Discover the simple steps to perfectly season your griddle grill, ensuring delicious flavors and long-lasting performance with every use.
If you’re a fan of grilling and BBQ, then you know that having the right tools is key to getting the perfect flavor and texture in your food. One essential tool for any grill master is a griddle grill.
But just like any other cooking surface, a griddle grill needs to be seasoned properly to ensure that your food doesn’t stick and that it cooks evenly. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about seasoning your griddle grill so that you can get the most out of this versatile cooking surface.
So grab your spatula and let’s get started!
Griddle Seasoning Benefits
It also has several other benefits that make it an essential step in maintaining your cooking equipment. First and foremost, seasoning creates a non-stick surface that allows you to cook delicate foods like eggs and pancakes without worrying about them falling apart or sticking to the griddle.
Seasoning helps prevent rust from forming on the metal surface of your griddle grill by creating a protective layer of oil. This layer also helps maintain heat distribution across the entire cooking area, ensuring even cooking every time.
Properly seasoned griddles are easier to clean than unseasoned ones because food particles don’t stick as easily.
Choose Your Cooking Oil
Not all oils are created equal, and some work better than others for creating a non-stick surface on your griddle. The best oils for seasoning are those with a high smoke point, which means they can withstand high temperatures without burning or smoking excessively.
Some of the most popular oils for seasoning include vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil and flaxseed oil. Each has its own unique properties that make it ideal for use on a griddle grill.
Vegetable Oil: This is one of the most commonly used cooking oils because it’s affordable and widely available. It has a neutral flavor that won’t affect the taste of your food.
Canola Oil: Canola is another popular choice because it’s low in saturated fat and has a high smoke point (around 400°F). It also doesn’t have much flavor so won’t impact how your food tastes.
Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil is made from grape seeds after wine production; this makes them an eco-friendly option as well as having health benefits such as being rich in vitamin E antioxidants. Flaxseed Oil: Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation throughout our body while promoting healthy skin & hair growth; however flax seed should be avoided if you’re allergic to nuts or seeds since there may be cross-contamination during processing.
Best Oils for Seasoning
Not all oils are created equal, and some will work better than others for creating a non-stick surface on your cooking surface. The best oils for seasoning are those with a high smoke point and low levels of saturated fat.
One popular choice among grilling enthusiasts is flaxseed oil. This oil has a very high smoke point (up to 450°F) and contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids that can help protect against rusting.
Another great option is vegetable shortening, which also has a high smoke point (around 360°F) and creates an excellent non-stick coating on cast iron surfaces like griddle grills.
Other recommended oils include grapeseed oil, canola oil, avocado oil or peanut butter as they have similar properties as flaxseed or vegetable shortening but may be more readily available in certain areas. Ultimately the choice of which type of cooking should depend on personal preference based upon availability in local stores or online retailers along with any dietary restrictions one might have such as allergies to nuts etc.
Recommended Oils By Blackstone
While there are many oils that can be used for seasoning, Blackstone recommends using flaxseed oil or grapeseed oil. These oils have a high smoke point and are known for their ability to create a durable non-stick surface on cast iron cooking surfaces.
Flaxseed oil is particularly popular among griddle enthusiasts because of its unique polymerizing properties. When heated, the fatty acids in flaxseed oil bond together to form a hard layer that protects the metal from rust and corrosion while also creating an ultra-smooth surface that food won’t stick to.
Grapeseed oil is another great option for seasoning your griddle grill as it has similar properties as flaxseed but with less risk of smoking during application due to its higher smoke point.
While these two oils come highly recommended by Blackstone, other options such as vegetable or canola may work just fine if you don’t have access or prefer not use either of them.
Preparing the Griddle Grill
Begin by removing any excess grease or food particles from the surface using a scraper or spatula. If there are stubborn stains, use a mixture of water and vinegar to scrub them away.
Next, inspect the griddle for signs of rust. If you notice any areas with rust buildup, use steel wool to remove it before proceeding with seasoning.
Once your griddle is clean and free from rust buildup, dry it thoroughly using paper towels or a cloth. Make sure that there is no moisture left on the surface as this can interfere with the seasoning process.
Heating the Griddle Grill
This step is crucial for ensuring that the oil bonds with the surface of the griddle and creates a non-stick coating. To begin, turn on your griddle to high heat and let it warm up for about 10-15 minutes.
You’ll know that it’s ready when you see smoke rising from the surface.
It’s important not to rush this step or skip it altogether as heating helps open up pores in metal surfaces allowing oil molecules to penetrate deeper into them creating a better seasoning layer.
