Cooking can be a messy business. The aftermath of cooking on the stove or in the oven is usually an enormous mess requiring severe cleaning. But what about when you cook on the griddle? The griddle can be just as messy as the others, and cleaning it properly after each use is essential to avoid any build-up. So, how to clean a blackstone griddle for the first time? Keep reading to find out!
When Should You Clean a Blackstone Griddle?
It’s essential to clean your Blackstone griddle regularly to prevent the build-up of grease and food particles. But how often should you clean it? That depends on how often you use it. If you use it frequently, you should clean it after each use.
Whether you’re cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner, cleaning the griddle is essential so that food doesn’t get stuck to the surface and start to burn. The good news is that cleaning a Blackstone griddle is quick and easy, which we will discuss in the next section of our blog.
How To Clean A Blackstone Griddle For The First Time: Step-By-Step
Here’s how you can clean the griddle after cooking. Make sure you follow each step to get the desired outcome.
- Step 1: First, fill your bucket with warm water and squirt some liquid dishwashing soap.
- Step 2: Then stir to mix before adding tiny droplets of glycerin or oil if desired – this will help keep the surface shiny but not too greasy.
- Step 3: Place a microfiber towel over an area on either side where you want it cleaned (you’ll need two) and any other areas that may accumulate food particles during use.
- Step 4: Now put on gloves or use tongs when handling the foil-covered pans so you don’t get burned.
- Step 5: After 10 minutes, check if any residue is left behind; 2 tablespoons should do it every time, but four may be necessary for tough stains such as grease buildups at high temperatures (300 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Step 6: Before putting everything away, the final step would always include ensuring both sides are coated thoroughly with flaxseed margarine—this will prevent foods from sticking while being grilled.
Read More: Can You Make Smash Burgers On A Griddle?
Can You Clean the Griddle With Baking Soda?
While you may be used to cleaning your stovetop with baking soda, you might not know that this everyday kitchen staple can also be used to clean a griddle. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can remove cooked-on food without scratching the surface.
In addition, its alkaline nature helps to neutralize grease and neutralize odors. To clean a griddle with baking soda, sprinkle a generous amount over the surface and scrub with a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. Repeat as necessary until the griddle is clean. For stubborn stains, let the baking soda sit on the surface for a few minutes before scrubbing.
Read More: Can You Use a Griddle On a Gas Grill?
Maintaining Your Blackstone Griddle
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your Blackstone griddle looking good for a long time. You can maintain your griddle by following:
Ongoing Cleaning:
Clean the griddle surface after every cooking session while it’s still hot. To remove food residues and grease, use a spatula or griddle scraper. Over time, buildup can become hard to get rid of. You can use a damp cloth or a mixture of water and mild dish soap for stubborn spots.
Seasoning Routine:
Seasoning is crucial to keeping your griddle non-stick and rust-free. When the griddle is hot, apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (like vegetable oil) using a cloth or paper towel. Allow the griddle to cool after wiping off the excess oil. To keep the seasoning of your griddle intact, repeat this process regularly.
Inspection and Maintenance Checks:
Keep your griddle in good shape by inspecting it periodically. If you have a gas griddle, check for rust, loose parts, or any issues with the burners or ignition system. In order to keep cooking conditions safe, it is necessary to address any problems as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage.
Grease Management:
Grease management is key to preventing grease buildup and fire hazards. Regularly empty the grease trough or collection cup, depending on how much you use your griddle. Keeping the drip tray clean will keep you from making a mess.
Cover and Storage:
When you’re not using your griddle, cover it with a protective cover. As a result, it stays protected from the elements and doesn’t accumulate debris. Make sure your griddle is completely clean and dry before storing it, and consider putting a thin layer of oil on it.
By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your Blackstone griddle and enjoy outdoor cooking for years to come. The key to a well-maintained griddle is regular cleaning, seasoning, and inspection.
Black Stone Griddle Advantages And Cons
Advantages (Pros):
Versatility:
There are many things you can cook on Blackstone griddles, from breakfast classics like pancakes and bacon, to stir-fries and burgers, to more delicate items such as seafood. These griddles are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of foods.
Large Cooking Surface:
In most cases, Blackstone griddles come with a large cooking surface that makes it easy to prepare meals for a large group of people at a time. They are also ideal for family gatherings, parties, and camping trips since they are portable and easy to transport.
Even Cooking:
An advantage of a griddle is that its flat cooking surface ensures even heat distribution, preventing hot spots, which will result in consistent results when cooking. Consequently, you will be able to achieve perfect seals and evenly cook delicate foods with this method.
Non-Stick Surface:
It is important to note that Blackstone griddles develop a non-stick surface over time when they are properly seasoned and maintained. This makes cooking and cleanup a breeze. As a result, there is no need to use an excessive amount of oil or butter.
Quick Preheating:
As griddles typically preheat quickly, you can start cooking in just a matter of minutes, saving you a lot of time and effort.
Outdoor Cooking:
Griddle racks from Blackstone have been designed for outdoor use, making them perfect for use at backyard barbecues, camping excursions, and other outdoor activities.
Easy Cleanup:
There is nothing complicated about cleaning a Blackstone griddle, especially if you follow the proper maintenance and seasoning practices after it has been used. You can easily scrape away food residue on the flat surface.
Disadvantages (Cons):
Size and Portability:
Despite the fact that the large cooking surface is an advantage for cooking for groups, it can be a disadvantage in terms of portability and storage due to its large size. It is important to remember that griddles are bulkier and heavier than other options for outdoor cooking.
Fuel Consumption:
Some griddles, especially those that are equipped with multiple burners, may consume a significant amount of fuel while they are in use. If you are going on an extended camping trip, you need to plan for fuel needs, especially in the case of extended trips.
Initial Seasoning:
The seasoning of a griddle is necessary to keep the non-stick surface in good condition, but establishing the seasoning properly requires a significant amount of time and effort at the beginning.
Limited Cooking Styles:
Cooking styles such as grilling, sautéing, and frying are all best suited to griddles, as they are suited to specific cooking types. If you intend to use them for certain cooking techniques like smoking or baking, they may not be the best choice.
Price Range:
It can be relatively expensive to buy a high-quality Blackstone griddle, especially if it comes with multiple burners and accessories. Budget-conscious consumers may be adversely affected by the initial cost of the product.
FAQs On How To Clean A Blackstone Griddle For The First Time
How often should I season my Blackstone griddle, and why is it important?
Blackstone griddles need to be seasoned regularly, especially after cleaning or if they’re rusty. In addition to maintaining a non-stick surface, this process prevents rust, and extends the life of the griddle. The seasoning on your griddle should be reapplied whenever you notice it’s wearing off.
What’s the best way to remove rust from my Blackstone griddle?
Use a griddle scraper or steel wool to scrub away rust from your griddle. When the rust is gone, wash the griddle with warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly. After that, re-season the griddle with high-smoke-point oil. To prevent rust buildup, season your grill and remove rust immediately.
Can I leave my Blackstone griddle outdoors all year round?
If you’re not using your Blackstone griddles outside, keep them protected from the elements. Protect your griddle from rain, snow, and UV with a special cover. Keep the griddle in good shape and prolong its life with proper storage and cover usage.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed reading our post on how to clean a blackstone griddle for the first time. We must take care of the things we own and keep them in good working condition. This will help reduce waste and save money.