How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle—And Season It, Too
Illustration by Samantha Hahn
You may already know how to clean a cast-iron skillet, but what about how to clean Blackstone griddle? Those using a Blackstone griddle, a flattop cooking surface synonymous with alfresco patio dining, know that the steel-and-carbon appliance can transform a meal. “The durability and build of a Blackstone griddle, as well as its heat distribution, makes cooking on it easy,” says chef and pizzaiolo Jorge Sandoval of Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. in Los Angeles. “And if it's aged and seasoned, it gets better with time.” Sandoval has been using his Blackstone griddle to make plenty of sandwiches—from paninis to grilled cheeses with jalapeño slices. “Quesadillas and cheese steaks also do great on the griddle,” he says. A Blackstone griddle is ideal for outdoor culinary adventures, in which it may take hours of cooking a hearty meal but without a pile of dishes and utensils.
LA-based Vanessa Garcia, a full-time TaskRabbit employee who routinely oversees cleaning needs, knows that a Blackstone griddle comes with its own rules. “You don’t need big, fancy tools, as long as it is cleaned periodically,” she says. With proper maintenance, your cooking dream machine can last 15 to 20 years.
To make the cleanup as effortless as preparing your meals, follow these expert tips on how to keep this hot griddle in tip-top shape—no matter if it’s a portable tabletop or a full-service backyard Blackstone beauty.
