How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle
Why Cleaning a Blackstone Griddle is Important
Cleaning a Blackstone griddle is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures that your food remains safe to eat. Grease and food debris can accumulate on the surface of the griddle over time, leading to bacterial growth and potential foodborne illnesses. Cleaning your griddle after each use helps prevent this buildup and keeps your cooking surface sanitary.
In addition to safety concerns, cleaning your Blackstone griddle also helps extend its lifespan. Built-up grease and food debris can cause damage to the griddle’s surface, leading to rust and corrosion. Regular cleaning helps remove these harmful substances and prevent long-term damage.
Lastly, a clean griddle simply performs better. When grease and debris accumulate on the cooking surface, they can cause uneven heating and hot spots. This can affect the taste and texture of your food, and make it more difficult to cook evenly. Keeping your griddle clean ensures consistent heat distribution and better cooking results.
Materials Needed for Cleaning a Blackstone Griddle
To clean your Blackstone griddle, you’ll need a few basic materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Grill scraper: A grill scraper is an essential tool for removing large debris and grease buildup from your griddle surface.
Griddle cleaning kit: Blackstone offers a griddle cleaning kit that includes a specialized griddle cleaner, griddle pad, and scrub brush. You can also use other griddle cleaners, but be sure to check that they’re safe for use on a Blackstone griddle.
Paper towels or cloths: You’ll need something to wipe down the griddle surface after cleaning.
Hot water: Hot water is necessary to help break down grease and food debris on your griddle.
Cooking oil: After cleaning your griddle, you’ll need to re-season it with cooking oil to prevent rust and corrosion. Any cooking oil will do, but many people prefer to use flaxseed oil or vegetable oil for seasoning.
Steps for Cleaning a Blackstone Griddle
Follow these steps to clean your Blackstone griddle:
Turn off the heat and let the griddle cool down. Never attempt to clean a hot griddle.
Use a grill scraper to remove any large debris or grease buildup from the surface of the griddle. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the griddle.
Apply griddle cleaner to the griddle surface and let it sit for a few minutes to break down any remaining grease and food debris.
Use a griddle pad or scrub brush to gently scrub the surface of the griddle, working in a circular motion. Be sure to cover the entire surface, including the edges.
Wipe down the griddle surface with paper towels or a cloth to remove any remaining cleaner and debris.
Rinse the griddle surface with hot water to remove any remaining cleaner.
Dry the griddle surface thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the griddle surface to re-season it and prevent rust and corrosion. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to evenly distribute the oil.
Turn the griddle on to a low heat and let it warm up for a few minutes to help the oil penetrate the surface.
Use a grill scraper to remove any excess oil and debris from the surface of the griddle. Your griddle is now ready to use again!
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Blackstone Griddle
Here are some tips to help you maintain a clean Blackstone griddle:
Clean your griddle after each use: Cleaning your griddle after each use prevents grease and food debris from building up over time. This makes it easier to clean and ensures that your griddle remains sanitary.
Use a griddle cover: A griddle cover helps protect your griddle from the elements and prevents dust and debris from settling on the surface. This can help reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do in between uses.
Season your griddle regularly: Regular seasoning helps prevent rust and corrosion on your griddle surface. It also helps create a non-stick surface that makes cooking and cleaning easier.
Avoid using harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the surface of your griddle and reduce its lifespan. Stick to griddle cleaners that are specifically designed for use on a Blackstone griddle.
Store your griddle properly: When storing your griddle, make sure it’s clean and dry. If possible, store it in a cool, dry place to prevent rust and corrosion.
Use a heat-resistant spatula: Using a heat-resistant spatula helps prevent scratches and damage to your griddle surface. It also makes it easier to flip and move food around on the griddle.
By following these tips, you can help keep your Blackstone griddle in top condition and ensure that it lasts for many years to come.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Blackstone Griddle
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cleaning a Blackstone griddle:
Using cold water on a hot griddle: This can cause the griddle to warp or crack. Always let the griddle cool down before cleaning it.
Using abrasive materials: Abrasive materials, such as steel wool or rough scrub brushes, can scratch the surface of your griddle. Stick to gentle scrub brushes or griddle pads.
Using harsh chemicals: As mentioned earlier, harsh chemicals can damage the surface of your griddle. Stick to griddle cleaners that are specifically designed for use on a Blackstone griddle.
Neglecting to re-season your griddle: After cleaning your griddle, it’s important to re-season it with cooking oil to prevent rust and corrosion. Skipping this step can reduce the lifespan of your griddle.
Storing your griddle improperly: Storing your griddle when it’s still dirty or wet can lead to rust and corrosion. Always make sure your griddle is clean and dry before storing it.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help ensure that your Blackstone griddle stays in top condition for years to come.
