Cooking on a Blackstone griddle can be a fun and tasty experience. However, one question that often comes up is whether you need to oil or season the cooking surface. There are a few things to consider when deciding if and how to use oil on your Blackstone grill.
Should You Oil a New Blackstone Griddle?
When you first get a new Blackstone grill, it comes pre-seasoned from the factory. This means it has a protective layer of oil baked onto the cooking surface. However, it can still be beneficial to do an initial oiling or seasoning of your new griddle before cooking on it for the first time.
Here are some tips for seasoning a new Blackstone:
– Wash the cooking surface with soap and water first. This removes any residues from manufacturing.
– Dry thoroughly and then brush on a thin layer of high smoke point oil like grapeseed, avocado or peanut oil.
– Turn the burners on low and let the oil coat “bake in” for about 10-15 minutes.
– Turn the heat off and let cool. Wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel.
– Repeat oiling and heating the grill up to 3-4 times to build up the seasoning.
Properly seasoning your new Blackstone griddle will help fill in the micro-pores of the metal, creating a natural non-stick surface.
Oiling for Regular Cooking
Once your Blackstone grill is seasoned, you typically don’t need to oil it every time you cook. The pre-seasoned surface provides a good natural non-stick coating.
However, you may choose to brush or spray on a small amount of oil before cooking certain foods. This can be especially helpful for:
– Delicate foods like fish fillets or eggs
– Veggies or proteins that tend to stick
– Breading dough or batter coated foods like pancakes
– Grilled cheese sandwiches
Using a bit of oil will prevent sticking and help food release easier from the cooking grates. If food does happen to get stuck on, simply use a metal spatula to scrape the surface clean after cooking.
Here are some tips for oiling during regular use:
– Apply oil to the cooking surface when it is clean and dry. Let it lightly coat before placing food.
– Use high smoke point oils like canola, vegetable, avocado or grapeseed oil.
– Spray oil works well for light, even coverage. Or use a cooking brush for thicker oils.
– Avoid over-oiling as excess oil can lead to flair ups or burning.
Cleaning and Re-Seasoning
With frequent use, the seasoning on your Blackstone grill can start to wear down over time. You may notice some sticking or rust spots developing.
When this happens, it’s time to deep clean and re-season the cooking surface. Here is a simple process:
1. Warm up the griddle and use a metal spatula to scrape any chunky stuck-on food.
2. Once cooled, scrub the surface with hot soapy water. Rinse well.
3. Dry thoroughly, then scour any remaining stuck-on bits with steel wool.
4. Wipe the surface with a thin coat of high smoke point oil.
5. Turn heat to low. Let the oil coat heat for 10-15 minutes to re-season.
6. Repeat oiling and heating 2-3 more times.
7. Let grill fully cool before next use.
Proper cleaning and re-seasoning will keep the non-stick properties of your Blackstone in optimal shape. Plan to do this maintenance every 25 uses or so.
Oiling Tips and Tricks
– Use paper towels to apply oil and buff dry. Cloth can leave lint behind.
– Season in thin layers. Too much oil can pool and leave a sticky residue.
– Oil just before preheating, so food hits a hot surface.
– If flames occur from excess oil, gently cover with a metal lid to put out.
– Wipe a very thin layer of oil on after cleaning for storage.
– For stick-free eggs – try butter instead of oil. The milk proteins won’t stick as much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oil absolutely necessary on a Blackstone griddle?
No, it is not absolutely essential. Thanks to the factory pre-seasoning, you can cook on a dry surface. But using a small amount of oil will generally prevent sticking and enhance the non-stick properties.
What type of oil is best?
Use high smoke point neutral oils like canola, vegetable, grapeseed or avocado oil. Avoid extra virgin olive oil or nut oils that can burn.
How often should I season my Blackstone?
Plan to do a deep clean and re-season every 25 uses or so. In between, just clean normally after each use.
Can I use cooking sprays?
Yes, cooking sprays like PAM work well to provide a light coating prior to cooking. Just spray evenly and buff dry.
Should I oil before or after preheating?
It’s best to oil just before preheating so that the food hits a hot oiled surface right away. Avoid oiling already hot metal as it can burn.
Conclusion
While oiling your Blackstone griddle is not strictly necessary, it can help prevent food from sticking and enhance the non-stick properties. Most people choose to use at least a small amount of oil, especially when cooking delicate foods prone to sticking. The key is applying just a thin layer on a clean surface. With proper seasoning and care, your Blackstone can provide great cooking performance for years to come.