A blackstone griddle press is a cast iron device that creates even heat over a large surface area. It can be used for all types of cooking, including sandwiches and pancakes, as well as sautéing and searing meats. Seasoning helps protect the surface from rust, prevents sticking, and makes cleanup easier.
Griddle presses are a versatile and convenient kitchen tool, but they can be tricky to season properly. If you don’t season your griddle press correctly, you risk ruining your food and wasting your time. In this blog post, You will learn in detail how to season blackstone griddle press.
What is Seasoning?
Seasoning is the process of creating a non-stick surface on your griddle press by coating it with oil and heating it to high temperatures. This creates a layer of polymerized oil that fills in any pores or imperfections on the surface, making it smooth and slick. This coating also helps protect the cast iron from rust. It’s essential to season your griddle press regularly to maintain its non-stick properties and protect it from corrosion.
Why Is Seasoning Important for Your Griddle Press?
A properly seasoned griddle press prevents food from sticking, making it easier to clean and preventing any burnt-on mess. It also helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring that your food cooks consistently without any hot or cold spots. Furthermore, seasoning protects the cast iron from rust and corrosion, extending the life of your griddle press.
You should also note that seasoning is crucial for a new griddle press. New cast iron surfaces are rough and porous, making them prone to rusting and sticking. Proper seasoning fills in these imperfections and creates a smooth surface that will make cooking and cleaning a breeze.
Needed Materials:
Blackstone Griddle Press:
The first thing you need to properly season your griddle press is, of course, the griddle itself. The blackstone griddle press is made of cast iron, which is known for its durability and heat retention properties.
Vegetable Oil:
Vegetable oil is the most commonly used oil for seasoning cast iron because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use other types of oil, such as canola or flaxseed oil.
Clean Cloth or Paper Towels:
You’ll need a clean cloth or paper towel to apply the oil evenly onto the griddle press.
Heat Source:
To properly season your blackstone griddle press, you will need a heat source that can reach high temperatures, such as a gas stove or outdoor grill.
9 Step-by-Step Processes for How to Season Blackstone Griddle Press
Step 1: Inspect the Blackstone Griddle Press
Before you begin seasoning the griddle press, inspect it for any damages, including rust or chips in the surface. Disassemble your griddle press and use mild dish soap and warm water to clean all parts thoroughly. Wipe down with a cloth to remove any food particles and oil.
You should also check for any rough or uneven surfaces, as these can affect the seasoning process. Use sandpaper or a steel wool brush to smooth out any imperfections.
Step 2: Dry the Griddle Press
After cleaning, dry the griddle press completely with a clean towel. This will ensure that your seasoning process is successful and effective. Use a high-heat oil such as canola or vegetable oil to give the surface of the griddle and press a smooth, even layer.
It is essential to make sure that the griddle press is completely dry before applying any oil. Any moisture left on the surface can lead to uneven seasoning and rust.
Step 3: Heat up the Griddle Press
Turn your griddle, press on it, and allow it to heat for 15 minutes at medium-high heat. This will help ensure that the seasoning oil is absorbed into the metal surface of the griddle press. Once your griddle press is hot, add more oil to the surface and use a paper towel or cloth to spread it out.
You can also heat up the griddle press in an outdoor grill or oven. Just make sure that it reaches a high temperature of at least 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Turn up the Heat
Increase the heat of your griddle press until it reaches 500°F. This will give you a nice char on the metal surface, enhancing the non-stick properties of your griddle press. Once your griddle press has reached 500°F, turn off the heat and allow it to cool for 15 minutes.
But be careful when handling the hot griddle press, as it can cause burns if touched directly. It is best to use oven mitts or tongs when handling the hot press.
Step 5: Apply the Oil
Next, apply another thin layer of oil onto the griddle press surface and use a clean towel or paper towel to spread it out evenly. This step is crucial as it will help fill in any remaining pores on the surface.
You can also use spray oil to make the process easier and evener. However, make sure to apply only a thin layer, as too much oil can cause buildup and affect the non-stick properties of your griddle press.
Step 6: Repeat the Heating Process
Repeat the heating process by turning up your griddle press to 500°F and allowing it to cool for 15 minutes. This process should be repeated 3-4 times or until the surface of your griddle press has a smooth and shiny appearance.
But don’t worry if your griddle press doesn’t look perfect after the first few rounds of seasoning. It takes time and repetition to achieve a fully seasoned griddle press. However, if you have any rust spots or uneven surfaces, make sure to smooth them out and repeat the seasoning process until they are gone.
Step 7: Let it Cool
Allow your griddle press to cool completely before handling it. Once cooled, use a clean towel or paper towel to wipe off any excess oil and leave a thin layer on the surface.
It’s normal for some oil to come off during the heating process, so don’t worry if you see some residue on your towel. You can also use this time to inspect your griddle press for any unevenness or rough spots that may need additional seasoning.
Step 8: Reassemble
Reassemble your griddle press, and it is now ready to use for all your cooking needs! You can use it to make tasty and evenly cooked dishes, without worrying about any sticky messes. It will also be easier to clean after each use.
You can also use your griddle press to cook bacon or other high-fat foods, which will further enhance its seasoning and non-stick properties. You may need to repeat the seasoning process every few months, depending on how often you use your griddle press.
Step 9: Regular Maintenance
To keep your blackstone griddle press in top condition, make sure to season it regularly. You can also clean it after each use with a mild dish soap and warm water, making sure to dry it completely before storing.
You may also need to re-season your griddle press if you notice any rust or buildup on the surface. Simply follow these steps again, and your griddle press will be as good as new in no time.
Following these nine easy steps will ensure that your blackstone griddle press is properly seasoned and ready for all your cooking adventures. With proper seasoning and maintenance, your griddle press will last for years to come, providing you with delicious and evenly cooked meals every time.