If you’re using an electric griddle, simply plug in and set temperature control at maximum setting until heated through.
Applying the Oil
Start by pouring a small amount of oil onto the surface and using a paper towel or cloth to spread it evenly across the entire cooking area. Be sure not to use too much oil as this can cause excess smoke and even flare-ups during cooking.
As you apply the oil, make sure that every inch of your griddle is covered with an even layer. This will help create a non-stick surface that will prevent food from sticking while also protecting against rust.
If you’re seasoning for the first time or if your griddle has been sitting unused for some time, be prepared for some smoke as residual oils burn off during heating. Don’t worry; this is normal and should subside after several minutes.
Repeating the Seasoning Process
The frequency of re-seasoning will depend on how often you use your griddle grill and how well you take care of it.
To repeat the seasoning process, start by cleaning your griddle with warm water and a mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with paper towels or a clean cloth.
Next, apply another thin layer of oil onto the surface using a paper towel or brush. Be sure to cover every inch of the cooking surface evenly.
Heat up your griddle again over medium-high heat for about 20-30 minutes until smoke starts appearing from the oil coating. Allow it cool down before wiping off any excess oil with another clean cloth or paper towel.
Cooling Down the Griddle
This will help ensure that the seasoning process is successful and that your food won’t stick to the surface. To cool down your griddle grill, simply turn off the heat source and let it sit for at least an hour or until completely cooled.
It’s important not to rush this step as a hot griddle can cause any remaining oil on its surface to burn off prematurely, which could result in uneven seasoning or even damage your cooking surface. Once cooled down, use a clean cloth or paper towel with some vegetable oil on top of them and wipe away any excess residue from previous seasonings.
Cleaning After Seasoning
Cleaning after seasoning will help remove any excess oil and debris that may have accumulated during the process. To do this, simply use a paper towel or cloth to wipe down the surface of the griddle while it’s still warm.
Be sure not to use soap or water as this can strip away some of the protective layer you just created.
If there are any stubborn bits of food stuck on your griddle, try using a scraper tool specifically designed for cleaning flat top surfaces like those found on griddles. You can also pour some hot water onto your cooled-down grill and scrape off anything that is left behind.
Remember: proper cleaning after each use will help maintain your seasoned surface and prevent rust from forming over time.
Seasoning Frequency
The answer depends on a few factors, including how frequently you use your griddle and what types of foods you cook on it.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to season your griddle every three months or so if you use it regularly. If your cooking sessions are less frequent or if the food doesn’t stick as much as before after cleaning then seasoning can be done once in six months.
However, keep in mind that certain foods can cause more wear and tear on your griddle than others. For example, acidic ingredients like tomatoes and citrus fruits can strip away some of the seasoning over time.
Similarly high heat cooking may also require more frequent re-seasoning.
Ultimately though there is no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to seasoning frequency – just pay attention to how well (or not) food is sticking during cooking sessions; this will give an indication whether another round of seasoning is needed soon or not.
When to Season Griddle
Ideally, you should season your griddle before its first use and then periodically thereafter. If you’ve been using your griddle regularly and notice that food is starting to stick or the surface isn’t heating evenly, it’s probably time for a fresh coat of seasoning.
Another good rule of thumb is to re-season after cleaning with soap and water. While this may seem counterintuitive since soap can strip away the seasoning layer, sometimes it’s necessary if there are stubborn stains or buildup on the surface.
Ultimately, how often you need to season will depend on how frequently you use your griddle grill and what types of foods you cook on it.
Regular Maintenance
One of the most important things you can do is clean your griddle after each use. Use a scraper or spatula to remove any food debris and then wipe down the surface with a damp cloth or paper towel.
If there are stubborn stains or burnt-on bits, you can use a mild abrasive like baking soda and water. Just be sure not to scratch the surface of your griddle while cleaning as this could damage the seasoning.
Another key aspect of regular maintenance is preventing rust from forming on your griddle grill. To do this, make sure that you store it in a dry place when not in use and avoid leaving water sitting on its surface for extended periods.
Preventing Rust
Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also affect the flavor and quality of your food. To prevent rust from forming on your griddle grill, there are a few simple steps you can take.
Firstly, make sure to keep your griddle clean and dry when not in use. Moisture is one of the main causes of rust formation, so wiping down your cooking surface with a dry cloth after each use will help to prevent this problem.
Secondly, consider investing in a cover for your griddle grill if you plan on storing it outside or in an area where it may be exposed to moisture or humidity. A good cover will protect against rain and other elements that could cause damage over time.
