So, you’ve got a Blackstone griddle—great choice! If you’re anything like us, you’re already flipping burgers, making stir-fries, or searing steaks like a pro. But here’s the deal: if you’re not careful, that shiny griddle top might start to rust.
Why? Well, the Blackstone griddle top is made from cold-rolled steel, which is amazing for cooking but a bit of a diva when it comes to moisture—especially if you live near the ocean or in a humid area. Don’t stress, though! Rust isn’t the end of the road. With a little TLC and some simple tools, you can bring your griddle back to life and keep the good eats rolling.
Let’s dive into how you can clean, restore, or even replace your Blackstone griddle top.
How to Fix or Replace Your Blackstone Griddle Top
If rust has taken over, don’t freak out. Here’s how to handle it step by step:
Step 1: Gather Your Gear
Before you start, grab these:
- Safety glasses (nobody wants rust in their eye!)
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Grill stones
- Paper towels
- A metal scraper or spatula
- Cooking oil (anything works—canola, olive, or whatever’s in your pantry)
Step 2: Suit Up
Pop on those glasses and gloves—it’s cleanup time.
Step 3: Heat Things Up
Turn your griddle on high and let it heat up for about 20 minutes. The rust and gunk will loosen up, making it way easier to scrape off.
Step 4: Cool It Down
Turn the heat off and let the griddle cool for a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Scrape Like a Pro
Grab your scraper or spatula and start scraping off the rust. Keep it dry—no water here. If things are really bad, an orbital sander can work wonders. By the end, you should have a smooth, clean surface ready to go.
Step 6: Oil It Up
Time to clean the surface. Pour a little oil (canola oil is great, but anything will do) onto the griddle. Use paper towels to wipe it around, adding more oil as needed. Keep at it until all the rust and debris are gone.
Step 7: Season Like a Chef
Now for the fun part! Turn the griddle back on to medium-high heat, add some oil, and let it smoke. This creates a natural protective layer. Do this 3-4 times until the surface turns a gorgeous matte black.
Final Step: Protect Your Work
Once you’ve seasoned the griddle, store it with a thin layer of oil to keep rust away. Don’t forget to oil the sides too.
Tips to Keep Rust Away
Want to avoid this hassle in the future? Here’s what you can do:
- Store your griddle somewhere cool and dry.
- Use a heavy-duty cover to keep moisture out.
- After every use, wipe the surface with a little oil.
- If you’re not using it often, check it monthly for rust.
Wrapping It Up
See? Restoring or replacing a rusty Blackstone griddle top isn’t as scary as it sounds. With a little effort, you’ll have it looking and cooking like new in no time.
Now go fire it up and make something amazing—no rust, just delicious meals ahead!