How To Clean A Blackstone After Cooking

Whether it is for commercial or residential use, a Blackstone griddle is one of the best in the market. It uses top-notch materials, guaranteeing an unrivaled quality. However, after a while, the griddle accumulates dirt and debris. More than making it unappealing, it also negatively impacts efficiency and safety, among other things.

It is crucial that you learn how to clean a Blackstone griddle before and after cooking, and that is exactly what we will be talking about in this guide. Some of you are probably too lazy to do basic cleaning, but such is necessary to maintain the griddle's peak performance. Read on and learn from some of the tips we'll share below.

How to Clean A Blackstone Griddle

Why Choose a Blackstone Griddle

Before we give you a rundown of the different cleaning methods, allow us to list some compelling reasons to have a Blackstone griddle. One of the best things is their price. It isn't the cheapest, but considering its features and benefits, it can provide the best bang for the buck. The cost is justifiable, so we won't think twice about buying it.

More so, the quality is superb. They are made using cold-rolled steel. The latter is effective in ensuring even heat distribution, making sure that your food is cooked consistently. It also has a large surface area and multiple burners, allowing you to cook more within a short time.

With regular use, however, your Blackstone griddle will become dirty. From oil to food particles, the accumulations on the surface will result in dirt and grime. Flare-ups are common when such happens. Not to mention, it can also negatively impact the taste of food and will make heating less efficient. That said, proper cleaning is a must, which is what we will be talking about in the next section.

Should You Buy A Blackstone Griddle?

How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle Before Cooking

Some people will instantly proceed to cooking, but we suggest that you take the time to inspect the griddle. This is especially the case if you have not used it in a long time. It only takes a few minutes to clean and prepare the surface. Here's how you can do it:

Start by inspecting the grill. Check all portions for dirt.
If you see any dirt, remove it immediately. Use a scraper if it is hard.
Use a clean cloth to wipe the surface. This will get rid of dust or anything else on the griddle.
If there is too much dirt, you can clean it with mild soap and water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly. Any remnant on the surface can cause an unwanted taste and smell on your food.
Turn on the heat to dry the griddle before you start cooking, especially if you are using oil.

Before using the griddle for the first time, some people might think of having it seasoned. However, take note that the Blackstone griddles ships pre-seasoned, so there is no need to repeat it. Do this only when you notice that the coating is starting to wear of or when you notice discolorations.

Cleaning my Blackstone 36" Pro Series Griddle Before Cooking

How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking

Don't forget to clean your griddle once you are done using it. Otherwise, the food particles and oil will harden on the surface. Eventually, the griddle will darken and become inefficient. There are different ways to clean it, including those that we'll be talking about below.

Start by letting the grill cool down after cooking. Cleaning it immediately is not a good idea since the surface is still hot.
Scrape the food particles on the surface of the griddle using a metal scraper or spatula. When scraping, do it in a single direction from one side to another, putting the debris on the raining pan. If there are particles that are hard to remove, pour hot water and scrape.
With the griddle now clear of food particles, scrub its surface. Use non-metallic scrubber. A wire brush is a big no, as it can leave metal bits on the surface, and in turn, make the griddle prone to rust.
Use warm water to wash the griddle. Keep scrubbing until there are no debris on the surface.
Rinse and dry the griddle.

How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking – Food Removal and Adding Oil

How to Deep Clean Your Blackstone Griddle

The steps mentioned above are for daily cleaning after use. It is quick and easy. However, you also need general cleaning. This will depend on the extent of usage. It can be one a month or once a year. Below are the steps on how you can do it:

Turn the grill on to the highest possible setting. Once it is hot, pour water on the surface. Leave it for a few minutes or until it evaporates.
Cut lemons and squeeze the juice on the top of the griddle. Spread it across the griddle and add water.
Alternatively, you can also use a mixture of lemon juice and vinegar. It is acidic, which will help loosen the dirt, making it easier to remove.
Use a scraper to remove the residues on the griddle. A heavy-duty scraper will remove hard deposits. If the dirt is stubborn, pour more vinegar or lemon on the top, which will make it softer.
Pour warm water on the grill and push the remaining liquid on the drain. Wipe it with a clean cloth.

Do not forget to clean the burners. You will need to remove the top part to access the burners. Remove the burner guards and wash them with water. For the burner itself, you can simply wipe them with a clean cloth. Use a brush or stick to get rid of the debris.

Deep Cleaning A Severly Neglected Blackstone.

How to Season your Blackstone Griddle

While cleaning is important for keeping the grill at its peak, there are other things that you should do. Among others, one that you need is seasoning. You can do this when the grill is new or during general cleaning. Seasoning will coat the top portion of the grill, which will prevent rust. It also creates a natural and permanent non-stick coating.

When you notice that the surface of the griddle is no longer heating as efficiently as before, follow the steps below.

Start by giving the grill a quick clean. It is as simple as pouring water and drying it using a clean cloth or paper towels. This is important to remove any debris on the surface before you season the griddle.
Spread oil on the griddle using rolled-up paper towel.
With the oil covering all parts of the griddle's surface, turn the heat on at the highest possible setting.
Once the griddle smokes, repeat the process. You might need to do it up to four times or until the oil becomes a protective layer on the griddle.
Let the griddle cool and dry the surface. It is ready for cooking!

How To Season a New Blackstone Griddle

Taking Care of Your Blackstone Griddle

Aside from the things that are mentioned above, this section will list down some of the most important care and maintenance tips. Doing these things will help maintain the peak performance of the griddle.

Proper Storage

If you will not use the griddle for a long time, proper storage is a must. It will keep it away from dirt, while also protecting against temperature and humidity. If it comes with a cover, use it. Otherwise, buy one online. A cover is especially important if the griddle is on the patio or any other outdoor area. Keep it in a cool and dry place.

Rust Removal

Over time, rust will form on the griddle. Its removal should be a part of periodic care and maintenance. You can use a low-grain sandpaper or steel wool for removing rust on the surface. Once you are done, rinse and dry the surface. You can also use a commercial rust remover and follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

Stay Away from Soap

Like anything else in the kitchen, most people would think that soap is the best choice for cleaning a Blackstone griddle. However, that is not the case. If possible, you should avoid soap, especially those that packs harsh chemicals. They can also leave a strong scent on the griddle, which can transfer on the food that you are cooking.

Easy Way to Clean the Blackstone Griddle (Revised)