your grill as it helps build a non-stick surface and prevents rusting. After applying the first coat of oil, let it heat up for about 10-15 minutes before adding another layer.
Repeat this process several times until you achieve a darkened and glossy finish on your cooking surface. The number of layers required depends on how new or old your Blackstone grill is; newer grills may require more layers than older ones.
Remember that each coating should be thin and even, so don’t overdo it with too much oil at once. Also, make sure that each layer has been heated thoroughly before applying another one.
Layering not only creates a non-stick surface but also protects against rust formation by sealing any pores or cracks in the metal surface.
Time for Extra Rounds
The number of layers depends on how new or old your grill is and how well-seasoned you want it to be. For a brand-new Blackstone grill, we recommend applying at least three layers of oil before cooking any food on it.
After each round, let the oil heat up until it starts smoking again before adding another layer. This process helps create a non-stick surface that prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easier.
For an older or heavily used Blackstone grill, you may need to apply more than three rounds of seasoning to restore its quality fully. Don’t worry if this takes some time; the effort will pay off in deliciously cooked meals every time!
Remember that proper maintenance is key when using a Blackstone Grill regularly.
Cooling and Cleaning the Grill
This will prevent any damage to the surface and ensure that the seasoning stays intact. Once cooled, use a scraper or spatula to remove any excess oil or food debris from the grill surface.
Next, take a damp cloth and wipe down the entire surface of your Blackstone grill. Avoid using soap as this can strip away some of the seasoning you just applied.
If there are stubborn stains on your griddle top that won’t come off with water alone, try using vinegar instead.
Once you’ve finished wiping down your Blackstone grill with a damp cloth (and vinegar if necessary), dry it thoroughly with paper towels or a clean towel. Make sure there is no moisture left on its surface as this can cause rusting over time.
Final Touches
Once you’ve finished applying oil and heating the surface, let the grill cool down completely before wiping off any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel. This will help prevent any sticky residue from forming on the surface of your grill.
Once you’ve wiped off all excess oil, apply a thin layer of cooking spray or vegetable oil to keep your Blackstone grill in top condition. You can also use this opportunity to inspect your griddle for any signs of rusting or damage.
If you notice that there are areas where seasoning has worn away due to frequent use, don’t worry! Simply reapply another layer of cooking spray or vegetable oil and repeat the process until you achieve an even coating across all surfaces.
Prevent Rusting
You can prevent rusting by taking some simple steps. After seasoning your grill, make sure to keep it dry and store it in a cool and dry place when not in use.
Moisture is the enemy of metal surfaces as it promotes rust formation.
If you live near the coast or an area with high humidity levels, consider investing in a cover for your Blackstone grill to protect it from moisture exposure.
Another way to prevent rusting is by using stainless steel utensils instead of iron or other metals that are prone to corrosion. Stainless steel utensils are durable and easy to clean; they also don’t leave behind any metallic residue on the surface of your Blackstone grill.
Create a Non-Stick Surface
This means that food won’t stick to the grates, making cooking and cleaning much more manageable. To create this non-stick surface, you need to apply multiple layers of oil during the seasoning process.
The first layer will help fill in any pores or imperfections on the grill’s surface, creating an even base for subsequent layers. As you add more oil and heat it up, it will polymerize into a hard coating that acts as a barrier between your food and the metal grates.
Over time this coating will become thicker with each use until eventually; you’ll have created an almost indestructible non-stick layer on top of your Blackstone grill’s cooking surface.
When to Season Your Grill
If you’ve missed this step or have been using your grill without seasoning it properly, don’t worry! You can still season your Blackstone grill at any time.
One of the best times to re-season your Blackstone griddle is after cooking acidic or high-sugar foods like tomatoes and barbecue sauce. These types of food can break down and remove some of the oil on a seasoned surface.
Another sign that it’s time to re-season is when food starts sticking more than usual. This could mean that there are spots where oil has worn off from use over time.
Regular maintenance will also help keep a well-seasoned surface intact longer. After each use, clean with warm water and mild soap (if necessary), then dry thoroughly with paper towels or a cloth towel before storing away until next use.
After Cooking Acidic or High Sugar Foods
This is especially true if you’ve cooked acidic or high sugar foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and barbecue sauce. These types of foods can break down the seasoning on your grill’s surface over time.
If you notice that food is starting to stick more frequently than usual, it’s a sign that it’s time to re-season your Blackstone grill. The good news is that re-seasoning isn’t as complicated as the initial process.
Simply follow these steps:
- Clean off any remaining debris from previous cooking sessions.
- Apply a thin layer of oil onto the griddle surface.
- Heat up the griddle until it starts smoking.
- Turn off heat and let cool completely before wiping away excess oil with paper towels.
When Food Starts to Stick
This is a common problem and can happen for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is that the grill wasn’t heated properly before cooking.
If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t worry! You can easily fix it by re-seasoning your Blackstone grill. Simply follow the steps outlined above and apply an extra layer of oil on top of the existing seasoning.
It’s also important to note that certain foods are more likely to stick than others, such as fish or eggs. To prevent sticking, make sure your griddle surface is hot enough before adding any food items.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance will help keep the grill in good condition and ensure that it continues to cook food evenly and with great flavor. Here are some tips for maintaining your Blackstone grill: .
1. Clean the Grill After Each Use: It’s important to clean the surface of your Blackstone grill after each use using a scraper or spatula.
2. Remove Excess Grease: Make sure you remove any excess grease from the griddle surface before storing it away.
3. Store Your Grill Properly: When not in use, store your Blackstone grill in a dry place where there is no risk of moisture buildup or rusting.
4. Check for Rust Spots: Regularly check for rust spots on both sides of the griddle plate and treat them immediately if found.
5. Use High-Quality Cooking Oil: Always choose high-quality cooking oil when seasoning or cooking on your black stone griddle.
Maintaining Grill Seasoning
Regular maintenance will help prevent rusting and ensure that the grill remains non-stick. Here are some tips for maintaining your grill seasoning: .
1. Clean the Grill After Each Use: After cooking, use a scraper or spatula to remove any food debris from the surface of the grill.
2. Avoid Using Soap: Soap can strip away the seasoning on your Blackstone grill, so avoid using it when cleaning.
3. Re-Season When Necessary: If you notice that food is starting to stick or if there are signs of rust on your Blackstone griddle top, then it’s time to re-season.
4. Store Your Grill Properly: When not in use, store your Blackstone griddle in a dry place with adequate ventilation.
By following these simple steps for maintaining your seasoned black stone griddle top after each cookout session will keep them looking great and performing well for years!
FAQ
What is the best oil to season a Blackstone grill with?
The best oil to season a Blackstone grill is vegetable oil, specifically any high smoke point oil.
How long does it take to season a Blackstone Grill?
It typically takes about an hour to season a Blackstone Grill.
What are the steps involved in seasoning a Blackstone grill?
The steps involved in seasoning a Blackstone grill are to clean, heat, oil, and repeat as necessary.
Can I use different oils for seasoning the grill, or is there a specific type recommended?
Yes, you can use different oils for seasoning the grill, but high smoke point oils like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil are recommended.
How often should I re-season my Blackstone grill to maintain its performance and longevity?
You should re-season your Blackstone grill after every 4-6 uses to maintain its performance and longevity.