Tips for How to Season Blackstone Griddle Press
- Before seasoning the Blackstone Griddle Press, always make sure to read and follow the operating instructions carefully.
- Wear protective clothing such as an apron and gloves while seasoning the griddle press to protect your skin and clothing from any splatters of oil or grease.
- Preheat the Blackstone Griddle Press before you begin to season it by turning it on high for 15 minutes until it is hot enough to accept oil easily.
- Apply a thin layer of cooking oil with a paper towel or rag, making sure to cover all surfaces of the griddle and press evenly.
- Allow the oil to penetrate the Blackstone Griddle Press by heating it up for 15 minutes on high heat.
- After allowing the oil time to penetrate, turn the griddle off and allow it to cool.
- Once cooled, use a paper towel or rag to wipe away any excess oil from the surface of the griddle press.
- Maintain the seasoning of your Blackstone Griddle Press regularly by applying a thin layer of oil after every use to ensure that it is in optimal shape for many years to come.
How Often Should You Season Your Blackstone Griddle Press?
The frequency of seasoning your Blackstone Griddle Press depends on how often you are using it. Generally, you should season the griddle each time before use and occasionally season between uses. If you use your griddle multiple times a week or daily, it is also recommended to deep clean it after each use to ensure the food doesn’t build up and cause an uneven cooking surface.
When seasoning your Blackstone Griddle Press, it is important to use a high-quality oil. We recommend using vegetable oils, such as canola or extra-virgin olive oils. Avoid using any kind of animal fat, butter, or other fats with low burning points.
To season your griddle, heat it up to about 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and spread a thin layer of oil onto the surface using a paper towel or lint-free cloth. Let the griddle cool down for 15 minutes and then spread another thin layer of oil on the surface. Turn off the heat and let it cool completely before use.
How Do You Clean the Griddle After Seasoning It?
After you have seasoned your Blackstone Griddle Press, it is important to take the proper steps to clean and maintain it. To begin, make sure that the griddle press is cool before cleaning. Before wiping down the surface with a damp cloth or paper towel, you can use a putty knife or scraper to remove any excess grease or food particles. Once the surface is wiped down, use a sponge and mild detergent to clean the press thoroughly. Make sure to completely rinse away any soap residue from the surface before drying it with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Additionally, you can apply a little oil to the griddle press after cleaning and drying it. This will help prevent the surface from rusting over time. Following these steps will ensure that your Blackstone Griddle Press is clean and properly maintained.
What Tips or Tricks Should You Know About Properly Seasoning and Using Your Griddle Press?
When seasoning your Blackstone Griddle Press, it’s important to use the right type of oil and method. The most common oils are vegetable or canola; some even recommend coconut oil. To season your griddle press, you should coat the entire surface of the press with a thin layer of cooking oil. After this, you need to heat up the griddle and press it to a high temperature (around 350 degrees Fahrenheit/177 Celsius) for around 10 minutes. This will help “set” the oil into the metal and create a non-stick surface.
It is also important to clean your Blackstone Griddle Press after each use. This will help maintain the non-stick surface created by the seasoning process. To clean your griddle press, ensure it is cool and wipe it down with a paper towel or cloth. If any stubborn bits of food are stuck to the press, you can use a steel wool pad with some oil to scrape them off before wiping down the surface.
Finally, it is important to ensure you season your griddle press regularly to maintain its non-stick surface. How often you need to season will depend on how frequently you use the press, but a good rule of thumb is to do it at least once a month or more if necessary.
Is It Necessary to Call Any Professional to Season Blackstone Griddle Press?
No. It is not necessary to call any professional to season a Blackstone Griddle Press, as it can be easily done at home with some supplies and following the right steps. First, gather the items needed for seasoning: paper towels, vegetable oil, and a pair of tongs or an oven mitt. Then turn on the griddle press and preheat it to 350-400F.
Next, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil on the griddle using paper towels or an oven mitt, being mindful not to burn yourself on the hot surface. Then, spread the oil evenly across the griddle and let it heat up for 5 minutes before wiping off any excess oil with a paper towel. Finally, turn off the griddle press and let it cool down before storing away. You should repeat this process once every month to ensure your Blackstone Griddle Press is kept seasoned and ready for use. Following these steps will help you season your Blackstone Griddle Press without having to call any professionals.
The process of seasoning your Blackstone Griddle Press may seem overwhelming at first, but it is an essential part of taking care of the griddle and ensuring that it lasts for a long time.
How Much Will It Cost if You Hire a Professional?
Getting a professional to season your Blackstone Griddle Press could cost anywhere from $50-$100. This is because the process takes some time and requires specialized equipment, such as a degreaser, lubricant, and bristle brush. It’s important to hire a knowledgeable professional who is familiar with the Blackstone griddle press, as it will ensure that your griddle is properly seasoned and ready for use.
A professional can also advise on how to maintain your griddle press so that you can get the most out of it. So, hiring a professional is a great way to go if you want to save some time or don’t feel comfortable seasoning your Blackstone Griddle Press.
Conclusion
Seasoning a Blackstone Griddle Press is an essential part of the cooking process. Doing so helps to protect your griddle press from rust, ensuring even heating and better flavor when cooking. It also helps ensure that your grill lasts longer and looks better with time. To season any cast iron product like a griddle press, scrub it down with soap and water.
After that, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the entire surface and heat it up until it starts to smoke. Let the griddle cool completely before you start using it, and season again after every use or when exposed to moisture.
With proper care, your Blackstone Griddle Press will remain in great condition and give you countless delicious meals. I hope this article has been beneficial for learning how to season blackstone griddle press. Make Sure the precautionary measures are followed chronologically.