If you do notice any signs of rust forming on your griddle grill despite taking these precautions – don’t panic! There are plenty of products available that can help remove existing rust and restore the surface back to its original condition.
Creating Non-Stick Surface
Once you’ve seasoned your griddle, the next step is to create a non-stick surface that will prevent food from sticking and make it easier to clean up after cooking. To do this, you’ll need to heat up your griddle until it’s hot enough for oil or butter to sizzle when added.
Once the griddle is heated, add a small amount of oil or butter and spread it evenly across the entire surface using a paper towel or brush. Be sure not to use too much oil as this can cause flare-ups and uneven heating.
As you cook on your newly seasoned and oiled/grilled grill over time, natural oils from foods will also help build up an additional layer of seasoning which further enhances its non-stick properties.
Troubleshooting Issues
Here are a few common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
1. Food sticking: If food is sticking to the griddle surface, it could be due to insufficient oil or not allowing the griddle enough time to heat up before cooking.
2. Uneven heating: Uneven heating can occur if there are hot spots on the surface of your griddle grill.
To fix this issue, try moving food around as it cooks or adjusting the temperature settings.
3. Rusting: Even with regular maintenance and seasoning, rust can sometimes form on a griddle grill’s surface over time due to exposure to moisture or humidity in storage areas.
4. Flaking Seasoning: If you notice that your seasoning is flaking off after use, it could be because of too much oil applied during initial seasoning process or high heat used while cooking which caused polymerization failure.
Cast Iron Vs. Non-Stick Griddles
Cast iron is a popular choice for many grill masters because it’s durable, retains heat well, and can be used on both the stovetop and in the oven. However, cast iron requires more maintenance than non-stick surfaces as they need to be seasoned regularly to prevent rusting.
On the other hand, non-stick griddles are easier to clean since food doesn’t stick as much compared with cast-iron ones. They also don’t require seasoning but may not last as long due to their coating wearing off over time.
Ultimately choosing between a cast-iron or non-stick surface depends on personal preference and how you plan on using your griddle grill. If you’re looking for durability and versatility then go with a seasoned-cast-iron surface; if ease of use is what matters most then opt for a high-quality ceramic or Teflon-coated option.
Tips for Maintaining Seasoning
Here are some tips for keeping your griddle in top condition:
1. Clean the Griddle After Each Use: Make sure to clean off any food debris or grease after each use with a scraper or spatula.
2. Avoid Using Soap: Soap can strip away the seasoning on your griddle, so try to avoid using it if possible.
3. Re-Season When Necessary: If you notice that food is starting to stick again, or if there are areas where the seasoning has worn away, re-season those spots before using the grill again.
4. Store Your Griddle Properly: Keep your griddle in a dry place and cover it when not in use to prevent rust from forming.
5. Use High Smoke Point Oils for Cooking: Stick with oils like vegetable oil and canola oil when cooking on your seasoned griddles since they have high smoke points which help preserve its non-stick surface.
Common Seasoning Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is not heating up your griddle enough before applying oil. If your griddle isn’t hot enough, then the oil won’t be able to bond with the metal properly and will just end up pooling in certain areas.
Another mistake people make when seasoning their griddles is using too much oil. While it’s important to use enough oil to create a non-stick surface, using too much can actually cause more problems than it solves.
Excess oil can lead to uneven cooking and even smoking or burning on high heat.
Many people forget that seasoning isn’t a one-time thing – you need to repeat this process regularly if you want your grill top performing at its best! By avoiding these common mistakes and following our tips for maintaining proper seasoning on your griddle grill, you’ll be well on your way towards perfectly cooked meals every time!
FAQ
Does a griddle grill need to be seasoned?
Yes, a griddle grill needs to be seasoned to prevent food from sticking and to maintain its performance, preferably using vegetable or peanut oil due to their high smoke points.
What is the best oil to season a griddle grill?
The best oil to season a griddle grill is grapeseed oil, as it creates a durable finish, resists chipping and flaking, and has a high smoke point.
What are the steps involved in seasoning a griddle grill for the first time?
The steps for seasoning a griddle grill for the first time involve cleaning it, applying oil/cooking spray, heating it gradually, allowing it to cool, and repeating the process several times.
How often should you re-season a griddle grill for optimal performance?
For optimal performance, you should re-season a griddle grill after every 5-6 uses.
Can you use a griddle grill without seasoning it, and what are the potential drawbacks?
Yes, you can use a griddle grill without seasoning it, but potential drawbacks include food sticking, uneven cooking, and reduced longevity of the grill.