If you recently purchased a Blackstone griddle, congratulations. You are about to discover one of the most versatile outdoor cooking appliances available. Before you cook your first smashburger, breakfast feast, or hibachi-style dinner, there is one essential step you must complete: seasoning your Blackstone griddle.
Seasoning creates a protective layer on the cooking surface that helps prevent rust, improves food release, and develops the rich cooking surface that Blackstone owners love. While the process may seem intimidating to first-time owners, it is actually quite simple when broken down into manageable steps.
Why Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle Is Important
Unlike a traditional grill, a Blackstone griddle uses a large carbon steel cooking surface. Carbon steel provides excellent heat retention and cooking performance, but it is vulnerable to rust if left unprotected.
Seasoning serves several important purposes:
- Protects the griddle from moisture and rust
- Creates a natural non-stick cooking surface
- Improves flavor over time
- Makes cleanup easier
- Extends the life of the griddle
Think of seasoning as building a shield on top of the steel surface. Each layer of seasoning adds protection and improves cooking performance.
What You Need Before You Start
Fortunately, seasoning a Blackstone griddle requires very few supplies:
- Paper towels
- Tongs
- Heat-resistant gloves
- High smoke point oil
- A propane tank
Recommended oils include:
- Avocado oil
- Canola oil
- Vegetable oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Blackstone Seasoning and Cast Iron Conditioner
Avoid butter, olive oil, and low smoke point oils during the initial seasoning process.
Step 1: Wash the Griddle Surface
Before seasoning, remove any factory oils or manufacturing residue.
Using warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap:
- Wipe down the entire cooking surface.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry completely using paper towels.
This is typically the only time soap should be used on the cooking surface.
Step 2: Heat the Griddle
Turn all burners to high.
Allow the griddle to heat for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
As the steel heats, you may notice discoloration. This is completely normal and indicates that the metal is reaching seasoning temperature.
Step 3: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil
Pour a small amount of oil onto the cooking surface.
Using paper towels held with tongs, spread the oil across:
- The entire cooking surface
- Side walls
- Rear splash guard
The key is applying a very thin layer. Too much oil can create sticky spots.
The surface should appear lightly coated rather than wet.
Step 4: Let the Oil Smoke
Leave the burners on high.
The oil will begin to smoke heavily. This is exactly what you want.
The smoke indicates that the oil is polymerizing and bonding to the steel surface.
Continue heating until the smoke nearly disappears.
This typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 5: Repeat the Process
Apply another thin coat of oil.
Allow it to smoke off completely.
Repeat this process four to six times.
Each layer will gradually darken the surface.
Your goal is to create a dark brown or black finish across most of the cooking surface.
Step 6: Let the Griddle Cool
After completing the final coat, turn off all burners.
Allow the griddle to cool naturally.
Once cool, lightly coat the surface with a very thin layer of oil.
Your griddle is now ready for cooking.
Common Seasoning Mistakes
Applying Too Much Oil
The most common mistake is using excessive oil.
Too much oil creates sticky patches that can be difficult to remove.
Thin coats are always better than thick coats.
Not Heating Long Enough
Each coat should smoke completely before applying the next.
Rushing the process can lead to uneven seasoning.
Expecting Perfection
Your griddle may not become uniformly black during the first seasoning session.
That is normal.
The cooking surface will continue improving with each use.
What Should You Cook First?
Many experienced owners recommend cooking foods that help reinforce the seasoning layer:
- Bacon
- Onions
- Smashburgers
- Breakfast potatoes
- Fried rice
Fatty foods help continue the seasoning process naturally.
How Often Should You Re-Season?
A full seasoning process is usually only necessary:
- When the griddle is new
- After rust removal
- After extensive deep cleaning
For normal use:
- Scrape the surface clean.
- Wipe away debris.
- Apply a thin coat of oil after each cook.
This routine maintenance keeps the seasoning healthy and strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for the griddle to smoke?
Yes. Heavy smoke is expected during seasoning.
Why is my griddle sticky?
Too much oil was likely applied during seasoning.
Does the entire surface need to be black?
No. The color will continue developing over time.
Can I use olive oil?
For initial seasoning, oils with higher smoke points are preferred.
Final Thoughts
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is one of the most important steps in becoming a successful griddle owner. The process protects the steel, improves cooking performance, and lays the foundation for years of delicious meals.
Take your time, apply thin coats of oil, and don’t worry if the surface isn’t perfect after the first session. With every meal you cook, your Blackstone will continue developing the dark, non-stick finish that makes griddle cooking so enjoyable.
