How do you start a Blackstone griddle for the first time?

Starting up a new Blackstone griddle for the first time is an exciting process! With a few simple steps, you’ll be cooking up delicious meals in no time. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly season and start cooking on your new Blackstone griddle.

Preparing the Cooking Surface

Before firing up the griddle, you’ll want to clean and prepare the cooking surface. Here are the steps:

1. Wash the griddle thoroughly with hot, soapy water to remove any residual oils or debris from manufacturing and shipping.
2. Rinse away all the soap with clean water and dry the griddle completely with paper towels or a clean cloth.
3. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the entire griddle top using a paper towel or cloth. You can use vegetable, canola, avocado or grapeseed oil.
4. Take a clean paper towel and buff the oil into the surface, removing any excess oil until it has a smooth, slick finish.

Preseasoning the griddle this way will help the metal properly accept the seasoning layer once heated. It prevents food from sticking during the initial cooks.

Seasoning the Cooking Surface

Seasoning the griddle is a crucial first step to achieve a nice nonstick cooking surface. Here is how to season your new Blackstone griddle:

1. Turn the burners on low and let the griddle slowly heat up for around 10 minutes.
2. Gradually increase the heat to medium-high. The entire surface should be lightly smoking.
3. Apply a thin, even coating of oil across the griddle again. Coat the whole surface.
4. Let the oil cook onto the metal for about 10 minutes until it darkens and stops smoking.
5. Repeat this process 2-3 more times, allowing the griddle to cool slightly between coats.
6. After the final round, turn off the heat and allow the griddle to cool completely.
7. Take a paper towel and buff off any excess oil until you have a smooth, seasoned surface.

This process polymerizes the oil onto the metal, creating a natural nonstick layer. Repeat seasoning 2-3 times per year for best results.

Heating Up the Griddle

Once you’ve seasoned the cooking surface, you’re ready for the first real cook! Follow these steps when starting up your seasoned Blackstone griddle:

1. Turn all the burners to low heat.
2. Close the lid and preheat the griddle for around 10 minutes.
3. Gradually increase the heat to your desired cooking temperature.
4. Wait for the griddle to fully come up to temp, about 10-15 minutes.
5. The griddle is ready when water flicked onto the surface sizzles and evaporates quickly!

Turn the burners on low at first, whether you’re preheating a brand new or seasoned griddle. This allows the metal to slowly expand and prevents warping or cracking.

Cooking on the Griddle for the First Time

The first recipes you cook on your newly seasoned Blackstone griddle will continue to improve the nonstick seasoning layer. Keep these tips in mind:

• Use plenty of oil or butter during cooking for the first few weeks.
• Cook foods like bacon, eggs, pancakes, French toast, and hash browns.
• Avoid acidic foods at first which can break down the seasoning.
• After cooking, coat the surface in a thin layer of oil and buff with a paper towel.
• The more you cook on it, the better the seasoning will become!

Within several weeks of regular use, you’ll have a nicely conditioned cooking surface ready for all your favorite recipes!

Cleaning the Griddle

After each use, you’ll need to properly clean your Blackstone griddle. Follow these steps:

1. Use a metal spatula to scrape any stuck on debris while the griddle is still warm.
2. Pour some warm water onto the surface and scrub clean with a nonabrasive pad.
3. Rinse away any soap and dry thoroughly after washing.
4. Apply a thin coating of oil and buff into the metal while it’s still warm.
5. After cooling, cover the griddle with the protective lid.

Avoid using harsh soaps or abrasive tools which can damage the seasoning. Hot water and a spatula should remove most grime with ease.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When starting up your new Blackstone griddle, there are a few problems that can occur. Here is how to troubleshoot them:

Food Sticking

• Allow griddle to fully preheat before cooking.
• Use more cooking oil or butter when searing food.
• Continue seasoning the griddle with more cooks.
• Adjust temperature if it’s too high, causing food to burn.

Burner Not Igniting

• Ensure propane tank isn’t empty.
• Check that control knobs are turned fully to the high position when igniting.
• Make sure burners are properly seated and the gas line is tightly connected.
• Consult Blackstone customer support if igniters continually malfunction.

Griddle Not Getting Hot Enough

• Fully open the control valves at the propane tank.
• Remove any blocking or debris from the burners and igniters.
• Adjust to a higher temperature setting and allow griddle to fully preheat.
• Have Blackstone customer support check the gas valves and regulators.

Excessive Grease Buildup

• Trim excess fat from meats before cooking.
• Cook meats on a cooler section away from other foods.
• Thoroughly clean the griddle after each cookout.
• Use a grease management system to catch drippings.

Safety Tips

Observing some basic safety measures will ensure safe operation of your new griddle:

• Season and start cooking outdoors in an open, well-ventilated area.
• Never leave the hot griddle unattended.
• Keep children and pets safely away from the hot surface.
• Wear heat-resistant mitts when cooking.
• Don’t wear loose clothing that could catch fire.
• Allow the griddle to cool completely before moving or storing.
• Disconnect the propane tank when not in use.

Enjoying Your Blackstone Griddle!

With these simple tips, you’ll be seasoning, starting up, cooking, and cleaning your new Blackstone griddle like a pro. Within a few uses, the cooking surface will develop into a nice nonstick layer ready for all your outdoor culinary creations. Enjoy your new griddle and the delicious meals it will provide!