Do I Have to Season My Blackstone Griddle Every Time? Explained

If you’ve just bought a Blackstone griddle or use it regularly, you might wonder if you need to season it every time before cooking. Seasoning is key to creating a non-stick surface and protecting your griddle from rust. But does that mean you have to go through the whole process before each use?

Understanding when and how often to season your Blackstone can save you time and keep your griddle in great shape. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned griddle pro, knowing the right seasoning routine helps you get the best cooking results without unnecessary hassle. Let’s dive into what seasoning really means for your Blackstone and how often you should do it.

Understanding Blackstone Griddles

Knowing how your Blackstone griddle works helps you maintain it properly. Seasoning plays a central role in protecting your griddle and enhancing cooking performance.

What Is Seasoning?

Seasoning creates a thin, protective layer on the griddle’s surface by heating oil until it bonds with the metal. This process builds a natural non-stick coating that improves with repeated applications. The seasoning layer also keeps food from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Why Seasoning Matters for Blackstone Griddles

Seasoning prevents rust by sealing the steel from moisture and air. It develops a durable, slick cooking surface that improves flavor by reducing food residue buildup. Maintaining this layer extends the life of your griddle and supports consistent heat distribution for better cooking results.

Do I Have to Season My Blackstone Griddle Every Time?

You don’t have to season your Blackstone griddle before every use. However, seasoning frequency depends on several factors that affect the seasoning layer’s condition and performance.

Factors That Influence How Often You Should Season

• Usage frequency: Season more often if you cook daily, less often if you use it weekly or monthly.
• Cleaning method: Use gentle cleaning to preserve seasoning; harsh scrubbing requires reseasoning.
• Cooking types: Acidic foods like tomatoes break down seasoning faster than neutral foods.
• Storage conditions: Store in a dry area to prevent rust that demands immediate reseasoning.
• Oil type used: Oils with high smoke points create a more durable seasoning that lasts longer.

Signs Your Griddle Needs Reseasoning

• Food sticks excessively: Increased sticking means the seasoning layer weakened.
• Surface appears dull or patchy: Loss of the dark, shiny coating indicates damage.
• Rust spots emerge: Rust breaks the protective barrier, requiring full reseasoning.
• Uneven heating or discoloration: These changes relate to seasoning wear affecting performance.
• Metal exposed after cleaning: Visible bare metal signals the seasoning layer wore off.

How to Properly Season Your Blackstone Griddle

Proper seasoning ensures a durable non-stick surface and guards your griddle from rust. Follow these steps for effective initial and maintenance seasoning to keep your griddle performing at its best.

Initial Seasoning Steps

Start with a clean griddle surface by washing it with warm water and mild soap, then drying it thoroughly. Preheat the griddle on medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches about 400°F. Apply a thin, even layer of a high smoke point oil such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or canola oil using a folded paper towel or cloth. Heat the griddle again for 30 to 60 minutes, allowing the oil to polymerize and bond to the metal, forming a protective layer. Once cooled, wipe off any excess oil to prevent sticky residue. Repeat this oiling and heating cycle at least two or three times during the initial seasoning to build a strong base layer.

Maintenance Seasoning Tips

After each use, clean the griddle with a scraper and warm water; avoid harsh soaps that remove seasoning. After drying completely, apply a light coat of oil while the griddle is still warm to replenish the seasoning. Reapply seasoning when you notice signs like food sticking, dull or patchy surfaces, or rust spots. Store the griddle in a dry place and cover it to prevent moisture exposure. Using this routine extends the protective seasoning, maintaining a smooth cooking surface and preventing rust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seasoning

Seasoning your Blackstone griddle requires balance. Avoid these mistakes to maintain its protective layer and performance.

Over-Seasoning Risks

Applying too much oil or seasoning too frequently creates a sticky, uneven surface. Excess oil builds up in layers that won’t bond properly, leading to flaking and uneven cooking areas. Over-seasoning can trap residue, causing off-flavors and difficult cleanup. Use a thin, even coat of high smoke point oil instead and limit reseasoning to when signs of wear appear.

Under-Seasoning Consequences

Skipping seasoning or applying too little oil reduces the protective barrier on your griddle. This leaves the metal exposed to moisture and air, accelerating rust formation and causing food to stick. An under-seasoned surface also worsens heat distribution, resulting in uneven cooking. Consistent maintenance seasoning after each use prevents damage and preserves the smooth, non-stick finish.

Conclusion

You don’t have to season your Blackstone griddle every time you use it, but staying attentive to its condition is key. Pay attention to signs like sticking food or rust spots to know when it’s time for a touch-up.

With proper care and regular maintenance seasoning, your griddle will keep performing at its best, providing a reliable, non-stick cooking surface for years to come. Keep your routine consistent, avoid common seasoning mistakes, and enjoy the full benefits of your Blackstone griddle.